In 2009, we conducted a benchmark national workplace survey to gauge the matters that were of “most concern” to businesses in anticipation of the National Employment Standards in the (then new) Fair Work Act. It is now timely to revisit and consider whether the matters of “most concern” had the most substantial impact.

The past five years have seen other arguably more controversial changes, such as the recent introduction of workplace bullying laws and extension of the flexible work provisions to include, amongst others, employees with a disability or over 55 years of age. Further the Government has proposed further changes including its heavily debated 26 week paid parental leave scheme and broadening the powers of the Fair Work Commission to deal with disputes regarding union entry.

The 2014 survey will seek to understand employer concerns and perceptions of the current workplace relations landscape and establish a framework for us to assist employers to find practical and innovative solutions to compliance concerns.

Please complete the survey online before 31st July 2014 to be in the running to win an iPad mini: http://workplacesolutions2014.questionpro.com

BREED is calling for young people with an Higher Functioning Aspergers/Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 10-20, with a passion for technology, to join an after school program that potentially could provide them with the skills needed to pursue a career in high technology. 

BREED is one of four organisations from across Australia selected to run a pilot program that aims to open up employment opportunities for Young People with Autism through pursuing their passion of high technology.

Digital Enterprise – Pathways to Education and Employment for Young People with Disabilities is a national program funded by the Australian Government. The program is a joint initiative led by the University of South Australia and involving four universities, two registered training organisations, State Government and not-for-profit community organisations in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and New South Wales.

BREED Managing Director, Stephen Frost, said, “The program will work with young people who have Autism Spectrum Disorders so they can develop their technical skills, improve their self-esteem, as well as reduce levels of isolation, which will help to get these young people focused on developing rewarding careers.

In addition, the 16-20 year old group will do an online course in entrepreneurship, social skills, and employability skills.”

The two hour sessions will be held out of school hours at Ropes Crossing Community Hub once a week. Group sessions are for young people aged 10 to 15 and 16 to 20 and will involve collaborative activities such as programming, game-making, technology competitions and digital design activities supported by online training, media creation and distribution. And there will be business training for the 16-20 years age group.

While their child attends sessions, parents or carers will be able to join a discussion and support group. An interactive on-line resource centre for parents is also planned.

Digital Enterprise builds on the success of “The Lab” technology clubs, which have been running in Melbourne and Blacktown Region in 2011, for young people with High Functioning Autism. Young people who have completed “The Lab” program have experienced enhanced technical skills, increased self-efficacy and confidence, improved motivation at school and the sense of new possibilities for the future. Parents have also benefited in terms of mutual support from other parents.

Interested parents/carers can go to www.breed.org.au/programs or Digital Enterprise website www.digital-enterprise-pathways.net/ for more information. Or call Elenor Jackson-Bowers Ph. (08) 8302 4623 or Chris Taylor at BREED, Ph. (02) 9853 3200.

BREED is a community organisation funded by the Australian and NSW Governments to build partnerships that support improved education and transition outcomes for all young people, and focus on building partnerships between schools, business and community to support young people to attain Year 12 or equivalent qualifications and reach their full educational, career and social potential.

I am delighted to join the Hills Shire Council in the new role of Manager, Community and Economic Development. 

My experience in the past 23 years has been in community and business in various areas right across NSW. Most recently I was the Marketing Trainer for the BEC Eastern Sydney New Enterprise Incentive Scheme and Manager of the NSW program under the Australian Tourism Awards. Previous to that I was running regional organisations that coordinated funding grants and programs for SME's to market their product and develop their potential.

This role uniquely combines all of my experience and expertise. I am passionate about the Hills area, as it is the area I have grown up in and wish to ensure its viability for business and community into the future.

I look forward to working with you all.

Lori Modde
Manager, Community and Economic Development

Council's commitment to delivering quality facilities and infrastructure that meet the present and future needs of the community involves much planning and consultation with the community. The information via the link below has been provided to help keep the community informed about the progress of Council's major infrastructure and transport projects in the Shire. View Infrastructure and Transport Projects

Novotel Sydney Parramatta would like to introduce our newest recruit and talent, Adam Jones, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

Adam’s passion and love for the food and beverage industry began at the age of 18 when he and a friend decided to purchase a café on Sydney’s northern beaches. Through his hard work and determination, they turned around the café’s dying reputation to be a shining star in its region and five years later sold it off for his next challenge. Adam went on to work as a manager for various restaurants including David Chan’s 3 hat restaurant, Momofuku at The Star and being part of the opening of fine dining establishments like Seed Cuisine and Burnt Orange in Mosman.

Striving to constantly develop and refine his skills and knowledge, Adam followed his heart and allowed himself to be charmed by the world of hotels and working for a company like Accor. Adam took on all the challenges and his talent was quickly noted and this saw him being placed in numerous Food and Beverage positions at various hotels in the Accor chain. Proving to be a valuable asset, and demonstrating his abilities, it was no surprise that Adam received a promotion as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Sydney Parramatta. 

Living by his value that ‘success is a journey, not a destination’ Adam began his role as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at Novotel Sydney Parramatta supporting Food and Beverage Manager, Kristiana Terkes and Executive Chef, Pierre Wong. This ‘A Team’ strive to deliver the best Parramatta has to offer, most recently successfully hosting the Parramatta Lord Mayor’s ‘State of the city’ address.

Along this journey, the pristine and well presented Adam has another side that adds to his charm and appeal.  This is the competitive and artistic side of Adam as a professional in both dirt bike racing and as a graffiti artist. Adam has many state titles and championships under his belt since riding dirt bikes from the age of 8 years old. While in high school, the exploration of his creativity also began and he was soon commissioned for art pieces in cafes, children’s bedrooms, shopping centers and even on someone’s private boat. 

Adam describes his talents with the saying ‘True creativity is authentic and not eccentric’ in the approach that only once you have a general relationship with a subject can you be truly creative with it.  This approach is taken with him into the work place, where there is a constant focus on delivering true customer service.

To experience the charm of Adam and his team, come along to Two Forks Restaurant and Bar for dinner or after work drinks. Chef Pierre has also launched his amazing new menu! Visit www.novotelparramatta.com.au 

Having recently successfully completed Exhibition Halls 5 & 6, the development team have moved to an upgrade of the existing Stables’ building. This 1998 development is being upgraded to facilitate both hospitality functions but importantly a permanent primary education program and Sydney Royal competitions. Works, which are mainly of a cosmetic nature to contemporise the building are anticipated to be complete by mid to late July.

By the end of September 2014 Sydney Showground anticipates spending upward of $4m on a range of replacement and development initiatives in the Dome and Halls 1-4 to support the ongoing partnership we have with our clients and to underpin the improved and efficient delivery of their various events.