Central Coast Business Review September 2022

Potentially 10,000 jobs tied up in outstanding DA’s Jobs fund brings food manufacturer to Coast Industrial properties in demand as Stevens Group starts work on West Gosford complex

Page 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Manufacturers show they are the future for the Central Coast

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Manufacturers show they are the future for the Central Coast

OVER THE LAST few weeks of August and into early September the Central Coast has had the good fortune to view the influence of a unique industry group, Central Coast Industry Connect.

The manufacturing sector across the region employs almost 9,000 people and comprises some of Australia’s leading manufacturers.

There are some who think and say that manufacturing in Australia has no future. Well the Central Coast Industry Festival is proof that they are wrong.

CCIC was set up ten years ago by Frank Sammut to support the Central Coast’s manufacturing industries and over the years this has become a very successful organisation.

The proof of that is their initiative in organising the Central Coast Industry Festival which we report on in this issue.

These are the types of organisations that are run for the good of who they represent not to promote personal egos, that the Central Coast needs more of.

Our congratulations to Frank Sammut and his team who have put this Festival together.

Also, in this issue we report on the launch of John Singleton’s new venture in Gosford CBD, the Railway Hotel Bar & Steakhouse.

The opening of this venue has added to Gosford’s attraction for residents as well as visitors.

Gosford needs all the help it can get and right now the ducks seem to be lining up.

Next month we will be reporting on the start of construction of Rumbalara Apartments overlooking all of Gosford and Brisbane

Water. This multi-million project which is aimed at a prestige market will comple ment those that have already been built such as Ravello Apartments, completed at the end of last year by John Singleton.

And there’s more!

As reported last month St Hilliers have now commenced construction of The Waterfront residential project, the first of two multi-story towers that will comprise the Central Coast Quarter development of the old Gosford Primary School site.

St Hilliers are close to getting approval for the remaining two towers that will com prise residential and commercial precinct.

And then there is the old Union Hotel site in Gosford, The Archibald, a twin-tower devel opment was the first to be approved almost ten years ago. This was acquired by Sydney developer ADLAND who say they will start construction around the end of this year.

Adding to all this is the University of Newcastle’s new Gosford Campus which should be completed by the end of 2024.

This, plus UON’s Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute completed last year will see Gosford become centre of higher learning.

Last month Central Coast Council

released their plans for the Gosford Waterfront.

Taking into all the above into account the redevelopment of the Waterfront now needs to be given a top priority rating.

Council holds millions of dollars in devel oper contribution funds so there is no excuse not to proceed with this concept and make it happen sooner rather than later.

Private developers should now be eyeing off the opportunities that Gosford offers,

The past ten years has seen enormous changes and there is more to come.

While all this is so positive for the future of Gosford there is a cloud hanging over the rest of the Central Coast as investors, developers and ordinary home buyers struggle to get a Development Application through Central Coast Council.

The Central Coast Local Government Area is the third largest, by population in NSW. Only Canterbury and Bankstown in Western Sydney are larger, though not by much.

However the size of the organisation and its inability to attract planning staff is proving to be a distinct hand brake on the future of the region.

The growing delays in getting complying Development Applications approved is hav ing an alarming effect on the region’s econ omy, let along those trying to work in it.

Coast’s manufacturers get behind Industry Festival

THE CENTRAL COAST Industry Festival kicked off with a bang last month with a series of nine Workshops from 19th August through to 1st September followed by a 3-day Industry Expo from from 1st to 3rd September.

(a full report on the Expo will appear in next month’s CCBR).

A first for the Central Coast, the Festival highlights the value of the manufacturing sector to the Central Coast’s economy and the support it receives through Central Coast Industry Connect and Central Coast Food Alliance whose initiative it was to organise the event.

The industry Workshops were designed to focus on building resilience in manufactur ing and agricultural production businesses.

Commenting on the Festival CCIC Chairman Frank Sammut said, “ We have been able to bring together some impres sive facilitators for our series of workshops across critical areas for building resilience and capacity in manufacturing and food production.

At this difficult time with labour shortages and high sick leave in the sector, we still managed to get good attendances to our program with the feedback being extremely positive from the participants. Its times like this that reinforce the importance of learning and engaging with your peers to ensure you can ride through these difficult times. We are all in this together,” he said.

Held on 19th August a Grants and Government Funding Opportunities present ed by “The Grants Guy” Keith Whelan was a

full day event providing an understanding the grants process and educating you on how to prepare for grant opportunities: and knowing what grants are available from dif ferent government agencies.

Also on the 19th Keith Whelan presented at a Workshop, Business Planning Through Difficult Times saying that while there is no short-cut solution, there are some things you can manage to do to manage your business, to position it to cope with the future Innovation management consultant Anton Kriz facilitated a one-day workshop titled Turbo Charging Innovation in Your Organisation - a catalyst in setting the foun dation for your future in innovation and how to lead and foster it in your organisation.

our teams include

Across business, property, criminal, family law and wills & estates law,

Graham Knowles CEO IQRenew, Chloe Hyde Executive Assistant TrendPac, Professor Veena Sahawaja UNSW, Frank Sammut, Chair CCIC, Professor Paul Dastoor UON, Mark Harry R&D Packaging, Product & Raws Development Manager Mars Food and Professor Alan Broadfoot, Executive Director Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).

Associate Professor Anton Kriz speaking at the Turbo Charging Innovation in Your Organisation workshop

The changing face of East Gosford

OVER THE PAST 20 years East Gosford Town Centre has seen the highs and lows that many town centres go through as busi nesses move in and out and change hands.

When the last of the Big 4 banks shut its doors in East Gosford twenty three years ago, it left a vacuum in the close-knit com munity that seemed impossible to fill.

Local consumers left in droves for Erina, putting enormous strain on the once thriv ing shopping strip.

But all that changed when long-estab lished local businessmen and members of the East Gosford Chamber of Commerce put their heads together after watch ing a story on A Current Affair about a Community Bank® Bendigo Bank, and were given the nod to conduct a feasibility study.

The result of that was the establishment of the Bendigo Bank branch a year later and with it a change in fortunes for businesses in the town centre that has endured.

The last few months has seen an unusu ally high turnover of businesses at East Gosford that many locals are saying is for the good of the town centre.

Furthermore, there are no vacancies in the main street, Victoria Street.

