North West News - March 2026

EV DOMINANCE N

EW data released by Australia’s peak body for novated leasing reveals the Electric Car Discount has been booming in the outer suburbs over the past year. National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) data for 2025 shows outer-suburban postcodes dominate the top locations for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales purchased with the assistance of the EV Discount. The figures come amid a federal government review of the EV Discount, global fuel supply chain disruptions and rapidly escalating fuel prices. More inside.

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ISSUE 9 | March 2026

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North West leads Govt toll refunds

TOLL rebates offered by the State Government as part of their 2023 election promises resulted in Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA) receiving the highest refund in the State with 26,071 claims being processed amounting to over $19.5M, or an average amount of $382 refund per claimant.

Marsden Park was second highest in the LGA seeing 3,807 claims paid totalling over $1.72M, or an average of $453 per claim.

The $60 per week toll cap was to expire by 31 December 2025 but Premier Chris Minns believed that the toll rebate scheme had to continue due to the unfairness of the tolling system and cost of living pressures on Western Sydney residents.

Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown, said he “was proud to be part of a Minns Labor Government that is bring back fairness into the tolling system.”

“The burden of road user charges disproportionately fell on Western Sydney residents whilst north shore residents were effectively subsidised by everyone else.”

The suburb of Blacktown ranked first in the

WState seeing 5,648 claims paid amounting to over $2.27M, or an average of $402 per claim.

The cap was first introduced in January 2024 as a temporary measure and was a major election commitment of the then- Labor Opposition.

The program has since returned more than $211.4 million to the pockets of drivers across the State, particularly in Western Sydney.

Quakers Hill ranked third in the LGA with 3,739 claims totalling $1.4M savings, an average of $377 per claim followed by Glenwood with 2,502 claims totalling $904,600, an average of $362 per claim.

The NSW Government will introduce two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel from late 2028 to fund the toll cap indefinitely.

This brings those toll roads in line with all others across Sydney ensuring commuters from Western Sydney are not unfairly burdened by tolls.

Motorists are encouraged to sign up for the toll cap on the Service NSW website: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/ claim-the-toll-relief-cap

Top priority to North-South rail link

ESTERN Sydney councils have welcomed the announcement that a full-length north-south rail link, connecting St Marys to Tallawong and with rail connections from Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur, has been placed on Infrastructure Australia’s 2026 Infrastructure Priority List. The Infrastructure

Priority List is Infrastructure Australia’s independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on the highest-priority proposals to be considered for investment over the next 10 years. Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) President, Brad Bunting (pictured) said: “We welcome the inclusion of the north–south rail

connection on the Infrastructure Australia 2026 Infrastructure Priority List as a significant step toward delivering the transport connections Western Sydney desperately needs. “A north–south rail link is vital to connect the north-west, west and south-west of Sydney and to support the long-term growth of the region.”

$720M RICHMOND RD UPGRADE Major work to start soon

THE Richmond Road upgrade will today reach a major milestone with the first sod turned, marking the start of major work on the project.

The $720M upgrade will ease congestion, improve safety and support future housing, development and connectivity across this growing region in Western Sydney.

Up to 89,000 vehicles use Richmond Road each day, with traffic volumes forecast to increase significantly in the years ahead as the region continues to grow.

Traffic modelling shows the upgrades are expected to cut average travel times by around 21 per cent during the morning peak and 34 per cent in the afternoon peak once complete.

The Richmond Road Upgrade includes three major projects.

$520M M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade:

• The M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade will widen Richmond Road between Colebee and Marsden Park to reduce congestion, improve safety and support future housing and development across Sydney’s North West.

• Approximately 2.2 kilometres of Richmond Road will be expanded from four lanes to six lanes, including a new concrete bridge over Bells Creek with travel lanes and a shared path for pedes-

trians and cyclists.

• A new flyover bridge will be built from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off- ramp to Richmond Road northbound, bypassing two sets of traffic lights and reducing congestion and queuing on the motorway.

$150M Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade:

• The 1.6 kilometre upgrade of Richmond Road between Elara Boulevard and Heritage Road will improve access for the growing Marsden Park community and nearby suburbs, strengthening connections to Blacktown.

• This work will widen Richmond Road from two lanes to a four-lane divided carriageway and deliver a wider central median to allow for future expansion to six lanes if required.

Both projects are equally funded by the Federal and NSW governments.

