THE WEST JOURNAL APP NSW PARLIAMENT LAUNCH EVENT
- Jun 1
- 6 min read
There are moments of magnitude that mark the beginning of something new. Not simply a launch, but the gathering of people, ideas, stories and communities, connected by a shared belief in discovery and connection. On Tuesday 26th May 2026, inside the historic surroundings of NSW Parliament, The WEST Journal proudly launched The WEST Journal App - a global discovery platform built with purpose, designed to transform the way people explore the world around them.
On the traditional lands of the Gadigal people, it was a fitting setting for the launch of a new discovery platform, within the walls of a heritage building that was also the first of its kind - the first Parliament in Australia.
The WEST Journal App was an idea borne out of the mighty Western Sydney over ten years ago, where WEST Founder Dean Boone grew up. Developed to become something far bigger, whilst remaining deeply local. At the centre of Dean’s vision was something remarkably simple: the desire to help people connect. To spark curiosity. To encourage exploration. To help change the perception of the outer suburbs and regional areas. To celebrate places that are culturally rich, economically significant, deeply diverse and rapidly evolving. To create a platform where discovery leads to shared experiences, and shared experiences strengthen community.
Sharing the same vision of values and authentic connection to the community around us, Dean was invited by Nathan Hagarty MP, Member for Leppington and Government Whip, to host The WEST Journal App launch event in NSW Parliament. A true honour. Showing their support for The WEST Journal App at the launch event, were also Prue Car MP; Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney, Donna Davis MP; State Member for Parramatta, and Anoulack Chanthivong MP; Member for Macquarie Fields, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections.
The launch event brought together not only State Government, but a broad cross section of government agencies, tourism bodies, dignitaries, councils, small and large businesses, industry leaders and Chambers of Commerce, alongside The WEST Journal Foundation and Brand Partners, Brand Ambassadors and WEST Ambassadors.
The launch event celebrated more than the arrival of a new app. It celebrated a growing movement centred around authentic storytelling, local discovery and meaningful connection. A room filled with people united by a simple but powerful idea: that the places around us deserve to be seen, shared and celebrated.
Conversations around this topic flowed effortlessly, and as the night unfolded, so too did a powerful feeling of connection. The room carried an undeniable energy, one of collective excitement, engagement and optimism – the kind of atmosphere created when people gather around an idea that resonates far beyond business or technology.
Guests from Western Sydney, Greater Sydney and across New South Wales filled the room, representing an extraordinary cross section of backgrounds, industries, cultures and communities. Leaders in government stood alongside small business owners. Content creators and media personalities exchanged ideas with tourism organisations, councils and local advocates. Conversations flowed between people of different generations, backgrounds and lived experiences.
It was a powerful reminder that community can be built in many ways, and that some of the strongest connections begin with something simple; a recommendation, a shared experience, a similar story, or a place that makes people feel something. Exactly what The WEST Journal App was built for; connection.
A defining theme of the evening was authenticity. In a time where digital experiences can often feel overwhelming and disconnected, The WEST Journal App was created to offer something different - a platform grounded in curiosity, belonging and genuine human connection. A platform deeply rooted in positivity, with no negativity or rating systems. One that honours First Nations peoples, celebrates diversity, and offers visibility and accessibility.
A place where travellers, food lovers, explorers, culture seekers and everyday locals can discover experiences through authentic voices and real recommendations. Where councils can promote local events and businesses can connect with new audiences.
Through WEST Ambassadors – content creators chosen by WEST as local experts and trusted guides – you can learn about local places they genuinely love, save these places to your own personal itinerary, share with family and friends, follow their profile and revisit their content time and time again. Recommendations that live beyond the 72 hours of the social media lifecycle, a home for longevity, and lifelong relevance.
Opening the launch event with a Welcome to Country from Indigenous elder Uncle Brendan Kerin, the evening marked the eve of Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect and honour our First Nations culture. MC for the evening was Sheron Sultan, and the event featured a panel discussion moderated by Romina Bousimon; General Manager at Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, exploring how The WEST Journal App is reshaping local discovery, storytelling and engagement across Western Sydney, major cities, regional areas and beyond.
Speakers included WEST Founder Dean Boone, who shared the vision behind WEST and the journey from concept to launch, alongside Harvey Sanchez; The WEST Group advisory board member, Clarissa Di Pietrantonio; Goliath Coffee Roasters business owner and Mark Mariano; Media and Content Creator, each offering perspectives on innovative ideas, reimagining local discovery in communities, the power of trust in an established brand, business engagement and the power of authentic local storytelling.
The evening also celebrated the many supporters who have helped bring the WEST vision to life. Special recognition was given to launch event host Nathan Hagarty MP, Member for Leppington and Government Whip, alongside WEST Foundation Partners Goliath Coffee Roasters, WEST HQ and Coliseum Theatre.
WEST also acknowledged its valued Brand Partners including Spro Bros, NABBA, WOTSO, Gandhi Creations, FOMA, IABCA and WSABE, together with some of our diverse range of WEST Brand Ambassadors, Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar, Bilal Qureshi, Brendon Hill, Chad Hurst, Danielle Mate, Dean Spinks, Gill Dinh, Gurnam Singh, Le Grizz, Saffron Meade and Stephan Rochecouste. Alongside the many creators, contributors and team members who continue to shape the WEST community through authenticity, creativity and connection.
Throughout the night, WEST guests explored a curated exhibition celebrating the beauty and character found within local neighbourhoods and cities across the thirteen Local Government Areas of Western Sydney, the Central Coast and Southern Highlands, while conversations shared stories of nostalgia, inspired experiences and moments of connection.
While the launch marked a major milestone, it also represented the beginning of something much larger. A platform designed not only for Western Sydney, but for every community right across NSW. A new way to discover travel, food and culture through local voices and lived experience. Built to celebrate local identity, ultimately across Australia, and eventually, around the world. Building technology is one thing. Building something with purpose is another. From this initial step, this is just the beginning, where new features, enhancing existing features, and introducing new and exciting developments as it evolves is on the ever-expanding horizon.
A place where travel, food and culture are brought into one intelligent, map-first experience. A new media that helps businesses, governments and communities to connect people to real experiences. The WEST Journal App helps activate visitor economies, connect communities and showcase places in real time, which in turn drives visitation, encourages local exploration, and supports small businesses in the process.
For years, The WEST Journal has been driven by a deep appreciation for the stories that shape communities. The hidden café tucked away on a quiet street. The family-run restaurant filled with generations of tradition. The gallery, walking trail, local market or cultural festival waiting to be discovered. The moments and places that make people feel connected to where they are, and the people around them.
From that came a simple question: How do we make discovery feel human again?
More meaningful. More connected. Over time, that vision evolved into The WEST Journal App. Because no matter where we are, people are searching for the same thing:
Genuine connection.
A sense of belonging.
Experiences worth sharing.
And the feeling of discovering something real.
So next time someone asks, “What are you doing this weekend?” - the answer begins with curiosity, a saved recommendation, a local story, and a new discovery waiting just around the corner. To arrive curious and leave with well made plans: Decision Made.
WEST invites you to download The WEST Journal App today, and begin your own discovery.
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