the interests of staff and 130 women inmates in the Dillwynia wing of the complex .
“ I intended retiring from Corrections in 2017 so a few years before that I started looking around for something to help me keep the old mind ticking over once I had retired ,” Graeme said .
“ A door opened on a trip back to Perth in 2015 when I was browsing around the weekend Fremantle markets and stopped to chat with a bloke selling flavour-infused coffee beans .
“ I bought a couple of packs of different flavoured coffee beans and back home in Sydney , liked what I was drinking and thought ‘ there ’ s an
angle in this ’.”
A year later Graeme was back in Perth where he contacted the blender and the pair came to an agreement in which Graeme would market the flavoured coffee beans in Sydney without the trials and tribulation of becoming a franchisee .
Graeme married in 1980 and he and his now former wife are parents of three children and grandpa and grandma to three grandchildren .
He and Joy Leader met four years ago through one of Graeme ’ s work colleagues who was married to Joy ’ s brother , her next-door neighbour on East Kurrajong Road .
The couple now go together like hot water and Connex Coffee beans !
Graeme Simms is a man who likes to serve . He served 20 years in the Australian Army and a further 18 years as a Corrective Services officer . And here he is still at the serving caper in his unique coffee float , dispensing cups of java to Kurrajong couple , Erin and Scott McAdam . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
WSROC works to net zero
Seven Western Sydney councils are achieving remarkable goals by embracing innovative projects and technologies according to WSROC President , Barry Calvert .
A $ 20 million reduction in energy from 2019 to date , with carbon emissions being slashed by 338,134t have been reported under the Western Sydney Energy Program . “[ The program ] supports participating councils by establishing an aligned position , based in best practice , so that future development is both cost-effective and future-proofed and aligned and maximised our energy and cost-saving efforts ,” Cr Calvert said .
“ The region ’ s rapid population growth and hot climate continue to place increasing pressure on our electricity grid and cause higher electricity bills for residents .
“ Ensuring that Western Sydney is prepared to transition to an energyefficient , low-carbon future is critical for our communities .”
The program , coordinated by WSROC ( Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ) aims to reduce emissions and boost energy savings for a more sustainable , affordable energy future .
One project has seen around 51,000 residential streetlights changed to more efficient LEDs reducing emissions , energy bills and maintenance costs .
“ While these achievements to date are worthy of celebration , the work toward a net-zero future continues ,” Cr Calvert said .
The WSEP is currently working on its project implementation plan for the coming two years . Councils are committed to building on our current achievements , toward continued energy and emissions savings ,” said Cr Calvert . Participating councils include Hawkesbury , The Hills Shire , Blacktown , Blue Mountains , Lithgow , Liverpool and Parramatta .
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 138 // NOVEMBER 2021 7