Bollwood film festival in Parramatta

Parramatta City Council is exploring, in partnership with the United Indian Associations, the possibility of staging a Bollywood-style film festival in Parramatta and has applied to Events NSW for State Government support. A decision is expected within the next month, Lord Mayor, Paul Barber, said. Council has contributed $5000 towards the India Australia Friendship Fair, at Sydney Olympic Park. Council also supports the Sydney Arab Film Festival, in Parramatta.

Ryde expo moves to more central location

Building on the inaugural 2007 event, this year’s Ryde Business & Technology Expo will move to a more central location and be expanded to include a technology focus. All areas of business encouraged to exhibit and first time exhibitors will be given extra assistance. The expo will be held the Stamford Grand, at North Ryde, on August 6. Stall bookings close on July 18. Contact Expo Edge on 8850 5533.

More energy for The Hills

Integral Energy’s $48 million investment in a new zone substation and cabling to help meet future energy needs of business residents is expected to be completed by 2010. The two-year project would involve the construction of a contemporary control building that will house switchgear and other equipment, and the installation of two transformers. “The Castle Hill area is experiencing strong residential and commercial growth so it’s vital that we plan ahead to ensure our electricity network can keep pace with that growth,” the Minister for Energy, Ian Macdonald, said.

Business survey in The Hills

The Hills Shire Council (formerly the Baulkham Hills Shire Council) has joined with the Sydney Hills and Dural/Round Corner chambers of commerce to survey more than 15,000 local businesses to streamline future development and employment opportunities. Mayor Sonya Phillips said the survey would produce a better understanding of the local business climate and would build capacity by connecting local businesses with programs, resources and information to aid future planning, skill development and expansion oppourtinities.“Our business community is the lifeblood of our future prosperity, and with our population set to increase by 43 per cent by 2031, we must do all we can to identify local concerns and remove barriers to growth.