Region. UWS up for awards

The University of Western Sydney has been short-listed as finalists for two categories in Australia's premier human resources and people management organisation, Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) National Awards 2009. UWS has been nominated for the John Boudreau Award for Human Capital Management and the Pru Goward Award for Diversity Management. The winners of the AHRI National Awards will be announced at a dinner being held in Melbourne on 11 November 2009.

Region. Lobby groups oppose government

Two council lobby groups want to see the implementation of public transport plans free of government influence. The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils says transport planning has been "captured" by the NSW Treasury department and the Roads and Traffic Authority, while the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils says Sydney needs a transport plan that is ''independently governed'' so governments cannot use public transport to reward electorates that support them in elections.

Penrith. DA for $48 million upgrade

AMP Capital has lodged a DA with Penrith City Council for a $8 million upgrade of its shopping centre, at Glenmore Park, which includes a Big W, on the undeveloped land adjacent to the car park, a walkway lined by specialty shops and underground car parking.