Commenting on the changes local resi dent and lawyer Michael Roberts said, “it all started to change when John Singleton bought the Elanora and turned into the ‘go-to’ eating spot for a demographic that is looking for good food, pleasant surround ings, entertainment and can afford it.”

Owned by the Binns and Laybutt Families for the past 30 years, the East Gosford Newsagency passed into new ownership in September. Last month Edwards Family Butchery sold

to Full Circle Farm, a pasture based regenera tive farm located in the Dooralong Valley that produces grass-fed beef, pastureraised chicken and pas tured eggs.

Full Circle Farm also supports a number of other Central Coast organic food producers.

East Gosford Charcoal Chicken has also recently changed hands.

Early into the Covid lockdown the Ministry Café closed its doors in East Gosford leaving a vacancy that has recently been filled with the open ing of The-O Thai, Thai Restaurant.

It is the second Thai restaurant in East Gosford complementing the very popular Siam Empire.

Earlier this year Vishals Indian Restaurant that had been operating in Victoria Street for many years relocated to a larger upstairs long time eating place at 26 Adelaide Street, opposite the Elanora Hotel.

Earlier in the year the well-known Fedele Brothers who had operated an Italian res taurant in the Dural Country Club but lived in East Gosford leased the corner spot at Victoria Court on the corner of Victoria and Adelaide Streets.

Victoria Court is also home to well known night-spot, Sweet Caroline Central Coast, Crust Pizza, Thai Anan Thai Restaurant and Saigon Bites Vietnam restaurant.

In early 2019 Mr Singleton acquired the Elanora Hotel, through his property development company Bonython Property Investments, for a reported $25 million.

He subsequently spent over $2 million on renovations with a brand new bar and another million dollars on a sports bar where the TAB had been located and plans to do more.

Always a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike the new Elanora has seen a growth in business that has translated into increasing business across the town centre.

Apart from food and dining East Gosford is well known for its fashionable boutiques attracting a high yield demographic.

What could be called the ‘anchor’ busi ness in East Gosford is the John Singleton owned Elanora Hotel.

Victoria Street, East Gosford

Potentially 10,000 jobs tied up in outstanding DA’s

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE between a 10  storey building and a swimming pool?

Or, what is the difference between a complex project and a simple one?

According to Central Coast Council there is no difference at all.

The development assessment process does not differentiate between a swimming pool, a renovation or a garage and a major project such as a high-rise residential build ing, a factory or anything in between.

The fact is that Council’s Planning Director, Dr Alice Howe, appointed only a few months ago, is living with the legacy of a failed amalgamation process, a shortage of skilled staff, large numbers of develop ment applications (including for minor pro jects such as swimming pools and garages)  commensurate with the second largest council in NSW, and a new digital State Government Planning Portal designed to speed up the process that is not working. It can take six weeks between lodging a DA on the Portal, to when a DA is lodged in Council’s system. This enables Council to fudge the numbers when it comes to reporting how efficient or otherwise that they may be

The number of DA’s in Council’s system at the end of July 2022 was 980 and con tinues to increase with no apparent plan in sight to get it down.  The number of DA’s Determined is not keeping up with applica tions entering the system, indicating that the situation is worsening.

Some builders say they are allowing twelve months to get a DA.

It is no secret that a toxic culture within Council, since amalgamation, has seen numerous planning staff leave with no one applying to replacement them. That may be changing but the damage has been done and no one sees this council as a longterm career.

In respect to rezonings, in December 2021, the NSW Dept of Planning introduced new guidelines which now include bench mark assessment timeframes. All parties want speedier rezoning assessments, but the ‘double edged sword’ is that Council can no longer entertain negotiations with proponents, so that if the application is deficient in any measure it will be returned so as not to impact on their KPI‘s. (CCBR understands that a high rate of rezonings are being rejected over the past months)

Council has taken to rejecting rezon ing before they enter the system, on the basis that they don’t tick all the boxes even though such issues may be insignificant.

The cost to the proponent can be signifi cant in terms of extra, and in many cases unnecessary,  fees and lost time. Having regard to all challenges currently

facing Council, the key message to appli cants is having pre-lodgement meetings where required, sticking within prescriptive requirements, and not pushing for any vari ations.  In addition, they need to ensure all requested documentation from Council is included as part of the application package, otherwise the applicant will face the risk of rejection.

Applicants should expect cost shifting to the front end of the process to work oth erwise may have been deferred to a later stage in the process.

It is a well-known fact that there is a desperate housing shortage across the region but there appears to be no sense of urgency to rectify the situation.

Added to this issue is the ‘silo’ system that works within councils whereby vari ous departments must give their sign-off as part of the process. If a staff member is handling a particular matter and goes on holidays or gets sick that matter will be shelved until he returns. Additionally, quite often each department is working at cross purposes to the other.

Biodiversity is also a major issue with council taking a hard-line approach to pro tect individual species such as Tasmania’s Swift Parrot and the Squirrel Glider just to name two.  And then there are so called threatened species such as Somersby Mint Bush, the Warnervale Orchid and other obscure species that are being introduced to totally stop a development.

Talking to people in the industry; build ers, swimming pool builders and other trades, the situation is causing untold finan cial stress as work banks up while approvals are taking around six months and more in many cases.

When it comes to residential and indus trial sub-divisions it can take up to three years with council making unreasonable demands.

As one leading developer told CCBR, “it is total madness, we have one project where we lodged a DA in late 2021 and we are still waiting for the first Request for Information.  In other LGA’s councils respond immedi ately.  We find it is easier to do business and invest in other regions.”

Coast’s manufacturers get behind Industry Festival

A two-day Collaboratory event on the 24th and 25th August facilitated by Scott Winter from US based consultancy, Brain Friendly Dynamics and Mark Jones from Jenark Business Solutions saw senior execu tives from the Coast’s leading manufactur ing companies attend.

A Collaboratory is a transformational, social learning lab that introduces forward thinking business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to effective, sciencebased modalities that build capacity within individuals, teams and organisations to col laborate more effectively, to think creatively,

act resourcefully, foster entrepreneurship and innovate faster.

A workshop on the 26th August, Circular Economy Makes Good Business Sense highlighted how the circular economy can provide tangible benefits to business.

Speakers included:

Veena Sahajwalla, an inventor and Professor of Materials Science in the Faculty of Science at UNSW. She is the Director of the UNSW SM@RT Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology and an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow.

