Blue Mountains. Accor to manage resort

The 210-room Fairmont Resort, will be managed by leading Australian hotel group, Accor, and will become the third hotel in Accor’s prestigious MGallery Collection, in Australia. The resort’s owners Schwartz Hotels will invest $20 million in its refurbishment. The majority of upgrade works is expected to be completed within six months. General manager Geoff York said the hotel’s revival would be a boon for the local tourism industry. Set in 10 hectares, the property has three lakes and walking tracks, and boasts views over the Jamison Valley and adjoining 18-hole Leura Golf Club.

Parramatta. Lingerie store for Parramatta

The Honey Birdette lingerie store, which outlaid $250,00 on the fitout of its outlet in Westfield’s $1.2 billion complex in the Sydney CBD, has plans to open stores this year in Parramatta, Castle Hill, in Western Sydney and in Chatswood, Bondi Junction and Star City casino. The store said it transacts 18 per cent of its income on Valentine’s Day

Eastern Creek. Businessman chairs dragway

Liverpool businessman and motor sport insurer, Sam Sofi, has been asked to take on the chairmanship of the Western Sydney Dragway, at Eastern Creek, following the suspension of the board, following allegations of favouritism, nepotism and calls for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to conduct an inquiry into its financial management. Mr Sofi has been given “full control” of the company for six months, according to The Sun Herald.

Parramatta. Liberals will cancel rail link

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer, Mike Baird confirms that Liberal-National policy costings will be based on cancelling the Parramatta-Epping link, Western Express and Eveleigh Relief line.

Parramatta. Site works commence

Work is underway on the site of the 20-storey Eclipse office tower, on the corner of Station and Hassall streets, opposite the Commercial Hotel, in the Parramatta CBD. A formal announcement by the developer, Leighton Properties, is expected soon.

Region. Positions vacant

2SER, a community radio station jointly owned by Macquarie University and the University of Technology, Sydney, has advertised for a new managing director, capable of leading the station in the new digital age and growing the station’s audience. The 18-hole Oatlands Golf Club, widely regarded as one of Sydney’s premier private golf clubs, with a current membership of 1500, has advertised for a business manager, with knowledge of golf.

Liverpool. Local identity named chairman

Liverpool identity, John Cornish, has been named as the new chairman of the newly proposed Sydney Racing Club. Mr Cornish, who is the vice-chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, heads the new and united racing board, a merger between the AJC and Sydney Turf Clubs. The new racing club, yet to be officially named, is expected to start as the new entity in February. Mr Cornish led the way for the $16 million developments of Warwick Farm, which were completed in May 2009. He was also instrumental in attracting leading bloodstock agents and global thoroughbred organisation, William Inglis & Sons relocating from their long-time Sydney premises to building a multi-million dollar new site at Warwick Farm. Work is expected to start on this project later this year once Liverpool City Council has granted development approval.

St Marys. Enterprise factory could close

The Karelle Life Enrichment Service’s enterprise factory, at St Marys, could cease operations unless it becomes self sufficient before federal government funding runs out in June. Up to 15 people with intellectual disabilities make items, such as, cheese boards and chopping blocks to coffee tables, toys, mirrors and wine stands from recycled timber. Marketing assistant, Chami Gunasinghe, is hopeful it will remain open to give people with disability the opportunity of a normal working life.“It would be heartbreaking if we couldn’t keep them on. They are treated like any other employee and get to experience a real working life. They receive award wages,” she said.