Weekly Review - August 16, 2013

Strategic plan to meet competition

A Parramatta not-for-profit organisation is set to introduce a comprehensive, five-year strategic plan to promote its innovative services in an increasingly competitive Western Sydney marketplace.

The Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) is recognised for its excellence in community cultural development – an evolving sector in the overall economic development of the region – but is operating in an increasing competitive environment.

“For ICE to remain a productive, creative force it must be competitive, innovative and proactive,” said ICE’s executive director, John Kirkman, in the 2012 annual report.

“Following 20 years of capital and program investment, Western Sydney now boasts a high standard and level of community-focussed cultural infrastructure [which] has led to intense, and productive, regional competition,” the 2014-2019 strategic plan said.

The document’s revamped marketing plan aims maximise awareness of ICE as a producer of community cultural and artistic programs created by the people of Western Sydney for promotion locally and on the international stage.

The primary goals are to stimulate demand by expanded brand and product awareness, create new marketing partnerships, increase digital and social media delivery and participate, and improve audience development and evaluation.

In diversifying its income stream, ICE aims to raise additional revenue from professional and skills development initiatives, consultancies and the hire of its state-of-the-art digital equipment and venue facilities.

Support from its donors, philanthropic trusts, foundations and companies would be sought and a finance and resources subcommittee has been established.

ICE, which is reliant on the public sector for the bulk, 78.5 per cent, of its funding in 2012 aims to private-sector contributions and self-generating revenue from 21.5 per cent, in 2012, to 26.3 per cent, in 2014.

ICE’s turnover in 2012 was $1.4 million and predicted to be $1.68 million, an increase of 20 per cent, in 2014 

Dr Robert Lang resigns as CEO of council

Dr Robert Lang has resigned as chief executive officer (CEO) of Parramatta City Council.

Dr Lang was appointed to the position of general manager (later changed to CEO) in 2088 with two key objectives: to transform the organisation and to reposition the city for growth. Lord Mayor, John Chedid, said

“Dr Lang has achieved these two objectives that provide a solid foundation for our city as we move forward to the next exciting stage of our development,” he said.

Dr Lang will travel overseas from the end of October. Friday, October 25 will his last day in the office. His resignation will take effect from January2, 2014.

Cr Chedid will chair a committee of councilors to recruit Dr Lang’s replacement.

Others leaving their posts in the region include Kerry Bartlet, CEOP, of the Western Sydney Regional Organisations of Council (WSROC) and Professor Janice Reid, vice-chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, who will retire on January 1, 2014.

“Specifically, I would like to acknowledge Dr Lang’s contribution to building the city’s financial viability and to see Parramatta Square moving from the drawing boards to become a reality.

“Our organisation has, and will, benefit from the many changes Dr Lang has introduced. We are indeed better placed for the exciting future that waits.”

Parramatta councilors unanimously thanked him he has made to the city.

Dr Lang has a career history of thirty years in the public service, gained within a combination of the urban development and energy industries. 

Prior to joining council as CEO, Dr Lang was CEO of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority where he managed over $1.4 billion of assets including commercial assets such as the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and over 100 heritage buildings

His qualifications consist of a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, with 1st Class Honours, a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science and a PhD in Electrical Engineering. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.  

Parra-Graphs

Council wins top award

Parramatta City Council has been recognised as an employer of choice and a leader in workplace practices after taking out the 2013 Local Government Employer of the Year Award. Council beat more than 80 councils across the country to claim the award for the first time

Development bought for $38.7m

BWP Trust has purchased a portfolio of 11 retail warehousing assets and projects in a sale and leaseback agreement with Bunnings, including a 13,434 square-metre development, at Rydalmere, for $38.7 million, on an initial yield reflecting 7.25 per cent.

Panel approves 13-storey project

The South West Joint Regional Panel has approved a 13-storey mixed-use project, at 64-68a Phillip Street, overlooking the Parramatta River, at the rear of the former Barnaby’s restaurant. The panel also approved a modification to a 19-storey mixed-use development, under construction, at 109-133 George Street

Funds for house for homeless

The Property Industry Foundation (PIF) expects the total raised for homeless young people at its annual charity ball to be more than $150,000 this year. The money will go towards building a house in partnership with Parramatta City Council and Marist Youth Care. The PIF House will provide housing and support for homeless young people.

Energy efficiency funding

Northcott has received funding of $133,990 from the Australia government’s Community Energy Efficiency Program to improve its energy efficiency in its headquarters, in North Parramatta which has an average monthly power bill of $17,000.