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Vol 26 July 2015 Published monthly (except January)

business review

GIBBENS GROUP 4TH GENERATION BUSINESS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Marina for Gosford – at Koolewong Reviver Bar takes Gosford in a new direction Coast Ambassador promoting our region in USA

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Cover story 4 Gibbens Group – 4th generation business going from strength to strength Business News 7 New marina for Brisbane Water 8 Central Coast engineers amongst Australia’s finest 8 Chinese theme park a step closer to reality 9 Reviver Bar celebrates 3 years 10 Awards setting a 60’s theme 10 Council refuses contentious Avoca Theatre redevelopment 11 The Monday Google came to Gosford 11 Central Coast Ambassador promoting our region in USA 12 Wyong Council GM off to Queensland 12 Aubrey Brown announces scholarship programme 13 New Local Blokes at CRT Ourimbah

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13 Charmhaven play centre finds new owner 14 Tuggerah site bought for truck hire business 19 Council calls for interest in new Education and Business Precinct 20 When a choice is not a choice 20 Resolution services for small business 20 More than 5,500 businesses at risk as banks seize rented assets

Front cover: Gibbens Group Chairman Greg Gibbens with son and Group CEO Matthew Gibbens

Regular features 6 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Time for realistic thinking on Council mergers 12 Business Briefs 14 Property Sales and Leases 16 Commercial / Industrial Properties For Sale / Lease 19 Business Tips 21 BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY 21 Events Calendar 22 Funny Business

Central Coast Business Review Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved.

Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Phone 02 4367 0733 Fax 02 4367 0744 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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COV ER S TORY

Gibbens Group – 4th generation business going from strength to strength FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS as pioneers in the spring making industry to the region’s largest commercial developers and a major Australian global manufacturer, the Gibbens Group is one of the Coast’s greatest family business success stories. Group CEO Matthew Gibbens, a fourth generation Gibbens, has a clear vision for putting the Coast on the map as a serious business player. In the past seven years in particular, he has led the Group to deliver significant economic benefits to the region with 583 new jobs created at Riverside Park (forecast to become more than 650 once fully occupied) and more than 300 jobs at their latest venture at Lisarow (forecast to become up to 600). Meanwhile Gibbens Industries remains a highly respected global manufacturer of springs, wire forms and mattress support systems. Refreshingly down-to-earth, clearly passionate about the region’s future and a pragmatist when it comes to getting things done, Matthew Gibbens spoke candidly about the current status of developments and acquisitions, and plans moving forward.

4 generations and counting - Gibbens Group’s history at a glance Gibbens Industries was co-founded by Matthew George Gibbens (an early 20th century pioneer in the Australian spring making industry) and son George in 1937.

In 1968 George’s eldest son Greg joined the family business as an apprentice. The late 1960’s also saw the family purchase a five-acre lot on Manns Road West Gosford,

By Phaedra Pym

a decision that was instrumental in forming the future direction of the Group as property developers on the Central Coast. In 1971 George and Greg moved the spring making business from Camperdown to their new West Gosford premises to facilitate the company’s diversification and growth.

Greg Gibbens’ sons, Scott and Matthew joined the family business in 1995. Today Matthew runs the family’s business interests as Group CEO and heads the property development arm of the Group, while Scott heads the manufacturing arm. An engineer by profession, Matthew’s academic qualification put him in good stead to understand the intricacies associated with large-scale property development. However he maintains to this day, “The best degree you can do is on the job and in the school of hard knocks.”

Their father, Greg maintains an active interest in the company and meets weekly with his sons and other Board members. According to Matthew, the fact there is little crossover in terms of individual responsibilities has been highly advantageous to the successful running of the business, particularly considering it is a family business.

Delivering jobs and a promising future Gibbens Group’s main area of development interest to date has been focused on the region’s southern end. Riverside Park occupies over 100,000 sqm and includes around 40 businesses, with the latest zone (Homemakers Centre) celebrating its grand

opening recently. Matthew has made it a point to strategically target major brands with a solid national presence, knowing that the more high profile brands choose to have a presence on the Central Coast, the more others will want to join them. And he has gone out of his way to ensure nothing stands in the way of success for those businesses. For instance, the centre opened on time despite 1500mm of rain falling during the construction period, limiting construction to an average of just 4 days a week.

While Riverside Park’s master plan has evolved over time, the Gibbens have stayed true to their original vision of mixed use commercial property on a scale not possible anywhere else on the Coast. One of Matthew’s strong arguments to Council in their original development application was to provide an attractive entrance to the area and create an effective thoroughfare that provides easy access to Gosford, Erina and other suburbs on the Coast’s southern end. In keeping with that promise, two acres of land was sacrificed to RMS to assist with road upgrades. The West Gosford intersection upgrade is now on track to be finished by the end of 2015, ahead of the published completion target. The infrastructure will deliver benefits to the region well beyond easy access to Riverside Park.

Next project on the drawing board Always actively seeking new opportunities, The Gibbens Group acquired the former

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COV ER S TORY

Albany International site on the Pacific Highway at Lisarow in 2012. The biggest employer on the Central Coast in their heyday with more than 600 staff, Albany International moved offshore in 2010, forcing 61 locals out of a job. When the property was first tendered, it was largely ignored as most developers failed to see the potential beyond the massive 24,000sqm building on the site. However Gibbens Group looked outside the square and seized the opportunity to redevelop the site. They began by relocating the manufacturing arm of the Group (Gibbens Industries) to the site and negotiating a new lease with Solaft, a division of Albany International that already occupied part of the building. The decision to enable Solaft to continue operating on its existing site was a strategic move that saved the jobs of more than 100 locals and paved the way to develop an asset that others had no idea what to do with. Today the site is 90% committed. In addition to Solaft and Gibbens Industries, the Lisarow tenants are: Pluim Commercial Interiors – joinery manufacturers. The company chose to relocate from Tuggerah when Gibbens purchased the Lisarow property.

Brian Hilton Group – committed to opening an auction clearance centre that will be the first of its kind on the Central Coast with stock being made available to the general public.

• Storage King.

Gibbens Group Project Manager Joel Castle (l) and CEO Matthew Gibbens (r) with Gosford Council CEO Paul Anderson and Mayor Lawrie McKinna (c) Cutting the Ribbon at the opening of Riverside Park Homemakers Centre.

• Mirait Technologies – a telecommunications company.

Capital expenditure works on the site are due to be completed in September.

These works include road widening and building renovation work, including a new façade. Matthew confirmed that a local construction company will be appointed to complete the property improvements.

Most significantly, the site will create more than 300 new local jobs this year with a projected estimate of up to 600 jobs once fully occupied.

As for the future, Gibbens Group is currently tendering on a number of new site opportunities to add to their extensive

property holdings at West Gosford, Lisarow, Warners Bay and in Queensland. Looking further towards the future, the father of two young children hinted at the possibility of a 5th generation of Gibbens one day.

“If joining the family business and getting involved in property development is of interest to my kids one day, then they will have some great opportunities in the future. But at the end of the day, it is up to them to make that decision, said Matthew.

At just 38, Matthew has many years ahead of him to kick more goals for the Group. He said, “I genuinely love what I do. It has never been an obligation and I believe it should be the same for our successors.”

