Parra News December 14 2021

parra news

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 • FREE

www.parranews.com.au

BUSINESS

DIRECTORY

Get the help

you need at

your place.

Starts on

page 35

WHO RUN THE WORLD?

Patricia Prociv, Donna Davis and Lorraine Wearne.

NICOLA BARTON

History-making results have come

out of the City of Parramatta Local

Government Election, as women take

majority in the Council.

Whilst results won’t be completely finalised

until the last postal ballot is counted, so far

the new-look Council consists of six Labor

representatives, three Our Local Community

(OLC), two independents, one Lorraine

Wearne Independents and one Greens, with

two spots still undecided.

From Monday’s count, eight of the 15 newly

elected Councillors are women, with likely

another to be added, already doubling the

female representation on the previous Council.

Incumbent Councillors Lorraine Wearne

(Epping Ward), Donna Davis (Epping Ward),

Michelle Garrard (Dundas Ward) and Patricia

Prociv (Rosehill Ward) were all re-elected.

Newcomers include founder of Parra

Parents, Kellie Darley, who as of Monday’s

count took out an impressive 21.4 per cent for

her first time running an independent ticket in

the Dundas Ward; Labor’s North Rocks ticket

led by another fresh face on the political scene,

Ange Humphries, took out an incredible 33.2

per cent of votes. Other successful candidates

in the same ward are Our Local Community’s

Donna Wang and conservative independent

Georgina Valjak.

Prior to the election, the Liberal Party

announced it would not endorse candidates

in the City of Parramatta and Cumberland

City – a decision that has now seen Labor take

a major presence in both chambers.

Story continues on » p. 5

*Pictures for illustration purposes only

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CUMBERLAND

CITY COUNCIL

CUMBERLAND

CITY COUNCIL

CUMBERLAND

CITY COUNCIL

« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

CUMBERLAND

CITY COUNCIL

Follow our social media channels for video

updates on Council services.

Cumberland City Council Sydney

cumberlandcitycouncil

You can contact Council by phone,

email or visit our website below.

A Message from Cumberland City Council

8757 9000

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Our Christmas display at Pemulwuy Lake.

Bin collections and

operating hours over

the holiday season

All red, yellow and green bin collection dates

remain the same over the festive period,

however some of our other services are taking

a break.

For more information, including operating

hours across our venues and services during

shutdown, visit:

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/hours

Christmas in Cumberland City Town Centres

We are lighting up Cumberland City with Christmas

decorations and special displays throughout December.

Head on over to the locations listed on the right and

get your selfies taken with the displays.

Snap a selfie and tag us:

#CumberlandCityChristmas

Christmas Crafts for Adults

Collect your free Christmas craft kit from our libraries.

There are two fun kits to choose from. Subject to

availability. Strictly one craft per customer.

Find your local library:

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/crafts

» The Granville Centre

» Auburn Central Shopping Centre

» Pemulwuy Lake

» Lidcombe Remembrance Park

» Friend Park, Wentworthville

Christmas

Podcast Special:

Check out our podcast and

learn how to reduce food waste

Check out our podcast on how to

reduce food waste and learn new

Christmas recycling tips.

Tune into the Cumberland Conversations

Podcast after 15 December:

www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/podcast

Summer Reading Club for Kids

Have fun with Summer Reading Club from 13 December 2021 to 23 January 2022. Visit one of our

libraries and ask staff at the desk to help register your library card for Summer Reading Club.

A prize will be randomly awarded each week.

For more information, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/event/summer-reading-club

This message has been approved by the General Manager of Cumberland City Council.

PN46694

LOCAL NEWS

Work begins on facility

Construction begins on an important piece of Light Rail infrastructure

NICOLA BARTON

Construction of the Stabling and

Maintenance Facility for the

Parramatta Light Rail’s new fleet

of vehicles has commenced in Camellia.

The milestone comes after the $116

million clean up of contaminated land at

the 4-6 Grand Avenue site.

This followed controversial revelations

that Transport for NSW (TFNSW) paid

Grand 4 Investments $53.5 million for the

contaminated six-hectare site in 2016 and

assumed liability for its contamination

issues, despite the vendor paying $38.15

million for the land just seven months

prior.

The site was previously used for a variety

of industrial and chemical manufacturing

purposes dating back to the 1930s.

The remediation works included the

installation of a hydraulic barrier wall

around the perimeter of the site to

prevent the spread of contaminants and

a soil capping system to prevent residual

contamination rising to the surface.

The work also included the removal

of contaminated spoil and treatment of

The site of the Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Camellia.

groundwater. Parramatta MP Geoff Lee

said the new facility will feature a stabling

yard; a three-storey maintenance building

with an operations control centre; vehicle

sanding and washing facilities; and staff

amenities.

“This new state-of-the-art facility will

have everything we need to deliver an

efficient, safe and reliable service for the

people of western Sydney,” he said.

“With more than 85 per cent of track laid

across the alignment, it is exciting to see

construction underway on the engineroom

that will be behind the new light rail

system.”

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the

facility will maintain a fleet of 13 light rail

vehicles, and be supported by more than

50 staff, including drivers, technicians

and maintenance crews.

Dr Lee said the facility will monitor the

12-kilometre light rail alignment day and

night to ensure the system works efficiently

and keeps passengers safe.

“The facility will have the latest technology

and equipment to ensure the system

is running smoothly and passengers have

the best experience,” he said.

“Strategically sized and located, the

facility will also have the potential to

support an expansion of fleet operations

in the future, if required.”

Construction of the facility commenced

following the completion of the significant

remediation and ground improvement

works.

Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will

connect Westmead to Carlingford via

the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is

expected to commence services sometime

in 2023.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

PN47117

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« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

parra

news

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troy.dodds@parranews.com.au

I’ve been on leave this past week, and

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breakfast television.

It’s not so much the awkward banter,

Parra Matters

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Index

Troy Dodds

@troydodds

The worst breakfast I’ve ever had

Alan Mascarenhas

@alanmasc

News.............................................1-20

Horoscopes.................................21

Business ........................................22

Change is in the air in Parramatta. It

was a sentiment I expressed before the

December local government elections

(while standing as Labor’s number two

candidate in North Rocks Ward). Well,

the voters have issued their verdict and

change has now arrived.

The new council will have a vastly different

complexion. Among its key features:

a much-improved Labor representation

of possibly seven in a chamber of 15. Our

Local Community (OLC) increasing its

standing to four. At least eight women,

including all three councillors in North

Rocks. Labor also appears to have won a

majority in neighbouring Cumberland.

