March 2013 edition of Central Coast Business Review by Central Coast Business Review

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Vol 24 March 2013

Published monthly (except January)

Erina studio produces animated Doctor Who episodes New life for The Springs Authorities show ineptness in aftermath of Gosford fire Wyong Council puts airport back on the agenda

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IN THIS ISSUE

Cover story

Regular features

4 Erina studio produces animated Doctor Who episodes

6 Edgar Adams Editorial An airport for Wyong?

15 Business Briefs

Business News 7

16 Property News

New life for The Springs

19 Business Tips

8 Authorities show ineptness in aftermath of Gosford fire

Bullies putting your business at risk Employee or not employee – Why is it not clearer

9 Grammar reports strong enrolment growth 10 Wyong Council puts airport back on the agenda 12 New branding for Community College 12 Raybal to build Australia’s first Indoor Skydive Facility 13 Regional Development projects shortlisted for Canberra 14 New Franchisee for Bloomtools 14 Hilton’s take on golf carts 14 Gordon Donald joins Datacom 14 New PR presence on Coast 15 Wyong Council appoints new Directors

Front cover: Planet55 Studios’ Austen Atkinson (See story Page 4 and 5)

17 Brand Group leases up at the Entrance

Contact

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

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cov e r story

Erina studio produces animated Doctor Who episodes Erina based animation house, Planet 55 Studios, has a raft of commissions from BBC Worldwide to produce animated Doctor Who episodes, recreating episodes lost from the archives but now considered to be lost treasures by Doctor Who’s many millions of fans. Doctor Who -The Reign of Terror episodes, produced by Austen Atkinson and his team, were released last month completing a project which started in June 2011 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Doctor Who television series. Production of the Doctor Who episodes required the re-imagining of the process of animation from the ground up, with Austen taking the classic 2D animation process of yesteryear and bringing it into the twenty-first century. Planet 55 Studios’ animators, most of whom Austen recruited from the Central Coast, developed a totally new process of animation, combining existing technologies with innovative new ones, to create a process they call Thetamation. Combined with a unique and top secret colour palette and 5-tone shading system that they call Sigmacolor, Planet 55 Studios has created animation which is not only unique but engaging, exciting and cinematic.

“We have developed a core team of creative people who are fuelling innovation and success allowing us to develop massive new brands and projects that will compete on the world stage,” said Mr Atkinson. Currently Planet 55 Studios are in production on the fourth episode in a classic story called Doctor Who - The Tenth Planet, the original having been lost and that famous story seeing the first time the time-travelling Doctor died and was reborn as a new actor. One of the holy grails of Doctor Who, recent previews of the work being completed now at Erina, produced rave reviews and huge excitement across the globe. The release of Doctor Who - The Tenth Planet is very keenly anticipated, with decades of pent up demand for this lost treasure. It will be released in Quarter 4 of 2013. Following the new Studio’s success with a massive international brand like Doctor Who, Australia’s own ABC Television has commissioned an exciting new science fiction adventure series from Planet 55. Titled Prisoner Zero, the new 26-part animated action series is coming to the end of its first development block and excitement at the Studio about the show is at fever pitch. The additional work means that the Studio will need

to add to their workforce and recruitment and training is very much on Mr Atkinson’s mind. “We have some very talented young people here on the Central Coast and they are very inventive,” he said, “it’s one of the reasons I want to continue operating here - there’s a pent up demand for work of this kind. My gang just love getting on with their work every day - who wouldn’t? Offered freelance work, they get paid to draw spaceships and action heroes and can work wherever they want. They can sit on the beach and animate if they like, so long as they deliver the goods. Can you animate? Can you draw and want to learn to animate? Then we are the guys for you.” Planet 55 Studios recruit their people through Universities, the high schools, Youth Connections and word of mouth. “We operate a really successful Intern Program and offer training opportunities to people that are not available anywhere else in Australia - simply because we do things no one else does,” Mr Atkinson said. “The enthusiasm of these young people is tremendous and the quality of work we are producing is so good that our partners have vested their trust in us to continue producing these high end products for them.

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March 2013

Cover story

Central Coast the right place for animation house Planet 55 Studios could have been based in the USA because that is where founder Austen Atkinson first dreamt it up. Finding a business partner in long term friend and fellow producer, Jason Haigh-Ellery, they pitched for the opportunity to produce animated versions of Doctor Who, for BBC Worldwide. When fate took a hand and he moved to Australia, Austen settled on the Central Coast. “It’s a stunning area. Looks like heaven. Close enough to Sydney but it has that clean, healthy air that just guarantees a fabulous lifestyle. That’s hard to find this close to a major city. From a cost-base point of view, it’s unbeatable especially as we are housed in an ultra high tech space at the amazing Platinum Building. They’ve brought the city to coast giving us the best of both worlds,” said Mr Atkinson. The journey to Planet 55 started in the early 1990s when he worked as a script editor, writer and producer on childrens’, family and adult skewing shows, including network dramas such as Dream Team for the Sky/Fox network, a children’s football drama Goal! for BBC Worldwide, Family Affairs for Channel 5 and as a writer and storyliner on ITV dramas and was even a consultant at the BBC’s Fictionlab. Mr Atkinson’s talents and creativity have taken him across the world and seen him become a very successful originator of television dramas, documentaries and

March 2013

Back Row:Colin Bennett, Austen Atkinson, Stephanie Youlten, Xiang Tang, Front Row:Josh Campbell, Sean Zwan, Jake Opperman

docudramas, including the flagship History Channel docudrama Vulcan Bomber and an incredibly successful and emotive series about the world famous horse whisperer Monty Roberts (Monty’s Memories). He has now made TV dramas for all six of the main UK networks, high end docudramas and factuals for the Discovery and History Channels, the BBC and children’s animation in Hollywood for Bratz and Alien Racers’ producers MGA Entertainment. As a writer Mr Atkinson’s best selling books include; The World in Our Hands which has been published in eighteen languages all over the world, Impact Earth: Asteroids, Comets and Meteors, Lost Civilizations: – Rediscovering ancient sites through new technologies, The Tomorrow people: The Ghosts of Mendez.

