Voices in songwriting and musical exploration come together
THREE superbly individual voices in songwriting and musical exploration come together in a dream collaboration with folk crossover string trio.
Featured News
Local doctors respond to AI Warning over patient diagnosis
NICK NIKOLAIDIS | LOCAL doctors have responded to Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) warning about the proliferation of misinformation and distrust in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Parramatta to make AFL sporting history
PARRAMATTA is set to make sporting history this month by hosting Sydney’s first public AFL and AFLW double-header, with the GIANTS becoming the first club to stage elite men’s and women’s matches on the same day at the same venue.
$100M student housing project planned for Parramatta CBD
A LONG-vacant commercial building beside Parramatta Station will be transformed into a $100M purpose-built student accommodation complex under a new partnership between Holdmark Property Group and Western Sydney University.
The greening of Parramatta: 10,000 native seedlings planted
HUNDREDS of volunteers came together in Dundas to plant 10,000 native seedlings, giving Upjohn Park Rydalmere a major boost at this year’s National Tree Day.
Local students on Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship
AMARIAH Tamaro from Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta and Stella White from St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas in Parramatta is one of 18 students across the state to be awarded a NSW Government scholarship to travel to Greece on an immersive military history tour.
People News
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Winston Hills athlete's Australian call-up after golden taekwondo campaign
WINSTON Hills Para Poomsae athlete Natalie Craig has earned selection in the Australian Para Pathways Team and qualified to represent Australia at the World Para Poomsae Championships following a remarkable run of success on the international stage.
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MP launches Safer City Survey after Carlingford crimes
By NICK NIKOLAIDIS THE Carlingford community is in shock after two violent crimes occurred in the community in one week, including a murder and an assault.
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Jim's Group offers free franchises to 7-Eleven affected franchisesees
JIM'S Group founder Jim Penman has launched a rescue package for 7-Eleven franchisees affected by the retailer's growing controversy, offering them a free Jim's Group franchise to help rebuild their businesses.
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Transport options for Socceroo’s Saturday clash
FOOTBALL fans across Parramatta NSW will be able to travel safely and celebrate the Socceroos’ crucial FIFA World Cup clash against Egypt this Saturday morning with 24-hour public transport services and extended trading hours announced by the Minns Labor Government. The measures are designed to support thousands of supporters expected to gather at official live sites at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour and Cathy Freeman Park at Sydney Olympic Park for the 4am kick-off, while also boosting hospitality venues across the state. Public transport services will begin several hours earlier than normal, with Sydney Metro operating every 20 minutes between 1.30am and 5am before returning to its regular timetable. Early city-bound Sydney Trains services will depart from Leppington, Penrith, Hornsby and Macarthur from around 2am, while trains between Lidcombe and Olympic Park will commence at 3am. Light rail services on the L1, L2 and L3 lines will also begin operating from 2.30am. Pubs, clubs and bars screening the match will be permitted to open from 3am statewide. Venues already licensed to trade until 1am or 2am will be able to remain open continuously without needing to close before reopening for the match. The initiative follows the successful introduction of 24-hour transport and extended trading during this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which generated an additional 60,000 public transport trips and a 46 per cent increase in night-time spending. Transport Minister John Graham said the initiative would create a safer, more vibrant experience for football supporters while supporting local businesses. “I can’t wait to see the trains and the footy fans come alive so early. Moments like this take us a step closer to being a truly 24-hour economy,” Mr Graham said. Sport Minister Steve Kamper said the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign had captured the imagination of fans across NSW. “These are the moments that remind us why sport matters. It brings communities together, fills our venues with energy and gives local businesses a welcome boost,” he said. Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler welcomed the support, saying the transport and trading measures would create a festival atmosphere for supporters gathering to cheer on the Socceroos. Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said reliable public transport was essential to ensuring fans could safely attend live sites while supporting local businesses and the visitor economy. Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said the initiative gave venues confidence to welcome an influx of green and gold supporters while building on the success of the 24-hour transport trial during Mardi Gras.
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Funding to kickstart Parramatta’s 24-hour CBD
PARRAMATTA is a step closer to bringing its vision for a vibrant, 24-hour CBD to life after securing a $195,000 Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant to develop and deliver a trial SEP in the heart of the City. The grant supports NSW councils to establish SEPs, including planning processes, acoustic guidelines and community engagement for sustainable night-time precincts. The trial will enable extended trading hours, support live music and performance, later opening shops, food and drink premises, businesses, creative spaces and community facilities, and offer a range of incentives including reduced liquor licence fees and access to extra hours for music venues. Building on Parramatta’s Late Night Trading Development Control Plan and the City’s long-term Parramatta 2050 vision, the trial precinct will support extended trading, live entertainment, and a more diverse night-time economy and activated city centre. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the funding supports Parramatta’s continued transformation into a leading destination for culture, entertainment and nightlife in Western Sydney. “This is a big win for Parramatta and a major step towards becoming a truly vibrant, 24-hour CBD for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Zaiter said. “We’re already on the map for food, culture and entertainment, and this funding will help unlock even more opportunities for live music, entertainment and local businesses after dark. “We’re focused on creating a City that people can enjoy day and night, supporting jobs, culture and a safe, exciting night-time economy.” The SEP trial will focus on Parramatta CBD, bringing together businesses, artists and the community while supporting a well-managed night-time environment. The initiative is supported by the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program Round 2, delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. For more information, visit Participate Parramatta.
