Business News by Chris Downey

GEELONG | BALLARAT | WERRIBEE FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

Which way is the wind blowing? Why big business is backing sustainability as an ECOnomic solution.

ISSUE 205 MARCH 2012

VIEW ONLINE AT:

www.adcellgroup.com.au/readgbn

ISSUE 205 MARCH 2012

FEATURES 22. Karingal’s Diamond Jubilee 30. Leading Ladies in Business 34. National Youth Week 2012

CONTENTS 4. Editor 5. Biz News 9. Business of the Month 10. New Appointments 12. Competition 14. Small Biz 15. Comment 20. Advertising Feature 26. VECCI 28. Legal 29. Recruitment 33. TAX 36. Medical 38. The Tech Guy

16. Which way is the wind blowing?

40. Arts 42. Community 44. Wine

Why big business is backing sustainability as an ECOnomic solution.

45. After Hours 50. What’s On

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BUSINESS NEWS | 3

EDITOR WERE you watching with interest as Kevin Rudd challenged Julia Gillard for the leadership? Or did you simply switch off (understandably) or tune into the Oscars instead (also understandable – although, of course, you just would have been watching a glossier, better dressed version of the same kind of epic selfpromotion and childlike need to win, win, win)?

out of the Abbott camp (not that anyone expected Tony to keep the PM’s job long if the Coalition were to get their election wish along with a win. Surely Malcolm Turnbull would mount a successful leadership challenge almost immediately. Tony Abbott as Prime Minister – unthinkable!)

Here at the Adcell office, we had great fun following the action and speculating on who would benefit and

Then someone piped up (Chris, you know who you are), ‘What we need is

In a two-party system, we were a room of political agnostics, with no one to believe in.

Article Heading Political agnosticism There is a growing vacuum of belief in Australian politics. If we, the people, can’t believe in our current parties and leaders, perhaps a new party could fi ll the void... whether or not it would lead to an early election. Contrary views were flying around like unsealed helium balloons. But what almost all of us agreed on, was that it’s hard to believe that this latest shakeup will result in the end of the instability in Federal Labor, that they will all shake hands and settle down long enough to get their big policies bedded down and rolled out. The consensus was that we were about as likely to see that as we were to see some realistic policies come

another party, to fill the hole left by the Democrats, but without all the crap.’ At last, here was a truth we could all believe in. There is no one to keep the bastards honest, and there desperately needs to be. Perhaps not a ‘Keep the bastards honest’ party, but a real alternative – more like a: ‘They’re all bastards, honestly!’ party. Imagine, for a moment, that a party was formed that was outside the sway of union heavies that was immune

to the monetary thrall of big business and industry? (I did say ‘imagine’!) Imagine there was a party formed of the people, by the people and for the people. You’re first question would, rightly, be, ‘Which people?’ The answer would be, ‘The people who want to live in a fiscally responsible nation, where the people who work hard are rewarded fairly for their efforts, where millions or billions of dollars aren’t wasted on antiquated, backwards technology, where we invest in world-leading technology instead, where decisions are made not for the next electoral term but for the future of the nation, where we not only talk about what needs to happen, but actually make it happen (sorry Gina, that means a mineral resources tax) and where we genuinely support those in need.’ You know, business people, people from the community sector, people from the health, education and services sectors. People that realise that national leadership should mean something and should be something that we can believe in. ‘Who would lead such a party?’ you ask. ‘Malcolm Turnbull, of course!’

ISSUE 205 MARCH 2012 BUSINESS NEWS, an Adcell Print Group publication, is mailed to more than 6000 businesses across Geelong, Ballarat and Werribee. If you would like to receive Business News at your business please contact us. PUBLISHER Maureen Tayler MANAGER Caroline Tayler EDITOR Davina Montgomery davina@adcellgroup.com.au FOR ADVERTISING Vinnie Kerr M 0409 427 473 vinnie@adcellgroup.com.au Trina Currie M 0402 268 624 trina@adcellgroup.com.au T (03) 5221 4408 F (03) 5221 2233 203 Malop Street, PO Box 491, Geelong Vic 3220 geelongbusiness.com.au READ ONLINE AT adcellgroup.com.au/readgbn

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BIZ NEWS

We’re getting fatter, Business to focus on whatever way we turn ‘internal efficiencies’ THIS is what a Deakin University analysis of two popular obesity-testing methods has found. Using the popular Body Mass Index (BMI) and the waist circumference method, Deakin University researcher, Associate Professor Julie Pasco and her research team examined the prevalence of obesity among 1467 men and 1076 women aged 20 to 96 enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. The study is significant because the number of people participating in it and the results from it can be seen to be representative of the nation as a whole. It found that using the BMI (measures of weight corrected for height) - 45.1% of men and 30.2% of women are overweight and a further 20.2% of men and 28.6% of women are obese. Using the waist circumference measurement method the study found that 27.5% of men and 23.3% of women are overweight, and 29.3% of men and 44.1% of women are obese. “It is alarming to realise that regardless of the measuring method used approximately 60% of the population exceeds recommended thresholds for

healthy body composition. Our data show that obesity rates have increased by one quarter since the turn of the century. This is of grave concern because obesity is associated with increased risk for developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis and some cancers.” She said the study also showed that compared with women, BMI overestimated the amount of body fat in men, because excess weight can be largely due to muscular body builds and heavier bones in men. “We also found a greater prevalence of obesity in women than in men. What is also of some concern is that according to BMI, it is likely that obesity is underestimated among elderly people. This is because when elderly people lose body mass, there is an uneven loss of muscle, fat and bone.” She said for growing children and adolescents BMI may also be an unreliable indicator of actual body fat. Associate Professor Pasco urged parents and health professionals to factor in gender, age and ethnicity when testing for obesity.

ACCORDING to a new Roy Morgan Research study of Australian businesses, the majority (76%) reported last year’s business performance was influenced by the economy and associated level of demand, and 44% of businesses believe this factor will exert even greater influence on their performance in the coming year.

business in the next 12 months were:

Data within the Roy Morgan Business Confidence and Outlook reports shows that although the ‘economy/ level of demand’ was cited by the highest proportion of businesses, many other factors were also noted.

Government (State and/or Federal) (33%)

‘Costs for raw materials, transportation etc’ and ‘changing consumer expectations & demands’ followed with 36% of businesses expecting each factor to have more influence in the next 12 months.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations (19%)

Other influential factors included ‘business taxes and government charges’ (33%) and ‘government’ (33%). A total of fifteen factors were tracked in the study. The study found that the Top 10 factors expected to have greater influence on Australian

Costs for Raw Materials, Transportation, etc. (36%) Changing Consumer Expectations & Demands (36%) Business Taxes & Government Charges (33%)

Labour Costs (31%) Cost of Funding (i.e. changing interest rates) (29%) Technology (29%) Competition (20%)

Additional areas of the study examined growth strategies that businesses were likely to implement in the following 12 months. Not surprisingly, given the focus on the economy and level of demand, ‘internal efficiencies’ was the most favoured method among businesses of all sizes, albeit by greater proportions of larger businesses than small.

g d 5 on an 9 el d 19 Ge rate ince e s op ed n ow

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Economy/Level of Demand (44%)

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BIZ NEWS

‘Wave of European milk’ no threat to Australia THE Australian dairy sector has little to fear from an estimated nine billion additional litres of milk expected to “flood” the global market once European dairy quotas are fully lifted in 2015, according to a visiting expert in European dairy. Kevin Bellamy, senior global dairy analyst for Rabobank covering Europe and a global dairy industry expert with 25 years experience, has told Australian dairy producers and exporters that the staged lifting of quotas – which have historically capped dairy production in European countries – that is due to be completed in 2015 is unlikely to have an adverse impact on the Australian industry. “While there will be some

increase in European dairy production as a result of the quotas being lifted, it is unlikely to be the tidal wave that some people are fearing, and continued strong medium-term growth in world demand for dairy is set to absorb the additional supply,” Mr Bellamy said. Rabobank forecasts indicate that when quotas are fully lifted, an additional nine billion litres of milk will be produced annually out of Europe. “Of this additional production, it is estimated that 3.6 billion litres will be absorbed by additional demand out of the EU,” he said. “While the remainder will likely find its way on to export markets, it will be to destinations such as

the Middle East and Russia, not into Australia’s main export markets of South East Asia and China.” Mr Bellamy – who is in Australia as part of Rabobank’s Visiting Experts program, which brings international agricultural industry specialists to the country to share their global expertise – said the role of quotas in suppressing EU milk production had been somewhat overstated. “Quotas are not currently a constraint in most EU regions, with many areas producing below the quota amounts anyway, due to other limiting factors,” he said. These included limited availability of agricultural

land, high cost of finance, environmental restrictions and retail price wars (shrinking farmer margins), which have lowered the price of milk. “There’s no reason this will change as a result of quotas being lifted,” Mr Bellamy said. “What we will see though is dairying moving from the less-efficient production regions in the south and east of Europe to the north and west, where production will increase if price incentives remain high enough.” The countries with the most potential to increase their dairy supply include Denmark, France (western), the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany (northern).

“The Australian dairy sector has little to fear from an estimated nine billion additional litres of milk expected to “flood” the global market once European dairy quotas are fully lifted in 2015.”

Business uncertainty an unintended result of tax changes BUSINESSES face greater uncertainty and productivity losses as a result of the Government’s moves to tighten anti-avoidance provisions in the tax law, CPA Australia has said in a statement, adding that the announcement essentially means that it would be prudent for businesses to put on hold all key decisions, at least until the proposed legislation is introduced into parliament. CPA Australia is also of the view that the changes to anti avoidance provisions Part IV A, tinker with a system which operates with the most

stringent anti-avoidance provisions and which to date, has by-and-large operated effectively.

around the tax implications of such decisions mean it would be wise to put such actions on hold.