The $50M Richmond Road Corridor planning project will investigate further investment opportunities along the corridor from the M7 Motorway to The Driftway, securing the future of one of the region’s busiest and most congested arterial roadways.

The Australian Government has

committed $37 toward this planning work.

The upgrades also include a new bus priority signalised intersection, an extended shared path connecting into Marsden Park, and improved flood resilience along this busy corridor.

The contracts awarded in October last year cover the M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade and Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade.

The Richmond Road upgrade is part of the North West Growth Centre Area Road Network Strategy to support development in this fast-growing precinct.

These projects are part of the Australian Government’s $18B infrastructure pipeline for Western Sydney and builds on the $7.4B the NSW Government has invested in Western Sydney roads since March 2023.

Blacktown MP Stephen Bali said: “Our community has been calling for improvements to Richmond Road for years, and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job. These upgrades will improve access between Marsden Park and Blacktown and support the continued growth of Western Sydney.”

Riverstone MP Warren Kirby said Richmond Road is a lifeline for the rapidly growing suburbs of Riverstone and Marsden Park.

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SAVING MONEY THE SIGN OF THE TIMES

North West’s top EV ranking

NEW data released by Australia’s peak body for novated leasing reveals the Electric Car Discount has been booming in the outer suburbs over the past year.

National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) data for 2025 shows outer-suburban postcodes dominate the top locations for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales purchased with the assistance of the EV Discount.

The figures come amid a federal government review of the EV Discount, global fuel supply chain disruptions and rapidly escalating fuel prices.

“The Electric Car Discount is proving successful and efficient in driving new and used EV uptake, meaning working Australians are benefiting from fewer emissions, reduced running costs, and quieter safer roads,” NALSPA chief executive Rohan Martin said.

“Since its inception, the EV FBT exemption has been most popular among working families living in the outer suburbs - a pattern that continued strongly in 2025.

Top 10 postcodes for BEV sales via novated leasing using the FBT discount in 2025

Rank State Postcode Main suburbs

1. VIC 3029 Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing

2. VIC 3030 Werribee, Point Cook

3. NSW 2765 Marsden Park, Riverstone

4. NSW 2155 Kellyville, Rouse Hill

5. ACT 2611 Coombs, Wright, Duffy

6. QLD 4300 Springfield, Springfield Lakes

7. VIC 3064 Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park

8. NSW 2153 Baulkham Hills, Winston Hills

9. NSW 2620 Queanbeyan

10. ACT 2914 Harrison, Bonner, Amaroo

“Last year, the top adopters of the EV FBT exemption include residents of Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, and Craigieburn (Victoria); Marsden Park, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, and Queanbeyan (NSW); and Springfield (Queensland).

“Australians living in the outer suburbs often face longer commutes and are more likely to have access to rooftop solar and off-street parking so switching to EVs with the help of the FBT exemption is a smart cost-of-living and green choice for them, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crunch.

“As fuel prices rise amid global conflict, helping more Australians switch

to EVs is making increasing sense for both household budgets and the na-

Drivers who buy EVs through a novated lease with the Discount can save thousands of dollars on fuel alone each year

we could be facing price hikes of $0.25 to $1.00 per litre of fuel for a while yet.

“The EV Discount works to help address ongoing barriers to EV uptake including their upfront price impost. Together with the pronounced running savings accentuated by the current fuel price shock, the EV Discount is making electric vehicles a truly viable option for typical everyday working Australians who otherwise may not have considered them.

“Working Australians are telling our members that they wouldn’t have purchased their EV without the FBT Discount.

“We cannot increase EV uptake further, especially during this early adoption phase, without continued targeted demand-side incentives - that’s the stark reality. The EV Discount is more than proving its worth but there is still much heavy lifting to be done.

“With the transport sector set to become Australia’s largest source of emissions by 2030, increasing EV up-

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CULTURE AND COMMUNITY AT NSW PARLIAMENT Living the spirit of Harmony Week

THE spirit of colour, connection and cultural celebration filled the halls of NSW Parliament House this week as Holi in the House brought together more than 100 business leaders, community representatves, first nation leaders and government and industry stakeholders.

They were celebrating one of the world’s most vibrant festvals while recognising the strong multcultural fabric of NSW and Australia during Harmony Week.

Hosted by the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India and the Consulate General of India in Sydney, the event marked the celebraton of Holi and Harmony Week, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusivity, cultural respect, and community cohesion.