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Time for realistic thinking on Council mergers IF YOU ARE a widget manufacturer or a software developer, or a retailer, it is probably of little consequence whether Gosford and Wyong Councils merge or not.

That’s what you may think but in the end we all have to deal with councils and government departments whether we like it or not.

Local government intrudes far more into the running of business than it should but that’s the way it is.

The history of local government stretches back to the Middle Ages and I often think that little has changed in the way it thinks.

There was a time, not so long ago, when Gosford and Wyong were worlds apart. But that has changed and thousands of Wyong residents work in Gosford and vice versa.

More to the point, very few people have any idea where the Wyong and Gosford boundaries are.

In years gone by however there has always been a tension between the two councils to the absolute detriment of the Central Coast region.

One exasperated State Minister years ago commented, “the trouble with you people on the Central Coast is you don’t know what you want:” When the 13 councils that make up the Hunter Region go to Sydney or to Canberra they speak as one voice. Not so here on the Coast!

When promoting and marketing our region both councils have had differing

ideas that only confuses investors and people looking to bring their businesses here.

Meanwhile the NSW Liberal Government has had a council amalgamation policy from the day they got in as part of their reform agenda.

All councils have had to get involved and must undertake a “Fit for the Future” study which had to be completed by the end of June. It makes sense particularly where some councils have small populations.

Here on the Central Coast though its more complicated. Gosford has a population of 171,992 while Wyong has a population of 159,122. That’s a total of 331,114.

The Department of Planning’s Central Coast Regional Growth Plan is projecting our population to grow by up to 64,250 by 2031 with most of that in Wyong.

So the question becomes, are Gosford and Wyong Council areas large enough to stand alone?

Wyong has completed their Fit for the Future submission but are opting to stand alone while Gosford hasn’t and opposes an amalgamation.

It will now be up to the Minister for Local Government to decide the issue.

The problem is far more difficult than amalgamating councils in Sydney that are only a few kilometres apart. From north to south the Central Coast is around 80 kms and it extends from the coast inland by about 30 kms.

This editor has always championed one

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Central Coast council on the basis that the divisions that exist between the two would be diluted and marketing the place would be more productive.

What do you think?

As we go to press we hear that Wyong Council General Manager, Mike Whittaker will leave in September after 5 years straightening out the organisation.

He has done a fantastic job turning its finances around and putting it on a business friendly footing.

Councils are there for the benefit of the community we know but without a vibrant business sector that won’t happen.

He was passionate about the Central Coast.

We wish him and his family well up there on Hear Edgar Adams’ the Sunshine business comment Coast.

8.10am each Monday.

Edgar Adams Editor

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professional

BUSINESS NEWS

New marina for Brisbane Water IT IS ONE of the prettiest waterways on the Eastern Seaboard with the potential to attract boat owners from Sydney and other parts of Australia. It is Brisbane Water but lacks the most important facility needed – a Marina.

That is about to change following the recent purchase of the Koolewong Boathouse and lease for a marina in 2013.

New owners are well known marina operators and owners of the Marmong Point Marina in Lake Macquarie, Les Binkin and Symantha Suprain who are aiming to have a new 50-berth marina up and running by the end of 2015 representing an investment of around $4.5 million.

The partners said they will add a 3.5 metre landscaped timber walkway, leading off the Murphys Bay foreshore footpath/ cycleway, to the restaurant encouraging the public to use the restaurant’s services.

Additional car parking spaces for boat owners and the public are in the plan.

The Boathouse Restaurant will continue to operate and increase its services to appeal to a wider customer base The marina, which is sheltered from the southerly weather will offer 3-phase and 15 amp power, a pump-out facility and will accommodate cruisers and yachts up to 80 feet.

Mr Binkin said the marina will attract a wide range of trades including; marine mechanics, shipwrights, marine electricians to carry out minor works.

The Boathouse building also has office accommodation with six offices, of varying sizes all able to connect to the NBN, some overlooking Brisbane Water. These are

Image showing location of the Koolewong Marina. available for lease now. International Boat Brokerage, operated by Bob Tuckwell, will be based at the marina.

Mr Binkin and Ms Suprain have operated the Marmong Point Marina since acquiring it in 2005 and transforming it into the largest privately owned full service marina in NSW. Ms Suprain said that their company, Marine Holdings Australia Pty Ltd specialises in design and management of marinas.

“We are committed to the highest standard of marina operations and that includes complying with all standards for marina design, operation, environmental controls,” said Ms Suprain.

Koolewong Marina owners Les Binkin and Symantha Suprain

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BUSINESS NEWS

Central Coast engineers amongst Australia’s finest PRECISION ENGINEERING AND manufacturing company Archer, based at the Somersby Industrial Estate, has been recognised as one of Australia’s finest industrial companies at the prestigious 2015 Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Awards and 2015 Pace Zenith Awards.

The two awards programs are the highest pinnacle for celebrating excellence in engineering and manufacturing in Australia.

Archer was announced as a finalist in five categories. “This is the third year in a row that Archer was selected as an Endeavour Awards finalist for demonstrating outstanding innovation and excellence in craftsmanship, and on our first entry into the Pace Zenith Awards we were short listed three times�, said Managing Director Brad Byrne. “It was a real honour being amongst the

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Brad and Russell Byrne installing their Plunge Test laboratory equipment in Japan biggest names in our industry in Australia.

To think that we, as a smaller family owned business, can rub shoulders with giants of engineering and manufacturing is incredible. It shows that size isn’t everything.� “Archer has always been a leader. We have always been innovative and willing to do the jobs that are considered too difficult by others, and this has earned us the reputation to be standing here tonight�, added Operations Director Russell Byrne.

Archer submitted two precision engineering projects to the awards programs: the design and development of a scientific piece of laboratory equipment known as the RTI Plunge Test Tunnel which is used around the world to test the performance of automatic fire sprinklers and the design and manufacturing of new-generation MJC Multi Jet Control safety valves for the Stanwell Power Station in Queensland.

Archer operates from a world-class Manufacturing Centre of Excellence which features research and development, advanced 3D design, prototyping, product analysis, manufacturing, assembly area and a test laboratory all under the one roof.

Chinese Theme Park a step closer to reality Wyong Council reports that the NSW Department of Planning and Environment has issued a gateway determination giving the green light for the Chinese Theme Park to proceed to public exhibition.

Council’s Manager of Development and Rezoning, Ms Tanya O’Brien, said Council has adjusted the planning proposal in line with the gateway determination and believes it will provide greater flexibility and will allow the site to be developed for a cultural theme park while retaining the underlying industrial zone.  “We have progressed to agency consultation and will proceed to public exhibition of the proposal over the coming months.  This will provide residents with an opportunity to comment on this substantial proposal. “The Deputy Secretary of Planning Services, Mr Marcus Ray, has said clearly in a letter to Council ‘this proposal should proceed’ and we will now progress the planning proposal.�

Council’s Mayor Doug Eaton OAM said, “I am pleased to see the theme park is definitely on track and I am confident it will deliver everything it promises and be one of the biggest tourism projects NSW has ever seen.� In November 2012, Council formally approved the sale of 15.7 hectares of land at Warnervale to the Australia Chinese Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) for $10 million, for the purpose of constructing a Chinese Theme Park.

