Submit your preliminary Expressions of Interest for the South Korean business mission.

Bankstown City Council, in partnership with its counterpart at Canterbury and with the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, is investigating the feasibility of a business mission to South Korea for a five-day period during October 2014.   

The key objective of the proposed mission is to deepen and expand trade and investment relations between local and South Korean businesses by:

• identifying export opportunities;
• providing information on opportunities for direct investment and joint ventures;
• building technical collaboration between local and South Korean businesses, through shared R&D projects, licensing agreements and technology transfer;
• sharing insights into product and process innovation;
• identifying the latest available technologies;
• sharing intelligence on new market opportunities;
• establishing a basis for joint bidding for projects; and
• promoting Bankstown-Canterbury as a place to visit, invest and do business.

The proposed outlay by each local participant is expected to be approximately $2,000 plus airfares, accommodation and hospitality. This will cover the costs of:

• a detailed business matching exercise for each participant;
• a pre-departure briefing featuring experts from Austrade and the South Korean Consulate in Sydney;
• a major business briefing/networking function in Seoul; and
• ground transport in South Korea.

These costs are likely to be eligible for partial reimbursement under Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants Scheme.

The timing of this initiative is regarded as ideal. South Korea is already  Australia’s fourth-largest export market, and the two countries have just concluded a Free Trade Agreement which is expected to generate a range of new opportunities.  Manufacturing accounts for more than 40% of South Korea’s GDP, which augurs well for potential collaboration with an economy such as Bankstown’s, which also features a strong manufacturing sector.

If interested, please contact Paul Judge, ph. 9707 9261 or email paul.judge@bankstown.nsw.gov.au  and we will be in touch with you to discuss this exciting opportunity in more detail.

MP Stuart Ayres has been sworn in as Police and Emergency Services Minister at Government House this morning.

Mr Ayres is looking forward to adding Police and Emergency Services to his existing responsibilities as Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney.

“The NSW Police Force is doing a remarkable job,” Mr Ayres said.

“Police numbers are at record highs.  This Government has committed to boost the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force with 550 additional positions being brought online since December 2011.

“NSW Liberal & Nationals Government has introduced new powers for the police to crack down on gun crime.  In the past year, officers have taken over 10,000 guns, including over 700 handguns, off the street.

“The members of the NSW Police Force are some of the best in the country. They are on the front line, serving and protecting our community every day and I look forward to working alongside them.”

Mr Ayres is also pleased to be working with Emergency Services.

“Those who serve in Fire and Rescue NSW, as well as NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and other volunteer agencies are some of the most respected members of our community. 

“I’d like to particularly acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our emergency service agencies during last October’s bushfires in the Blue Mountains.

“We’ll continue to ensure the NSW Police Force and Emergency Service agencies have the powers and the resources they need to keep the state of NSW safe,” Mr Ayres concluded.

Source.

Premier Mike Baird has said work is under way to investigate how to establish a Greater Sydney Authority in a bid to end decades of chaotic decision-making.

Daily Telegraph deputy editor Ben English presenting the Fair Go Action Plan to NSW Premier Mike Baird / Picture: Jane Dempster Source: News Limited

“It is clear we have so many moving parts across the city that we need to ensure our co-ordination is right,’’ he told The Daily Telegraph.

Leading Sydney business and planning experts have backed The Telegraph’s Fair Go for the West campaign’s call to set up a London-style planning authority to co-ordinate decision-making among Sydney’s 43 local councils and different statutory authorities.

“We have started some work looking at this undefined I certainly support that approach,’’ he said.

Mr Baird made the comments after being presented with the Fair Go for The West Action Plan, which incorporates ideas put forward by our readers. The plan outlines initiatives that need to be undertaken to help Western Sydney to continue to develop into a place where families and businesses thrive.

Mr Baird said he was “looking forward to working through” the plan to consider what initiatives could be implemented by his government.

“The campaign has been full of energy and really reflecting the concerns and needs of Western Sydney,’’ he said. “I am excited by some of the ideas.’’

The setting up of a Greater Sydney Authority, based in Parramatta and reporting to the Premier, is one of the key initiatives in the action plan.

Other initiatives include:

• MOVING key government departments of Planning & Infrastructure, RMS and Transport NSW to new Western Sydney headquarters such as Liverpool and Penrith;
• OBTAINING $20 million investment for a feasibility study into the proposed $1.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail project;
• REDUCING stamp duty fees for first home buyers; and
• DEVELOPING Parramatta River Theatre into a 1400-seat top-class venue.