At prepoll in Carlingford and also on

election day, I sensed a new receptiveness

to Labor, which has now lost three

straight NSW and federal elections. The

extent to which enough disenfranchised

Liberals switched directly to the other

main political brand rather than parking

their vote with independents bodes well

– dare I say – for Anthony Albanese next

year.

Yet one of the great things about running

for office is you realise no candidate

or political perspective has a monopoly

on wisdom. I can vouch that independent

Liberal Georgina Valjak will make a dedicated

community-minded representative.

(Commiserations to her unsuccessful

running mate, former Lord Mayor Bob

Dwyer, whose gallant effort on the booths

belied his doubts about another run. Like

John Howard in Bennelong, the voters

did the job for him.)

OLC’s Donna Wang deserves congratulations

for a spirited campaign that

tapped into the growing electoral power

of the Chinese Australian community. If

he gets over the line in Parramatta Ward,

Phil Bradley of the Greens will remain

an important voice. And Kellie Darley,

who has gained a passionate following

through her Parra Parents Facebook

page, will hopefully bring new ideas.

As ratepayers, we can only ask that City

of Parramatta reflect the best of us. All too

often, we see a cut-throat and corrupting

element to politics. Ugly compromises

must be made. However, I believe there

is good in every person who puts themselves

forward and a genuine desire to

see their community progress.

The incoming Council bears a heavy

onus. Over the next decade, the Parramatta

CBD will continue its transformation

into an economic powerhouse

– anchored by a rejuvenated Eat Street

and Parramatta and Centenary Squares.

Entertainment .................23-35

Business Directory.......36-37

Auto..................................................38

weird weather crosses or sneaky advertorial

placements.

For me it’s how the news is presented.

Full of fear, over-the-top reporting and

an obsession with using the term ‘breaking

news’ even if the news is not in fact

‘breaking’ at all.

This is an awful place to start your day,

and both the major commercial networks

need to have a good look at the programs.

A bright but busy future ahead

But it can be so much more. A centre of

learning and innovation. A destination

for quality retail and sparkling artistic,

cultural and night-time activity.

Our CBD desperately needs new greenery

and places where people can simply

breathe. Tackling congestion should be

a top priority, including a new focus on

cycling and active transport. Parramatta’s

heritage must be respected as the city

hurtles forward.

By now, most residents who choose to

live here can see and admire the changes

in CBD. With new perspectives on Council,

it’s time to turn it into more than just a

place of commerce, encased in concrete,

but a real community.

Yet the reality is most residents will continue

to live in Parramatta’s suburbs. An

unprecedented 200,000 people are due

to move in over the next 20 years. So, the

key challenge is keeping up investment in

public services and amenities – and not

just new apartment towers – from Toongabbie

to Epping and Wentworth Point.

The new Council will need an unabashedly

“pro-Parramatta” agenda and

be prepared to leverage more from the

state and federal governments. That’s the

change I believe people voted for. Certainly,

it is the change we need.

Sport .......................................39-40

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LOCAL NEWS

Councils taking shape

The final votes from the Local Government Election are being counted

Story continued from » p. 1

Cr Valjak, who is a member of the

Liberal Party, would have been

their first elected female candidate

to the City of Parramatta, had they

endorsed her.

Cr Valjak said she felt honoured to have

received so much support.

“I do hope to offer a conservative Liberal

voice and am keen to see the completion of

projects which benefited from the billions

of dollars which the coalition Government

has invested in the City of Parramatta,”

she said.

“I believe representation at Local

Government means putting our community

first and foremost.”

The Labor Epping Ward ticket currently

holds the largest percentage of votes at

50.1 per cent.

As a result, Cr Davis’ number two candidate,

Cameron Maclean, was also elected.

Cr Davis said she felt proud to be elected

among so many women.

“While every individual brings a different

perspective, the gender imbalance on

this and most Councils has continued for

far too long,” she said.

Labor candidate Ange Humphries.

“Cameron, aged 23, will be the youngest

person on Council. Youth are currently

under-represented on Councils, including

ours.

“All Councillors, new and returning,

will bring fresh ideas and views to the

chamber.”

Incumbent male Councillors Pierre

Esber (Dundas Ward), Sameer Pandey and

Phil Bradley (both Parramatta Ward) were

re-elected with newcomer OLC candidate

Henry Green (Parramatta Ward).

Two spots in Rosehill Ward and one in

Parramatta Ward have not yet been called

but will likely go to OLC’s Dan Siviero and

Greens candidate Franceska Strano.

Former Lord Mayors Bob Dwyer and

Andrew Wilson were not re-elected.

For Cumberland City, sitting OLC

Mayor Steve Christou was re-elected in

the Granville Ward alongside incumbent

Labor Councillor Ola Hamed and Liberal

independent Joseph Rahme.

Independent Greg Cummings and OLC’s

Eddy Sarkis were re-elected in Greystanes

alongside newcomer Labor candidate

Diane Colman.

As of Monday’s results, Labor has taken

out 59.9 per cent in Regents Park re-electing

Kun Huang and electing newcomer

Sabrin Farooqui. The third spot went to

OLC’s Helen Hughes.

Labor’s South Granville Ward ticket

dominated at 63.7 per cent of votes so far,

re-electing Glenn Elmore and electing

newcomer Mohamad Hussein. Council

Independent candidate Georgina Valjak.

veteran and OLC member Paul Garrard

secured the third spot.

Incumbent Wentworthville Ward candidates,

including Labor’s Suman Saha and

Liberal independent Michael Zaiter, were

re-elected.

The third spot remains undecided.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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« parra news

AN UPDATE

FROM COUNCIL

Streetlights get smart upgrade

Over the coming months, the City of Parramatta,

in partnership with Endeavour Energy, will

replace more than 3,000 streetlights with

smart energy-efficient LED bulbs.

This project is the largest LED and smart street

lighting infrastructure upgrade ever undertaken

in NSW. Once complete in April 2022, threequarters

of the City’s streetlighting network

will comprise of LED lights, resulting in a

saving of $6.2 million over 20 years.

In addition, 1,830 tonnes of greenhouse gas

emissions will be saved each year, and as a

result, this project will play an instrumental role

in helping Council reach the carbon neutral

targets outlined in its 2017 Environmental

Sustainability Strategy. The project also aligns

with Council’s Community Strategic Plan and

‘smart city’ vision.

The technology used in the upgraded network

will allow Endeavour Energy to respond faster

to outages, as well as enable lighting levels to

be programmed to match usage. The project

will also incorporate circular economy

principles, such as diverting old streetlights

and packaging from landfill.