If approved the theme park will have 12 main sections – including the Meridian Gate, Thanksgiving Temple, Zheng He’s Treasure Ship, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Spring Festival Square, Panda Paradise and much more.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Reviver Bar takes Gosford in a new direction IT SEEMED A very brave move at the time – a New York style cocktail bar in Gosford!

It was an idea of Gordon Ryan who with 25 years experience in the IT industry as a Microsoft Readiness Trainer spent a lot of his time in the United States at the Microsoft head office in Seattle.

Cocktail bars in the US are a very sophisticated way of life. At the end of a day’s work it’s what people in the city do - a drink with colleagues or friends to unwind in pleasant surroundings with quiet music.

Mr Ryan, who lives in Gosford, saw an opportunity and found the right premises.

Creightons Funeral Services had moved out of Gosford and the chapel and hearse garage were vacant.

The next step was a liquor licence and the local authorities took a little convincing that this bar was very different to those in Sydney and around the Coast.

With his Partner, optometrist Amanda Rungis they fitted out the old stone garage giving it an ambience that quickly attracted a clientel many thought did not exist in the Gosford CBD. It was also a case of finding the right staff to fit in with the new concept and training them and after three years the Reviver Team fit in perfectly with the classic cocktail bar theme.

Today as Reviver Bar celebrates its 3rd birthday this classic cocktail bar offers patrons a classy, relaxed atmosphere with the largest selection of spirits anywhere.

Last year they were Finalists in the category of the Best Regional Bar in Australia

by Australian Bartender Magazine Awards.

Reviver also offers menu that showcases the Central Coast’s leading food, wine and spirits producers.

Reviver Bar’s success is an indication of the growing sophistication in Gosford.

“While the police were worried at the outset they soon saw that our clientele are responsible people who just want to enjoy a quiet drink, perhaps something light to eat, and go home,” said Gordon Ryan.

The Reviver Bar Team: Marcos Sewter, Phill Olson, Justin Southm, Sarah Pecover, Glenn Stewart, Gordon Ryan, Amanda Rungis and Kat Donaldson

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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GENERAL NEWS

Awards setting a 60’s theme A KEY FEATURE of the Coast Star Motors Central Coast Business Excellence Awards is its ability to reinvent itself each year. And 2015 will be no exception.

Organiser and Centre Stage Events Director Kerry Ruffels has made it his personal goal to raise the bar each year. Mr Ruffels said, “this is businesses’ night of nights and we need to recognise it in a way that our finalists remember the occasion as befitting the success they have enjoyed over the past twelve months”.

The Awards have become synonymous with creating an atmosphere that truly celebrates business success. This year the Awards take on a ‘sixties’ feel with a little bit of Mad Men about it. Mr Ruffels added, “for the first time we are encouraging guests to wear something specific and in this instance, sixties formal. It was a fantastic

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era and a revelation in terms of the advertising industry”. As Joan Harris from Mad Men said, “I’m in charge of making things before people know they need them”.

“Normally, we don’t release any details of the big night other than the date, the location and the time. But this is the first time we have truly themed the evening so it is important guests have every opportunity to participate,” Mr Ruffels said.

The landscape for business is ever evolving and for businesses to not only survive but to flourish they need to be continually evaluating the environment they operate within.

The good operators always come to the surface and the best are always prepared to ask questions. For many businesses there is already an advantage in entering the Awards. The process is a great exercise and often leads the owners of the business to formulate a business plan or at minimum to re-examine their existing plan. They can also call on Awards alliance partner the NSW Business Chamber for professional help.

With assistance from Awards partners Treehouse Creative and Blueberry Events the first truly themed Awards night prom-

ises to deliver an experience to remember.

For a full list of available awards check out ccbea.com.au and please note all Award entries need to be lodged by close of business on 7 July 2015. The Awards are open to member and non chamber members.

The Coast Star Central Coast Business Excellence Awards will be held in the Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Terrigal on Saturday 29 August 2015. For all enquiries contact Awards Director Kerry Ruffels 0410 494999 or kerry@ccbea.com.au

Council refuses contentious Avoca Theatre redevelopment Following a thorough planning assessment, extensive negotiations with the developer and over 1500 public objections, Gosford City Council has refused a contentious proposal to redevelop the Avoca Beach Theatre.

The proposal had sought to add four cinemas to the site as well as a cafe and gallery, five residential units and basement car parking.

Gosford City’s Mayor Lawrie McKinna said that despite Council’s best efforts to try and make the redevelopment workable, in the end it was refused for a number of reasons.

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“The planning assessment looked very closely at all the community’s feedback and gave the applicant many chances to provide more information about any issues or amend the proposal as well,” Mayor McKinna said.

“Given the proposal’s excessive size and height there were major concerns it would see the site become overdeveloped, which would just not fit with the local area’s character.

“Plus, for us to approve this redevelopment, especially considering the amount of public CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Monday Google came to Gosford

By Dave Abrahams @digitdave

Central Coast Ambassador promoting our region In USA

Andrew Church Participants at the Google in Gosford Seminar WHAT DOES IT take to get a couple of Google Australia executives out of their Pyrmont bunker?

The promise of a scenic train ride perhaps? Well whatever it was it worked. On an early Monday in June Googlers Matteo Sessantini and Peter Beauman arrived for a briefing session to businesses and organisations about their omnipresent company.

Dozens of local business people attended the morning briefing which was hosted

by OI Organise Internet with support from CC Leagues Club and Central Coast Business Review.

It aimed to help local business get an insight into the often weird world of Google, with a business focus.

Apart from the obvious pervasive nature of the big G in online search we learnt about the incredible network of products across the board, everything from control

of the Android mobile phone systems to YouTube to self driving cars.

More relevant to the CC crowd was how they can grow their business and profile online using a new process product called MyBusiness. This is essentially a business registration and validation tool for all businesses and organisations in Australia. The upside is that it costs nothing and secures the business’ place on Google Maps and in specific search results with the added advantage of having push to call buttons that allow customers to call you directly from search results.

Peter illustrated on the big screen how the city of Gosford had so few businesses represented on Google maps and challenged attendees to get their business on the map.

“The Google MyBusiness product is an opportunity to lift your business profile”. He challenged everyone present to spread the word on how easily we could build the commercial profile of the region by using this simple tool. He encouraged people to ask the OI agency if they needed assistance.

Local business owner, author, resident and founder of the new Central Coast Interactive War Exhibit, Andrew Church, is busy promoting our region while on a trip through the mid-western states of North America.

Mr Church is visiting universities and libraries in Missouri and Minneapolis and using the opportunity to encourage Americans to put the Central Coast on their travel list.

"The Central Coast has been my home for over 20 years. My family has grown up here.

My companies Kreative Kaizen and Eagle Wing Education and Training are based at Gosford as is the Central Coast Interactive War Exhibit built for the public to visit,” he said.

“It really is a pleasure to talk about our growing community and promote tourism highlights to Americans.

“As a result of my visits a number of visitor information centres in Missouri and Minneapolis have also begun promoting the War Exhibit to international travellers”, adds Mr Church, who is in the United States for many reasons.