Since the campaign was launched, several initiatives have already been adopted or are now under consideration, including a commitment by Prime Minister Tony Abbott to build a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.

Key powerbrokers, including company director Rod McGeoch, Westfield co-chief executive Steven Lowy, NSW infrastructure chief Graham Bradley and Committee for Sydney leaders Lucy Turnbull and Tim Williams, believe Sydney will struggle to deliver critical housing and transport infrastructure unless a Greater Sydney Authority with overarching powers is set up.

The push for a Greater Sydney Authority comes as former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett called on Mr Baird to sack all NSW councillors after the next state election and redraw boundaries to create bigger, financially stronger councils.

Source: The Daily Telegraphy by John Lehmann. Original article.

An extra $2 billion in federal funding will be injected into fast-tracking Sydney’s Westconnex motorway project as part of an unprecedented ­infrastructure package in next week’s budget.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt Prime Minister Tony Abbott has approved a $2 billion loan to the NSW Government to bring forward the motorway’s stage 2 construction start date to as early as the beginning of next year.

The low-interest loan, the first of its kind to fund infrastructure, would be leveraged against the tolls charged when the road opens.

It will bring total federal funding for the 33km project to $3.5 billion and expedite completion by two years to 2019 by allowing work to begin on the M4 and M5 at the same time.

Stage one involves extending the M4 from Strathfield, where it ends now, to a stage 3 tunnel link to the airport. Stage two, with the funds from the loan, will widen the M5 East to two, four-lane expressways between King Georges Rd, Beverly Hills, and Bexley Rd, with a new 6km tunnel from St Peters to join the widened M5 East surface and a double, three-lane expressway to St Peters and Sydney Airport.

It will fund duplication of the M5 East twin tunnels used by 100,000 motorists a day.

When completed, the Westconnex will cut travel times between Parramatta and Sydney Airport by up to 40 minutes.

It will also:

• Halve bus travel times between the inner west and CBD;
  
• Generate 10,000 jobs;
  
• Bypass 52 sets of lights;
  
• Remove 3000 trucks a day from Parramatta Rd and;
  
• Deliver more than $20 billion in economic benefits.
  

Mr Abbott said yesterday: “Everything in this Budget is about building a stronger economy so there are a whole range of changes.

“Infrastructure is what enables us to get to work, to get home and the more time we spend stuck in traffic jams, the less time we are productively at work or the less time we’re spending with our families.”

The loan will begin to be drawn down between July 1 next year and December 31, 2018. It will be repaid at a lower interest rate closer to the government bond rate.

Christelle Van Schellebeeck, 20, drives to work from Rooty Hill to Haberfield on the M4 and Parramatta Rd.

She said she would be happy to see the upgrade fast-tracked. “It would mean less petrol and it would be faster to get to work,” she said.

Source: The Daily Telegraphy exclusive by Simon Denson. Original article. 

In support of this great initiative, WSBC has assisted Platinum Partner NewsLocal and The Daily Telegraph by announcing this great opportunity to all its manufacturing members through WSBC’s social media platforms.

As a result, half a dozen manufacturing organisations have been put forward. It’s not too late to submit an application and WSBC encourages all its members to participate in submission or nomination.

Champions Of The West is a celebration of all that is great in Western Sydney.

It is an opportunity to recognise the west is full of talent, ingenuity, creativity and determination.

Champions Of The West comprises a grants competition for 12 awards, each boasting a $10,000 prize for individuals, groups and businesses.

An additional grant of $10,000 will be awarded to the ‘Champion of Champions’ winner, encouraging people to get behind their peers who are nominated finalists.

What kind of ideas are we looking for? Anything that will be of benefit to the community and requires a grant to help the project come to life, such as:

• Community – facility upgrades, infrastructure, new works or equipment;
  
• Environment – restoration and protection, volunteer program funding;
  
• Indigenous – arts, up-skilling, scholarships;
  
• Sport – equipment, uniforms, training, health improvements;
  
• Small business – new products or services;
  
• Education – primary, secondary, day care, special needs, TAFE;
  
• Arts – skills development, new work, residencies;
  
• Employment – training, job placement, social entrepreneurship;
  
• Young Achiever – scholarships, workshops;
  
• Health – aged care, clinical funding, training;
  
• Tourism – attractions, historical/cultural sites, interpretive programs; and
  
• Manufacturing/Innovation – training/development, new products or services.
  

Who can apply for a grant? Anyone that lives or works in Western Sydney as determined by the Council boundaries referenced in the Champions Of The West Guidelines. Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain prior permission of their legal parent or guardian.

