News

Aussies take to new format Buy now, pay later popular

Author Kate Reynolds.

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE Buy Now Pay Later has become the new purchasing phenomenon in Australia and is proving to be a good method of managing debt for families and small business.

We all have a major problem with overspending at Christmas with 24% of Aussies going into debt and borrowing money in the festive season, with an average debt of $570 each.

Splashing out on the credit card is so easy in December, but when the bills start coming in early in the New Year, it could take 12 months or more of careful budgeting to pay it all off .

One way many Aussies are looking to ease the burden of debt is by using the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services.

With the rising popularity of BNPL services like Aft erpay, Zip and Klarna, a survey by Reviews.org found 43% of Aussies have used a BNPL service before and 25% currently have an outstanding balance.

Th e most popular format is the “four easy payments” method which ensures consumers pay their debt promptly without incurring interest charges.

Th e report was writt en by Reviews.org Digital Content Editor Kate Reynolds.

Here are some key fi ndings from the report: • The main reasons Aussies use these services are that they did not have enough money to cover the full amount upfront, it’s easier to budget small payments and they wanted to take advantage of a timely sale. • The average largest purchase made with BNPL services is $466.74. • One four in 4 Aussies currently have an outstanding balance on a

BNPL purchase. • The average outstanding balance is $391.56. • 30% use them rarely (once or twice a year), 43% use them monthly and 12% use them weekly. • More than a quarter at 27% have paid a late fee with BNPL services. • 45% of those who use BNPL services are between 16 and 34-yearsold.

Ms Reynolds also found that when it comes to why we want to use BNPL services, the answers are varied.

“While BNPL providers don’t charge interest like credit cards do, they do charge fees, and these can add up if you miss payments.

“However, we found that users look at BNPL providers favorably, with 86% surveyed saying they plan to continue using BNPL services, and 86% saying they would recommend using them.” • Only 5% thought that BNPL services were predatory or greedy. • 18% say they did not have enough

money at the time to cover the full amount. • 16% say it’s easier to budget smaller payments. • 15% say they wanted to take advantage of a good timely sale.

“Despite an overwhelmingly favorable outlook from BNPL users, government website Money Smart says there are a number of things to keep in mind when using BNPL services,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Watch your spending: it’s easy to overspend on things you can’t aff ord when you’re not paying for them upfront.”

“It can be unmanageable: with so many BNPL services, if you sign up to several, it can be much harder to keep track of your payments, which could result in late payment fees.”

The full report is available on Reviews.org

MARCH 2022 2022

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Parramatt a to CBD in 20 minutes

THE NSW Government has awarded a $2.16B contract to deliver the next stage of tunnelling on the mega Sydney Metro West project.

Th e Gamuda Australia and Laing O’Rourke Consortium has been awarded the Western Tunnelling contract to deliver nine kilometres of twin metro rail tunnels between Sydney Olympic Park and Westmead.

Premier Dominic Perrott et said this once in a century infrastructure investment will link new communities to rail services, slash travel times across the network and support employment growth.

“Th ese tunnels mean you’ll be able to get from Parramatt a to the Sydney CBD in around 20 minutes on a fast, safe and reliable driverless metro train, forever changing how we move around Sydney,” Premier Perrott et said.

“Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatt a and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come,” he said.

Th is is the second major tunnelling package awarded on the city-shaping project, with work already underway to deliver twin tunnels between Th e Bays and Sydney Olympic Park following the contract awarded to Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture last year.

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said major civil works have now commenced at the Bays, with tunnelling set to commence later this year towards Sydney Olympic Park.

“To build these tunnels a broad range of skills will be required including tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Minister Elliott said.

Th e Western Tunnelling contract includes: • Twin 9km tunnels from Sydney

Olympic Park to Westmead; • A Tunnel Boring Machine launch site at Rosehill, tunnelling toward

Sydney Olympic Park and relaunched toward Westmead; • A services facility and crossover structure at Rosehill to allow provision for fresh air ventilation and emergency egress; • Tunnel portal and dive excavation at Clyde Services and Maintenance Facility; • Earthworks, retaining structures, drainage and utilities corridor for the Clyde Maintenance Facility; • Excavation and civil works for Parramatta and Westmead Stations; and • A segment manufacturing facility at Eastern Creek constructing over 60,000 segments.

