NSW Premier Mike Baird and Transport Minister Andrew Constance today announced the preferred network for light rail in Parramatta. This will run between Westmead and Camellia through Parramatta CBD, branching to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park and out to Carlingford, maximizing transport connections, jobs growth and urban revitalisation.

The spine of the network, which could be the core of a future wider light rail network, will link areas that are being transformed through significant Government and private investment, including Westmead Health Precinct, Parramatta North renewal area and Pirtek Stadium. It will serve a revitalised Camellia and allow students at Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus to catch light rail from the CBD. Light rail will also serve a new technology and education precinct at Rydalmere, creating jobs in Sydney’s growing knowledge economy.

A branch will continue to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park, which is already a premier destination for sporting and entertainment events and is set to grow further as a new town centre surrounded by quality parkland. Another branch between Camellia and Carlingford will provide users with more frequent services than the current train line provides, serving the growing precincts of Telopea and Dundas.

The NSW Government will continue to identify opportunities for future light rail and bus rapid transit corridors in parallel with development of the preferred network. This will include looking at ways to strengthen transport links between Carlingford and Epping.

More information about the preferred network is available on the Transport for NSW website at http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/lightrail-program/parramatta-light-rail.

The NSW Government has already set aside $1 billion for the light rail network. Early estimates indicate that further funding is needed to deliver the entire new network. The Government will now work closely with businesses and councils to look at new funding models to meet the total cost of this crucial infrastructure.

From early in 2016, the project team will be contacting key stakeholders to arrange meetings. These discussions will help determine the detailed design of the preferred network which will be taken to the Cabinet in the middle of the year. We would then commence engagement with the wider community to ensure that Parramatta Light Rail best meets the needs of local communities. 

Parramatta City Council has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to develop light rail routes to Carlingford and Strathfield as the first stages of a wider Western Sydney network.

Premier Mike Baird confirmed today that a Light Rail line will be built from Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and North Parramatta. The line will connect Sydney’s largest health precinct and the $2 billion Parramatta Square urban renewal project, which includes a new Western Sydney University campus.

A line will also be built from Parramatta to Strathfield via Sydney Olympic Park, which Council had identified as a future growth corridor for the network. 

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said building the two routes as the first stage made financial sense and would provide the best chance of success for an expanded network.

“These routes will be the first step in a wider Western Sydney Light Rail Network that will completely revolutionise public transport and transform not only Parramatta, but western and north-western Sydney,” Cr Garrard said.

“I am pleased that Premier Baird has left open the prospect of extending the network to other growth centres which could potentially include Epping, which was part of Council’s preferred route option.

“Residents, workers, students and visitors will all benefit from an integrated Light Rail Network that connects economic, education, health, residential and sporting hubs, allowing faster and more efficient travel.

“We are delighted that Council’s long-standing vision for this project is becoming a reality.

Parramatta is central to both of the identified routes and having light rail centred in the heart of our CBD will transform the city for locals, visitors and workers. It will go a long way in helping Parramatta to secure its future as Sydney’s dual CBD.”

“I also welcome the Premier’s commitment to relocate more than 1800 Department of Education employees to Parramatta. It further demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to Western Sydney and their firm belief in the future of this region.”

The National Innovation and Science Agenda has just been launched!

What is the National Innovation and Science Agenda?

The National Innovation and Science Agenda includes a number of initiatives designed to boost business capability, enable innovation and embrace new ideas.

The Agenda acknowledges that technology is changing the way business is done around the world, and ensures that Australia doesn’t fall behind.

Four key themes

The Agenda focuses on four key themes:

• Taking the leap - backing Australian entrepreneurs by helping them access finance and having fewer penalties for failure. 
  Initiatives include:
• • tax incentives for investors
  • changes to venture capital partnerships
  • reforms to insolvency laws
  • boosts to business incubators.
• 
  
• Working together - increasing collaboration to help solve real world problems and create jobs. 
  Initiatives include:
• • using business solutions for critical government policy and service delivery challenges
  • implementing a Global Innovation Strategy for international collaboration between business and researchers
  • expanding the Entrepreneur’s Programme
  • speeding up grant applications for innovations.
• 
  
• Best and brightest - developing and attracting world-class talent for the jobs of the future. 
  Initiatives include:
• • upskilling youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for the digital-based economy
  • a new Entrepreneur’s visa to attract critical skills to Australia
  • addressing gender inequity to improve female participation in STEM study and careers.
• 
  
• Leading by example - government will lead by example by embracing innovation and agility in the way we do business. 
  Initiatives include:
• • data analytics training for businesses
  • releasing more non-sensitive data for private sector innovation
  • opening up government procurement spends to smaller innovative companies, especially for IT procurement spends.

Are you interested in Australia’s recent economic performance? Or maybe you’re keen on finding out about Australia’s development from an industry perspective?
It’s all there in the Australian Industry Report for 2015!

