B2B in Canberra May 2010 (Issue 48) by B2B magazine

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Business X factor has landed in Canberra

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Profile

Michael branch, ceo, insitec REad more page 12

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PUBLISHER I editor Tim Benson Liz Lang editorial@b2bincanberra.com.au 02 6161 2751

B2B in canberra business and government magazine May 2010 issue 48

photography Andrew Sikorski www.art-atelier.com.au ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES advertising@b2bincanberra.com.au 02 6161 2751 I 0402 900 402 published by Man Bites Dog Public Relations ABN 30 932 483 322 PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 t 02 6161 2751 f 02 6262 7721 b2b@b2bincanberra.com.au www.b2bincanberra.com.au PRINTED BY Blue Star Print Group ISSN 1833 - 8232 LEGAL NOTICE Man Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this publication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in preparing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verified the accuracy of the information and opinions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertisements contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permissions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, deceptive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifies readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any representations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifications of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifications, and be satisfied from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifications relating to the goods and services offered. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.

contents

DESIGN www.voodoocreative.com.au

features 14 BOQ Canberra Experience personal banking 16 Rmia and RSM bird cameron Aussie management approaches going global

EVERY month 06

UPFRONT Read about local business success Cindi recognised for service to VET community Canberra CEOs out in the cold Relax with friends at Kremlin Bar in the nation's Kapital Snap: fast professional printing in the heart of the city

OPINION Hear from people in the know Relocation and family law – there is a better way, Juliette Ford, Consensus Family Lawyers

18 COVER STORY The business X factor has landed in Canberra

2Business 36 G2B ACT Work Safety Commissioner ACT Government 40

12 PROFILE Michael Branch, CEO, Insitec 20

CULTURE Arts, sports, and charities QANTAS Wallabies vs Fiji Bendigo Bank supports Run with the Law Robyn Archer. Art:the very fabric of life

Page Break Short story by Craig Cormick

A2B Canberra Business Council CollabIT ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chamber of Women in Business ACT Exporters' Network

48 C2B Canberra Southern Cross Club 49 U2B The University of Canberra

26 ADVICE Advice from business experts Accounting Banking Business training Corporate governance Estate planning Human resources Safety Websites 34 HOT TOPIC Our political leaders views on the issue of the day Topic: The looming skills shortage 50 NETWORKING See who’s out and about in Canberra

COVER Photo: Darleen Barton 10X business coach Photography: Andrew Sikorski

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Cindi recognised for service to VET community

Photo: Tim Benson

upfront

Cindi Hage, winner of a 2009 Commissioner for Public Administration Award for Service Delivery to ACT Citizens

indi Hage was recently the recipient of a 2009 Commissioner for Public Administration Award for Service Delivery to ACT Citizens. As an event coordinator in the ACT Department of Education and Training for the ACT Training Excellence Awards, Cindi has encouraged many ACT citizens to be recognised for their outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET). For many years Cindi has organised and run the ACT Training Excellence Awards ensuring apprentices, trainees, students, training providers and employers are recognised for their outstanding efforts in vocational education and training. Reflecting on the award Cindi said, “I feel like a professional sportsperson getting an award for something I love doing. I love my job. I don’t accept the award solely for myself, but on behalf of the whole of the Training and Tertiary Education Directorate.” The ACT Training Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that excel in vocational and training in the ACT. “The Training and Excellence Awards are the one time of the year apprentices and trainees get recognised for the excellent

contribution they make to the future of our community,” Cindi said. Cindi, a hairdresser by trade, understands what it takes to be an apprentice or trainee. “I know what it’s like to do an apprenticeship. I understand and appreciate the dedication and commitment needed to complete an Australian Apprenticeship,” Cindi said. One of the greatest rewards for Cindi is seeing apprentices and trainees grow and succeed in their chosen area. “Many of the apprentices keep in touch with me. I watch them grow into responsible and productive adults in the community. Many end up running successful businesses of their own,” Cindi said. Cindi is very proud of the ACT’s apprentices and trainees. “We have some incredible young people involved vocational education and training and they deserve to be acknowledged,” Cindi said. Nominations for the 2010 ACT Training Excellence Awards are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 14 May 2010. Criteria and nomination forms are available on the ACT Department of Education and Training website www.det.act.gov.gov.au or by calling 6205 7037.

Canberra CEOs out in the cold

he list of Canberra CEOs who will leave the comfort of their own homes to sleep rough in the cold outdoors to raise money for homelessness continues to grow quickly. The ‘Vinnies CEO Sleepout’ in the nation’s capital was officially launched in April at the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Blue Door Drop In Centre at Ainslie Village. Andrew Fagan, of the Brumbies, is an ambassador for the event and a CEO who will experience what it’s really like to spend the night on a piece of cardboard with only a sleeping bag, a pillow and a cup of hot soup for comfort. "It’s a scary statistic that we have more than 100 homeless people each night in Canberra,’ Andrew said. ‘While people naively believe it’s just old men, the reality is it’s men, women and children across all ages. I think we all take our creature comforts for granted and I’m sure that the CEO Sleepover will be a real eye-opening experience for everyone involved." Last financial year 65,000 people visited St Vincent de Paul’s drop-in-centre or Night Patrol van, which provides food, clothing and conversation. Vinnie’s call centre received 12,000 calls for emergency relief and 740 individuals and 280

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

families without a home and shelter were provided with accommodation. "Canberra has three distinct homeless groups’, says Bob Wilson, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society, who will also be sleeping out. "Youth, single women and single men. There are many causes, including lack of financial security, domestic/family violence, mental illness and substance abuse. But the housing crisis in the ACT also plays a big factor. We have a shortage of affordable accommodation."

The CEO Sleepout is going national this year for the first time, following the event’s success in Sydney last year when 200 business leaders slept out and raised $620,000 in funds. This year’s CEO Sleepout will take place in major cities across Australia on Thursday 17 June. Rise to the challenge and join business, government and community leaders and sleep rough this winter in Canberra on 17 June to help Australia’s homeless. Register online at www.ceosleepout.org.au or call 02 61212943.

L-R: CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society (Canberra/Goulburn Central Council) Bob Wilson; Cindy Young, General Manager of National Convention Centre Canberra and Crowne Plaza; Zed Seselja, Leader of the Opposition; Pawl Cubbin, CEO of Zoo Group; and Loc Luu Xuan, CEO of Havloc Housing Association.

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Relax with friends at Kremlin Bar in the nation’s Kapital

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he Kremlin Bar is a trendy lush Soviet era lounge-bar, in the heart of Canberra, where you can relax with friends, savour more than 40 varieties of imported vodka and eat caviar. John Mostovoy and Sean Murdoch, IT professionals and business partners, founded the Kremlin Bar in 2006. “We had discussed opening a themed bar or lounge along the lines of the lane-way bars found in Melbourne for some time. We decided on a Russian themed bar because John is Russian,” Sean said. John and Sean decided on the bar’s name because Canberra is the seat of power in Australia and the Kremlin is the seat of power in Russia. “We have positioned Kremlin Bar as an upmarket cocktail lounge-bar, where friends and colleagues can meet and talk without excessively loud music and relax away from the party crowd,” John said. Kremlin Bar has been designed to have a warm and cozy atmosphere for those cold Canberra evenings. It has deep red colours, antique furniture, soft lounges, gold leaf and crystal chandeliers for that opulent Russian look. “We are also a very popular venue for social and business functions,” Sean said.

Kremlin Bar has been host to many busiKremlin Bar is located on the Ground Floor, ness-related events including office parties, 65 Northbourne Ave Canberra (between Qantas Christmas parties, end of financial year func- office and Jolimont Centre/Novotel entrance) tions, business launches, awards nights, client T: 6257 7779 or visit www.kremlinbar.com.au for presentations and even film launches. more information. “Our clients have included staff within Customs who have held their Christmas party here two years in a row and Clayton Utz have also held their end of financial year party with us,” John said, “A number of IT contracting agencies also use Kremlin Bar for staff parties and drinks.” The Kremlin Bar is the perfect venue for business and social functions and special events. With a large split-level seating capacity, full gourmet food catering and the latest in projector and audio visual facilities, the Kremlin Bar can host almost any function. John Mostovoy and Sean Murdoch of the Kremlin Bar

Snap: fast professional printing in the heart of the city

ot many people know that Snap is Australia’s oldest franchise. It was established more than 100 years ago when one of the founders brought back the concept of franchising after studying in the United States and then established a network of offset based printing businesses around Australia.

Today most Snap stores are focused on providing high quality digital printing with shared offset facilities to keep overheads low and costs competitive for customers. Snap had been operation in Canberra for 20 years and two years ago opened their Canberra City franchise conveniently located at 1 University Avenue – opposite the Uni Pub. “We opened in response to a gap in the printing industry. We felt there was an opportunity for a store that was focused on high level service and satisfying customer requirements," Ian Barrass proprietor of Snap Canberra City said. Ian has a strong background in marketing and has just completed his MBA with distinction. He fully understands the needs of business for friendly, efficient high-quality service. “We offer advice on Ian Barrass, proprietor of Snap Canberra City how to get the best out

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

of our printing services – so that we meet the needs of our customers and their target audiences,” Ian said. Ian says that Snap can print almost anything including reports, presentations, tenders, square spine saddle-stitched books, the normal range of business stationery, business cards, letter-head, compliment slips, displays, posters and roll-up banners. “We will make suggestions about layout and paper and presentation. Customers comment on the superior look and feel of of their printed work. Our return customers remember us for our quality,” Ian said. Most importantly Ian says that 90 per cent of their work is turned around in 48 hours or less. “We have also recently put in a high speed black and white machine to meet the demand of the legal fraternity for their briefs and court documents,” Ian said. Ian says that customers coming into Snap Canberra City are met with a smile and a ‘how can we help you’ – and Snap also provides money for the parking meter – what more could you ask for? Snap Printing Canberra City 1 University Avenue 6175 0800 or canberra@snapprinting.com.au and Snap Fyshwick Unit 8/68 Wollongong St Fyshwick 6239 2292 or fyshwick@snapprinting.com.au

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OPINION: Consensus Opinion

Relocation and family law – there is a better way The High Court recently handed down the decision of Rosa. This case has received a good deal of media attention – it concerned a mother and a father who were living in Mt Isa before they separated, having moved there a couple of years earlier. By Juliette Ford, Director, Consensus Family Lawyers

he mother wanted to move back to Sydney where her family was, and where she could get work. The mother’s evidence was that she could not find employment in Mt Isa and was living in a caravan, as she could not find or pay for rental accommodation. The father opposed the mother moving to Sydney as he wanted shared care of their young daughter. These cases need creativity, dedication This case first went to a Federal Magistrate who orand legal advisors who are truly focused dered the child live in Mt Isa, and that the parents share care. on creating a solution in order to avoid The mother appealed to the Full Court of the Family litigation. At Consensus Family Lawyers, Court. The Full Court upheld the Federal Magistrates Court’s that’s what we do. decision. The mother then appealed to the High Court, which ordered that the mother be allowed to move from Mt Isa. Around the same time as that decision, the mother met a new man and decided to remain living in Mt Isa. We don’t know how much the parties’ legal costs were but for three hearings, unless they were legally aided, the cost would have been extremely high (not much change from $100-150,000 each). Is there a better way? Family lawyers call these cases ‘relocation’ cases. Usually, they are seen as a zero/sum game – one person wants to move, the other wants to stop them, and it’s hard to see how there could be any compromise between, for example, living in Canberra or living in Sydney (unless perhaps moving to the service station at Pheasant’s Nest is an option). These cases need creativity, dedication and legal advisors who are truly focused on creating a solution in order to avoid litigation. At Consensus Family Lawyers, that’s what we do. By focusing on what each parent really wants, and what their concerns are with the

