The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers will bring top-flight football to Penrith for the first time in 29 years when they take their Hyundai A-League Round 17 match to Sportingbet Stadium.

The visit of Wellington Phoenix on Sunday 8 February will be the first time Penrith has hosted top-tier mens football since the final round of the National Soccer League 1985 season.

On that day a Randell Easthorpe hat-trick secured a 4-1 win for Penrith City against Newcastle KB United at Cook Park in what was the club's last match in the NSL.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the Club was looking forward to featuring in the next chapter of Penrith's sporting history.

"We're very proud to play a home match in a region that has such a proud footballing history as Penrith," said Tsatsimas.

"A large number of high profile players have come from this region and establishing further roots in the West with matches like this play a major role in ensuring Western Sydney remains the nursery of football talent in Australia."

The Wanderers Westfield W-League team will also return to the stadium for their final home game of the season when they take on Brisbane Roar on Sunday 7 December in a match that will be televised live on ABC 1.

It continues the growing relationship between Western Sydney Wanderers and the Nepean region that also sees community work, player appearances and Foxtel National Youth League matches feature in the area.

"The Penrith area is a strong base for Wanderers fans with the Nepean region having the second highest number of Foundation Members and we see this game as a way of rewarding those Members," explained Tsatsimas.

"The Wanderers do a large amount of community work in the Penrith area. The return of top-flight football to the region for the first time in 29 years is the next step in strengthening the partnership between Nepean and Western Sydney Wanderers."

Panthers Group Chief Commercial Officer Justin Pascoe is looking forward to hosting both the W-League and the A-League matches in Penrith.

"We are delighted to welcome the Wanderers and the A-League out to Sportingbet Stadium for these two games. Panthers is continuously working to secure more events like these for the entertainment of people in the Penrith region, and also for the Greater Western Sydney area and as far out as Lithgow, Bathurst and Dubbo. We aim to offer fans not only a venue to watch their sporting matches, but an entire precinct for all of their entertainment needs".

Western Sydney Wanderers take on Wellington Phoenix at Sportingbet Stadium on Sunday 8 February with kick-off at 5pm.

Outsourcing is certainly not a new concept. It has been around for hundreds of years.

According to Marty Pine (a recognised thought leader) outsourcing can be defined as “the strategic use of outside resources to perform activities traditionally handled by internal staff and resources. Outsourcing is a strategy by which an organisation contracts out major functions to specialised and efficient service providers, who become valued business partners. Sometimes outsourcing involves the transfer of employees from the company to the outsourcing company.”

In fact, many industries (like recruitment) rely on other organisations to acquire skills outside of their core business to assist them in achieving their strategies and goals. In 2011 Australia was cited as the largest market for business process outsourcing, with $4.6 million being spent on business outsourced operations.

It’s not surprising that marketing and IT are common business functions that business owners are willing to outsource without many questions asked – as they do not have the required skills and expertise in house.

What many business owners/MD’s/CEO’s don’t consider is whether they are the best person to handle key business functions such as HR, employee/contractor administration, payroll and accounts. With continued updates and changes to payroll/tax regulation and HR/employment legislation, many business owners rely on their own knowledge (dangerous) or their accountants and lawyers to provide them with assistance and advice – which can lead to expensive bills for the professional’s time and this may not be their core skill either.

In addition, these duties can take up business owner’s/management time (money) which can be better spent on core business functions, such as current client relationships, establishing new leads and customers or business building – the things your team are good at and why you went into business.

Smart Company reported last year (8 August 2013) that Aussie businesses are increasingly outsourcing not only the technical, but the non-technical tasks of their operations as well. Statistics provided showed the key areas being widely outsourced are human resources/payroll and recruiting, which both grew by 227%, and legal, which grew by 267% - a clear indication that outsourcing key business functions has now become the new norm for many businesses.