The gathering was proudly supported by several NSW-based industry bodies, business chambers, community organisatons, and multcultural media groups.

The event was well attended by representatves from government agencies, business and industry leadership, and community-based organisatons. Support was also acknowledged from Workinitatves, a social enterprise supportng Australian industries through

a global talent mobility and skills framework-based ecosystem, whose contribution helped create a meaningful platorm for connecton between government, business and community.

NSW Parliamentary Friends of India Co-Chair, Warren Kirby MP, acknowledged the significance of the event, notng that Holi reflects the values that strengthen communites and foster belonging across cultures.

Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, recognised the strong bipartsan support demonstrated by NSW Parliamentarians towards the Indian diaspora community and commended the NSW Parliamentary

Friends of India for their ongoing leadership in fostering deeper community engagement and advancing the expanding bilateral trade and economic relatonship between NSW and India.

The event also highlighted the growing importance of the Indian-Australian community in NSW — not only culturally, but economically — with diaspora-led businesses and entrepreneurs contnuing to play a key role in strengthening bilateral tes between Australia and India.

There was strong recogniton throughout the event that the Australia–India relatonship is built not only on economic and strategic partner-

ships, but also on deep people-to-people connectons, shared values, and a thriving multicultural diaspora community.

NSW is home to one of the most dynamic and fast-growing Indian diaspora communites in Australia, with well-recognised contributons across business, innovaton, educaton, and community leadership that continue to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the state.

Representatives from business, government, and the diaspora community gathered on the roofop garden of the iconic NSW Parliament House, creatng a vibrant and symbolic setng for conversatons that extended beyond celebration — into collaboration, opportunity, and shared future growth.

Warren Kirby MP, Co-Chair, NSW Parliamentary Friends of India said: “This event is a reminder of what makes our community strong — diversity, shared respect, and the willingness to come together. Seeing over 100 local businesses and community leaders in one space at the NSW Parliament House,building relatonships and celebratng culture, is exactly what we need more of during current challenging tmes.”

Successful WEXPO Civics launch

THE first WEPO event for 2026 was an outstanding success with about 100 people attending, providing positive feedback on the Engaging Better with Government workshop.

Hosted by SydWest Multicultural Services and facilitated by Shazya Khan with guest speakers Blacktown State MP, Stephen Bali; SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis; and, youth speaker Sudeep Velagapudi; they discussed the three tiers of government and their lived experience in working towards successful outcomes.

After the informative talks the participants were engaged in an interactive session working through the maze of issues and identifying the more appropriate tier of government that would deal with the issue.

The discussion showed how a multi-tier governments need to collaborate with community and organ-

isations to improve the outcome for society.

The participants had a deeper dive in the complex health system and how all tiers of government have their fair share of responsibilities working together with consumers and health industry.

Rotarian Keith Waller said: “Knowledge is key to find your way through the bureaucratic complexities, and we were

shown how to participate in parliamentary inquiries and council’s have your say so we can be part of the solution.”

Local accountant, Satish Kumar said: “This workshop was great way to interact with community leaders and the public on seeing how the different levels of government operate, and we can have real input into the decision making.”

Elfa Moraitakis said the session had equipped CALD community members with practical knowledge to navigate government systems, pathways to have their voices heard, and the confidence to actively shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

Sudeep Velagapudi said: “It was absolutely amazing to hear all the different experiences shared by those in attendance around their own interactions with different levels of government. Workshops like this are exactly what is needed to combat misinformation in the digital age.

Stephen Bali MP said he was pleasantly surprised by the large turn out and the thirst for knowledge. “You can be a keyboard warrior in the social media world or make positive change and engage with people in the real world,” he said.

Elfa Moraitakis – Blacktown Woman of the Year

AS part of the NSW Woman of the Year awards, Elfa Moraitakis was named Blacktown State Electorate Woman of the Year by Stephen Bali MP. Ms Moraitakis is renowned for her strong advocacy in addressing the challenges facing women as well as driving social cohesion across multicultural, multifaith, youth and disability sectors.

