Region. UWS gets funds for capital works

The University of Western Sydney has received $20.4 million in infrastructure funding from the Federal Government, which will enable UWS to carry out new capital works and infrastructure upgrades across its campuses. Specifically, the funding will be used for new or renewal projects to greatly enhance the university's teaching and learning, research and student amenities. UWS will receive the funding on 1 July, 2009. "This funding announcement is wonderful news for UWS, and will make a major difference to our capacity to develop our teaching facilities, laboratories, student learning spaces, and to create a modern study environment for students," said Professor Janice Reid, UWS Vice-Chancellor.

Parramatta. UWS gets funds for justice centre

UWS has allocated $448,000 for a Parramatta Community Justice Centre, in the Parramatta Justice Precinct, where law students will have the opportunity to provide free assistance, under the supervision of practicing solicitors, to people facing legal challenges who cannot afford representation. The funds are part of $7.05 million received from Federal Government's Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund.

Region. UWS gets grants of $7.05 million

The University of Western Sydney has received $7.05 million from the
Federal Government's Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund for innovative
projects, including the establishment of UWS College at the Nirimba campus ( $5.7 million), embedding Indigenous cultural competency and professional capacity skills in all UWS courses ($900,000), and the establishment of the Parramatta Community Justice Centre where law students will free assistance to people facing legal challenges who cannot afford representation ($448,000). The grants place UWS among the top five universities nationally for allocations from the fund.

Region. Cadbury to sell facilities

British-based confectionary giant, Cadbury, has announced that it will put up for sale its $1 billion Australian beverage business, which has a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant, and facilities for other brands, such as Schweppes, Cottee’s and Spring Valley, in Western Sydney. The decision was taken following a review of its Australian business.

Region. Call to involve local government

Clr Alison McLaren, president, of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), has called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Federal Government to embrace and use the capacities of local councils and local communities in the battle to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to control global climate change. “We would like nothing more than to have the opportunity to work with the Federal Government to help solve Australia’s greenhouse gas emission challenge from the bottom up, to complement the top down approach that has already been announced,” she said.