About the Australian Industry Report 2015

The Australian Industry Report 2015 looks at:

• Australia’s economic response to the end of the mining investment boom and how it’s transitioning into its current economic state.
• How Australia is creating an economy that encourages future innovation and entrepreneurship while also being resilient and adaptable.

The report also looks at the importance of:

• Regulation - in improving productivity and competiveness while still meeting social objectives.
• The enabling services sector - in helping businesses get their products to market. For example, transport companies, accountants, and information technology firms all help other businesses produce their final products.
• Research and development activity - in supporting long-term economic growth.

The Australian Industry Report 2015 is the second report in the series from business.gov.au

The Dyldam Parramatta Eels are offering unique opportunities for Apparel Partnerships in 2016. A partnership with the Eels provides an ideal platform to drive key business objectives and expose your brand. 

Stand-alone opportunities and tailored commercial packages are available.

For further information contact: 

Ryan Holloway

E: ryan.holloway@parraeels.com.au

M: 0438 823 903 

Joseph Marrone

E: joseph.marrone@parraeels.com.au 

M: 0401 672 055

A training program which has achieved great outcomes for unemployed people in Western Sydney was recognised at the 2015 Premier’s Awards for Public Service. 

The Sydney Metro Northwest Pre-employment Program was awarded the Premier’s Award in the category of Making NSW a better place to live.

A partnership between a number of parties, the pre-employment program has achieved outstanding training and employment outcomes for long term unemployed people.

The program is an initiative Sydney Metro Northwest - Australia’s biggest public transport project, with training delivered by TAFE Western Sydney. Other program partners include Transport for NSW, Breakthru People Solutions, Global Skills, Salini Impregilo JV, Workforce International, Thiess, John Holland and Dragados, and the NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development.

TAFE Western Sydney Institute Director Robin Shreeve said that the award recognised a collaborative program which has changed lives.

“This has been a life-changing program for many participants,” Mr Shreeve said.

“Participants have been set up for success by gaining confidence, personal skills, relevant job skills and workplace experience.”

Sydney Metro Program Director Rodd Staples said: “The Sydney Metro Delivery Office is extremely proud with the success of the program in achieving employment outcomes for long term unemployed people. We look forward to the ongoing implementation of the Sydney Metro Pre-employment program.”

The Sydney Metro Northwest Pre-employment Program commenced in 2014. Five groups of participants have now completed the program.

About the Premier’s Public Sector Awards

The Premier’s Public Sector Awards recognise outstanding performance and achievements in the NSW public sector, comprising six award categories which link to the strategies set out in NSW 2021, the Government’s agenda for change in NSW. The Making NSW a better place to live award category recognises those who make outstanding contributions to the environment and development of infrastructure in NSW. Both individuals and teams are eligible to be nominated for this award.

We live in a constantly changing business environment and Western Sydney is becoming a focal point for this change. Successful organisations need to focus on initiatives that matter.

The Skills Barometer 2015 highlighted some future needs for Western Sydney.

One highlight was an identified skills deficit in the area of sales. The report stated that 18% of jobs filled in the survey period were listed as ‘sales workers’ and 20% of vacancies listed were sales related. The problem is, though, that 52% of sales worker jobs in Western Sydney are receiving under-qualified applicants. If nothing is done, then we could see up to 7 out of 10 businesses experiencing technical skills shortages in sales skills in the future.

We know that sales do not miraculously happen. They come from skills that are developed and from accumulated knowledge.

At ARC Training we have developed a program designed for sales representatives who sell to businesses. It dispels the myth that good sales people are born to it. Everyone can improve their sales skills.

The course is located in Parramatta and it offers either day-time or night-time classes to fit busy lifestyles. Another focus of the program is on improving how we present to others: making sure each participant looks and feels like a professional.

This course is suitable for people wanting to develop a career as a sales representative and for those who want to update and get recognition for existing skills.

NSW Government funding is available for qualifying individuals. 

Call 1300 793 146 or go to www.arcgroup.com.au

Get Qualified Australia can truly fast track your Master of Business Administration (MBA) dream.

We are Australia’s leader in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and skills recognition services. Effectively we specialise in the facilitation of the above process to help our customer fast track a range of qualifications that span across over 30 Australian industries.

RPL was first introduced by the Australian Government in the late 1990’s. It was designed to deliver Nationally Recognised Qualifications to individuals who’ve acquired defined skills and competencies via a sustained and successful career within their given sector.

It rewards those individuals who develop an evidence portfolio around the skills they are claiming to legitimately achieve their targeted qualification within weeks. In most instances the qualification demanded can be achieved without stepping foot in a classroom or online learning environment.

Therefore if you’re a professional with enough ambition, drive and managerial experience our RPL qualification pathway might be the perfect way to save both time and money in achieving your MBA dream.

As we know completion of an MBA gets put to the backburner for a variety of reasons. Family commitments, expense, business travel, workload and personal pursuits all must be sacrificed to realise your MBA dream.