Why outsourcing is important to consider 

We all know that the current business climate is tough. In Australia, more than 1 in 10 (13.1%) businesses close down each year. Of new start up business in Australia, only 51% were still in operation after 3 years in business. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

Sole proprietors are the highest number of legal organisations set up in Australia each year (16.2%), a group which also has the highest exit rate as well, with 18.6% of sole proprietors ceasing trade during the course of the 2011-2012 Financial Year. As such, there are a greater number of sole proprietor organisations closing down than starting up.

Going forward, Australian organisations need to be well equipped and agile in order to challenge their competition and become successful businesses. Outsourcing is a great way to align yourself with a team of experienced professionals who support your organisation and its goals without the on cost and inter departmental issues.

Cost of headcount used to be the major driver, but now it’s more focused on strategy and freeing up valuable time to utilise core expertise to carry out core value-add activities in-house.

What is stopping organisations from outsourcing? 

• Loss of control
• Hidden costs
• Confidentiality of information
• Tied to the financial well-being of another company
• Risk of miscommunication and delays
• Dependence on supplier
• Different standards
• Difficulty finding the right service provider
• Understanding how it can benefit them

What organisations can expect when outsourcing business functions 

• Cost reduction
• Greater scalability of operations
• Process standardisation
• Access to better talent
• Gaining access to world class capabilities
• Improving analytical capabilities
• Stability
• Industry understanding
• Excellence
• Reduction of overheads
• Savings associated with training
• Reduction in risk
• Workforce flexibility
• More time to focus on core business

An outsourced service provider should work with you and in line with your business goals/strategy. You must ensure they understand your culture and the tone of your company to get the most from them.

For example, a company outsources its IT services (help desk, computer support and maintenance), and the costs to do so are significantly less than what they would pay for a full-time IT person to give the same level of support. They still have the skills on hand ready to use at any time but do not have to pay for down time. They also outsource their accounts and administration with similar savings. As the company grows, they continue to re-evaluate these decisions. This also gives them the ability to upscale quickly to service larger clients, while keeping their overheads to a minimum as they build their business.

Two key outsourcing opportunities for industries to consider

Contractor Management and Payroll

Contract based work can be a great opportunity for many industries, to scale up and down quickly.

Outsourcing the contractor management of contract-based employees can be an effective solution to meet a client’s need, increase profit, expand with less risk and with no additional hassle involved to do so.

An outsourced contractor management service involves:

• Contract set-up
• Timesheet collection
• Invoice and collection
• Payroll fulfilment and reconciliation (PAYG, Super, Payroll tax)
• Workplace insurances (Workers compensation, Public liability, Professional indemnity)
• Cash flow options
• Dedicated account manager

An organisation may want to consider the outsourcing of their payroll - both contractors and permanent staff - freeing up internal staff time to utilise elsewhere.

Outsourcing is not for everyone, the key is to understand your business and its goals and decide how outsourcing might help you attain them.

Partnering with the Children’s Medical Research Institute can take on many different forms. Whether you want to increase staff engagement, strengthen your brand credibility or help increase profits, they can tailor a partnership that meets your objectives. By working with them, you are helping our world-leading researchers accelerate the search for cures, so that every child can have a healthier future. 

Benefits to your business:

• a strategic partnership that meets your business, marketing, and community objectives  

• corporate social responsibility outcomes based on an alignment of shared values 

• increased media exposure and community recognition by partnering with one of Australia’s most reputable paediatric research institutes 

• cause-related marketing opportunities to increase sales and profit margins 

• exposure of your brand and products through joint marketing initiatives including direct marketing, media, social media, digital marketing and above the line  

• stronger employee engagement through national volunteering and fundraising opportunities  

• public recognition and appreciation of your organisation's support 

Who said charity starts at home? By supporting Westmead Medical Research Foundation in your workplace, you can boost staff satisfaction and retention, build teamwork, increase your brand recognition and exposure, and give customers and clients another reason to remain loyal. 