"I’ve met with management of over a dozen museums looking at their education-

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Wyong Council GM off to Queensland

Michael Whittaker Wyong Council’s General Manager, Mr Michael Whittaker, announced his resignation last month after five years at the helm.

Mr Whittaker has accepted an offer to become Chief Executive Officer at the fourth largest Council in Australia, Sunshine Coast Council, commencing in September 2015.

Mr Whittaker said opportunities like this don’t happen often in your career and after consulting with his family decided to take

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

up the opportunity.

“My family and I have enjoyed participating in the many aspects of community life of the Central Coast.”

Mr Whittaker went on to say how proud he is of the organisation he has helped lead for the last five years.

“I believe we have developed a contemporary organisation that has the community and the customer at the centre of everything we do.”

“Together we have turned around a $30 million deficit into a $10 million surplus while tripling spending on roads and over $500 million in capital works – we have really delivered for our community.

“I fully appreciate the unfailing support, advice and professional working relationship provided by my Mayors and Councillors I have worked with during my time here and acknowledge their collaborative efforts.”

Mayor Doug Eaton OAM praised Mr Whittaker for what he had delivered for the Shire and was sorry to see him go.

“We thank Mike for what he has achieved for our community and wish him, and his family, all the best for the future. To be honest, it will be very hard to replace him,” Mayor Eaton said.

“We are fortunate to have had a strong leader who has enjoyed a supportive team during what has been a period of immense change for our Council, and Local Government in NSW in general.”

Mr Whittaker will remain as General Manager until mid-September 2015.

Aubrey Brown announces scholarship programme

Anna Cruckshank Tuggerah based Aubrey Brown Lawyers has announced the introduction of a law scholarship, being offered to the 2015 Year 12 school leavers.

Making the announcement, director Anna Cruckshank said “The programme will give a year 12 student completing the HSC the opportunity to become qualified as a practising lawyer, while gaining invaluable work experience and paid employment with Aubrey Brown Lawyers”.

Aubrey Brown Partners (now Aubrey Brown Lawyers) first commenced practising law in Wyong 70 years ago. The practice has grown over the years from a sole practitioner (being its namesake, Aubrey Brown) to the practice it is today with 15 lawyers working in specialised teams, with a client base spread across the Central Coast and Australia wide.

In recognition of its roots and strong ties to the community of the Wyong Shire, students from High Schools throughout the

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Wyong Shire have been offered the opportunity to apply, and the response from the schools has been outstanding.

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Charmhaven play centre finds new owner

Muck-A-Bout Play Centre that also incorporates before and after school care and vacation care at Charmhaven has been sold.

Owners Debbie Langdon and Ann Higgins have owned and grown the business for over ten years and now wish to retire from full time work.

New owners are Nathan Butson and his wife Kristi both of whom come from a corporate background.

Positioned right on the roundabout at Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Muck-ABout delivers in the morning and picks up children from the local schools in the afternoon. The business has four buses that are used to deliver and receive children each day and of course for vacation care.

The sale was negotiated by Graham McMullen of Argyle Estates Business Brokers who commented they were swamped with enquiries on this quality enterprise.

Scott and Catherine Bourne with Denise and Graham Walters Coastal Rural Traders Local Blokes on the Central Coast, Graeme and Denise Walters have sold the produce store they bought 18 years ago.

The store at Ourimbah has been operating in the district for close to 70 years.

Renowned for its quality produce and top customer service, the Walters worked on the principle of “just about sell anything”.

The store is one of over 300 CRT independQUALITY BUSINESSES ONLY ent rural retailers and is one of the largest parks/mobile buyingIncluding groupscaravan within Australia.home villages, motels, manufacturing, service industries.

The new owners are Scott and Catherine ACCOUNTANTS FIGURES ARE ESSENTIAL Bourne who come from a corporate background andARGYLE have a knowledge of many ESTATES Ph: 02 4332sold 6555 Fax:business.

02 4332The 0095 of the products in the We pride ourselves on selling quality term businesses only Bourne’s have retained all long staff.

wanted...

Graham McMullen of Argyle Estates Business Brokers who negotiated the sale commented the interest was strong and ultimately the Walters sold it to the people who they thought would continue to further develop the business.

ses Wanted Quality Businesmobile home villages, parks, Including caravan ustries turing & service ind fac nu ma s, motel e. nc rie Over 35 years expe

Se

STATES ARGYLE43E32 6555 Ph: 02 et.au argyle@terrigal.n

Ph

and have done so for the past 35 years.

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

Are You A Savvy Small Business Owner?

It’s time to consider investing in your business future.

Smart Business Centres are the future of small to medium size business.

It’s time to invest in yourself. Completion date January 2016.

Purchase from $105,000 + GST* Lease from $8,500pa + GST* *Prices are net of outgoings and strata levys

• • • • • •

Architecturally designed Smart Business Centre 40 individual strata offices Shared Reception lounge Shared Boardrooms / Meeting rooms Shared Breakout area / Function room Shared Refreshment bar / Balcony

• Secure tenant parking • Undercover customer carpark • NBN ready business grade Broadband service - high speed, high performance with unlimited data usage • Direct business grade wireless connectivity over the entire complex • Guest Wi- Fi available for visiting clients throughout the facility

Contact Tim Gunasinghe 0402 200 004 e: tim@commercialhq.com.au Nicole Gunasinghe 0417 792 740 e: nicole@commercialhq.com.au Office 02 4365 4566 www.commercialhq.com.au

PROPERT Y REPORTS

Tuggerah site bought for truck hire business

Investor buys in West Gosford A local investor has paid $360,000 excluding GST for Unit 10 at 16 Stockyard Place, West Gosford.

A new lease is to be negotiated with the sitting tenant post settlement.

The 216 sqm factory unit is part of a 15 unit complex built in 2006 and according to RP Data at that time sold for $379,000.

Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty negotiated the sale.

Consolidated Property Holdings Pty Ltd have paid $1,140,000 plus GST for two amalgamated sites that provide a frontage to Pacific Highway and Ace Crescent, Tuggerah The property will be used for truck and vehicle hire purposes.

The 760 sqm site at 104 Pacific Highway

is zoned B6 Enterprise Corridor and the 2,057 sqm site at 21 Ace Crescent is zoned IN2 Light Industrial.

The site comprises a large hardstand area and a 180sqm warehouse/showroom.

The property was listed and sold by Richard Ellis, Ben Purdue and Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial.

Sydney investor buy 6 factory bays in one line A Sydney investor has paid $860,000 (GST not applicable) for a 6 bay strata factory complex at 133 Church Road, Tuggerah.

The recently completed complex comprises 6 units each of 120 sqm with high clearance and wide roller doors, two of which have a large hardstand area.

Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

T

EN

OR PM J A O M VEL DE E R

GOSFORD PRIME LEASING OPPORTUNITIES Now Available in Gosford CBD’s only shopping centre

Leasing contacts Email: Deborah@imperialshoppingcentre.com.au Phone: 02 4324 4299 Email: mristwej@lederergroup.com.au Phone: 0409 993 447 Imperial Centre, Gosford

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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16

PROPERT Y

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE/LEASE

NVESTMENT OR PART OWNER OCCUPATION $1.65M NEG 28 Dell Rd West Gosford is a quality industrial complex of 4 units with 1 vacancy (approx 604M2).