However by completing our 100% RPL specific Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership, you can within weeks receive up to 6 credit exemptions against an MBA of your choice. This means that you’ll walk away with two executive qualifications, while saving around $15,000 and an entire year of study.

Finally we also have an exciting partnership in place with a high profile business institution that actually guarantees you the full 6 module exemption in advance of any commitment to us. Just call us to find out more, it goes live in January 2016.

Interested to find out more about fact tracking your MBA? Call us on 133 775 to visit www.gqaustralia.com.au/fast-track-your-mba

The team at Novotel Sydney Parramatta are delighted to have bubbly and energetic Nikki Olsen in their team as Director of Sales & Marketing. Nikki joins the team with a wealth of knowledge in Western Sydney markets and an extensive sales pedigree.

Originally from Western Sydney, Nikki began her hospitality career in Parramatta and returns after working four years in Accor’s Sydney Olympic Park hotels.  Nikki started with AccorHotels in 2008 as Business Development Manager for Brisbane’s Mercure and Ibis Hotels, before opening Novotel Brisbane Airport. 

Nikki is looking forward to her time at Novotel Parramatta and the opportunity of working with local business partners and individuals in the ever changing landscape that is Western Sydney. Novotel is a landmark building in the heart of Parramatta which will continue to grow with the evolution of Parramatta’s CBD and the team are excited to be a part of it all.

Nikki enjoys her time in hospitality sales and being able to create long lasting business and personal relationships with like-minded people. She feels working in Parramatta is a more relaxed environment allowing the chance to build stronger local partnerships with businesses that are always happy to assist in making Western Sydney a stronger destination.

Nikki says that returning to Parramatta ‘feels like home to me’ and being able to work with an inspirational and experienced team that feel like family is an added bonus. General Manager of Novotel Sydney Parramatta, Stephen Wills says that having Nikki as part of the team is wonderful and her extensive knowledge of the area and industry is handy to have on board.

When not at work, Nikki spends time keeping fit by running and time spent at the gym. Her days are also spent with her gorgeous young daughter, who keeps her busy during her downtime.  To meet the friendly Nikki Olsen or for a chance to explore their recently refurbished conference areas, just pop by the lobby at Novotel Sydney Parramatta.

For all your festive celebrations, check out www.novotelparramatta.com.au for their fabulous Christmas party deals and indulgent Christmas Day Lunch offerings. 

A construction boom has taken over Sydney’s West and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With an abundance of construction companies ready to cash in, what sets one apart from the rest?

It has been shown that structured and well managed businesses have the advantage. The construction industry is renowned for having staff who lack a sense of responsibility and commitment. Often business owners are at the mercy of team members who don’t have buy-in to the vision for the company and the team culture is virtually non-existent. Two of Sydney’s fastest growing construction companies, Next Constructions and Empower Construction, don’t have these issues as they’ve gone against the norm and have implemented a management system to ensure this isn’t the case; this has become a point of difference for them and drives their success.

Gallop Solutions specialises in empowering business owners to structure and grow their business with the help of our exclusive tools. As Gallop Solutions clients, both Next Constructions and Empower Construction have been able to put in place a simple management structure that clearly defines roles and responsibilities in their team, accountable metrics to measure performance with and culture tools that enable everyone on the team to stay on the same page.

Next Constructions placed 77 on this year’s BRW Fast 100 list. They’ve shown that in order to see growth of 54.7% in one year you have to be forward thinking, energetic and thrive on exceeding customers’ expectations. The success of their projects comes down to their collaborative approach and commitment to understanding their client’s key objectives, and this ensures that new clients become repeat clients. Managing Director, Joseph Di Girolamo, had a desire to “Own a business that does not own me” and the management framework that Gallop Solutions has given him has enabled Joseph to work his way out of the day-to-day operations and start working on the business in a broader strategic sense.

Empower Construction is another company who stands out by focusing on the integrity of their service and outstanding quality of their products; this has seen them become the leader of lightweight construction installation and services in NSW. Founder, Ryan Steyn, has managed to grow the company exponentially over the last 8 years, making the BRW Fast 100 list for the second year in a row, this year coming in at 78 with a growth rate of 54.6%. Empower Construction have proven that even the smallest of start-ups can become a contender for substantial growth and profitability in the saturated construction industry with the right leader daring to be different.

Next Constructions and Empower Construction have embraced the importance of having the right management structure in place and this has attributed to them being able to get their team off the ground and running. They are repeatedly smashing forecasted yearly revenue targets and are constantly leveraging from the construction opportunities that lie around them.

About Gallop Solutions

• Over the last 4 years we have worked with hundreds of companies; with teams of 5 - 150 staff and turnover ranging from $2m to $120m across multiple sectors including construction, IT services, professional services, childcare, health services, resources and manufacturing.

• For more information or to get in contact with one of our New Client Managers to see how we can work with you, please email our Marketing Supervisor, Linda Tim at ltim@gallopsolutions.com or call our office on (02) 9560 0035.