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

other’s proposal, it’s surprising how much scope there is to find common ground. For example, a mother with a young child wants to move to a rural area. She wants the child to spend the early years of her life surrounded by family, in a small community, and close to the great outdoors. The father is concerned that when the child reaches high school age she will be bored, and that the schools in the area won’t offer her the kind of education he wants her to have. By exploring these concerns and facilitating communication a solution can be found. For example, the mother may have bought a large block of land and they decide to build a small unit on it that the father can stay in when he wants to visit. The child can travel back to Canberra to spend regular time with her father. When she reaches high school age the parents decide that it would be best for her to move to Canberra to live with her father, go to a good school and visit her mother regularly. This situation won’t suit everyone, but it shows that when the focus is moved away from winning and losing a solution can be found that the parents can live with and even be happy with, and for less than the cost of three hearings. The alternative is a Court hearing or multiple hearings, and the financial and emotional expense that goes along with it. There is also no guarantee of success, and in most cases neither party gets exactly what they want. Inevitably, after a big fight in Court, most people find that their relationship with the other parent is irreparably damaged. There has to be a better way. For an Out of Court solution, contact Consensus Family Lawyers, T: (02) 6290 9898, Level 5/17-21 University Ave, Canberra City ACT 2601 (02) 6290 9898, www.fgd.com.au

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Michael Branch The growth of technology hasn’t presented a challenge to Michael Branch, CEO of IT services company insitec as it’s clearly his passion. With 19 years IT industry experience, Michael has worked everywhere from government, to public companies to private enterprise. words: David Byrnes, photo: Andrew Sikorski 12

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

ichael formed insitec in 2001 with John Mann, the then managing director of Canberra accounting firm Everall Merrett Mann DFK. Seeking to provide a multidisciplinary approach for Everalls’ clients, John had been discussing the idea of providing an IT service offering with Michael on and off for several years before deciding to open insitec’s doors for business. Since then insitec has grown steadily. Starting with three staff the business now employs 28, and is looking for more floor space. It’s this same growth that Michael says he wants to encourage in other businesses. “I love seeing it when we start working with a business which has five or six people and three or four years later, the business has grown to twenty people, and our company has assisted them in that business’ growth.” Michael has lived in Canberra his whole life, studying a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science at university. He says that he always knew he wanted to work in IT, first encountering computers in the ‘70s and writing computer code when he was eight years old. Michael has watched as the IT industry changed over the years. He was using the internet before web browsers, when email was the service of choice. Whilst in London in 1994 he was in contact via email with friends in Canberra and sometimes he was learning about what was going on in Canberra before people living here knew about events. He maintains that having an extensive background in IT is not a disadvantage in business. Instead he points to hiring the right people as the key to building a strong team. “I’m passionate about technology and leadership and less so about business management. I once complained to John that I didn’t start this business to become an accountant. He wisely said that everyone who starts a business becomes an accountant whether they want to or not.” Looking forward, Michael says insitec will undertake another expansion phase in the near future. However he acknowledges that there will be difficulties in expanding onto the national stage. “The Canberra market is very, very different to the Sydney or Melbourne markets. Like everything we’ve done, we’ll take a careful and measured approach. We’ll have a clear strategy of what we are going to do and how we are going to move into different markets.” One of the prime advantages of owning an IT company is that geography isn’t a barrier. insitec employees are able to work out of home or in the office. Michael says the work-life balance is one of the key elements underpinning insitec’s high staff retention rates. Having a work-life balance is important to Michael although it hasn’t always possible. “At one point I had a young family, a new baby, I was the owner-builder of a house and I was running a business, and delivering solutions for clients such as the Department of Defence. There was a period for about 12 months when four hours sleep a night was wonderful. I’ve always worked really hard and I’m now starting to enjoy the fruits of that labour.” Insitec, 10-12 Colbee Court, Phillip, T: 6232 4541, www.insitec.com.au, www.insitec.com.au

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Experience personal banking at BOQ in Canberra Ross Liddle, BOQ (Bank of Queensland) owner-manager City Walk Canberra City and John Smeeth owner-manager BOQ Belconnen had over 50 years banking experience between them (with one of the big four banks) before becoming owner-managers in Canberra with BOQ.

Above L-R: Ross Liddle and John Smeeth For further information go to www.boq.com.au and contact: Ross Liddle BOQ owner-manager City Walk Canberra City on 0439 866 816 John Smeeth BOQ owner-manager Belconnen on 0427 011 533 Photography by Tim Benson 14

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

dd to this the opportunity to experience personal banking with a bank that is 136 years young and Ross and John believe they have hit on the future of banking. Established in 1874, Bank of Queensland, now BOQ, is established in every state and territory and is one of Australia’s fastest growing banks. “One of the things that has kept BOQ strong in recent times is that, unlike the major Australian banks, BOQ does not lend internationally and had no exposure to the poorer quality ‘sub-prime’ mortgage market in the United States,” Ross said. BOQ’s lending book has also remained within the much more stable domestic market and has placed a strong emphasis on sourcing quality loans rather than a large quantity of slightly riskier loans. Also in 1976, BOQ introduced privatelyowned branches. More than 30 years later this model has been refined to become a unique customer-focused branch banking model which now dominates the BOQ branch network. Owner-managed branches, such as Ross' and John’s are genuine full-service franchised branches which offer more convenient banking hours, committed local staff, managers who are there for the long term and preferential treatment for every customer. “As BOQ owner-managers we are always keen to go that extra mile for our customers because we own and run the branch and have a financial and personal incentive to make sure the customer is happy,” John said, “Our success depends on

our ability to attract new customers and make sure existing ones are well looked after – every customer is a VIP and we aim to deliver a personal banking experience for every single customer.” Ross says people choose to bank with BOQ for a number of reasons including: a bad experience with a big bank; they have a good relationship with the BOQ owner-manager; they find BOQ's personal approach to banking warm and friendly; and people are referred word-of-mouth to BOQ through its satisfied customers. “We think we know what customers want from a bank and we're committed to meeting customers' expectations. We know that customers want quick, efficient, reliable service with no mistakes and that they want to be respected and valued as a customer and treated as a person not a number,” Ross said. BOQ has set itself a challenge to make banking personal again and ensure that BOQ is the real alternative in Australian banking. “Our purpose at BOQ is to redefine personal service in banking and differentiate ourselves as real people who understand and care about real customers,” John said. "With regard to security, BOQ and other Australian banks remain some of the most secure places to keep money." "Whether you bank with a corporate branch, owner-managed branch, private bank or a business banking centre, your funds have exactly the same level of security," he said. Owner-managers such as John and Ross are agents of BOQ and are authorised to conduct business, including accepting deposits and writing loans on the bank’s behalf – all deposits and loans approved by an owner-managed branch are with the BOQ. For trusted service from experienced bankers contact your local BOQ owner-managers Ross Liddle and John Smeeth and start your personal banking experience.

2010 Canberra Careers Market Where: Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce ACT When: Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th August, 2010 time:

9.30am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday 9.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday

of The ACT Department of Education and Training and the Rotary Club s Canberra City are looking forward to another exciting Canberra Career career of range wide a ase showc again once will Market in 2010. The Market le valuab a e provid to order in tion popula pathways that appeal to a diverse s career rs, teache s, parent ts, Studen experience for all relevant stakeholders. ask e, explor and along come to advisors and career changers are encouraged questions and gather as much information as possible. Club of Canberra City and the The Canberra Careers Market is a joint venture between the Rotary s Market is free. Career rra Canbe the ACT Department of Education and Training. Entry to exhibitors, large numbers The 2009 Canberra Careers Market was a successful event, with more and advice to parents and of students, more trades on display and a wider range of presentations students than in previous years. 2009 Canberra Careers Over 8000 students from 34 ACT and 11 NSW schools attended the was supported by a wide and t Marke the Market, the arrivals being spread over the two days of range of prizes and donations from local businesses. choices and opportunities for The Market aims to provide the widest possible range of information, post-school direction. students approaching school leaving age to make their choices of their t Back by popular demand! Once again the Canberra Careers Marke ion exhibit will play host to the Tryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aTrade exhibition. The hands on allows attendees to meet and talk with experts who are recognised as leaders in their trade as well as apprentices and teachers. If you t would like any more information regarding Tryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aTrade please contac Maureen Lawn on 6205 7920. ees The Small Business and Entrepreneurs Lounge will again offer attend small of the Canberra Careers Market the opportunity to learn more about and ss Busine Small The ACT. the in activity al business and entrepreneuri many the explore to ees attend Entrepreneurs Lounge aims to inspire be exciting possibilities of the small business sector. If you would like to t contac please Lounge involved with the Small Business and Entrepreneurs Tim McNevin on 6205 8463.

For more information about the Canberra Careers Market please contact Karenn Layne by email on careers@act.gov.au or phone 6205 3601 B2B in Canberra | May 2010

feature

Aussie management approaches going global Late last year, agreement was reached at the International Standards Organisation on a global standard for risk management. ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines now provides globally-accepted guidance to organisations in better practice for their risk management. By Roger FitzGerald

For more information contact RSM Bird Cameron, 103-105 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra T: 02 6247 5988, www.rsmi.com.au

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

he Australasian risk management profession led these global developments and the guidance substantially takes on board the Australian and New Zealand experience, since the profession emerged here some 20 years ago. Globally accepted guidance Since its inception in the mid-1990s the Australasian guidance under the former AS/NZS4360 series was further developed, translated into many languages, and widely acclaimed as de facto ‘world best practice’. The Australasian approaches were proven and taken up by multinational enterprises such as BHP Billiton and also found favour in Asia, Britain, the Middle East and elsewhere. Endorsement by standard-setting organisations around the world, signals that the Australasian risk management framework is destined for global usage, and could well overtake other risk management approaches such as that sourced from North American accounting professional bodies. ISO 31000 will be a peak-level standard for risk management (similar to the ISO 9000 series for quality management). Already a number of companion standards and guides have been issued and more will follow. Local action The ACT Chapter of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia is helping launch the international approaches here in Canberra. A luncheon discussion recently attracted eighty participants from all sectors of business, the private sector and government. RMIA is also planning a full-day conference on 20 July this year at Regatta Point. This will bring ISO’s chairman, Kevin Knight together with speakers such as Actew’s chief executive, Mark Sullivan and Commonwealth Auditor-General, Ian McPhee. President, of RMIA’s ACT Chapter Jim Lawrence (pictured right) says that RMIA members have set the standards in risk management and their work is acknowledged by government, business and the community. Jim believes that RMIA is the peak body for risk management in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Jim RMIA has more than 2,200 members located predominantly in Australia, but he notes there is a growing membership internationally.

What it’s about ISO 31000 provides a comprehensive framework for organisational wide approaches to sound risk management practice. The structure of the new guidance is depicted in graph 1 (see facing page). The guidance sets out concepts and definitions, gives a set of guiding principles and advice on structuring an organisational framework. It presents a standard approach for the risk management process and will assist with the rigour and effectiveness of managing risk at all levels of an organisation. Risk is seen as ‘the effect of uncertainty on objectives’. Thus risk management is about achieving organisational goals. Linking risk management to an objective recognises the approach can apply at different levels (such as a project objective or at the level of a business goal). A risk event can have several components – whether impacts (consequences) and associated causes (measured in terms of likelihood). Principles for directing risk management The standard lists some principles utilised when implementing risk management. Risk management is to: • add value in achieving objectives and improving governance • be an integral part of management processes and decision-making • explicitly address uncertainty • be systematic, structured and timely • be based on learning and the best information available • be transparent and inclusive • be tailored to the particular needs • take human factors and culture into account • be dynamic and responsive to change • assist continuous improvement. Attributes that may indicate organisational performance in managing risk are summarised as: • integration into organisational governance • defined accountabilities for risk • explicit application as part of decision making • communicated and reported to internal and external stakeholders

• risk management is being measured and improved. It is critical that effective risk management is regarded by senior management as essential for achievement of the organisation’s objectives. The organisational framework The guidance covers implementation of a risk management framework at an organisational level, having a risk management policy, reporting and embedding risk management into procedures and organisational governance. While risk management is to be integrated into usual processes rather than being seen as an added overhead, it is to be an explicit and systematic process. It is important to find the balance by tailoring for particular circumstances. Risk management process A depiction of the risk management process derived from ISO 31000 guidance is shown in graph 2. The six-point cycle of risk management processes will be familiar to many risk advisers world-wide as the Australasian approach: • engage with stakeholders – in driving risk management processes • establish the context / objectives • identify risks • analyse risk levels – such on a matrix of likelihood and consequence • ‘treat’ (and accept) risks • monitor and review – to underpin a dynamic process. The process is sometimes known colloquially in Australia as the risk management ‘track’. This expression was first used for describing the risk management process by aboriginal communities in the East Kimberley region of north-west Australia (see painting above). The risk management track involves planning and assessment of potential impacts of uncertainty on the achievement of objectives. An opportunity to reinvigorate The new guidance material is a chance for organisations, their managers and advisers to take stock and to reinvigorate their approach to risk and uncertainty. For multinationals like BHP Billiton the approach has obvious advantages for assisting organisation-wide communications and understanding on common business goals, agreed strategies and governance. However, the risk management approach is also adaptable for small and medium-sized organisations to engage with people and to best achieve their goals. Sharing knowhow Through the RSM International Centre of Excellence in Risk Management for the Asia-Pacific region, RSM Bird Cameron has assisted clients in establishing risk management frameworks and is able to share experiences and to assist with implementation of the framework.