She started with SydWest in 2010 as a manager and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 10 years ago. Under Elfa’s tenure as CEO, SydWest employees have grown from 112 to almost 400. 10 years ago, Elfa spoke about her passion “to form innovative partnerships to ensure that people in western Sydney are fully engaged and continue to receive the

best and most appropriate care.” Today, her vision has achieved key milestones including multiculture community finding their voice in civics programs; innovative youth engagement programs; new partnerships expanding NDIS support programs and improving industry leading support for refugee resettlement services.

cPa Support for a fairer aTO

CPA Australia supports the Tax Ombudsman’s call for fairer General Interest Charges (GIC) remission and welcomes the ATO accepting all recommendations to improve transparency, consistency and fairness. The group says reforms must include empathy and proportionality, especially for taxpayers facing genuine financial hardship. It stresses clearer guidance, better communication and more balanced decision-making, particularly since GIC became non-deductible in 2025, increasing financial pressure on individuals and small businesses.

Foster care reforms overdue

THE PSA says NSW foster care reforms are a long-overdue reset after outsourcing failures under the Permanency Support Program. The union argues fragmented responsibility harmed outcomes despite rising costs. Reforms will strengthen government oversight, reduce outsourcing, improve accountability, boost foster carer recruitment, and support Aboriginal organisations. The PSA says the changes respond to frontline concerns, restore decision-making to government, and aim to improve child protection outcomes and public confidence.

Govt to review cafe red tape

THE NSW Government will review red tape affecting cafés and restaurants to simplify approvals, reduce paperwork and make compliance clearer for more than 50,000 food businesses. Led by the Productivity and Equality Commissioner, the review will examine licences, permits, reporting and inspections, aiming to cut duplication without lowering safety standards. Building on existing small business reforms, recommendations will be delivered in August 2026 to help operators focus on customers and growth.

Suspended under new laws

NSW Fair Trading has suspended agent Deepak Bangarh’s licence for 60 days over price misrepresentation and failing to pass on all offers and appointed a manager to oversee his business during ongoing investigations. In a separate case, Epping agent John Kim’s licence was cancelled and he was disqualified for five years after allegedly misappropriating about $300,000 in trust funds. NSW is also considering tougher underquoting laws and has launched a public “Name and Shame” register for disciplinary actions.

real costs of extreme weather

EXTREME weather caused almost $3.5B in insured losses across 264,000 claims in 2025, according to the Insurance Council of Australia. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was the costliest event at $1.5 billion, while severe spring hailstorms

Lockout laws finally gone

TWELVE years after Sydney’s lockout laws began, the NSW Government is removing the final major restrictions, including the 3:30am last drinks rule, to boost the night-time economy. Changes also scrap plastic cup rules and other blanket limits, while retaining key safety measures. A review found targeted regulation can maintain safety as assaults decline. The reforms aim to revive live music, support venues, and strengthen Sydney’s growing entertainment precincts and nightlife economy.

Salves urge using Moneycare

THE Salvation Army is urging Australians to use Moneycare, its free financial counselling service, as new research shows 44% will start 2026 in debt and many feel growing financial stress. De-

added $1.4B. Five major events were declared significant or catastrophic. Insurers expect costs to rise as more claims arrive and continue supporting recovery efforts, with further extreme weather already impacting Australia in early 2026.

spite delivering over 48,000 sessions last year, awareness remains low. Moneycare helps with budgeting, debt and financial planning. Survey results show widespread money pressures and discomfort discussing finances, with the Salvos encouraging people to seek support and reduce financial stress.

call for under-18 super

THE Super Members Council wants to scrap rules denying most under-18 workers super, saying 119,000 NSW teens will miss out on $98 million in 2025/26. Current laws require under-18s to work over 30 hours weekly to qualify. The council argues the rule is outdated, worsens the gender super gap, and unfairly excludes part-time workers. It says reform would boost retirement savings, simplify compliance, and has minimal impact on businesses.

Telling stories, celebrating success, inspiring all WISB is about progress. The stories that stem from the rich ecosystem of women growing in and succeeding in businesses across all sectors and all levels.

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Are you looking for support or worried about someone you care about? Call Medicare Mental Health and we’ll guide you to the right services and supports for your needs. Phone 1800 595 212.

The phone service is free for anyone seeking support and guidance, including family members and carers.

You can call the phone service between 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays (excl. public holidays).

Save to your phone

AGE LIMITS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS

NEW HOSPITAL FOR NORTH WEST SYDNEY It’s a milestone for local health

Keeping our kids safe online

MICHELLE ROWLAND

 MICHELLLE ROWLAND

ECONSTRUCTION is now officially underway on the new Rouse Hill Hospital, a major and long-awaited milestone for health care here in North West Sydney.

