Australia’s leading business minds unite in Parramatta to drive Westmead vision

Western Sydney took another giant stride forward this week as leaders from health, innovation and investment answered Westmead Alliance’s call for collaboration across government, private companies and tertiary education.

More than 180 guests at the Novotel Parramatta heard two of Australia’s most prominent business people outline their strategic visions for the Greater West and underline their belief for partnerships in the region.

Philip Chronican, chairman of NAB, NSWT Corp and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, told guests at the Westmead Alliance Business Leaders Lunch that collaborating provided the greatest chance of converting today’s opportunities into longer-term currency.

“These partnerships will help achieve a competitive advantage in jobs, high-value economic activity, and high-value social capital through liveable cities and healthy people,” Mr Chronican said.

Sam Sangster, chief executive, Western City and Aerotropolis Authority, also underlined the region’s critical role over the next generation.

“About 200,000 new jobs will be created in the Aerotropolis and surrounds as more than 50 per cent of Sydney’s residents live west of Parramatta by 2036,” Mr Sangster said.

“Collaboration with our health and education precincts including Westmead will support and help sustain this jobs and industry growth.”

Formed in 2013, the Westmead Alliance dedicates itself to progressing a strategic vision for the Westmead Health Precinct by integrating the best in urban design, knowledge and lifestyle.

Graeme Loy, chief executive, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), said the purpose of the Alliance was to encourage members to collaborate and build relationships to optimise the vast opportunities for investment and change currently occurring.

“I see the Westmead Health Precinct as being the cornerstone for investment, economic growth and job creation in western Sydney.”

Mr Loy, who officially welcomed lunch guests as master of ceremonies, said successful business outcomes over the next generation relied on valuing these partnerships.

“We need to think and connect nationally and globally, while we act locally,” he said.

The recognition of technology and a willingness to share responsibilities were also front and centre.

“We must not solely depend on government policy to create the opportunities for success,” Mr Loy said. “We must get on with the ‘opportunity agenda’ – this is where partnerships and alliances are imperative.

Spanning 75 hectares, the Westmead Health Precinct is home to four research institutes, two major referral hospitals with Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Cumberland Hospital, two university campuses, a research hub, a national and state provider of pathology services, and Westmead Private Hospital.