His latest book was adapted as a highly successful high-end TV series Lost Worlds for Channel 4 (UK) and Discovery Channel (USA), meanwhile the book itself was hailed as ground breaking using CGi to reconstruct lost cities. He won the Cablefax award for the USA Cable Network’s best educational TV Show “Parelli”. Mr Atkinson sees the future for Planet 55 Studios as being a leading production house for television, internet and film and is presently looking for larger premises to expand. “Of course, operating our studio from Erina will depend on our ability to access superfast broadband,” he said. “We generate masses of data each day and our audience is increasingly internet centric, so we have to have the capability to move our files around preferably at gigabit speeds.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

E D I TOR I A L Edgar Adams discusses local issues

An airport in Wyong? Twenty years ago a consortium of local investors sought to redevelop Warnervale Airport into a fully operational regional airport and operate an interstate airline service. Wyong Council who owned the airport supported the proposal seeing that it would generate employment and add value to the regional economy. Warnervale Airport had been in existence since before World War II and was used mostly by a small elite group of local enthusiasts who regarded it as their own property. Everyone knew it was there and residents buying into the new suburbs that were cropping up nearby were made aware via the Section 149 Certificates attached to their property. However, when the redevelopment proposal was announced it became a hot political issue supported by the Local State Member and the Anti Sydney Airport activists. The activists won and the local Member introduced his own Private Member’s Bill restricting the airport’s activities forever. Warnervale Airport as a valuable piece of infrastructure was dead. The intervening years have seen the Central Coast economy decline to a point where young families are forced to leave the region just to get a job. Fast forward to 2012 and a forward thinking Wyong Council, knowing the economic value of such an airport, has identified a new site and incorporated it into their Draft LEP which is now with the Minister.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

Undoubtedly the handful of naysayers and activists who spend their life trying to stop everything, and in many cases have succeeded, will be out in force again on this. However, Wyong Council has been clever this time. They have sought to ascertain community opinion and it is encouraging. There is a little lesson for our low profile state politicians in the Micromex survey to gauge community support (see page 11). 84% of those surveyed supported this airport. But more importantly it highlighted the jobs crisis and the state of the regional economy with 95% saying that is very important that Council support developments that will provide for business and create jobs while 18% said it was important. It means that 95% of Wyong Shire residents are concerned about jobs. The Minister for Western Sydney who happens to be the NSW Premier should take note of our community’s wishes. Our front cover image and story this month highlights a new business in a new era and shows us that the Central Coast has huge opportunities in front of it, particularly with the advent of Broadband. Austen Atkinson could have set up his animation studio anywhere in the world but he chose the Central Coast. He has plans to expand but that will depend on the availability of superfast broadband being available to him pretty soon.

When you think about it the Central Coast is the perfect location for a film studio. There are thousands of movie and documentary studios all over the world and they employ a lot of people. On the same note the Central Coast is growing a critical mass of creative industries led at this stage by the music industry under the leadership of Rod McCormack. On the subject of Broadband we know the rollout is progressing well in the Gosford and Berkeley Vale rollout areas. Erina, and Tuggerah and the northern parts of Wyong are still not on the NBN Co’s rollout map and many people are now getting rather tetchy about this. The Federal Government, to their eternal credit, came up with the NBN and have got everyone excited. We can all see the enormous opportunities that are opening up and make no mistake about it, the Central Coast desperately needs new opportunities. Edgar Adams Editor

Hear Edgar Adams’ business comment 8.10am each Monday. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

March 2013

Business News

New life for The Springs

Since it was established some ten years ago The Springs Golf Club at Peats Ridge has had its ups and downs and in the end fell into the hands of the Receivers about five years ago. However, as is often the case with such developments, The Springs was finally bought by someone with not only the vision but the means to turn it into what promises to be one of the Central Coast’s prime attractions. Well known mining entrepreneur, Norman Seckold and his wife Jill saw the opportunities and bought the property almost five years ago. Since then they have made a multi-million dollar investment transforming the course layout and making substantial improvements to the landscaping and finally building a new clubhouse, bistro and function centre that takes absolute advantage of its position overlooking the course and looking west across the rural landscape towards Mangrove Mountain. Designed by architects Machon Paull and supervised by Phil Paull the clubhouse covers some 700 square metres of which about half is a covered verandah. Golfing facilities that include luxury change rooms and a very upmarket ProShop are accommodated on the lower clubhouse level. Mrs Seckold engaged the well known Woollahra interior designer Deanne Rooz to advise on the luxury furnishings throughout the clubhouse. “I wanted to make a statement with the clubhouse, bistro and function centre and the facilities as it is very much the centre of what we have planned for The Springs,” said Mrs Seckold. March 2013

“We will be targeting the wedding and corporate market and will be working in with the local accommodation venues here in the region as well as corporate golf days, Jill and Norman Seckold social golfing locally and from Sydney. Mr Wylie has over fifteen years experiThe Sitting Duck Bistro opened in the ence in managing golf resorts and golf clubhouse at the end of February and clubs, including The Vintage, Magenta will be open for lunch most days and Shores, and Cypress Lakes. Chef Schwallie dinner and breakfast on weekends. has an extensive catering background Mrs Seckold said that their next prohaving worked in the Soho Brasserie ject is a Chapel followed by twenty villas in London, Gleneagles in Scotland, the that will overlook the golf course.” Cambridge Beach Luxury Spa in Bermuda “Our aim is to make The Springs a destiand many others around the world. nation and a very important Central Coast venue that will rival the best on the Central Coast and in the Hunter Valley,” she said.