“These rule changes, which come into effect immediately, inject a heightened element of risk for companies should they take any significant business decisions until there is greater detail,” said CPA Australia Head of Business and Investment Policy, Paul Drum.

“Introducing sweeping legislative changes would appear to be an overreaction to a few individual incidents. As such, we believe a caseby-case approach would be more practical.”

“In effect the message to businesses is: don’t sign a major contract or embark on a significant undertaking until the bill is introduced into Parliament. The lack of clarity

Mr Drum said the prevailing economic circumstances made the timing of the changes even less ideal. “At a time when there are serious concerns about Australia’s ongoing international competitiveness, with some

non-resources sectors of our economy struggling, creating a situation of greater uncertainty is unhelpful, to say the least. “The need for Australian businesses to be innovative, enterprising, forward thinking and most importantly, boosting productivity, has never been greater. Fostering these qualities becomes doubly difficult in an atmosphere of uncertainty however. “In addition, this, along with a number of other unresolved tax legislative and enforcement issues, including the minerals tax and private equity could give the distinct impression that Australia represented a sovereign risk, with obvious implications for foreign investment.”

BIZ NEWS

Is your business an award-winning business? Entries for the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Awards close in April 2, with local businesses eligible for national Awards, including one that celebrates top regional businesses. DUANE Dalton, Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager for Geelong and the Surf Coast, urged small and medium businesses to get their entries in for the Telstra Australian Business Awards by the closing date. For finalists and winners, the 20-year-old Awards program brings increased public profile, a share of $500,000 in cash and prizes and the privilege of joining an exclusive national business alumni. Mr Dalton said one of the benefits each Awards entrant receives is a free 70page Business Health Check report that assesses their individual performance against international benchmarking standards, current legislation and accepted industry best practice. Software development business Janison was named 2011 Telstra Australian Regional Business of the Year and its CEO, Wayne Houlden, encouraged regional businesses to enter the Awards and take advantage of the Business Health Check. “Receiving a personal report on your business is a tangible

benefit for regional businesses that enter the Telstra Awards. We found the process of reflection and the resulting feedback to be a great way to better understand specific elements of our business and focus on areas that can be improved,” Mr Houlden said. “Advice about marketing and strategic planning has been particularly useful, sparking ideas for new initiatives which we will implement to help build our business in 2012.” Tim Reed CEO of MYOB, sponsor of the Small Business Award, highlighted the quality of Awards entrants. “Throughout the 16 years of MYOB’s involvement in the Telstra Australian Business Awards, we have found the program’s participants to be a terrific example of the success that can be achieved if you have a fire in your belly to push yourself and reach outside your comfort zone,” Mr Reed said. Mr Dalton said an in-depth ‘health check’ of more than 380 entrants in last year’s Telstra Australian Business Awards, shows rising use of online marketing and

high customer satisfaction. However, while many business owners are achieving world’s best practice in some areas of business, only one in five has a succession plan. The analysis of entrants’ performance across seven areas of sales and marketing, customers, employees, planning and performance, financials, innovation and social responsibility shows: - 93 per cent of the businesses have a website and the websites (70 per cent) were the second most popular marketing channel after the sales force (80 per cent) - About one in five of the businesses’ customers (19 per cent) were 100 per cent satisfied with their current level of service while 72 per cent had satisfaction levels above 90 per cent - 97 per cent of businesses could clearly differentiate the benefits of their products and services from those of their competitors - Forty-one per cent offered incentives or bonus programs to all staff and nearly 90 per cent reported

no industrial issues - Ninety per cent had a clearly documented business plan for at least the next year (although 38 per cent admitted it was only partly documented) - Thirty-five per cent had no documented risk management system in place and 23 per cent were not confident they were covered for intellectual property protection - Ninety-six per cent regularly measured their pricing against costs to ensure profitable operating margins and 62 per cent had contingencies equal to three months’ sales put aside. - Only one in 10 entrants believe they are able to continue the running of their business if they are away for a period of more than two weeks. Information on nominating and entering the Awards or voting for the People’s Choice Award is available at telstrabusinessawards.com or by calling the Telstra Business Awards team on 1800 262 323.

BUSINESS NEWS | 7

BIZ NEWS

Funding boost for Leaders program

When in China... Speak as they do

THE future of leadership in the Geelong region has been given a significant boost, with an announcement by the State Government of $800,000 for the Leaders for Geelong program. The funding will be used to support the development and edification of emerging leaders. It was announced by the Minister for Regional Cities, Dr Denis Napthine.

VICTORIANS seeking to improve their Chinese language skills can now apply for scholarships worth up to $10,000 to study in Jiangsu Province in China, with the launch of the Victorian Coalition Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Hamer Scholarships program.

In welcoming the funding, program director, Mrs Jean Paul said that the funding signalled the next stage in the evolution of the program that was established to develop Geelongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership capacity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the new features that can now be introduced to the program as a result of the funding include, expanding the team to enable us to develop greater capability across the program, developing individual personal leadership development plans for each participant, supporting our vibrant alumni and skills bank, and investing in an even greater range of high calibre speakers and thinkers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Leaders for Geelong program aims to inspire and instil knowledge in

participants,â&#x20AC;? Mrs Paul said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The program provides an aerial view of the issues facing the region, and seeks to equip emerging leaders with the skills, experience and opportunities to take up local leadership positions.â&#x20AC;? Committee for Geelong Chair, Michael Betts, joined Mrs Paul in thanking the State Government for its contribution to the program. He said that the faith the Government had shown in the program reflected the high regard in which the Leaders for Geelong program was held. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Geelong is regularly singled out for its visionary and collaborative approach to advancing its agenda and priorities at a local, state and national level,â&#x20AC;? Mr Betts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The continuous improvement and expansion of the Leaders for Geelong program is critical to deepening the talent pool and preparedness of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next generation of leaders.â&#x20AC;? Mr Betts said high performing cities around the world consistently cite a strong model of leadership as the key for ensuring prosperity and sustainability.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no better way to understand China than to experience it in person, and through the Hamer Scholarships Victorians will be provided with the opportunity to go and immerse themselves in life in China,â&#x20AC;? Mr Baillieu said. The Hamer Scholarships program will further strengthen Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important sisterstate relationship with Jiangsu Province, which was established in 1979 by Victorian Premier Sir Rupert Hamer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The language skills, cultural awareness and friendships these students will make while living and studying in China will help to establish a firm foundation for the next 30 years of Victoria-Jiangsu engagement,â&#x20AC;? Mr Baillieu said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hamer Scholarships program will provide the opportunity each year for

up to 50 Victorian higher education students, recent graduates and professionals with linkages to China to come and travel to China, to live and study the Chinese language and culture.â&#x20AC;? Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said successful applicants would receive up to $10,000 each and become business, cultural and educational representatives for Victoria in Jiangsu Province. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether you are, for example, a business person, an educator, or an artist, gaining skills in Chinese language opens up a staggering array of professional and personal opportunities,â&#x20AC;? Ms Asher said. China is Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest trading partner, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing tourism market over the past decade, and the major source country for international students studying at Victorian universities, vocational institutions and schools. For more information on the Hamer Scholarships visit www.dbi.vic.gov.au/ hamerscholarships

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH BUCKLEY’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE was originally founded to financially assist with all football clubs within the Geelong region, and the purpose today is still very similar to those original ideas. Buckley’s directly supports the local clubs and the community; providing free room hire to community groups, continued financial support of the local clubs and in 2011 we even donated a defibrillator machine to each football club in the region (34 in total). With the great success of Buckley’s it means that we are also able to constantly improve the look and feel of the venue to ensure that people have a pleasant and comfortable place to come. The recent renovations which have taken place around the venue are second to none, even winning ‘Best Club Under Redevelopment’ at the 2011 Clubs Victoria Awards, with more renovations to take place in our function room this year. Even the little things can make a big impact on people; we’d rather spend the money and do things the right way the first time than have anything looking shabby or incomplete. “Keeping up with the times is very important to us; we are constantly trying to appeal to a larger audience whilst making sure our current customers are well taken care of.” Michael Tonks, CEO.

Buckley’s, the place to be With so many venues around Geelong it really takes something special to keep the customers coming back, and here at Buckley’s we believe we’ve found the perfect mix. BUCKLEY’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 54 Fellmongers Road, BREAKWATER VIC 3219 P: (03) 5248 4866 | E: info@buckleys.com.au

Members and visitors are welcomed at a reception area situated at our newly transformed entrance, from there they can move through to any of the following: Bistro, Bar, Sporting Lounge, Children’s play room, TAB, Auditorium, Conference room, 2 Alfresco dining areas and Gaming. Buckley’s provides a variety of things to do with live music and raffles every weekend, with numerous promotions held throughout the year. We also provide a courtesy bus to transport patrons to and from the venue for a meal, a drink or perhaps to see one of our shows. With dinner starting from 5.30pm it’s the ideal place to bring the kids for a meal and let them be entertained on Friday and Saturday nights with our clown in the huge Kid’s Play room, located right next to the Bistro. Buckley’s is not only appealing to the young, with live music every weekend in the public bar, but to the senior demographic. Monday through to Saturday Buckley’s has a 2 course lunch special with great options for only $12.90, as well as a new Light Lunch menu. Buckley’s is always a buzz of activity whether it’s the raffles, dinner in the bar or bistro, live entertainment or one of the many functions held here.

BUSINESS NEWS | 9

NEW APPOINTMENTS REAL ESTATE Sylvia Andersen has proudly re- joined the team at the Professionals Geelong. She brings with her over ten years of experience and expertise in all areas of selling. “Selling by Auction is my specialty,” she says, “I have had some absolutely outstanding results for my clients.” A true people person, Sylvia knows that the best way to get the best result for you is to listen to exactly what you want and then act on it.

HOSPITALITY

OPTOMETRY Cheryl Marriner, who previously worked for Optometrist, Dr Alan Johnston, has stayed on at Eyegallery and has been appointed Practice Manager.

Chris will happily design a menu to suit your needs.