Currently returning $71,909 gross + GST with potential to increase to $131,909 gross.

TUGGERAH EXCELLENCE

MARINERS

CENTRE

OF

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY $540,000 EXCL GST

Premium Quality Office Space approaching Completion! Approx 75% Pre-Sold & Leased.

DONT MISS OUT! Office space form $3400/m2 Leasing form 100m2 to 3,200m2.

A great location for this levelled ½ acre industrial site. Has DA & CC consent for staged 3 unit development totalling 850M2. Over $85,000 spent already on excavation, planning etc.

WEST GOSFORD - WAREHOUSE & SHOWROOM!

FACTORY WITH CRANES

Centrally located in West Gosford with main road signage. Approx 312m2 high clearance warehouse with excellent showroom/ shopfront. Lunchroom, disabled bathroom plus additional toilet.

FOR LEASE $46,800pa net + GST

BERKELEY VALE - CLEARSPAN VOLUME & VALUE ADD POTENTIAL Huge land area of approx) 8,969m2, enormous clearspan building (approx) 2800m2 incl 2 separately metered units, some mezzanine &additional office space, massive compacted hardstand & flexible 4(a) zoning.

FOR SALE $1.96m + GST

TUGGERAH - GREAT FACTORY BAY WITH YARD

Excellent factory or storage unit approx 135m2 with internal office with power, phone & data, close to M1 Mwy & Westfield, solid concrete block construction with high roller door & security gates.

FOR LEASE $16,000 pa gross + GST.

IDEAL KINCUMBER RETAIL FOR LEASE

Excellent strip shop location along the main hub of Kincumber. Approx 97m2 formerly Eagle Boys for many years. Suit destination style businesses.

Parking at the front door & exposure to Avoca Drive.

FOR LEASE $42,000 gross + GST

LEASE

$1.6M GST N/A

3409M2 site with high capacity engineering style building with 2 x 10 tonnes cranes. Total lettable area approx 1651M2 incl two 160M2 rear bays leased and returning $34,000pa. A great manufacturing or warehousing facility.

GRIEVE CLOSE WAREHOUSES

FOR LEASE

Two stand-alone buildings to suit warehousing or manufacturing. No 6 approx 894M2 $85,000pa net.

No. 8 approx 610M2 $72,000pa gross + GST.

SOMERSBY WAREHOUSE

FOR LEASE

Nearing completion, approx 665M2 + 127M2 mezz office. High clearance concrete panel construction and only $80,000pa net.

GOSFORD STRATA OFFICE $150,000 EXCL GST First level; 59M2 partitioned into 3 suites; 1 car space

ERINA STRATA OFFICE

West Gosford

$375,000 EXCL GST

Ground floor; partitioned; approx 101M2 + 2 car spaces.

Prices shown with * are inclusive of GST.

Multiple areas available consisting of 780sqm warehouse, 160sqm storage, 100sqm office, 50sqm storage. Off street parking and easy access for large trucks. Cheap rent.

Erina LEASE Various spaces available ranging from a 78sqm to 1, 600sqm retail/office space. Brand new completion expected July 2015. Flexible leasing terms, plenty of parking.

Erina LEASE

505sqm showroom/warehouse with main road exposure. The Property provides duel ingress & egress, 8 car spaces, high clearance rear warehouse & roller door. Internally an additional 100sqm mezzanine storage area, male & female toilets with shower.

West Gosford

SALE

Great investment with international tenant. New lease expires in June 2017. 237m2 floor space with great internal height, solid construction and 3 car spaces. Call now won’t last.

4365 0645

Richard Ellis 0416 072 444 Suite 4, 206 The Entrance Road, Erina www.rhcoastal.com

CHARMHAVEN - GEARED INVESTMENT

Looking for a guaranteed return better than 8% ? THIS IS IT! Successful business with a new 3 x 3 year lease in a thriving industrial estate.

FOR SALE $196,000 + GST if applicable

THE ENTRANCE ROAD ERINA HEIGHTS

200m2 (approx) opportunity to secure a main road position. Current spa showroom that may be an ideal property for similar business. Next door to IGA & specialty shops.

FOR LEASE $750 per week + GST

• Outdoor & Building Signs

WEST GOSFORD - NEW TO MARKET

• A-Frames, Banners & Flags

Great high clearance warehouse, approx 352m2 of factory floor with workshop, M & F toilets + shower & kitchenette. 20m2 of front office on the ground floor plus 80m2 of storage mezzanine.

FOR SALE $510,000 + GST

• Vehicle Graphics & Magnets • Indoor & Exhibition Signs

Bann ers

• Full Colour Digital Printing

TOUKLEY - GREAT EXPOSURE!

• Lasercut Letters

Situated in the centre of town with front & rear access & parking. 210m2 of office & retail space, includes upstairs office space. Not much available in this tightly held town.

FOR LEASE $30,000pa net + GST

• Boat & Trailer Graphics le Vehic

ps Wra

• Lightboxes & LED Signs • Retail Shop Fronts • Expo Signs & Displays

SOMERSBY

2 adjoining warehouses approx 13961m2 + 196m2.

Covered hardstand, reception, fitted out office with a/c. High clearance & auto doors.

FOR LEASE $130,000 pa net + GST VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES and MORE INFORMATION – www.ljhooker.com.au All prices shown GST incl. unless otherwise indicated

LJ HOOKER COMMERCIAL – CENTRAL COAST

21/1 Reliance Dr, Tuggerah • Ph: 4353 7700 ljhcommercial.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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PROPERT Y REPORTS

SALES (Continued) Excavation company buys Tuggerah light industrial block A local excavation company has paid $520,000 plus GST for Lots 43 and 44 at 98 Church Road, Tuggerah Each block is approx. 4,047 sqm with a house on one block currently tenanted at $225 per week.

The property is zoned IN2 Light Industrial.

Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Pool business buys Budgewoi shop The proprietors of Beyond Blue Pools have purchased Shop 1 at 66 Tenth Avenue, Budgewoi.

Price paid was $245,000 plus GST The 95 sqm retail shop with rear access has recently been refurbished by the owner prior to sale.

Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

LEASINGS

Personal trainer leases in Tuggerah Business Park A personal training and fitness business has leased Unit 2, a 285sqm factory unit with mezzanine office area at 5 Bounty Close, Tuggerah Business Park.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $25,750 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Trader Vic’s moves to new premises at Tuggerah Trader Vic’s Surf Street Skate at Tuggerah has relocated to a new showroom at 154 Pacific Highway (Tuggerah Straight) next to the Super Cheap Auto store.

Terms of lease for the 720 sqm premises are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $150,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Stephen Moore from RCI Group negotiated the lease.

Marquee manufacturer leases warehouse at Fountaindale Modular marquee manufacturers, Roder HTS Hocker Australia, have leased a 1,472 sqm warehouse and office space for warehousing and distribution purposes at 15 Ketch Close, Fountaindale.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $100,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Builder buys Tuggerah unit A local builder has purchased Unit 9 at 7 Teamster Close, Tuggerah Business Park The 286 sqm unit includes 66 sqm of new office space with telephone and data connections.

