Commuters travelling through North Ryde will have an easier journey, following the completion of a $15 million widening and upgrade of Delhi Road between the Hills M2 and Lane Cove National Park.

Landcom Chief Executive Officer John Brogden said the new 950 metre-long eastbound lane was funded and managed by Landcom on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services.

It is part of a $17 million commitment to provide traffic upgrades in the area to support the 5,000 new residents who will eventually live in Landcom’s new Lachlan’s Line development.

“Landcom strives to create sustainable developments that include vital infrastructure, and the Lachlan’s Line project is a good example with this road widening and the future Lachlan’s Line pedestrian and cycle bridge,” Mr Brogden said.

“These projects will make it easier for Lachlan’s Line residents, visitors and Sydney commuters to travel to and from the Macquarie Park precinct on road, foot and bicycle.”

The widening project also included putting existing overhead electrical and telecommunication lines underground, repositioning bus stops, traffic signal upgrades, and new footpaths.

Landscaping was also undertaken, including bush regeneration in Lane Cove National Park.

Mr Brogden said the road widening added to improvement works already undertaken by Landcom, following the upgrade of the intersection of Wicks Road and Waterloo Road with new traffic lights, drainage, footpaths and landscaping in 2014.

“Work will soon start on the Lachlan’s Line pedestrian and cycle bridge, a $40 million project that will be a landmark in North Ryde,” Mr Brogden said.

“The bridge will provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel between Lachlan’s Line, the North Ryde Railway Station and jobs in Macquarie Park.

“'Subject to approvals, work on the bridge is expected to start later this year and finish in 2019.”

The Delhi Road upgrade has been completed ahead of bus services replacing trains as part of Transport for NSW’s temporary closure of the Epping to Chatswood rail line.

The road works were undertaken by Ward Civil and Environmental Engineering at Macquarie Park.

Landcom would like to thank road users, affected businesses and the local community for their patience and cooperation during construction.

Lachlan’s Line is a master planned community being delivered by Landcom at the northern end of the North Ryde Station Precinct.

Announced by the NSW Government in September 2013, the project will deliver 2,700 homes and includes infrastructure upgrades, public domain works, open space and a pedestrian bridge connecting to North Ryde Train Station.

Champions of education and training in Australia have long signalled the virtues of lifelong learning as a means to navigate increasingly complex career structures and to enrich lives. To ensure that our longer lives are better lives, we will need to engage much more frequently in education and training as we get older, continuously updating and refreshing our education and skills not only to enable us to keep up with the accelerating pace of change across the industries in which we work, but also to revive and inspire us to make transitions in every stage of life.

A fantastic example in Western Sydney is the forthcoming Aerotropolis, which will be home to a world-class higher education institution specialising in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Four of NSW’s leading universities, including Western Sydney University are collaborating on this project to ensure young people in Western Sydney are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

As Australia's current working population begins to truly understand the impact of macro trends – globalisation, longevity, technology transformation – on their immediate futures, we wondered how this would impact their attitudes towards further study, and their expectations of tertiary education providers.

To begin to address this information gap, Deloitte commissioned a survey to gather information about current Australian workers attitudes towards lifelong learning, and the needs and preferences of those who are interested in study.

What we uncovered is a story of positivity and possibility.

Download the report

The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research is at the forefront of many medical breakthroughs and clinical discoveries. The Institute’s world-class medical research is rooted and driven by the health needs of the local, South Western Sydney community.

In partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District (which includes Bankstown, Bowral, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Liverpool Hospitals), UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University, the Ingham Institute is committed to finding better ways to improve health and transform the treatment and care of people living with common medical conditions and disease.

The Institute’s 350 dedicated researchers are focused on exploring new medical approaches across Cancer, Clinical Science (Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infectious and inflammatory diseases), Injury and Rehabilitation, Population and Health Services, and Mental Health research. The Institute is also currently coordinating over 300 clinical trials across South West Sydney.

The Institute’s medical research programs have a translational focus, which means results from the laboratory are transformed into direct health benefits in the form of new treatments and standards of care for local, national and international communities.

Based in Liverpool, the Institute’s research precinct includes many world and Australian-first technologies and research capabilities including:

- The Australian MRI- Linac is an Australian-first technology project that redefines radiation treatment for cancer. Only one of four worldwide, this next-generation cancer therapy equipment combines an MRI with a Linear Accelerator that will allow Doctors to ‘see’ and directly target cancer tumours in the body.

- Australia's only Electron Microscopy Facility uses 3D electron microscope and Carl Zeiss LSM 800 super-resolution laser scanning microscope to visualise and understand human disease.

- The CONCERT Biobank collects cancer tissue and blood samples to research the genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors linked to cancer.

