Regional winners of reporting awards

Five Western Sydney organisations and local government authorities were recognised in the annual Australasian Reporting Awards. The awards were established in 1950 to improve the standards of financial and business reporting. Silver medal recipients were, Heritage Council of NSW, in Parramatta, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, in North Rocks, and Sydney Catchment Authority, in Penrith. Bronze medal recipients were Baulkham Hills Shire Council, in Castle Hill, and Catholic Healthcare Limited, in Epping.

BlueScope opens a $150 million service centre

The new $150 million BlueScope Steel Western Sydney Service Centre, in the Erskine Park Business Park, incorporates technology that reduces energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. It is expected to produce 120,000 tonnes of Colorbond annually. The centre would employ 80 permanent staff, most of whom live locally.

Singapore bidder for Dairy Farmers

Singapore-based trading company, Olam International, has officially confirmed its interest in purchasing assets of Dairy Farmers, headquartred at Sydney Olympic Park, which are up for auction and valued at $900 million. The company joins the National Foods/Warrnambool Cheese & Butter joint bid, New Zealand-based Fontana, and the joint venture between Parmalat and Victorian co-operative, Murray Goulburn. Canadian-based, Saputo, has stepped up due diligence. A sale needs approval from the Dairy Farmers co-operative’s 2000 farmer shareholders. Final bids are due next month.