The City of Parramatta is set to spend more than $200 million on important community projects over the next twelve months, including Council’s new community and civic hub and aquatic centre.

Council has endorsed its Operational Plan and Budget for 2022/23, with $209 million allocated for capital works projects, on top of the $311.4 million to be spent delivering vital services to the community.

Community projects include $33.9 million for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre; $15.8 million for revitalisation of the Town Hall and $6.7 million for upgrades to Charles Street Square.

Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said it was important that Council continued to invest heavily in community infrastructure to support the City’s growing population, as the recovery from COVID-19 continues.

“The pandemic highlighted the important role Council plays delivering critical services to our residents and businesses as well as building and maintaining the open spaces and public facilities that our community needs and uses every day,” Cr Davis said.

“Sound financial planning over the past two years has allowed us to put forward a strong capital works program that includes revitalisation of local roads, parks, sport and community centres. This budget is our blueprint for the future so we can flourish and evolve while continuing to deliver a high level of infrastructure and services for our communities.

“The City of Parramatta is rapidly transforming and growing. We need to ensure our City remains a sustainable, liveable and productive place for present and future generations.”

The Operational Plan and Budget 2022/23 is part of Council’s Delivery Program 2022-2026, outlining how Council will implement its core services, activities, programs, projects, fees and charges, over four years.

Council reviews the Operational Plan and Budget annually to ensure activities are on track with its Delivery Program and priority goals. The Plans can be viewed on the City of Parramatta website.

Australia’s best airport terminal is coming to life with work continuing on what will be the gateway welcoming passengers from across the world to Sydney’s west in only a few short years.

Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the terminal is now coming to life, with the airport’s future customers helping to shape what will be Australia’s new global gateway.

“This will be the people’s airport, designed from the ground up for our customers and with our customers,” Mr Hickey said.

“Piling of the terminal basement is now complete and concreting has passed the halfway mark. We’ve also started the concrete pour for what will eventually be the entrance to international and domestic departures.

“This terminal will be Australia’s newest and most exciting airport experience, offering a smooth, seamless connection from Sydney to the world.

“Every element of this airport is being designed to deliver the most seamless and reliable experience possible for customers. We will get passengers on their way sooner, whether that’s getting to your meeting on time or arriving home to loved ones.”

Mr Hickey said thousands of Australians have now signed up to the Western Sydney International Panel, regularly contributing their opinions on different elements of the airport experience, from their dream travel destinations to the retail and dining choices they want to see in the terminal.

A group of WSI Panel members, as well as some of Australia’s leading airlines, were recently invited to an exclusive viewing of the airport terminal plans, projected in real-life scale at LifeSize Plans in Western Sydney, to hear their feedback on different mock-ups and options for the terminal’s detailed layout.

Mr Hickey said the terminal is being designed with the customer at its heart – from passengers, airlines, airport staff and air cargo operators.

“Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will set a new benchmark for what Australians will expect when they fly and the input from the WSI Panel members is already helping to bring that to life,” Mr Hickey said.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build an airport from the ground up with consideration for emerging technologies and sustainability at the forefront.

“We’re committed to ensuring the design pays tribute to Western Sydney’s rich Aboriginal heritage, connecting visitors arriving in Australia at Western Sydney International to more than 60,000 years of First Nations culture.”

WSI is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.

To join the WSI Panel click here.

Riverside Stables showcases a touch of old and a lot of new and is embarking on a new journey into hosting a series of concerts showcasing some of Australia’s best talents.

The inaugural Winter concert series showcases a line-up of some of the best of Australian pop and rock artists including:

6th August 2022 – Daryl Braithwaite

13th August 2022 – Kate Ceberano

19th August 2022 – Richard Clapton

27th August 2022 – Kasey Chambers

All headlines are supported by The Voice 2022 top 12 contestant – Robbie Dolan.

Tickets are only $165 per person and include a 3 course dinner and concert. These are 18+ events with beverages available for purchase at the onsite bars.

You can also make a night of it and stay in the luxury onsite accommodation at a discounted price!

These intimate and exclusive events will sell out fast as tickets are limited to only 400 guests. This is a chance to get up close and personal with these iconic stars while enjoying the luxury of Riverside Stables. Parking is complimentary or if you are catching public transport we are only a 900m walk from Warwick Farm train station.

When you look behind NEC, there's so much more.They are helping governments and enterprise tackle their biggest challenges. Making cities smarter, keeping communities healthier and our citizens safer. NEC is always right behind you. It is why Government, enterprise and developers across the Western Sydney are choosing NEC Australia as their technology partner of choice.

With the commencement of a new financial year, it brings with it important changes and new rates which will apply from 1 July 2022.