Painted in 2000 by Gajirribeng artist and elder Paddy Carlton (Gwambany Joolama) – from a collection held at the National Museum of Australia. Emu feet form the track as shown as a management diagram below

Involve others

itions – common language Defin eria for perform iples – crit ance Princ

tional framework Organisa

Establish aims/ context

Identify risks

Assess risks

Deal with the risks

Standard process

Monitor/ review

Graph 1. Elements of the international better practice in managing risk

Graph 2. The Risk Management Process

Left: President of RMIA’s ACT Chapter, Jim Lawrence. Right: Certified practising risk manager of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia and based with RSM Bird Cameron’s Canberra office, Roger FitzGerald

BB22BBin inCanberra Canberra||April May 2010

COVER STORY

H A S

L A N D E D

I N

C A N B E R R A

10X Canberra South has hit the trifecta for Canberra businesses by combining an experienced and respected local accounting firm Bolin Accountants led by Wayne Bolin; a national and internationally proven business coaching system in 10X; and Darleen Barton, a highly trained, experienced and passionate business coach.

olin Accountants, partnered with 10X in February this year, bringing the highly successful 10X Coaching Club to Canberra South business owners. “10X services have been effective in taking the businesses of small business owners around the country from 1x, 2x, up to 10x previous levels of gross revenue and profitability,” Wayne said. The 10X Coaching Club is a powerful group coaching model that leverages the expertise of international business leaders in conjunction with local know-how and on-the-ground support from an expert accounting team and a leading business coach. “I’m a 10X business coach because I am passionate about seeing business people succeed,” Darleen said. Darleen is a member of the International Coaching Federation and a Certified International Coach. She is also a successful businesswoman having been awarded Victoria’s Small Business Entrepreneur Award in 2001. “We had the largest goat milking co-op within Australia with more than 400 goats. We started milking goats when we had our second daughter who had eczema (Darleen has three daughters now 25, 21, 20). We expanded and bought a number of herds from across

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

Australia and set up a cooperative to supply cheese makers,” Darleen said. "We had dairy and beef cattle, however we looked at the goat industry as an opportunity to gain an alternative revenue stream for our existing primary producing business." Since then Darleen has gained much business experience as an interior designer, real estate agent, executive recruitment adviser and held senior roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Darleen has coached professionals both internationally and on the domestic front for more than 15 years. “As a small business owner I believe it is important to be able to visualise business goals, key opportunities and areas of growth and to achieve objectives through a structured plan. The power of an idea is in the implementation,” Darleen said. 10X Coaching Club has proven a hit across Australia and New Zealand. The coaching model provides a professional circle of support, structure and accountability to business owners who often feel isolated within their business. Bolin Accountants founder and partner, Wayne Bolin has been an accountant in the ACT since 1988, and has assisted companies in many areas of their

business to achieve extended profit. Wayne is the only accredited family business adviser in Canberra and is accredited in self managed superfunds. “I’m excited at this opportunity. 10X will provide much-needed assistance and support to local small-tomedium businesses,” Wayne said. Wayne says he has seen many clients sacrifice far too much for their business, sometimes to the detriment of their personal lives. "With the current economic climate, business owners have even more on their plate, having to deal with dwindling sales, tightening cash flow and reduced profits," he said. “By partnering with 10X, we can really help business owners with growth strategies, improvement tools, asset protection and succession planning, to help them achieve the business success and lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of,” Wayne said. In addition to 10X Coaching Club, 10X South Canberra will offer other specially developed services to the South Canberra business community, including comprehensive planning programs: 10X Performance Planner, and the interactive tutorial-based 10X Business School. Darleen says that most people will start their 10X journey by participating in free Board Room Edge sessions. These half day sessions are taken with up to 10 other business people and touch on areas such as: thrive not just survive in your business, create lasting change, create raving fans for your business, marketing excellence; building trust with clients; doing more with less and how to gain a competitive advantage. “The Board Room Edge events are free and are designed to showcase 10X and give people an insight into what is available to them and their business here in Canberra,” Darleen said. The first Canberra South 10X Boardroom Edge was held in March. “So far 100 local business people have taken up the opportunity of one-on-one coaching and have been very happy with their results,” Darleen said. Darleen says that she knows how hard it is to stay in business. “80 per cent of businesses fail within the first five years so the first thing we do is congratulate businesses for being in business,” Darleen said. 10X also offers a Coaching Club where 10 small businesses come into the boardroom four times a year and share insights into the business challenges they face in Canberra. These 10X Coaching Club sessions are facilitated by Darleen who says that 10X has 660 different solutions to implement into a small business so they can overcome their challenges. Darleen says that being in small business is lonely. Small business owners are more likely to break their goals and promises to themselves. A strong business coach is someone that keeps the business owner accountable to their goals and works with them every step of the way to help them achieve their goals. A business coach can take business owners to heights they never thought possible. “Canberra businesses generally don’t have a lot of support. Businesses have to source others to: train their staff; undertake business analysis; develop and implement a business plan; do their accounting; undertake marketing and sales; and implement succession planning – at 10X we are a one-stop-shop for all of these essential business elements and much more,” Darleen said.

For more information contact either Darleen Barton 1300 855 109 or Wayne Bolin 02 6295 9800, www.10x.com.au or www.bolin.com.au or visit Unit 3/71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston ACT 2604.

Facing page: Darleen Barton, Above L-R: 1. Wayne Bolin and Darleen Barton 2. Ignatius Rozario, Trang Tran, Annette Taylor, Wayne Bolin, AnnieLouise Barton, Bruce Arthur, Justine Rollason, Diane Guy, Darleen Barton Photography by Andrew Sikorski

QANTAS Wallabies vs Fiji Secure your VIP tickets to see the QANTAS Wallabies in Canberra

culture

he QANTAS Wallabies are playing Fiji in their first encounter in the 2010 Bundaberg Rum series with their first Test Match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday 5 June. The QANTAS Wallabies are scheduled to play ten Test Matches this season, seven of which will be contested on home soil. The Australian Rugby Union is delighted to be heading back to Canberra again, and this time with the flamboyance of the Fijians to showcase. Anyone under-estimating the Pacific Islanders will do so at their peril. Fiji reached the last eight of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and gave the eventual champions South Africa a scare in their quarter final showdown. Make the most of this opportunity to see these powerhouses battle it out on the field in your home town – nothing beats being there! And nothing beats getting stuck into the action from the best seats in the house at Canberra Stadium. 100 VIP tickets are available to the exclusive Club Stadium lounge on a first-in-first-served basis for this Test Match between the QANTAS Wallabies and Fiji at the special price of $230 inc GST per ticket. Your exclusive ticket to Club Stadium paradise includes reserved

parking, entry to the lounge, a match day program, commemorative gift, a meal on arrival and half-time snacks. You won’t miss a minute of the on-field action with balcony seating, and no crowds or queuing for drinks or toilets. Club Stadium is situated at the northern end of the GreganLarkham Stand and offers a perfect view of the whole playing field. The Club accommodates up to 140 members for Raiders and Brumbies seasons and on this special occasion a limited number of Club tickets are open for purchase by the general public. It’s not often Canberra gets to host such high quality world-class events so its worth making a big deal about. There’s no better way to reward your valued clients or staff than by shouting them a day at the rugby. It’s the best end of financial year gift a rugby fan could get. Public tickets in Club Stadium are limited to one hundred for this event and are $230 inc GST per ticket. Group bookings available. Secure yours by calling Canberra Stadium on 6256 6706.

Bendigo Bank

Bendigo Bank supports Run with the LAW

he 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run event 'Run with the LAW' for Special Olympics Australia is the biggest fun run event in 2010. The Canberra leg of the run was recently celebrated outside Parliament House with much pomp and circumstance including a formal ceremony and lighting of the cauldron where local and state government officials, sponsors, ambassadors, corporates, local sports and celebrity personalities, fans, friends, families came together with Special Olympics athletes, police officers and runners and volunteers to celebrate being a part of Special Olympics, the organisation that transforms the lives of people with an intellectual disability. Local dignitaries in Canberra who participated in the event included John Hargreaves MLA, ACT Chief Police Officer Roman Quaedvlieg and Noel Harrod Special Olympics Australia ACT Manager – and of course members of law enforcement and emergency services, athletes and their parents and friends. Wanniassa and Calwell Bendigo Community Banks donated $2000 to support the local Canberra leg of the run. “We are very pleased to able to support this very worthwhile community event that will benefit many local athletes,” chairman of Wanniassa and Calwell Bendigo Community Banks, Jayson Hinder said. 20

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

L-R: Noel Harrod, Ehren Keys, Jayson Hinder, Carmen Carlon, Daniel Lewis and Kayla Davy-Kennett

The Run with the LAW torch event is open to all athletes, coaches and volunteers in Special Olympics Australia as well as other individuals and corporate teams. In this first Run with the LAW event, police officers will carry the 'Flame of Hope' across 40 cities in 29 days. Launched at the Gold Coast, the torch run started in Cairns, North Queensland, travelled down to the Gold Coast and Brisbane, then NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and up to South Australia for the final leg into the Opening ceremony of the IX National Special Olympic Games to light the official cauldron. “We would like to congratulate both police officers, athletes and sponsors who have made the Law Enforcement Torch Run such a success in raising awareness and funds for Special Olympic Australia,” Jayson said. If you would like to find out more about Special Olympics Australia or the Law Enforcement Torch run phone 02 8116 9833 or email runwiththelaw@specialolympics.com.au

culture

Robyn Archer

Art: the very fabric of life by Tim Benson, B2B Publisher

rt is not a frill on the frock of life, it is the very fabric: without it we are naked to the often cruel, harsh and unjust elements of life. Art refreshes and inspires through sheer beauty and virtuosity. But art is also the safest place to explore dangerous ideas, and that forum is essential in this critical moment of change for the 21st century – Robyn Archer*. Robyn Archer, international artist and administrator recently addressed an appreciative audience, at a Canberra Business Council Lunch, on her role as creative director for the celebrations of Centenary of Canberra in 2013, and the important role art plays in business. The lunch was sponsored by The Canberra Times, Australia Business Arts Foundation and Australian Institute of Company Directors and held at the Hyatt Canberra. “I defy anyone to think of a time that they don’t bump into arts in our society. It would be a very difficult thing to do. It reminds me of a women in the United States that tried to go a whole year without using anything that was made in China,” Robyn said. Robyn said that the arts are not only inspiring but a safe place to have a dangerous experience. “You can go through the experience and find out what you would have thought and done in that situation without the ramifications of actually doing it,” Robyn said. According to Robyn there is a strong link between the arts and business. “Art should have an important place in every business. Investing in an artist is good for employers, their staff and their clients. And it is a scientific fact that art stimulates the brain – art stimulates the creative muscle,” she said. Robyn lamented about the life of Vincent van Gogh whose works were not recognised or valued until much after his death.