Completion of the contract is expected by the end of 2025.

Start of the Sydney Metro West project.

KMPG alumni start Lineage Group

ANEW Australian advisory firm specialising in working with successful business families has been launched.

Lineage Group is spearheaded by KPMG alumni Michelle De Lucia, Dominic Pelligana and Andrew Muscara.

Aft er decades of leading family businesses at KPMG, and having grown up in family businesses, the group understands what it’s like to spend their lives around both kitchen and boardroom tables. 70% of Global GDP comes from family businesses, yet few acknowledge the incredible commitment and contribution they make to our economy and society.

Lineage Group believes family businesses are the optimal business model.

“Within a large fi rm, we saw how family businesses can be treated like a transaction, with litt le investment in a relationship. Th e very thing that families thrive on. And so do we,” says Partner Michelle De Lucia.

“Our successful track record of delivering for families comes from taking the time to truly understand them, inside and out.”

Lineage have a close relationship with Australia’s most established and successful business families, including the Victor Smorgon Group.

Regional survey’s reveals trends Optimism amid staff concerns

ASURVEY of Western Sydney businesses showed a degree of optimism, though post-lockdown problems are still being fought.

Finding the right staff remains one of the main challenges facing small businesses, though more than half of respondents say they are “coping well” in the current environment.

Th e survey, conducted by the Chamber Alliance of Western Sydney (CAWS), shows that Western Sydney SMEs expect to resolve supply issues in the short to medium term and that perceptions on business profi tability and sustainability were positive.

CAWS president Trevor Oldfi eld said one of the organisation’s aims was to provide accurate information on the health of SMEs to decision makers across Sydney.

“Th is information will promote more eff ective decision-making by business owners and government, service organisations and others interested in maintaining the future business health of the Greater West of Sydney,” Mr Oldfi eld said.

“True future growth and sustainability will be built on reality and sustainability.”

CAWS has designed the Western Sydney Business Index (WSBI) as a quarterly survey that aims to capture a snapshot of the current conditions and environment within which the businesses in Western Sydney are operating.

“Over time, it will provide indices that will track and identify the long-term trends that are impacting the community,” Mr Oldfi eld said.

“Another survey in November will provide an even greater insight as we move forward.”

Th e survey showed: • 52 pc of respondents are confident their staffing needs will be adequate. • 40 pc are confident in recruiting new staff. • 58 pc are confident in the supply chain. • 64 pc have implemented well-being solutions for staff. • 56 pc are coping well.

CAWS President Trevor Oldfield.

For further information, contact CAWS president Trevor Oldfield on 0419 992 826

Support Salvos appeal for flood aff ected

AS damaging weather ravages the east coast of Australia and thousands of Aussies have become displaced from their homes, The Salvation Army is launching an appeal for donations from the public to fund relief efforts in flood-affected areas.

Th e Salvation Army 2022 Flood Appeal is aiming to raise $10Mn which will directly support the estimated 18,000 homes expected to be impacted during these unprecedented fl oods. Th e Salvation Army is releasing $1M immediately from its Red Shield Appeal funds in support of communities along the east coast of Australia.

Th e Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) currently have 10 teams assisting at 10 evacuation centres across Queensland and NSW. Th e SAES is supporting fi rst responders and evacuees with meals (more than 6,500), emotional and practical support. Current evacuation sites where the SAES are assisting include Nambour, Gympie (two locations), Ipswich, Caboolture, Dalkabin, Chandler, Logan, Lismore and Tweed Heads.

To donate to Th e Salvation Army’s Flood Appeal, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.au.

You can round up your purchase at any Woolworths checkout in NSW and QLD from tomorrow or donate at any register throughout the country. Alternatively, you can also round up your in store purchases at any Myer retail outlet nationally.