VERY Australian child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, whether at home, school, or online.

Social media has become a normal part of life. While it can connect us with family and friends, educate, and entertain, it can also cause tremendous harm.

For local families, the new hospital will be a game-changer. North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions not just in NSW, but in Australia.

Almost two-thirds of 14-to-17-yearold Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide self-harm, and violent material.

For far too long, investment in local infrastructure – particularly health services – has failed to keep pace with population growth, leaving families travelling further and waiting longer to access the care they need.

As a parent myself, I know just how hard it can be to raise children in the digital age.

I share the concerns of so many in our community about the amount of time our children are glued to their screens, and the harmful content they could be exposed to.

That’s why the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are getting on with the job, working together to deliver the hospital our community deserves.

ing care closer to home, but by easing pressure on surrounding hospitals and emergency departments.

That’s why, from 10 December this year, social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

The eSafety Commissioner has helpful guides on preparing for this change, including how to download data from existing accounts before access is lost.

by $120M in funding from the Albanese Government.

committed to ensuring children have a childhood. I was proud last year, as the then Minister for Communications, to introduce legislation establishing our world-leading minimum age limits for social media.

On the back of our successful local campaigns, I promised at the election to ensure the hospital would open with both an emergency department and full maternity services.

This will give young people time to build real-world connections and digital literacy before joining global platforms.

The new Rouse Hill Hospital will be a world-class facility designed to serve our growing region. It will make a real difference, not just by provid-

The Albanese Government is

That promise is now becoming a reality, supported

Importantly, these age limits put the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure users are 16 years or older.

The Albanese Government is also investing more than $200 million to widen Windsor Road near the hospital site, improving traffic flow and helping ensure families, patients and staff can reach the care they need safely and without delay.

The new hospital builds on

This is about protecting children, not isolating or punishing them. Under 16s will still be able to access messaging services, online gaming, professional networking and development services that are used for the primary purpose of education and health support.

In the lead-up to these world-rst changes next month, I encourage parents to have a conversation with your children.

If a young person in your life is having difficulties dealing with the change, support services such as Kids Helpline and Headspace are also readily available.

As parents, families and a community, we are all united in wanting our kids to grow up safe, happy and healthy.

These age limits will help make this a reality and ensure that social media is not the dening feature of growing up in Australia.

Resources:

• eSafety Commissioner: Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner

the Albanese Government’s record investment in local health care, including the recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Rouse Hill Town Centre, the largest ever cut to the cost of PBS medicines, and a record boost to Medicare –delivering more bulk-billing doctors close to home. There’s more work to do, and I’ll keep working with the

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

• Headspace: 1800 650 890 or www. eheadspace.org.au

assistance with any

If you

Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal Member for Greenway and Attorney-General of Australia. If you need assistance with any Federal issue, you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au

you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle. Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au

REVIEW: ADDITION REVIEW

There’s a little bit of heart in the formula for this Aussie-set rom-com

JACOB RICHARDSON

GRACE (Teresa Palmer) counts numbers incessantly, in an effort to hold her world together. But a chance encounter with Seamus (Joe Dempsie) leads her to take a chance on love; throwing her world upside down in the process.

Addition struggles to shake off, perhaps, the shackles of the nation in which it comes from. There are little fingerprints that tell you it’s an Aussie film; an overly complicated plot with a raft of extraneous side characters, plenty of ‘inclusion’, and perhaps a touch too much in making it look amazing.

It’s when the makeup of Addition casts off these extra little elements and focuses on what it should be - a good rom-com - that it works best. here’s a lot of nuance and difficulty in this story, but the central conceit, of a woman with a mental illness that impedes, and ultimately implodes, her romantic life, is a strong one, and handled well. At least, up until that implosion. Teresa Palmer does an OK job in the lead, but Joe Dempsie as her erstwhile lover is far and away the standout.

And they have a good chemistry, aided by some wonderfully strong dialogue from Becca Johnstone and Toni Jordan’s script.

The problem with Addition - outside of the trap-

pings already identified - fundamentally comes down to the structure. Whereas one might imagine a typical structure where the romantic leads break up after some complication caused by Grace’s illness, but are brought back together again, this film tries to eschew that - to some extent - in favour of a more complex, interweaved storyline that never quite takes off.

While there is a complication, it feels incredibly rushed because of all of the disparate elements the filmmakers are trying to cram in here (including a Tesla apparition, a tragic backstory, and a niece discovering her sexuality).