Other workshops included:

• Lean for Small and Medium Sized Business, Customer-focussed Value,

• Lean Industry 4.0,

• Secrets of On-Time-In-Full Delivery –Lean Supply Chain Simulation.

The Gosford RSL Max Potential pro gram - in its 15th year - finished with a bang at the final Celebration, held August 18 at The Entertainment Grounds.

Max Potential Coordinator, Maureen Horne, said, “The room was absolutely buzzing at the Gosford RSL Max Potential Celebration.

The Young Adults created incred ible displays and were able to share their Community Service Pitch (CSP) films with guests.”

Local dignitaries, school principals, sponsors, family and friends enjoyed connecting with each Young Adult to hear their creative Community Service Pitch ideas. From the envi ronment to domestic and family vio lence, male body image to mental health, we were blown away by the depth of thought and innovation demonstrated.

Young adults show their creativity and initiative

Professor Paul Dastoor UON presenting at the Circular Economy Makes Good Business Sense Workshop

Jobs fund brings food manufacturer to Coast

ROUND TWO OF the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund will see Krumbled Foods Pty Ltd receive $1.3 million to set up manufacturing operations on the Central Coast at Tuggerah Business Park.

Established in 2019 and manufactured in Melbourne by a third contract manufac turer, Krumbled Foods’ Beauty Bites are now a cult product with one sells every 15 sec onds globally. In mid-2021 the company launched Habitual Beauty, the first beauty and wellbeing brand combining innovative ingestible beauty supplements and cosme ceutical grade, natural skincare.

Founder, Kiera Krumble told CCBR that she had chosen the Central Coast for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, we live here on the Central Coast and growing up I watched my dad com mute to Sydney everyday for work and I witnessed the impact it had on him and our family. I realise the importance of giving locals the opportunity to access a greater variety of jobs outside of large cities.”

“We also wanted to promote sustain able jobs within a regional location and the Central Coast is ideally located; its close enough to Sydney and close to ports for international exporting.”

Presently Krumbled Foods is supplying the Australian market and exporting to New Zealand and UK.

The company will employ 89 full time staff once in operation.

More jobs from Job Creation Fund

In addition to Krumbled Foods, round two of the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund will see $1.98 million injected into the Central Coast mostly to increase the region’s manufacturing capabilities and creating over 127 ongoing new jobs:

Krumbled Foods’ Beauty Bites

Sprint Horticulture Pty Ltd at Peats Ridge will receive $280,000 towards the construc tion of a new packing shed and green house. This funding will create 15 full-time on-going jobs.

Additionally, Pipeline Operations Pty Ltd based in Berkeley Vale will receive $140,000 to upgrade their current manufacturing line and purchase new equipment.

Other Central Coast companies who have received funding under the first tranche last year of the Regional Job Creation Fund are:

• Broken Bay Pearl Farm – Mooney Money New oyster processing and storage facili ties - $100,000

6 ongoing new jobs

• Australian Beverage Contract Filling Consolidate and expand of product development, brewing and coordinated contract packing services and operations - $1,755,000

144 ongoing new jobs

• Cordina Food Co - Wyong

Purchase of end-to-end cooking line - $2 million 100 ongoing new jobs

• Beerfarm - Halloran

Establishment of new manufacturing facility - $900,000

• Vision Lighting – Somersby Support new manufacturing and labora tory facility - $600,000 30 ongoing new jobs

• FMC – North Wyong

Expansion of new production line and construction of new packing plant plus research and development hub.$360,000

18 ongoing new jobs.

• Performance Engineering Group –Berkeley Vale

Expansion of metal stamping capability and capacity for manufacture of hubs$120,000

6 ongoing new jobs

• East Coast Beverages – Kulnura

Upgrade and modernize fruit juice blend ing plant - $360,000

18 ongoing new jobs

• Spiralz Fermented Foods – Tuggerah

Upgrade existing food manufacturing equipment - $160,621

Krumbled Foods Founder Kiera Krumble

Peter Lawley President Gosford Erina Business Chamber

Long serving Director and President of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Rod Dever has resigned as President due to work commitments and has been replaced by Peter Lawley.

In accepting the position, Mr Lawley acknowledged Mr Dever’s passion and commitment as President. “Rod has been a Board member for over 17 years, he has been Vice President, President for two terms, as well as President of the Regional Business Chamber,” he said.

Mr Lawley is CEO of Brisbane Water Legacy and has lived in Gosford all his life On joining the Board last year, he com

mented, “Having lived through over 50 years of changes in Gosford, I’m keen to be involved with business groups to help revi talise ‘my hometown’.”

“As President, I am fortunate to assume this role after Rod’s excellent leadership, and I will take the role on with the same passion and commitment,” he said.

“I intend that all levels of Government, and business understands the Gosford Erina Business Chamber is here for the long term, is active and will not stop in advocating to improve the wonderful capital of the Central Coast, Gosford, and surrounding suburbs.”

Steve Cutler celebrates 50 years in law

Steve Cutler of Cutlers The Law Firm of The Entrance celebrated 50 years in practice on the 2nd August this year. Apart from Peter Corcoran in Gosford he is the longest serving Solicitor on the Central Coast.

Initially he came from Sydney and worked at Long Jetty for a firm which no longer exists. He was admitted as a Solicitor in 1969. He left for overseas in 1970 and worked in a legal office in London and thereafter went travel ling around Europe before heading back home.

He opened his practice in The Entrance in 1972 and has been there

ever since. He was in partnership for some 20 years but in 1996 returned to practice on his own as Cutlers The Law Firm with a staff of six. He spe cialises in wills, estates, conveyancing and leases and commercial work generally.

In 1983 he was elected Councillor at Wyong Council for eight years retir ing in 1991.

During that time he was Deputy President in his first year and President for two years from 19861988. He has also been involved in many community activities such as Apex, Rotary, Rugby Union and the

Join The Helicopter Collective

The Helicopter Collective is a business membership program, designed specifically for local small to medium-sized community-minded businesses.

Become a member and connect with other like-minded organisations in support of the community’s own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service saving lives locally.

For membership information visit rescuehelicopter.com.au/you-can-help/businesspartnerships

Peter Lawley

Steve Cutler

Honorary Solicitor for many organisations over the years. He is currently President of the Gosford Beefsteak & Burgundy Club.