Price paid was $300,000 Excluding GST Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

TUGGERAH 154 Pacific Highway

SPECIALIST MEDICAL & PROFESSIONAL SUITES Ideally located on the Pacific Highway within the established Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre, these Specialist Medical & Professional Suites are perfectly situated.

Neighbours include Healthscope Medical Centre, PRP Radiology, Pathology, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Dentist, Psycologists & more.

With a variety of suites available and plenty of parking, opportunities include both ground floor and level 1 suites.

Tuggerah Medical & Professional Rooms range from 13m2 to 24m2 and start from as little as $1,250 per month +GST. Level 1 accessed via lift or stairs hosts suites from 59m2 with the East Wing Professional Suites ranging from 73m2 to 103m2 there is a size to suit a variety of Professionals including Medical, Financial, Legal etc...

Other tenants include BCF, Super Cheap Auto and Romi’s Café and make this an ideal location with plenty of parking.

Features include · Flexible lease terms · Very Competitive rentals · Excellent parking · Air-conditioning · Carpets, kitchenette · Balcony access for most suites For further details please contact

Julie Davies on 4355 5111

GOSFORD – TENANTED INVESTMENT $229,000 (NO GST)

Prime ground floor CBD office. Fresh three (3) year lease commenced 1/4/2015.

Quality tenant, modern fit out, Net return approx. $17,500.00.

Phone for report and further details.

ERINA - SHOWROOM / OFFICE

137.7 sqm Quality fully renovated ground floor space. New carpet, paint and kitchen amenities.

Prime main road exposure with signage opportunity.

Part of modern well maintained retail / commercial centre. $38,000 P/A + GST.

ERINA OFFICE

121 sqm Fully renovated first floor office. New carpet, paint and kitchen amenities.

Ducted A/C, Cheap for this quality and location $33,000 P/A + GST.

ERINA FACTORY / WAREHOUSE

402 sqm Factory / warehouse in prime location with dual street frontage $60,000 + GST. Also available adjoining fenced concrete hardstand area of 230sqm at additional $5000 + GST. Rare offering in this location.

GOSFORD - MEDICAL ROOMS

127.5 sqm fully fitted and partitioned medical consulting rooms. Modern reception and kitchen facility.

Onsite parking available. $36,000 P/A Net + GST.

WEST GOSFORD – FACTORY WAREHOUSE

415 sqm factory warehouse plus 63sqm mezzanine level. High clearance bay, good access, motorised Roller shutter, internal amenities. $40,000 P/A Nett + GST. Citicoast Realty 87 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: 02 4324 1322 Email: Citicoast@citicoastrealty.com.au

Disability services organisation leases in Wyong Ability Options has leased Suite 1, a 250sqm ground floor commercial office suite, at 30 – 32 Hely Street, Wyong.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 2 year option at a rental of $50,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. The lease was negotiated by Chris Watson from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast and David Tawyer from Citicoast Realty.

While U Wait shoe repair business relocates from Taree to Erina Alex Fischer While U Wait has relocated his successful Taree business to Shop 17, Palm Court, 172-176 The Entrance Road, Erina.

The business specialises in shoe repairs, key cutting, watch batteries and engraving, all carried out while u wait.

Lease terms for the 58 sqm shop is 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $18,200 per annum net plus GST. Richard Ellis from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the lease.

Physiotherapist leases at Berkeley Vale Ourimbah Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre Pty Ltd has leased Suite 4 at 9 – 11 Hereford Street, Berkeley Vale for a physiotherapy and sports injury management clinic.

Terms of lease for the 220 sqm premises are 3 years with no option at a rental of $25,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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18

PROPERT Y REPORTS

While U Wait shoe repair business relocates from Taree to Erina

Kitchen manufacturer leases at West Gosford A kitchen manufacturer has leased Unit 17 at 4 Merinee Road, West Gosford The 153 sqm unit is part of a 17 unit factory warehouse complex.

Terms of lease are 3 years with no option at a rental of $16,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

ALEX FISCHER WHILE U Wait has relocated his successful Taree business to Shop 17, Palm Court, 172-176 The Entrance Road, Erina.

The business specialises in shoe repairs, key cutting, watch batteries and engraving, all carried out while u wait.

Lease terms for the 58 sqm shop is 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $18,200 per annum net plus GST. Richard Ellis from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the lease.

Terms of lease for the 220 sqm premises are 3 years with no option at a rental of $25,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

Kitchen manufacturer leases at West Gosford A kitchen manufacturer has leased Unit 17 at 4 Merinee Road, West Gosford The 153 sqm unit is part of a 17 unit factory warehouse complex.

Terms of lease are 3 years with no option at a rental of $16,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

Furniture manufacturer leases at West Gosford Loughlin Furniture Designs has leased Unit 1, a 290 sqm factory unit at 305 Manns Road, West Gosford.

Terms of lease are 3 years with no option at a rental of $30,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

Physiotherapist leases at Berkeley Vale Ourimbah Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre Pty Ltd has leased Suite 4 at 9 – 11 Hereford Street, Berkeley Vale for a physiotherapy and sports injury management clinic.

IKE NEVER L R B C C E ERIENC

Furniture manufacturer leases at West Gosford Loughlin Furniture Designs has leased Unit 1, a 290 sqm factory unit at 305 Manns Road, West Gosford.

Terms of lease are 3 years with no option at a rental of $30,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST The lease was negotiated by Craig McMullen from Citicoast Realty.

BEFORE

EXP

Central Coast news and issues you won’t find anywhere else, PLUS...

Great networking opportunities at our regular bi-monthly Cocktail Evenings, Access CCBR with our new App (Central Coast Business Review Magazine in the App Store) Weekly Subscriber Newsletters to keep you right up to date. Have your say through our Linkedin Discussion Group and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

JOIN US AND SUBSCRIBE ONLINE NOW www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

BUSINESS TIPS

ADVICE When a choice is not a choice MPLOYERS

ur arge can anage rce, r trade reduce s comp

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, SWAAB Attorneys

ck Ryan As a business owner you can choose com.au whether or not to pay staff bonuses, right?

"Discretionary" means ... well … discretion-

s ary – doesn't it? um Building, Not always says the Federal Court in the RINA NSW 2250

recent case of Russo v Westpac. In that case, the court ordered Mr Russo's employer to pay a discretionary bonus it had withheld due to Mr Russo's poor performance.

Although the case concerned a high ranking bank employee (his annual bonus was a whopping $70,000) the same principles are relevant to any sized employer.

The Facts Mr Russo was employed by the bank under an employment contract which clearly stated the payment of any bonus was "at the absolute discretion of Westpac". For the first two years of his employment Mr Russo's

performance was classified as "effective" under the bank's performance appraisal procedures and he received annual bonuses of $70,000.

In his final year of employment (prior to being made redundant), Mr Russo's performance was classified as "needing improvement" and Westpac declined to pay him a bonus.

Mr Russo claimed that the bank had acted unreasonably in finding his performance inadequate and that he was contractually entitled to the payment of the bonus he had received in previous years.

The Decision The court followed previous decisions on this topic and confirmed that even where an employment contract states that a bonus is "at the absolute discretion" of the employer there is an implied requirement that the discretion be exercised reasonably.