This program builds on upgrades undertaken

between 2015-2021, in which 8,114 residential

lights were replaced.

This $4 million project has been funded by the

Australian Government through the Local Roads

and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

For more information, visit cityofparramatta.

co/led

Food and Garden Organics

Collection Service survey

Council wants to hear your thoughts on its new Food

and Garden Organics Collection Service.

Council is set to launch a new Food and

Garden Organics (FOGO) Collection Service

across the Local Government Area from 2024.

This service means food waste – such as meat,

bones, bread, vegetables, dairy, eggshells,

tea leaves and coffee grinds – can be placed

in the green-lidded organics bin with garden

clippings and be collected weekly.

The FOGO Collection Service will help divert

food and garden waste from landfill, as food

waste currently makes up to 50 per cent of

what goes into Council’s red-lidded bins.

It will also help Council achieve its adopted

target to divert 85 per cent of waste from

landfill by 2038.

Before this service is rolled out, residents are

invited to provide feedback on the preferred

size and collection frequency of their redlidded

garbage bins via a short online survey.

For more information and to have your say, visit

participate.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/fogo

Submissions close at 5pm, Friday 28 January

2022.

To ensure adequate

parking is available,

signposted time limits will

still apply – except for on public

holidays.

For more information, visit cityofparramatta.

nsw.gov.au/living/parking-and-transport/

car-parks

Have your say on late night trading

The City of Parramatta aims to foster a vibrant,

diverse and thriving night-time economy

through careful planning and management to

ensure the City functions effectively, both day

and night.

Council’s Draft Late Night Trading Development

Control Plan, which is currently on public

exhibition, aims to help the growth and

diversification of the City’s night-time economy

by balancing night-time vibrancy and the

needs of the community, encouraging a

broad and inclusive mix of uses throughout

the night, and ensuring good venue practices

to promote safety.

The Development Control Plan proposes an

assessment framework for trading between

10pm and 6am, place-based acoustic

controls, trial periods for extended hours and

standardised management requirements.

For more information and to provide feedback,

visit participate.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/

late-night-trading-DCP

Hard copies can be viewed at Council’s

Customer Contact Centre at 126 Church

Street, Parramatta from Monday to Friday,

10am–3pm (COVID-19 restrictions apply).

Submissions close 5pm, Monday 31 January

2022.

Free parking in the City of

Parramatta

To celebrate the festive season, City of

Parramatta Council is switching off parking

meters and gifting free on-street parking to

residents and visitors from Friday 24 December

2021 to Tuesday 4 January 2022 (inclusive).

The parking elves have also granted one day

of free parking at Council’s multi-level car

parks at Parramatta Station, Justice Precinct

and Eat Street on Christmas Eve. You will

need to take a ticket to be able to enter and

exit the car park, but you will not be charged.

More than 3,000 streetlights in the City of Parramatta

are being replaced with smart energy-efficient LED

bulbs. Photo: Endeavour Energy.

Have your say on Council’s Draft Late Night Trading

Development Control Plan.

Please note: Since printed copies of many of our local newspapers are no longer available,

all Development Applications (DAs), items on exhibition, and public notices will now be available

via Council’s website: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

To stay up-to-date with the latest news, visit

cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/news

126 Church Street, Parramatta | PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124 P 02 9806 5050 E council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au | cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

@parracity, @atparramatta @cityofparramatta, @atparramatta @cityofparramatta, @atparramatta

PN47143

LOCAL NEWS

Roadwork concerns

Local shop owners concerned over proposed upgrades to Victoria Road

NICOLA BARTON

Shop and building owners at the

Collett Park Village shopping

complex say Transport for NSW

must not waste the opportunity to get it

right, as works are proposed for Victoria

Road.

Transport for NSW is currently developing

a design plan to improve pedestrian

safety and ease traffic flow along Victoria

Road between Pennant and Pemberton

Streets.

Key safety improvements include

delivering two new signalised crossings

on Victoria Road and Pennant Street,

creating a right hand turn bay on Victoria

Road to allow westbound motorists to

turn right into Pennant Street and extend

the median strip with added pedestrian

barriers.

However, the proposal in its current form

will take out a couple of two-hour parking

spaces from the shopping strip’s allocated

spaces to facilitate the new right hand turn

bay. With parking already a nightmare

for workers and customers, some shop

owners are concerned what this reduction

in parking will mean for business.

Landlord Peter Markis has been working

with Independent candidate for City

of Parramatta Council, Lee Malkoun, to

help make sure building and shop owners’

voices are heard during the consultation

process.

Mr Markis’ wife is also a business owner

and tenant.

He is particularly concerned for his other

tenant who is a hairdresser, as remaining

spaces with half hour to one-hour limits

are not feasible for her customers.

“We desperately need more parking

spaces, not less; you see customers just

drive off during peak periods which then

limits the small business owners to capitalise

on sales,” he said.

“I think it’s great that they are investing

money in this upgrade, it’s a great thing

but I hope they take the time to get it right.”

Mr Malkoun said he has been

approached by some tenants and owners

who are concerned with the plans.

“Peter has an idea that if they remove a

little bit of the park they should be able to

theoretically make the turn and actually

increase the car spaces,” he said.

A Transport for NSW apokesperson said

Peter Markis and Lee Malkoun want to be heard.

community feedback will be taken on

board during the design process.

“The two car parking spaces that

Transport for NSW proposes to remove

will allow safer exits for vehicles from the

existing car park and will also allow for

the installation of pram ramps to improve

pedestrian safety,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said it would not

replace any removed parking spaces.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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Labor for Greystanes ward says

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Parramatta: Police ask for help

following jewellery store theft

Police are appealing for public

assistance to locate a vehicle following

an armed robbery at a jewellery store

Parramatta.

About 2.35pm on Sunday, December 5,

police were called to a shopping centre

at Argyle Street, Parramatta, following

reports a man armed with a hammer

had entered a jewellery store, smashed

a number of glass cabinets and stole

several items of jewellery.

The man ran from the store, before

entering a black vehicle waiting on

Argyle Street.

An employee that was inside the store

at the time, was not physically injured.

Officers from Parramatta Police Area

Command established a crime scene

and commenced an investigation into

the circumstances surrounding the

incident.

As inquiries continue, police are

appealing to locate a black Nissan

X-Trail with NSW registration plates CQ4

6FA last seen heading southbound on

Marsden Street.

Police are also appealing to identify

a man who may be able to assist with

ongoing inquiries.

The man is described as wearing a

surgical face mask, sunglasses, a darkcoloured

jumper with a grey hood, darkcoloured

track pants with a white stripe,

and blue and white running shoes.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information about this

incident is urged to call 1800 333 000.