Singleton launches Railway Hotel Gosford

has converted The Bon Pavillion in Gosford to a bar and steakhouse naming it Railway Hotel Gosford Bar & Steakhouse.

The new venue was opened on Thursday 25th August with some 250 guests includ ing Chairman of the John Singleton Group, Graham Campbell and were entertained by one of Australia’s most talented rock musicians, Jon Stevens supported by wellknown local singer Stevie Lee.

Mr Singleton told guests that every town once had a railway hotel but Gosford never did. “We do now,” he said.

Jesse Holland has been appointed Venue Manager. Mr Holland was formerly Hotel Manager at he Elanora Hotel East Gosford also owned by Mr Singleton.

A restaurant manager is yet to be appointed.

As the name implies the restaurant will feature the highest beef cuts from Tamworth based Jack’s Creek currently holding the title of ‘World’s Best Steak Producer’ for two consecutive years as well as ‘World’s Best Fillet Steak in 2017. The company processes and markets grainfed Wagyu and Black Angus products and exports to over thirty countries.

The hotel and restaurant will be open 7-days with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

The venue’s interior was designed by Rod Faucheux from loopcreative with construc tion by Urban Core.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Business Collective

of the new business membership program, Helicopter Collective, supporting the community’s own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has introduced a new fund raising initiative spe cifically designed for small to medium sized businesses seeking to support the Service.

Helicopter Collective members will have the opportunity to connect with other likeminded businesses whilst supporting the Rescue Helicopter, helping to maintain and deliver a world class aeromedical rescue ser vice to the people of the Central Coast.

Funds generated through the Helicopter Collective will be used to maintain helicopter assets, train flight operations crews and engi neers and ensure the aircraft carries the latest technology and equipment.

The Helicopter Collective has been designed as a tiered annual membership starting from as little as $52 per year, with benefits for members at each level including the chance to have their business logo promi nently displayed on our helicopter – one in each region, for a 12 month period.

Being a member of the Helicopter Collective is tax deductible and is valid for 12 months from joining or renewing.  You will receive a tax deduction receipt upon pay ment of your annual membership.

BUSINESSMAN JOHN SINGLETON

John Singleton AM

Guests at the launch of the Railway Hotel Bar & Steakhouse

Musician Jon Stevens entertains guest at the Railway Hotel launch

Members

Last month saw Aspire Physiotherapy open their new purpose-built centre at 419 Terrigal Drive, Erina.

Built on a 1,000sqm site, the new prem ises comprise treatment rooms, and pre mium equipped gym, ground level parking for 23 cars and lift access.

The Aspire team comprises seven physi otherapists specialising in a range of inju ries. In addition Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist, Natalie Gale has joined the Aspire team.

Mr Nealon commented on the difficult site on which the new facility has been built saying that finding a property in Erina was not easy. “However, we are very pleased with the outcome of our build and I am happy to concede that the vision of our architect, and the internal design eye of

my wife, has provided us with a facility even better than I imagined.”

He also commented that the weather and Covid issues, along with the time it took to get the DA through Council had resulted in completion taking a lot longer than expected.

Previously, for the past nine years the practice has operated from owner Dr Andrew Nealon’s home at Matcham.

Dr Nealon was formerly Head Physiotherapist for the Central Coast Mariners in their early years from 2012 to 2017. After gaining his degree from Sydney University in 2006 he worked with Cricket Australia and subsequently moved to the UK and was Club Physiotherapist for Hampshire Cricket Club and Senior Physiotherapist for the Liverpool Football Club for four years.

Row

Front Row – Susan Rodak, Jenny Darbin, Tarnia Gurney, Melissa Marshall, Adrian Simpson

Business Wyong will see President

Matthew Lusted continue at the helm for another year following their Annual General Meeting last month. Mr Lusted has been President for the last three years. Board appointments for the 2022-23 year  are:

President – Matthew Lusted, LA Group Secretary – Jenny Darbin, Jendar Interior Designs

Treasurer – Susan Rodak, ANZ Mobile Lending Central Coast North Directors –

Adrian Simpson, Coastwide First National Real Estate

Melissa Marshall, Signarama Tuggerah Nathan West, WEC Group, and Tarnia Gurney, Gurney Financial Services,

Mr Lusted welcomed Ms Gurney to the Board and thanked her for volunteering her service to the Wyong business com munity.

vices, the Gosford facility is proving highly popular after just a few months.

The AGM was held at Wyong Race Club on 23rd August with Guest Speaker Emma McBride MP Federal Member for Dobell, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.

Mel Archer opened The Foundry Cowork workspace in Erina in 2018 and due to its success she has opened a similar work space on the ground floor of The Masonic Centre at 220 Mann Street, Gosford.

With private offices for up to four peo ple and twelve desks plus Boardroom and meeting room as well as facilities that include a kitchen and the usual office ser

Ms Archer said that pre-Covid at Erina, most clients were solo workers and freelancers look ing for an alternative to working from home. However post-Covid there is a growing number of people who prefer the social aspect of a working environment to working from home as well as commuters who do not want to return to full time work in Sydney and are able to work 2 or 3 days in a cowork space and the rest of the time at the employer’s premises. Additionally larger companies have found that they are able to downsize their office space and are encour aging staff to work from home.

Mr Lusted said that Business Wyong’s membership base is over 200 and grow ing.

The Boardroom at The Foundry accom modates 12 people with an hourly charge of $60.00 or daily charge of $300.00 including all facilities.

Aspire opens physiotherapy centre in Erina

Aspire Physiotherapy’s new centre at Erina Dr Andrew Nealon

Matthew Lusted in the Chair for another year

Back

– Nathan West, Matthew Lusted

The Foundry Cowork boardroom

Mel Archer

Shared workspace opens in Gosford

Well known Erina optometrist, Reg Bender has sold his practice, Coast Optical in the Platinum Building Erina and is retiring.

New owners are Central Coast Eyecare, a long-standing Gosford optometrist which also has a practice at Killarney Vale.

Mr Bender established his practice as a Budget Specs franchisee in 1983 in the Imperial Centre Gosford and added to that with a shop in Erina Fair in 1987.

Subsequently, when Fountain Plaza Erina opened in 1993 he closed down the Budget Specs businesses and established Coast Optical. With the opening of the new Platinum Building adjacent to Fountain

Plaza in 2006 he acquired a ground floor suite and relocated the practice.

