WPCA Community Newsletter - December 2023
The beating heart of Bradfield City Centre unveiled
In an exciting milestone, the design for the two-hectare Central Park at the heart of Bradfield City Centre has been unveiled.
Central Park will be the welcoming point for visitors from across Sydney - and the world - as they step off the new Metro station at Bradfield City Centre.
Visitors will be greeted by an impressive Sky Ring structure with a smart design that provides shelter, directs rainwater, and uses misting technology for cooling on hot days. Surrounded by picturesque wetlands and Darug inspired artwork, the area will be the perfect place to relax, meet with friends or hold a picnic.
The Interwoven Heart is one of the many unique areas within the park for local Darug creatives to tell their stories, with the park also featuring a series of woven shelters that create a play experience for people of all ages.
The native grasslands and traditional artwork act as a perfect backdrop to the Gathering Green, providing a functional space for events such as concerts and ceremonies. Both power and Wi-Fi areas will be available within the space for both creative workshopping and gathering.
Central Park is due for completion in 2026, alongside the opening of the Bradfield Metro station.
You can learn more about Central Park here
First Building forges ahead
Construction is well underway at Bradfield City Centre, with the First Building rapidly taking shape.
As the year comes to an end, we celebrate all the foundational milestones this year including the earth works, concrete slab pours, pilings, and in-ground works. The above ground structure is also well underway, with the main roof going up this month.
The First Building will house Stage 1 of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Research Facility, industry tenants, and a visitor centre. The building is due for completion in 2024.
Keep an eye on our social media for updates as the building finishes taking shape.
Check out our timelapse below to see how the building has developed in 2023.
Learner success is in the numbers
The New Education and Training Model (NETM) works in partnership with industry and leading education providers to deliver short courses called micro-credentials (40 hours) that allow people to quickly build the knowledge, skills, and experience employers need.
More than 1,500 learners from around 500 companies have now completed a micro-credential course through the NETM. NETM learners are reporting more than 90% satisfaction and overwhelmingly rate the training as beneficial for their career or their business.
Interest in upskilling for the jobs of the future? Take a look at our course catalogue or hear from previous NETM learners.
Michelle’s story
Michelle is a Scientific Affairs and Education Manager at 3M and undertook the NETM Practical Foundations of Microbiology micro-credential in early 2023.
After an early career in clinical nursing and additional studies in infection control, Michelle joined applied science company 3M in 2017. Her current role sees her focus on the operating room and device reprocessing, a field which requires a comprehensive understanding of the latest sterilisation safety. Taking on the role inspired Michelle to expand and refresh her knowledge by signing up for the NETM micro-credential.
“As a single mother going through university, learning becomes a secondary mission. This NETM made the opportunity to advance myself possible for me. I believe continuous learning to advance your knowledge is important in today’s rapidly changing industries,” Michelle says on why she decided to complete the micro-credential.
Since completing the micro-credential, Michelle has applied her refreshed knowledge in the field and passed her learnings on to colleagues.
“I was to understand the methodology behind microbiology and the key elements of improving safety within the pharmaceutical environment,” says Michelle.
“I was also able to apply this understanding and insight to another quality improvement project within the healthcare sector.”
What would be Michelle’s message to anyone considering enrolling into a NETM micro-credential?
“I would encourage anyone to make the commitment to themselves to update their knowledge and complete a NETM micro-credential if available to them. My experience was nothing but positive and I left with invaluable tools and resources that I have been able to directly apply to my workplace.”
Creating a vibrant city
Our Civic Places team held a workshop with community organisations, business, and councils involved in events and activation around the Western Parkland City to look at how we can make Bradfield City Centre an attractive, vibrant, and welcoming place.
The day was a great opportunity to receive some vital feedback on the community’s vision for Bradfield City Centre. The feedback is being shared across WPCA and implemented into all future plans and acts as a great guide for all our teams.
Special thanks to Tatum Kenna who graphically illustrated ideas as participants discussed ideas such as concert spaces to safe places, light shows and cultural displays.
Keep an eye out on our website and various social media platforms for more opportunities to contribute to our city.
Celebrating Gandangara Elders
The WPCA proudly sponsored the Elders Expo hosted by the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council in Liverpool in November. The expo provided Elders with an opportunity to learn more about aged care and related services, while celebrating and sharing First Nations culture through weaving, dancing, and painting activities.
Meet Bradfield City Centre’s Caretaker
Felix is a Western Parkland City local with a strong farming background, working with his family on their vegetable farm before taking on the important job of looking after Australia’s newest city.
Having lived and worked in Western Sydney for most of his life, Felix is proud to be ensuring the Bradfield City Centre is well-maintained.
Thanks Felix!
Thank you to our community
From everyone at WPCA, we'd like to thank you as our community for providing us with valuable feedback and input throughout the year.
This year we have been out and about at various community events, listening to your comments and feedback and sharing these insights with our team.
We'll be back out in the new year, so keep an eye out for us at your local community events in 2024!
If you've missed us at local events and have any questions or feedback, please email us at [email protected].
Happy holidays
The WPCA will be closed between Friday, 22 December 2023 and Monday, 8 January 2024. Wishing you a safe and relaxing festive season.