Her friendly, helpful approach is very much appreciated.

Moe Islam joins The Wool Exchange as Front of House Manager. Moe, formerly from Artistic catering (Geelong Conference Centre & GPAC) loves making coffee and getting to know his customers. Moe is excited to be on board and to find a new place to call home.

THE RIGHT PERSON CAN TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS We are the leading global specialist recruiting group and the experts at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide. We operate across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. We operate locally in Geelong from Pakington Street. Last financial year we helped 130 people gain permanent roles, and 220 people obtain temporary assignments in Geelong. Our areas of expertise in Geelong include Accountancy & Finance, Information Technology, Construction and Office Support. We understand what employers are looking for. With our depth of expertise and technical understanding, we’ll bring the right person together with the right job. Our extensive database, local market knowledge and fast and accurate response allows us to deliver a real result. To find out more, contact us at geelong@hays.com.au or 03 5226 8000.

10 | BUSINESS NEWS

Zoë Symons has been with Buckley’s since 2009 and has recently moved into an exciting new position as Functions Manager. Zoë has years of experience at various hotels and conference centres around Victoria, as well as studying a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality. Being a local girl Zoë is well aware of the communities needs and is enthusiastic in moving forward.

Chris Hudich joins The Wool Exchange as Executive Chef. Chris, formerly from Ripples here in Geelong has a passion for home-baked foods and comes with extensive experience in both the restaurant trade, functions, events and conferencing.

HOSPITALITY

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HOSPITALITY

Cheryl is well known in Geelong and surrounding district in her previous position with the NAB.

TRANSPORT Fastway Couriers Geelong has recently appointed Melissa Heinrich as their new Office Administrator. With a background in sales and customer service, Melissa is here to help guide customers through Fastway’s range of services. A mother of three young children and an entrepreneur, Melissa is familiar with customer needs and is here to provide the best courier solutions for your business.

NEW APPOINTMENTS MEDICAL Dr Richard Rahdon is a qualified Plastic Surgeon, trained in Australia with experience in the UK. Richard is a fellow of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. His medical training spans 18 years. Richard performs cosmetic surgery right here in Geelong. He specialises in a range of procedures ranging from, Cosmetic Breast Surgery, Facelift, Abdominoplasty, Labiaplasty and Rhinoplasty.

MEDICAL Adele Bartram Goodall is our Clinic Manager and one of senior therapists. She has a passion for skin therapies and specialises in Chemical Peels, Laser Therapies and Skin Rejuvenation procedures. She has 5 years industry experience working with advanced cosmecuticals and is highly driven by results. Adele loves building relationships with her clients.

MEDICAL Leah Mulder is our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist. Leah has been a nurse for 15 years and has 6 years experience in the cosmetic surgery and injectables industry. She specialises in injectable treatments and can advise and answer questions on all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Leah treats her job as an art form and is passionate about creating an even more beautiful you!

PR & MARKETING Jenna Handreck has joined Brand Bureau as a PR and Marketing consultant. Jenna has had experience working within the national Kmart Corporate Affairs department and also gained experience working with Alcoa, with a large emphasis on stakeholder relations. Drawing on these broad experiences Jenna possesses impressive capabilities in both strategic and tactical Public Relations and Marketing.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Before joining Ultraviolet Design, Nicole Manks worked in various design roles within diverse organisations. Nicole’s formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Graphic Design/Multimedia. Nicole specialises in developing new and unique design solutions, modifying, revising and editing design ideas and delivering design solutions that visually conveying client messages while building their brands.

FINANCE Shane Arthur has been appointed Senior Risk Manager for Australian Unity Personal Financial Services in Geelong. Shane is a qualified Financial Adviser and has joined forces with the award winning Karen Ryrie to provide advice specifically relating to Personal Insurances for business partners, business owners, employees, the self employed and at-home parents.

GOURMET PIZZAS… ALL DAY GRAZING MENU… COCKTAILS… THREE DECKS… DJ… LIVE MUSIC… EXTENSIVE WINE LIST… PERFECT FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS

Cunningham Pier. 10 Western Beach Foreshore Road, Geelong 3220 | www.thecityquarter.com.au | manager@thecityquarter.com.au | (03) 5222 6233

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BUSINESS NEWS | 11

COMPETITION

An arthouse season Win a season pass to the 2012 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival and enjoy some star-studded arthouse fi lms from Australia and around the world. THE Bethany Arthouse Film Festival returns with a stellar lineup of star-studded films for the 2012 season from March to August, and in celebration, Bethany is offering Business News readers the chance to win a double Season pass to the festival valued at $180. To enter, simply enter your details on the competition page of our website at adcellgroup.com.au. This season brings together a collection of films exploring all things love – joyful and transcendent love, comfortable and questioning love, and the loss of love – they bring us stories of new loves, old loves, familial love

and platonic love. Opening the season for the 10th year of the festival’s screening is a French tale of a young Spanish maid who upends the existence of the inhabitants and staff of a respectable building, followed by an Australian tour de force – the story of the toxic relationship between a wealthy and formidable woman and her two estranged children who are attending her deathbed – starring Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling. In June, comes a Japanese tale of old and new love, grief and hope, followed in July by a

wild and sexy Italian romp that sees Robert De Niro return to an Italian-speaking role. Closing the season is a warm and wise English film about marriage and the challenges and rewards of ‘getting on’, with a heavy duty cast including William Hurt, Isabella Rossellini and Joanna Lumley. The Bethany Arthouse Film Festival is a major fundraising event for Bethany Community Support. Bethany works with vulnerable people to build better individual and family relationships, support parents caring for children, assist people who are homeless or at risk, and those affected by family violence and problem gambling. Each year, more than 6000 individuals and families experiencing difficulties in their lives access one or more of Bethany’s services.

TICKETING Season tickets: $90 per person / $70 concession Single tickets: $20 per person / $15 concession Group bookings (10 or more): Season tickets $85 Single tickets $18

Tickets available through the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Box Office www.gpac.org.au Purchase a season’s pass for your chance to win a Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at the Mercure Hotel Geelong. Season pass holders also have access to a special rate of 15% off a bed and buffet breakfast booking at the Mecure Hotel Geelong on any night during the festival (March 20 – August 28)

“This season brings together a collection of films exploring all things love – joyful and transcendent love, comfortable and questioning love, and the loss of love – they bring us stories of new loves, old loves, familial love and platonic love.” French with English subtitles F

THE WOMEN ON THE 6TH FLOOR

Paris, 1962. Wealthy stockbroker, P JJean-Louis Jouvert, lives a staid bourgeois existence with his b perfectly presented socialite wife. p When the family’s maid abandons W them, into the residence comes th Maria: young, hardworking and M Spanish! S Remarkably, it doesn’t take R long for the building to become lo enchanted with the new arrival; e Maria rallies the friendship of M

Australian A

THE EYE OF THE STORM

In a Sydney suburb, two nurses, a housekeeper and a solicitor attend to Elizabeth Hunter, as a her expatriate son and daughter h convene at her deathbed. In dying, c as in living, Mrs Hunter remains a a formidable force on those around fo her. Estranged from her mother h who was never capable of loving w them, Sir Basil and his sister th Dorothy attempt to reconcile. D The children unite in a common T

the other servants on the sixth floor and soon, the balance of the household ruptures into wild, cross-cultural chaos… Permiered at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival to a standing ovation, The Women on the 6th Floor became a massive hit at the French box office

Tuesday, 20 March 8pm Rating: PG

goal – to leave Australia with their vast inheritance. Using the reluctant services of their family lawyer, they scheme to place their mother in a society nursing home to expedite her demise. Panic sets in as the staff sense the impending end of their eccentric world. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling.

Tuesday, 24 April 8pm Rating MA

SCREENING REMINDERS Lodge your details with Bethany to receive regular updates and reminders of the 2012 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival. Send your details to: sgoddard@bethany.org.au

12 | BUSINESS NEWS

COMPETITION JJapanese with English subtitles

NORWEGIAN WOOD

Tokyo, the late 1960sâ&#x20AC;Ś T Students around the world S are uniting to overthrow a the establishment and Toru th Watanabeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persona life is W ssimilarly in tumult. At heart, he is deeply devoted to A his first love, Naoko, a beautiful h and introspective young woman. a But their complex bond has been B forged by the tragic death of their fo best friend years before. b

Italian with English subtitles It

THE AGES OF LOVE

A sexy romantic comedy starring Robert De Niro (his first Italian R sspeaking role since â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) is told in three interconnecting chapters that th ilillustrate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the three ages of manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tells the story of Roberto, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Y an ambitious young lawyer who is a betrothed to Sara and thinks his life b is planned out. But whilst working in a small Tuscan town, he meets and becomes immediately enchanted b by the gorgeous Micolâ&#x20AC;Ś b

English E

LATE BLOOMERS

A warm and wise romantic comedy that follows the lives of a c couple whose 30-year marriage is c sstarting to run into trouble. Adam, a London-based architect is horrified L to find himself the recipient of awards that suggest heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reached a the end of his career. Meanwhile, th his wife Mary, taken aback by an h unexpected health scare, sets a u course of radical action in league c with her best friend Charlotte. w

Watanabe lives with the influence of death everywhere. That is, until Midori, a girl who is everything that Naoko is not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; outgoing, vivacious, supremely selfconfident â&#x20AC;&#x201C; marches into his life and Watanabe must choose between his past and his future.

Tuesday, 5 June 8pm Rating MA

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Maturityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sees successful TV anchorman Fabio, a faithful husband for 25 years, swept off his feet by the intriguing Eliana, a woman who is not at all what she first seemsâ&#x20AC;Ś Finally, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beyondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; follows Adrian (De Niro), whose peaceful existence is about to be disrupted by Violaâ&#x20AC;Ś

Tuesday, 31 July 8pm Rating MA

As Adam and Mary respond to these challenges in completely opposite and unpredictable ways, their three adult children plot to find ways to keep them togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś Late Bloomers is an elegant and engaging portrait of marriage, and the joys and realities of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;getting onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Starring William Hurt, Isabella Rossellini and Joanna Lumley.