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The Seckolds have appointed Steve Wylie General Manager (see CCBR November 2012) and Executive Chef Mario Schwallie Head of Food and Beverage and they have retained Head Golf Professional, Phillip Arthur who has been with the Springs since its conception more than ten years ago.

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

Business N ews

Authorities’ ineptness in aftermath of Gosford fire

What was left of the asbestos roof of the Zone 3 Laser Tag building

Mann and Etna Streets Gosford intersection closed for two weeks

Confusion reigned supreme in the aftermath of a fire that destroyed the Zone 3 Laser Tag building in Mann Street, Gosford on the 1st February closing Mann Street (Gosford’s main thoroughfare, also known as the Pacific Highway) for thirteen days.

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one appears to care,” as one business owner said. Cause of the debacle and paranoia following the fire was the discovery that the building’s roof and some of the interior and exterior walls were asbestos and during the fire some had blown onto the road and surrounding businesses, particularly those opposite. It also blew onto the railway line and across to Watt Street but the authorities showed no interest in that. Once the asbestos was identified every government authority that might have an interest were notified and all went into overdrive except none appeared to have any idea of what to do. This applied particularly in respect to the NSW WorkCover Authority (Head Office Gosford!) who has oversight for the safety of workers. Initially the road was closed for five days while Police Forensics carried out their investigations and a decision was made as to the safety of the structure. Engineers and specialist asbestos hygienists were engaged, days later, and finally Gosford Council brought in a specialist asbestos demolition company from Newcastle who were taking their time so they got the sack and a new outfit also from Newcastle completed the job. In the meantime and for the following month the car dealers opposite the fire site were forced to sanitise their buildings and all motor vehicles at an enormous cost and time closed. There was no sense of urgency, no one authority was in control and no one wanted to take responsibility. But no one cared. Business was paying the cost! This event has highlighted the enormous onerous that is placed upon business when government bodies make regulations not knowing or caring about the ramifications. March 2013

Business News

Grammar reports strong enrolment growth Central Coast Grammar School has enjoyed an excellent start to the year, continuing to attract strong enrolments in an uncertain economic climate. “We have experienced increased starting numbers over the last two years and have welcomed a record number of new students this year, showing the priority families are placing on quality education as the key to future success,” said Headmaster, Bill Low. “Of particular note this year is a threefold increase in the number of students joining the school in Year 5, as families who missed out at Kindergarten take the opportunity for their children to build friendships and develop good study habits before the critical adolescent and senior school years.” Mr Low said an undoubted draw card is the school’s academic performance. Excellent NAPLAN results coming up through the Junior School predict sustained excellence in the coming years. This will build on consistent results in the 2012 HSC, where almost half of CCGS students achieved an ATAR over 80 and almost a quarter over 90. “We are particularly proud of this cohort who have not only matched the achievement of the last several years in the percentage of students achieving an ATAR of 90 or over, but also contributed greatly to the cocurricular life of the school.

Central Coast Grammar School Headmaster, Bill Low discusses HSC results with senior students

Despite their busy schedule, they have devoted countless hours in service to the wider community. They truly embody our school’s aspiration of ‘confident, caring and well balanced young adults.” “In this spirit of service, CCGS is delighted to be amongst other local business sponsors of the new Gosford City Relay for Life event which will be hosted at the school on Saturday and Sunday May 18 and 19. We are looking forward to bringing our school community together with our wider community for a night of fun, entertainment, celebration and remembrance,” Mr Low said. Meanwhile, the school’s new Performing Arts Centre building project is moving forward to schedule. Having finalised the architectural design and specification, tenders were invited from six builders last month. Mr Low said , “We

anticipate appointing a builder by the end of March, with building work commencing in April and a state-of the art facility operational for Semester 2 next year.” “Performing Arts education not only has intrinsic value, but it is also well accepted that access to high level opportunities in the performing arts through good program design, excellence in teaching and first class facilities, has a significant impact on achievement across the academic curriculum and on student social and emotional wellbeing. “The new Performing Arts Centre is arguably the most significant building development in the history of Central Coast Grammar School and we are very excited to be able to provide this fabulous opportunity for today’s students and those who will join us next year and in the years to come,” Mr Low said.

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business N ews

Wyong Council puts airport back on the agenda The new Wyong Council has shown that it intends to put economic development firmly on the agenda with its draft Local Environment Plan now on exhibition (see CCBR February 2013) and which identifies a potential site for a Type 3 Airport at Wallarah in the northernmost part of the Shire. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move follows the release of a recent Joint Study on Aviation Capacity in the Sydney Region published by the Federal and NSW Governments. The move to include the airport site in the LEP is aimed at protecting what is seen as an important future community asset. The area in question comprises 900 hectares and would be suitable for a Type 3 Airport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a limited service airport with single runway length of up to 2,600 metres. Obviously this will not be the site for a Second Sydney Airport as misreported in the Sydney press. Earlier, Council engaged consultants,

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

An A320 Airbus suitable to operate from a Type 3 airport

GHD Pty Ltd, to prepare a submission in respect to the airport and its social, economic and environmental justification in the LEP.