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

“The van Goghs of today are out there. People are coming to me all the time with art projects and I try and help them. Businesses have the power to invest in living art and they should,” Robyn said. The Centenary of Canberra celebrations in 2013 will provide an opportunity to focus attention and support on Canberra’s artists. “The Centenary of Canberra is a celebration of the events of the past but it is also about the future. In my role as creative director for the Centenary, I will be programming and investing in things that will have legs past 2013,” Robyn said. Robyn said many Canberrans were not aware of the rich variety of things that go on in Canberra and that she would be aiming to use the Centenary to raise awareness of many local artists and organisations. “We need to get across that Canberra is a ‘whole way of being’. We are regional, national and international all rolled into one,” she said. Robyn said that there will be a role for small business in the coming Centenary celebrations. “I always tell festival organisers, for example, not to forget the local undertaker as they always want to be involved in a good news story,” Robyn said. In response to a questions about how small businesses can get involved, Robyn said that she would establish a register for small business to provide information about what they would be prepared to offer to support artists in the lead-up and during the Centenary celebrations. *Robyn Archer is the creative director for the celebrations of Centenary of Canberra in 2013 and an international singer, writer, director and public advocate of the arts. Among many titles Robyn has a B.A. (Hons Eng), Dip. Ed. (Adelaide University), Honours Doctor of the University (Flinders University), Officer of the Order of Australia ( Australia) and Chevalier du l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres ( France). Find out more about Robyn Archer at www.robynarcher.com.au .

Photography by Andrew Sikorski

Page break

culture

Need a break from the world of business? Take a few minutes to read this story from Canberra writer, Craig Cormick

Terminal by Craig Cormick

rmed guards stomp up and down the airport concourse, scrutinizing everyone carefully. Occasionally they haul someone to his feet and lead him away at gunpoint. Everyone else looks at the ground when this happens. They look at their shoes. Look at the dirty floor. Look anywhere but at the guards. Then, when it is quiet again, they look up to the heavens, looking for a sign, hoping vainly to see some indication that their flight might be called. To our left is a young couple with two small children. They look tired to exhaustion, and have pulled all their bags close about them, as if forming a barrier to those outside. Most people here just build barriers about themselves with silence. To our other side are an old man and woman who must be in their late-70s. I keep turning my head to look at them and the old man keeps smiling back at me. Perhaps he’s just happy that they made it to the airport. So many others will never get here, and are probably left hiding in the shadows along the dark chill streets outside. We are the lucky few, so we tell ourselves. We are inside the small cramped airport terminal with its overflowing bins and blocked-up toilets, and that sour smell of fear all about us. But at least we have a possibility of escape. I look up to the far end of the terminal, and it’s an odd thing, but it seems less far away that it had been before. The old man sees the look on my face and says, ‘It’s getting smaller.’ His voice is soft, with an accent that I can’t quite place. ‘How?’ I ask him. But he just shrugs and smiles again. We look up and see two guards stomping down the concourse towards us. I look to the floor as they march past and grab a young man down to our left. He screams that they have the wrong man. Everybody is looking down. He screams that they’re making a mistake. The girl beside him tries to hold onto him, but they rip him from her grip and drag him away, still screaming. When I look up I see that the old woman beside me is making a sympathetic face to the young woman. I look across at Bec, but she’s still not talking to me. ‘Where do they take them?’ I ask the old man in a hushed tone. And he shrugs again. Then he says, ‘Maybe they take them back outside.’ Outside where burning cars light up the night. Where bodies lie on the pavements. I shiver and look up and down the concourse again.

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

How could it possibly be getting smaller? I wonder. ‘In the last war,’ the old man suddenly says, ‘They separated the men and the women. Indoctrinated us. Wanted us to treat each other as the enemy.’ He shakes his head a little and gives his wife’s hand a squeeze. ‘But in this war there are no rules.’ She leans her head onto his shoulder. ‘But we overcame,’ he says. ‘We stayed together. That’s how you beat them.’ Bec, sitting beside me, glances at them briefly and scowls. She doesn’t want to hear this. Is convinced our flight will be called before the guards come for us. ‘How long have you been waiting?’ I ask. This time the old woman shrugs. ‘It doesn’t matter,’ she says. ‘We’re together.’ ‘But what if the guards come?’ I ask. ‘No,’ she says confidently. Then, ‘It’s them I worry about.’ And she indicates towards the couple with children. ‘Why them?’ I ask. ‘They’ll come for them soon,’ she says. ‘How can you know that?’ I ask, but she just nods her head. ‘Soon,’ she says. I look across to the family and see the way they sit apart from each other inside their fort. They have built a silence not just around themselves, but between themselves as well. I watch them for a moment and then look up at the monitor. Still no sign of our flight. Then I hear the heavy stomp of the guards’ boots once more. I look up and see them marching down the concourse again, coming towards us. I feel the fear building inside my stomach. I look across to the old couple beside us. They hold up their clenched hands, just a little. ‘Bec,’ I whisper. ‘I’m sorry.’ And I slip my fingers into hers. I hold her tightly. I look at her and see the hardness in her eyes soften a little. ‘I’ve had enough of fighting,’ I say. The boots are almost in front of us. I wait for the grip of the guards. ‘Bec?’ I say. I wait for her to squeeze my hand in return. The guards’ footsteps stop. I don’t look away from her. ‘Bec?’ Craig Cormick is a member of the ACT Writers Centre which supports writers and promotes writing in the ACT region.

Join business, government, and community leaders and sleep rough this business, winter to help Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Join government, and community leaders .and sleep homeless rough this winter to help Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CANBERRA, 17 JUNE 2010 homeless CANBERRA, 17 JUNE 2010

accounting

Do I need a business plan? ADVICE

By Andrew Sykes

usiness planning correlates with higher rates of growth. Businesses that avoid this practice because they either don’t have time, or think they know the market so well that this process is unnecessary, are achieving lower rates of growth than those that do adopt, adhere to and revise as necessary their business plans. Business planning disciplines are weakest in recently established enterprises, with owners citing time constraints as the most significant barrier. At the time when business owners should be examining the market they are trying to penetrate, the competitors they are trying to defeat, and the customers they are trying to capture, owners are pushing those activities aside in favour of working in the business. The implications of this approach for longer term growth are clear. Capital is more difficult to obtain if your business lacks a well documented plan and a story for the lender. Breakthrough strategies are missed if time is not invested in examining the market thoroughly, and searching for real differentiation. Failing to plan for business growth and development is a false economy. Those businesses that could benefit from business planning would have characteristics that include, but are not limited to, the following: • Stagnant or failing business • Business simplification • New product lines • New owners buying an established business • Business expansion

• Performance improvement • ‘Sea change’ • Cashflow problems. A good business plan includes a statement of business objectives, a marketing plan, a production plan and a financial plan. When completed, a plan should be reviewed frequently to ensure that actual business activities are in line with the plan. Be prepared to change your plan if there are major shifts in your industry, market or general economic conditions. The lesson for business owners is to recognise that you wear many hats, and all these roles require attention. The old maxim of working ‘on’ your business not just ‘in’ your business reminds us that planning is an important part of business success. Remember that a business plan does not need to huge – email me at andrew.sykes@rsmi.com.au and I will send you a great one page pro-forma that works very well.

Andrew Sykes is a partner at RSM Bird Cameron. For information on business improvements, contact the experienced team at RSM Bird Cameron, 103-105 Northbourne Avenue Canberra, T.6247 5988. www.rsmi.com.au

banking

The benefits of banking with a community bank By Toby Mahoney

he Wanniassa and Calwell Bendigo Community Bank® branches are locally owned and operated companies, which function as franchises of Bendigo Bank. That means that our local branches are run by people who bank with us and live in the local area. The community can have a say in their bank and how the banks can benefit them. The great thing about our Community Banks is that 50 per cent of our profits are available to be reinvested back into the community through dividends to shareholders and grants to community groups and projects. Bendigo Community Banks came about after the big banks shut more than 2050 bank branches across Australia between 1993 and 2000. These closures represented a 29% reduction in branch numbers in just seven years and many communities were left without branch banking facilities. Bendigo Bank identified this trend and recognised the impact the reduction in branch numbers was having on communities. Today there are 250 Bendigo Community Banks across Australia that have contributed $39.3 million dollars to local groups and projects and employs more than 1100 local people. This financial year alone the Wanniassa and Calwell Community Bank branches have already reinvested more than $120,000 back into our local communities. We have supported organisations such as OzHarvest, Theodore Primary School, Lions Youth Haven and the RSPCA. Depositors are protected by Bendigo Bank’s imposing track record when it comes to the security of their funds. Bendigo Bank is

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

one of Australia’s oldest financial institutions, operating since 1858 and has declared a profit in every year and we have without fail honoured our depositors. Being a Community Bank branch manager gives me great satisfaction knowing that the products and services we provide help benefit the communities in which we live and work. Not only do the Wanniassa and Calwell Community Bank® branches provide the local community quality banking services – we deliver employment opportunities for local people, keep local capital in the community, are a local investment option for shareholders and provide a source of revenue for important community projects determined by our communities. Wanniassa Community Bank Branch 62319024 Calwell Community Bank Branch 62913385

Toby Mahoney is Wanniassa Community Bank's branch manager . T: 02 6231 9024, F: 02 6231 9643, M: 0422 605 505, toby.mahoney@bendigobank.com.au

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business training

New tax and BAS training opportunities By Jerome de Rose ADVICE

arch 2010 saw new Tax Agent Services legislation come into force. It established a national Tax Practitioners Board, new requirements for the registration of BAS agents and other measures to strengthen and improve the tax system. The new national Tax Practitioners Board replaces the six state based Tax Agents Boards. A bookkeeper who prepares business activity statements other than as an employee, will now need to register as a BAS agent. To be registered as a BAS agent you will need to satisfy a number of registration requirements. (Visit the Tax Practitioners Board website at http://www.tpb.gov. au. There are transition provisions to allow time for some people currently offering BAS services to meet the new requirements). The accounting qualification requirement for an individual is at least a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) or a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) from a registered training organisation or an equivalent institution. The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) with its highly regarded business courses has a proud history of helping people who provide financial services to upgrade their qualifications and gain new ones. The qualification Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) has been offered at the CIT Reid campus as part of the Advanced Diploma in Accounting for many years and is regularly updated in consultation with industry experts. If you are currently offering BAS services but need to upgrade your qualifications to meet registration requirements you may complete your study sooner than you’d expect. CIT offers the course part-time and

recognises prior qualifications and work experience. Some subjects are also available as flexible study options outside of normal class times or as online study. CIT also offers the course full-time. Once you have been awarded the Certificate IV in Financial Services (Accounting) from CIT you will be eligible to continue either part-time or full-time to upgrade your financial and accounting qualifications leading to an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. It is worth noting that CIT is now involved in an exciting collaboration with Charles Sturt University to jointly deliver a Business Studies Degree awarded by Charles Sturt University but delivered on the Reid campus of CIT. It will be possible to complete the degree in one year’s full-time study if a student already has an Advanced Diploma qualification in a discipline such as accounting. For details on the accounting courses offered at CIT call 62073188 or visit www.cit.act.edu.au

Jerome de Rose is the director of the CIT Centre for Business. Call 6207 3542 to find out how CIT can work with your organisation to up-skill your staff. http://www.cit.act.edu.au

corporate governance

Talent war is on again By Phil Butler

Inspiring small business to take the next step

AICD#789

ith the worst of the global financial crisis behind us, the to attract new staff when required. The ‘refer a friend’ incentive may picture for business in the ACT and surrounding region once again become part of the recruitment tool-kit. is again looking positive. However the return to a more While monetary rewards must be competitive, research has indicatbuoyant economy does pose some challenges, not least ed that this is not the only factor employees consider when weighing of which is a return to the war for talent,The an issue which was prevalent options. Respected economic columnist Ross Gittins recently Australian Instituteupoftheir Company Directors three years ago. wrote: 'You try to hire people who share the organisation's goals and (AICD) Australia’s institute for with. You encourage loyalty, but you While some argue the balance of power shifted inisfavour of employ- membership put people into jobs they identify directors delivering andmake continuing ers during the GFC, companies are once again facing the prospect of skillsknowledge also return it. You sure you're producing a product or service your shortages. The Hudson Report: Employment Expectations based on aof directorship. people can be proud of. You establish internal career paths and try to learning in –the field nationwide survey of 6,000 managers – recently noted that sentiment in reduce staff turnover. It's not how you pay your workers so much as how the ACT rose in the first quarter of the year. The report for April–June 2010 you treat them.' For are more information, contact Laura stated that a net 32.3 per cent of ACT employers planning to increase While small business may not be able to their permanent staff levels, up 2.2 per centTierney from the previous match the salaries offered the by other organisaonquarter. 1300 764 633 or visit The ACT employment market is somewhat different to other jurisdic- tions, they do have the opportunity to focus website atACT companydirectors.com.au tions, with business needing to compete with the federal and govern- on their strengths and create an environment ments for talented staff especially in areas such as management and finance. where people want to work. So how can directors and owners of small businesses attract and retain qualified and experienced employees vital to their long-term success? Knowing where to find up-and-coming talent is important. Even if staff shortages are not of concern, it is good practice to be prepared for the tightening market. Consider attending networking opportunities where you may meet potential future employees. Phil Butler is state manager of the Australian Institute of By effectively supporting your current valued employees, it’s more Company Directors’ ACT Division. For more information likely that they will also act as ‘advocates’ for your business and help you about AICD 's course programs and events, call 6248 5954.