Tuesday, 28th August 8pm Rating PG

better advice for a better life

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Businesses and investors should discuss tax planning issues with their accountant before 30 June 2012 to achieve maximum results and minimise tax.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 13

SMALL BIZ THANKFULLY, the same cannot be said of excellence in chocolate chip biscuits, which need only to closely resemble one another to be at their very best. I have been working in an excellent business in South Australia for the past few weeks.

couldn’t get past the tearoom with fresh flowers and oven baked chocolate cookies. I was being distracted by the high speed and rhythmic clicking of the corporate uniform shoes as the women rushed by. Didn’t they see the cookies? Oh well, more for me!

It is a business that has 9 staff, none of whom are of the male gender. At first, I was totally impressed by the cleanliness and efficiency. It was so bright and tidy and things worked like clockwork. At two o’clock the receptionist would wipe

How could a flourishing business reach a plateau? And it was a plateau that I was there to address. Was it at the limit of the market, or competition effects – at that early stage I wasn’t sure what was going on? Perhaps

The sweet scent of success Sometimes even the best executive teams can become victims of their own excellence, with an obvious lack of frisson in the team creating a not-so-obvious lack of creativity and drive.

down the glass doors out the front, as the sun would shine on the fingerprints and perhaps bring the business’s professional standing into question. The first day was about being hosted by the owner, and you rarely find out why a business is not developing on the first visit, because all the information is sculptured and manicured. Normally, I can start to get an impression on day two, but I

14 | BUSINESS NEWS

more cookies would help me think. Most of the time, when you go into a business, there are visible signs of what is causing the business to stall, wandering around you can see the detritus of old projects and faded management directives, or the piles of WIP, or the slouched motion of the staff. The story is there to be read for those that are interested. But this business lacked

nothing; it was a tight and polished ship; indeed it was beautiful and the cookies were superlative. I was being distracted and tempted by the smell of fresh chocolate. I sat with my eyes closed and then it came to me. The answer was so obvious. And, after a few more cookies, I will tell you what I learnt. Some 30 years ago, I read an excellent book by Irving Janis called “Victims of Group Think”, it told of how a tight group develops aberrant behaviour because the members are trying to guess the thoughts of the boss and behave in manners that they think the leader would want, but in fact the leader may want something entirely different. Janis wrote about President J.F. Kennedy’s team and how they selectively behaved when under pressure at the time of the ‘Bay of Pigs’ episode. At one point, the team was collecting information and only giving the President the information that they were assuming that he wanted. A telemovie version of a similar episode quoted two government dudes saying in court that ‘it never came to mind that they should not cover up the episode’; they were never asked to cover up the facts by the boss, but somehow they assumed it was expected. On a very different level and for different motivations, a similar thing was happening here. The top team were extraordinarily aligned and, in a sense, were trying to replicate the thoughts of the leader. In this instance it was because of the fantastic loyalty generated by the owner. She was a smart, brilliant professional, and all the staff were putting in huge efforts to be just like her. In every manner they would emulate the boss, even to the point of leaving my cookies alone. As a guideline when we look at a top team we want to see: - Diversity of opinion (Each member of the group should have some private information)

- Independence (People’s opinions are not determined by the opinion of those around them) - Decentralised (People are able to specialise and draw on local knowledge) - Aggregation (Some method exists for turning private judgements into a collective decision) - A bit of frisson (Only clones are perfect) This list is based on the work of James Surowieki When I shared my observations with the boss, she walked around with me for a while and we asked her key staff a few question and could see that the response were as if their words were duplicated and cloned. She sat down and looked stunned. She had created nine perfect copies of herself. Sometimes there is a need for a little feral input, or something that allows the creative juice to flow, or a whiff of mongrel… just something small to break the mould. I suggested getting a token male who could leave the toilet seat in the air and eat the cookies and leave the crumbs on the tearoom bench, but she had better ideas. It was amazing to see how fast she worked with one small concept. In no time at all, the boss suggested getting the staff to follow their own specialities at least some of the time and do independent training programs. In fact, the boss came up with excellent suggestions, to the point that I realised that I had not actually done any work in this assignment. I could not charge for my minimal involvement – it was a pleasure to work with such a professional group. Then I had a brain wave. As I got back in my car for the long drive home I placed a big bag of cookies on the seat beside me. Placed in just the right position to reach with my left hand. Australian Business Development Centre www.abdc.com.au

CLINT JENNINGS

COMMENT IN Australia, every time there is an interest rate announcement from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), there is an inevitable backlash against the banks for raising their interest rates above the RBA’s increase, not passing on the full RBA cut, or like what happened in early February 2012 – increasing their own interest rates independent of any movement from the RBA. Here at burningpants, we have decided to compare Australia’s interest rate regime to our international peers

treasuries which are issued by the central bank, and lent to banks at the official cash rate in order to undertake open market activities. As a large portion of commercial banks’ funding is drawn from borrowing from the central bank, the official cash rate has a direct effect on the rate which commercial banks will loan at. The remaining funding for commercial banks’ loans comes from deposits, bonds and equity, and is subject to a market rate. In the US the system is

Inside Articlethe Heading interest rate Are we getting the short end of the stick in terms of the interest rate we actually pay the banks, and the interest rate that is set by the Reserve Bank of Australia? the US, and the UK, to see whether we are getting the short end of the stick in terms of the interest rate that we actually pay the banks, and the interest rate that is set by the RBA.

similar, where the Federal Reserve lends at the Federal Fund Rate, which is passed onto consumers who hold variable rate mortgages in the form of the prime rate (the Federal Fund Rate plus 3%).

In Australia and the UK, the mechanical method for targeting interest rates by the RBA and Bank of England, comes from the interaction between the central bank and commercial banks (CBA, Westpac, ANZ and NAB).

The chart above shows interest rates for the US, the UK and Australia since 1999, and reveals Australia has the most stable interest rate regime of the three, with annualised volatility of 3.3%, compared to 6.7% in the UK, and 7.4% in the US.

Commercial banks are required to hold a certain percentage of short-term

We can see how the US housing bubble played out

where several years of very low interest rates allowed housing prices to increase in value, incentivising banks to lend to riskier and riskier borrowers in order to maintain profits. This bubble caused the global financial crisis (GFC), which caused downward pressure on interest rates in order to stimulate growth. We can see this in the historically very low official interest rates in the US and the UK.

The graph below shows how this gap is growing, with average Australian Equity Home Loans represented by the red line, the target cash rate represented by the blue line, and the difference represented by the green line. The difference was a stable 1.8% up until 2008, when citing increased funding costs on international markets the banks began to increase their rates independently of the RBA.

In contrast, the economy in Australia weathered the global financial crisis

The latest estimates have the difference at 3.1%, though we could expect this

“In contrast, the economy in Australia weathered the global financial crisis better than most advanced economies, avoiding recession having ridden the GFC out on the coattails of the Chinese dragon’s hunger for Australian mineral exports.” better than most advanced economies, avoiding recession having ridden the GFC out on the coattails of the Chinese dragon’s hunger for Australian mineral exports. The Australian economy was ticking along well enough to justify increased interest rates in 2009 and 2010. Following the GFC, there has been a growing gap between the official target cash rate promoted by the RBA in Australia, and that of average Australian Equity home loans.

gap to continue to increase considering that all of the major banks have increased their variable mortgage rates in February 2012, while the RBA left the cash rate on hold. The independent movement of the banks is leading to a situation where the RBA’s impact on monetary policy is less effective than it has been in the past. Australian bankers, such as Ian Narev, CBA’s new CEO, have stated that international markets have increased the cost of funding for Australian banks, and this is why the difference is appearing. However, at the same time Australian savings rates have increased in response to recent economic turmoil. The real question remains whether the current gap will continue to grow, or remain at a stable level once these global sources of capital start to become cheaper. Note: All data referenced in this report was accessed from the RBA statistics website in February 2012.

BURNING PANTS BUSINESS NEWS | 15

COVER STORY THE world’s biggest companies are reaping substantial financial benefits from acting on sustainability, but too many small businesses still aren’t getting the message. You probably haven’t heard of Professor L. Hunter Lovins before. Up until a few weeks before my opportunity to speak with her, the only thing I knew of her was that she was coming to Australia as a key speaker at a sustainability conference in April. Certainly not as readily recognizable as her co-

L. Hunter Lovins is a cowgirl and she will return to Australia in April with the following message for businesses and governments in Australia: “Australia has the opportunity to be a world sustainability super power. You lead in many of the most exciting technologies… Will you do it? Australia was one of the first countries to develop the personal computer, but you didn’t invest in it, and the initiative passed and ended up in California with Silicon Valley and the resulting IT revolution that became one of

Which way is the wind blowing? The message is simple – reduce energy use and over consumption and you save money – in many cases, lots of money.

“If we use resources productively and take to heart the lessons learned from coping with the energy crisis, we face a future confronted only by insurmountable opportunities.”