Rydalmere: Men demand money

in scary early morning hold up

Police are appealing for public information

following an armed robbery in

Rydalmere.

About 2.55am on Sunday, December

5, two men entered a hotel on Victoria

Road, Rydalmere, through the main

entrance.

One man, who was armed with a small

knife, threatened staff and demanded

POLICE SNAPSHOT

Compiled by Nicola Barton

LOCAL NEWS

money from the cash register and safe

while the second man distracted the

security staff.

The men left the location on foot with

cash.

No staff members were physically

injured during the incident.

Detectives from Cumberland Police

Area Command were notified and

commenced an investigation into the

circumstances surrounding the incident.

As inquiries continue, police would

like to speak with anyone who may be

able to assist with ongoing inquiries.

Anyone with information about this

incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers

on 1800 333 000.

Parramatta: Occupants of stolen

white Mercedes on the run

Police are appealing for public assistance

following a police pursuit in

Parramatta.

About 10am on Saturday, December 4,

police were patrolling the intersection

of Grose Street and O’Connell Street,

Parramatta, when they saw a stolen

white Mercedes.

When the driver ignored a direction to

stop by officers attached to Parramatta

Police Area Command, a pursuit was

initiated.

Police lost sight of the vehicle and a

short time later police will allege the

stolen vehicle turned down a one-way

street in the wrong direction and

collided with two vehicles.

The occupants of the stolen vehicle

ran from the scene, while six people

travelling in the other vehicles were

treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance

paramedics but did not require hospital

treatment.

A 34-year-old man was arrested a short

distance away.

Police are appealing for any dashcam

footage or witnesses to the incident to

come forward as they search for the

other occupants.

Investigations are continuing.

New life for local Chamber

PN46051

Akin SONGUR Diane COLMAN Sandra DOUMIT

Thank you to the people of our area

for your support, encouragement and trust.

Your Labor team is committed to a new vision for

Cumberland based on our values of fairness,

integrity and respect. We'll work with Council to

make our local area a better place to

live, work and play.

Authorised by Joseph Baltasar, 33 Yoogali St, Merrylands West

NICOLA BARTON

The Merrylands Chamber of

Commerce recently held its

annual General Meeting, voting

unanimously to officially change its

name to The Greater Cumberland

Chamber of Commerce, and reappointing

its president Immanuel Selvaraj.

With the closure of the Cumberland

Business Chamber, The Greater

Cumberland Chamber now services the

largest area of any chamber in Sydney

with the Cumberland, Strathfield and

Fairfield LGAs all included in the area it

services.

Mr Selvaraj encouraged local small

and medium enterprise (SME) owners to

get involved.

“The chamber has lowered its membership

fee to just $10 until February to help

businesses access the support of the

chamber at a low cost,” he said.

“Fibha Frameen, a young inspirational

woman of the year, has been invited on

to the Board and will be heading a sub

committee set up to mentor young entrepreneurs

to start their own business.

“If young people can be taught the

basics of business they are in a better

position to do well in business given

their inherent familiarity with navigating

the digital world.

“The digital economy is coming at

SMEs like a steam truck and SME owners

need basic knowledge of digital trends to

be able to make the right decision when

onboarding applications.

“Many SME owners are falling prey to

the first vendor who approaches them

with a software and it is absolutely critical

that owners take a long-term view

and look at their business in its entirety

when making decisions on digital adoption.”

The chamber organised the first of

many events on digital awareness for

SME owners on November 23, which

covered topics and strategies business

owners should adopt to protect their

data.

Labor’s plan to power

Australia

Labor has announced a plan to cut power bills,

create jobs and reduce emissions by boosting

renewable energy.

For nearly a decade, the Liberal Government’s

mismanagement of our energy policy has been a

threat to our economy - leaving Australia missing

out on the jobs, growth, and opportunities that our

abundant renewable resources could unlock.

Business has shown leadership. Government must

play its part.

Labor’s Powering Australia plan will bring cheaper

renewable energy to Australian homes and

businesses, cutting power bills for families and

businesses by $275 a year for homes by 2025,

compared to today.

Our plan will spur $76 billion of investment and

create 604,000 jobs, with 5 out of 6 new jobs to be

created in the regions.

The benefits of the plan to the Australian economy

are backed up by the most extensive independent

modelling ever carried out for an Opposition.

Alongside the economic benefits, our plan will reduce

Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 –

which will become Australia’s target under the Paris

Agreement, keeping us on track for net zero by 2050.

Peak groups including the BCA, Australian Industry

Group, and National Farmers Federation have said

that raising Australia’s 2030 emissions mitigation

goals is “necessary to provide a clear and credible

basis for action and investment [and] maintain our

competitiveness amidst a growing global transition”.

Labor’s plan puts Government policy in line with

Australia’s leading industry, business and agricultural

groups.

It also brings Australia into line with key trading

partners like Canada (with its similar economic base),

which has committed to cut emissions by 40-45 per

cent by 2030, South Korea at 40 per cent

and Japan at 46 per cent.

Our plan will:

• Upgrade the electricity grid to fix

Julie Owens Bulletin

Locals tell me they want action on climate change. Labor has

a plan to reduce emissions, cut power prices and create jobs.

energy transmission and drive down power prices.

• Make electric vehicles cheaper with an electric

car discount and Australia’s first National Electric

Vehicle Strategy.

• Allocate up to $3 billion from Labor’s National

Reconstruction Fund to invest in green

metals (steel, alumina and aluminium); clean

energy component manufacturing; hydrogen

electrolysers and fuel switching; agricultural

methane reduction and waste reduction.

• Install 400 community batteries across the

country.

• Demonstrate Commonwealth leadership by

reducing the Australian Public Service’s own

emissions to net zero by 2030.

• Invest in 10,000 New Energy Apprentices and a

New Energy Skills Program.

And much more – scan the QR code to read the full

detail of the plan and the independent modelling

that backs it up.

Less than a month after the biggest climate

conference in world history Australia has been asked

to try again when it comes to climate policy, after

being ranked last in the world.

Australians deserve a plan to secure our

nation’s future, to maximise the benefits

of new technology, cheaper energy,

new job opportunities and cheaper lowemissions

vehicles.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Julie Owens MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PARRAMATTA

If I can be of any help please phone me on 9689 1455 or write to 1/25 Smith St, Parramatta NSW 2150

or email julie.owens.mp@aph.gov.au julie.owens.mp www.julieowens.com.au

Authorised by Julie Owens MP, Australian Labor Party, 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta.