It further found that Westpac's assessment of Mr Russo's performance as "needing improvement" was unfair for a number of reasons including that, in breach of Westpac's internal policies, Mr Russo's performance had been assessed without a one on one performance meeting and his performance had not been measured against the performance targets set for him.

Resolution services for small business Mediation services provided by the NSW Government are helping small businesses resolve disagreements that threaten their future, says Minister for Small Business John Barilaro.

“The bottom line is that disputes cost time and money that can cause mums and dads running a small business a great deal of unnecessary stress,” Mr Barilaro said.

“To relieve this burden the NSW Government is providing confidential mediation and dispute resolution services.

“The strength of mediation is that everyone involved is guided through practical options so collectively they can view the problem more constructively to develop a way forward.

“In 2014, 17,450 requests for assistance were received and of these most were resolved without the need for a court decision.

“In the majority of cases a resolution was reached for free at the informal stage of the process, without the need for formal mediation or legal channels.

“Problems are often not as daunting once people have more information and the strategic or procedural advice to help them

think about a creative solution.”

Small businesses and large organisations interacting with them can work with an impartial party to talk through business problems and this helps them consider: • If information is missing; • I f there is an alternative way to look at the situation; • Who or what may be influencing the situation; • What is the most commercial way to think about the problem; and • How they may have contributed.

Business disputes vary considerably, some examples include: •D isputes between tenants and landlords about leases, rent or maintenance; •D isputes between business operators and suppliers; and •D isputes between business operators and government agencies or local councils.

To find out more about the dispute resolution and mediation services available visit http://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/ solving-problems

Because the assessment of Mr Russo's performance was unreasonable, this in turn meant that the refusal to pay the bonus was also unreasonable and Westpac was therefore acting in breach of contract.

Accordingly, the court therefore ordered Westpac to pay Mr Russo's bonus of $70,000 and all his legal costs.

Lessons The Courts want us to understand that – the decision to pay a bonus or not is not a completely free one.

Even where payments are stated to be at the employer's sole discretion, any decision on payment must be made on a reasonable basis.

If you are paying bonuses according to performance, it is worthwhile ensuring that the assessment of performance be carried out reasonably and in line with company policies.

If you want the freedom to withhold bonuses due to financial constraints or employee misconduct, the law requires that you include such requirement in your contracts / policies.

For further information, please contact employment law specialist Warwick Ryan on wpr@swaab.com.au or call 02 9233 5544.

More than 5500 businesses at risk as banks seize rented assets Australian construction hire companies are losing millions of dollars through the Personal Property Securities Act, which allows creditors to seize rented equipment as part of a liquidated business’ assets.

The hire industry employs 17,000 Australians, the majority in small and medium sized businesses, and is estimated to contribute $6.5 billion to the economy annually.

Under the Personal Property Securities Act, hire company assets can be seized by another secured creditor (usually a bank) when in the possession of a liquidated business – ignoring the fact that this equipment is owned by the hire company.

Australia’s hire industry, more than 5500 businesses nationwide, is struggling to cut through the red tape and lack of common sense wrapped around the Act, says Phil Newby, Chief Executive of the industry’s peak body, the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA).

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

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20

BUSINESS NEWS

Council calls for interest in new Education and Business Precinct Council has developed a Masterplan to establish an integrated education and business precinct on a 65 hectare greenfield site in Warnervale. It is envisaged the site will house a world class university campus for 7000 students creating 500 permanent jobs, a Smart Hub knowledge and community centre and a strategically integrated business park creating a further 1000 jobs.

This is one of the Council’s key projects to help transform the Warnervale area and create employment and educational opportunities to support the region’s growth.

Meanwhile a move by Wyong Council for a stand-alone Central Coast University to be supported by the Central Coast

Regional Organisation of Councils (Gosford and Wyong) was not supported at the June meeting of the CCROC’s Executive Committee.

Commenting on the issue, Wyong Mayor, Doug Eaton, said the need for a stronger university presence on the Central Coast is now firmly on the agenda. Everyone at the joint meeting acknowledged the need for significant improvements in the provision of university courses on the Central Coast.

“However, we disagreed on how to best address this growing need in our community.

“Whilst I am disappointed with the outcome, this matter is now clearly on both Councils agenda. “Council will now look at how we can ensure our residents have

access to more affordable pathways into higher education.

“Only nine percent of our population have a tertiary education – we are simply not getting enough of our kids into University and that has to change.

“I still believe the Coast deserves its own university – we cannot truly be a region in our right without one – but I am glad we are finally talking seriously about this important issue.”

“Everyone at the joint meeting acknowledged the need for significant improvements in the provision of university courses on the Central Coast.

“However, we disagreed on how to best address this growing need in our community.

CON T INUED AR T ICLES Council refuses contentious Avoca Theatre redevelopment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

opposition, would not have been in the community’s best interests.

“Although we received well over 1500 individual letters and signatures objecting to this proposal, it’s important to acknowledge that we also received around 800 individual letters and signatures supporting it.

“But ultimately the site’s flooding risks were too significant to ignore, especially for this proposal.

“With the site located in an existing floodway, the proposed vehicle access and basement car parking for the redevelopment posed serious public safety risks if the site flooded,” he said.

In March 2015, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage also advised

Council that the NSW Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW, had made an Interim Heritage Order over the site.

The Interim Heritage Order meant Council had limited power to determine the current application without the concurrence of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

“I would like to sincerely thank every resident for their comments and feedback on this proposal, and patience while we assessed the application,” Mayor McKinna added.

“I’d also like to thank the Council staff and developer for their efforts in trying to see whether this redevelopment could be delivered in a more suitable and acceptable way.”

The Monday Google came to Gosford Another significant fact to take away from the meeting was the growth in both mobile phone search and of YouTube. Both represented significant challenges and opportunities to local businesses. Peter said that YouTube represents a particular opportunity for Australian businesses through highly subsidised placement of ads. “Advertising online has never been more important as the number of eyeballs online reached over 80% of the population weekly” adding “OI Organise Internet has an accredited Google Partnership agency status, something that gives them access

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

to extra tools and insights into how to construct successful campaigns with high ROIs” Both Peter and Matteo returned to Pyrmont with a smile on their faces and a good opinion of Central Coast business as forward thinking and positive.

Organise Internet has a series of white papers and links available from the day to people that were not able to attend. Make contact via a quick Google search or via twitter @OrganiseInt or by phone.

I’d like to thank CCBusiness Review, CC Leagues Club and Mad Cow Graphics for supporting the event.

Central Coast Ambassador promoting our region In USA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

al programs and delivery methodology to students. The purpose of this research is to help me develop an innovative, world-class education program at the War Exhibit and offer it to schools and community groups across the Central Coast."

Mr Church has also received a lot of interest in his two new books.

"I’ve given the universities and libraries copies of How to Solve Your Problems Without a Superhero and Architect of Change. I was also given the opportunity to speak to groups about how I came to write them and why they are different from other business building books. Obviously, the topics I cover of problem solving, business efficiency, and continuous improvement are just as relevant to American businesses as they are to companies in Australia."

Both books are now signed with Woodslane for national distribution in Australia. When asked about this achievement, Mr Church couldn't be more pleased.