Central Coast Eyecare is one of the long est continuing businesses on the Central Coast having been established in 1945 as Schumack & McFarland Optometrists in Gosford. It subsequently became McFarland & Casey when Dr Katy Casey who had a practice in Killarney Vale bought out Schumack on his retirement.

Following a career with a Sydney cor porate eyecare service Dr Phil Crossfield returned to the Central Coast buying out Jeff McFarlane on his retirement and renaming the practice Central Coast Eyecare.

Unique business gets a lot of interest

After nineteen years Joanne Davenport has sold RIK (Reader Intercom Keyboards) a divi sion of All Access Projects Austwide Pty. Ltd to retire.

RIK manufactures special bollards that are used for any application that need to control motor vehicle access eg. Shopping centres, caravan parks, hospitals, mining industry etc.

The business is based from their own factory at West Gosford selling their range of products through twenty distributors Australia wide.

New owner is Peter Petrou who will con tinue to develop the distribution network into the future.

Graham McMullen from Argyle Estates Business Brokers who negotiated the sale commented that he has never had so many inspections on a business that prompted many offers as it was attractive to both Victorian and Queensland businesses that were interested to bolt on to their cur rents businesses.

Argyle Estates

Business Brokers

Buying or selling a quality business, contact the experts on the Central Coast 024332 6555

EST. OVER 40YEARS

argyle@argyleestates.com.au Graham McMullen – Licensee F.A.I.B.B. 0419326555

Argyle Estates

Retirement for Reg Bender Optometrist

Reg Bender, Dr Katey Casey and Dr Phil Crossfield

Council agrees to Singleton’s Mt White development

Will the Wadalba Squirrel Glider control our destiny

The John Singleton Group’s proposal for a hotel and tourist attraction alongside their Mt White restaurant Saddles has received Council support following approval from the Local Planning Panel and will now go to Gateway Determination the starting point for the ultimate development of the site.

The Planning Proposal seeks to allow Saddles Restaurant, the main tourist attrac tion of the site at 20 Ashbrookes Rd, to operate as an Additional Permitted Use (APU) under the zoning rather than its cur rent ancillary use to Saddles Garden Centre.

It also seeks APUs of restaurant, small bar, day spa and hotel or motel accommoda

tion to provide tourist accommodation across the road at 231 Pacific Highway, Mount White, which was a service sta tion until converted into the well-known Hawkesbury Inn that closed down some years ago

Council sought advice from the Local Planning Panel which considered the pro posal on August 8.

The Council approved the matter at its August 23 meeting with a recommenda tion to proceed to a gateway determina tion and to undertake community and public authority consultation in accord ance with the Gateway requirements.

Keep up to date with capital works rollout

Central Coast residents can now stay up to date on more than 350 key infrastructure projects thanks to a new interactive map.

Administrator Rik Hart said the new online tool highlights the infrastructure pro jects from the $176 million capital projects underway across the Central Coast.

"Council is investing $176 million in more than 350 community, roads and other urban infrastructure, water and sewer, waste, environmental and sport and recrea tion projects and this map includes the details, dates, progress and costs of each project, updated monthly,” Mr Hart said.

"This initiative makes it easy for anyone to find works within their street or suburb and is another important way Council is being trans parent and open about linking the delivery pro gram with clear information for the community.”

Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the map also facilitates a view of projects being undertaken by the NSW Government in the Central Coast Local Government Area.

“While the map shows the capital works projects, hundreds more smaller jobs and routine maintenance tasks continue to be delivered every day by Council staff. We aim

to continually improve this great online tool and will be adding the smaller capital works projects to it over the coming months,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“I encourage residents to take a look at the online map and the large array of pro jects currently scheduled within Council’s capital works program.”

The Operational Plan and Budget adopt ed by Council for 2022-23 includes the fol lowing highlights:

• Gosford Regional Library construction commences

• Major water and sewer upgrades for Gosford CBD

• Davistown and St Huberts Island Vacuum Sewer Refurbishment

Magenta and Tuggerawong continued shared pathway construction

• The Entrance Visitor Information Centre upgrade

• Playspace upgrades at Wyongah, Blue Haven, Berkeley Vale, Koolewong, Tuggerah, and Killarney Vale

• Gross pollutant trap works at Toukley, Copacabana, East Gosford, and Halekulani

• Peninsula Recreation and Active Lifestyle Precinct upgrade project

Council is calling on residents from Kanwal to Doyalson, including the Warnervale Employment Zone area, to learn about the habits of the Wadalba Squirrel Glider and how to protect them.

The squirrel glider is now listed as a Vulnerable species in NSW.

Apparently, a healthy Squirrel Glider habitat helps improve water quality around Tuggerah Lakes.

An information session was held on 26 August.

In recent years the Squirrel Glider has been used as a reason to stop any form of development.

The Swift Parrot, lives in Tasmania and holidays on the Central Coast and elsewhere on the East Coast and must be accommodated.

In June 2021 then Director of Council’s Environment and Planning Department, supported by Administrator Rik Hart, called for community members to join a national conservation initiative to ‘spot a Swiftie’.

In 2016 residents of Kangy Angy fought the Transport Department trying to stop the building of the Intercity Train Maintenance Facility claiming it would upset the Swift Parrot while visiting the Central Coast.

For over 30 years the Somersby Mint Bush, a so called threated spe cies, has been used to quarantine large areas of industrial land in the Somersby Industrial Estate that was zoned industrial over 70 years ago.

The area of industrial zoned land on the Central Coast is miniscule compared with the total area of 184,511 sqkms of which 69% is native vegetation

Saddles Restaurant Mt White

Industrial properties in demand as Stevens Group starts work on West Gosford complex

Fortis is a 82-unit complex on Jusfrute Drive, West Gosford now being developed by Stevens Group follows on from their 64-unit plus 300 self-storage units comprising The Sawmill development at Erina now nearing completion and all sold off-the-plan.

Demand for industrial units across the Coast is giving developers confidence to satisfy a market largely driven by busi nesses and investors out of Sydney.

Fortis is being built on a 31,030sqm lot at 15 Jusfrute Drive and will be deliv ered in one stage.

Units range in size from 35sqm to 146sqm and at prices from $4,000$4,700 persqm.