- NSW's first Circulating Tumour Cell research centre has specialised cancer scanning technology that measures single cancer cells in small blood samples to identify why some cancer cells spread and provides doctors with an early warning system that allows them to start immediate treatment to stop further growth and spread of cancer.

As a charitable organisation, the Institute welcomes public donations and bequests to enable the researchers to continue their vital work. The Institute was founded by one of Australia’s most respected philanthropists, Mr Bob Ingham AO and is further supported by Lady (Mary) Fairfax AC, OBE.

100% of funds raised for the Institute go towards supporting medical research.

If you would like to meet with our researchers and experience world-class medical research here in South Western Sydney, contact our events team on events@inghaminstitute.org.au or 02 8738 9000.

Associate Professor Gary Liney with the MRI-Linac (background), next-generation cancer therapy equipment, and a sphere of water that was used to capture the first image.

Local scientists, Dr Tzipi Cohen-Hyams and A/Prof Murray Killingsworth, in Australia's only Electron Microscopy Facility, dedicated to cancer research.

Liverpool Hospital Medical Oncologist and Scientist, Dr Pei Ding, using NSW’s only Single Cell Selector equipment to research the growing number of young, non-smoking women diagnosed with lung cancer.

Tina Holmes (right) Lecturer at Ingham Institute/UNSW’s Skills and Simulation Centre in Liverpool, demonstrating the Anatomage table to a medical student. The Anatomage table is the world’s first virtual, dissection table.

Dr Nicole Caixeiro manages the CONCERT Biobank - a cancer blood and tissue collection facility focused on the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Experience the races in style in the bespoke Sales Arena at The William Inglis Hotel.

Enjoy the races live on multiple screens while feasting on the delicious buffet with a glass of champagne in your hand. Take advantage of the onsite TAB machines to place your winning bet.

Listen carefully to MC Joe Dimento throughout the day who will be keeping you entertained with a variety of competitions.

Ensure you debut your best outfit for the occasion and enter the fashions on the field contest to win one of the amazing prices including Antler suitcases, Moet Chandon and many more.

Click here for more information. 

Level 3 has been completely overhauled to offer Kicks Tenpin & Arcade, a new entertainment venue, Pablo’s Cantina y Cerveza, a Latin American restaurant, and Jack’s Brewery where they now brew their own beer.

The iconic Kicks nightclub, which operated at the Club between 1989 until 1998, continues to live on in the name of the new Kicks Tenpin & Arcade. The new facility offers a state-of-the-art, seven lane tenpin bowling alley and the latest arcade games. Kicks is home to the only XD Dark Ride in Western Sydney – a 3D motion simulated group shooter experience that takes its players along for an unforgettable ride.

Incorporating a delicious blend of vibrant decor, colourful share plates and sumptuous Latin American flavours, Parra Leagues’ newest restaurant Pablo’s Cantina y Cerveza is adding a touch of spice to the Club’s revamped hospitality offering.

Club CEO Bevan Paul identified a gap in the range of food offerings available in the local area. With its influences originating from Mexico all the way to Uruguay, Pablo’s delivers authentic cultural dining that many Sydneysiders have travelled half way around the world to experience. And now it’s available in our backyard at Pablo’s!

The tapas dishes at Pablo’s pay homage to the Latin American style of consumption, where sharing food is a ritualistic rite of social engagement. While passing around empanadas, wild boar tacos and crispy pork belly, a lively atmosphere is enjoyed over delicious plates. Pablo’s mains and churrasco offer unique insight into Argentinian and Brazilian cooking methods. The tender cuts are cooked on a parilla - an open flame charcoal grill where the meat cuts rotated on skewers to preserve the flavour.

Parra Leagues has also established a dedicated full-mash brewery, Jacks, serving craft beer brewed in-house. The venue’s name was dedicated to the two influential Jacks — Jack Boyle, the man who secured the Club’s foundations in 1956, and Jack Argent, the man who built the original clubhouse which opened on August 22, 1959.

The full suite of Level 3 renovations – along with upgrades to The Bistro, Sterlo’s Sports Bar, K’s Noodle Bar, the Club’s car park and reception – were showcased to Members and the public during the Club’s Grand Re-Opening Weekend on August 18-19.

Club Food and Beverage Manager Karen Olic, expressed her excitement about the Club’s evolution,

“Our team have come together and produced an amazing result. We are really proud to show the community what we have to offer in the heart of Parramatta. We are able to cater and meet the needs and requirements of functions from small intimate parties to corporate events.”

Exclusive WSBC Member offer: Book in your Christmas function in Kicks Tenpin & Arcade and/or Pablo’s Cantina y Cerveza by 31 October and you will get a $50 Pablo’s voucher for your next visit! Booking must be for 10 or more people, Monday to Thursday in 2018. Call our Functions team on 02 8833 0738 and mention this offer.  