The Wallarah site is close to the Wyong Employment Zone and the recently approved Warner Industrial Park. It is adjacent to the F3 and less than 14 kms

March 2013

business News

Lake Macquarie City Council Area

from Tuggerah. It is also strategically situated between the urban areas of Sydney and Newcastle as well as the Hunter Valley mining areas. The Department of Planning has stated that Wyong Shire’s population will rise by 70,000 to 220,000 by 2031. Employment growth (which has been stagnant on the Central Coast for the past ten years) in what is now a sociodisadvantaged community is therefore critical. Additionally, the proposed airport has the potential to provide training facilities and precincts for high-tech jobs in aviation to ensure the continued and sustainable development of a skilled workforce for industry. Airports of this size play a central role in logistics networks and a Wallarah Airport would have the potential to enhance the region’s logistics industry which centres on its location in respect to Sydney and Newcastle and Melbourne / Brisbane. The report also highlights the opportunities for a Wallarah Airport to adequately relieve Sydney’s aviation congestion. It would be used by low cost carriers and /or major airlines relocating some of their Sydney Airport services, providing primarily ‘point to point’ services on intermediate length domestic and potentially international routes.

Wyong Shire Council Area

Warnervale

Km 2

Proposed site for airport see blue outline

Survey reveals strong support Concerned at the community’s feelings towards a Type 3 airport at Wallarah Wyong Council engaged Stuart Reeves from Micromex Research to undertake a survey to ascertain the level of support for such a project. The survey which was conducted in mid-February revealed: 43% Very supportive 24% Supportive 17% Somewhat supportive 6% Not supportive 10% Not at all supportive Interestingly it was those in the over 55 years age group who were not at all supportive while those in the 18 – 24 years age group were very supportive. Mr Reeves said that key reasons for supporting the airport were around local employment and opportunities and convenience for residents. Those not supportive quoted noise March 2013

pollution and property impacts as their reasons. Asked whether Council has a mandate to include the airport in the draft LEP the response was: 38% Very important 30% Important 15% Somewhat important 17% Rejected it The jobs crisis on the Central Coast is obviously making everyone aware of the situation as 77% said it is very important that Council support developments that will provide for business and create jobs while 18% said it was important. It means that 95% of Wyong Shire residents are concerned about jobs. NOTE: The survey was conducted in midFebruary with a sample of 400 residents 18 years and older and weighted to reflect the 2011 ABS Census data. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

Business N EWS

New branding for Community College Central Coast Community College and their training arm, Business Training Solutions, have unified their marketing and with it a new branding which coincides with their 30th anniversary on the Central Coast. College Executive Director, Mallory Dale, proudly revealed the new visual identities that will provide a unified presence for the community education and business training arms of the organisation. “After months of research, planning, and collaboration, we are excited to premiere a brand that represents the common vision of Central Coast Community College and Business Training Solutions shared by the wide cross-section of Board members, staff, tutors, students and community members we consulted. “This brand refresh expands and enhances our identity in a way that mirrors who we are as a top-quality, contemporary and professional training organisation with a long history of success, as well as our vision for the future,” she said. “Our new shared icon brings together our focus on community and business in one image and reflects the connection between the two entities. “It echoes the emphasis that the College and Business Training Solutions place on lifelong learning and reflects the

Business Training Solutions Manager, Jane Koch, President of the Board of Governance John Halling and Executive Director Mallory Dale

infinite possibilities available to learners with us,” said Ms Dale. Ms Dale stated the brand refresh features a range of new marketing collateral, advertising, social media and internet marketing, and two new websites which will be rolled-out in a launch campaign over the next few months. As part of our brand refresh, Central Coast Community College and Business Training Solutions will each have their own website. “The new websites feature a smartdevice friendly design with enhanced functionality and user interaction. They are also powered by a new online

enrolment system that will make it easier for visitors to browse courses, enrol securely online, utilise social media sharing functions, meet tutors and the Board, read annual reports and much more,” said Ms Dale. The rejuvenated Central Coast Community College website went live today at the existing URL: www.cccc.nsw. edu.au Business Training courses will be available on the Central Coast Community College website and the Business Training Solutions website, which will be launched in 2013 as part of the continuing brand launch roll-out campaign.

Raybal to build Australia’s first Indoor Skydive Facility Gosford based Raybal Constructions have been selected to build Australia’s first Vertical Wind Tunnel or ‘Indoor Skydive Facility’ located at Mulgoa Rd Penrith on the Penrith Panthers Club site by ISA Group Limited and will be the first in Australia. Vertical Wind Tunnels enable human beings to fly in air without planes or parachutes, through the force of the wind being generated vertically. In the wind tunnel, wind moves upward at approximately 195 km/h (55 m/s) on average and is varied to equal the terminal velocity of the human body, belly down. This allows the person to float in the air and, compared with all other simulation techniques, VWT replicates most closely the experience of actual skydiving. The facility will be one of the largest

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

and most advanced vertical wind tunnel systems available, developed by the most experienced manufacturers of vertical wind tunnels in the world, SkyVenture, LLC. The facility will provide world class facilities for professional skydivers to maintain and enhance their skill as well as providing a safe, controlled environment for amateurs and beginners to learn their skydiving skills. Up to 8 people can ‘fly’ simultaneously. ISA Group plans to build several wind tunnels around the country including Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Perth and throughout Asia. Central Coast building designer, Graham Mann from Project Works Design was engaged by Raybal Constructions to assist in the design the facility.