Owner Operator buys Erina unit

Buyers are offered flexible layouts complete with fit out packages includ ing mezzanine storage areas, office spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, shop front glazing, three phase power and motor ised roller doors to choose from. The 6-metre clearance throughout all seven buildings and articulated vehicle access will facilitate the largest of deliveries

Jaimy Vegter from DiJones

Commercial, the sole selling agents, reports that since coming on the market less than a month ago deposits have been taken on 65% of the units indicat ing the demand for industrial property across the region.

Investor buys Woy Woy medical centre property

A Sydney investor has paid $3.35 million (GST not applicable) for Units 1, 2 and 3 in The Clocktower Building, 26-30 Railway Street, Woy Woy.

The 677sqm ground floor property is leased to long term tenants, Woy Woy General Practice with a current 3 x 3 year lease to IPN Medical Centres, of which the first year has run at a current rental of $273,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST giving a return of 8.4% per annum.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

FOR LEASE PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES

An Erina business owner has bought Unit 1, 202 The Entrance Road, Erina, previously occupied by an accounting firm, for $1.5 million (GST not applicable).

The 262sqm premises is fully fitted out with 7 car parking spaces and access from Karalta Lane.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH

Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more.

Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase.

Features include:

• Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking

• Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette

• Balcony access for East Wing suites

• Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight

For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186

Dominos leases in new Wyee Shopping Village

Dominos Pizza has taken a 7 year with 2 x 5 year options on a 89 sqm shop in the recently completed extensions at the Wyee Shopping Village developed by Newcastle investor Shoey’s Pty Ltd.

Rental is $43,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

Developed by Newcastle inves tors, Shoey’s Pty Ltd who have eyed off Wyee’s growing residential area Wyee Shopping Village is anchored

by a 1,500sqm Foodworx supermar ket and 125sqm Celebrations liquor store. Additional new tenants include: Hairdresser, Chinese Takaway and a Psychologist.

The original tenants in the centre compres GP Clinic, Dentist, Pharmacy and Post Office.

The Domino’s lease was negotiated by Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast

Physiotherapist leases at Tuggerah

A physiotherapist has leased a 270sqm commercial unit at 8 Teamster Close, Tuggerah Business Park.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option for Unit 11, which is part of a 14 unit complex, is $41,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

The lease was negotiated by Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast.

Former

Salomone has leased Shop 2 at 8 Karalta Road, Erina and will convert it into a steak house opening in November to be known as Marble Bar & Grill.

The 85sqm restaurant space comprises open plan layout with kitchen and food preparation areas, internal facilities and car parking from Karalta Lane.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 2 x 3 year options at a rental of $54,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

Ben Purdue and Josh Nercessian from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

Renovators Depot leases

Food manufacturer leases at Tuggerah Sydney based food manufacturer Krumbled Foods Pty Ltd has leased a 1,181 sqm space in Warehouse B at 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park.

Krumbled Foods recently received fund ing from the NSW Government towards establishing a new facility and relocating from Sydney (see story Page 8)

Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

Brella Skateboard Pty Ltd, a skateboard school currently operating as School of Skate in Brookvale, has leased Unit 1, a 560 sqm high clearance warehouse with amenities and air-conditioned offices on the first floor

At 24 Pile Road, Somersby.

Terms of lease are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $102,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Tatoo business leases in Erina

Tatoo business, Black Wolf Collective has leased a 330sqm showroom/warehouse unit at 217 The Entrance Road, Erina.

Terms of lease for Unit 2 are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $70,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Renovators

Discount Depot leases at Erina

Renovators Discount Depot has leased a 472sqm showroom and warehouse space, Units 2 and 5 at 241 The Entrance Road, Erina.

The property was formerly occupied by Beaumont Tiles who have relocated to another location in Erina.

Terms of lease are 4 years with 4 year

option at a rental of $89,000 plus Outgoings and GST.

Renovators Discount Depot is owned by Eagles’ Plumbing which operates a similar store at Wallsend near Newcastle.

Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

Skateboard school leases at Somersby

New restaurant for Erina

chef at the ARC restaurant in Terrigal, Federico

Apparently we’re a ‘cancer’ according to the Albanese government

By Ken Phillips, Self-Employed Australia

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke recently called gig work a ‘cancer. Give us a break! What a ridiculous overstatement.

Let’s get real!

Only 0.19 per cent of workers earn their full-time income through gig platforms. Yes, 0.19 per cent! That’s it. But, on the back of this cancerous depiction of gig work, the Albanese government intends to clamp down on it.

People who do gig work are, by defini tion, self-employed. Attacking gig means attacking self-employed people. Burke’s comment is insulting to self-employed people.

But if we’re going to apply such politi cally emotive language to policy analysis, where’s the real ‘cancer’?

Take the aged care sector. This is one sector Minister Burke identified as having a (cancer) problem.

The 2020–21 Royal Commission into Aged Care exposed abusive treatment of people in aged care. It was and is a massive scandal. The Royal Commission recom mended that self-employed people and gig work be banned from aged care.

However, the Royal Commission offered no evidence as to why self-employment/ gig should be outlawed. Was it because self-employed people abused elderly people? The Commission was silent. The fact is, however, that 96 per cent of people working in aged care are direct employees of aged care providers. Surely this over

whelming percentage would suggest that the problem lies in employment, not with self-employment/gig.

Facts speak louder than assumptions.

Care workers in aged care are on rockbottom low wages. This leads to high work er turnover and lower quality care. Low pay rates occur because the award minimum pay rates, in practice, are the maximum being paid.

But the evidence is that the 4 per cent of workers in aged care who are self-employed are routinely paid more than employees. This evidence, which is accepted as valid, comes from Mable the largest gig platform operating in aged care. The higher rates occur because the selfemployed workers are free to negotiate their remuneration directly with the people they care for. This doesn’t happen with employees.

The Commonwealth funds aged care. But there’s evidence to suggest much of that money disappears into a black hole. Look at these facts.

Funding for the top level in-home care is around $114 per hour. Aged care ‘providers’ are overwhelmingly not-for-profit charities and manage the money. They pay their ‘employed’ award workers roughly $32 an hour (casual). Add workers’ compensation premiums and so on and the cost is $35 an hour. The providers routinely charge another 32 per cent ($36 an hour) for their services of assessing and monitoring need, and organising workers.