For our Foundation, corporate and workplace giving is invaluable. It guarantees us the financial support and security we need to commit to groundbreaking research projects and new clinical services that will transform and save lives for thousands of adults and children at Westmead.  

See the honour roll of workplaces who have made a positive difference and donated to the My Westmead program.

Corporate Opportunities 

Westmead Medical Research Foundation welcomes support from corporate leaders and their employees. Partnership opportunities may include any of the following, but we are always open to discussing new ways in which we can partner with the business community to achieve the best possible results for everyone.  

• Workplace giving: a 'salary sacrifice' opportunity for staff members to make regular donations    

• Event sponsorship: an opportunity to gain significant exposure by providing financial or in-kind support to one of our campaigns or events    

• Workplace fundraisers: our online Westmead Champions tool enables any business to add a fundraising component to staff events and team-building activities    

• Corporate volunteering: volunteering for a charity is a wonderful team-builder, boosts morale, and helps position your company as one that is socially responsible

Our Current Appeal 

"CareFlight pilots are a special group of people."

Derek Colenbrander, CareFlight CEO

Of course they have the necessary technical skills and flying experience – which they need for those times when they encounter the unexpected, such as sudden weather changes or tricky landing sites. They’re adaptable enough to respond to all sorts of conditions and unpredictable situations.

But they all possess something extra.

They’re steady, resilient and dedicated. Above all, they’re team players who are always willing to go the extra mile to get critical care to patients as quickly as possible.

As a valued supporter of CareFlight, you’re part of that team too, and I know that you’re every bit as dedicated as our pilots when it comes to helping save the lives of ordinary Australians. We simply couldn’t stay in the air without people like you, which is why I hope you can make a kind gift towards our work today.

No matter when or where they're needed, our pilots are always ready. They can be airborne within three minutes of an emergency call, bringing the hospital to the patient. 

Australia is a lucky country, with a bright future. But we have a problem – and its colour is red. Red tape, that is.

There’s too much of it…and we need to address the grip it has on our economy.

There is a rich source of barely tapped efficiency savings we can turn to – fewer and better rules to drive creativity, innovation and productivity.

This is the fourth report in our Building the Lucky Country: Business imperatives for a prosperous Australia series, and to be among the first to get some real insights into the issues, register here to receive our report.

In the meantime, click here to watch our video which explores how we can get out of our own way.

Live screening of Wanderers vs. Al Hilal

From 3.30am on Sunday 2 November at

Centenary Square, Church Street, Parramatta.

Free entry

Fans will sing for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 2 November at a live site and watch the game on a 4.8 by 2.4 metre outdoor screen as the Wanderers take on Al Hilal at the Asian Champions League Final (ACL).

Parramatta City Council decided, at Monday night’s Council meeting, to partner with the Western Sydney Wanderers and FOX SPORTS to host the live site for the ACL Final for the first time in Parramatta.

Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa who lobbied to secure the live site said it is a great opportunity for activation and promotion of our city.

“I’m so happy to hear the live site will go ahead. With fans now being able to collectively share their support, I’m sure the energy and enthusiasm will make the event a memorable occasion.

“Our community in Western Sydney has passionately embraced the Wanderers with their continued support and enthusiasm at every game.

“The live site will provide an opportunity for fans to come together and share their support in a family-friendly atmosphere.

“We invite families from all over Sydney to come along and share their support for a hugely successful team that we should all be proud of.”

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd said he is proud of the Club’s achievements and he is confident the Wanderers will continue to be a success.

“Council tributes FOX SPORTS for its dedication to growing the sport of football and thanks them for providing the opportunity for a live public broadcast of the ACL Final for Western Sydney football fans to celebrate this very unique occasion.

“I’d also like to thank Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa for his continued support and lobbying effort to bring the live site to Parramatta.”