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AboutUs

TheWesternSydneyAcademyofSportisanon-profitcommunity basedsportingorganisationthatassistswesternSydney’stalented youngathletesachievetheirsportinggoals,throughtheprovisionof qualitydevelopmentprograms.Academyprogramsprovidelocalised training and development opportunities not only for the young athletesoftheregion,butalsoforcoachesandadministrators.

TheAcademy’sprogramshaveestablishedbenchmarkstandardsand valueintheofficiallyrecogniseddevelopmentpathwayforathletes insport.

TheAcademycollaborateswithStateSportingOrganisations,the NSW Institute of Sport, professional sporting clubs and local Associationstoensureourprogramsarefullyendorsedandprovide anintegratedstepinthepathwayfortalentedathletedevelopment.

The Academy’s holistic programs provide not only on field development opportunities, they also focus on educational and personal development of the athlete. Aside from laying the foundations for athletes to become better within their sport, foundationsarealsolaidfortheathletestobecomebettercitizens withintheircommunities.

TheAcademyreceivesfundingfromtheNSWGovernment,butis notpurelyagovernmentfundedorganisation.TheAcademyrelieson thesupportofitsmajorbusinesspartners,communitypartnersand thepartnersalignedwitheachofthesportprogramstocontinueto furtherdevelopandensurethebestpossibleserviceisprovidedto eachandeveryyoungathlete,coach,officialandadministratorwho progressthroughtheorganisation. TheAcademy’sbrandhasbecomesynonymouswithquality-bothin thestandardoftalentedyoungathleteswedealwith,andthequality ofourprogramcontent.

Western Sydney Academy of Sport graduates include numerous athleteswhohavecompetedatanationalandinternationallevel:

JessicaFoxOAM-tripleOlympian(2012,2016,2021)and WorldChampion-Canoe/Kayak(Slalom); TaylahTsitsikronis-Olympian(2021)-Softball RachelLack-Olympian(2021)-Softball PaigeHadley-AustralianDiamondsNetballSquadandCaptain oftheNSWSwifts; KimRavaillion-AustralianDiamondsNetballSquad; AmandaSpratt-Olympian(2012,2021)-Cycling; IanBorrows-Olympian(2016)-CanoeSlalom.

RegionalAcademiesofSportacrossNSWcontributesignificantlyto boththeeconomicandsocialvalueoflocalcommunities.Western Sydney Academy of Sport currently contributes to the regional economythrough:

Supportingover200subeliteathletesacrossarangeof11sport programs; Facilitatingover4,150volunteerhourswhichequatesto16full timejobs; Creationof$4.9mineconomic&socialvaluefortheregion.

PartnerWithUs

TheAcademystrivestoalignwithstrongbusinesspartnersand supporterswhosharethesamecommonvisionandcorevalues.

Weareinafortunatepositiontoreceivesupportfromanumberof partners who provide generous contributions toward the overall operationsandsuccessoftheAcademy.Eachofourindividualsport programsaresupportedbytheirownuniquegroupofpartners,who haveakeeninterestandinvolvementinthatparticularsport.

Ourgrowinglistofofficialsuppliersensurethatwecancontinually offerthebestpossibleproductsandservicestoourathletes,coaches, officialsandadministratorswithpreferredpricinganddiscounted purchases.Withoutourhighlyvaluedmajorbusinesspartners,sport programpartners,officialvenuesandsuppliers,wewouldnotbe abletocontinuetodeliverourservicestothetalentedyoungathletes ofWesternSydney.

TheAcademyoffersawiderangeofopportunitiesforalllevelsof partnership.

Allpartnershipopportunitieshaveagenuinecommunityfocusand allowyourbusinesstobealignedwithabusinesscommittedto makingadifferencetotheyoungathletesofwesternSydney.

Just like your business, we appreciate that your objectives are unique.Wecantailoranyofthefollowingpartnershipstomeetyour specificrequirements.

PenrithStadium,143StationStreet,PenrithNSW | P 0247324977 E martin@wsas.com.au | www.wsas.com.au

Artist impressions of Westmead Innovation district.

Applications now open for partnerships Driving tomorrow’s health solutions

THE NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest from global health innovation partners to transform world-leading research at the Westmead Health and Innovation District into new lifesaving technologies.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said applications for the $10M Westmead Innovation Ecosystem Fund are now open.