There’s a gap, therefore, of $43 an

Most small businesses lack an exit strategy

New data from Australian business organisation My Business reveals that more than half of small-business own ers do not have an exit strategy in place.

The information comes from its Recipe for Success Survey, which involved nearly 2000 Australian busi ness owners,

The report also found that of those that did have a strategy, 41 per cent plan to sell their business to another organisation, 20 per cent plan to leave it to a family member and 15 per cent intend to eventually close down.

Richard Spencer, Chief Customer Experience Officer at My Business, said that it’s important to map out a busi

ness exit strategy – even if you’re not planning on leaving anytime soon.

“The survey tells us 59 per cent of respondents don’t have an exit strategy and even more (75 per cent) didn’t have one before starting their business,” Spencer said. “Without a clear plan for how you will steer the business, and eventually wind up your involvement, you may end up selling the business for less than it’s worth.

“The whole process can also end up being a lot harder than it needs to be, often business owners are left scram bling to get things in order,” he added.

The survey also found that smallbusiness owners have a greater appe tite for risk than the general public

hour of unexplained and unaccounted Commonwealth funding. What’s going on?

This month, media leaks from a yet-tobe-released Health Department report state that 9-in-10 in-home care providers don’t meet minimum government price transparency requirements. Some 275,000 older Australians receiving governmentfunded home care can lose up to 60 per cent of their allocated money in provider fees.

This ‘disappearing’ money is being spent on “excluded items” such as holidays, TVs, renovations and more. Maybe a good por tion of this expenditure is justified? But is this where $43 an hour goes?

What is obvious is that the front-line employees doing the care are paid rubbish. Surely within existing funding budgets there is ample room to pay workers more. There’s a lot of fat in the system. Selfemployed gig workers individually can and do negotiate higher remuneration. This doesn’t happen with employees.

What really emerges is that it’s the employed 96 per cent of workers in aged care who are being exploited by the ‘employment’ system.

The ‘cancer’ in aged care looks much more like the result of employment man agement systems than the outcome of gig platforms. In fact, gig-organised selfemployment could well be the answer to a sick aged care system.

The Albanese government should take off its ‘cancer’ blinkers. Gig and self-employ ment offer real solutions, not problems.

and were also more inclined to be both goal-oriented and self-motivated, as well as a commitment to lifelong learning.

Another insight revealed in the report is that majority of smallbusiness owners are female, aged between 34-44 years old and nearly half had been in business longer than five years.

“We undertook the survey to gain more insight into what attributes makes a successful businessperson so we can empower other owners on their business journey and focusing on continued development and con stantly learning, growing and adapting are key to success,” Spencer said.

Your Business, Your Employees and Key Performance Indicators - can you rely on them

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

All businesses need to be profitable, and managers know that this means man aging staff effectively. We often do this through measurements of performance like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), but is this approach legal, and can you sack an employee for not meeting their set KPI’s?

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) recently considered a case where an employee had been terminated for not meeting their KPI’s. Interestingly, the Commission found that termination to be unfair. However, that decision doesn’t mean that all terminations based on KPI’s are outside the requirements. As often hap pens when these employment disputes reach the Commission, robust and sensible policies and employer documentation can make all the difference in protecting your business.

What happened

Firstly, what happened in this case? The employee, Mr Yen Yap is a qualified motor mechanic who was employed by Club Assist Pty Limited as a Technical Roadside Responder (TRR) to provide road side repair services for motor vehicles.

After a few years in his role, Mr Yap was told by his employer that he would be put on a ‘Coaching and Performance Improvement Plan’ (CAPP) to deal with three matters relating to his performance as he had failed to meet his KPI’s.

Mr Yap attended monthly meetings over a period of four months with his Manager to discuss the failure to meet KPI’s and the goals as outlined within the CAPP. His improvement as not satisfactory, he then received a formal written warning. That letter stated that Mr Yap’s performance in the three identified areas did not reach his employers expectations, and that his ongo ing employment was at risk.

Ten months later Mr Yap was issued a show cause letter. This letter again stated that his performance was below the required KPI standards. Upon receipt of Mr Yap’s response, the employer terminated his employment.

Mr Yap then filed an unfair dismissal application, claiming that his dismissal was “unfair” within Part 3-2 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

What did the Commission decide?

The Commission agreed that Mr Yap was dismissed for reasons based solely upon his capacity. That is, he was sacked for his poor performance in failing to meet his KPI’s.

The Commission then needed to decide if this termination was reasonable in relation to the Act and therefore must consider the reasonableness of the KPIs themselves, as well as the reasonableness of the Respondent’s conclusions about Mr Yap’s capacity in making his determination.

The Commission found that the employ ers KPI’s may have been an acceptable tool but rejected the basis of those KPI’s and Mr Yap’s apparent failure to meet.

Critically, the Commission noted that the KPI’s were not set out or explained in writing. That is, the KPI’s were not outlined in writing, and the basis for those indica tors was not provided. In finding that the employer had acted improperly in sacking Mr Yap, the Commission said the way the KPI’s were applied to Mr Yap assumed that, when they weren’t met, he was guilty of

Jobs fund brings food manufacturer to Coast

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Ongoing new jobs 10

• Supreme Poultry and Chickens –

Mangrove Mountain

Upgrading of machinery - $600,000

30 Ongoing new jobs

• Glenworth Valley Horse Riding –

Glenworth Valley Construction of international stand ard mountain bike park $300,000

15 ongoing new jobs

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s $140M Regional Job Creation Fund was on track to create more than 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW.

“The Regional Job Creation Fund con tinues to attract new investment from businesses and enable economic recovery across agriculture, manufacturing and tour ism industries and ensure they continue to thrive now and into the future,” he said. “This funding exemplifies the NSW

certain performance failings or conduct. In this case, the apparent performance failings included spending too long on jobs, replac ing too many car batteries not subject to warranty, and not doing enough to convert jobs into battery sales. The Commission found that this meant that Mr Yap needed to prove his ‘innocence’ in order to defend himself. The Commission deemed this approach from the employer to be unsatis factory and unacceptable.

Subsequently, the Commission decided that Mr Yap had been unfairly dismissed and ordered that Mr Yap be reinstated with his continuity of service maintained, as well as paid lost pay from the date of his dismissal.

This article demonstrates some of the challenges that employers face when before the Fair Work Commission.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS?