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

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estate planning

Testamentary guardianship ADVICE

By Stephen Bourke

eath is a topic that most people prefer not to think about. However, you should consider your children in the event of your death. Who will look after them? Who will love and care for them? Will the carer raise your children the way you would want them to be raised? If you find these questions difficult to answer now, try to imagine how difficult it may be for your friends and relatives to make these decisions after you die. The way to deal with these questions is to answer them at the time of writing your Will. Why? Because while you are alive, and of sound mind, you have the power to appoint a testamentary guardian for your children. Testamentary means 'under your will' and guardian is the person you appoint. Hence ‘testamentary guardian’. In the ACT the rules governing testamentary guardianship are contained in the Testamentary Guardianship Act 1984. A testamentary guardian is someone, typically a close relative or friend, who will raise your children with similar love and care to what you would have given them. Effectively, they stand in your shoes and have the same responsibilities for the care, maintenance and education of your children. This includes the power to manage, the real and personal property of the children (not being property held by a trustee) until they cease to be the guardian of the child(ren). It is important to note that appointing a testamentary guardian does not guarantee that your children will live with that person. The testamentary guardian would only have the daily care of your children if both parents are deceased. It becomes more complicated if you have separated from the

other parent of your children. Family Law Court orders then become relevant and careful planning is needed in these situations. If you die together or you have separated and don’t appoint a testamentary guardian, it may be up to a court or tribunal to determine who should look after the children. While the court or tribunal will take into account the children’s best interests, someone that you would not have necessarily chosen may be appointed. If you have decided to appoint someone as testamentary guardian of your children, it’s important to: 1. Gain their consent first. 2. Consider their circumstances, for example, is their house big enough to cope with extra children. 3. Consider who you may appoint as an alternate guardian. Your children deserve your consideration of their future care in the event of your death.

Stephen Bourke is a director in the boutique firm, Certus Law, specialising in superannuation, trusts and estate planning. He also consults to other practitioners through the consulting practice, SuperSplitting. Level 5, 28 University Avenue T: 6268 9090 www.certuslaw.com.au

Human Resources

Isn’t it time you used a recruitment agency? By Elsa Ramiro

here are 26,000 businesses in Canberra and unlike the real conflict management and performance management strategies which estate industry where 80 per cent of vendors use a real es- help resolve difficulties between an employer and an employee. tate agent, only 20 per cent of businesses use a recruitment I believe that this is an area where many recruitment agencies are agency to find staff. Why is this when staff are a business’s under-utilised. Many clients let a situation with a candidate deteriorate most important asset? to the point of no-return before turning to a recruitment agency for asI know some businesses think that they’ll save the recruitment sistance. With recruitment matters, it is best to take action early to avoid fee by placing their own ad on SEEK. But even something as simple potentially difficult situations arising in the future. as this is fraught with obstacles. A common mistake made on SEEK Staff are a business’s most valuable asset. Most people don’t sell their by potential employers is for them not to put in the salary dollars most valuable asset, their home, without the services of a trained real for the position that they’re advertising. Yet the majority of people estate agent, because they know that with professional assistance, they’ll searching SEEK search by salary, and if the salary isn’t included in the maximise the sale price. ad, it is relegated to the bottom of the pile and all the employer’s So when you are next considering recruitefforts are for naught. ing staff, seek the services of a recruitment Like you, his success relies on getting the right team around him. At Randstad, we understand the recruitment process because it is our agency. By doing this, you’ll give your business At Randstad, we benefit have our own from high performance support team. Ours meticulously to find the by right profession and clients greatly our expertise in the industry. itsisbest chance totrained grow and succeed havpeople for the right companies and vice versa. For more information on why you should choose Randstad Our recruiting process is tailored to deliver great results for employers ing well matched and motivated staff. for all your recruitment HR requirements, and employees. Randstad & consultants spend at visit leastwww.randstad.com.au 1.5 hours with each candidate that they interview. In that time, in addition to the standard questions asked, our consultants look for inconsistencies in candidates’ resumes, so that they can sort the chaff from the straw and only provide genuine quality candidates to clients. For further information, please contact Elsa Ramiro, People, unlike products, are inconsistent. One of the great benefits executive manager of Randstad’s Business Support division of using recruitment agencies is their after-placement services. If, for exin Canberra on 02 6245 2992 or you can contact Elsa at 24/3/10 10:50:09 AM ample, a candidate isn’t working out, agencies can step in with a raft of elsa.ramiro@randstad.com.au. www.randstad.com.au

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

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SAfety

Safety begins with good communication By Darren Sterzenbach ADVICE

elcome to my new column. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity to provide guidance, opinions and an avenue for discussion on safety in our business community. I will try to uncloak the perceived complexities about safety and provide some practical yet effective advice. While we, as a nation, move closer to harmonisation of workplace safety laws, the truth is that changes to the laws will not alter the fact that effective workplace safety is only possible if several very important elements are implemented. Without these elements safety remains just words on paper. These essential elements are what we call ‘non negotiable’. The first of these elements up for discussion this month is communication and consultation. Without the involvement of everyone in and around the workplace effective safety is difficult. Effective communication and consultation will result in a more efficient workplace and will encourage a change in the safety culture. Every day I provide advice to clients on what is accepted practice and legally required when it comes to safety. Like all good managers my challenge is to listen to what employees have to say about their job, how they do it and why they do things in the way they do. I can’t be expected to know the processes of every job, nor do I need too. What I need to do is to provide an opportunity for discussion and provide outcomes that are effective, safe and practical. Whether you engage consultants or do it yourself, the challenge is to provide sound safety processes in the workplace based on input from your workers.

I encourage all workplaces to set up avenues to discuss safety. It may be discussions during morning tea, over lunch or as an added agenda item on management meetings, forums or through open door policies. There is a myriad of good ideas out there that provide very good opportunities for consultation and communication. It is only through talking to all levels of workers that effective changes, including culture changes, can be made. You will be surprised at the good ideas that people have to implement simple yet positive changes to safety. Remember, if you are not sure, ask a professional before implementing changes to the workplace. Tips – Document discussions. Discussions are important. Encourage involvement at all levels as a team and as equals. Listen to what is important to each member of the team as each of us are individual and may view things differently. Your role is to provide an effective outcome to which all can agree will provide a safer workplace. Safety…it's just good business.

Darren Sterzenbach is Matrix's national general manager. T: 02 6239 7322, darren@matrixcompliance.com.au, www.matrixcompliance.com.au

websites

Twitter: business watch this space! By Sam Gupta

t last Twitter is seriously thinking about business through commercial accounts and what’s called ‘Promoted Tweets’. More lingo, I hear you say. But with Twitter recently reaching 50 million tweets a day, it's time for business to start taking Twitter seriously as a social media strategy. Until now, Twitter has mainly provided an individualised conversation channel. What I mean by this, is there is one author for one account, which is fine for personal rather than business use. But business needs to have multiple accounts for social media representation. Twitter is now planning to launch commercial accounts for business. This way, multiple authors will be able to tweet on one account. A company will then be able to select its tweets and promote them on Twitter’s search results using ‘Promoted Tweets’. If someone searches for tweets about ‘3D televisions’ for example, an electronics company or retailer can advertise its tweets through such searches. There is further complexity about how promoted tweets perform but, in essence, this is how it works. I was recently at a conference in Melbourne, where we had presentations from Google Australia, PayPal and other web companies. In one of the social media strategy seminars, we were presented with a case-study of a chocolate company that faced public outcry because of palm oil use. Due to the nature of this issue, the company needed to represent itself positively in the social media space. A team positively managed the company’s social media relations using Facebook

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

fan pages, tweets, blogs and other social media channels by involving the community in an on-line conversation. It was a great example of how business can use Twitter and other social media sites to inform or educate customers and stakeholders. At the time of this outcry, the promoted tweets feature wasn’t launched but it could have worked well in a situation such as this. Currently there is no Australian Twitter site. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to advertise your business in US if that is not your market. Twitter claims to be working hard at launching its international sites. We will have to wait and see how these commercial twitter accounts will work here in Australia. But, the idea is good. If Twitter serves your customer demographics, you won’t want to miss this wave.

Sam Gupta is the managing director of Synapse Worldwide. if you would like to discuss your business’s social media strategy, please contact Sam on 1300 785 230 or admin@synapseworldwide.com

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May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

ll Australian governments are rightly focused on the vexed question of what their future workforce needs to be and how to deal with the challenges of demography. Or, more specifically, the ageing of the population. The issue is no different in the ACT. But with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, labour force participation rates the highest in the country, a buoyant local economy, and a visible shortage of particular skills sets, it is fair to ask how is the Government progressing some solutions? Skill shortages are not unique to the ACT, but an Access Economics report in 2009 tipped our economy’s needs for skilled labour will triple over the next three years across a spectrum of industries and professions. Canberra has one of the fastest ageing populations in Australia, and that problem is set to exacerbate over the next decade when a significant portion of the ACT’s workforce is set to retire. In 2006 I established the ACT Skills Commission to provide the Government with some strategic advice on what we need to do. The Skills Commission’s 2007 Report to Government was timely, and much of its thinking translated into the $51m ACT Skills Futures strategy that the Government announced in May 2008.

he skills shortage is in many ways a challenge of demographics, not economics nor location. According to ABS data, Canberra experiences a ‘peak’ of residents aged between 20-35 that tracks above the national average. However, this drops off dramatically, indicating we are not retaining young professionals in the city. It is all too easy to suggest ‘quick fixes’ or ‘talk fests’ but there are underlying structural issues that need to be addressed to make Canberra attractive to people when they want to buy homes and raise families. 1. Housing affordability According to recent data, Canberra is the second most expensive jurisdiction in the country with prices only $10,000 cheaper than Sydney. This has come about due to a number of factors controlled by the ACT Labor Government – slow land release, stifling competition, poor planning and very high taxes. Each of these areas needs to be addressed. The Canberra Liberals have put forward solutions to these problems and we will continue to do so in both Opposition and Government. 2. Education Those intending to raise families place a premium on access to quality education. The ACT Labor Government is famous for its wholesale

o address the skills shortage we need to understand where the shortages are and why they have come about. Each sector is different, skills shortages in the construction industry are different from those of the health and engineering sectors for example. There are however two overarching issues that must be addressed in order to maintain prosperity and ensure that we are a skilled and capable economy. Demographic changes, the ageing population, and the need to shift to a sustainable green economy must guide any policy discussions on addressing skills shortages. Improved productivity is an essential part of combating skills shortages. The key areas that drive productivity improvement are scientific and technological advances, the adaptation and diffusion of new products and processes, new management practices, organisational structures and work arrangements. It is vital that the ACT is in a position not only to adopt but also to drive technological change and improvement in products and processes. The ACT is particularly well positioned in six key industries renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water systems, biomaterials, green buildings, waste and recycling and it’s therefore encouraging to see that CIT has had significant growth in courses

In 2009, we all thought the Global Financial Crisis would take the heat out of some of these issues. But the ACT Government drove hard on capital works to maximise the Commonwealth Stimulation packages, and to unclog some bottlenecks through our business roundtable processes. Consequently we still have shortages and the ACT Government continues to address the problem, working closely with industry groups. • We encourage businesses to retain more mature age employees beyond the traditional retirement age. • We extended the Live In Canberra program to attract skilled people from interstate and overseas; • In March we drew together, in a roundtable format, a knowledgeable cross-section of the key players involved in recruitment, education, retention and the development of skilled labour and policies in the Territory. The ACT Government is now synthesising their input to develop strategies for the future. • The ACT Government’s Skilled and Business Migration Unit has worked closely with the Commonwealth, and local employers, to sponsor a range of in-demand skilled migrants to come to the Territory.