16 | BUSINESS NEWS

speakers at the Corporations, People & the Planet event in Melbourne - David Suzuki, Sigourney Weaver and Bob Geldof – Lovins is, however, a globally recognised consultant on sustainability to the International Finance Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Interface, Clif Bar, and Wal-Mart. Governmental clients include the Pentagon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and other agencies, numerous cities, and the governments of Jamaica, Australia, and the U.S. She has also served an advisor to the Energy Minister of the Government of Afghanistan. In 2000 she was named Time Magazine’s “Hero of the Planet”. But what makes Lovins really interesting is her message – that the driving force behind the shift to a renewable energy future is money. She has countless examples of ways world leading companies and governments are saving money, driving job creation and innovation, and helping to save the planet, by investing in sustainability. “In general with business, if there isn’t a business case then it’s an uphill sell,” Lovins said, speaking from her ranch in Colorado. Oh yeah,

the next waves of innovation in the world. “You have an opportunity now, and have begun to show real political leadership around putting in place the kinds of policies that will elicit the technologies that create jobs, drive prosperity, can bring real economic power to Australia. “It’s up to you, but what I’m going to talk about is what companies around the world, what cities around the world are doing, and who is driving their economic prosperity by embracing sustainability.” This isn’t just talk. Around the world, big decisions on sustainability have been made, with more and more examples of companies and communities choosing not to wait for global politics to catch up with economic reality. “San Francisco, for example, now has a goal of being 100 per cent renewable powered by 2020. Figuring that out will drive their innovation. In China, the 11th Party Congress adopted the concept of the circular economy as the basis of Chinese development policy. The 12th Party Congress adopted energy efficiency and resource productivity more generally. The Chinese are going to

COVER STORY innovate around this, because they know very darned well that if they don’t, they have a very unpleasant future facing them. And China is one of the Australia’s natural trading partners,” Lovins said.

capital savings will attract the attention of business. But in an economic climate adverse to risk, how has the push for investment in sustainability has been impacted by the economic uncertainty?

L. Hunter Lovins, Esq., is the president and founder of sustainability consultancy, Natural Capitalism Solutions, and co-creator of the Natural Capitalism concept. Natural capitalism was formed around the idea that sustainability will be the driving force behind the next industrial revolution, with the theory being that if the first industrial revolution was predicated on abundant natural resources - with labour the limiting factor of production - then at a time when we have abundant labour, but a scarcity of natural resources limiting production, a new industrial revolution has to happen.

“The 2008 collapse took away anybody’s appetite for risk, and many of the pure sustainability players – a lot of the clean tech industries – were seen as a somewhat riskier investment. Anything that has a longer-term payback suddenly became frightening to investors, so a lot of really good companies went under, as capital dried up. At the same time, the bigger companies had a serious wake up call.

Lovins trained as a lawyer, has taught at dozens of universities, including an engagement as the Henry R. Luce Visiting Professor at Dartmouth College. She is formerly a Professor of Business at Presidio Graduate School in the first accredited MBA program in Sustainable Management, and is now on the faculty of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute. When speaking, Lovins is compelling, and she has a finely honed ability to take very complex concepts and turn them into simple solutions - or at least solutions that sound simple. “It turns out that of the best and fastest ways to drive profitability in a business is to cut out unnecessary waste,” Lovins said. “The Climate Group in the UK found that the six early moving major firms on carbon reduction – DuPont, IBM, British Telecom, Alcan, NorskeCanada, and Bayer – collectively saved over $4 billion by cutting their carbon emissions more than 60 per cent.” With fissures of doubt and uncertainty opening up throughout the world’s markets, any means of reducing costs and increasing

“I was sitting with a number of the Fortune 100 companies in an exercise being conducted by the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), building their Vision 20-50, so what is it going to take to get the world to 2050? This was literally the day that the 08 collapse got really serious. The stock market crashed, and these guys were deer in the headlights. It really was amazing, and I half expected them all to just leave to attend to business, but they realised the importance of the exercise, of baking sustainability into their businesses, and they all stayed – but they kept scampering out of the room to check their Crackberries and call the office to see if they were still a viable business! “I think more so than any other futurist exercise, it made them take very seriously that the world is in a time of fundamental transformation. That these ideas about really transforming about how they do business had to be taken very seriously.” Lovins said that since that day in 2008, the big boys of the business world - at least those that have put into action strong sustainability policies - have, by and large, weathered the storm of the global financial crisis significantly better than those who have remained tied to energy-intensive practices. “When those wild-eyed

environmentalists at Goldman Sachs showed that the companies that are the leaders in environment, social and good governance policy have 25 per cent higher stock value than their less sustainable competitors, there is a business case. “We’ve now got 25 separate studies – from the Mackenzies and the AT Kearneys and the DeLoittes, all the big management consulting houses, Harvard, and the latest is from MIT Sloane – saying essentially the same thing; that these sustainability

reduce dependence on fossil fuels] and showed that a transformation of the economy to a clean economy would be profitable, would save about a trillion dollars – their first calculation had it costing about a trillion dollars, which they said, even so would be money well invested, and then somebody pointed out that they had the sin wrong, and that it would actually save everybody about a trillion dollars – at which point, they said ‘Let’s go!’ “General Electric’s ecoimagination project has

“If all you are is a profit-maximising capitalist, you’ll do the same darned thing you’d do if you were scared to death about climate change, because we know how to solve this problem at a profit.” leaders have the fastest growing stock value, are well protected from value erosion even in a down economy, have market capital averaging $650 million more than their less sustainable competitors, they’re starting to take this stuff very seriously.” They do say that money talks, and now it seems like it’s starting to yell a little bit! “Yes,” Hunter chuckled. “But you know, many of these companies hunkered down during the worst of the downturn, it was the companies that were already the leaders that had a real advantage. The question now is, will the major start spending again? And on that, I think, turns whether or not the world goes into a full on depression, as some of the doomsday folk are saying, or comes out of it. Some of these companies are sitting on a great deal of cash right now, how are they going to invest it? “I was just with folk from Google that are putting quite a lot of money into developing their own renewable power, into improving the energy efficiency of their data centres. Google ran the Clean Energy 2030 project [Google’s plan to cut carbon emissions and

done extremely well for them. This was a project that was essentially pure brainwashing when it was first announced. All they did was to badge as ‘Green’ product they were already making, and within a year, those ‘Green’ badged products had doubled in sales volume. In 2010, Immelt [GE chief executive officer, Jeffrey Immelt] put out a letter to shareholders that if ecoimagination were a separate company, it would be a Fortune 130, with growth and sales revenue twice that of the rest of the company,” Lovins said. The details can be boggling, but the message remains simple – carbon emission reduction, reducing energy use, reducing and recycling resources result in lower operating costs. Your company saves money, and gets to pat itself on the back for being good to the planet. So why isn’t everyone doing it? “Well I think everyone, or at least the smart companies, is doing it. Energy efficiency is accelerating. In the United States, and I suspect this is even more true in Australia, over half the economy is small businesses. There has

BUSINESS NEWS | 17

COVER STORY 300,000 new jobs in the first four years of the program, and took the north of Germany from being the basket case of Germany into now being a fairly prosperous industrial region.”

Anybody who can do basic sums, and can dig their head out of their ideological rear will realise that you want to be on the side of the new economy, not the old economy,” Lovins said.

Everyone’s heard the story that if we pay for more green energy production, everybody’s electricity rate will rise. Of course it will rise. It’s rising anyway and it will rise more. The question is by how much? The introduction

The world leaders in sustainability are not building ‘clean coal’ power plants; they are paying all green energy generators – from households with solar panels on their roof, to major energy generators – something in the order of

“Australia was one of the first countries to develop the personal computer, but you didn’t invest in it... You have an opportunity now, and have begun to show real political leadership around putting in place the kinds of policies that will elicit the technologies that create jobs, drive prosperity and can bring real economic power to Australia.”

been almost no successful penetration of efficiency information to small businesses, which is why [Natural Capitalism Solutions] built a web-based learning platform called ‘Solutions at the Speed of Business’, targeting small businesses. “We worked with a tortilla company in a gritty little industrial town in California. Their CEO had no earthly interest in sustainability, but he wanted to sell to WalMart. Wal-Mart has a green commitment, so he wanted to know what he had to do. So using this web-based learning tool, we helped the company with a lighting retrofit, getting more efficient ovens, reducing the waste packaging in how they shipped the tortillas and they are now going to save US$450,000 over the next couple of years. You better believe that CEO is now a big fan of sustainability,” Hunter said. Small to medium business

18 | BUSINESS NEWS

contributes roughly a third to Australia’s annual GDP, but it is smaller businesses that have less available capital, and who are already trying hard to work through the credit crunch and survive the downturn in consumer confidence in Australia. It should come as no surprise that it in this sector that the resistance to investing in new, more energy efficient infrastructure and processes is the strongest. “I guess that’s why the Government’s Energy Efficiency Opportunities program has been put into place, which has the potential to drive enormous savings throughout the Australian economy. When you do this, again you’ll find it is the fastest way to job creation. This is what the Germans found when they put in place a feed-in tariff – the concept of a clean contract, where they pay a fair rate for any renewable electrons – it created over

of clean contracts in Germany now means solar will be at grid parity by 2013 in that country, with Deutsche Bank finding that Germans will be paying less for electricity than if they had done nothingw about moving away from coal fired power generation. The question of the future of our electricity supply has particular pertinence in Victoria. Our State’s heavy dependence on brown coal fired power makes us susceptible to sharp rises in the cost of carbon-intensive energy supply in the coming years. Faced with ageing infrastructure in the Latrobe Valley, the opportunity to transform our energy supply is before us. So, how is the Baillieu Government proposing to steer our energy supply into the future - with a new ‘clean coal’ power plant in the Latrobe Valley. Leaving many Victorians wondering why we aren’t we looking at a smarter future for our State? “They ought to, because coal prices are going up about 10 per cent per year, while solar prices are falling. So it’s a question of which curve do you want to be riding?

