Editors Picks
19 August 2024
TURNING WESTERN SYDNEY INTO A LAND OF PARKS
THE peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), has welcomed the release of final designs for Bradfield City Centre’s Central Park — but is urging the NSW Government to extend the concept further.
Intended to be the main civic centre for Bradfield City, the newly announced two-hectare Central Park will sit above the Bradfield Metro station next to Western Sydney International Airport.
Both the park and the airport are set to open in 2026.
The new park is being touted by the government as a “gathering place, and welcoming point in the city for visitors as they arrive and acting as an integral arts and culture hub for Western Sydney.”
Plans envisage a park with space for up to 5,000 people to gather for community and cultural events, art installations, a play area and native greenery including 570 mature trees and 73,000 plants.
"While we think the new park design is excellent, we are most eager to see how this can pave the way for similar parklands in other parts of the region,” said WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert.
“Western Sydney has a population of 2,700,000 and will grow by another 800,000 residents by 2036.
“Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs, for example, is 189 hectares. And Fagan Park in Hornsby Shire is 55 hectares.”
“So, a two-hectare park — as attractive as it is — simply won’t be enough to service the needs of Sydney’s most rapidly-growing region.
“In particular, the rapid development of North West and South West priority growth areas is reducing the amount of open space in our population centres.
“WSROC would love to see the state government establish similar ‘destination’ parklands in the growth areas they have identified.
“There are well-supported open areas in Western Sydney such as Penrith Beach Lakes and Prospect Reservoir — but they are few and far between.
“Western Sydney covers nearly 9,000 square kilometres."
19 August 2024
HEALTH CHECKS HIGHLIGHT DIABETES RISKS
HEALTH checks at Workers Lifestyle Group’s two Blacktown clubs predict 7.4% of participants will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
Type 2 diabetes is largely caused by lifestyle factors and Western Sydney is a hotspot for the disease, as 15 months’ data from Blacktown Workers and Workers Sports clearly shows.
The health checks of 4,312 people showed 7.4% were likely to develop diabetes in the next five years (according to the AUSDRISK assessment tool) and 48.7% were at high risk of developing the condition later in life.
SiSU Health Stations have been available at the two clubs since December 2022 as part of the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes campaign.
SiSU Health has compiled the Workers Lifestyle Group report from results up to the end of February.
Almost 31 per cent of the health checks resulted in recommendations that people consult their GPs about high blood pressure and/or high body mass index.
Featured
19 August 2024
BUSKING FOR VINNIES RETURNS TO PARRAMATTA
Local schools bring the music
SCHOOLS across Sydney will bring music to the streets of Parramatta as part of the annual ‘Busking for Vinnies’ initiative this August.
Featured
12 August 2024
FIND YOUR PARK AND RIDE SPOT
Real times data makes traveling easier
PUBLIC transport passengers in NSW can now drive to their preferred Transport Park&Ride commuter parking locations with confidence, thanks to real-time occupancy data being made available at twww.ransportnsw.info/parkandride
03 August 2024
STRATEGY FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH
THE NSW Government's SafeWork NSW Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 aims to help employers manage psychosocial risks and protect workers from psychological harm. Backed by $5.6M, the strategy supports small and medium businesses through programs by the Black Dog Institute and Transitioning Well. Initiatives include practical tools, resources for culturally diverse workers, and compliance visits. This effort addresses the $39B annual cost of workplace mental ill health and aims to retain top talent in NSW workplaces.
03 August 2024
82 NEW PARAMEDICS START
NSW Ambulance inducted 82 new paramedic interns in Sydney, with 54 from interstate and two from New Zealand. After a six-week induction, they'll begin the on-road portion of their 12-month internships across the state, mainly in regional areas. This addition supports NSW Ambulance's efforts to provide top emergency healthcare. The State Government is investing in additional paramedics and salary increases to support this workforce.
03 August 2024
GPs URGE REBATE INCREASE
.THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) released the 10th edition of its preventive guidelines, "the Red Book," emphasising mental health. New entries address anxiety, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, gambling, and more. RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins urged government support for GPs, particularly in rural areas, advocating for a 20% increase in patient rebates for longer mental health consultations. Professor Danielle Mazza highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of mental health issues, especially perinatal anxiety and depression, encouraging patients to seek GP help.