Since the beginning of 2008, the Unit has certified 594 employer applications and sponsored 966 independent skilled migrants. These activities are enhanced by efforts to facilitate the ACT Government’s ongoing marketing to recruit overseas workers. The ACT Government will continue to engage industry and community leaders on every level to develop and implement programmes that respond to the ACT’s changing workforce requirements. We must be innovative in our solutions which will lie in the education and training arena, in diversification of our economy and in greater economic development. During 2010 and beyond, the ACT Government will be looking for more industry-led solutions to our skills shortages. I'm looking forward to the conversation.

closures of schools. Canberrans were promised better outcomes as a result. Instead, with the release of the MySchools data, we find our schools are performing below similar schools around the country. That’s why the Canberra Liberals committed $24.5 million to reducing class sizes in all classes – not just ‘average’ – $2.9 million for extra classrooms and $2.6 million to recruit the best teachers in the country. 3. Infrastructure One of the greatest appeals of living in Canberra has been ease of movement. Unfortunately, under ACT Labor, our roads are regularly gridlocked and journeys that were once smooth are now slow. This governments’ failure to deliver is undeniable, anyone struggling along the GDE, airport roads or our highways can attest. The Canberra Liberals have been working with industry on our 'Infrastructure Canberra' plan that takes infrastructure out of political cycles and places them with an independent Commissioner. A copy is available at the Legislative Assembly website. 4. Health care. On many indicators, including emergency department and elective surgery waiting times, we are the worst in the country. Many services simply aren’t functional and many people have to travel to Sydney anyway.

Through Shadow Health Minister Jeremy Hanson, the Canberra Liberals have released a paper entitled ‘The State of our Health’ which will underpin a new direction in health care aimed at lifting us from the bottom of the pile. These are facts. Our homes are expensive – and getting worse. Our education system is underperforming. Our roads are clogged and our hospital results the worst in the country. These are the factors that are holding this city back, and they are all squarely within the control of this government. The Labor government has failed our city in every one of these areas. The Canberra Liberals have put forward solutions to every one and will continue to do so.

teaching skills to respond to the ‘green collar’ jobs that these industries are creating. Now is our opportunity to position ourselves at the cutting edge of the new green economy and the fact that these courses have been so popular demonstrates peoples’ willingness to participate in tomorrow’s industries. We know that attracting apprentices can be difficult because of the low pay in the early years. We also know that the long term future of the skills being taught is essential to attract people to those skills and industries. As a builder for example, would you rather build a house the same as all the others, a brick veneer house that presents few challenges or a solar passive house that requires no heating or cooling, uses new and innovative products and materials and represents the future of housing? Apprentices want to know that there will be long term demand for their skills and that the industry has a sustainable future. Skills shortages are self perpetuating. A scarcity of skills brings about a reluctance to invest in new technologies and production methods, the absence of which naturally makes it more difficult for people to acquire new skills. High skill levels among the workforce lead to higher levels of productivity, income and economic

growth and more skilled workers make the adoption and adaptation of new technologies easier and cheaper. As a relatively highly skilled jurisdiction the challenge for the ACT is not just to improve overall skill levels but also to target learning to areas of greatest need. Currently a significant number of our workforce are overqualified for the jobs they are doing while some sectors are struggling to attract qualified workers. Addressing skills shortages and the significant economic shifts that are ahead of us represents a great policy challenge. The answers will be different for each industry and active dialogue between industry, the Government and educational institutions to identify the specific skills in short supply and ways of providing those skills will be essential.

Jon Stanhope ACT Chief Minister

Zed Seselja ACT Opposition Leader

Meredith Hunter Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens B2B in Canberra | May 2010

g2b

Act WORK Safety commissioner

Health decline felt in ACT workplaces Mark McCabe ACT Work Safety Commissioner

Half of the ACT adult population does not undertake sufficient physical activity to meet current National Physical Activity Guidelines of thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days of the week. Evidence shows that physical activity levels vary according to age and gender.

omen tend to be less physically active than men, older people tend to be less physically active than younger people and levels also vary according to socioeconomic class and ethnicity. Adequate physical activity is essential for good health, assisting in the prevention and management of more than 20 health conditions and diseases and promoting mental wellbeing. The The increase in preventable disease trend of increasing levels of sedentary has resulted and workplace injury, resulting from in a rise in public overunhealthy living and low levels of weight and obesity and serious health related conphysical activity, are a major cause of ditions such as heart and circulatory disease, the workplace absence and disruption in diabetes epidemic, some cancers and depression. today’s workforce. The decline in the general health and wellbeing of the population is cause for tremendous concern. The impact is being felt in workplaces across the ACT, through reduced productivity, high stress levels, poor job satisfaction, increased sickness and absence ACT Work Safety Commissioner and high staff turnover. P.O. Box 158 The direct health care cost of physical inactivity Canberra City ACT 2601 T: 6205 0333 nationally is over $7 billion per annum. With spiralling F: 6205 0168 health costs, major state and national skill shortages, E: worksafety@act.gov.au and an ageing population, it is clear that ACT workplaces need to take the promotion of health and wellbeing For health and safety information and guidance very seriously. With the average working person spending around www.worksafety.act.gov.au 25 per cent of their week at work; it makes good sense www.safetyforum.org.au to tackle the decline in the general health and well-bewww.safeworkactawards.com.au ing of the population in the work setting. www.actsafetyshow.com.au

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

Work Safety legislation aims to: • promote a safe and healthy work environment for people at work • foster cooperation and consultation between employers and workers • protect employees from injury and illness • provide for the physical and psychological needs of employees • secure and promote work safety of people at work • eliminate, at their source, risks to work safety whether of people at work or others • protect people from risks resulting from the activities of people at work • foster cooperation and consultation between organisations representing employers and workers • provide a framework for continuous improvement and progressively higher standards of work safety. The Work Safety ACT 2008 states that work safety, of people, means the health, safety and wellbeing of people in relation to work. Under this legislation the health of workers is, in fact, a legal duty of care for employers. An employer’s health and wellbeing program will assist by contributing to these legal responsibilities. The increase in preventable disease and workplace injury, resulting from unhealthy living and low levels of physical activity, are a major cause of workplace absence and disruption in today’s workforce. Across Australia, increases in the prevalence of degenerative disease and the ageing population have heightened the need to change lifestyle behaviours and increase physical activity levels. With most adults spending at least half of their life working it makes good sense to consider this environment as an important setting for promoting health and wellbeing change.

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Act Government

New strategies to benefit the ACT and its international students A project led by the business community has put forward a strategy to grow the ACT’s secondlargest export industry.

wide-ranging strategy for international education in Canberra, which was put together through collaboration between the Canberra Business Council and key players in Canberra’s tertiary education industry, is now being discussed with the ACT Government. The strategy has identified a range of possible initiatives to ensure the sustainable growth of the second-largest source of the ACT’s export income. The ACT Education Services Export Strategy report was commissioned to advise the Council, the Government and other stakeholders about the contribution that almost 10,000 international students make to the ACT each year – around $260 million in 2008–09 plus the social and cultural benefits – and what might be done to enhance that contribution. “Our education institutions have been very successful in their marketing, recruiting and international engagement strategies, even in recent more hard-pressed times,” said Canberra Business Council CEO, Chris Faulks. “But our strategy is about what we call the ‘additionality dimension’ – doing what institutions wouldn’t otherwise do on their own, or what the market wouldn’t provide in response to market signals.” “It’s about getting our education institutions, government and business to work together to realise our proposed statement of ambition: that Canberra exceeds student expectations and is recognised as Australia’s education capital.” Four complementary approaches have been recommended to achieve that ambition: building collaboration and capacity, improving the student experience, creating a brand for Canberra as Australia’s education capital, and strengthening infrastructure and support. The first and high-level task of a proposed education exports task force would be to bring cohesion to approaches by all parties to supplying international students with high-quality education, welfare and socio-cultural experiences. That would mean bringing representatives of all those parties – existing providers, government agencies, business, diplomatic missions, alumni of education institutions, the broader

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

community – into a coordinating forum to work to a five-year strategic plan, annual business plans and an evaluation framework to guide and prove the worth of cohesive and concerted action. “The success of the strategy will be largely determined by the level of collaboration between the local business Above: Australian Capital Territory’s Top Exports 2008/09 ($ millions) community, the ACT Government and our education institutions,” Chris Faulks said. marketing message to lift the ACT’s education It has been increasingly acknowledged that and training profile internationally as Australia’s a student’s experience of their host community education capital. can be as important to them as the quality of Initiatives under a comprehensive marketeducation they receive. ing and communication strategy might include So the second component of the proposed overseas delegations, education agent training, Education Services Export Strategy aims to com- student exchanges in targeted markets, and caplement existing university, college and school pability statements in the ACT’s strong educainitiatives with broader coordinated ways of wel- tion, industry and research sectors. A web portal coming and engaging international students. would underpin it all, focusing on the Canberra’s In concrete terms, this may manifest in main attributes as a knowledge economy, a cenforms such as a Canberra ‘survival guide’ in hard tre of innovation, and a safe, diverse regional hub copy and online to answer everyday-life ques- with an excellent quality of life. tions; a program of student involvement in Finally, the Export Strategy recognises the community cultural and social activities, music importance of ensuring Canberra’s infrastructure and sporting events; and a program of indus- and services meet international student needs. try internships and other work experience that The priorities would be accommodation, securibuilds on the ACT Government’s successful ty and safety, and access to community services. 2009 StudentConnect pilot program. The Strategy sees the ACT Government’s Given the brand-driven nature of contem- role as providing leadership and support in key porary youth culture, Canberra’s lack of a brand areas, particularly in promoting and positioning as an international education destination is seen Canberra as a place to study and the unique by some as a major weakness. Other Australian benefits that flow from off-campus life. capitals have put in place international educaThe Strategy provide a medium to long term tion marketing capabilities, some supported or pathway to support the development of the edrun by government, some by education/gov- ucation services sector in the ACT and it will proernment/business collaborations. vide an important framework between the secThe third export strategy, then, is to develop tor and government over the few months as the a Canberra brand, a consistent and attractive discussion moves to implementation activities.

Canberra business council

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Big win for ACT screen industry – $1.8 million ACT Film Investment Fund By Chris Faulks Chief Executive Officer, Canberra Business Council Upcoming Events Federal Budget Breakfast Guest Speaker: Lindsay Tanner MP, Barnaby Joyce MP, Robert Gottliebsen and Jeremy Lasek as MC Parliament House Cost: $70 per person $650 Table of 10 7.30am – 9.00am Wednesday 12 May 2010

Breakfast with Hon Anthony Byrne MP Parliamentary Secretary for Trade CIT School of Hospitality, Level 2, Constitution Ave, Reid Cost: $25 per person members $40 non members 7.15 am, Thursday 27 May 2010

Canberra Times Business Series Guest Speaker: Terry Campbell AO, Chair, Goldman Sachs JBWere Hyatt Hotel Cost: $77 Members $99 Non-Members $700 Table of 10 members $900 Table of 10 non-members 12.30pm – 2.00pm Thursday 24 June 2010 To register all events www.canberrabusinesscouncil. com.au

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May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

Many people don’t realise that the ACT has a thriving screen industry. To put into a national context, the ACT independent sector, not including the broadcasters, is almost as large as the Northern Territory and Tasmania film industries combined.

dd in the 350 plus people working in the broadcast hubs such as Prime and Southern Cross Ten, and you have a significant and vibrant screen industry in the ACT. However historically, ACT Government assistance has been quite low and it has been difficult to grow and compete against content producers in other states where there are heavy government subsidies. All of that is about to change in the ACT. Over the past year, ScreenACT, which is one of the really exciting targeted industry programs that Canberra Business Council manages on behalf of the ACT Government, has been working closely with the ACT Government on the concept of increasing investment in the screen sectors. On 28 April 2010 the chief minister announced that the ACT screen industry will receive a much needed boost in investment – $1.8 million over three years – in the form of the. ACT Film Investment Fund. This is a significant achievement at a time of budgetary constraint. Canberra Business Council, ScreenACT and the screen industry at large, congratulate the ACT Government for its commitment to supporting this growing industry. This new Film Investment Fund will boost the output of content locally, entice interstate productions and generally put the ACT on the screen map across the country. The industry will also be able to leverage this money to co-fund projects with broadcasters, Screen Australia and other entities to provide top level content. It puts the industry on a totally different playing field. But there is more good news! Last month, for the first time, Screen Australia – the federal screen organisation—backed a major project run by ScreenACT. Project Pod is a six-month long professional and project development initiative for screen practitioners in the ACT. It is being led by a world class international script consultant, Stephen Cleary. More than 45 participants from film, TV and digital media gathered together over the Anzac Day long weekend to learn all about narrative, how to construct and best present their stories. This group will

be short-listed down to ten and these participants and their projects will then be ‘hot-housed’ over the following months with the view to developing projects that will be market ready. Some extra funding will be given to the top projects. This initiative is garnering much interest from other states and territories and in the future. It is anticipated that there will be participants from other regions, joining the ACT participants. It truly has been an exciting time for the local screen industry – thanks to ScreenACT and its manager, Monica Penders, who has been driving these initiatives. Canberra Business Council is proud to be involved in growing this industry sector through its management of ScreenACT – a unique and very successful model for industry development which involves funding from Government but leadership from industry. When it won the contract to manage ScreenACT three years ago, the Council established an industry Task Force to set the strategic direction for developing the screen industry in the ACT and region. A broad range of representatives from the film, television and digital media industry contribute their expertise, experience and time, working together to further the screen industry in the ACT. The successes of the last month demonstrate just how well this industry-led model can work.