When we should be rooting for Grace and Sea-

mus to put aside their differences and get back together, instead we’re treated to a rapid ‘fixing’ of Grace’s illness by a therapist in a deus ex machina way, a shoehorned in plot with Grace’s niece confiding her secrets in her, and a hurried makeup between the actual characters we care about. It’s too many numbers to add up to a satisfying film.

Which is a shame, because the back and forth banter, the meet cute, the challenges of their relationship and the genuine chemistry between the two actors in the lead relationship is really strong. Some of these lines are laugh out loud funny, even for the jaded critic.

But spreading it so thin, because the screentime is being used for this ‘complex’ backstory, does a disservice to what we’re actually interested in here - how do two people find a way to make their love work in the face of such adversity?

There are great ideas captured here, and the film stands strong as a slightly more complex rom-com in a country that produces very few of those, but it is made all the more bittersweet to see it stumble in the third act, when the relationship it had started to build felt so strong; until it got distracted by other plot threads.

Addition never quite adds up to the sum of its parts. With a strong central romance and a standout performance from Joe Dempsie, the film nevertheless ties itself in knots to provide complexity and nuance it doesn’t need. 3 STARS.

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As we move into the 2026 school year, optometrists are encouraging parents to make outdoor play a priority for their children this school year with new data from Bupa Optical revealing that 27 per cent of Australian children who underwent an eye test last year were diagnosed with myopia.

Spending time outdoors has been proven to be beneficial for reducing myopia risk amongst children however outdoor play is on the decline with separate research noting that 50 per cent of kids reported not being allowed to play outside alone or with friends at various times. Additionally, a quarter of Aussie kids say they need improvement in the opportunities to play outside and hang out with friends.

Bupa Optical Optometrist Karen Makin said childhood myopia rates have been on the rise, especially in the years following the COVID pandemic, with fundamental changes to children’s lifestyles lingering well beyond lockdowns.

“We continue to see more and more parents coming in to report that their children have been having trouble in the classroom as a result of vision problems.

“While factors such as genetics play

a significant role in the development of myopia, the common thread amongst many of these new cases is more time in front of screens and less time spent playing outdoors in natural light, which improves contrast sensitivity, reduces eye fatigue, and stimulates dopamine release in the retina, which helps regulate eye growth,” Karen said.

A 2025 study from Macquarie University found secondary school students averaged around 9 hours daily on

screens, while primary students spent appriximatly 6 hours. This is despite Government recommendations that for young people aged 5–17 years, it is recommended they have no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day.

“While there is a growing trend towards more schoolwork being undertaken online or via devices, we are concerned that recreational time has followed suit, with time spent gaming,

on social media or watching entertainment on smart devices at the expense of time spent playing outside.

“While physical conditions are often easier for parents to spot, vision problems can be much harder to detect. That’s why we recommend yearly eyetests for children ahead of the school year to ensure any issues are detected and addressed early,” Karen said.

Along with special purpose glasses and contact lenses to help control myopia progression, other ways Bupa Optometrists can treat myopia include through Orthokeratology. This is a form of vision correction where hard contact lenses are worn overnight while sleeping and are fitted such that they change the shape of the cornea, resulting in clear vision when the lenses are removed in the morning, as well as keeping the progression of myopia in check.

“But we would much prefer a child didn’t get to the stage of needing vision correction and myopia management, so send your children out into the backyard to play,” added Karen.

With cost-of-living pressures affecting many families, parents can rest assured that eye tests are bulk-billed for eligible Medicare cardholders at Bupa Optical.

Time to rate your favourite business Voting opens for the Hills LBAs

THE time has come to show your appreciation for local businesses in the Sydney Hills community.

The people who kickstart your day with a smile and a coffee, the people who offer a listening ear while they do your hair and nails, the people you call when your car needs servicing or your script needs filling, and the places that offer your favourite dine-in and take-out options.

Now is your chance to recognise your favourite business, thank them for their services, and give back to your community.

Nominations for the 2026 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards opened on Monday, 2 February 2026 and close on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, with winners being announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

From the hundreds of nominations already received, it is clear that businesses in Sydney Hills have many loyal and happy customers who appreciate their efforts.

Managing Director of Precedent Productions and Awards Founder Steve Loe said, “the Sydney Hills community is always an enthusiastic supporter of the awards, which shows not only the high calibre of the businesses

in this area, but the strong community spirit of those who live and work in Sydney Hills.”