From left to right Peter Atkinson (Raybal Constructions), Danny Hogan (ISA Group – Director) , Glen Balneaves (Raybal Constructions – Managing Director), Gary Bergan (Raybal Constructions)

Raybal Constructions Managing Director, Glen Balneaves said, “Raybal Constructions and Project Works Design looks forward to being involved in these projects and a long association with the ISA Group.”

March 2013

business news

Regional Development projects shortlisted for Canberra Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central Coast has welcomed the announcement of projects proceeding to full application stage for Rounds Three and Four of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF). The Federal Government shortlisting includes five Central Coast projects. Rounds Three and Four of the RDAF provides a total of $225 million towards priority regional infrastructure projects that also leverage funding from state and local governments as well as the private sector. RDA Central Coast received a number of high quality Expressions of Interest for a variety of important projects from across the region and consequently, faced the difficult task of prioritising those projects, specifically, which project application most closely achieved the intended outcomes. RDA-CC Executive Officer, Andrew Roach, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We received a number of exceptional project proposals and it was difficult to choose those that will proceed to the final stage of the application process.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The projects which were eventually selected for shortlisting were those that most closely aligned with the priorities of the Regional Plan and most effectively addressed the infrastructure and community priorities of the region.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The projects are backed by a strong level of community support and are ready to proceed. They will each have a positive long-term impact on our region and neighbouring regionsâ&#x20AC;? added Mr. Roach Projects selected to proceed to full application in the Central Coast region are:

(L-R) Stephen Ashton (Wyong Shire Council), Wes Newman (Entrance & District Chamber of Commerce), John Millard (Entrance Revitalisation Group), Craig Thomson MP (Member for Dobell).

Round Three: â&#x20AC;˘ The Sunrise Pedestrian Bridge Studies (The Entrance Town Centre Management Inc). â&#x20AC;˘ Lining of the Internal Walls for the Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub Branch Youth Club Round Four: â&#x20AC;˘ Learning and Enterprise Centre, incorporating City Library (Gosford City Council) â&#x20AC;˘ The Wyong Art House, Performing Arts and Conference Centre (Wyong Shire Council)

â&#x20AC;˘ The McCabe House Disability Support project (proposed by Sunnyfield Disability Services Centre). Each of the shortlisted applications will now be invited to submit formal, more detailed proposals for funding with closing dates for full applications being Wednesday 27 March 2013 for Round Three applicants and Thursday 11 April 2013 for Round Four applicants. An independent Advisory Panel will then assess eligible applications and funded projects will be announced from June onwards.

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March 2013

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Briefs

New franchisee for Bloomtools Gordon Donald joins Datacom

Central Coast two years ago and believes there are many local organisations that deserve to be better recognised and rewarded. “There’s no doubt organisations here have a good story to tell – but many are still missing out because they’re not connecting effectively,” he said. For further information email: john.tuffin@ppr.com.au

Wyong Council appoints new Directors

Yvette Zocher Gordon Donald

Yvette Zocher has bought the Northern Sydney and Central Coast franchise for online marketing solutions company, Bloomtools. With nearly a decade delivering website development solutions and more recently working with the former franchisees Terry Hunt and Andrew Cox, Ms Zocher said she was thrilled to take the helm at Bloomtools. “I’ve used many of the website products available in the market, but once I worked with Bloomtools and saw the results being achieved for our clients, I knew I’d found the best online solution available today”, said Ms Zocher. Bloomtools is well established on the Central Coast with several key accounts moving across to their unique system. ‘It’s our ability to deliver tools and strategies that all work together, which enable our clients to service their customers’ full lifecycle, that appeals to clients.

After 50 years in the security industry, Gordon Donald, well known Marketing Executive for ACS for the last ten years, had decided to semi retire and work casually for Managing Director Warren Hughes two days per week however that leisure space did not last long. The proprietors of electronic security specialists, Datacom, Jerard Retford and Brian Mitchell have enticed him to join Datacom as Marketing Consultant. Based at West Goford, Datacom have been established for over fifteen years concentrating on the Central Coast market. Mr Donald said that there would be no commercial conflict in working with ACS and Datacom as the two companies have common synergies. “This is a young company with huge potential,” he said.

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Australia’s most awarded PR company, Professional Public Relations, has established a presence on the Central Coast through senior consultant John Tuffin. Commenting on the move, Mr Tuffin said, “Every organisation – whether in business, government or the not-for-profit sector – works hard in the hope of being recognised and rewarded through new opportunities. “A strategic communications program that keeps regulators, potential partners and stakeholders informed builds recognition, enhances reputation and keeps organisations top-of-mind.” A former journalist with credits including Thames Television and the BBC World Service, John has been a senior PR consultant for more than 20 years. He moved to the

Lin Armstrong

Jari Ihalainen

Two new directors have been appointed at Wyong Shire Council to lead new Directorates created under a restructure adopted by Council in October 2012. Wyong Mayor, Doug Eaton said that the restructure supports the new Council’s vision to change business practices, make it easier and faster to do business with Council and to drive the region forward. Lin Armstrong is the new Director of Development and Building and Jari Ihalainen has been appointed Director of Land Management. General Manager Michael Whittaker welcomed the new directors, saying they had a big challenge ahead. “We’re pleased at the calibre and experience of Ms Armstrong and Mr Ihalainen, who stood out from a strong field of sixty-four candidates,” he said. “They’ll be facing some big challenges when they start in March. We’re undertaking some serious changes to the way we do business at Council and they will be at the forefront of those changes, working with a great team of dedicated staff.” Ms Armstrong is no stranger to Wyong Shire, where she began her career as a planner. Since then she has had a stellar career in March 2013