*T&C’s

• Booking needs to be for a table of 10 or more Monday to Thursday in 2018 in Kicks Tenpin & Arcade & Pablo’s Cantina y Cerveza only.
• Booking must be made by 5pm 31 October 2018 by calling 02 8833 0738 and mentioning this offer. Note: changing the date or time of the booking after 31 October 2018 will result in the voucher being forfeited.
• Minimum spend of $15pp ($150+ per group) is required.
• Offer is open to Members, guests and visitors of Parramatta Leagues Club and subject to availability.
• 1 x $50 voucher available per valid booking.
• Voucher is valid for 3 months from the date of group attending the Club.
• $50 Pablo’s voucher can only be claimed at the end of the booked visit.
• The group booking bill can be paid for by any method: Bonus Points, F&B Points, Cash/Eftpos. Normal Membership discount applies if valid Membership card is present for payment.
• Offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
• Offer not available online.

Northcott’s Cricket Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday 8 November 2018 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6pm.

Northcott’s Recreation Service creates fun and social opportunities for children and adults with disability. Proceeds raised at the Cricket Gala Dinner will help fund this important service.

Watch this video to see the fun Northcott create and the opportunities your support helps them to offer!

Proudly supported by charity partner Cricket NSW, Northcott’s annual cricket event is now in it’s 23rd year, a remarkable achievement that would not have been possible without their wonderful supporters!

Please contact Annette Sneyd on 02 9890 0131 or annette.sneyd@northcott.com.au for more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

Click here to purchase your ticket!

From 1 October 2018, a number of amendments to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) will come into effect that significantly impact existing ‘chain of responsibility’ (CoR) duties and the overall regulatory framework.

These amendments are relevant to all parties in the CoR, which includes businesses that operate heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes and businesses that consign, pack, load or receive goods by these heavy vehicles.

For this reason, any business that plays a role in the CoR should carefully consider these amendments, what impact they may have, and take steps to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework by 1 October 2018.

What is the HVNL?

The HVNL regulates drivers and off-road parties who influence the supply and logistics chain – this regulation is commonly referred to as the ‘chain of responsibility’.

The HVNL provides a single national law for the consistent regulation of heavy vehicle operations across most of Australia. All Australian states and territories, except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, are participating jurisdictions for the purposes of the HVNL and have adopted the HVNL as a law.

What are the amendments to the HVNL?

Broadly speaking, there are four key amendments to the HVNL which are expected to commence on 1 October 2018:

1. Primary duty - The amendments will impose a primary duty, similar to work health and safety, on a party to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of a party’s transport activities. Without limiting this general requirement, each party in the CoR must, so far as is reasonably practicable:

      a. eliminate public risks and, to the extent it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate public risks, minimise the public risks; and

      b. ensure the party’s conduct does not directly or indirectly cause or encourage:

            i. the driver of the heavy vehicle to contravene the HVNL; or

            ii. the driver of the heavy vehicle to exceed a speed limit applying to the driver; or

            iii. another person, including another party in the CoR, to contravene the HVNL.

2. Shared responsibility - The safety of transport activities is an issue ‘shared’ between each party in the chain. The parties in the supply chain include:

       a. an employer of the driver;

       b. a prime contractor for the driver;

       c. an operator of the vehicle;

       d. a scheduler for the vehicle;

       e. a consignor or consignee;

       f. a packer of any goods in the vehicle;

       g. a loading manager for any goods in the vehicle; and

       h. a loader or unloader of any goods in the vehicle.

Any prosecution will consider the actions of each party in the supply chain.

3. Due diligence requirements for executives - Executives of entities that have a safety duty (being entities that have, among other duties, a primary duty under the HVNL) must take steps to ensure that the entity complies with that safety duty.

4. Specific prohibitions - The amendments introduce a number of specific prohibitions on asking, directing or requiring a party in the CoR to do something that the person knows, or ought reasonably to know, would have the effect of causing a driver to exceed a speed limit, or drive while fatigued or in breach of a work/rest hours requirement. A similar offence also exists that applies to contracts that would have the same effect i.e. contractually ‘compelling’ an offence.

Why is this important?

The amendments to the HVNL represent a significant shift in regulatory focus.

By way of example, under the current regime a party can raise the ‘reasonable steps’ defence if charged with an offence under the HVNL. The new regime removes the ‘reasonable steps’ defence and replaces it with a positive duty on each CoR party to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the party’s transport activities relating to the vehicle.

Further, the maximum penalty for breaches of the HVNL is being significantly increased to $3 million for a corporation and $300,000 or 5 years imprisonment (or both) for an individual.

What should you do?

To prepare for the upcoming changes, you should:

1. Be aware of your obligations under the new regulatory framework and ensure that the right stakeholders (including contractors) are compliant with their new HVNL duties on, or ideally before, 1 October 2018.