LIVE CROSS WITH THE TEAM: There will be a live cross to the Wanderers players in Saudi Arabia from the Foundations Festival on Sunday 2 November at 8.15pm, Rosella concert stage, along Church Street, Parramatta.

The live site is a strictly no alcohol event. For further information on the event call Parramatta City Council 9806 5050.

Western Sydney travel management company, JC Travel Professionals, have been recognised for their excellence in promoting Australia as a destination to the world, being shortlisted by their peers as Finalists in the prestigious 2014 NSW Tourism Industry Council Awards. The news comes hot on the heels of JC Travel Professionals being named the Most Outstanding Travel Agency in the 2014 Sydney Hills Business Awards.  Founder and Managing Director, Freddy Mikhael, was also singled out at the same Awards, named a finalist in the 2014 Hills Business Person of the Year category.

Founded in 2004, JC Travel Professionals have grown to overtake their nearest competitors as Australia’s largest inbound tourism operator for the Middle East, responsible for bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Australia each year.

“We are thrilled and honoured to be judged to be the equal of so many wonderful tourism businesses in this prestigious award”, Managing Director and Founder Freddy Mikhael said. “2014 has been a big year for JC Travel Professionals and this award is further validation of this. With continued investment in our service delivery, 2015 promises to be even bigger.”

JC Travel Professionals will know the final outcome of the annual awards at the tourism industry’s gala awards night held on 27 November in Sydney.

About JC Travel Professionals

JC Travel Professionals are a privately-owned Corporate Travel Manager and Inbound Tourism Operator, founded in 2004 by Freddy and Sahar Mikhael. JC Travel Professionals offer a full range of complementary travel management services to individuals, governments and corporates. Based in the Sydney Hills with offices on the Gold Coast and in New Zealand, JC Travel Professionals employ 20 qualified travel consultants.

For further information about JC Travel’s nomination in the Awards, please contact:

Adrienne Lee, Corporate Sales Manager

02 9634 6444; Adrienne@jctravel.com.au

Three key planning documents that are set to shape the future of Parramatta are currently on public exhibition. 

The community are invited to have their say on the three proposals which include The Draft Parramatta CBD Planning Framework Review, The Draft Parramatta City River Strategy and The Draft Auto Alley Planning Framework.

“These three documents will help to shape the future of Parramatta’s CBD. Covering areas from Auto Alley to our iconic River foreshore and proposing a new planning framework for our City, these documents will have a big impact on what direction Parramatta takes in the coming years,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Scott Lloyd said.

“Parramatta is a city on the move and there is opportunity with these three proposals to revitalise the area, encouraging growth and development and creating vibrant new public spaces for the community to enjoy.

“The proposals seek to make the most of what Parramatta has to offer and build on our natural assets by bringing new life to precincts such as the Parramatta River. We have great untapped potential with the River and we are the only CBD on a river foreshore. We want to become a great river city.”

The Auto Alley proposals seek to revitalise the Southern Gateway to our City and turn it into a vibrant and attractive area that still allows for the development of a commercial hub and has the potential to deliver 26,000 jobs over time with a further 6,500 people living there.

Council has developed a Draft Planning Framework for Auto Alley that comprises proposed land use zones, floor space ratio (FSR) and height controls and a draft Public Domain Plan that identifies proposed public facilities such as new parks, roads, through site links and footpaths.

The Draft Parramatta CBD Planning Framework Review is also set to help Parramatta continue to grow its commercial capacity.

Among the proposals are no building height limits (subject to sunlight access controls and aviation restrictions); higher building densities, with a floor space ratio of 10:1 - similar to densities in central Sydney; allowing some residential development in the commercial core on the condition it is accompanied by commercial development; and an expanded boundary of the city centre to ensure it is responsive to growth targets and the market.

Council is seeking feedback and input from the community on these three documents as they are vital to Parramatta’s future, addressing important issues like current land uses and the positioning of Parramatta as a prominent business centre in Western Sydney.

For more information visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/on_exhibition