Editors Picks
03 October 2024
PROJECT TO MAKE CRUISE SHIPS CLEANER
NSW has launched a $20M Shore Power project at White Bay Cruise Terminal, providing electricity to docked cruise ships to reduce emissions. This will cut over 4,000 tonnes of emissions annually, benefiting local communities. The project, to be completed by 2026, aligns Sydney with global ports and enhances sustainability in NSW's cruise industry
03 October 2024
RUGBY LEAGUE FANS URGED TO PLAN TRANSPORT
A CAPCITYy crowd of more than 80,000 fans is expected to converge on Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this Sunday October 6 to back their teams in the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals.
Penrith Panthers will take on Melbourne Storm in the NRL showpiece, while Sydney Roosters will take on Cronulla Sharks in the NRLW grand final.
Fans are being urged to use public transport to get to and from the game, with Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins saying supporters have multiple options across the city.
“Public transport will be the best option for those lucky enough to be going to the game, so leave the car at home and let us take you there,” Mr Collins said.
“There will be plenty of trains and major event buses running to and from Sydney Olympic Park to get supporters to the game and home afterwards.
“Don’t forget that travel on all modes of public transport is included in your ticket to the final – you just need to show your ticket to transport staff when getting on board.”
Extra express trains will run from Central and Western Line stations to Olympic Park from early afternoon on Sunday, some starting from Penrith, with return services running frequently after the match. There will also be frequent trains between Lidcombe and Olympic Park until late.
Sydney Olympic Park major event buses will run every 5 to 20 minutes between 1.35pm and 6.15pm, depending on the route. Buses will run frequently after full-time to get passengers home – last services will leave Sydney Olympic Park by 11pm.
“With a whole afternoon’s worth of games and pre-match entertainment, fans should aim to arrive early and soak up the atmosphere across the Olympic Park precinct,” Mr Collins said.
“Stadium gates open at 1pm, followed by the State Championships Grand Final at 1.20pm. The NRLW Grand Final kick-off is at 3.55pm while the NRL Grand Final kick-off is at 7.30pm
“Fans who have to drive need to pre-book parking online before Sunday and consider carpooling - with traffic expected to be heavy and local road closures in place.
“There’s also the option, for fans who are driving, to park at a commuter car park and continue their trip to Olympic Park by train.”
Spectators are reminded that the T3 Bankstown Line is now closed between Sydenham and Bankstown to prepare for Metro conversion work.
Fans can utilise the Southwest Link bus services between Sydenham and Bankstown stations to connect with trains to Olympic Park from Sydenham or alternatively, connect with a major event bus to Olympic Park on Route 4 from Campsie, Route 6 from Bankstown or Route 7 from Wiley Park.
Meanwhile essential trackwork is taking place on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line and the T8 Airport & South Line that may affect your route to the game.
Pre-game entertainment starts at 6.30pm ahead of the men’s NRL Grand Final kick-off at 7.30pm, with full time about 9.30pm.
For more information on additional public transport services for the event and to plan your trip, visit www.ransportnsw.info.
For real-time updates on roads and traffic conditions, visit www.livetraffic.com
Featured
19 September 2024
WESTERN SYDNEY PUBS PARTER WITH TIACS
Raising mental health awareness for blue collar workers
IN a powerful show of community spirit and support, 12 pubs across Greater Western Sydney are coming together on Friday, September 20 for National Tradies Day.
18 September 2024
FORMER RYDE RESTAURANT OWNER FINED $6,000
THE company that operated restaurant Mad Down Under Bar and Grill, North Ryde has been fined $6,000 in the Downing Centre Local Court for selling alcohol illegally following a Liquor & Gaming NSW investigation.
Punia & Sehgal Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to two offences of selling alcohol without a licence following two covert compliance operations that saw 98 bottles of liquor and two kegs of beer seized from the venue.
On sentence, the company was convicted and fined $3,000 for each offence.
The venue applied to Liquor & Gaming NSW for a liquor licence in November 2023, but the application was still awaiting approval when the offences occurred.
Liquor & Gaming NSW officers and NSW Police had issued previous warnings, but the venue continued to sell alcohol without a liquor licence.
The Court found that the defendant was aware of the requirement to be licensed to sell liquor, but did so regardless.
It also found that the general display of liquor at the venue indicated that the two instances of sales to Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors were probably not isolated.
The company directors told the Court that the company felt pressured to sell alcohol on the first occasion because the North Ryde and other Mad Down Under venues were struggling.
The North Ryde venue and two other Mad Down Under venues in Sydney have since closed.
Liquor & Gaming NSW’s Executive Director Regulatory Operations and Enforcement, Jane Lin, said the fines were a warning to all venues that selling alcohol without a licence in NSW was a serious offence.
“Our inspectors conduct regular covert and overt compliance operations around the state, and anyone caught breaking the law faces fines of up to $11,000 per offence, one year’s jail, or both under the Liquor Act 2007,” Ms Lin said.
08 September 2024
HCF PARTNERS WITH SMITH FAMILY
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has partnered with The Smith Family to support 1,500 disadvantaged students through the Learning for Life program. This three-year collaboration aims to address educational inequality as a key social issue impacting health outcomes. HCF CEO Sheena Jack highlighted the partnership's role in driving societal change and improving long-term health through education. The initiative also involves HCF employees volunteering, emphasizing HCF's commitment to building healthier, more equitable communities across Australia.
08 September 2024
OUR UNPAID SUPER BILL TOPS $5B
A NEW report reveals that Australia's unpaid superannuation issue, costing $5B annually, is worsening, depriving millions of workers of crucial retirement savings. The Super Members Council (SMC) urges urgent legislative reform to mandate super payments on payday and strengthen ATO compliance. With $41.6B in unpaid super over nine years, vulnerable groups like women and young workers are most affected. The government has pledged reforms by 2026, but swift action is needed to ensure timely and full super payments.
08 September 2024
WHY WE ARE RETIRING MUCH EARLIER
A HESTA survey reveals that 49% of Australians aged 18-39 have taken action to plan for retirement, driven by cost-of-living pressures over the past year. This includes salary sacrificing and using online tools to track superannuation. In comparison, 44% of those aged 40-54 and 29% of those 55-plus have taken similar steps. The survey highlights growing awareness among younger Australians about the importance of superannuation for long-term financial security, with running out of money being their top retirement concern.