Can I refer an organisation or business? You can make a referral on behalf of an organisation or business. Please complete the form below to the best of your knowledge and we will contact the nominated business or organisation if we require further information.

Applications can be submitted between Sunday 13 April 2014 and Sunday 11 May 2014.

More than 100 of Western Sydney’s best and brightest young people will help shape a vision for Parramatta’s future at the inaugural Parramatta Young Leaders Forum at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) on Friday 23 May. 

Lord Mayor Cr John Chedid said the forum, hosted jointly by Council and UWS, would allow young leaders aged 17 to 24 to make their voices heard on issues such as technology, lifestyle, innovation and government.

Participants, who have been chosen from local high schools, universities and employers, would hear speakers including Federal Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison and head of the Kokoda Track Foundation Dr Genevieve Nelson. MC will be Channel 10 news presenter Natarsha Belling. 

“I have organised this forum because I strongly believe all levels of government should listen more closely to our young people and consider their views when making decisions that will affect their future,” Cr Chedid said.

“We need to involve our future generation of leaders in our long-term decision-making to ensure Parramatta is a true City of the 21st Century.

“Young people traditionally don’t get involved in consultation initiatives so this is a great opportunity for Councillors and local business leaders to listen to their ideas and, where appropriate, work towards putting them into practice.

“Feedback from the forum will be included in a detailed report to be presented to Council for consideration.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover says the University of Western Sydney is pleased to host the Young Leaders Forum at its Parramatta campus. 

"As one of the world's best young universities, UWS is proud to play a role in developing the leaders of the future,” he said.

“We are delighted to partner with Parramatta City Council on this initiative, which seeks to give a voice to the younger generation, and harness their passion and enthusiasm to make a difference to the communities in which they live.” 

Participants will discuss the following topics with local business leaders in workshops:  

• Inspiring careers and future leaders
  
• Liveability and lifestyle
  
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
  
• The future of technology
  
• Government and media
  

In addition to Minister Morrison and Dr Nelson, two inspirational young people will address the forum: Paralympic athlete and 2012 NSW Young Athlete with a Disability Kristy Pond, and social entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author Sacha Krjatian.     

Hermina Liscevic, a 2013 HSC student at Catherine McAuley Catholic secondary school in Westmead who won the John McClymont Award for History, ranked first in the State for Croatian and won the Premier’s Award for all-round excellence, will also speak at the forum.        

Following the forum, there will be a civic reception where participants will network with Councillors and local business leaders and discuss their ideas in a more informal way.

Cr Chedid said he was delighted the University of Western Sydney was partnering with Council to run the forum.

“Through our Memorandum of Understanding with the university, we are working to boost higher education services in our region so local students can study where they live.

“In Parramatta, we are creating a city of the future based on high-end technology and the jobs of the future.

“We also have a strategic alliance with the University of New England which has a campus in our CBD, and are developing   the Westmead biomedical precinct, Rydalmere UWS business innovation park and Camellia eco-industrial precinct.

“These are becoming centres of excellence that will attract high-end university graduates and the jobs of the future.

“We have a vision for the future where our region’s best and brightest students can go on to tertiary education and then highly qualified jobs right here in our city.” 

Parramatta Young Leaders Forum

Where: University of Western Sydney, Parramatta South Campus, cnr James Ruse Drive and Victoria Rd, Parramatta.

When: 11am to 5pm: Friday 23 May

Media are welcome to attend the keynote addresses at the forum   

WSBC Gold Member, Australian Turf Club (ATC), invites applications from suitably qualified individuals for the position of Assistant Race day and Events Operations Manager.

ATC is Australia’s premier Thoroughbred racing organisation with an exciting program of race meetings at Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens, Canterbury Park and Warwick Farm.  We have a long and proud history of delivering exciting and entertaining Thoroughbred racing in the Sydney region, traditionally playing a leading role within the Industry. The ATC also provides high quality entertainment, first-class facilities, award winning catering and customer service and is a renowned entertainment venue. The ATC plays host to profiled corporate and consumer events and exhibitions including the Future Music Festival, and the Caravan & Camping Supershow.

About the Role

Based at the award winning Rosehill Gardens and reporting to the Race day and Events Operations Manager, this permanent full time position will coordinate and manage race day and non race day events and functions with a focus on operational aspects of food, beverage, client and customer service. Further, the position seeks to provide direction and support to Food and Beverage employees to improve operational efficiency and outstanding customer experiences. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicant will be required to work evenings and weekends.