Business Briefs

both public and private practice working on major developments such as The Vintage residential and golf estate in Pokolbin. For the last seventeen years she worked in property development with the Stevens Group, and Ms Armstrong also spent twelve months with the State’s Growth Centres Commission project managing the major North Kellyville and Edmondson Park Urban Release Areas. She has a Degree in Geography and Planning and a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England and is a practicing Town Planner in public and private sectors with over 25 years of experience. Mr Ihalainen joins Council with extensive varied experience, most recently consulting to developers in the Middle East, Australia and the US. Previously he was the Chief Executive Officer of Global Real Estate Development in Bahrain managing an international property, development and investment portfolio valued at over $3 billion. Ms Armstrong said she was excited about the opportunities ahead in her role. “My objective is clearly to implement the Councillors objectives for the Directorate and to let the community and industry know that Wyong Shire is open for business,” Ms Armstrong said. “I enjoy seeing concepts turned into reality while balancing all the competing elements involved in planning and building decisions.”

Mr Ihalainen said he was looking forward to the opportunity to add value to the community and make a difference. “I hope to bring a fresh perspective to Land Management at Wyong Shire which will promote economic and social development and establish Wyong as a destination of choice for business, industry and investment,” he said. Former Planning and Environment Director at Council for the past seven years, Gina Vereker has been farewelled. Mayor Doug Eaton said “I am confident that our new team will provide the innovative and progressive leadership that our community needs.”

Devaney’s return to the bakery business Manfred Ulrich and his partner Colleen Willmer have sold the Caves Beach Bakehouse and have returned to the Sunshine Coast to retire. The new owners are Aaron and Katherine Devaney who have both had a break from the bakery industry, working in corporate roles for Foxtel. Positioned opposite the beach at Caves Beach the bakery is well known for many European style products that the Devaneys will continue to promote. The business has always worked short hours 5-1/2 days a week with excellent trading figures.

Graham and Scott McMullen of Argyle Estates Business Brokers who negotiated the sale commented on the strong interest in this business.

Galtons sell Graceline Fencing Judy and Neil Galton have sold Graceline Fencing, and Graceline Powder Coating that incorporates Graceline Aluminium and now are planning to retire. This well known business has been operating for over 30 years and has a ‘state of the art’ powder coating plant in their purpose built factory at Morton Close, Tuggerah. The purchaser is Bradley Birks who has a building background and plans to grow the business further. Graham and Scott McMullen of Argyle Estates Brokers who negotiated the sale were very particular in introducing the right purchaser to this enterprise as Judy and Neil who own the premises were also looking for an excellent tenant.

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PM CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS7/03/12 REVIEW3:46 15

P RO PERT Y

Brand Group leases up at The Entrance The Brand Group which bought a number of retail shops in a distressed sale of shops and units in the 35-37 Coral Street, The Entrance development last year has leased all of the properties with leases being signed prior to Christmas. Details of the leases are: • Shop 4 (cnr of Coral Street and The Entrance Road) leased to Ciao Bella Gelato Bar. • Terms of lease for the 36 sqm shop are $444 per sqm plus Outgoings and GST for a term of 5 years with 5 year option. • Shop 3 (frontage to The Entrance Road) leased to Darby’s Fresh Bake. • Terms of lease for the 54 sqm shop are $521 per sqm plus Outgoings and GST for a term of 3 years with 3 year option. • Shops 1 & 2 (frontage to The Entrance Road) leased to Subway Realty Pty Ltd. • Terms of lease for 112 sqm are $354 per sqm including Outgoings plus GST for a term of 7 years with 7 year option. • Shop 7 (frontage to Coral Street) leased to True Colours Hair Studio. • Terms of lease for the 34 sqm shop are $553 per sqm plus Outgoings and GST for a term of 5 years with 5 year option. • Shop 6 (frontage to Coral Street) leased to White Fire Cafe & Bar. • Terms of lease for 42 sqm are $450 per sqm plus Outgoings and GST for 3 years with 3 year option. • Shop 5 (frontage to Coral Street) leased to Montaze Fashion & Homewares. • Terms of lease for 57 sqm are $350 per sqm plus Outgoings and GST for 5 years with 5 year option.

March 2013

In addition the ANZ Bank has leased a nine sqm site in Coral Street at an undisclosed sum for 5 years with 5 year option. Commenting on the lease up Tim Gunasinghe from Commercialhq, which manages all the Brand Group properties, said that leasing enquiries had been outstanding and surprising. “We could have leased another five shops,” he said. “When we bought into The Entrance we had no experience in the property market there except that we had bought the Ground Floor strata at The Oaks, part of which is leased leased to The Red Centre Restaurant a few years earlier.”. He said that the rates achieved were good and in the middle to high range, all due to the location. “How these properties could have remained vacant for almost three years I have no idea. The developer obviously had no idea of the market.” The Brand Group bought the proper-

ties in April last year which were concrete shells. New shopfronts were installed along with proper drainage and air-conditioning and made presentable. “We bought into The Entrance because we see it as having a great future,” Mr Gunasinghe said. “We still have some vacant shops in Coral Street but we are waiting for a DA to be approved by Wyong Council for a Medical Centre. A Medical Centre will anchor that end of town>” The Brand Group’s ownership of the ground floor strata at The Oaks also includes a 400 sqm Conference Centre space and they are currently negotiating with a leading supermarket for an express supermarket.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

P RO P E RT Y commercial and industrial property for sale/lease

specialist medical suites

CHAPMAN & FRAZER COMMERCIAL SPECIALISTS

Central Coast WYONG - LEASE $28,160 pa net + GST

Superb 128m2 approx office, easy access, parking lot at rear. Ground floor suite within 2 minutes of Railway, Council Chambers, Courthouse & shopping facilities. Quality male / female amenities, kitchenette & 3 large fitout areas with data cabling.