"It is exciting to think that an author from the Central Coast may attract widespread circulation in the United States as well.”

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✓ Independent Minute Taker ✓ Shorthand dictation, audio transcription ✓ Proofreading, Copyediting, Typing ✓ Examination Invigilation ✓ Surveys designed (eg, Board/committee self-assessment) data collected, analysis reports prepared PROFESSIONAL

AU T O M AT I O N A N D T E C H N O LO G Y

SECURIT Y Phone: (02) 4322 1713

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Guards - Patrols - Alarms1/1 Gibbens Road, West Gosford 2250 Guards - Patrols - Alarms Monitoring - CCTVian.tindale@allpoint.com.au Monitoring - CCTV Master Licence 407301286

1300 307 601 livingautomation.com.au

Y

E

it’s your world.

We are 100% Australian owned and have over 25 years Ian Tindale J.P. ALLPOINT of operational experience in the security industry.

Consultancy / HR Officer SECURITY

N N

it’s your world.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Web: www.allpoint.com.au

www.allpoint.com.au 1/1 Gibbens Road, West Gosford 2250

4322 1713

ALLPOINT SECURITY

TA X AT I O N

GRAPHIC DESIGN > PRINT For brochures, flyers, newsletters, stationery, logos, posters, menus & more

www.madcowgraphics.com.au Wamberal 2260

RELIABLE

Allpoint Security is the trusted name for Fax: (02) 4322 1753 Mobile: 0418 110 696 T security on the Central Coast.

POIN ALL

Automation Media Control From your home to your office board room – We offer solutions for lighting control, audio/visual, communications and automated living environments.

CONFIDENTIAL

• Accounting & Bu Business Services Taxation • Taxat • Superannuation Superann

Phone: 4323 3677

0416 111 357

www.howas.com.au

e. leanne@howas.com.au or ken@howas.com.au

Central Coast business events calendar Event holder

Description

Date

Information

BIZ+

Networking Meeting

Every Thursday from 7.30am Erina Leagues Club

network@bizplus.com.au

East Gosford Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Second Monday of the month

ken@howas.com.au

Gosford District Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Second Wednesday of the month

www.gosfordchamber.com.au

The Entrance & District Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

First Wednesday of the month

www.theentrancecc.com.au

Northern Lakes Regional Business Chamber

Members Meeting

Second Tuesday of the month

www.northernlakes.net.au

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Second Monday of the month

www.peninsulachamber.asn.au

Wyong Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Fourth Tuesday every 2nd month

www.wyongchamber.com.au

Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre

Top 10 Tips for Leasing Commercial 22 July 2015 and Retail Spaces How to write content for Website / 5 Aug 2015 Marketing Material

info@ccbec.org.au info@ccbec.org.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

21

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FUNNY BUSINESS

A STOCKBROKER WAS cold calling about a penny stock and found a taker. “I think this one will really move,” said the broker, “it’s only $1 a share.”

“Buy me 1000 shares” said the client. The next day the stock was at $2. The client called the broker and said, “You were right, get me 5000 more shares.” The next day the client looked in the paper and the stock was at $4.

The client ran to the phone and called the broker, “Get me 10,000 more shares,” he said.

“Great!” said the broker. The next day the client looked in the paper and the stock was at $9. Seeing what a great profit he had in just a few days, the client ran home to the phone and told the broker, “Sell all my shares!” The broker said, “To whom? You were the only one buying that stock.”

An Irishman goes for a job on a building site.

The man says, “Can you brew tea?” The Irishman says, “Yes.” “Good. Can you drive a forklift?” The Irishman looks at him and asks, “Why? How big is the teapot?”

USAir recently introduced a special half fare for wives who accompanied their husbands on business trips.

Expecting valuable testimonials, the PR department sent out letters to all the wives of businessmen who had used the special rates, asking how they enjoyed their trip.

Letters are still pouring in asking, “What trip?”

A couple of old guys were golfing when one said he was going to Dr. Taylor for a new set of dentures in the morning. His friend remarked that he had gone to the same dentist a few years before.

“Is that so?” the first said. “Did he do a good job?”

“Well, I was on the course yesterday

when the fellow on the ninth hole hooked a shot,” he said. “The ball must have been going 200 mph when it hit me in the stomach. That,” he added, “was the first time in two years my teeth didn’t hurt.”

An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. So he bought the dog.

He was dying to tell his friend, an eternal pessimist who refused to be impressed with anything, of his good luck.

This, surely, would impress him so he invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.

As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. They fired, and a duck fell.

The dog responded and jumped into the water.

The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve

the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. This continued all day long; each time a duck fell, the dog walked across the surface of the water to retrieve it.

The friend watched carefully, saw everything, but did not say a single word.

On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?”

“I sure did,” responded the pessimist.

“He can’t swim.”

Quote of the month The only way to know how customers see your business is to look at it through their eyes.

Daniel R. Scroggin

All-New TRAFIC at Brian Hilton Renault from

32,990

$

drive away#

#Recommended driveaway price for Renault Trafic Single Turbo. *5 years unlimited km warranty applies to all new Renault passenger vehicles. Demonstrator vehicles receive balance of new vehicle warranty. Roadside Assistance terms and conditions apply. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault. com.au/drivingpeaceofmind for details. ^First 3 scheduled maintenance services capped at $299 per service on new and demonstrator Captur models based on standard scheduled servicing from new and on normal operating conditions. Scheduled maintenance services required every twelve (12) months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first). If vehicle is not presented within three (3) months of when the scheduled service is required, right to that capped-price service under the program is forfeited. Renault reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this offer. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31 July 2015. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault.com.au/drivingpeaceofmindfor details. Houma Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Brian Hilton Motor Group dealer licence DL8057. YPA5829

BRIAN HILTON RENAULT 600 Pacific Highway, Nth Gosford / ph: (02) 4328 2888 brianhiltonrenault.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2015

renault.com.au

Central Coast Business Excellence Awards 2015 “Make it simple, but significant.” Don Draper Mad Men Join colleagues and business friends at the Central Coast’s premier business event. Celebrate the strivers, the visionaries, the doers, the risk takers, the Coast’s shining lights.

For all bookings and enquiries contact Kerry Ruffels on 0410 494999 or kerry@ccbea.com.au Saturday 29 August 2015, 7:00pm for 7:30pm | Dress: 60’s Formal

Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza

Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

ccbea.com.au SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2015

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KERRY RUFFELS 0410 494 999 AT CENTRE STAGE EVENTS

Your asset, our house...

“Peace of mind to all those we service.”

ACS Integrated Service Provider is a leading service provider offering solutions across Retail, Commercial, Industrial, Health & Education, and Civil Sectors.

Over the past 24 years ACSISP has delivered the highest level of professionalism to our clients operating on a National basis.

SECURITY CLEANING MAINTENANCE HOUSE KEEPING TRAFFIC CONTROL CIVIL SERVICES RESOURCES MINING

NEW SOUTH WALES

I QUEENSLAND I NORTHERN TERRITORY I VICTORIA I WESTERN AUSTRALIA I SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ACS - A LOCALLY OWNED COMPANY Suite 5, Highpoint, 257-259 Central Coast Highway, Erina

T: 02 4365 4420

www.acsisp.com.au