Region. Doubt over lending firm

Auditors, Moore Stephens, have raised doubts over the ability of short-term lender Amazing Loans, based in Victoria, which has branches in Liverpool and Merrylands, to continue as a going concern for the third time in four years because of uncertainty about its financing, according to The Australian Financial Review

Bankstown. Arab business awards

The Bankstown-based Australian Arab Business Network is seeking business people of Arabic speaking background to enter its annual business awards which will be held on March 12. The categories are young entrepreneur, small business with four staff or less and businesses with four or more staff. The organisation said it seeks to encourage young people who have shown talent and innovation in business, and to bring them into focus throughout the community.

Region. Profit rise in first half 2011

The Queensland-based Retail Food Group, which has its NSW office in Granville, said at its AGM in December that the first half net profit after tax in 2011 would be around 10-15 per cent higher than the $12.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2010. The company owns and franchises including Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and Brumby’s Bakeries, many of which operate in Western Sydney.

Parramatta. Councillor aims to be state MP

Councillor on Parramatta City Council, Pierre Esber, has been selected by the Labor Party national executive to contest the state Parramatta seat in the March election, following the retirement of Tanya Gadiel. An opponent of Cr Esber, owner of a plumbing business, will be UWS academic, Dr Geoffrey Lee, for the Liberals.

Region. Regional plan available

The Regional Development Australia Committee, RDA Sydney, based in Parramatta, has published Sydney’s Regional Plan providing important perspectives on the economic, environmental and social status of Sydney’s regions. RDA Sydney has seven projects underway: Aerospace & Defence, Financial & Professional Business Services, Health, Aged & Community Care, Homelessness, Manufacturing & Engineering, Sustainability and Transport & Logistics. RDA Sydney is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW State Governments, to advance sustainable economic development and social equity within Sydney’s Regions.

Parramatta. CBD lanes policy deadline

The draft Parramatta City Centre Lanes Policy is on public exhibition until January 28. The CBD contains 57 lanes, including arcades and through-site links, many of which could undergo extensive redevelopment over the next 20 years, according to Parramatta City Council. The policy recommends, in part, improving the safety and ambiance of lanes by activating them with small businesses, entrances and cafes where appropriate.