MODERN WEST GOSF WAREHOUSE $1.35M EXCL GST

3a/154 Pacific Highway, Tuggerah

TUGGERAH - GREAT LOCATION

Great location. Approx 288m2 GFA & excellent office/ showroom area of approx 100m2, this factory warehouse has quality amenities & plenty of parking , brilliant access & a high & wide roller door a bonus! LEASE $36,000 pa net + GST

YARRAMALIONG - REDUCED $100,000 !!!

Value investment , Building 1: Yarramalong Cellar business downstairs residence upstairs Building 2: The Manor accomodation & restaurant. 6 rooms for accomodation & 2 bedroom residence, 8 bathroom + 2 car garage, 3 licences. SALE $ 799,990 + GST if applic

Located within the well established Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre these specialist medical suites are perfectly located adjacent to Healthscope Medical Centre, Radiology, Physiotherapy, Dentist and more. Prominent corner location, approx 1810m2 + ancillary carports and awnings on 4193m2 site. Includes executive offices, board/meeting room and amenities approx 280m2 + 1530m2 warehouse.

980m2 WAREHOUSE

FOR LEASE

Areas from 13sqm to 26sqm Features Flexible lease terms Optional double office (for PA/Secretary) Large open plan foyer Very competitive rentals For lease from $780pcm +GST

SOMERSBY - DECEASED ESTATE

1065m2 (approx) ‘A’ Grade warehouse, minutes to F3 Fwy , 8 metre internal clearance, extensive pallet racking remaining. Container height roller doors, clear span design, 8 metre internal ceiling height. SALE $835,000 + GST

For further details phone Julie Davies on 4355 5111

TUGGERAH - INCREDIBLE OFFICE/WAREHOUSE COMBO!

720m2 of excellent height warehouse with double, rear, roller door access & 150m2 of premium office space. Many extras & flexibility, parking at the door (under cover!) cool room + pallet racking (by negotiation). SALE $ 875,000 + GST LEASE $64,800 pa + GST

TUGGERAH - PREMIUM OFFICE & WORKSPACE UNIT!

Excellent office alternative, approx 137m2 , amenities on each floor, ducted A/C, data & cable supplied & fitted, 2 quality kitchenettes + a large tilt panel door, great exposure & parking. SALE $359,000 + GST LEASE $29,455 pa net

AUCTION - CHARMHAVEN

Approx 368m2 of freestanding strata industrial factory / warehouse with mezzanine storage area, wash pit & approx 380m2 of secure hardstand area. Close to both Lakehaven Home Mega Centre, Lakehaven Shopping Centre & 8.7km (approx) to the F3 Fwy. Part of the LJH Commercial National Auction Event Thursday 21st March.

AUCTION - BERKELEY VALE - HAS TO BE SOLD!!!!

Approx 3268m2, zoned 4a General Industrial, centrally positioned between both the Ourimbah & Tuggerah F3 freeway interchanges & large neighbouring businesses including Sanitarium, Mars, TNT, Toll Transport & many more. Part of the LJH Commercial National Auction Event Thursday 21st March, 2013.

ERINA INDUSTRIAL ZONE - SALE $506,000 + GST

An absolute jewel complete with office fit out, meeting/ board room, approved commercial mezzanine area, warehouse and 4 on site car parking spots, 253m2 (approx).

ERINA FAIR - LEASE $30,000pa net + GST

Very rare opportunity to secure small position on the external/ground floor of Erina Fair. Right next to bus terminal, between Pacifioc Smiles & Intencity, ideal retail, commercial medical. 54.39m2 (approx) with a very easy existing design for your fit out.

TUGGERAH - LEASE $38,000pa net + GST

Approx 480m2 industrial with some offices, brilliant parking lot, massive exposure corner main road position in nice complex. Be first to see & lease this unique combination for your business future! First time offered in years! NATIONAL TENANT VACATING! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES and MORE INFORMATION – www.ljhooker.com.au All prices shown GST incl. unless otherwise indicated

LJH COMMERCIAL – CENTRAL COAST

Former Aust Post depot at 20 Dell Rd, West Gosford – ideal warehousing or manufacturing facility $85,000pa net.

Now leasing

FOR SALE PROFESSIONAL ROOMS $349,000 EXCL GST

The property comprises of 3 Consulting Rooms plus Reception plus Kitchen, all air conditioned. Client car parking at the front with additional parking at the side and rear of the building. Triple garaging for warehousing.

FOUNTAINDALE FACTORY $259,000 EXCL GST

Approx 294m2 + 40m2 mezz showroom/office. Also includes ground floor office/showroom. Great Value. Vacant Possession.

PARTITIONED G/FLOOR OFFICE

FOR LEASE

80m2 cnr Mann & Donnison Sts $24,000pa net. Suit financial services, medical etc

INVESTMENT

• Sites from 50m2 to 225m2 • Attractive rates • Gross leases Join Woolworths, Aldi, Best & Less, The Reject Shop and specialty stores. Exciting changes are in store at the Central Coast’s very first shopping centre.

