The construction of Sydney’s new airport is creating training and upskilling opportunities for Western Sydney locals with one-third of the workforce learning new skills on one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects.

Western Sydney Airport (WSA) Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said ‘learning’ workers currently account for 30 per cent of the workforce, exceeding the project’s target of 20 per cent.

Learning workers include trainees, graduates, apprentices and workers training to upgrade their qualifications and skills.

“We are focused on setting our workforce up for success, wherever their careers may take them after Western Sydney Airport, which is why we are passionate about upskilling and providing on-the-job training,” Mr Hickey said.

“Our commitment to the region goes further than job creation. We want to ensure Western Sydney International drives generational change by boosting local skills development beyond airport construction and for decades to come.

“Western Sydney Airport is about more than building an airport – it’s about empowering our community to take advantage of the new era of jobs and opportunities the airport will deliver to their doorstep.”

WSA offers several initiatives to provide on-the-job training for locals including traineeships for high school graduates and opportunities for university graduates to kickstart their careers as well as pre-employment programs with TAFE and CSIRO to inspire Western Sydney high school students to take up careers in aviation and STEM.

Quakers Hill local Samantha Salkeld went straight from high school to designing an international airport, joining the airport’s design team under WSA’s trainee program, undertaking full-time work while also achieving a TAFE qualification.

“This is my first job out of high school and I get the opportunity to help design an international airport, using design to show the world what Western Sydney is all about,” Ms Salkeld said.

“It’s an incredible career opportunity and it’ll be amazing come 2026 when the airport opens to say ‘I helped build that’.”

North Parramatta local Alieu Turay is also learning on the job, joining WSA’s major earthworks team in 2020 when he was new to the Australian construction industry, having arrived in Australia as a refugee from Sierra Leone.

Through training programs offered by WSA’s major earthworks contractor CPB Contractors and ACCIONA joint venture, Mr Turay has worked his way from a labourer to driving a roller and is now operating a CAT651 Scraper, one of the largest earthmoving machines on site, as well as completing a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

“As a beneficiary of the opportunities this project is creating for the Western Sydney community, I am proud to be working on one of the biggest earthmoving projects Australia has ever seen and grateful that such an opportunity is right on my doorstep,” Mr Turay said.

“I’m learning skills and gaining qualifications on this project that will open up new career pathways for me in the future.”

Mr Hickey said the airport would create further training opportunities as terminal construction ramps up and once runway construction commences later this year.

Come and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an exclusive party at the Western Sydney International Airport Experience Centre.

Western Sydney Airport has launched its Christmas competition, offering the chance for you and 19 of your friends and family to celebrate Christmas at your own private event on the airport site.

For six winners across six nights, the Experience Centre will host an exclusive event celebrating Christmas with a banquet dinner, Christmas movie of your choice, treats and a very special Christmas visitor.

Western Sydney Airport General Manager Community Engagement and Partnerships Katy Hannouch said it was the perfect way to celebrate the reopening of the Experience Centre.

“It’s been a difficult year for many people, particularly many in our Western Sydney community,” Ms Hannouch said.

“We want to give back to our community and get everyone dreaming of travel again.

“What better way to celebrate the long-awaited festive season than a party with your nearest and dearest at one of Sydney’s most unique venues!”

Visitors to the Experience Centre are taken through a series of interactive stopovers where they can learn more about the airport, its history and the Western Sydney region. The final destination is a viewing platform with floor-to-ceiling glass panels providing a first-class view of the construction of the airport.

“Construction has ramped up significantly since the Experience Centre was last open so there will be lots to see on site, including construction of the passenger terminal,” Ms Hannouch said.

“We’re so pleased to welcome everyone back to the Experience Centre and can’t wait to host our lucky winners.”

To enter, visit https://www.westernsydney.com.au/Christmascompetition and tell us where you dream of travelling for Christmas in 2026 when we welcome our first passengers. Entries close December 8.

The competition runs for six nights in December with a new winner drawn for each night.

Entry to the Experience Centre is free. The Centre is open to the public from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday as well as Saturday. For more information visit https://www.westernsydney.com.au/your-airport/experience-centre

Some of Sydney’s most anticipated property is now on offer with Western Sydney Airport starting the search for a development partner for the first stage of its on-airport business precinct.