“Th e potential for breakthroughs in fi elds such as viral vector technology, cell and gene therapy, particle therapy, phage therapy and clinical trials being carried out across the District is huge,” Mr Ayres said.

“Th is fund will help turn this critical research into commercial opportunities that deliver jobs for NSW and bett er medical care for the world.”

Th e NSW Government announced the fund to catalyse the innovation ecosystem, by seeding new infrastructure and programs that will support the continued growth of the Westmead Health and Innovation District into the future.

Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said the fund will maximise the District’s innovation and commercialisation potential to deliver the best health outcomes in NSW, across Australia and globally.

“Th is $10M fund will connect our world-leading researchers with global experts in commercialisation to take our greatest breakthroughs in medicine from the laboratory benchtop to the hospital bedside,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Th rough this support, we can further bolster the Westmead Health and Innovation District’s capacity as a globally recognised hub for new medical discoveries and sustainable economic growth.”

Th e Westmead Health and Innovation District is home to four major hospitals: Westmead Hospital, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead Private Hospital and Cumberland Hospital; and four major research institutions: WSLHD Research and Education Network, Kids Research, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Th e District is also home to two university partners: University of Sydney and Western Sydney University; and NSW’s largest pathology service.

Th e fund will further develop the Westmead Health Precinct as the epicentre of health and innovation within the District, which currently provides: • $1.9B in public healthcare. • Services more than 120 suburbs spanning 780 square kilometres. • 85,531 annual admissions. • 3,000 daily non-admitted patient occasions of service. • 32,767 annual surgeries.

Global health innovation organisations and facilitators, with industry networks and expertise in medtech, biotechnology, commercialisation and innovation growth are encouraged to submit their proposals.

Stage 1 applications close midnight March 28, 2022. More information on the fund and its eligibility requirements can be found at investment.nsw.gov.au/westmeadfund.

People love working from home

AUSSIE’S love affair with working from home will lead to one in four employees looking for a career change this year.

And we will be looking for an increase in salary at the same time according to people2people recruitment’s latest online polls.

Th e polls revealed the main drivers for those looking for new roles in 2022, with salary leading the way at 42.1%, followed by company culture 23%, workplace fl exibility 19.7% and job security 15.1%.

Managing Director of people2people recruitment Mark Smith said the labor market had been rapidly changing since March 2020 and work fl exibility was previously the second biggest factor, aft er company culture.

“However, with an increasingly tightening labor market with heavily pronounced candidate shortages, salaries are now back to fi rstplace ranking, and are expected to remain up there in 2022.”

“With four in 10 employees looking to change jobs or career in 2022 and more being directly approached by other organisations due to candidate shortages, it is essential to make your staff feel valued and ensure they are aware of potential opportunities available to them within their organisation.”

Mr Smith’s advice for employers to navigate the post-Covid workplace includes: 1. Reinstate face-to-face check-ins with team members to assess where they are at and relay any concerns they may have. 2. Explore ways to convey your company culture at work and home offices, and share a 2022 plan highlighting any new initiatives and projects for the year ahead. 3. If it hasn’t been done yet, make sure you book your performance and salary reviews this year or early

January. 4. For those planning to return to the office full-time, ensure your workplace flexibility policy is reviewed and options are made available for the teams.

About people2people: people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005.

AnnettePitmannewCreateNSWCEOAnnett e Pitman new Create NSW CEO

RTS arts and culture leader Annette Pitman (pictured) has been appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Government’s Agency responsible for arts, screen, culture and cultural infrastructure, Create NSW.

Ms Pitman will bring with her a wealth of public and private sector experience including the delivery of the NSW Government’s record investment of $2.5B in cultural infrastructure, overseeing projects including the new Powerhouse Parramatt a and Powerhouse Ultimo, Sydney Modern, Walsh Bay and the Th eatre Royal; as well as 146 cultural infrastructure projects across regional NSW.

