South-West Sydney. NBN trial unerway

Residents of Middleton Grange, in Sydney’s south-west, are being given a glimpse into the future under a high-speed National Broadband Network trial, which would run until the end of the year. Up to 40 households at Parkbridge Estate will use high speed fibre optic cabling towards four applications, which include: A smart metering system that will allow families and businesses to track their energy consumption in real time and adjust energy use accordingly. A simple touch screen communications system to help people unable to access more common ways to communicate. A virtual world-learning environment for school students using web cameras, computers and live video interaction. High-definition internet TV to allow people to access and watch programs from the internet on television at any time

Region. UWS academic awarded fellowship

The University of Western Sydney's Head of School of Education, Associate Professor Steve Wilson, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators (ACE). The fellowship is a national award, and one of the highest honours that the College can bestow. Associate Professor Wilson has been recognised for outstanding professional leadership in higher education and innovation in community collaboration. "The Fellowship recognises the way we at UWS, and academics in the School of Education in particular, have worked strategically to collaborate and build partnerships with schools in the Greater Western Sydney to improve educational outcomes,” he said.

Parramatta. Arab Film Festival

The 2010 Arab Film Festival, managed by the Parramatta-based Information and Community Exchange (ICE) will be held from July 1-31 at five venues across the nation. This annual festival showcases stories from Arabic-speaking cultures that reflect the complexity and diversity of Arab communities and experiences. The festival has become an internationally recognised event attracting film entries from all over the world. This year films have been selected from the Middle East, United States, Europe and Australia. The opening night will be July 1, at the Riverside Theatres, in Parramatta.

Region. Sanyo major campaign partner

Sanyo, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics companies, will take the role of major campaign partner to Team GWS, the first AFL team for Greater Western Sydney. Sanyo will sponsor the team in the 18 months prior to the club’s entry to the AFL and the Sanyo brand will take pride of place at all key club events including the announcement of playing and coaching personnel, and all venue announcements.