Parramatta. China trade visit on hold

Parramatta City Council has deferred a decision on a proposed trade mission to China until costs of the trip, from June 19-27, are obtained. The recommendation before council was to approve the attendance of both Lord Mayor, Paul Garrard, and Deputy Lord Mayor, Chiang Lim, to head a delegation of Western Sydney business people to Yiwu and Shanghai. Cr Garrard said grants may be obtained from the federal and state governments. It is understood that some 15 businesses, to date, have expressed interest in attending.

Campbelltown. 'Super teachers' salaries

The first "super teachers" on salaries of almost $100,000 a year have started work in public schools under a landmark performance pay deal aimed at radically lifting classroom quality. Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard claimed the performance pay scheme would "bring back the spirit to disadvantaged schools". Education chiefs expect the benefits of the pioneering program to rub off on Macquarie Fields High and on four other local schools with which it has formal ties - Macquarie Fields Public, St Andrews Public, Elizabeth Macarthur High and Leumeah High. More than 100 teachers ultimately will apply for the $98,000 positions.

Newington. Family wanted for 'smart home'

Sydney Water and Energy Australia are asking seeking a family to live in Australia's first ever smart home. The three-bedroom home in Newington, comes with rooftop solar panels, a fuel cell that converts natural gas into electricity, water saving appliances, state-of-the-art lighting and a worm farm. An electric car is an added bonus.. The home is being fitted out over the coming months, and is expected to welcome its first tenants in the middle of the year.

Region. EOI in cluster funding

The Minister for Small Business, Peter Primrose, has called for expressions of interest for the first round funding of the Strategic Business Cluster program , targeting eligible small-to-medium enterprises. “New or existing groups can apply for three levels of financial support ranging from $5000 for business networks to $30,000 for established clusters in matched funding to help achieve a common business objective,” Mr Primrose said. In the last 12 months, the NSW Government has supported 26 networks and clusters across NSW, helping 2299 businesses to work together. Industries as diverse as clothing, aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, fashion designers, exporters to China and open-source software are examples of clusters supported under this program. EOI close on March 5, 2010.

Parramatta. C Grade vacancies of concern

While the overall total office vacancy rate, in the six months to January 2010, in the Parramatta CBD was 9.8 per cent (up from 9.6 per cent up on the previous six months, it masked a spike in vacancy rates for C Grade buildings. “(This is) a big concern is which are primarily home to small businesses," said Glenn Byres, NSW acting executive director, of the Property Council, in its latest Office Market Report. C Grade stock increased by 3729 square metres but absorption was –1832 square, in the six-month period metres. “Vacancies in A Grade stock remain very tight at just 2.4 percent – consistent with the result from six months ago and continuing a strong trend in recent years."

Region. Help for entrepreneurs

The NSW Government is injecting another $100,000 to help small business growth, in its micro-enterprise credit program The mentoring program runs for one year for a certain number of hours per month which provides a sounding board of experience for many young entrepreneurs who have no support network at home or friends and this guidance can help prevent them making crucial errors that can destroy a good idea before it gets off the ground. Richard Peters, GM, Community Finance & Development, at NAB, thanked the NSW Government for its support and said the additional funding would give entrepreneurs the boost they need to realise their business goals. NAB’s Imram Lum said the program was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibly.

Parramatta. Stadium bidding for HQ

Parramatta Stadium is a bidder to be the home ground of the Western Sydney-based Sydney Rovers Football Club, which will enter the A-League competition in 2011. Rovers chairman, Ian Rowden, said the club expected to have a more definitive idea on the options for a base for its headquarters, training, facilities, academy and home stadium by early to mid-March. The club’s bid for a Western Sydney franchise was given the green light, in September 2009, when the Sydney Rovers became the 12th A-League license to participate from the 2011-12 season. Luke Coleman, venue manager, at Parramatta Stadium said the venue staged the Granville District Finals over two days, last year, ”This year we staged the Sydney FC v Perth Glory (on February 7) and may be staging a Football NSW game later in the year.” he said