PN45187

« parra news

PAGE TEN

Joke of the

Week

Q: Why is Peter Pan always flying?

A: Because he Neverlands.

Send your jokes to news@parranews.com.au.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

prizecupboard

The Mermaid High is the

must-have fashion doll this

Christmas!

Mermaid High Fashion Dolls

($49.99) are 26.7cm deluxe

fashion dolls which let girls play out endless

stories ‘above and below’ the sea!

With four dolls to collect, each comes

complete with one removable ‘land’ outfit,

removable mermaid tail, 5+ Fashion accessories,

one Hair Comb and beautiful rooted

hair.

Available at Big W, Kmart, Target and

major toy retailers nationally – your kid will

love it!

Parra News has a Mermaid High doll to

give away. For your chance to win one,

send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au

with ‘Mermaid’ in

the subject line. Don’t forget to include

your contact details. Entries close Friday,

December 17 and the winners will be

notified by email. Terms and conditions

are available at www.parranews.com.au

or by phoning Parra News reception.

SPY

Dose of

Dorin

Do you know

where this

picture was

taken?

Tell us exactly where this week’s

featured I Spy image is located in

Parramatta and you could win!

Email ispy@parranews.com.au

with your answer for your chance to

win two movie tickets. Our winner

will be notified by email. Entries

close each Friday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

Last week’s mural was taken on Aird

Street in Parramatta.

After a tough year for Year 6 students

at Parramatta Public School – learning

from home and missing school camp

– the kids are set to end their year on a

high with a ‘Black and White’ themed

farewell set down for Tuesday night at the school

hall. Congratulations on completing primary

school and we wish all students at Parramatta

Public, as well as other schools across the area,

all the very best in high school next year!

Parramatta Westfield was absolutely

packed over the weekend with plenty

of shoppers picking up Christmas

gifts and catching up with friends.

One thing that stood out was the

shocking amount of people already ditching

masks before the mandate had expired. Parra

News walked past loads of people that simply

didn’t care for anyone else but themselves. Well

done to the people that were masking up!

Connect with us online...

facebook.com/theparranews theparranews theparranews

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR

Giving Back

DAYS UNTIL

CHRISTMAS

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Gift Giving Tree

Up to 22nd December

Gifts donated to The Salvation Army

Santa's Breakfast

19th December 9am

*Bookings essential. Ticket sales

donated to Beyond Blue

Gift Wrapping

13th - 24th December

10am - 2pm

Gold coin donation to Beyond Blue

Santa Photos

Up to 24th December

10am - 2pm

92 Parramatta Rd, Lidcombe NSW 2141

lidcombeshoppingcentre.com.au

/LidcombeShoppingCentre

PN46474

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

« parra news

GREYSTANES

FRUIT MARKET

5 for $ 10

Cherries $ 9 .99 kilo

Stone fruit $ 2 .99 kilo

- Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums

*Sale ends 20/12/2021

ShoppingCentreGreystanes

greystanesshoppingcentre.com.au

665 Merrylands Rd, Greystanes

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

PLACE YOUR

ORDERS NOW

FOR XMAS

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR

YOUR FRESH SEAFOOD NOW

A big thanks

for all your

support

throughout

2021!

PN46704

« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

LOCAL NEWS

HSC students rewarded

“Pure relief” as many local Year 12 students receive early university offers

NICOLA BARTON

COVID-19 meant a chaotic year for

the graduating class of 2021, as

students dealt with an unprecedented

amount of stress and disruptions

whilst preparing for their final exams.

Early university offers have flowed over

the past month, coming as a huge relief to

students as they entered their final exams

and now await their ATAR and results.

The negative mental impact COVID-19

has had on HSC students is immense, as

students were forced to learn from home

during their most critical preparation

period.

Students who have received early offers

at St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes

said it kept them calm heading into exams.

18-year-old student Joel Incognito has

received six offers across Macquarie

University, Australian Cathoic University

(ACU), Western Sydney University (WSU)

and University of Technology Sydney

(UTS) in fields relating to commerce, business

and human science.

“Receiving the offers took heaps of pressure

off and having such a variety of offers

St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes student Joel Incognito and Paul Finneran.

to choose from also really allowed me to

stress less, having that security moving

into the exams,” he said.

“This year has been a huge challenge;

studying and learning from home and

trying to stay motivated. You really had to

be disciplined.”

Fellow student, 18-year-old Geetansh

Kaushal, received three early offers from

UTS, Macquarie University and WSU all

for Civil Engineering.

“The early offer really took the stress

off to perform in the exam and now that

I reflect on it, it actually made me more

efficient, as there was less pressure going

into the exams,” he said.

“I wanted to finish off the best that I

could and it really, if anything, made me

focus more on the content rather than the

mark itself.”

Universities experienced an exponential

increase of applications to the Schools

Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and other

early offer programs.

WSU’s True Rewards program provided

students impacted by COVID-19 with the

choice and flexibility of being able to use

their Year 11 results to gain entry.

Over 9000 HSC True Reward early offers

to study with WSU in 2022 have been

made, with more still to come.

St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes in

pre-COVID 2019 had 23 students apply

for the Schools Recommendation Scheme

(SRS).

In response to the uncertainty about

HSC exams and the disruptions caused by

remote learning, this year the school had

51 students apply.

HSC Students are set to receive their

ATAR on January 20 and results on January

24.

Are HSC marks the be-all and endall?

Tell us your thoughts at news@

parranews.com.au.

PN42652

Guillys

Restaurant

open

7 Days!

EVERY SUNDAY LUNCH

IN GUILLY’S RESTAURANT

11AM –

2.30PM

PN45181

Physical

Distancing

Increased Hand

Sanitisers

Digital Record

Keeping

Increased

Cleaning

Contactless

Payment

Temperature

Check

Safe

Hygiene

Show Vaccination

Status

In Line with the NSW Government Public Health Orders

NICOLA BARTON

new development is making

waves in western Sydney as

construction for the URBNSURF

park commences.

The state’s first wave park, which will be

constructed at Sydney Olympic Park, is

expected to open its doors from early 2023.

URBNSURF opened Australia’s first surf

park in Melbourne nearly a decade ago.

The State Significant Development will

cost about $50 million and will be built on

top of a 37,000sqm car park.

The park will also feature alfresco

dining, cafes and a retail shop.

Parramatta MP Geoff Lee was joined last

week by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority

and representatives from URBNSURF

to celebrate construction commencing on

the 3.6 hectare site.

“The new wave park will make surfing

accessible to more than two million western

Sydney residents, all within about 30

minutes from home,” he said.

