The Connection would like to welcome our newest Charity Partner:

Gotcha4Life – Gotcha4Life develops and delivers evidence-based preventative programs and resources to inspire and enable all Australians to take action to build their mental fitness so they are better equipped to get through life's ups and downs. Our ultimate vision? A suicide-free world where no one worries alone.

The Connection would like to welcome our newest Gold Member:

Western Sydney Publishing Group - Western Sydney Publishing Group is a western Sydney based newspaper and media publisher. We are the home of respected local newspaper publications The Western Weekender (Penrith) and Parra News (Parramatta), as well as digital publications Bradfield Bulletin and the Blue Mountains Record.

Western Sydney Publishing Group is committed to providing free, locally-focused news to the communities we represent, as well as advertising solutions to businesses within those communities. As well as publishing our own highly respected, long-standing publications, Western Sydney Publishing Group also works with other publishers to create custom content, advertising solutions and specialist publications.

The Connection would like to welcome our newest Silver Member:

Alfred AI Chatbot – Alfred AI is an intuitive AI chatbot. It allows you to create an LLM based and AI powered chatbot trained on the content of your webpages, documents, and more. Whether you’re just launching a new venture or managing a global enterprise, Alfred offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your needs. Alfred Ai Agents are designed for businesses of all sizes, helping you adapt and grow with confidence—no matter the industry or stage of development. With Alfred, you’ll have a robust solution to support you today and seamlessly scale with you tomorrow.

Go Traffic – Go Traffic prioritises safety to deliver traffic management solutions with integrity. We service all major cities and regional locations in NSW, QLD and Victoria

Established in 2007, Go Traffic is a locally grown traffic management company specialising in servicing the utilities, maintenance, construction, rail, government, events and infrastructure sectors across Eastern Australia.

We partner with our clients to provide complete, practical and flexible solutions to enhance site safety and operational performance, and pride ourselves on creating a safe and supportive workplace for over 450 employees each day.

The Connection would like to welcome our newest Bronze Members:

AuditCo – We are auditCo. Australia's leading provider of audits and inspections to the certification and compliance industries. Delivering audits and inspections for the ISO Certification, Product Certification and broader Compliance industry, Australia-wide.

AuditCo performs many thousands of audit and inspection days per year, and have performed tens of thousands of audits and inspections over 15 + years.

Core Integrity – We protect your people, reputation and bottom line. We work with corporate, government and professional sporting organisations to deliver industry leading integrity risk solutions. We go above and beyond for our clients and are a trusted and focused ally for your organisation.

At Core Integrity, we understand that your people are your most valuable assets. We know that when you take proactive steps to support and protect your people, your organisation will be well prepared to prevent and minimise the impact that people-related risks can have on your business and bottom line. We help you to create safe cultures where your people feel safe to report issues that may negatively impact your organisation. We work with a wide range of organisations of all sizes across all industries as their dedicated integrity partner. 

Healthicare – At Healthicare, we believe healthcare should be proactive, personal, and community-driven. We go beyond treating illness—we empower individuals, families, and communities to take control of their health.

From preventative care and chronic disease management to cutting-edge digital health solutions, we’re building a smarter, more connected healthcare system—one that ensures every patient receives the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

IGL Coatings – Australia’s leading provider of premium, safe and sustainable protective surface coatings and maintenance products.

INGENIUS – INGENIUS is a commercially driven civil engineering consultancy based in NSW.

Jones Structural Engineering - We exist for developers seeking innovative and sustainable value-driven engineering solutions supported by unrivalled customer service.

Structural Solutions that Stand the Test of Time - At Jones Structural Engineering, we offer a range of engineering services to meet your needs individually, or as a package. Our team of experts are dedicated to delivering the highest quality work to our clients. We are committed to providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions for a better future. We work closely with our clients to ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Reosteel – At Reosteel, we pride ourselves on being a key player in the Australian construction industry. We have a strong focus on sustainability, and we utilise recyclable materials and advanced technologies to produce high-quality reinforcing steel for projects across the country, from homes to major infrastructure. Reliable, on-time delivery is something we emphasise, and we also offer services such as estimating, scheduling, and custom bar and mesh processing to support our clients.

