Parra News March 14 2023

LOCAL NEWS
Volcano’s set for major facelift Call to address work shortages
ELLIE BUSBY
An artist’s impression of the proposed new look for Volcano’s Steakhouse.
Image: Faculty Design.
ELLIE BUSBY
Popular Parramatta restaurant Volcano’s
Steakhouse is set for a major
facelift, with new additions on its
way.
Known for its fresh flavours and quality
dishes, Volcano’s Steakhouse has recently
lodged plans with the City of Parramatta for
a whole new look.
If the Development Application (DA) is
approved, the steakhouse would receive a
new fit out of the existing seating area and
minor cosmetic changes to the façade of the
restaurant. The changes would see a slight
decrease in seats from 90 to 84.
The new look has been designed by Faculty
Design, a team of designers who specialise
in retail and hospitality. The Statement of
Environmental Effects said the proposed
upgrades have been designed in a way that
complements the location and will not create
an eye sore to the surrounding area.
Located at 311 Church Street, Volcano’s
Steakhouse Parramatta is locally owned
and operated. Its menu is full of classic
steakhouse favourites, from T-bone to
porterhouse. Visitors to the restaurant are
also able to enjoy ordering from a range of
burgers, ribs, salads and chicken dishes.
The DA comes after businesses along
Parramatta’s Church Street were heavily
impacted by COVID, as well as by the
construction of the Light Rail, with many
reporting a decrease among their patronage.
Business NSW, the peak policy and
advocacy body that represents NSW
businesses, is calling on the State
and Federal Government to improve international
students’ work hours.
In January 2022, student work visa restrictions
were completely removed to allow
primary and secondary student visa holders
to work over their normal limit of 40 hours
per fortnight, in an effort to address workforce
shortages.
As of July 1 these restrictions will return
for student visa holders, but capped at the
increased rate of 48 hours per week.
A further change means selected new and
existing international graduate visa holders
will also now be eligible to work for four years
post-graduation, an increase from two years.
Although Business NSW welcomes these
changes, CEO Dan Hunter said more still
needs to be done to address workforce shortages.
“With a record number of job vacancies
in NSW, nine in 10 businesses are unable to
recruit staff they need to keep their doors
open,” Hunter said.
“We’ve all heard about businesses being
forced to close early, reduce their trading
days or shut their doors completely because
they don’t have enough staff.
“With businesses already juggling interest
rate rises, ballooning energy costs and supply
chain problems, labour shortage relief would
be more than welcome.”
As part of its ‘We Mean Business’ election
campaign, Business NSW is now urging
the State and Federal Government to work
Business NSW CEO Dan Hunter said more
needs to be done to fix the worker shortage.
together to expand the NSW Skilled Visa
Nomination program from 15,000 to at least
30,000 places.
“Businesses need to be able to operate
without being handcuffed by a people and
skills shortage,” Hunter said.
The ‘We Mean Business’ policy platform
represents the collective views of businesses,
representing industries, sectors and economies
right across the state of NSW.
12 parra news » Tuesday, March 14, 2023