“The project will also provide an important

boost for the local economy, and

deliver longer-term jobs across hospitality

and tourism.”

Opening in early 2023, the new wave

park will offer authentic surfing waves for

the people of Sydney and beyond.

Chief Executive at Placemaking NSW,

Anita Mitchell said the wave park will

create yet another reason for people to

visit Sydney Olympic Park.

LOCAL NEWS

Forget the beach! Catch some

waves at Sydney Olympic Park

An artist’s impression of the new URBNSURF.

“We’re incredibly excited to be working

closely with URBNSURF to develop what

is set to be one of Sydney’s most unique

sporting developments,” she said.

CEO of URBNSURF Damon Tudor said

he is excited to be delivering the state’s

first wave park and contributing to more

sports at Sydney Olympic Park.

“The technology behind the waves will

deliver high quality, authentic surfing

waves to suit all abilities, delivering over

600 waves per hour in a safe and welcoming

environment,” he said.

“The surf park will also feature a yoga

studio, leisure pool for families, skate

park, surf academy staffed with expert

coaches, beach cabanas, a surf shop, a

kids’ playground and more.”

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Community

Wheels

Safe & Accessible Transport

All our drivers are

fully vaccinated

Are you looking for affordable, safe and low-cost transport?

We provide door

to door transport to:

• Medical & Hospital Appointments

• Other health facilies

• Weekly shopping trips

• Senior Group Oungs

• Day Care & Respite Centres

• Weekly social oungs

• Monthly Bunnings, Spotlight, Flower

Power trips

For transport call

(02) 8868 1400

www.communitywheels.org.au

We provide transport to:

• Parramaa/Cumberland residents aged 18 & above

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

• NDIS recipients

• People with mobility needs

• Culturally & diverse individuals & groups

• A carer for one of the above

Safe & accessible vehicles and professional

drivers who are fully accredited

and trained to assist you.

Community Wheels Inc.

Funded by the NSW and

Commonwealth Governments

PN45323

« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

GETTING TO KNOW

YOUR LOCAL MPs

Julie Owens MP

Federal Member for Parramatta

If you need help with a Federal Govt

issue, or you want to talk about

issues in our community, please

contact my office.

Office contact details

9689 1455

julie.owens.mp@aph.gov.au

julieowens.com.au

1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta

Authorised by Julie Owens MP, Australian

Labor Party, 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta

Hugh McDermott MP

State Member for Prospect

Proudly representing our community.

Office contact details

9756 4766

prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au

2/679 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield,

NSW, 2164

Authorised by Hugh McDermott MP,

funded using parliamentary entitlements

Geoff Lee MP

State Member for Parramatta

I am here to assist you!

Office contact details

9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

96 George Street, Parramatta

Authorised by Geoff Lee funded using

parliamentary entitlements

Julia Finn MP

State Member for Granville

Here to help with State

Government matters.

Connect with Julia

9637 1656

Granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au 160

Merrylands Road

Merrylands 2160

Authorised by Julia Finn MP funded

using parliamentary entitlements

Lynda Voltz MP

State Member for Auburn

Available for the people of Auburn

9am-5pm, Monday-Friday for all state

government issues.

Office contact details

9737 8822

auburn@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Mezzanine Level, Lidcombe Centre

92 Parramatta Road

Lidcombe 2141

Authorised by Lynda Voltz MP, funded

using parliamentary entitlements

John Alexander OAM MP

Federal Member for Bennelong

I am available to assist with any issue

you may be experiencing, please get

in touch!

Office contact details

9869 4288

john.alexander.mp@aph.gov.au

Facebook: JohnAlexanderMP

johnalexander.net.au

32 Beecroft Road, Epping 2121

PN45691

LOCAL NEWS

The lights are twinkling

Fuel up the car, fire up the GPS and check out these terrific light displays

NICOLA BARTON

It’s that time of year again, so grab

your friends and family and set off

on a road trip around town to witness

some dazzling light displays.

Parramatta and Cumberland residents

have well and truly switched on the magic

of Christmas this year, with many spending

weeks, if not months preparing their

special displays.

Here are our must-see houses this year:

72 Cumberland Road, Greystanes.

Greystanes resident and ‘queen of

Christmas’ Dolores Meilak has again put

up her magnificent display.

Ms Meilak has been decorating her

home at that address for over 20 years, and

another 20 years when she lived across the

street.

“I put them all up myself and the reason

I do it is for the families in the community.

I just want to spread the Christmas cheer,”

she said.

Her phenomenal display features

dazzling lights, statues and toys.

You won’t be able to miss it!

Dolores Meilak is proud of her display. Photo: Melissa Stevens.

17 Stephenson Street, Birrong.

This standout home features an interactive

display, inflatables, Christmas

statues, music and moving features.

On December 4, 8, 11 and 18, they will

host a BBQ to raise money for the Sydney

Children’s Hospital.

It’s all about giving at this time of year , so

dig deep for a worthy cause.

14 Bundilla Avenue, Winston Hills.

This dazzling display lights up the street

with its decorated roof and fence.

The home also features inflatables, statues

and a walk-in display.

The homeowners are supporting the

Make a Wish foundation and passers-by

are encouraged to make a donation if they

can, big or small.

1 Park Street, Merrylands.

This two-storey house is bound to put you

in the Christmas spirit with five window

displays, inflatables, endless Christmas

lights and two big Christmas trees.

A nativity display, moving Santa and

reindeer display are also featured.

12 Watton Road, Carlingford.

It’s probably the biggest reindeer inflatable

you’ll see all night, so be sure to check

out this display in Carlingford.

This home features a Christmas Wonderland

display, blow ups, lights, music and

more!

There’s plenty to see and a number of

resources online to help plan your Christmas

light hunt.

Remember to abide by COVID safety

measures by social distancing, sanitising

your hands, and not touching displays.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

READ ALL ABOUT US

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MERRYLANDS RSL CLUB | WWW.MRSL.COM.AU

(02) 8868 7777 | 8-12 MILLER ST, MERRYLANDS NSW 2160

MERRYLANDS RSL CLUB GOES

HOLLYWOOD ON NYE

Bid 2021 goodbye and say hello

2022 in style at Merrylands RSL

Club’s New Year’s Eve Red Carpet

Event on the 31st of December.

The event will be Hollywood

themed, complete with a

Hollywood backdrop for photos

and selfies. Don’t hesitate to glam

up on the night for your chance to

win the best-dressed prize.