Located in prime position at the main entrance of Sydney’s new global gateway, stage one of the Western Sydney International Airport Business Precinct includes 13.25 hectares of airport land that will be highly connected by the M12 Motorway, upgraded major roads and Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the call for expressions of interest represents the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a part of the airport community, located in the heart of Sydney’s booming south-west, close to logistics centers, new infrastructure, housing developments and the developing Aerotropolis.

“Western Sydney International Airport is the catalyst for an incredible transformation across Western Sydney, including billions invested in new infrastructure and the creation of the new Bradfield city centre,” Mr Hickey said.

“This is a chance to get on board from the beginning and to grow with the airport and the region. The business precinct will eventually span around 200-hectares, which is about the size of the Parramatta CBD.

“In a first for Sydney, our business precinct will be linked to 24/7 air operations, opening up a world of opportunities that have never before existed in this city.”

Mr Hickey said early development of the first stage of the business precinct creates the opportunity for the development to support the burgeoning region, potentially including a hotel, retailers, medical facilities and other services needed to support the region’s growth.

With the potential for completion in 2023, the development could bring forward around 600 jobs, boosting employment generated by the airport years before the first plane lands.

“We’re offering a greenfield opportunity to not only be located on the doorstep of this unprecedented transformation, but to partner with us to help shape it and bring a combined vision to life,” he said.

Western Sydney International is on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026. Construction of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport passenger terminal has commenced with runway construction to begin next year.

Expressions of interest close on January 25 2022.

For more information visit westernsydney.com.au/BusinessPrecinct.

In support of their business customers in Sydney’s West, the Commonwealth Bank invite you to attend their upcoming free webinar with demographer Bernard Salt. 

In this compelling presentation, Bernard argues that Western Sydney’s economy will surge in the post-COVID era. While the region will soon have an international airport, there’s much more, too.  

More Sydneysiders working from home – or close to home – will help support local businesses. The rise in demand for supply chain security will drive demand for logistics, warehousing and manufacturing.  

And just as importantly, he believes we’ll also see a cultural shift, in which the people of Western Sydney see themselves as more integral to the greater Sydney region than ever before.

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday 8th December 2021

Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm

Registration: Click here to register. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a link to the webinar.

It’s been a challenging few months in NSW and more so for Western Sydney, with COVID restrictions keeping us separated from our friends and family. While it’s taken its toll on all of us, the impact on people with disability has been significant, especially young adults who rely on a consistent routine.

Sadly since June, 4 out of 5 young adults with disability have reached out for extra support from Northcott because of distress and anxiety. With their regular routines disrupted, many didn’t understand what was happening around them. The need to stay at home meant that many young adults lost their connection to the outside world, and the friends that they relied on.

Most of us will bounce back, but these young adults need extra support.

Northcott’s Giving Day is an opportunity to make a difference, raising vital funds to support these young people to reengage with the outside world and rebuild their confidence.

Will you and your team join in? Funds raised will help Northcott provide the extras that can make all the difference, such as purchasing sensory resources, and making recreational activities more accessible for many.

Your generosity will also provide families in need crisis respite support so they can have a break from caring duties, while knowing that their loved ones are well looked after.

Thanks to our Matching Hero’s, every dollar donated until 30 November will be doubled, so your gift will go even further.

Let’s see what YOU can do to make wellbeing a priority and bring back joy and serious fun to young people with disability.

Be part of something special today. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Donate and create a team here

2. Engage your staff, supporters and networks

3. Amplify your support by social

Visit: https://donate.northcott.com.au/event/giving-day/home

Share: Click to download shareable assets tag @Northcott and hashtag #youthinclusion #givingday #donatetoday #makeadifference #disabilityservices

It is time to celebrate the tough year that was, but in a safe way!

Aerus Pure & Clean can help by:

• Killing up to 99.96% of airborne SARS-CoV-2
• Significantly reducing a wide range of contaminants and pathogens
• Reducing mould, bacteria and fungi
• Freshening the air and removing odours
• Reducing allergens and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Improving the cleanliness of surfaces and air
• Mitigating respiratory problems
• Aerus Pure & Clean is fully portable, allowing you to clean and sanitise any room you wish.

Help protect your staff and loved ones, and against SARS-CoV-2 by installing our revolutionary air purifier!