$1.3M Negotiable

6 Bowen Cres, West Gosford is a prominent property on 1 acre with 5 tenancies and returning $109,923pa net (approx). Prices shown with * are inclusive of GST.

4325 0208

Phone Deborah Warwick on 4324 4299

83 MANN STREET, GOSFORD 2250 www.chapmanfrazer.com.au

Advertise your Property in CCBR For further information—Phone: 4367 0733 or email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au

Erina office space – for lease Platinum Building at Erina Suit professional/small business Newly refurbished – professional look, seperate office and extra space, reasonable rental, good amenitiess.

Contact Murray or Kelli – 4365 6528 / 0419 311 782

21/1 Reliance Dr, Tuggerah • Ph: 4353 7700

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

March 2013

Business T ips

Bullies putting your business at risk

By Nathan Corrigan, APEX Insurance Brokers

“CSIRO announced inquiry into bullying by as many as 100 former scientists” The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 Feb 2013 “16 year old worker, wrapped in cling wrap from neck to feet, gagged, smeared with sawdust and glue, and then turned on with fire hose” Canberra Times, 5 Feb 2013 “Spat on, called ugly and had fish oil poured all over hair and clothes” News.com, 8 Feb 2010 It’s repeated incidents like these that keep ‘Bullying’ in the media spot light and at the attention of the public. Dealing with the bullying phenomenon has taken a national focus, whether it is through education programs in schools, sports coaching accreditation course or workplace health and safety legislation;

we as a society can not escape it and if we choose to ignore it, it could be to our detriment. Your employees’ awareness is at its highest. A simple internet search returned over 3 million hits on the subject, with the most popular pages all detailing an employees rights, who they can lodge a complaint with and how to do so. The legal fraternity has clearly identified this issue as a viable revenue stream, launching marketing campaigns with slogans like “FIGHT BACK against UNFAIR TREATMENT”. Further regulatory impost has occurred with the announcement on 12 Feb 2013 by federal minister Bill Shorten detailing changes to the Fair Work Act, allowing workers to be able to have matters listed with the Fair Work Commission within 14 days of the complaint. The aim is to have a “timely, accessible and low-cost relief ” “Low-cost, low cost to who?” I ask. With the FWC having the powers to issue civil penalties of up to $33,000, combined with legal defence costs, loss of productivity, etc, I challenge any SME business owner to say that a trip the FWC is low-cost.

The fact is bullying is occurring, employees are informed of their rights, marketing campaigns are frequent and the cost could be crippling to the viability of your business. So what can you do to protect your business? For best result I recommend that you mitigate against this risk by developing an ‘Anti-Bullying’ policy and related procedures in consultation with HR and Legal professionals. This would also need to include consultation and training with your employees. Combine these measures with an affordable insurance product that will protect both the directors and the entity against an employment practices breach or disputes along with unintentional breaches of statutory legislation that could incur a fine or penalty. At the end of the day, the risk of bullying falls on the shoulders of the business owners as they have a primary duty of care to ensure workers and others are not exposed to a risk to their health and safety. Seeking the advice of a trusted insurance professional will help you to ensure you are adequately protected. Contact Nathan Corrigan of Insurance House on 1300 852 739 to discuss your specific needs.

the deployment of the various agents in their team. Importantly, the sales representatives were not entitled to engage anyone else to sell their insurance on their behalf. It was determinative that the sales representatives were unable to delegate their work and the company was significantly involved in the day-to-day activities of the sales representatives. The Court ultimately found that the sales representatives had "…no real independence of action or true independence of organisation." The fact that two of the representative's services were contracted through a company not as individuals did not change the reality that the relationship was one of employment. The result of this finding was that the company became responsible for the retrospective payment of annual leave, sick leave and long service leave. These entitlements amounted to approximately $500,000. If businesses want to ensure that the relationship is found to be one of principal/subcontractor (i.e. not one of employment), the simple messages to be learnt from this case are:

• even where there are written contracts that state that the relationship is not employer/employee – that will not determine the issue; • the work referred to in the contract should be able to be carried by a third party engaged by the contractor (albeit with approval of the particular individual); • businesses are entitled to control what work is to be done and the time limits and cost involved, but not as to how the work is to be carried out; • preferably, the contractor will be required to provide their own plant or equipment; and/or • the contractor will be paid on the result and not merely for the time spent working. Ultimately, when engaging contractors it remains a complex issue and we recommend that careful advice be sought. For further information on employment law, please contact Warwick Ryan on +61 2 9233 5544 or wpr@swaab.com.au

RT ADVICE Employee or not employee – Why is it not clearer MPLOYERS

ur arge can nage rce, trade reduce s comp

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, SWAAB Attorneys

After 200 hundred years of legal deci-

wick Ryan sions on the question of who is an nt@swaab.com.au employee and who is a subcontractor,

the2/3 Courts can still surprise us. eys - Suites A recent decision of the Federal Court on nce Road, ERINA this issue resulted in an adverse outcome for a hapless employer. It involved 5 insurance sales representatives whose services were contracted via a detailed contract that stated explicitly that they were independent contractors. The Court found the key element in determining that these workers were employees was the right of the company to control the organisation of their work and March 2013

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW

EV E N TS C AL EN DAR

Central Coast business events calendar Event holder

Description

Date

Information

East Gosford Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Second Monday of the month

ken@howas.com.au

Erina Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Third Wednesday of the month

info@erinachamber.com.au

Gosford District Chamber of Commerce

Members Meeting

Second Wednesday of the month

www.gosfordchamber.com.au

The Lakes 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 second month (except Dec/Jan)

www.wyongchamber.com.au