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CollabIT

CollabIT ACT – collaboration in action Alison Abernethy Manager, CollabIT ACT

Since 1 January 2010 the Commonwealth Government has required tenderers for large Commonwealth contracts (generally more than $20 million) to develop Australian Industry Participation Plans.

Due to the popularity of these sites, attackers may use the sites to distribute malicious codes. Sites that offer applications developed by third parties are particularly susceptible.

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

IP Plans are a mechanism for tenderers and prime contractors to demonstrate how they will provide fair and reasonable opportunity to SMEs to participate in a project, typically as sub-contractors. The plans require tenderers to demonstrate to the Government how they will communicate those opportunities to SMEs. The AIP Plans are intended by the Government to assist SMEs to access new opportunities, strategic partnerships and international supply chains. They are intended to promote commercially-focused cooperation between prime tenderers and SMEs. AIP Plans require prime tenderers to familiarise themselves with SME capability and identify potential suppliers. When successfully applied the AIP Plan helps the prime tenderers to increase their interaction with capable and innovative SMEs. The AIP Plan does not require tenderers to enter into non-commercial arrangements with SMEs. AIP plans can apply to single tenders, but companies are encouraged to develop a strategic AIP Plan that can be pre-approved. A pre-approved AIP Plan is valid for two years and can be used when bidding for major Commonwealth Procurements that require an AIP Plan. For further information on developing and implementing an AIP Plan, please contact Kym Borgmeyer at the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on (02) 6213 7586, email the department on aip@innovation.gov.au or visit the AIP website. The Department of Finance and Deregulation maintains a list of Commonwealth policies that interact with procurement, where you can find a full list of the policies and links to the relevant websites. The CollabIT breakfast on 17 June will include a keynote speaker on AIP Plans. Join us to discover how they affect your business. To book your seat at the breakfast visit http://aiia.com.au/events.aspx

Social networking and your security Social networking, whether it be Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Google Buzz or something else is fast becoming a way of life. While the majority of people using these sites do not pose a threat, malicious people are definitely drawn to them because of the accessibility and personal information that’s available. Due to the popularity of these sites, attackers may use the sites to distribute malicious codes. Sites that offer applications developed by third parties are particularly susceptible. Attackers may be able to create customised applications that appear to be innocent while infecting your computer without your knowledge. Want to know more? Read Boaz Fischer’s complete article 7 Essential Steps to Social Networking Peace of Mind on the CollabIT website: http://www.aiia.com.au/pages/ collabitact.aspx Collaboration profile – Connexxion Collaboration has accelerated growth for Canberra business Connexxion. Working with local SMEs has enabled Connexxion to develop business relationships with organisations that they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to engage with. Nationally, Connexxion’s collaborative approach has included joint projects working with IBM to supply specialist consultancy resources and Verizon to provide custom software development services. Connexxion’s partnering with multinationals has resulted in national and international expansion. They are expanding capability in the global arena by collaborating with Unit 4 to bring the Microsoft based Agresso ERP solution to Australia. Connexxion’s AIIA membership and involvement in CollabIT has also assisted in generating introductions to new partners.

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Act and region chamber of commerce & industry

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ACT skills shortage will move to skills crisis Greg Schmidt. Director, Workplace Relations ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry

There is an old Chinese curse 'may you live in interesting times' and the last 12 months have certainly been interesting! In the overall global financial crisis, Australia was certainly the lucky country. Yes, the GFC had an impact on our community and particularly the business community, but we have come through the GFC in the best position of all developed nations.

he Chamber continues to work very closely with the federal government, and particularly with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in looking after the interests of our members. ACCI is the peak council of Australian business associations. ACCI’s member Indeed, our skills shortage will move to a skills network has more than 350,000 busicrisis over the next five years. That’s because nesses (employing around four million some 47% of the ACT population are baby people) represented boomers – my generation – and nearly all of the through Chambers of Commerce in each baby boomers will retire over the next 10 years State and Territory, and a nationwide net– and most will retire over the next five years. work of industry associations. That makes That’s some 150,000 Canberrans retiring. ACCI the largest and most representative business association in Australia. ACCI’s members range from top 100 companies to tens of thousands of micro, small and medium businesses. Last December, we were advised the Chamber had been selected by the Commonwealth Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations, to conduct its new Partnership Brokers program. We have named this program Ready – Ready for Education and Corporate Sponsors Employment Transitions. This required us to recruit four ACTEWAGL, 104.7 / Mix additional staff to deliver the program. 106.3, Prime TV, The The Deputy Prime Minister’s Education Revolution Canberra Times, The is progressing and at the Chamber we have been workGood Guys Tuggeranong, ing very closely with the ACT Minister of Education Duesburys Nexia, Synapse and the ACT Department of Education and Training to Worldwide, B2B in Canberra. ensure the ACT receives the best possible benefit from Associates and Affiliates these programs. There are some great opportunities for Retail Traders Association, Canberra, including trade training centres, building the Australian Industry education revolution, – including libraries, halls, science Defence Network labs and language centres. The Chamber played a special Foundation Member role in this, ensuring the ACT planning system did not Australian Chamber of prevent the delivery of these programs for our schools. Commerce & Industry And these programs, together with the ACT 44

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

Government’s programs, played a significant role in assisting the ACT economy get through the GFC. The chief minister, together with his ministers, have convened economic roundtables, infrastructure roundtables, skills roundtables, and budget roundtables throughout the year to ensure the government and the business community, work cooperatively together through these difficult times. Canberra has benefited significantly through this close cooperation and the Chamber has played a strong role in these discussions. As the economy continues to recover, and interest rates return to 'normal', the skills shortage is now back in focus. Engineers, doctors, nurses, dentists, plumbers, electricians, motor vehicle mechanics – indeed all professions (except community pharmacists) and all of the trades are back in short supply and our skills shortage continues to worsen. Indeed, our skills shortage will move to a skills crisis over the next five years. That’s because some 47% of the ACT population are baby boomers – my generation – and nearly all of the baby boomers will retire over the next 10 years – and most will retire over the next five years. That’s some 150,000 Canberrans retiring. Those entering the work force will help, but will probably account for less than half the number leaving the work force. The remaining shortage will be assisted by those who choose to work beyond normal retirement age – but that will be nowhere near enough. We might be able to recruit some more people from interstate, but most of Australia will have a skills shortage, and we might be able to recruit some more people from overseas – but most developed counties are also facing a skills shortage. The challenge for business over the next five to 10 years is significant. How we are going to deal with this skills crisis? The one bit of good news is the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship has seconded David Lane to the Chamber as Industry Outreach Officer. David is a very experienced DIAC officer and he assists businesses in dealing with the challenges of skilled migration.

Chamber of Women in Busiiness

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Are Canberra women ‘fit’ for business? CHAMBER OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Jean McIntyre, President Chamber of Women in Business

Between managing client and supplier demands, meeting family needs, community involvement and keeping the business humming along – a business woman’s energy needs to stretch a long way. It is important to keep healthy to achieve business success.

ure, business women can get a short term energy boost from a well-made cafe latte or a stashed bar of chocolate to get them through to the end of the day but according to healthy lifestyle experts – starting with good health and fitness will give business women the stamina and resilience that they need to achieve their business goals. CWB Member Raynie McNee from Cycle Education teaches people to be confident cyclists. She says: “A person with a healthy body and mind will be able to handle the physical stresses and emotional juggling of navigating the frantic pace of business. ” Experience tells us that business women frequently put the wellbeing of others ahead of their own physical fitness, emotional wellbeing and happiness. This is at odds with what’s required to meet the demands of juggling life and business. It’s a tough call, but putting herself first in terms of

keeping well, staying fit and building stamina is the best thing a business woman can do to be in the best condition to help her family, participate in the community and run her business successfully. Raynie McNee has some good advice for business women to keep them in peak condition to perform well in business: “Owning or running a business is similar to entering a race; you need to train the mind and the body to be at its best performance to reach those business goals. “ In Raynie’s view there are three things every business woman should do to stay able to perform optimally in business. “Keep the mind stimulated and healthy, keep the body fit and ready and don’t forget to book your holidays and chill out.” Part of a healthy lifestyle is healthy relationships. Come join us at our next CWB event, meet some of our encouraging friendly members and start your own support network.

Purple Tick Profile – Jenny Roppola, Ginninderra Chiropractic

CWB next event Business Breakfast 'Tax Preparation' presented by Duesburys Nexia Tuesday 18 May 7:00-8:30am Brassey Hotel Barton. Cost: Members $25 Non-members $35 Register: www.cwb.org.au For more information: T 6282 6255 F 6282 7191 E office@cwb.org.au www.cwb.org.au 46

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

CWB: What attracted you to Purple Tick – why did you sign up? Jenny: The fact that it was geared specifically to assisting women to find businesses that cater to female needs and circumstances. At Ginninderra Chiropractic, we were especially interested, because we focus on providing care to women (prior to, during and after pregnancy, right through to menopause). The office is set up to provide for family care with particular attention to providing a warm, safe and caring environment. CWB: Has being a Purple Tick business made you think differently about service to women? Jenny: We already had many concepts in place, but it has made us think a bit more laterally about how and why we do the things we do. I guess you could say that it has given us a 'consciousness' about what it means to provide chiropractic care to women and their families. The pediatric certification via the International

Chiropractic Pediatric Association also brought to our attention some new ways in which to provide the best care and information. The fact that women are the major decision makers in households when it comes to health/wellness care is a point often overlooked by many service providers. CWB: What do you think will be the best benefit you’ll gain from being a Purple Tick business? Jenny: The opportunity to liaise with more like minded women, and be enriched mentally and motivationally by the experiences it affords. Also the accountability of myself and my staff in meeting the particular needs of women who seek our services. CWB: What advice would you give to business owners about Purple Tick? Jenny: Not to procrastinate and get organised – join and be better for the experience.

Act exporters' network

ACT Exporters winning business in Africa A2b

By Brent Juratowitch President, ACT Exporters' Network

An increasing number of ACT exporters are now talking of sub-Saharan Africa as a land of opportunity. Sentinel, an ACT-based environmental consulting company that specialises in the design, implementation and operation of remote monitoring systems has been servicing the mining industry in Africa since 2000.

ur experience working in Africa has been terrific. While demanding and challenging, our work in Africa has been fulfilling, educational and profitable,” says managing director Sentinel, Rod Sandison. Australian mining investment in Africa is massive and by some estimates worth more than $20 billion. Sentinel, is just one of hundreds of Australian service companies who have entered the African market to provide logistical and technical support to the mining sector. Sentinel’s longevity in Africa has much to do with the enormous short-fall in the supply of educated and experienced personnel willing to operate in harsh and security challenged countries in Africa. “Throughout the past ten years, Sentinel has worked to develop the skills-base of its local African workers as well as developing partnerships with in-country professionals,” says Rod. Significant oil discoveries recently in Ghana and Uganda mean these countries are likely to show exceptionally high growth rates and present enormous opportunities for ACT companies like Sentinel in the future. Education and training is another area where the ACT has much to offer Africa. The Centre for Customs & Excise Studies at the University of Canberra operates in a number of countries in East and Southern Africa. “All our activities in Africa are run in collaboration with African partners who understand the local culture, have extensive professional networks and the ability to tailor our products and services to meet the specific requirements of the African market," says Professor David Widdowson, CEO, Centre for Customs & Excise Studies. Across the African continent there is a growing appreciation of the benefits of education and an acknowledgement that domestic institutions alone cannot meet the insatiable demand for knowledge and specialist training. Despite the many challenges that exist to doing business in Africa, ACT companies remain fairly optimistic about growth in Africa.