To be successful in this role the candidate will need to meet the following criteria:

• Extensive experience in operating and managing a variety of large scale functions and events
• At least 5yrs demonstrable experience in a hands on operations role preferably from a hotel, convention or theme park background
• Experience in managing both large public and trade show events
• A proven track record of managing, motivating and improving the performance of a team of people in a customer service environment
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise, plan and execute multiple tasks
• Superior oral communication, written, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Sound conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• Well-developed computer skills in Word, Excel,  EBMS, Etivity, Visio, Task retail and electronic sign systems
• A well developed understanding of legislative requirements relevant to food and beverage services such as HACCP, RSA and OH&S.
• Certificate 4 in Frontline Management
• Valid Responsible Service of Alcohol certification

What we offer

The ATC offers employment in an award winning venue with a dynamic service driven environment, career opportunities and free on-site parking for staff.

Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the criteria to cpalmer@australianturfclub.com.au

Applications close 15^th May 2014 

Raising Hope For Homeless Women

Parramatta Mission has been providing community services for over 40 years. Helping people who are homeless, people facing crisis and people living with mental illness.

Today, Parramatta Mission is one of the largest providers of community mental health services in New South Wales, as well as one of the largest providers of community services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Western Sydney. We do this with a vision to be a community transforming lives through our values of grace, dignity, inclusion, faith and hope.

Pathways for homeless women have been minimal and a reoccurring gap in our society over the past decade. With an increase in the cost of living, rising rates of domestic violence, and employers demanding higher levels of workplace experience and skills, the gap is rapidly increasing.

Mental health is another common theme present in women experiencing homelessness, and when paired with the above mentioned factors, mental health symptoms can often be exacerbated.

While social housing is a temporary fix for homeless women with complex needs, for many women it can only be seen as that, a temporary fix. A holistic approach toward meeting women’s individual needs is a necessary requirement in reaching a more permanent solution.

Restrictions around implementing a holistic approach for individual women include, limited funding, limited affordable housing, limited access to therapeutic interventions and extensive time delays for professional intervention. These restrictions significantly impact on the healing process that is vital for women to connect with the community and maintain stable tenancies and housing over significant periods of time.

Gala event objective

Parramatta Mission’s Raising Hope for Homeless Women Gala Event, hosted by Mark Taylor, is being held to raise awareness and funds to address the unmet need of crisis accommodation for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

All proceeds will go towards building and developing crisis accommodation for homeless women.

Crisis accommodation is intensive support and the provision of case management to restore hope in women who have been deeply traumatised in life.

Together we can help women escape the danger and despairing reality of homelessness, giving them hope and assistance to transition into safer and more independent living.

As a Corporate Partner of the Raising Hope for Homeless Women Gala Event you will benefit from:

• Networking
  
• Corporate Social Responsibility
  
• Team Building
  
• Marketing and brand awareness
  
• A great night with friends, family, clients and staff for a great cause
  
• Being a known major partner in the implementation of crisis accommodation for homeless women in Western Sydney
  

The Parramatta Mission team is dedicated to working with your organisation, ensuring your sponsorship investment is maximized through marketing and communication opportunities.

This is a great chance for your organisation to promote your brand and supportive role in bridging the gap in services for homeless women.

Parramatta Mission is dedicated to expanding our footprint over the coming years. Your continued support and partnership will not only enable great change in our community, but provide your organisation and staff the benefit of being part of a community transforming lives.

Additional Event Information

Venue:

Waterview in Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Drive (entrance off Australia Avenue)

Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park

Commencing at 7:00pm

Expected attendance: over 400 guests including representatives from leading corporate and community organisations, and Parramatta Mission staff and stakeholders.

Celebrity host for the evening: Mark Taylor

Mark has been the well-respected patron of Parramatta Mission for 17 years. During this time

Mark has been a positive presence in the Meals Plus Community Kitchen and Outreach Program. Socially engaging with consumers as they attend Meals Plus for their lunch and actively supporting Parramatta Mission and its services in our vision of transforming lives.

Mark brings with him, as one of the guest speakers to the Parramatta Mission Gala Event, the

Captain of the Australian Cricket Team, Michael Clarke. Michael has successfully led the Australian Cricket Team to wins in the Ashes and the South African series.

On the night there will be additional guest speakers, silent auction items, entertainment, beauty booths, gift bags and more.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with like-minded people and organisations.

For more details of how you can get involved and the level of sponsorships available, click here or contact:

Aaron Power

P: [02] 9891 2277

M: 0407 445 224

E: aaron.power@parramattamission.org.au

W: www.parramattamission.org.au