NEW! National Minimum Wage (NMW)

With the NMW:

• this is applicable to employees to whom neither a Modern Award or enterprise agreement applies
• the NMW increases by 5.2% to become $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour
• the increase to the NMW will come into operation on 1 July 2022
• in addition:

a) special NMW rates apply to employees with disabilities, junior employees, apprentices, and those on training arrangements

b) the minimum casual loading remains unchanged at 25%

NEW! Modern Award Increases

• minimum wages to most modern awards increase by the higher of $40 per week or 4.6% (starting on the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022)
• delays apply to the minimum wage increases in certain aviation, hospitality and tourism-based modern awards, which will take effect on 1 October 2022
• absorption of wage increases into over-award payments remains permissible (subject to the terms of the relevant employment agreement and what other amounts are being absorbed into any annualised wage arrangement)
• increases to the minimum wages of junior workers, apprentices, trainees, piece workers and employees on the supported wage system will occur
• expense-related allowances in Modern Awards will increase as set out in the Modern Award (eg, by the applicable CPI index figure)
• annualised salaries will need to be reviewed to ensure they continue to properly absorb/include all relevant minimum Modern Award amounts and that they continue to meet any technical notification and reconciliation requirements applying to annualised wage arrangements in certain Modern Awards

NEW! Impact on Enterprise Agreements

With enterprise agreements:

• they must always meet or exceed the minimum wage of:

a) the relevant Modern Award (ie, the Modern Award that would have applied had the enterprise agreement not been in existence)

b) the NMW (ie, where a Modern Award would not apply even if the enterprise agreement was not in existence)

• thus, pay rates in enterprise agreements may need to be increased (even if the enterprise agreement has its own wage increase regime)

NEW! The Sting

Be mindful that wage increases may have flow-on effects such as increasing:

• the value of leave loading, penalty rates, overtime and superannuation contributions
• the value of accrued leave entitlements
• the cost of wage related expenses such as payroll tax and workers compensation premiums

NEW! High Income Threshold (HIT)

With the HIT:

• it increases to $162,000
• it impacts:

a) who can make a claim for unfair dismissal (for those not covered by a Modern Award or to whom an enterprise agreement does not apply)

b) the maximum amount of compensation payable in an unfair dismissal claim (which increases to $81,000)

c) those on a ‘guarantee of annual earnings’ (a Modern Award does not apply to an employee whenever this guarantee is in place provided it continues to meet the relevant legislative requirements)

NEW! Redundancy

The tax-free component of a genuine redundancy payment increases to be:

• a base amount of $11,951
• an additional amount of $5,797 for each completed year of service

NEW! Superannuation Contributions Base

With superannuation:

• the maximum superannuation contribution base increases to $60,220 per quarter ($240,880 per annum)
• an employer is not required to make superannuation contributions on behalf of employees on earnings in excess of that maximum contribution base

Questions/Assistance

If you have any questions in respect of the above or would like any employment related assistance, please contact a member of the Matthews Folbigg Workplace Solutions employment law team on (02) 9635 7966 or pdoughman@matthewsfolbigg.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided to readers for their general information and on a complimentary basis. It contains a brief summary only and should not be relied upon or used as a definitive or complete statement of the relevant law.

Since the beginning of the year, the greater Sydney area has experienced multiple severe flooding events, in one case receiving eight months of rain over four days. These events have caused devastation and distress throughout the region, with tens of thousands displaced.

The Rotary Club of Blacktown City are raising funds for the victims of these floods, and need your help.

Join them for a night of fundraising to the backdrop of comedy. Find an astounding piece at the silent auction or try your luck with the lucky door prize and raffles.

The event details for Flood Relief for Greater Sydney with Comedy are as follows:

Date: Friday 19th August 2022

Time: 7.00pm

Location: Diamond Showroom, Blacktown Workers

Tickets: $60.00 - available soon via Comedy for a Cause

If you would like to donate a Raffle, Silent Auction or Lucky Door prize please contact:

Paula Jesse

M: 0471 1234 64 

E: pjesse@live.com.au

They may not wear capes, but the City of Parramatta’s new Tree Champions are fast becoming local heroes by making their neighbourhoods a better place, one tree at a time.

As part of Council’s Greening Parramatta program, hundreds of local residents have signed up to monitor more than 2,600 freshly planted trees across the City. The new trees will help reduce urban heat, support natural habitat and make suburban streets more attractive for years to come.

Northmead residents Jason and Dallas said they were keen to become Tree Champions because they wanted to make a difference in their neighbourhood. Their neighbours Steve, Marg and Doug have also signed up.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to work together and help make sure these trees have the best chance possible, so they can improve the streetscape and also cool the street down in summer,” Jason said.

Parramatta residents Laura and Tim said they wanted to be Tree Champions so they could teach their children they too can make a difference.

“We wanted to show our kids how you can be involved in your local community to make things better and take small steps to help with climate change. We are excited to see lots more trees around Parramatta,” Laura said.

The role of the Tree Champions is to monitor the newly planted trees in their street and neighbouring streets over a three-month period and let Council know if they need additional care. They are asked to do a check-in on their allocated trees, including sending a photo of each tree to Council.

“Through the Greening Parramatta program, we are helping our City and suburbs to be cooler, greener, more liveable and attractive for our residents now and into the future,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“The Tree Champions concept is a brilliant way of sharing the care for our newly planted trees.

“Our Tree Champions play such a valuable role in ensuring these young trees will mature and reach their full potential. Once grown, these trees will keep our City cool in the summer, provide a home for local wildlife, and make our streets more beautiful.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this successful program has been funded by the NSW Government in association with Local Government NSW.