Looking beyond our core business, we're committed to a sustainable future through various initiatives. For instance, we've partnered with Veritree to plant a tree for every tonne of steel we sell, aiming to restore landscapes and support local communities. This focus on environmental responsibility, combined with our industry experience, positions Reosteel as a growing and forward-thinking company right here in the Australian steel sector.

Rubix Insurance Solutions – Rubix Insurance Solutions is your one-stop shop for all your Risk Management and Insurance needs. We're an 100% Australian family-owned business with a focus on the future.

As an Authorised Representative of Resilium Insurance Broking Pty Ltd, we leverage cutting-edge technology to connect you with the best coverage options.

Our collaborative approach means we work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals.

We don't sell insurance, we build partnerships. 

Rubix empowers our customers to pursue their aspirations with confidence and peace of mind.

Sweeney Advertising – At Sweeney Advertising, it’s personal. That’s what our clients love about us. We’re small enough to give you direct access to our senior media planners, and big enough to command media discounts and deliver effective, measurable results.

World Class Finance – World Class Finance is a Specialist Commercial, Business and Asset Finance Broker that provides tailored finance solutions to help business owners and investors achieve their financial goals.

Do you need finance to purchase or lease business vehicles, equipment or machinery?

Are you looking for funding to improve your cash flow and grow your business?

Whether you need working capital finance or you want to lease or purchase a car, truck, equipment or machinery, we can help you with a wide range of finance solutions to support and grow your business.

Want a commercial loan to purchase a business premise, fund a property development project or buy an investment property?

Talk to us about your Commercial Loan, Private Lending or Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Loan options and let us find the right finance solution for you.

The Connection would like to welcome our newest Small Business Members:

Avewood – Avewood is a trusted source for sustainable purchasing solutions of advanced, non-toxic materials and professional tool for the construction and surrounding industries.

AYKA Technologies – AYKA Technologies is profoundly known for its exceptional quality and exemplary service. We pride ourselves on giving you an unconditional 10-year workmanship guarantee. We have a 100% Workmanship Guarantee. We have installed over 50,000 panels with 100% customer satisfaction for households as well as businesses.

Fill the Gap Marketing – At Fill the Gap Marketing, we specialise in providing tailored solutions that fill the marketing gaps in your business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance your existing marketing strategy, we deliver the expertise and resources needed to drive growth. As part of The Epiphany Group, we are based in Sydney Australia and operating globally, we help organisations generate leads, develop powerful brands, and create a strong digital presence.

From basic websites to full development and delivery of complex marketing plans, our team of experts offer a full suite of marketing services designed to get results. Whether you’re a small-to-medium business or a larger enterprise, we adapt our approach to meet your unique goals.

Genesis Legal Partners – Genesis Legal Partners is a modern Parramatta-based law firm offering CBD-level expertise with a community focus. Since 2016, we've provided practical legal support, especially for vulnerable clients, helping them navigate complex legal matters with minimal disruption. We prioritise relationships, listen to your goals, and work to resolve issues quickly and commercially—always with respect and understanding.

Handover HR – At Handover HR and R, we are driven by a passion for people and performance. As part of The Epiphany Group, we offer tailored Human Resources and Recruitment solutions designed to meet the unique needs of organisations across various industries. With a focus on aligning talent with opportunity, we partner with organisations to build strong teams and foster healthy workplace cultures. Our journey began with a vision to simplify and enhance the Recruitment process while offering expert Human Resources support to ensure companies thrive. Through personalised service and a commitment to excellence, we help businesses grow by empowering their greatest asset—people.

Looking to connect with fellow members? Let The Connection be your guide! 

Reach out to us today to explore how we can facilitate those introductions for you or Visit our Member Directory.

Main construction has started on Penrith Stadium, with the precinct set to become a multipurpose venue for sport, recreation, and entertainment. The NSW Government is dedicated to upgrading the existing Penrith Stadium to meet the current and future social, recreational, and sporting needs of Western Sydney. The project will encompass the current stadium and the training field facing Mulgoa Road.

The NSW Government has appointed John Holland Group to deliver Penrith stadium and its surrounding entertainment precinct, and the project is expected to be complete with the stadium ready for operations in 2027.