Arts Minister Ben Franklin said he was confi dent that Annett e’s proven track record of collaboration, delivery and leadership will take Create NSW to new heights as the Government continues to deliver results for the sector and the people of NSW.

‘Th e new Chief Executive role has been created to bring together the arts and culture, screen and cultural infrastructure arms of Create NSW under a single leadership position to increase collaboration and consistency for the sector,” he said.

Ms Pitman will be appointed to a 12-month contract before the ongoing role is advertised in 2023.

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Stockland and WSU team up Werrington mixed-use project

STOCKLAND is set to develop a new mixeduse precinct at the Werrington sites at the Penrith campus of Western Sydney University.

With Stockland entering a project delivery agreement with the university, the two parties have proposed a masterplan for the site which would see the Penrith campus transformed into a world-class precinct.

Th e 99-hectare site, sitt ing 5km out from the Penrith CBD, will be developed into a six-star green star urban neighbourhood, with new housing and over 18-hectares of open space.

“In partnership with Western Sydney University, this unique project aligns with our strategy and will enable us to bring to life a thriving community in a well-connected urban infi ll location,” said Tarun Gupta, managing director and CEO of Stockland.

Th e proposed development will include a large town centre to be fully integrated into the current campus facilities.

“Th e existing health and education infrastructure in the surrounding Penrith Quarter precinct provides strong fundamentals for asset creation and management, and the masterplan will allow us to respond to the evolving market demand over time,” said Gupta.

Th e project will also see a ‘living laboratory’ established for education, research and innovation, social connection, sustainability and exploration.

The shared vision

“With our shared vision to create a ‘destination for discovery’ underpinned by leading urban design and world class sustainability principles, we are excited by the opportunity to be part of this growing precinct’s success and look forward to progressing plans with the University, local authorities and relevant stakeholders,” added Gupta.

Th e project will be a crucial part of Western Sydney University’s Western Growth strategy, that aims to see its campus network transformed and the co-creation of cities and educational infrastructure across Western Sydney.

“New housing, retail, commercial and social spaces will also help support the growing population, providing much-needed amenities and enhancing the liveability, productivity and sustainability of the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Barney Glover, vice-chancellor and president at Western Sydney University.

Th e project will be subject to a re-

WSU has a history of successful development projects such as Parramatta. zoning and planning approval process for the site, that Stockland will commence in 2022.

“Th is is a signifi cant initiative that is about securing the University’s future as a world-class institution and its long-term fi nancial sustainability. Developing our noncore land allows us to reinvest the proceeds back into the University so we can fund new innovations in teaching and learning, build on our research strengths, and initiate projects that can further strengthen the student experience,” concluded Glover.

Source: Australian Property Journal. australianpropertyjournal.com.au

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Your partners in the community

Royal Flying Doctors celebrate Support for charities remains strong

The Flying Doctors remain one of Australia’s favourite charities.

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

AUSTRALIANS have a tradition of being amazing supporters of charity and the pandemic has had no effect on this aspect of our lives.

Indeed, public confi dence in Aussie charities has remained high through the two year pandemic

And critically, the charity sector has played a key role in the actual pandemic response during those two years.

Th e just-released 2021 Annual Australian Charity Reputation Index or RepTrak for short, shows that the public still holds not-for-profi ts with very high regard

Th ere are 35 charities that have been recognised for having an excellent public reputation, based on the large national public survey conducted by RepTrak from October to late December 2021.

Th e long list includes charities we all know and love, such as the Smith Family, St Vincent De Paul Society, the RSPCA, the Movember Foundation and Cancer Council of Australia.

“Over almost a decade of measuring reputation, we continue to see the reputational strength of many not-for-profi t organisations built, in general, on their ability to clearly link how they positively impact the community and the specifi cs of the services they deliver,” Senior Vice President of Reptrak Oliver Freedman said.

“In addition, clearly informing the public of this link by using a genuine, authentic and relevant narrative is vital.

“Th e Royal Flying Doctor Service is one example of an organisation which continues to excel at this fi nding,” Mr Freedman said.

Excellent reputation for help

Included in the charities with scores showing excellent reputation are vital emergency medical and health charities that have key roles in the pandemic response, such as St Johns Ambulance, Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue and the Australian Red Cross.