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Community event for free visa advice
A NEW online support service has been launched by the Department of Home Affairs to make it quick and easy for individuals in Australia to resolve their immigration status, particularly for those with visas approaching expiry. Individuals can now book a confidential appointment online with a Status Resolution Officer at a convenient time via a new digital tool. This makes it straightforward for those wanting to resolve their immigration status to apply for a substantive visa or arrange to depart Australia. The Status Resolution Service offers a voluntary opportunity to engage early and resolve immigration status before compliance action is taken. Under the Migration Act 1958, a person who does not hold a valid visa is an unlawful non-citizen and may be detained and removed by Australian Border Force at any time. In addition to the online appointment tool, the department is also hosting a community event at the Parramatta PHIVE (5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta) on 25 and 26 June (9:30am – 4pm), providing free visa advice. This face-to-face service aims to assist individuals in resolving their immigration status, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said outreach events provide an opportunity for those who need assistance to come forward and voluntarily resolve their immigration status. “The Status Resolution Service provides a voluntary pathway for individuals to resolve their immigration status before Australian Border Force compliance and enforcement action, which can occur at any time. “Living in Australia without a valid visa can be stressful and create uncertainty. Resolving your immigration status can bring stability, security and peace of mind. The new online booking tool makes it simple for individuals to take that step in the right direction,” the spokesperson said. The department’s Status Resolution Service operates across Australia, and over the past 12 months the team has met with more than 2,000 community leaders, delivered 70 outreach events and spoken directly with more than 650 non-citizens. The new service is separate from the Australian Border Force, and all meetings are voluntary. Appointments can be requested at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/status-resolution-service/meet-with-us
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Strengthening career pathways for youth
DONN DAVIS CAREERS today don’t look like they used to. There isn’t a single “right” pathway anymore nor is there one moment at 16 or 18 that determines everything. That’s why it’s more important than ever before that students, parents and teachers understand the options, know where the opportunities are and build the skills that will open doors. The Careers of Today event hosted by CathWest Innovation College in conjunction with WEXPO does exactly that. The possibilities are endless for young students however there is a clear disconnect between the training and career pathways available and how to access that information. Careers of Today is endeavouring to bridge this gap and the feedback from parents and students in attendance is that they are succeeding. While there are great training opportunities for students, often it is difficult to navigate the most appropriate pathway for the individual student. Students seeking an apprenticeship journey can access it in different ways – including through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, School to TAFE NSW pathways and vocational education while still at school. Apprenticeships and traineeships are also fee-free in NSW – part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in practical pathways that allow people to earn while they learn and build skills our economy needs. Fee-free training is delivering real job opportunities, with more than 306,000 NSW Fee-Free enrolments since 2023 and major new investments to keep skills training accessible. In our efforts to provide impactful career guidance, it is critical that we direct young people to careers connected to the industries where there are strong job opportunities. CathWest is proactively strengthening industry connections through its participation in the Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships program. This ensures they are delivering strong vocational education pathways that equip students with practical, job-ready skills and clear transitions into employment or further training. It was a pleasure to be a part of Careers of Today 2026 where young people could hear directly from employers and educators about their lived experience, industry need and opportunities to pursue careers many students and their parents may never have even known exist. From AI and Technology, Construction, Early Childhood Education to the Health and Care Sector – the possibilities are endless. As the Member for Parramatta, I encourage our youth to seek out the vocational training pathways and career opportunities that marry up with jobs growth to make sure that students in our community have every chance to enter the careers we need to build a better NSW. DONNA DAVIS is NSW Member for Parramatta and the moderator for the May Careers of Today event in Parramatta.
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Careers of Today event urges resilience
THE 2026 Careers of Today (COT) parent education forum attracted more than 100 parents and students at special session at Parramatta Novotel in May. The Careers of Today concept was developed in response to growing uncertainty parents and students face when navigating rapidly changing career pathways. Research indicates that only 28% of parents feel confident guiding their children toward future employment opportunities, particularly in industries being transformed by technology, skills shortages, and emerging workforce demands. Hosted by CathWest Innovation College and WEXPO, the forum brought together industry leaders, educators, employers and families from across Parramatta and Western Sydney to better understand the careers of today and tomorrow. This year’s panelists included: – AI & Technology: Kate Dodds. – Australian Catholic University, Dr Valentine Mukuria. – Construction: Darren Ingram, Clarendon Homes. – Business Western Sydney (Tourism) David Borger. – Early Childhood Education and Care, Jo Tapley. – Health, Sophie Najjarin, ANATE. NSW Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis was the session moderator. With Western Sydney now recognised as Australia’s third largest economy, the event highlighted real opportunities available to young people in growth industries including healthcare, construction, tourism, early childhood education, AI and technology. The forum provided valuable access to expert advice, meaningful conversations and direct engagement with employers and educational institutions, empowering both students and parents to make informed decisions about future pathways and employment opportunities. A standout message from the night was the importance of building resilience. The panel of experts encouraged parents to support their children in sticking with their apprenticeships or school-based traineeships, as well as getting a part-time job. While the journey may be challenging, gaining hands-on experience and learning new skills equips young people with invaluable attributes and qualifications that open doors to a wide range of opportunities. The Q&A and networking session gave families the chance to have real conversations with industry professionals, employers, and education providers, helping to turn big questions about the future into clearer pathways forward. “Events like this remind us how important it is to bring communities together to support young people in making informed, confident decisions. Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to such a meaningful event,” said MP Donna Davis.CathWest Innovation College principal, Paul Stenning said it was “fantastic to see such strong community engagement and curiosity about career opportunities.” “Thank you to the parents and students who joined us to explore future career pathways and connect with industry experts,” he said. Stay tuned to www.wexpo.com.au for details of the next COT event. The full video of the May session can be viewed at www.wexpo.com.au – go to WEXPO TV
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