The stadium was designed with visitor experience front of mind and will be:

• Universally accessible, safe, and inclusive for all visitors with more amenities, improved wayfinding, and upgraded security and technology
• A multipurpose venue which will support the growth of rugby league, football, and rugby union in Western Sydney
• Able to host up to 10 concerts annually and accommodate private events such as meetings, conferences, and functions
• Available to the community year-round with access to a landscaped forecourt with basketball hoops and a playing field in the surrounding precinct.

Other enhancements of the stadium include;

• Redesigning steeper grandstands to maximise seating, so fans are as close to the action as possible and have better sightlines to the field or stage
• Increasing ground capacity to around 25,000
• Remodelling the training field to the west of the stadium for additional open spaces and multipurpose courts
• Improving landscaping for multi-purpose, outdoor community use
• Increasing wheelchair accessible seats by around 500% and wheelchair accessible toilets by 85% to cater to a diverse range of fans
• Adding more food and beverage outlets and amenities to improve service speed
• Installing new scoreboards, sound systems, ribbon boards and upgraded lighting
• Improving security in and out of events with new entries and turnstiles
• Upgrading player facilities for both men’s and women’s sports teams
• Creating a family-friendly atmosphere that preserves the north and south hills

Industry Capability Network - NSW are calling all suppliers and service providers to support the following packages with John Holland;

Click the link below to get more information about these new opportunities and submit your EOIs today:

https://penrithstadium.icn.org.au

For project or work package discussion, contact Raquel Bloom on 0400 264 678

With a short turnaround expected, hospitality spots will go fast.

Register your interest now to receive first priority once the fixture is confirmed – don’t miss your chance to secure premium seats and experiences for what could be a massive Home Final for the Western Sydney Wanderers.

For any questions, contact Antony Jakovcevic ajakovcevic@wswanderersfc.com.au

Let’s get behind the Western Sydney Wanderers!

By Scott Harrington, Partner William Buck

Small business tax planning can be daunting – especially when it adds to your already exhaustive To Do list. We’ve found that many small business owners can become so focused on the day-to-day operations of running their business that they leave their End of Financial Year (EOFY) tax planning to the very last minute, creating even more stress. That’s why we’ve put together some small business tax planning tips to ease the burden and ensure you’re prepared well in advance of financial year-end.

Do’s

Ensure year round recordkeeping

Recordkeeping is a year round ‘do’ and can make all the difference come tax time. Submit each transaction into your accounting system and separate personal from business items. The more you keep on top of things throughout the year, the less you’ll need to prepare in the immediate leadup to EOFY. Similarly, if you’re practicing optimal recordkeeping, you’ll find it becomes easier each year. This is due to familiarisation as well as tech improvements.

Using intuitive accounting software like Xero and cloud folders like Fileshare will increase efficiencies and free up time for you to spend on improving your product or service, speaking with customers and strategising.

These programs also enable document sharing with your accountants and other parties so that changes can be made in real time and document control is maintained.

Which introduces our next tip…

Invest in software training

Due to time constraints, small business owners aren’t always across the full capacity of their accounting package. While the constant evolution of accounting software has simplified the bookkeeping task for small business owners, being unable to use the software and/or take advantage of all its functions can create inefficiencies.

Set some time aside each year for training, understand what new features there are and assess whether your accounting package is right for you.

Write off expenses to maximise tax deductions

To reduce your tax liability and maximise deductions at tax time, it’s important to review your debtors, inventories and fixed assets and accordingly write-off any:

— debts that are not recoverable

— stocks that have become obsolete, and

— assets no longer able to generate revenue.

Many expenses can be written off if they have a legitimate purpose within the business. Commercial rent, equipment and business travel are all able to be written off.

There is also the small business $20,000 instant asset write off to consider for 2025.

To be eligible, your business must have an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million.

Year end planning

Make sure you take the time to forecast your likely profits and taxes that will be applicable for the year ending. Ensure that you are putting aside the cash to pay any taxes remaining and considering any additional deductions you can incur prior to year end to keep the income down where possible.