He said the Royal Flying Doctor Service received the highest survey score of 98.1 and was proud to be along-side Guide Dogs 94.6, Surf Life Saving Australia 92.2, Foodbank 91.8 and the Starlight Children’s Foundation 91.7 making up the top fi ve.

“A patient’s trust in their medical services is vital – particularly if they are living in locations that don’t have easy access to the services enjoyed in our cities,” RFDS Federation Executive Director Frank Quinlan said.

“Th at we have earned this trust, in the provision of vital, emergency medical and primary health care services to rural and remote Australia, gives our 2100 staff great pride.”

Th e RFDS is part of Australia’s broad national health system and works closely with governments, industry, Aboriginal Medical Services, Primary Health Networks, Local Hospital Districts, GPs and rural and remote communities — to keep Aussies healthy and safe through both aeromedical emergency and primary health care services.

Mr Quinlan said the RFDS was honored to be recognised on this Charity Index for so many years and was particularly pleased to be in such good company with other hard-working and dedicated charities.

Celebrating girls in STEM

PARRAMATTA will host Children’s Medical Research Institute Celebrates Women and Girls in STEM, one of 24 events taking place across the State that will promote and support women’s education, employment and wellbeing during the upcoming NSW Women’s Week.

Member for Parramatt a Dr Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is providing $5,000 to help deliver Children’s Medical Research Institute Celebrates Women and Girls in STEM.

“Th is event will mark Women’s Week with a series of inspiring seminars that celebrate the achievements of women in STEM/medical research and provide information on how girls/ women can embark on such careers” Dr Lee said.

“Th e 2022 NSW Women’s Week is set to be the biggest ever with the schedule of events across NSW refl ecting both the creativity and diversity of NSW women.”

NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, March 7 to Sunday, March 13, and promotes gender equality while celebrating the social, cultural and political achievements of women.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we are bringing women together to celebrate and inspire one another.

“Th is week will deliver a wide range of practical supports that will benefi t women right across our fabulous State,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Th ere is something for women of all ages and backgrounds, and I encourage each and every one of you to fi nd out what is happening in your local community this NSW Women’s Week.”

Th e NSW Women’s Week Grants program provided $3,000 to $5,000 grants to events that support at least one of the key priorities of the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018- 2022.

Th ese include improving women’s fi nancial wellbeing and security, encouraging a holistic approach to health and wellbeing or helping women to build confi dence and celebrate their achievements.

For more information and a full list of recipients, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nswwomens-week-grants

Access to capital is a barrier

ACCESS to capital is still a significant barrier to growth for women-led small businesses, according to new research conducted by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s (ASBFEO) office.

An ASBFEO survey of more than 600 Australian women-owned, women-led small businesses has revealed 43% of respondents identifi ed access to capital as a central barrier to growth.

Ombudsman Bruce Billson says it’s disappointing that on International Women’s Day 2022, female entrepreneurs are still facing headwinds when trying to grow their business.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise the obvious economic benefi ts that would fl ow from addressing barriers to growth for the rapidly increasing number of Australian women small business owners,” Mr Billson says.

“Two-thirds of new businesses created in Australia in the past decade have been founded by women (Xero Boss Insights 2021) and there has been a 46% jump in women business owners over the past 20 years (ABS).

“Th e recent State of Australian Startup Funding report found 82% of female founders believe gender impacted their ability to raise venture capital funding. Just 10% of female founders felt highly confi dent they would raise their next funding round, compared to 63% of male founders.

“Globally, the World Bank reports access to fi nance is a ‘major hurdle’ as women are left with an estimated $1.7 trillion of unmet demand for credit.

“By reducing headwinds and energising female enterprise there is a signifi cant economic upside. Research by Asialink suggests boosting the number of female business owners to equal that of men, could add between $70B and $135B to our economy.

“Women’s economic empowerment is key to our national recovery aft er an incredibly challenging couple of years. My offi ce will continue its work in identifying opportunities to improve the environment for small business and women’s entrepreneurship.”