Employers must ensure that the KPIs that are used to measure their employee’s performance are properly considered, are sufficiently specific and are a reflection of the employee’s performance rather than external causes. This means that employ ers should account for factors which may impact on employees’ ability to meet the KPI’s that are beyond their control.

Additionally, businesses should ensure that a document detailing the KPI’s exists and is provided to their employees that sets out, or explains, each of the KPI’s. This document should include how each KPI has been derived and how the KPIs are assessed; what variables are accepted as impacting upon KPI’s, or how any impacts might be dealt with. As always, documenta tion is critical.

We are able to assist you to review your employee KPI’s, or help draft them to sup port your businesses ongoing productivity.

Government’s commitment to build robust regional economies, which is giving businesses, employees and their families confidence in the growth and prosperity of regional NSW.”

Under the Regional Job Creation Fund, eligible businesses can apply for grants to support the purchase of new equipment, expand facilities, create new tourist expe riences and visitor attractions or relocate businesses from out of state to regional NSW, leading to the creation of new jobs

TIPS

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

What rising interest rates will do to business cashflow

IT IS LIKELY Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate will rise to circa 2.5% by the end of the 2023 calendar year. This will put significant pressure on small busi ness cash flow. Business owners need to act now to stay ahead of the game.

The reason for the interest rate increase is largely the current national rate of inflation of 5%. Low unemploy ment figures and strong consumer spending are driving the upswing.

This means that in the 2023 financial year, business owners must make 5% more profit to effectively be in the same position last year. If you’re sitting still, you’re effectively going backwards.

Inflation increases the cost of goods, services and wages so we are urging

business owners to talk with their finan cial teams NOW to ensure they can keep pace with increasing expenses.

Here are some important strategies:

• Review your pricing – business own ers need to pass on cost increases. Absorbing them is unaffordable. Smart business owners will craft a pricing strategy that is palatable to their consumers, as opposed to a blanket increase. Your accountant can help you to select the right product lines and margins to target.

• Pay down your debt – your financial structure needs to be paying down your business debts and tacking those inter est rates head on. Profit in, debt down.

• Data analysis – your data systems should be able to inform the impact of further interest rate rises down the line. Conduct a sensitivity analysis with your accountant and know what could happen before it actually does. The best kind of risk management is risk prevention and data systems are the closes thing anyone has to a crystal ball.

If you would like to talk about your business cashflow position and the impact of interest rates to your bottom line, contact our team for a complimen tary Discovery Session today: mail@ adviceco.com.au

Our article on this subject on Page 7 highlights what is now a serious social issue.

The lack of housing in our region has cre ated an enormous housing shortage that is being manifested in increasing rents as the demand for homes simply grows by the day.

While those in government collect their pay packets every Friday and go home and go to bed they ignore those that are strug gling to find any sort of accommodation.

When Lee Kuan Yew setup Singapore just 55 years ago he concentrated on Housing, Education and Jobs. That foundation has made Singapore the most successful coun try on Earth.

None of these parameters seem to worry anyone in government.

It is now time for the State Government to step in.

The Ministers for Local Government and Planning need to take control.

Editor

Edgar Adams

Manufacturers show they are the future for the Central Coast

A man is on trial for armed robbery. The jury comes back with the verdict. The foreman stands, clear his throat and announces, “Not guilty.”

The defendant leaps to his feet. “Awesome!” he shouts. “Does that mean I get to keep the money?”

A woman walked up to an elderly man rocking in a chair on his porch.

“I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long, happy life?”

“I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whisky a week, eat fatty foods and never exercise.”

“That’s amazing,” the woman said. “How old are you?”

“Thirty-six.”

The police are called to an apartment and find a woman standing over a lifeless man, holding a bent and twisted five-iron. The detective asks, “Is that your husband?”

“Yes,” replies the woman.

“Did you hit him with the golf club?”

“Yes, I did,” sobs the woman.

“How many times did you hit him?” asks the detective.

“I don’t know,” she replies. “Five, six, maybe seven times. Oh look, just put me down for five.”

When a daydreaming taxi driver acci dentally drove past his destination, his pas senger gently tapped him on the shoulder from the back seat.

Startled, the driver went through a red light and almost hit a bus before he pulled

over. As he tried to catch his breath, the passenger said, “I’m sorry I gave you a jolt— it was my fault.”

“No, it was mine,” the driver said. “This is my first day driving a cab. For the past 25 years, I drove a hearse.”

One night, while we were out for supper at a Mediterranean restaurant, my sisterin-law had a question about one of the appetizers. When the server showed up to take our order, she asked, “Where do you get your mussels?”

The young waitress blushed, looked sheepishly at her biceps and quietly answered, “Cross-training?”

Fresh out of gift ideas, a man buys his mother-in-law a large plot in an expensive cemetery. On her next birthday, he buys her nothing, so she phones him, furious.

“What are you complaining about?” he fires back. “You still haven’t used the present I gave you last year.”

The burial service for the elderly woman climaxed with a massive clap of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightning, accompa nied by even more thunder.

“Well,” said her husband to the shaken pastor when all the commotion ending, “she’s there.”

A stranger enters a store and spots a sign: DANGER! BEWARE OF DOG! Inside, he sees a harmless old hound asleep on the floor.

“Is that the dog we’re supposed to be aware of?” he asks the owner.

“That’s him,” comes the reply.

“He doesn’t look at all dangerous to me. Why would you post that sign?”

“Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him.”

A businessman flying first class is sitting next to a parrot. The plane takes off and the parrot orders a Glenlivet, neat. The business man asks for a Coke. After a few minutes, the bird yells, “Where’s my scotch? Give me my scotch!” The flight attendant rushes over with their drinks.

Later, they order an other round. Again, the bird gives the crew grief for being slow and the businessman joins in, “Yeah, the service stinks!”

Just then, the flight attendant grabs the pair, opens the hatch and throws them out of the plane. As they hurtle towards the ground, the parrot says to the terrified man, “Wow, that took a lot of guts for a guy with no wings.”

A man is recovering from a minor surgery when a nurse comes in to check on him.

“How are you feeling?” she asks.

“I’m okay,” he says, “but I didn’t like the four-letter word the doctor used during surgery.”

“What did he say?” the nurse asks.

“Oops.”

Quote of the month

“Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.”

Charles F. Kettering

GROWING A BUSINESS IS JUST HARD.

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