Don'ts

Don't overlook key tax due dates

Due to heavy workloads and competing priorities, small business owners sometimes struggle to prioritise their tax obligations. However, it’s highly important to prioritise these obligations or you could be hit with ATO penalties and interest. Non-compliance can also flag you with the ATO for a more detailed review or audit.

The ATO approach in the current year has been to significantly reduce the ability to get an extension of time to lodge. They have also made it far more difficult to have interest remitted and from 1 July 2025 any interest paid will now be non deductible.

Contact a William Buck advisor or your chartered accountant to understand your tax obligations and prioritise key due dates. Advisers may be able to assist with entering an instalment arrangement with the ATO (if required).

Don't exercise inadequate maintenance of finance records

As already noted, it’s important to keep up with your recordkeeping year round. But it’s also important to do so correctly. Proper recordkeeping provides an accurate and reliable financial position of a business, enabling the business owner to determine how it’s performing and identifying opportunities to improve. Consider the following:

— Lock all accounts relating to the financial year so that date remains accurate, ensuring easy transition into the new financial year, and

— Create a separate copy of the accounts and back it up (print key reports like P&L, Balance Sheet and general ledger listing for the financial year and store them securely).

Don't ignore the importance of investing in expert assistance

With cost-of-living pressure and interest rates high, we’re all looking at ways to minimise our expenses. But cutting costs on advisory services is highly inadvisable. Simply do not make an important business decision without consulting a professional because this could result in missed opportunities, non-compliance, a surprise high tax bill or increased commercial risk.

Do not overdraw!

Finally, and this is a big one, if you have a company and you take money out of the business, make sure the net position of funds introduced less any funds you withdrew is not overdrawn.

If you have taken money out of the company, work with your advisors prior to year-end to determine whether the amount represents the following:

— Salary and wages (report this on your Business Activity Statement)

— Dividend (Dividend resolutions and statements to be prepared)

— Formal loan agreement in place to meet the Division 7A requirements including the required term and ATO interest rates.

If you do not get the treatment correct, you may end up with a deemed dividend that will usually be a poor outcome for the company and yourself.

For more information on any of the above or assistance preparing your tax, contact your local William Buck advisor.

Author: Scott Harrington, Partner Business Advisory

Mental health support should be easy to access, yet too many Australians face barriers like cost, stigma and accessibility. That’s why our partners at Gotcha4Life have launched the Mental Fitness Gym App: a free, evidence-based tool for over 18s designed to help everyone build their emotional muscles, strengthen relationships and gain confidence in asking for and accepting help.

"We can’t afford to wait until people are in crisis. Prevention is key, and that means making mental fitness tools as accessible as possible. Since launching our online Mental Fitness Gym in 2023, over 70,000 Australians have accessed its tools and resources. The new app takes that impact even further by making building mental fitness more personalised, engaging and accessible. It’s free and always will be.” – Gus Worland, Founder, Gotcha4Life

Here’s what you get:

• ·  100+ guided exercises
• ·  Personalised recommendations
• ·  Connection-focused tools to strengthen relationships
• ·  Structured workouts for long-term mental fitness habits

Download the Mental Fitness Gym App today via the App Store or Google Play, or learn more via this link and start taking small steps that make a big impact.

You may remember taking part in Jeans for Genes Day when you were at school – and now you can register your interest to involve your organisation in this incredible day which supports world-leading medical research right here in Western Sydney.

This year, Jeans for Genes Day is moving from the first Friday in August to the first Thursday as we realise so many people now work from home on Fridays!

So, mark down Thursday, August 7 in your calendars and start planning what your organisation can do to support the 1 in 20 Aussie kids who live with a birth defect or genetic condition.

Maybe you will have a Bake it Blue morning tea; maybe your team will join the Skipping Challenge or do Ks for Kids as a workplace morale booster; or perhaps you want to go back to the original concept and Wear Jeans.

However you get behind our scientists, every dollar counts!