Mr Loe would like to thank the Sydney Hills Awards Partners whose ongoing support makes this program possible; Presenting Partner: Commonwealth Bank, Major Partners: The Hills Shire Council and NOVA Employment, and Support Partners: Rouse Hill Town Centre, Winston Hills Mall, Grove Square - The Hills, Bx Networking, White Key Marketing, Sydney Hills Business Chamber and Castle Hill RSL.

He also thanked the Sydney Hills Media Partner, Western Sydney Express who will provide weekly updates on the awards program and run a special finalists feature and winners features.

Mr Loe encourages anyone who hasn’t already nominated a business, to jump online, search for your favourite business or a business you feel deserves recognition and place your vote.

To vote for your favourite business, or for further information on the 2026 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards, head to www.thebusinessawards.com.au or click on the QR code in the advertisements that follow to link direct to the business voting page.

At the table, guests are treated to the dishes Hurricane’s is famous for, from fall-o -the-bone ribs and perfectly cooked steaks, generously basted in our signature sauce, to a considered menu of chicken, fresh seafood and vibrant salads. There is truly something to suit every taste.

With a commitment to quality and freshness at the core of everything we do, we pride ourselves on delivering consistently great food and genuine hospitality to both long-time fans and rst-time guests. A meal at Hurricane’s Grill Castle Hill is one that delivers on avour, comfort and experience.

The Castle Hill venue also OFFERS AN INTIMATE SETTING FOR FUNCTIONS AND CELEBRATIONS , accommodating groups of up to 40 guests in our private dining room.

Feel Relaxed and Refreshed on Vietnam’s Pure Shores

CAM Ranh is a destination where travellers can do as much or as little as they choose. The region’s stunning coastal scenery and laid-back ambiance are perfectly suited to “slow travel,” and guests can spend endless days soaking up the blissful beachside vibe.

ESC Spa is the world-class wellness centre at Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh where every ritual is designed to revive the body, mind and soul. Journeys begin with gentle

heat and delicate botanical scents at the aromatic floral sauna, before a purifying detox in the steam room melts away pent-up stress.

The Himalayan Salt Chamber releases mineral-rich particles to promote respiratory health, an Ice Grotto awakens the senses and boosts circulation, and private treatment rooms set the scene for signature Vietnamese spa therapies, inspired by ancient traditions and elevated with contemporary techniques. Yoga and

tai-chi classes, which are available either in a dedicated Yoga Studio or on the beach, help guests restore their equilibrium.

Adventurous travellers also have plenty of opportunities to head out and explore the natural world – above and beneath the waves. Nearby attractions such as Binh Hung Island reveal crystal-clear seas, while eco-conscious jungle hikes provide an exhilarating insight into the region’s ecology. Bike excursions along rural

pathways, kayak trips through lush mangroves and shimmering lagoons, and fishing tours are sure to satisfy visitors’ thirst for adventure.

Cam Ranh’s captivating culture can be experienced with visits to traditional craft villages, spiritual temples, or a trip to the Life Puppets theatre, where timeless folk tales are brought to life in dazzling shows, including string, shadow, and water puppets, contemporary dance and orchestral music.

with Emma Wilson

Immersive Activities to Inspire All Ages

WHAT makes Cam Ranh truly stand out is how safe it is for families. This secluded coastal region is blissfully quiet, without the busy traffic associated with Asia’s major cities, and the ocean air feels wonderfully fresh and pure.

At Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh, kids can make a splash and enjoy endless hours of fun at the Rainforest

endless hours of fun in the sun.

The Splash Kids’ Club also provides plenty of toys, games, arts and crafts, and at Bai Dai Beach all ages can feel the spray of the ocean waves with a wide range of water sports.

For families who want to enjoy precious moments together, the resort has curated a series of exciting activities. A complimentary Vietnamese Cooking

beachfront

Alternatively, the Coffee Brique workshop is a hands-on session where guests can discover how used coffee can be sustainably transformed into eco-friendly briquettes, or ”coffee charcoal” – a low-carbon fuel

Experience Vietnam through hands-on culinary moments

and get a great night’s sleep in a choice of spacious connecting rooms and suites with sea views. For truly unforgettable vacations, the resort's spectacular one- and two-bedroom Beachfront Pool Villas are private sanctuaries of luxury with indoor and outdoor living

Iwith Emma Wilson

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF Vietnam’s Coastal Paradise

MAGINE strolling along a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand, lapped by azure seas, as local fishing boats bring home the catch of the day. Imagine exploring lush forests that resound with the calls of exotic wildlife, or diving down to vibrant coral reefs that teem with colourful fish. And imagine uncovering enchanting temples that bring more than 1,000 years of history to life.

