October 1: Parramatta4Networking is hosting a networking breakfast in Parramatta. From 8am-10am at Lachlan’s in Old Government House. Cost: $30. Details: 4networking.com.au.
October 6: The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to networking event Business after 5. From 5.30pm-7.30pm at Pirtek Stadium. Cost: $25 (members), $40 (non-members). Details: parramattachamber.com.au.
October 7: The Blacktown Business Network hosts monthly networking event on the first Wednesday of every month. From 6.30am-8.30am at the Blacktown Workers Club. Details: blacktownbusiness.net.
October 7: Western Sydney Business Centre is holding a workshop to guide you through the steps involved in setting up your small business. From 9.30am-11.30am at Western Sydney Business Centre in Penrith. Details: penrithsmallbiz.com.au.
October 8: Bev Barnfather of Ladybird Group is hosting a workshop to help fine tune networking skills. From 7.30am-9.30am at the Travelodge Hotel in Blacktown. Cost: $45 (members), $65 (non-members). Details: greaterbbc.org.au.
October 9: The Success Women’s Network is hosting a networking lunch to discuss ‘‘passion, purpose and profit’’ with guest speaker Kathy Wong. From noon-2pm at the Bella Vista Hotel. Cost: $60. Details: successwomensnetwork.com.au.
October 12: The Western Sydney Business Centre is holding a practical workshop on how to use social media to support and grow your small business. From 10am-noon at the Max Webber Library in Blacktown. Cost: $25. Details: penrithsmallbiz.com.au.
October 14: The Hills TAFE College is hosting a business breakfast for young entrepreneurs. Hear young entrepreneur Vu Hua speak about his experiences and network over breakfast. From 7am-8.30am at The Hills TAFE. Cost: $80. Details: sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au.
October 20: The Hills branch of networking group Women with Altitude is holding an event at the Ettamogah Hotel with guest speaker Linda Campbell from Your Mind Mastery. She will talk about clearing a path to success from 6pm-7.30pm. Cost: $40 or $25 (members). Details: womenwithaltitude.com.au.
October 21: Webinar: Learn how to use simple online marketing strategies to take your business to the next level. Cost: Members free, $15 (member), $30 (non-members). Details: events.nswbc.com.au.
October 27: Webinar: Learn how to define your value proposition and understand how to get to the business introduction stage. Cost: $15 (local chamber member), $30 (non-members). Details: events.nswbc.com.au.
October 30: 4Networking has a business networking breakfast in Penrith. From 8am-10am at Tattersalls Hotel. Cost: $30. Details: 4networking.com.au.
Thrive in digital economy
The Creative Fringe is hosting a talk on surviving and thriving in the "digital economy" on October 29 from 6pm to 7.30pm.
The speaker, doctor Emily Verstege, founded and runs Brisbane-based Multiplicité where she focuses on digital leadership through data science and user experience.
"Digital technology is re-writing the rules of business," she said. "In the presentation you will learn the fundamentals of how to develop a digital strategy that will help your business thrive, not just survive, in the digital economy."
Cost: $15 (includes pizza and drinks).
Where: The Creative Fringe, Unit 6, 51 York Road, Penrith.
Bookings (essential): thecreativefringe.com.au.
Rail 'crucial' to new airport
The western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber David Borger wants construction on a rail link to the airport at Badgerys Creek to start within the next five years.
He said the suggestion by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on ABC's Q&A recently was "spot on".
"Ensuring the western Sydney airport has the supporting infrastructure, necessary to attract local and international airlines, needs to be a priority for the federal government," Mr Borger said.
"Earlier this year, the Sydney Business Chamber hosted two international aviation and planning experts and numerous key stakeholders who understand the widespread economic [impact] ... and the consensus was clear: improving the speed and reliability of transport networks is absolutely crucial to drive economic growth in western Sydney."
Low income tax help
Volunteers from the Australian Taxation Office will be at the Vinegar Hill Memorial and the Castle Hill libraries in October to provide free help with basic tax returns for those who earn less than $50,000 a year.
The dates for Rouse Hill are October 3, 10, 17 and 24; and for Castle Hill the services will be on October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24.
Appointments must be booked in advance.
Details: 9761 4510.
