Western Sydney’s landmark construction projects, including Badgerys Creek airport and WestConnex motorway, will be used to create at least 1000 apprenticeships.

Premier Mike Baird announced the initiative last night at The Daily Telegraph’s Fair Go for the West celebration dinner, which was attended by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and a star-studded line-up of Sydney celebrities, including Laura Dundovic.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Laura Dundovic / Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

The Baird government will ­demand companies vying for contracts relating to its $60 billion infrastructure program employ a specific number of new apprentices.

“Hundreds of kids will have the opportunity to learn their trade on the largest projects to be undertaken in the country,’’ he said.

Companies tendering for work would also be asked to “spell out how they will leave a lasting skills dividend for local communities, through apprenticeships”.

“They will be assessed on the number of apprenticeships they are prepared to create during construction, through the partnerships they forge with local TAFE and other tertiary institutions,’’ Mr Baird said.

Daily Telegraph deputy editor Ben English and Premier Mike Baird / Picture: Craig Greenhill Source:News Corp Australia

“It will be a boon for apprentices everywhere, but especially in Western Sydney, which is the infrastructure engine room of the state.’’

Some Western Sydney suburbs are in the grip of a youth unemployment crisis, with at least a quarter of young people in Blacktown and Parramatta expected to be unemployed within two years unless jobs are created.

The Premier said he was “confident” the plan would create at least 1000 new apprenticeship positions over the next four years.

The state government is expected to let contracts for road and rail construction around Western Sydney’s international airport worth about $6.5 billion.

Mr Baird said he had shaped his policy after being “particularly ­inspired” by two young apprentices who spoke at a recent youth forum staged by The Daily Telegraph at the University of Western Sydney.

The apprentices, Michelle Sinai of Seven Hills and Gene Clark of Schofields, yesterday said many young Western Sydney people were desperate for work.

NSW Business Chamber chief executive Stephen Cartwright said it was critical the government ensured “tradies are not just parachuted in from other states”. “You are entitled to say ‘let’s make sure we help young people who have been disenfranchised’,’’ he said.

Michelle Sinai, apprentice motor mechanic at Trivet Honda in Parramatta / Picture: Gregg PorteousSource: News Corp Australia

Source: The Daily Telegraph by John Lehmann and Andrew Clennell. Original article.

It’s over - a Fair Go was sought, and a Fair Go delivered.

But someone should probably let that snowball know; you know, that rolling ball of momentum, gathering speed and magnitude every hour.

Good luck trying to stop it.

The fight for service equality, world-class infrastructure and job creation for the hardworking folk of Western Sydney is merely in its infancy, successfully kicked off the mountain top as a snowflake by The Daily Telegraph with its Fair Go For The West Campaign and now burgeoning with political and business backers of the highest order.

TUESDAY NIGHT’S FAIR GO FOR THE WEST GALA WHICH WSBC WERE GUESTS OF.

Apprentice Michelle Sinai and Mike Baird / Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

The campaign has become a cause; “a great legacy” for The Daily Telegraph that will carry on into the future, according to Lachlan Murdoch, News Corp’s non-executive co-chairman, who commended the paper’s editor Paul Whittaker as a key driver.

Mr Murdoch said newspapers like The Australian had been influential at a national level, but it was grassroots campaigns like the Telegraph’s that could “play a very, very positive role in shaping the debate about our politics and our communities”.

“What The Telegraph has been able to do over a course of campaigning journalism over many years, but certainly more recently and specifically under Paul Whittaker, is ­really drive a campaign about ­investing in infrastructure in Western Sydney.”

Judging by the gamut of political elite and the bevy of corporate CEOs attending Tuesday night’s Champions of the West gala at the Rooty Hill RSL Club, the light bulbs are beginning to switch on. It’s epiphanies for everyone.

Captains of industry and political heavyweights are grasping the fact that a tangible difference can be made when those with power and influence put their heads and resources together to redress decades of neglect.

A tangible difference can be made selling the region to the world and championing the talent in its ’burbs.

“For a long time we’ve thought how great (Western Sydney) could be. My strong sense as this campaign comes to a close, it is not the end, but … a realisation from everyone across Western Sydney on how great Western Sydney is and could be,” NSW Premier Mike Baird said.

In a 57-day window, the campaign compelled governments into action, none more so than the pressure applied to the federal government to begin work on the Badgerys Creek airport by 2016.

Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch with Prime Minister Tony Abbott / Picture; Stephen  Cooper Source:News Corp Australia

The campaign pushed for airport infrastructure, which was delivered courtesy of a $6.5 billion road and rail commitment, with the bulldozers expected to roll down Bringelly Rd within months.

The Telegraph also ­announced the state government had committed $10 ­million for a feasibility study into the proposed $1.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail, and the creation of a Greater ­Sydney Commission to plan major developments across the west.

Other outcomes include the state government’s push to relocate 3000 bureaucrats to the west, the creation of a rail orbital corridor, a pledge to boost hospital beds, hospital upgrades at Blacktown, Campbelltown and Nepean, while the Supreme Court will sit regularly in Parramatta and the NSW Civil and ­Administrative Tribunal will sit there three days a week.

But the campaign was not confined to stories of happy endings and breakthroughs.

There were revelations of the deteriorating health of the population and elective surgery waiting lists three times longer than other regions, and sobering data that showed youth unemployment would hit 27 per cent in Blacktown and 26 per cent in Parramatta in two years unless thousands of jobs were created. Not just a bad news story but fuel for a fire that appears inextinguishable.

Source: The Daily Telegraph by Andrew Carswell. Original article.

Preparations are being finalised for the start of Stage 2 of Centenary Square Upgrade, which is set to transform one of Parramatta’s most recognisable and accessed public spaces, Church Street Mall.

“I am pleased that we are ready to commence the next stage of work on one of the biggest capital works projects we’ve undertaken in recent years,” said Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid.

“Demolition and dismantling works have been finalised, and once this next stage is completed, our Church Street Mall area will be safer, livelier and more accessible to visitors,” he said.

“Underground services work has been underway since earlier this year. The next stage will go through to early September, and will include the construction of new event spaces, a new fountain, new street furniture, new paving and lighting, as well as the restoration of the heritage clock monument.”

Pedestrian access will be provided on both sides of the site fencing, which was installed today, and will be in place for 12 weeks.

Parramatta Farmers Market, which will continue to operate through the construction period, will be moved southwards down Church Street towards the station.

“While we wanted to ensure our regular mall activities could continue, we know there will be some inconvenience in the short term,” Cr Chedid said.

“This $4.5 million redevelopment will transform the Square – one of Parramatta’s most important spaces – into a place that residents, workers and visitors will be able to enjoy for years to come.” 

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today confirmed that an agreement has been signed for the sale of the Hyundai A-League licence of the Western Sydney Wanderers to a consortium of prominent businessmen.

The consortium is headed by Paul Lederer, CEO of Primo Group and includes Director of Sabre Sports United Jefferson Cheng, the Pirtek director and head of international business, Glenn Duncan, and David Slade, a partner in the Australian branch of the UK retail chain Topshop- Topman.

FFA established the Western Sydney Wanderers in April 2012 and has held the licence for the past two years. The transfer of the licence will be effective from 30 June 2014.

FFA CEO David Gallop said the licence transfer was an important step in the evolution of the Western Sydney Wanderers.

“The Wanderers were built for the people, by the people of Western Sydney,” said Gallop. “That was the promise from day one and FFA has held true to that mission.

“Like FFA before it, the new consortium understands its role as the guardians of the Wanderers. They are entrusted by the members of the club to protect and build on what has been achieved.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Grounds, Guy Fowler and their team at UBS for the professional manner in which they handled the sale process.”

On behalf of the consortium, Paul Lederer said the culture at the heart of the Wanderers’ success would not be affected by the licence acquisition.

“The spirit of this club comes from the members, fans and the people of Western Sydney,” said Lederer. “Nothing will change in that regard.

“I have been a director of the club for the past two years and I’ve had the privilege to play a part and see first-hand what makes this club so special.

“The consortium has responsibility to ensure the Wanderers have a sound financial base and a strong administration so the club can continue to grow and be successful on and off the field.”

Novotel Sydney Parramatta is driven in providing the best opportunity for workers of the Western Sydney district. The hotel has made a commitment to recruiting talent from local communities and helping them strive to achieve the best of their abilities.

An integral part of this commitment is Novotel’s Human Resources Manager, Ashleigh Carr. Joining the force in the past year, she has helped maintain and build new relationships with partnering educational facilities such as schools, TAFE, as well as Western Sydney businesses, AUSSIP and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce. Having placed over 20 people in promotions and transfers across Accor in the past year, Ashleigh feels that it is rewarding to see people learn and develop amongst the group.