All of these wonders – and many more – are waiting to be discovered in Cam Ranh.

Located in a less-visited corner of Vietnam’s central coast, Cam Ranh is home to a sparkling collection of natural and cultural jewels. Bai Dai Beach is a 10km-long shoreline where couples

and families can stroll and splash in the sea, while tropical fruit blooms in the orchards and gardens of Vietnam’s “mango capital,” and bustling markets burst with life and fresh produce, including succulent seafood.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Hon Ba Nature Reserve is a sanctuary where more than 250 types of animal – including endangered species – thrive amid the mountainous forests, history lovers are transported on a journey back in time to the ancient Champa Kingdom, and heritage seekers can visit traditional craft villages.

And yet, despite containing so many amazing attractions, Cam Ranh also retains a sense of blissful tranquillity, which feels a world away from South-

east Asia’s busy beach resorts. At Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh, guests have unparallelled opportunities to discover the destination with immersive activities, concierge-led experi-

ences, and independent tours. Nestled in gardens just footsteps from Bai Dai Beach, this is a haven of adventure for travellers who crave authentic and original encounters.

with Emma Wilson

Savour the Flavours of Cam Ranh

CAM Ranh is a haven for foodies, with clear seas that teem with an abundance of seafood, including the famous local lobsters, and lush forests, farms and orchards where tropical fruit, fragrant herbs and aromatic spices thrive.

Nestled amid verdant gardens overlooking the ocean, Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh is playing a key role in positioning Cam Ranh on a global stage for food tourism. Outstanding international flavours can be savoured throughout the day at a choice of six restaurants and bars, from the modern international flavours at Sunrise, to tasty tapas and light bites at Cheers Bar, cool refreshments at The Lounge, and sunset cocktails at Waves Beach Bar.

Now, this award-winning resort is raising its epicurean reputation to even greater heights with the arrival of a highly-skilled Executive Chef, and a new fine dining concept at Blu Lobster, its signature seafront restaurant. Newly-appointed Executive Chef Andy Pham Xuan Cuong brings more than 30 years of expertise to the resort, having previously delighted diners at award-winning hotels, resorts and restaurants in China, Vietnam and the Middle East. At the heart of his philosophy lies a deep-rooted passion for Vietnamese produce and a profound respect for cultural authenticity and sustainability, and this guiding principle now shapes the evolution of Blu Lobster.

and fishing villages, Chef Andy sources the finest and freshest ingredients, including Cam Ranh lobster, hand-selected scallops, and Nha Trang black

grouper, which are infused with traditional Vietnamese flavours and elevated with modern cooking techniques.

Signature dishes include grilled lobster with lemongrass béarnaise fish sauce, Cam Lam mango salad with shrimp,

grilled cockles with onion, lemongrass & ginger, and wok-fried squid with Luk Lak sauce & herbs.

Chef Andy’s vision extends beyond the menu transformation, however.

From March until May, Radisson Blu

Resort, Cam Ranh will host the World Flavor Festival – an immersive epicurean celebration that will showcase a wide range of global cuisines, with cooking classes, expert-led workshops, live performances, family activities and more.

Culinary enthusiasts also have plenty of opportunities to head out into the wider area and experience the local food scene, from tasting sizzling street food in Nha Trang, the vibrant seafront city just 30km from the resort, to witnessing how the “catch of the day” is brought ashore using time-honoured fishing methods.

So, whether guests are seeking a family vacation with plenty of inspiring activities for all ages, a couple’s wellness break or romantic retreat, or a culinary discovery to tantalise the taste buds, Cam Ranh is an idyllic destination for every occasion.

Getting There and Away

Cam Ranh may feel off the beaten track, but it is easily accessible. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar all provide direct services between Australia and Vietnam, including flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Seamless one-stop connections from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer access to Cam Ranh, and the country’s stress-free eVisa programme offers up to 90 days of travel.

Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh is located just 5km from Cam Ranh International Airport.

For more information and to discover the wonders of Cam Ranh, please visit www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/ radisson-blu-resort-cam-ranh

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