As seen on 7News, the Aerus Pure & Clean system helps win the battle against COVID by killing up to 99.96% of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in three minutes. The UVC technology also helps to kill virus particles on surfaces within 7 hours.

J&J Metro Air Conditioning have secured exclusive rights to supply the Aerus Pure & Clean System in Australia and they are currently taking orders for the third batch of units to land in Australia. Stocks are very limited, and demand is high, so enquire today!

Click here to see how it works and for more information.

By Diana Tapp, CEO of World Class Teams

Over the last 20 months, leadership has been stress-tested like never before. According to research by Korn Ferry, RESILIENCE has proven to be one of the three key characteristics of all strong and successful leaders.

The problem with resilience is defining what it really is. We often think of resilience as ‘never giving up’, but in reality, the leader who never gives up might actually just be stubborn!

If you keep trying by doing the same thing repeatedly and not getting the results you want, you might be demonstrating stubbornness rather than resilience. This dogged determination and insistence on sticking to the same path or KPI may indicate stubbornness and insanity rather than resilience and learning. Remember the well-known definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result!

We are quick to criticise others for doing this. Yet, if you stop to reflect on your own behaviours, you will probably find times when your determination to stick to the goal/outcome, despite you and your team getting no closer after many attempts … borders on the same insanity you are critical of in others.

Bamboo Versus Oak

Great leaders are resilient and flexible, rather than stubborn and rigid. They are like bamboo rather than like an oak tree. Bamboo can bend and flex in the wind. The oak tree is rigid and tries to withstand the wind.

In a predictable environment, the oak tree represents stability and wisdom. An old oak tree often stands out like a majestic beacon, a symbol of constancy and longevity. But in rapidly changing environments, it struggles to thrive, even to survive. In severe storms, the oak tree is at risk of cracking and breaking or even being wholly uprooted.

On the other hand, fast-growing and flexible bamboo weathers the storm. It bends to survive and then rapidly expands its root system and sends up new shoots to thrive.

Flexibility is Critical

Resilience must be coupled with flexibility and learning. Your mantra as a leader must be ‘Don’t give up, but learn from each attempt, and adapt quickly’.

This means being an agile learner, super-charging the efforts you’ve already taken by looking for the best next step, rather than simply repeating the same steps. You must look for different angles and paths to achieve the desired results rather than be fixated on a single pre-determined pathway.

Resilient leaders can enable their organisations to build this ‘bamboo resilience’ by investing in their people and capabilities. Such leaders encourage and coach their staff to think and act flexibly and with confidence.

Conclusion

Think about yourself and the other leaders in your business today. Are you like bamboo, resilient and flexible or like the oak tree, stubborn and rigid?

And the real challenge comes with the following question ‘And so what?’ What will you change? What will you try to do to become more ‘bamboo resilient’?

Do you want World Class Leaders in Your Business?

Enquire about World Class Teams’ nationally accredited BSB50420 – Diploma of Leadership and Management program.

Want to Know More About the Diploma?

• Delivered by Diana Tapp from World Class Teams
• Download your free Diploma course guide here
• Click here to submit your Expression of Interest, or
• Contact World Class Teams on 1300 085 248 or info@worldclassteams.com.au

Parra Leagues are proud to unveil the latest dining destination located in the heart of Parramatta.

Boasting panoramic views of Parramatta Park and the iconic CommBank Stadium, Jacks Bar & Grill has been created to cater to the young, vibrant and revitalised community of Parramatta and surrounding suburbs.

The concept was born out of the need to create more spaces for the local community to socialise, dine and enjoy themselves, and to help stimulate the night-time economy of Parramatta.

Situated on level 3 of the Leagues Club, alongside Jacks Brewery and Kicks Tenpin Bowling & Arcade, the area is positioned to become a go-to venue for the young and young at heart. Officially opening on Friday, 10 December, just in time for summer.

Bookings are now available via the Parra Leagues website.

Australia’s new gateway to the world is on its way, with the official start of construction for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s passenger terminal.

Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the terminal is being designed with the customer at its heart - with international and domestic services under one roof to deliver a seamless experience for airlines and passengers, whether they be leisure flyers, business travellers or families.

“This will be Australia’s best airport terminal, with world-leading technology, innovative design and excellent customer service coming together to set a new benchmark for what Australians will expect when they fly,” Mr Hickey said.