“The Greening Our City grant program aims to increase tree canopy and green cover across the Greater Sydney Region by planting one million trees by the end of 2022,” Mr Roberts said.

“I am very proud of this program and what we have been able to achieve to date. I look forward to celebrating the one millionth tree very soon.”

Trees have been planted in streets and parks across the City of Parramatta, including Constitution Hill, Epping, Ermington, Granville, North Rocks, Northmead, Parramatta, Silverwater, Toongabbie and Winston Hills. Council will be maintaining the new trees with regular care and formative pruning over the first 12 months.

To view an interactive map of where the trees have been planted and information on each tree, please click here.

By Diana Tapp, CEO of World Class Teams

Do you know someone who has left their job in the last six months? With employees quitting jobs at the highest rate in over 10 years, many companies are left wondering what they can do to decrease turnover and retain their employees.

Between employee burnout, work-life balance struggles, and – let’s not forget – a global pandemic, it can be very challenging to keep your team energised and inspired.

However, with 83% of Executives ranking having motivated employees as the top factor that significantly contributes to a company’s overall success, it’s a no-brainer that maintaining high levels of motivation should be a prime focus for today's leaders. The good news is that it is a learnable skill and one that is easier than we have traditionally believed.

Don't fall into the trap of assuming money is the key to motivating people. Studies have determined that there are in fact 18 different motivational drivers - and only 3 of them are financial!

As an employer or team leader, it’s your job to help employees successfully navigate their inertia and reach peak motivation levels in the workplace. That's why World Class Team's are offering their new micro-learning workshop – How to Motivate & Inspire Your Team to go the Extra Mile.

In this live-streamed training, you will discover:

• 4 steps to inspiring EVERY individual in your team to go the extra mile
• How to keep yourself motivated, even when you ‘don’t feel like doing something’
• The secret to bringing out the absolute best in each person
• 8 demotivators in the workplace you need to AVOID
• How to motivate people when you CAN'T offer them more money
• How to create your own motivational blueprint from 18 possible drivers

Who Is It For:

Middle Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors who want to motivate and inspire people so that they can:

• Get work done quickly, without fuss and to the standards you expect
• Make your job as a manager easier, more enjoyable and far less stressful
• Create happy, motivated teams that experience greater job satisfaction and boosted morale
• Reduce absenteeism and employee turnover
• Become an in-demand leader that everyone wants to work for!

What's Included:

• 45-minute live-streamed workshop
• 15-minute live Q&A
• Printable Action Pack with tools, techniques and templates
• 30-day access to a recording of the session

Book Now:

Tickets are $87 per person.

https://go-the-extra-mile.eventbrite.com.au

By My Skills Australia

It is essential to understand that at least 94% of people show loyalty to a brand that displays complete transparency. The best way to do that is to ensure your personal branding is strong. Your personal branding will help you elevate your business venture effectively.

Top 7 Personal Branding Tips

1. Create a Personal Brand Statement

First and foremost, the first step is to create a personal brand statement. Here’s where you determine who you are, your key strengths and skills, and whom you want to reach. Moreover, you need to ensure you know where you want to stand.

You will need to create a unique selling proposition for yourself that will make you stand out in the market.

2. Define Your Target Audience

While creating a personal brand, you need to define a target audience. For instance, if you are into the fashion business, you want to ensure you define your target audience to reach out to the fashionistas and people interested in clothing.

Define your target in such a way that you can reach the target audience you want. That means you need to decide who you want to reach. So, determine your psychographic and demographic profile appropriately.

3. Build an Effective Strategy

You need to build an effective strategy to create a personal brand. It means you must have proper plans, goals, and targets. You should create a path to develop yourself and your brand.

One of the best ways to build an effective strategy for a personal brand is to make contacts and decisions and plan your career moves.

4. Weave a Story

Your personal brand should be unique and engaging. That means you must create a compelling personal brand by crafting a story for yourself. A simple description is insufficient to cut through the noise and stand out in the market.

Suppose you have a food business. You can build a personal brand by weaving a story around what inspired you to start a food business. What flavours interest you and what are your favourite cuisines are some questions you can answer to build your story.

5. Engage Your Audience

Other than creating stories and blog posts, you need to engage your audience. You need to create an atmosphere to engage in conversations. Once you decide on the channels, tactics, and types of content, you should start a conversation.

For instance, if you are in the content writing business, you can ask your audience what kind of content they want and increase your audience engagement. You could also engage your audience by creating podcasts or coming live on your channel.

6. Remain Consistent in Your Efforts

A very important aspect of creating your personal brand is consistency in your efforts. If you have decided to engage with your audience once a week, ensure you do that consistently.

Also, you should be active and post your story and content regularly to elevate your business.

7. Ask for Feedback

You must ask your audience for feedback. The personal brand building enables you to connect with your audience directly. That enables you to get feedback and improve your product and services. Moreover, it helps keep your audience hooked to your content as you can constantly evaluate the responses and act accordingly.

My Skills Australia is a registered Training Organisation who is proudly disrupting the ways skill are taught to employers and their teams in the workplace. Find the perfect course for you or your staff here.