35 cents per kW hour. This is happening in Germany and has unleashed incredible innovation. “Siemens, the big industrial conglomerate, announced they’re getting out of nuclear in favour of the pan-European smart grid. They see their industrial future as big wind off the German and Danish coasts, wave off Scotland – and Scotland will be 100 per cent renewable powered by 2020 – wave off Portugal, solar across the south, biofuels everywhere, all connecting smart homes, smart cars, through this smart grid. Siemens sees this drive to innovate as what will give them this durable competitive advantage. “Cities themselves are investing. In Germany, there is a city that is already 100 per cent renewably powered. And the windmills and the solar are community-owned - so the benefits are going to the community. This is something I think we’re going to see more and more - communities realising that they can take their future into their own hands. People in the town just said, “We can do this.” The

COVER STORY town invested in it and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up and running. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that this kind of approach creates global jobs. In Sonoma County in California, the County put in place a financing package to enable citizens and small business to implement energy efficiency, to put solar on their roofs. In the first nine months of the program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which was in 2009, the peak of the recession â&#x20AC;&#x201C; construction jobs went up 8.4 per cent. In the immediately adjacent Napa County, which did not have the program, jobs went down 3 per cent, as the did for the Bay Area as a whole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From a program in Oregon, we know that, per megawatt saved in a community, you generate over $2 million in increased economic activity, over half a million dollars in increased wages and ten times the jobs you would get if you invested the same amount of money in any central station.â&#x20AC;? I asked Lovins, if she had three pieces of advice to share with businesses on how to reduce their environmental footprint and increase their bottom line, what they would be. This was her answer: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost everybody that looks at this from a scientific point of view recognises that each of our carbon footprints is

the most damaging thing that we do. Take a look deep inside yourself. Ask, what am I doing every day? What are the choices that I am making every day that are contributing to my carbon footprint? We all have one. I have a huge one, because I fly around the planet, as I put it, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Burning carbon to save the climateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So I offset my entire carbon footprint. I put solar panels on my ranch. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking at getting an electric car to run off the solar panels. And all of my flying is offset, but I still think, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do I have to make that tripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Can I car poolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? So number one is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Just look at yourselfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second most important thing for each of us to do is to realise how rich we are, and how much need there is in the rest of the world. Think through what contribution I can make to lifting the rest of the world out of poverty. Because if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enable India, Africa, China, Latin America to attain a decent standard of living, in a sustainable way, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toast for all of us. I help mentor at an organisation called the Unreasonable Institute, where every year we bring 25 young entrepreneurs, primarily from developing countries, and provide them with whatever they need to launch successful sustainability businesses.â&#x20AC;? Which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

sound all that unreasonableâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, it comes from the George Bernard Shaw quote that the reasonable man adapts himself to the ways of the world, the unreasonable man insists that the world adapt to him, therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or woman,â&#x20AC;? she said, laughing.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When those wild-eyed environmentalists at Goldman Sachs showed that the companies that are the leaders in environment, social and good governance policy have 25 per cent higher stock value than their less sustainable competitors, there is a business case.â&#x20AC;? get things right, and pretty quick, things could get fairly dire. If the Iranians decide to close the Strait of Hormuz, petrol would be over US$200 a barrel tomorrow, and could remain there fairly durably. How would we run our economy? The work that came out of the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Transition Town movement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is, I think, very important. Looking at how would I live, how would my local businesses operate, how would my community survive if the apocalypse happened.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit like how I say to people about climate change: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fine, assume itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hoax. If all you are is a profit-maximising capitalist, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do the same darned thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do if you were scared to death about climate change, because we know how to solve this problem at a profit. If it turns out itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hoax, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make a lot of money, if it turns out itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The third thing that I think each of us should do is to look to our own communities. It is just possible, if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

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not a hoax, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make a lot of money. Either way, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go.â&#x20AC;? The Corporations, People & the Planet event will bring together businesspeople, environmentalists, academics, young people and scientists to discuss how we can all play our part in achieving longterm economic, social and environmental sustainability from the 26th to the 28th of April, 2012 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

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BUSINESS NEWS | 19

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Renewable Future = Sustainable Business The management team at Clean Energy Systems recently sat down to map out the business strategy and direction for the next 3 to 5 years. Hot on the agenda were 3 main topics: 1. What is the future for renewable energy in Australia? 2. Will there be demand for our current product lines a few years from now? 3. What are customers telling us about a sustainable Australia? Our Renewable Future Repeatedly we hear warning that the earth is warming and carbon levels keep on rising. As such, we have seen the federal government make the move to implement a carbon tax. In addition to the tax, they are putting in place a plan to make Australia a cleaner place in the future. With that plan comes a lot of support and incentives to businesses to turn to renewable energy. The government is serious about

– “for the foreseeable future, we anticipate strong sales in these product lines. Of course, there are always new products and new forms of renewable energy systems being created. We are always interested in these new technologies and speak regularly with suppliers. We are investing heavily in this area both in terms of bringing in key external staff and research. We hope to pass on the benefits of these investments to our customers”. What are local companies saying? “More and more customers are looking to invest in Australia’s future. It’s as simple as that” says Tony Zareei, Sales Director at Clean Energy Systems. “It has become apparent among businesses that they are excited about renewable energy and we are seeing a major shift in their wanting to invest in renewable energy. We have some major businesses in the pipeline who are ready to invest in Australia”. Clean Energy Systems Australia is continuing to lead the way in clean energy

“Repeatedly we hear warning that the earth is warming and carbon levels keep on rising. As such, we have seen the federal government make the move to implement a carbon tax.” this and is investing billions of dollars in these programs, and have subsequently put very aggressive targets to reduce approximately 2000 megawatts of dirty power by 2020.

technologies and investment. Speak to them today to see what opportunities might be suitable for your business.

Current Product Demand Adam Dragic, Managing Director of Clean Energy Systems is still seeing consistent revenue generated by the core product line of Solar PV Systems and LED lighting and had this to say

20 | BUSINESS NEWS

Ph: 1300 308 077 E: info@cleanenergygroup.com.au www.cleanenerygroup.com.au

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BUSINESS NEWS | 21

FEATURE THIS year, Geelong’s largest provider of disability services celebrates a major milestone – over half a century of steady work to improve the lives of people with disabilities. As the children in the original playgroup grew older, a sheltered workshop was established to provide them with employment and, in 1973, Karingal House, the first of many such facilities, was opened in East Geelong to provide the young adults with accommodation and a chance to live as

needed to be an education and integration process to demonstrate to the community that people with disabilities have a right to enjoy the opportunities everyone else has, but there has been progress and it’s probably going to require intergenerational changing of attitudes. As younger people become more accepting of living alongside people with disabilities that should permeate through the whole society. But it’s up to organisations like Karingal to

Karingal’s Diamond Jubilee

“The other big event for Karingal in 2012 is the establishment of the Karingal Foundation. This is the first ever public appeal for the organisation and is part of a long-term financial plan. We want to establish a Foundation where we can attract more donations, philanthropic grants, develop more partnerships and provide an opportunity for people to donate to special projects for people with disabilities.”

In 1952, when a group of parents began a playgroup for children with disabilities in a local church hall, little did they dream it was the beginning of an organisation that would still be providing services to people with disabilities 60 years later? independently as possible.

try to show the way.”

Fast forward to 2012 and Karingal now has over 1,300 staff and 150 volunteers who last year provided services to 1,528 clients in the Geelong region, Warrnambool and Colac, and the Mornington Peninsula.

Karingal originally existed to provide services for people with intellectual disabilities, but in the 1980s and 90s the organisation diversified to cater for a range of other disabilities. It has also branched out into community aged care, mental health support and employment services for disability and mainstream employment through MatchWorks, a division of Karingal. It is disability support services, however, that remains the organisation’s reason for being.

“It was still quite a progressive thing in 1952 for parents to be caring for their children with intellectual disabilities at home, but around the state, and indeed Australia, organisations like Karingal started forming,” says Karingal’s CEO, Daryl Starkey. “If it wasn’t for progressive parents, people with disabilities were pretty well shunned back then in the 1940s and 50s and many parents didn’t take them out a lot into the community.” There has been much progress since then, but Daryl says trying to change community attitudes towards people with disabilities is still a big part of Karingal’s mission. “It’s been gradual, but things are definitely changing. The community has become more accepting of people with disabilities. There’s

22 | BUSINESS NEWS

“We have over 200 different activities through our day centres to help people with disabilities get out into the community and we also offer residential care in shared supported accommodation, where paid staff support people in group homes of five to eight residents,” Daryl said. “We also have hundreds of employees who go into people’s homes and help to support them in living at home with daily hygiene needs, for example, or taking them shopping. It might also be allowing the carer to go

out and do the shopping while we care for the person with the disability, or enabling people with disabilities to go to work. Sometimes they need support in the morning to get out of bed or to just prepare them for the day.” In 2008, Karingal’s board committed $5 million in response to the high level of unmet need for accommodation for people with disabilities, aiming to establish 40 accommodation places over a five year period. In 2010 the program was extended with a commitment to build a further 20 places, bringing the total number of places to 60 across a 15 year timeline.

In its 60th year, Karingal is now preparing for new growth and challenges, including the continued lobbying of the government for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With the introduction of the NDIS, the way in which funding for the disability support sector is delivered will change. Karingal has been involved in the process since the beginning. “The current disability service scheme is crisis driven for funding, and there’s just not enough. People miss out,” Daryl says. “It’s a ration system, whereas the NDIS is proposed to be like Medicare, where there’s universal –or at least basic - coverage for

FEATURE

everyone who needs services for their disability. “The Federal Government has brought forward the establishment of launch regions to mid- 2013. The national disability insurance agency is being established as we speak and it will then decide where the launch regions will be. They’re going to have, we believe, a few launch regions around Australia, and Victoria is, we think, highly likely to have at least one, if not more. Victoria is more advanced in self-directed funding approaches and we think Geelong’s disability agencies are well placed to support the establishment of a launch region.

“The earlier we get started, the earlier people with disabilities and their families will get the benefit of the extra funding that should be available,” Daryl adds. “The aim is for people with disabilities to access mainstream activities, rather than just activities provided by Karingal or other disability services. We can’t see there not being a need for disability services, but it is hoped that people with disabilities will be able to live more independently in the community if they are just supported and given the opportunities to do so.” Karingal is also set to grow in new directions, with the announcement last year of a proposed merger with local

community service training organisation CREATE. The merger would allow Karingal to expand its youth education services and training operations. “CREATE works particularly closely with disadvantaged schools in Werribee and Geelong where there is a high rate of student drop out, and provides support services and training to youth from secondary schools,” Daryl says. “That’s not something Karingal has done to date, but we do support young people with disabilities in their teens and early twenties and we think there will be good integration of those services.