Live entertainment will kick off

from 8.30pm, featuring Monique

Montez, a multiple-award-winning

and world-class vocalist who

will be performing hits from

Hollywood classics. The M7 Band

will also get everyone dancing the

night away with energetic party

songs all the way through the

count down.

There is also the exciting $4,000

Blockbuster Giveaway where

members are given the chance

to win as much as $500 in eftpos

card! It will be an exclusive

member’s promotion but anyone

can sign up as a member on the

night and also receive a FREE

entry ticket into the draw.

Keeping in theme, patrons can

enjoy complimentary popcorn on

the night along with a special New

Year’s Eve menu available at SAGE

2160. Midnight fireworks will be

shown on the big screen, live and

loud.

For more information on this event, go to

mrsl.com.au or call 8868 7777

PN46823

« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Historical Society

win IMAGinE award

NICOLA BARTON

Parramatta & District

Historical Society have

been recognised for their

innovation and resilience during

COVID-19 at the 2021 IMAGinE

awards.

The Society developed a website

for the Hambledon Cottage

Museum, which included a

360-degree virtual reality tour,

in collaboration with Western

Sydney University tourism

students, and was funded by a

COVID-19 Resilience Grant from

City of Parramatta Council.

The website has improved the

appeal of the museum by providing

online access to domestic and

international visitors, and has

significantly enhanced the Society’s

ability to promote Hambledon

Cottage.

The Historical Society won the

‘Innovation & Resilience – Projects

With A Budget of $10,000 or Less’

section for their efforts developing

the website and virtual reality tour.

There were six other entrants

including the Australian Design

Centre, Grafton Regional Gallery,

Southern Highlands Artisans

Collective, Sydney Living Museums,

Tamworth Regional Gallery

and Tweed Regional Museum.

The Innovation and Resilience

Award recognises the outstanding

efforts of museums and galleries

during hardship and celebrates

excellence and innovation in

exhibition practice, resiliencebuilding

projects and engagement

programs.

The IMAGinE awards aim to

celebrate all institutions and pays

homage to those organisations run

by volunteers, with limited budgets

and minimal resources.

Museums & Galleries of NSW

CEO Brett Adlington said IMAGinE

brings people together and

creates a sense of achievement and

comradery as a sector.

“In these difficult times cross

organisational celebration is more

important than ever and even

though we were unable to hold

the awards in person there is still

LOCAL NEWS

a really strong sense of community

surrounding the awards,” he said.

“It is easy to fall into silos in our

day to day but it’s important to

recognise the commonality of our

goals and to work together and that

is something that I’m reminded of

when looking at the diversity, but

also shared experiences of the

nominees whether they be museums,

artist run spaces, regional

galleries, historical societies,

Aboriginal Cultural Centres or

large cultural institutions.

“This year I was really struck

by the quality of the exhibitions

and programs that museums

and galleries are delivering and

how they are continuing to serve

their communities despite the

limitations of their resources, in

particular, the incredible work

by volunteers and staff in smaller

museums, galleries and aboriginal

cultural centres is inspirational.”

Hambledon Cottage Museum is

currently open for guided tours on

weekends from 11am to 3pm.

View the virtual tour at: hambledoncottagemuseum.org.au.

During production of the 360-degree virtual reality tour.

6/9 Salisbury Road

Castle Hill

DRAFT LATE NIGHT TRADING

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN

The draft Late Night Trading Development Control Plan will

assist in the city’s transition to a 24-hour centre by facilitating

a greater mix of things to see, do and explore and meeting the

emerging needs of our communities.

The proposed controls aim to facilitate growth and

diversification of the night-time economy by balancing nighttime

vibrancy and reasonable levels of residential amenity,

encouraging a broad and inclusive mix of uses throughout the

night and ensuring good venue practices to promote safety and

community amenity.

NEW IN CASTLE HILL

We have just arrived at Castle Hill from Parramatta

Come down & say hi to our extremely knowledgeable & professional team

Provide your feedback:

Online: participate.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/

late-night-trading-DCP

Post: PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124

Email: nte@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

(with ‘Draft LNT DCP’ in the subject header)

Consultation closes at 5∶00PM on

Monday 31 January 2022.

Sydney’s best bicycle shop has moved to

Castle Hill from Parramatta

Velocipede is a dynamic bicycle shop in Castle Hill dealing in

bicycles for all genres. Velocipede also offers a state-of-the-art

workshop for all bike repairs & servicing.

PN47142

For more information or a copy of the

documents in another format please call the

Customer Contact Centre on 1300 617 058.

PN47126

9683 2885

info@velocipede.com.au

parra news »

185 Merrylands Rd, Merrylands (02) 9897 1011

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

175

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PN46873

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

« parra news

Allied Health Partnerships

is an Allied Health Company

supporting students with:

• Speech Pathology

• Occupational Therapy

• Music Therapy

• Behaviour Therapy

• Dietetics

• Psychology

We work with over 80 schools across Sydney and have a strong connection with

many families, providing individual, small group and whole class sessions as well as

Do you work in a school

that is looking for

Allied Health Services?

ahpartnerships.com.au

for more information

workshops and professional learning opportunities for teachers.

We know that 2020 and 2021 have been difficult in terms of

educational growth and academic development. To facilitate a

successful start or return to school in January, we are running

programs for children to help kick start their educational

success in 2022!

Our school holiday programs are designed to be fun, engaging and help students develop and

maintain their skills. Below is a list of groups we are running in your area:

47136

• Speech Pathology Assessments

• Occupational Therapy Assessments

• Kindergarten School Readiness groups

• Transition to Secondary School Groups

• Boosted Support for Infants Students

• Boosted Support for High School Students

• Developing Emotional Regulation Groups

• Social Skills Groups

Places are filling fast so please scan the QR code or click the link:

https://forms.office.com/r/0qywkp98ZZ to secure one or multiple sessions

For further information please find us via our website: alliedhealthpartnerships.com.au

WW47136

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Jupiter and Saturn are still transiting

through your sign Aquarius. Which will

give you the confidence and determination

to be the authentic you (and let

other people be themselves too). As anthropologist

(and this week’s birthday

great) Margaret Mead reminds us, “Always

remember that you are absolutely

unique. Just like everyone else.” It’s also

a wonderful weekend to tackle a creative

solo or group project, as the Full Moon

energises your self-expression zone.

HOROSCOPES

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

After a stressful year (and in the frantic

lead-up to Christmas) are you feeling

tired and fragile? The Full Moon stimulates

your domestic zone, so plan to

spend the weekend at home, complete

with yummy food, relaxing music and

your favourite books or TV shows. Follow

the sensible advice of writer (and

birthday great) Jane Austen, “There is

nothing like staying at home for real

comfort.” However, you may have to

do some urgent DIY and fix something

that’s broken.