Please register your interest now and our team at Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead will show you how we can help your team have fun whilst supporting a great cause. Register your interest here: https://fundraise.jeansforgenes.org.au/org-eoi

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is an award-winning state-of-the-art medical research organisation dedicated to researching the genes and proteins important for human development, health and disease. Affiliated with the University of Sydney, CMRI is supported in part by its key fundraiser Jeans for Genes® and the Luminesce Alliance and is located at Westmead, a major health and innovation precinct in Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Join us for a luxurious High Tea located in our beautiful grounds, Sunday 11 May 2025.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with your choice of sparkling wine, orange juice or mineral water, followed by unlimited tea and coffee, and centrepieces filled with sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats to share. Let’s not forget about the little ones! Children under 12 will receive their own high tea filled with kid friendly favourites.

To make the day even more special, a portion of your tickets will also be donated to Liverpool Hospital’s Nursing and Midwifery Ward.

Savour the season and grab your tickets now!

Western Sydney Publishing Group – publishers of The Western Weekender and Parra News – have a special exclusive offer to WSBC members.

With a weekly reach of more than 100,000 – Western Sydney Publishing Group’s print and digital publications are an excellent vehicle to increase brand awareness, drive interest and sales, and partner with a true local media publisher.

Sign up for an exclusive advertising offer to try WSPG’s publications. The offer includes:

• 2 half page ads in The Western Weekender (one ad per week)
• 2 half page ads in Parra News (one ad per week)
• 1 social post across all WSPG socials
• 1 MREC ad at 50% SOV for two weeks across the Weekender and Parra News websites

Total value: $4,250 + GST

Special offer price: $2000 + GST

This is a superb opportunity to make a splash over a fortnight with western Sydney’s leading media publisher.

Please contact Troy Dodds at Troy.Dodds@westernweekender.com.au to take up this offer.

Western Sydney Publishing Group is western Sydney’s premier media source. As publishers of The Western Weekender in Penrith and Parra News in Parramatta, Western Sydney Publishing Group boasts unrivalled access to western Sydney locals across print and digital. They work with businesses to execute marketing and advertising campaigns that work – increasing brand awareness and driving sales.

Introducing you to The William Inglis Hotel, an iconic destination with rural soul.

Nestled within the Riverside Stables Precinct, the property is part of the MGallery hotel collection. Featuring over 23 unique event spaces and 144 boutique accommodation rooms, The William Inglis is the ideal location to host business meetings, workshops, seminars and more!

Private meeting room from $500.00

Small Meetings Offer

Inclusions:

• 8 hour room hire
• Table water, mints, notepads, pens
• Complimentary barista coffee
• Minimum 15 guests
• 55 inch built in TV
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Elevate your meeting with these optional additions:

Catering Add on

• Morning Tea or Afternoon Tea | $15.00pp
• Light Working Lunch | $79.00pp

Accommodation Add on

Book 5 accommodation rooms to receive 1 complimentary upgrade.*

Terms and Conditions Apply*

Offer valid until 30 June 2025

To enquire about this offer please call 02 9058 0365 or email HB042-EV1@accor.com

Enquire Now

We are pleased to welcome Motiv8sports - Penrith, Hills, Blacktown, Parramatta  as our newest Platinum Partner. With their dedication to promoting physical activity, sports, and wellness, Motiv8sports aligns perfectly with our values and vision for a healthier, more engaged community. We look forward to the collaborative opportunities ahead and the positive impact we will create together. Welcome aboard, Motiv8sports!

About Motiv8sports - Penrith, Hills, Blacktown, Parramatta

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At Motiv8sports, we are dedicated to inspiring children and promoting values like teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun and safe environment. Motiv8sports has a diverse range of offerings including party packages, dynamic school programs, and the best kids school holiday events available.

Motiv8sports events are designed for all abilities and focus on energy and effort rather than a child’s sporting or creative ability. Children who attend Motiv8sports learn about sport, culture, creativity, teamwork and sportsmanship in an environment fuelled by great leadership and constant motivation.

Follow Motiv8sports Social Media:

Motiv8sports Hills
Facebook: Motiv8sports Hills
Instagram: @motiv8sports_hills_district

Motiv8sports Penrith
Facebook: Motiv8sports Penrith
Instagram: @motiv8sports_penrith

Motiv8sports Parramatta
Facebook: Motiv8sports Parramatta
Instagram: @motiv8sports_parramatta

Motiv8sports Blacktown
Facebook: Motiv8sports Blacktown
Instagram: @motiv8sports_blacktown