Region. Lack of business voice

A submission to the NSW Government’s Professional Services Industry Action Plan by the Parramatta-based RDA Sydney, said concerns in the consultation process were raised about the lack of a unified business voice for Western Sydney.

Although there are a number of small chambers of commerce, it was felt that there was a need for a coordinating body to get partners together to work on strategic local economic development drivers, the submission said.

RDA Sydney is one of 55 voluntary committees across Australia working in partnership with federal, state and local governments to strengthen regional communities.

Wetherill Park. Creative people needed

Stockland Wetherill Park has called for expressions of interest from local creative people, social enterprises and community organisations to share their ideas for a new cultural creative community space at the centre. Stockland has joined forces with Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE), based in Parramatta, and The Lot and want to hear from individuals and groups who are interested in being part of this space as users, participants or managers.

Penrith. Hospital expansion

The $87.1 million East Block, at Nepean Hospital, Penrith, is expected to open on February 20. It will house six new operating theatres, an ambulatory procedures centre, two new 30-bed wards, and extra day-only beds. There will also be a 12-bed intensive care pod, including five more intensive care unit beds and more renal dialysis beds The East Block construction is part of the $137.8 million campus redevelopment, which will also feature a $40 million mental health unit and a multi-storey, 650-space carpark.

Region. Sheedy on apprenticeships

Greater Western Sydney Giants coach, Kevin Sheedy, wants more people to take up apprenticeships and stick out the journey to gaining their qualification, especially in Western Sydney. Mr Sheedy, a qualified plumber, is one of five apprenticeship ambassadors who will work with the Gillard government and industry groups to promote Australian apprenticeships.

Penrith. Online forum

An online forum is available to Penrith rural landholders to share ideas, discuss problems and explore opportunities to help farmers grow and sell their produce locally. Penrith Council environmental health co-ordinator Anthony Price said the idea came from workshops with rural landholders.

Sydney Olympic Park. Residents move in

The completion of the 16-storey Tower B in Australia Towers Stage 1, in Sydney Olympic Park, will see the arrival of some of the 150-200 residents. The 24-storey Tower A will be completed in February with an estimated 250-300 residents in 140 apartments.

Penrith, Indoor skydiving

Raybal Building Services, of West Gosford, has lodged a development application with Penrith City Council to build an indoor skydiving centre adjacent to Penrith Panthers. The indoor skydiving experience is created by fans that generate 150 miles per hour wind capable of lifting flyers into the air within a specially designed flight chamber. The company said that it is possible that the facility will be used for the training of military personnel whose job can include skydiving. The development application is currently on display at Penrith City Council.

Region. Image is a problem

A problem with Western Sydney in attracting and retaining professional skilled staff was its image in the business community, according to a submission, by the Parramatta-based Regional Development Australia-Sydney, on the Professional Services Industry Action Plan being developed.by the NSW government.

Other issues raised included professional services were Sydney-CBD centric; the sector’s presence in these areas could contribute to the establishment of business parks, close to existing transport and infrastructure; and the reason why finance, property and professional business services are underrepresented in Western Sydney was not fully known.