2. Consider how these amendments impact existing procurement/contracting practice. In particular, does your organisation have sufficient controls in place to monitor and ensure that contractors will comply with its HVNL obligations? Further, does your organisation’s current audit and risk controls sufficiently address the new HVNL duties (particularly given the wide scope of the primary duty)?

3. Conduct due diligence on your commercial arrangements to ensure counterparties are required to ensure compliance with HVNL and that commercial agreements are compliant with the HVNL overall. For example, organisations cannot simply subcontract their obligations under the HVNL. In addition, organisations should carefully consider any existing contractual terms, or proposed contractual terms, to ensure that they are not captured by the specific prohibitions on ‘compelling’ a contravention of the HVNL.

4. If you are an executive, consider how you will comply with your due diligence obligations and whether your compliance with your due diligence obligations is best addressed as part of existing due diligence processes that may apply under other regulatory regimes (such as work health and safety).

If you have any questions relating to this article, please contact the authors: Jacqui Barrett, Partner- Commercial and Corporate; Aaron Dearden, Partner - Employment; or Stephanie Gribbon, Lawyer on +61 2 8267 3800.

Western Sydney’s biggest annual food festival, Parramatta Lanes, is returning 5pm til late from Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 October with a bigger and better program than ever before. The popular event is returning for its seventh year with a smorgasbord of curated eats, chilled beats and art installations throughout the City’s CBD.

Following the record-breaking attendance of more than 100,000 visitors in 2017, this year’s event has grown to include an incredible 14 lanes, more than 45 food stalls and six bars. With so much on offer, there is something to suit every taste.

The perfect after work experience with your colleagues, clients or staff. To see the full program visit the Parramatta Lanes website.

In today’s digital world, is it still important to focus on and invest in search engine optimisation to drive your business website up to the top of Google rankings?

Absolutely - SEO is still the best way to grow a serious business online.

Google it

In the business of digital marketing we have to ask ourselves if websites are going to go away or if Google is going to disappear.

The phenomenal potential for a service that could find and organise the world’s data was clear from the start… And that’s still the same today. Google is still the go-to search engine with the widest reach globally.

When we look at the landscape of our business, we can’t see a change to that any time soon.

Websites are still here. And Google moves with the times - they listen to customer feedback and adapt and innovate. So what makes sense is to focus your efforts on optimising your website content and coding. That’s how you will grow your business.

Your website - your control

You own your website and all the content on it. No one can advertise around it. No one can comment on it unless you let them.

But social media platforms can be a risk to your business - they are rented space and you are at your landlord’s mercy. Those platforms will come and go and you will never have any control over your content on them.

Facebook can even take your business page down without warning... if you were relying on it for your digital marketing, you could find yourself instantly invisible to your prospects.

But your website is your permanent information hub. It is the gateway to your business for the majority of your prospects. You can keep it up to date and fresh. You will have worked hard to optimise the content. It’s your brand, it’s your domain. You can manage it in any way you choose.

The best traffic

Google Analytics is a fantastic, freely available tool that shows you exactly how your website is performing and where and when the traffic is coming from.

The very best traffic is from Google organic search - the free search engine listings on Google. This is the traffic that converts to leads and sales. This is because this type of prospect arrives at your website with a positive mindset, delivered by a lofty position at the top of Google’s rankings.

And the great thing is that once you’ve built your platform full of great content that draws Google search in, the traffic is free. And it just keeps on growing.

Businesses that have been clients of Brilliant Digital for 10 years get ridiculously good volumes of free, trusted traffic from Google that goes to their website and sees their brand. And a percentage of those people convert to leads and sales. That is priceless.

Learn more about SEO here.

How do you change behaviours in a small workplace? 

Providing a 'fair go' is part of Australia's cultural DNA, but it is also good for business – if you acknowledge the growing body of evidence from high-profile consulting firms like McKinsey and Deloitte.

The consensus from these groups is that companies who demonstrate inclusion through racial, ethnic and gender diversity, to name a few, perform better. But while the commercial benefits of a diverse workforce have been proven for large organisations (who can dedicate sizeable budgets to diversity and inclusion programs), are the same benefits true for small businesses with a handful of staff?

Click here to read the full article.

Macquarie has been providing Business Banking solutions for over 30 years and provides SME clients with tools and strategies to grow and develop their business. You can get regular updates by subscribing to the monthly newsletter, Strictly Business by visiting macquarie.com.au/businessbanking. If you would like to find out more about how Macquarie can support you to take your business further, call Aisling Osborne or Melissa Chung at our Parramatta office on 0410 310 716 and be connected with one of our banking specialists.

This information has been prepared by Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 237502 (“Macquarie”) for general information purposes only. This information does not constitute advice. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. No member of Macquarie accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential or other loss arising from any use of this information.