ACT firm Corcon, produces environmentally sustainable formwork for the use in construction of lowcost housing. Corcon are currently investigating joint venture deals in Ethiopia and the Sudan to supply low-cost and environmentally sustainable housing on behalf of the local governments. “To be sustainable in Africa in the long-term, businesses need to have a competitive South Africa with its global focus, advantage. We are competing against cheaper Chinese, strategic geographical location and Indian and Middle East products and it's vital we remain world class infrastructure presents a competitive and offer a suhighly competitive investment location perior alternative product,” managing director of Corcon, and a stepping stone into opportunities Andy Stodulka said. In 2006 Windlab Systems, in the broader African region. a global wind energy development company was looking to break into new markets beyond Australia and New Zealand. South Africa emerged as a market that had huge potential growth in the green energy industry but at the time, the wind energy market in South Africa was completely under-developed. Windlab worked with a South African partner who was invaluable in helping the company to navigate the South African regulatory environment for renewables. “The risk we've borne in opening up the South African market is that these regulations have taken a while to be developed by government,” President-North America, Windlab Developments, Dr Nathan Steggel said. Windlab together with their South African partners are well poised to fully develop a number of large wind farms in South Africa over the coming years. Africa is a largely untapped market for Australia firms and the potential for partnerships is enormous. For ACT businesses looking to explore opportunities on the African continent, South Africa with its global focus, strategic geographical location and world class infrastructure presents a highly competitive investment location and a stepping stone into opportunities in the broader African region. B2B in Canberra | May 2010

Canberra Southern Cross Club

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Being involved with the community delivers rewards on all fronts Carol Sawyer General Manager, Canberra Southern Cross Club

In business it’s important to be involved with your community. Giving both inkind and financial assistance to community groups and charitable organisations provides rewarding outcomes as well as ongoing benefits for all involved.

ommunity assistance has always been a priority for the Canberra Southern Cross Club. Our philosophy is to help develop and support the community wherever possible. The hard work and voluntary efforts of the members of community groups and charitable organisations needs to be rewarded, and this is something the Canberra Southern Cross Club aims to do through its on-going assistance of the notfor-profit sector. In our experience, even a little fiIn the past year the Canberra Southern Cross nancial support can Club has assisted more than 250 various make all the difference to the service community groups, religious, corporate, family delivery of some organisations. and medical organisations, by providing We provide support in a variety of venues free-of-charge, fundraising prizes, ways and are in a fortunate position and catering services. to be able to maximise the benefits to organisations by offering low-cost services as well as in-kind and financial support. In the past year the Canberra Southern Cross Club has assisted more than 250 various community groups, religious, corporate, family and medical organisations, by providing venues free-of-charge, fundraising prizes, and catering services. In providing this support we also understand the importance community groups, charity organisations and other health and welfare awareness groups place on maximising returns from their activities. Our large range of facilities and services has also made the Club a popular choice for many organisations wanting to organise special events such as fundraisers. The Canberra Southern Cross Club has helped many groups organise fundraisers. Our events sales team works closely with organising committees to enFor more information: sure everything runs smoothly and focuses on meetCanberra Southern ing the committee’s specific requirements. Cross Club They provide assistance in organising the event, Woden T 6283 7200 provide prizes for raffles and lucky door prizes, and of Tuggeranong T 6293 7200 www.cscc.com.au course provide catering and hospitality services. 48

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

In everything the Club does we aim to keep costs as low as possible for the groups concerned so they can maximise their fundraising efforts. A recent celebrity singing fundraising event organised by the Our Wellness Foundation – which the Woden Club provided the room and technical support at no cost, as well as a lucky door prize – gathered a number of prominent Canberrans who all performed a song on stage. Moira Lye from the Foundation said, “The support from the Club was excellent. The event ran smoothly, there were no technical hitches and we exceeded our target for fundraising.” ActewAGL’s Paul Walshe was also complimentary about the quality of the Canberra Southern Cross Club’s assistance before and during a Hawaiian Ball ActewAGL held to raise money for the Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group. The Canberra Southern Cross Club waived the room fee for the ball and also donated part of the cocktail takings. “The quality of the service and the food made the night memorable and rewarding for everyone involved,” Paul said. The Canberra Southern Cross Club has also recently supported a number of charity breakfasts including one held by the McGrath Foundation to build awareness of breast cancer and another by UNIFEM (the United Nations Development fund for Women). The cost of hosting an event at the Club is comparatively low compared to other venues. To view some of the fundraising and community events being held at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, visit our website: www.cscc.com.au. Upcoming events that the Club will support include Laine Beachley’s ‘Aim for the Stars Foundation’ fundraising event. This event will raise money to support talented youth pursue their dreams by providing financial assistance for training and skills development. We look forward to working further with Canberra’s community groups and charitable organisations to assist them in meeting their fundraising and community awareness objectives. We believe it’s a partnership that delivers far-reaching benefits.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Professor John H Howard Pro Vice-Chancellor, Development, University of Canberra

Government targets and employer demands are blurring the boundaries between university and vocational education and Canberra has an opportunity to lead the way.

niversities have a key role to educate professional workers for the knowledge intensive services sector. The services sector is the predominate industry in Canberra, and covers industries such as public administration and defence, health, education, culture and recreation, and the broader professional services industry (for example, accounting, law, public relations, advertising and marketing). School leavers wanting to build a career in these industries usually require a university degree. Tertiary education in the ACT is a significant industry in its own right – creating many thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly, and generating almost $270m in export income for the ACT. The Commonwealth Government announced in Transforming Australia’s Higher Education System1, a target for 40 per cent of all 25 to 34 year olds to hold a bachelor level qualification or above by 2025. Australia wide, achievement of this ambition will require around 217,000 additional graduates by 2025. To achieve this target it will be necessary to build stronger relationships between the university and vocational segments of Australia’s tertiary education system. This involves more than ‘articulation’ between VET and university courses: it involves integration in course design and delivery, with students being able to embark on a seamless progression from starting out in study for a vocational certificate or diploma to award of a university degree. The Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education2 suggested that there had been some convergence between higher education sectors – with growth in vocational focus of universities; and the VET sector responding to the demands of industry for higher level skills by re-focusing on middle-level and advanced training. The Bradley Report noted, however, that institutional arrangements governing tertiary education need significant reform. Tertiary qualifications are offered in two sectors with what have been, historically, very different roles and approaches to educational provision. With a move towards a mass higher education system together with the growth of a credentials-driven employment environment Bradley envisaged a blurring of the boundaries between the two sectors. Around the world, innovative nations and regions are already coming to terms with this contemporary

environment and are developing qualification frameworks to establish a clear base for defining different levels of learning and associated qualifications. The draft Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) sets out a progression, or continuum, of learning from vocational Certificate to university Doctoral qualifications. Employers argued in their submissions to the Bradley Review for an integrated post-secondary skills environment where the differences between the sectors did not restrict the capacity of individuals to move between them. Employers suggested that the distinction between higher education and vocational and technical education was eroding in the minds of employers and employees. There are some critical policy questions in this changing environment. For example: what sort of institutional structures, or combination of structures, are best suited to deliver programs and courses in the context of the AQF? What sorts of structures are best suited to meeting the expected (and target) growth in student demand? How can industry become more involved in articulating its need for work ready graduates? In the 21st century workplace there is a growing interaction between professional and technical learning, Employers suggested that the distinction between theorybased, experiential, between higher education and vocational and competencyand technical education was eroding in the based learning – and the boundaries minds of employers and employees. are becoming increasingly blurred. These trends reflect a demand from employers for a strong link between occupational and academic learning and the introduction of national competency standards across a range of skill categories and occupations. It is no longer the case that people learn all they need to know at school, college, or university to prepare them for a long career with a single employer. The new generation of 'knowledge workers' change employers frequently, and many start their own businesses. 1 Minister for Education Employment and Workplace Relations. Transforming Australia's Higher Education System. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia, 2009. 2 Bradley, Denise, et.al. Review of Australian Higher Education. Canberra: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2008.

U2b

Blurring the boundaries between university and vocational education

networking

thank you to nga staff 1. Elkie Stuart, Clint Wright and Bill Nehmy 2. Maryanne Voyazis, Ron Radford, Kirsten Downie and Clint Wright 3. Lloyd Hurrell, Ted Nugent, Luke Marks, Aaron Polack and Peter Van Der Mark 4. Peter Barclay and Andrew Sayers 5. Stephen Byron, Jo Tuck-Lee and Irene Delofski

1 2

CBC Robyn Archer Lunch 1. Maree Neal, Brand Hoff, Dale Budd, Kristine Reithmiller, and David George 2. Graham Coddington, Hena Power, Renee Heins and Ewan Brown 3. Brand Hoff, John H Howard, Rosemary Follett and Robert van Aalst 4. Greg Jones, Mary-Anne Waldren, Carla Huetter and Clinton Hutchinson 5. Brand Hoff, Robyn Archer and Bea Brickhill

5 50

May 2010 | B2B in Canberra

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Kremlin Bar Russian Standard Vodka launch 1. Rachael Burkitt, Carmen Edwards, Fifi Jones and Cameron BotĂ&#x201C;g 2. Andre Kuznetsov, Satira Warren-Howard, Emma Fitch and Luke Davis 3. Bruce Jones, Adam Kirk and Peter Touswell 4. Brad Tarrant, Gabrielle Watson, Luke Cuttance, Drew Passons and Dmitry Kislov 5. John Mostovoy and Andy Jermyn 6. Jason Curby and Samantha Green 7. Sarah Crewdson, David Thomas, Phil Gold, Daniel Heffernan and Tanya Birbilopoulos

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networking

ACT Chamber Annual dinner 1. Jeremy Wee, Michelle Bramston, Vera Milosevic and Andrew Sinclair 2. Lisa Dart, Jo Powell and David Lane 3. Barbara Gough, Grant Newton, Neil Broadbent and Jason King 4. Nola Shoring, Jeremy Hanson MLA and Wendy Hanson 5. Brendan Smyth MLA and Dorrie and Brendon Prout 6. Joyanne Gough, Kerrie Schoots and Gary Hanson 7. Scott Meikle, Jenn and John Hargreaves 8. Loc Lew, Judy and Mark Phillips

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Calwell/Wanniassa

Comm

nity Bank branches

That’s you in the middle. When it comes to banking the world divides into two groups. The ‘me’ group sees the world through the eyes of self and self alone. My money, my choices, my benefits. The ‘us’ group sees the world the same way – except for a subtle and extraordinary difference... community benefit. The ‘us’ group has discovered when people bank together, plan together – individuals do better and the community gets richer at the same time. It’s the very best kind of arithmetic.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879 (S28565-1) (04/10)

At the Bendigo it starts with U.

Calwell/Wanniassa Community Bank® branches have been powering the ‘us’ groups of Calwell and Wanniassa, with banking products and services equal to those of our competitors, but with the one extraordinary difference built in. We recognise U, as in us, as in community. In the end it all comes down to U – and U have a choice. If U want to find out more, then pop in and see us at Calwell, Shop 19 – 21 Calwell Shopping Centre, Webber Crescent, phone 6291 3385, Wanniassa, Unit 13 – 14 Wanniassa Shopping Centre, Sangster Place, phone 6231 9024, Jamison, Shop D05 Bowman Street, Jamison Plaza, phone 6253 0088 or Canberra, 161 London Circuit, phone 6290 9700.