Q4 December 2015

Newsletter of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce

Yes we CAN but we won’t.Western Sydney business owners, advocates and residents

alike are shocked and outraged by the recent decision from

the Commonwealth Bank to turn its back on Western Sydney

opting for an inner city location hub instead.

Commonwealth Bank no longer has interest in Western

Sydney with its decision to shift location and move thousands

of employees out of Parramatta, Lidcombe and Sydney

Olympic Park.

“This is truly disappointing” says Michael Mekhitarian,

President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

This “significant shift” will have impacts on the business

community and business confidence in the region as one

step forward, three steps back”.

“Commonwealth Bank would have had iconic standing in the

Parramatta Square development” says Michael but now that

decision has ruined future plans.

“Everyone jumps on the bandwagon when Parramatta as

Western Sydney’s capital is up in lights” says Michael, and now

businesses are asking if the light rail initiative is in fact even

viable in light of the shock exit of Commonwealth Bank to no

longer choose to base themselves here.

Perhaps the slow progress with the light rail has cost us jobs in

Western Sydney after all.

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce have real concerns about

this backflip and its repercussions. More transparency is

required here, says Michael, and a better understanding of

governments’ commitment to the region, not just promises,

but outcomes with real success.

“The business community will seek answers from Geoff Lee and the Baird government on what incentives are being offered, if any to help Western Sydney business” says Michael.

It’s somewhat ironic that the government’s property

developer Urban Growth NSW has assisted the move, same

developer in charge of the North Parramatta Heritage

precinct Parramatta North Urban Transformation Program.

“They help generate jobs in one end of town, only to rip it out

in the core” states Michael.

How will Commonwealth Banks decision to move its business

hub out of Western Sydney impact business confidence

remains to be seen.

With so much growth and development in Parramatta in

particular, timing is unfortunate with this missed opportunity

to generate quality jobs and economic growth to the region

and add to its prosperity.

It appears to be a strategic mistake from the bank that CAN,

as it is already clear that a lot of businesses already involved in

the technology park are not looking forward to neighbouring

thousands of bank staff who will not be involved in technology

development.

So with so many jobs moving out, thanks to a major bank

with record profits decision to “pull the pin” on us, who will be

moving in to fill this newly created business hole?

Hopefully we CAN find out soon.

On behalf of the Board and team at the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Safe New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2016.

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce 10 Hassall Street, Parramatta 2150

+61 2 9635 0022 info@parramattachamber.com.au

www.parramattachamber.com.au facebook.com/ParraChamber twitter.com/ParraChamber

!

!! !!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

!

!

Australia’s*Leading*Unsecured*Finance*Provider*

●**Up*to*$400,000*Unsecured**

●**Use*for*ANY*business*need**

●**Flexible*repayment*options**

Call:*1300*291*189*Level*3,*10*Phillip*Street,*

Parramatta**

The one stop shop, place your order for easy Christmas day lunch or pick up a gift

voucher for a gift.

www.courtneysbrasserie.com.au/christmas-pudding-courtneys

30 Charles St, Parramatta 2150 Tel: (02) 9635 3288

Open: From 12pm Tues-Fri From 5:30pm Sat

November Business After Five 10th November Business After Five offered an exclusive and unique view of this beautiful ever-changing growing city we proudly call Parramatta!

Our hosts, Condon Associates extended a beautiful balcony on level 6, to 130 guests that mingled and networked with a stunning backdrop.

Courtney’s Brasserie delighted our taste-buds with delicious catering that flowed as generously as the drinks and beverages provided by Capify.

Thank you to Schon Condon, Managing Principal from Condon Associates, Paul Kuipers, owner of Courtney’s Brasseries and Melissa Stone, Sales Manager from Capify.

Welcome to our new members and look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Thank YouSpecial THANKS to Nick Evans & team from the GWS GIANTS FOOTBALL CLUB for generously donating a Signed Guernsey and Sky Deck tickets for a Fundraiser “Dig deep for Darren” held on November 28 at Shellharbour’s Central Hotel. The event was to raise funds to support Darren, his partner Carol, and his eight children.