Ashleigh’s experience expands past her five years with Accor with an extensive background in Human Resources and Hospitality. She has been involved in the changes of employee’s perspectives at work, introducing Accor’s ‘People – ology’ concept. Ashleigh’s take on People – ology, is that employees interact with guests on a more personal level to create a memorable and touching experience for them. Ashleigh’s own personality is warm and bubbly, with her office door always open and ready for staff, even just for a laugh. You might have even seen Ashleigh incognito around town during the hotel’s recent Kermit promotion!

Novotel has developed a strong partnership with local non - profit businesses that help in assisting senior school students practice and develop their industry competencies and their employability skills in a vibrant real work context. The hotel has assisted numerous students to develop skills in food and beverage and take on knowledge that will assist in their future endeavors. During the last few months, Novotel has also taken on TAFE students for Chef Apprenticeships including an adult student, giving them the chance to grow.

Ashleigh and the team at Novotel, have made a priority to help the community further by being heavily involved in local and charitable activities, such as ‘lunch for the homeless’, ‘Are you ok?’, Cancer Council and has just signed up for their first Club Red involvement – whereby as a group they will donate blood in a race with other businesses to assist the well being of others. 

To explore opportunities or to gain work experience in the hospitality industry, kindly contact the hotel on 02 9630 4999 to speak with the friendly, bubbly Ashleigh Carr. 

Have you ever been so overwhelmed, whether at work or with personal issues, that you needed good news to look forward to?

I imagine your answer would be yes. This is exactly what JCME is doing by organising The Annual Shine and Dine Gala Dinner in support of the Make a Wish Foundation.

You are invited to attend this fun night for a great cause. Check out last year’s dinner and think bigger and better!

By attending, you’re giving seriously-ill children (most of whom are sick with terminal diseases) something to look forward to: having their “wish” granted.  Doing so results in a 97% noticeable improvement in the child’s mental and emotional health.

This black tie event will consist of performances, a gourmet dinner, prizes, dancing and an after party as well the opportunity to mingle with celebrities such as

• Celebrity Ambassador and Ironman finalist, Kendrick Louis
• Fashion Commentator, Henry Roth
• The Footy Show presenters, Erin Molan and Beau Ryan
• Celebrity Chef Massimo Mele
• And more!

Please see your invitation below for all details of the event. To purchase tickets or find out more, please go to www.shineanddine.com.au

With the ageing of the Australian population and the retirement age now set to rise to 70, it is more important than ever to encourage experienced workers to remain in the workforce and also introduce programs to pass their skills and knowledge on to others.

In recognition of the fact that mature age workers are critical to Australia’s ongoing economic success, the Australian Government has responded with the Experience+ initiative to support mature-age people to participate in the workforce.

At IPA we’re delighted to have been appointed by the government to consult to employers on mature aged workforce participation as an official provider to the Corporate Champions Program.

Within this initiative, specific support is available to assist employers in recruiting and retaining mature aged workers as well as developing succession plans.

It has been identified that maintaining momentum around workforce participation will require a long-term approach which recognises that achieving sustainable change will be a generational undertaking. As will addressing workforce participation both to introduce new workers to the workforce as much as retain and re-enter existing workers to the workforce.

To work towards this, “Corporate Champions” is part of a $70 million, 4 year allocation, announced by the Government in April 2012, to assist organisations focus on maximising mature age participation and help address negative attitudes and recruitment practices towards mature age people.

Through this program, employers can get assistance to develop workplace practices that assist them to employ mature-age workers and to keep them working in their business for longer, as well as providing some financial incentives.

Your business can reap the benefits of a package of mature age assistance including up to a $10,000 Restart Incentive, grants of up to $4,400 for skills recognition and large employers can receive up to $20,000 worth of consulting assistance consisting of

• A professional assessment of workforce strategies, recruitment and retention practices
  
• Practical help developing an action plan using the Investing in Experience Tool Kit. This could include updating recruitment processes, rolling out new flexible working arrangements and putting into practice retention and mentoring programs for mature-age workers
  
• Support to access Australian Government financial assistance including the Experience+ Jobs Bonus
  
• Advice on positive age management, superannuation, occupational health and safety, career planning, training and age discrimination
  
• Small, medium and large employers may be eligible to receive support through the Corporate Champions program
  
• The program is delivered by a number of expert providers who work with employers in both regional and metropolitan areas across Australia