Parramatta. Former GM has a new position

John Neish, a former general manager, of Parramatta City Council, has been appointed general manager, of the Ryde City Council, effective from January 4 and for a five-year term. Upon leaving Parramatta City Council, Mr Neish took up the position of executive director, of the National Trust of Australia (NSW). “Mr Neish has had a long career across local government, as well as the private and not for profit sectors, that equip him well for this important leadership role,” the Mayor or Ryde, Michael Butterworth.

Warrick Farm. Sunnybrook hotel on the market

Expressions of interest have called for the Sunnybrook Hotel & Convention Centre, near the Warrick Farm Racecourse, for a long-term lease, freehold sale or joint venture. Promoted ass a “landmark destination hotel and gaming venue”, the property includes a fully licensed, 140-room, four-star hotel – with or without operator – a 450-seat function centre, a 500-seat Chinese restaurant, an outdoor gaming lounge, sports bar and TAB. The property sits on an eight-acre site with onsite parking for 400 plus cars. EOI close, with CBRE Hotels, on December 16.

Fairfield. Final days for farm

Fairfield City Farm will cease trading from Christmas day, despite a flood of community support. The council has washed its hands of the impending closure, stating, “questions regarding expressions of interest for the farm should be directed to the Western Sydney Parklands Trust”. Applications for tenders closed a month ago but the trust is yet to make a decision on the future of the farm as a business, according to the Fairfield City Champion.

Region. UWS wants more beds

The University of Western Sydney, with 1500 beds, along with Macquarie, Sydney, NSW and the University of Technology, Sydney, is negotiating with the Premier, Nathan Rees, to relax planning laws and free up Crown land to help build housing for an extra 15,000 students.to provide more affordable accommodation to attract domestic and international students UWS has put forward a proposal for a five-day boarding complex to assist students living in the city who have to struggle with crowded public transport and congested roads to get to the campus.