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The stars boost your restless Aries side.

On Monday, Mars joins the Sun and

Mercury in fellow fire sign Sagittarius,

which revs up your Ram motor. However,

if you are too hasty, you could find

yourself in hot water. So slow down and

pace yourself. The weekend Full Moon is

the perfect time for a brilliant light-bulb

moment. You certainly have the ideas

and passion to get an ambitious project

off the ground. Now all you need is the

patience and persistence to finish it.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Are you stuck in a Taurus rut? With Uranus

stirring up your horoscope, some

overdue changes to your daily routine

will put an extra pep in your step. And

the Full Moon urges you to take a close

look at your personal values. Do you

need to let go of certain people, possessions

or attitudes that have passed their

used-by date? But be careful that your

main form of entertainment isn’t shopping.

Your bank balance (and budget)

won’t appreciate a shop-‘til-you-drop

kind of week.

parra news » Tuesday, December 14, 2021

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

This week’s planetary patterns emphasise

the constant balancing act between

personal needs and relationship

responsibilities. And the buzz words are

companionship and conversation. Be

inspired by this week’s birthday great,

English author Jane Austen, “My idea of

good company is the company of clever,

well-informed people who have a great

deal of conversation.” The weekend Full

Moon (in Gemini) is a wonderful time to

spoil yourself with a special treat!

You’re keen to daydream the hours

away in your cosy Crab cave, as the Full

Moon illuminates your solitude zone.

But – as you retreat into your private

world – make sure you can differentiate

between fact and fantasy, otherwise

you’ll end up in a confusing mess. A joint

venture (or romantic partnership) needs

to pass the Practicality Test. So try to balance

being idealistic with being realistic.

And don’t make serious commitments

unless you’re 100 per cent certain you

can keep them.

When it comes to hopes, wishes, social

networking and your peer group, the

more versatile and flexible you are, the

better the final outcome will be. A realistic

and disciplined daily routine will

also help you to pursue your dreams and

achieve your goals. Do your best to show

extra kindness and compassion towards

a friend or family member who’s going

through a tough time. The things they

are dealing with are more serious and

complex than you previously thought.

Work and home life look lively, as the

Full Moon fires up your career and domestic

zones. The week will be messy

and disorganised (and you might get

distracted and make some frustrating

mistakes) but try to keep things in perspective.

Expect the unexpected, accept

changes with good grace and adapt accordingly!

So your motto for the moment

is from fellow Virgo, entertainer

Beyonce, “If everything was perfect, you

would never learn and you would never

grow.”

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

On Monday, Mars (the planet of confrontation)

moves into your Internet,

education and communication zone. So

you could encounter problems at school

or with online trolls or other argumentative

people on social media. Don’t waste

time worrying or retaliating! As birthday

great Taylor Swift reminds us, “Haters

gonna hate.” Just shake it off and get on

with the business of living a positive Libran

life. The weekend Full Moon highlights

aspirations and exploration.

This week’s Full Moon focuses attention

on the resources you share with

others. Whether it’s income, property,

business or relationships, all joint endeavours

must be closely examined.

And you also need to be circumspect

with personal finances. You’re feeling

impulsive and won’t require much

encouragement to shop up a storm, as

impulsive Mars boosts your pre-festive

spirits and your spontaneous spending

gene. So be careful you don’t blow a big

hole in your Christmas budget.

With the Sun, Mercury and Mars visiting

your sign, it’s time to be proactive

as you shake off the shackles of other

people’s expectations and instead, be

the authentic you. Plus Venus and Pluto

shine a spotlight on self-respect and core

self-esteem, so don’t try to be someone

you’re not. Enjoy being the sassy Sagittarian

you were born to be. Your motto for

the moment is from singer-songwriter

Taylor Swift (who turns 32 on Monday),

“Just be yourself. There is no one better.”

The Full Moon’s activating your wellbeing

zone, so jump off the comfy couch

and get moving! Nutritious meals are

also on the celestial menu, as you take

more interest in your health and more

pride in your appearance. If you have the

confidence to listen to your wise inner

voice, then it will point you in the right

direction. Mercury, Venus and Pluto are

also moving through your sign, as this

power-packed trio boost communication,

creativity and concentration.

Precision

Medicine is a

game-changer

for modern

medicine.

Precision Medicine is revolutionising the way we diagnose and

treat the most pressing health issues of our time. Precision

Medicine means that every person is truly treated as an

individual, with tailored medicine improving health outcomes,

and giving every person the best chance of living as full and

healthy a life as possible. Precision Medicine promises an end

to ‘one size fits all’ diagnostics and treatments.

The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is

pioneering Precision Medicine, however your help is needed

to fund essential medical research. Be part of the revolution

– you don’t have to be a researcher to make a difference. All

philanthropic support helps make a difference in saving lives.

To make a difference, please donate at

www.westmeadinstitute.org.au or

call us on 02 8627 3000 to speak with

the WIMR Foundation team.

46874

We save lives. YOU can too.

« parra news

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

PN47165

BUSINESS

KATINA BEVERIDGE

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

YouTube’s new ‘Search Insights’

feature is already creating waves

YouTube is a marketer’s dream.

With so many potential viewers,

your target audience is bound to

be looking for ‘how to’ videos and other

content. To ensure that your ads reach

your target audience, you’ll need video

SEO and keyword research on your side.

YouTube provides creators with more

information about the queries people are

searching for as well as their estimated

search volume.

Why is keyword research necessary

for YouTube?

It’s simple: video marketing is too

expensive to not be as strategic as possible

with what you create and how you

distribute it.

Your audience will be able to find you

more easily if you conduct keyword

research. And getting them to find you

means more chances for your content to

be shared. Even if it’s a branded video,

76 per cent of users say they’ll share it as

long as it’s entertaining.

Search Insights for YouTube

YouTube introduced a new feature

designed to make keyword research

easier, allowing you to create more

content around topics that people are

interested in. Search Insights is a beta

feature that is being tested within

YouTube Studio.

You can use Search Insights to collect

information about:

• What your target audience is looking

for

• What the average YouTube viewer is

looking for

• Each query’s estimated search volume

• Whether or not there is a “content

gap” for a specific search term.

• Search Insights can help with content

planning because the data shows

what types of videos people want to

watch

This information can aid in the creation

of more relevant content that is tailored

to the interests of your target audience.

How to use Search Insights

Analytics to access Search Insights.

Navigate to the Research section

and look for a tab titled “Your viewers’

searches”. Here you’ll find the most

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