Parramatta the coolest place to be when the temperature risesParramatta residents are being encouraged to explore ‘cool’ ways to escape the heat this summer with the launch of the Cool Parramatta campaign.

During the 2015-16 summer season, Cool Parramatta will provide information and advice on cool places to go, special offers and events for the community, as well as tips for beating the heat.

As part of the initiative, Council has created a new website with a host of information, initiatives and tips on where people can go when the temperature rises.

www.coolparramatta.com.au provides information about cool places like Lake Parramatta, local swimming pools, libraries and water play parks.

“We know that older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the heat, however extreme summer temperatures impact everyone” Cr Garrard said.

Local businesses are taking part in the campaign by promoting cool offers that people can take advantage of when the mercury hits 35 and above.

Council’s Cool Cycle will also be out and about over summer distributing Cool Parramatta merchandise like handheld fans and reusable water bottles, and providing people with information on how to cool down.

The Cool Parramatta campaign will be launched at the opening of the new Philip Ruddock Water Playground at Dundas Park on Sunday 29 November, from 10am to 2pm.

People can find out more and get involved at www.coolparramatta.com.au when the site goes live on Sunday 29 November.

Meet a Member

Christian Renel – Financial Planner

Christian Renel has been part of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce for 12 months. He grew up in the local area, still lives in Western Sydney and has recently taken up the role of secretary for the Energy Network Group in the chamber.

In 2015 Christian has been nominated for the Western Sydney Young Entrepreneur’s Award. He has been practicing as a Financial Planner for 7 years.

Christian enjoys helping the local community and as well as taking part in seminars for local community groups, he does charity work for Wesley Mission.

How we can help you Christian is part of Price Financial Intelligence’s adviser team. At Price we help clients with their Financial needs such as wealth creation planning, Debt Reduction strategies and Insurance implementation.

Our wealth creation strategies help individuals in different parts of life accumulating wealth, pre retirement planning and superannuation strategies.

At Price Financial we take into account your individual goals and needs and look at the best way for you to achieve your lifestyles goals, in all stages of life.

Among other things Christian considers the following elements in helping clients achieve their goals - Tax, Superannuation and Government entitlements.

Christian is looking forward to continuing to help the local community in the future. He can be contacted on the following number 02 9875 2444.

Westfield Parramatta Christmas Trading Hours

New membersWelcome this month’s new members

Kite Zoo

My Biz Bro

Get some eNRGy! Contact Chamber office for more details about our business building eNRGy groups.

eNGRy 1 Thursday 7.15am

eNGRy 2 Wednesday 7.15am

eNGRy 3 Tuesday 9.45am

eNGRy 4 Friday 9.45am

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!Contact the chamber office for an advertising rate card

The Innovative Small Business Tax Consultant & Financial Advisor

Suite 4, Level 3, 20 Charles Street, Parramatta

Phone : +61 2 9687 1042

eNRGy1 eNRGy2 eNRGy3 eNRGy4: Every Thursday : Every Wednesday : Every Tuesday : Every Friday

: 7:15am for a7:30am start

: 7:15am for a7:30am start

: 9:45am for a10:00am start to11:00am

: 9:45am for a10:00am start to11:00am

: Terrace Cafe,399/401-403 ChurchStreet, Parramatta

: BandmannersCafe, 1 Horwood Place,Parramatta

: Suite 1, Level 3,1 Horwood Place, Par-ramatta

: BandmannersCafe, 1 Horwood Place,Parramatta

: Warren Muller-0418 266 917

: Sultan Kakar0425 233 366

: Vlad Vanovac0403 113 080

Markus Przyrem-bel

Powered by the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce

better service Parramatta

Yep. We do that.

Need printing?

1300 GR8 PRT4 7 8 7 7 8

better service Parramatta

Yep. We do that.

Need printing?

1300 GR8 PRT4 7 8 7 7 8

better service Parramatta

Yep. We do that.

Need printing?

1300 GR8 PRT4 7 8 7 7 8

Need Printing?