“CREATE also offers disability services and is a successful registered training organisation, which provides a range of community services training. As Karingal is also a registered training organisation, [the merger] will expand that area. CREATE has a good reputation and when they approached us about the possibility of amalgamating the organisations we wanted to support them. It’s about trying to preserve the good work that they’ve done over the past 20 years, particularly in the northern suburbs,” Daryl said. The other big event for Karingal in 2012 is the establishment of the Karingal Foundation. This is the first

BUSINESS NEWS | 23

FEATURE

“The aim is for people with disabilities to access mainstream activities, rather than just activities provided by Karingal or other disability services. We can’t see there not being a need for disability services, but it is hoped that people with disabilities will be able to live more independently in the community if they are just supported and given the opportunities to do so.” ever public appeal for the organisation and is part of a long-term financial plan.

Daryl Starkey CEO, Karingal

“We want to establish a Foundation where we can attract more donations, philanthropic grants, develop more partnerships and provide an opportunity for people to donate to special projects for people with disabilities,” says Daryl. “We are planning a lot of new projects, such as a community centre in East Geelong and more accommodation for people with disabilities.” This includes Leopold’s “Melaluka”, which will provide 2500 nights of respite

24 | BUSINESS NEWS

accommodation each year for up to 300 people with disabilities from across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. The $1.5million building project is expected to open in 2012. “There is significant unmet need for residential respite and day support accommodation in the Geelong region,” Daryl points out. “Respite gives individuals and their families an often critically needed break from their duties as a carer. We are hoping people get behind this community project and the Karingal Foundation through a financial donation or through support with building

materials, goods and even trade services. “Apart from raising funds for specific projects such as Melaluka, the Foundation is also to set aside some money over the long term to establish a base of funds we can use to finance the unmet needs of people with disabilities into the future.” The Karingal Foundation will be launched at a Gala Dinner to celebrate the organisation’s 60th Anniversary on March 23. Tickets are $150. For more information, contact Karingal on 5249 8900, email foundation@karingal.org.au or visit www.karingal.org.au.

JUDY BAULCH

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Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd Membership of APS Benefits automatically entitles you to a funeral benefit issued by APS Benefits. You should consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement & Financial Services Guide (available from APS Benefits or our web site on www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS Benefits or buy any products offered by APS Benefits. Financial services provided by Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd are provided under its AFSL No. 244115. APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative NEWS | 25 No. 305923 of Futuro Financial Services Pty Ltd (‘Futuro’). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided underBUSINESS Futuro’s AFSL No. 238478

VECCI VECCI recently made its submission to the Fair Work Act Review, where we recommended a number of reforms to increase flexibility and productivity, while reducing the costs of doing business. The many challenges currently confronting Australia – which are only likely to intensify over coming years – are such that we cannot leave to chance the operation of legislation designed to ensure flexibility for employers and fairness to working Australians.Australia’s productivity performance

under the Act – both at an enterprise and individual level, and the need to promote genuine workplace flexibility by amending the operation of Individual Flexibility Agreements (IFAs). Our members are reporting a number of significant problems with a system containing little consideration for employers’ needs and challenges in difficult economic circumstances, whereby flexibility and the ability to effectively manage the workforce is pivotal. The current operation of ‘union-

The need to be flexible Businesses need more flexibility in their ability to manage their workforce effectively, including being able to negotiate fairly when it comes to unfair dismissal claims. has slipped and jobs and investment growth are now at risk. Shortfalls in the operation of the current legislation must therefore be addressed as a priority. VECCI’s submission, which is based on our dealings with more than 15,000 members, customers and clients, has identified a number of priorities for business where action is needed. There are issues with the operation of bargaining and agreement making under the Act, and a need to give certainty to bargaining initiation and return transparency to the overall process. Many employers are frustrated with the time and effort involved unravelling the overly prescriptive and confusing procedural requirements under the Fair Work Act for enterprise agreement bargaining and approval. Majority Support Determinations are not working effectively, and members are having significant obligations imposed on them from Fair Work Australia, without ever having witnessed the ‘evidence’ on which such obligations are imposed. Problems associated with flexibility are also common

26 | BUSINESS NEWS

only Greenfields agreements’ is resulting in cost blowouts, delays to projects and results in an unbalanced negotiating advantage to unions, whereby the knowledge of any delay in commencement will impact the enterprise adversely. The significant costs confronting business associated with defending dismissal related claims under the expanded regime must be addressed by the review, and there’s a need to clarify jurisdictional grounds and redress an overly attractive and potentially lucrative process for applicants pursuing unfair dismissal claims without any merit. There is often significant pressure being applied on employers in such conciliations to make financial offers to settle claims, which is frequently divorced from the merits or specifics of the case. In our submission, we mention a specific case where a member had a matter go through Fair Work Australia and the Federal Magistrates’ Court. The employer stated that the matter had “taken me away from the core functions of my role and adversely affected the productivity and efficiency of my business.” The matter was ultimately s

“VECCI recently made its submission to the Fair Work Act Review, where we recommended a number of reforms to increase flexibility and productivity, while reducing the costs of doing business.” truck out, proving that the time and expense to get to this point is far too onerous for business and often results in ‘go-away’ money being paid. Another statement included in the submission includes that “the process for determining jurisdiction is far too complex and time consuming to simply prove whether an employee has jurisdiction to even make an unfair dismissal application in the first place… Many times we are ‘afraid’ to make a decision, which is right for the business, based on the ramifications it may have under the Fair Work Act.” Finally, certainty must be restored for employers within the new system; and the review must ensure there is legislative change where issues arise, as well as clear and consistent communication regarding the operation of the legislation. VECCI considers

the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Australia need to take a more collaborative approach to ensure that the advice is consistent, communicated to employers and that employers can rely on the advice received. We urge the Government to adopt our recommended reforms to these and other critical components of the Fair Work Act. Australia has much to gain from changes that deliver a workplace relations system that is simpler to navigate, less onerous for small business and more conducive to economic growth, productivity and prosperity.

You can read VECCI’s full submission to the Fair Work Act Review at www.vecci.org.au

JAMES GULLI

GEELONG BLINDS CO. Designing and Manufacturing Window Furnishings in Geelong since 1969

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P: (03) 5229 9588 F: (03) 5221 5925 E: design@geelongblinds.com.au BUSINESS NEWS | 27

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LEGAL THIS importance has become apparent due to a number of factors, including: - the use of technology in the workplace; - exposure of employees (but not necessarily confined to executive employees) to sensitive and/or confidential information when performing their roles; and - the need to protect business’ from potential misuse of confidential information by exiting employees. Protection of confidential information is especially

important for small businesses that operate in regional areas. In these circumstances, the small business’ competitors generally operate within the same circles and rely upon similar practices and information in order to attract their customers and clients. The use of confidential information is connected with the growing trend for the inclusion in employment contracts of ‘restraint of trade’ type clauses. Restraint of trade clauses are intended to prevent exiting employees from:

Protecting your business in a competitive world MORE and more employers are beginning to consider the importance of including a restraint and confidentiality clause in their employment agreements.

- working at a business in competition with the previous employer’s business; - setting up his/her own business in competition with the previous employer’s business; and/or - soliciting or poaching the employer’s existing clients and customers. It is the prevention of the third point above for which the use of a restraint and confidentiality clause is vital. Many employers are aware that the enforceability of traditional restraint of trade clauses can be at times, questionable. This is due to the obvious tension between protecting the employer’s business interests versus not unduly restricting the employee’s right to work in his/ her chosen field with another employer. So, how can the employer protect its business from exiting employees actively

actually means. This should be done by including a non-exhaustive list of the types of information which the employer considers confidential; specifically tailored to the industry in which the employer’s business operates. However, the utility of confidentiality clauses is not confined to protecting client contact lists. Confidentiality clauses are also crucial to protecting information such as the employer’s business plans, internal processes and procedures as well as any intellectual property. Employers wishing to increase the protection of their business interests should contact a lawyer specialising in employment law to have their employment agreements reviewed and request that a relevant and comprehensive restraint and confidentiality clause be included.

“A clause which prevents the employee from disclosing confidential information without the employer’s prior consent, may be used to prevent... employees from using information such as client lists... for the purpose of poaching them.” poaching the employer’s customers or clients? The answer is by including a well-drafted restraint and confidentiality clause in the employment agreement. A clause which prevents the employee from disclosing confidential information without the employer’s prior consent, may be used to prevent (and also dissuade) employees from using information such as client lists (containing client’s names and contact details) to contact the employer’s clients for the purpose of poaching them. Such confidentiality obligations should continue to be in effect after the employment relationship terminates. It is also essential that any confidentiality clause define what “confidential information”

28 | BUSINESS NEWS

Monique Austerberry Lawyer

MONIQUE AUSTERBERRY

RECRUITMENT AS many of the great business minds from the baby boomer generation begin to step down from the workforce or contemplate retirement, opportunities are emerging for future leaders to pick up the mantle and continue to take their business forward into the future. “There is plenty of good talent in the market who are ideal candidates to step into these leadership roles”, says Nick Deligiannis, Director of Hays in Geelong. “When we look at Generation X for example they are independent,

the company, not just the individual, and determination to deliver long-term, sustainable results. Potential leaders will already be working towards safeguarding the company for the long-term, engaging with a variety of stakeholders across the business, working closely with both the senior business leaders and staff at the ‘coalface’. This requires skills, which will also be needed in a leadership role, such as strong communication skills, a high degree of self-motivation and drive. “Most importantly, an ideal leader will have a

Leadership the next generation Some people are born leaders, others have leadership roles thrust upon them, but fi nding those who demonstrate leadership qualities could be the most valuable asset an organisation can have, says recruiting expert Hays. entrepreneurial thinkers who already have a significant number of years experience in the workforce. The most significant dynamic that has changed between the two generations is the desire for a better work/life balance. Common traits that exist are the capacity for multitasking, thriving in a challenging environment and looking for individual growth and development. “While there will be a void to fill as the baby boomers move on from their leadership roles, this will shift the market in terms of allowing not only Generation X but ambitious Generation Y’s to move up the ladder faster to fill the gaps. While there is a common misconception about the attitudes of many Generation Y’s these days, much of that is misguided. We have a generation of young professionals who are highly creative, well educated and technologically advanced. They want to be challenged and seek opportunities to demonstrate leadership early. “For candidates looking to step into leadership roles, it is important to note that organisations look for leaders who show an ambition for

mixture of both hard and soft skills. We recently released our top ten global skills shortage list which named people and communications, team management and leadership and organisational as some of the key soft skills we felt formed part of a common global perception that today’s candidates do not have a sufficient standard of. “Baby boomers have been quite exceptional in these areas and many of today’s younger generations have looked to them for training, support and guidance as a result. While some of these skills can be learned, many are qualities that need to already exist within a potential leader.” For candidates looking to step into a leadership role, Nick has this advice: - Understand the contribution you are really making. Think about the value that you add to the organisation – not just in a functional way. How do you support and promote the right culture, both in your own team and more broadly? Do you generally contribute to the achievement of the business objectives outside the area of your own remit?