“At Western Sydney International, we’ll get passengers on their way sooner, whether that’s getting to your meeting on time or arriving home to loved ones.”

Mr Hickey said every element of the airport is being designed to deliver the most seamless and reliable experience possible for customers, from the design of the gates to the cutting-edge baggage handling system.

“We’re aiming to make the anxious wait around the baggage carousel a thing of the past,” Mr Hickey said.

“Our baggage system will give passengers the option to track their bags via an app so they know exactly when they will arrive.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build an airport from the ground up with consideration not only for emerging technologies, such as air taxis, but also technology that has yet to be imagined.”

Mr Hickey said construction of the terminal alone is expected to create more than 1,400 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs through flow-on benefits to suppliers and the local economy.

“This project will be a game-changer for Western Sydney locals who want to work closer to home and have more time to spend with their families, not just in the construction phase but for many decades to come,” he said.

The terminal will be a destination in its own right – with specialty retail, restaurants and cafes, as well as an outdoor plaza that can host events like local food festivals, markets and community celebrations.

Sustainability is a key consideration, with the terminal designed to bring in natural light and reduce carbon emissions.

The terminal roof will be productive, generating solar electricity and harvesting rainwater. Sustainable and recycled materials will be used throughout the terminal, including the structure, finishes and furniture.

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 Aboriginal culture.

The terminal plaza will have a station on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line and will be connected to Sydney’s motorway network via the new toll-free M12 Motorway.

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

Children’s Medical Research Institute scientist, Dr Pengyi Yang has won the prestigious Metcalf Prize for Stem Cell Research for his vision of using precise computational methods to advance regenerative medicine.

Dr Yang is Head of the Computational Systems Biology Group at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Westmead, and Head of the Computational Trans-Regulatory Biology Group at the Charles Perkins Centre and Senior Lecturer at the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney.

On November 15 the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia announced Dr Pengyi Yang as one of two awardees nationwide of the 2021 Metcalf Prize for Stem Cell Research. The prize, given in honour of renowned stem cell researcher, Emeritus Professor Donald Metcalf AC FRS FAA, who died in December 2014, supports the foundation’s mission to promote the study and use of stem cells in the prevention or control of disease in human beings and to enhance stem cell public education.

Dr Yang’s work uses computational and statistical methods to better understand biological systems and disease. He and his team work closely with many CMRI research groups, and the highly competitive Metcalf Prize recognises his outstanding contributions to the field of stem cell research.

“Today’s stem cell treatments have been the product of trial and error,’’ Dr Yang said. “My virtual stem cell will allow us to understand what’s happening inside a single stem cell that makes it decide what type of cell it will become, be it hair, skin, muscle, nerve, blood or other.

“I am extremely grateful to the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia for this recognition of the work of my team through the award of the Metcalf Prize,’’ Dr Yang said. “This is a significant honour that will fuel my research on stem cell systems biology and will further our multidisciplinary programs combining computational biology with stem cell research.’’

Stem cells are unspecialised cells that have the potential to develop into any type of (specialised) cell found in the body. Stem cells help scientists to understand how an organism, e.g., human beings (made up of many different types of cells), develops from a single cell. Stem cells can be used as a source to generate healthy cells for specific tissues and organs to replace those cells that are not working correctly.

Stem cell research has led to the situation where today, stem cells can be generated from a person or patient’s skin or blood cells and be used to grow organoids (mini organs) in the laboratory – e.g., eye (retinal) organoids or brain organoids and those from other tissues – to determine what causes serious genetic and other diseases and to test novel treatments such as new drugs or gene therapies.

Dr Yang envisages a future where “stem cell-derived cells can be used to replace any cell that has been compromised by disease, injury, or ageing”.

“Achieving this vision requires disruptive technologies, innovative methodologies, and new knowledge for mapping, modelling, predicting, and modulating molecular networks,’’ Dr Yang said.

“My lab is developing computational methods and tools that can integrate and interpret these novel data types offer a unique opportunity to accomplish ground-breaking discoveries in stem cell research.”

“We hope this work will underpin Australia’s leadership on stem cell systems biology research and the advancement of stem cell medicine. This is a critical first step to achieve the goal of harnessing the functional attributes of stem cells for precision cellular therapy.’’

The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia supports scientists who are improving our understanding of disease and developing treatments for conditions including leukaemia and other cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, inherited eye diseases and more.