- Ask for regular feedback. While you are aware of your own strengths, it would be beneficial to understand how others perceive your ‘leadership’ style. It may help to identify some areas of development. - Look for ways you can help to support the senior management team, nonexecutives and other stakeholders – use the opportunity to proactively demonstrate your solutionsdriven approach. Acting as an advisor to management, providing strategic advice and producing results will ensure you are seen as adding value. - Be across the business and develop strong working relationships with all key business heads. As a leader you need to be able to map stakeholders, establish effective relationships, define priorities, generate quick wins and establish ‘a presence’. - Demonstrate that you can set a clear vision, gain buy-in, inspire people and motivate employees to achieve strategic objectives. For employers looking to identify potential leaders, Nick has this advice: - Identify leadership gaps through succession planning to determine current

and future leadership requirements. - Cast a wide net in the market and your existing workforce to source and recruit leadership talent. - When training a candidate with potential, offering the type of training that will help them move up the ranks in the future, such as leadership skills. - Match them with a mentor who closely matches their personality and skills to develop a successful coaching relationship to help transfer knowledge and provide development opportunities. - Examine your culture – does it support all individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, women for example? Do you need to expand your pool of talent? - Regular performance management and assessment is essential to help monitor and support developing leaders. This will to allow employees to understand their leadership options and set development goals as well as giving employers the knowledge they need to properly identify future leadership potential.

Hays, the world's leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

BUSINESS NEWS | 29

LEADING LADIES

Leading Ladies in Nicole Pertzel*

DeÊarne Cole

WELLBEING FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

TUCKERS FUNERAL & BEREAVEMENT SERVICE

255 Moorabool Street, Geelong 114 Albert Road, South Melbourne

55 Hope Street, Geelong West

W: www.wellbeingfs.com.au

W: www.tuckers.com.au

E: info@wellbeingfs.com.au

E: west@tuckers.com.au

P: (Geel) 03 5222 7466, (Melb) 03 8682 6319

P: 03 5221 4788

NEVER before has there been such a dedicated and co-ordinated offering to business owners and professionals in the financial planning space in Geelong. Practice Principal of Wellbeing Financial Solutions, Nicole Pertzel is a Certified Financial Planner and Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Specialist Advisor.® She has over 20 years’ experience assisting clients to achieve financial wellbeing. Being a local, Nicole has recently expanded her business and opened offices in central Geelong. Licenced to provide financial advice via Australian Unity Personal Financial Services, Nicole specialises in working with professionals and business owners. Some key services are: • Self Managed Super Fund advice and coordination with your accountants, lenders and legal team, where necessary. • Comprehensive risk insurance plans to cover your income, business revenue and debts, and your lifestyle. • Retirement planning on-going advice, to enable business owners to unlock the value of their business in order to provide a secure retirement income stream. • Pro-active direct investment management and advice and professional investment administration. • Fee transparency and fee for service advice.

*Nicole Pertzel is an authorised representative of Australian Unity Personal

Financial Services Limited (ABN 26 098 725 145), AFS Licence No. 234459, 114 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Australian Unity Personal Financial Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Unity Limited.

30 | BUSINESS NEWS

Gabrielle Nagle

GLASTONBURY 222 Malop Street, Geelong W: www.glastonbury.org.au E: info@glastonbury.org.au P: 03 5222 6911

AS the General Manager of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service, De’arne Cole leads a dedicated team in a challenging industry, yet still finds time for involvement in different community activities, but most importantly, time for her family.

GABRIELLE Nagle is CEO of Glastonbury Community Services, one of Geelong’s oldest and most trusted community service organisations that delivers early interviention and prevention services for over 4,000 children, young people and families per year.

Having worked in the funeral industry for the past 18 years, De’arne understands the challenges faced by families when the death of a loved one occurs, “…it is an honour and a privilege helping to care for our client families” says De’arne. Leading a team of over 30 staff members, De’arne oversees the day-to-day operations with a focus to maintain Tuckers exceptional customer service whilst supporting families in their time of need.

She has qualifications in nursing, paediatrics, community heath, administration and is a Fellow of Leadership Victoria. Gabrielle has contributed in governance roles promoting regional issues from a community health and service perspective. She has been Chair, Institute for Healthy Communities; Board Member of YWCA; Chair of Courthouse Youth Arts Centre and currently sits on Australia Post’s Stakeholder Council. Gabrielle is also on the Board of the Centre of Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and is on the Leaders for Geelong Committee.

Tuckers CEO Mark Osborne says, “This industry can be challenging to work in, but as a natural leader, De’arne brings with her a desire for continuous learning and has a passion for all aspects of her role, especially the ongoing development and management of her staff”. Outside of her role at Tuckers, De’arne is involved with various local groups, including the Business Professional Women’s Network as well as a participant in the Leaders for Geelong Program 2011-2013. “The opportunities for networking in this region are vast. I am able to create relationships with like-minded professionals and discuss our common workplace challenges.”

One of Gabrielle’s most important achievements at Glastonbury has been transitioning the Early Years Program to a proven and evidence based prevention service. This and improvements to Glastonbury’s investment strategy has enabled a longer term commitment to establish innovative local prevention services in socially disadvantaged areas. Focusing on giving young children a good start in life makes a positive and long term difference. Glastonbury continues to source funds and support from the community to enhance its Early Years Program.

LEADING LADIES

Business Renée Jovic

JOVIC BANTACS ACCOUNTANTS Level 1, 80 Pakington Street, Geelong West W: www.jovicaccounting.com.au www.bantacs.com.au E: admin@jovicaccounting.com.au P: 03 5222 6962 RENÉE Jovic B Com CPA MAICD is the Director and Managing Accountant of Jovic Bantacs Accountants. Renée established her own practice in September 2004. With a personal approach to each individual client the practice has grown and developed a reputation on its strength of personal relationships. The practice has offices in Geelong and Melbourne, with clients nationally and internationally. In 2009 the practice joined the National BAN TACS Accountants Group – a group which has the experience and resources of a large firm with the care and attention of an independent practitioner. Jovic Bantacs Accountants’ goal is to provide Accounting, Taxation and Business Solutions for clients, taking a special interest in property developers and investors. Jovic Bantacs Accountants believes in becoming an integral part of their client’s business and personal strategies. They do this by being aware of the economic, legal and financial factors influencing you and your business. They help you capitalise on opportunities, and when necessary minimise problems. As a local business woman and married mother of two young children Renée understands the challenges to obtain the work/life balance, which supports the personal approach Renée and her team takes with every individual client.

What’s the old saying, ‘If you want something done, give it to a busy person’? These leading ladies of the Geelong business community know all about getting things done.

Melissa Vella

ALLSURE INSURANCE

Mandy Lovett

EYEGALLERY

Shop 1/125 Melbourne Road, Rippleside

87 Barrabool Road, Highton

W: www.allsure.com.au

W: www.eyegallery.net.au

E: insure@allsure.com.au

E: info@eyegallery.net.au

P: 03 5278 6808

P: 03 5243 5600

I NEVER wanted to take after my mother, but here I am as co-owner of the business she started with my father 26 years ago. We are still a family business today; my brother and I bought the business from our folks 5 years ago and it still grows on the fantastic foundation built by our parents. My four children are also involved and bring new ideas on marketing and new technologies. I wonder if my kids think the same thing, about turning out like their mum…

MANDY Lovett is an Optical Stylist who runs “Eye Gallery”, the beautiful optical boutique situated at 87 Barrabool Road in Highton, just next door to 63 degrees.

A little about us: We are a service orientated family business. As many of you know, the insurance industry can be faceless, automated and often has substandard service. At Allsure we pride ourselves on offering a human face to the industry. You can come to us for guidance; you can ask lots of questions and never feel silly. Your needs are listened to carefully and we work with you to develop insurance solutions with a level of service and coverage you won’t find anywhere else. Our business is built on family values and we relish in building long term relationships. Many of our clients are sons and daughters, even grandchildren of our original customers. I get a real sense of satisfaction in talking to our clients, understanding what they worry about, and making sure they have the right insurances in place to protect them.

She has been in the optical business for over 17 years but started her own business “Eye Gallery” nearly 4 years ago. Mandy says she loves people, she loves talking and she loves glasses, so what better place is there to be. Mandy’s mission statement sums up her commitment for her business. “We, at Eyegallery, are committed to giving quality service in helping all our clients achieve the best possible vision through regular, comprehensive eye testing in a comfortable, inviting environment and to enhance our clients’ own individual style with unique eyewear products including designer glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. This is our promise to you, our clients and our community.” Bringing the world’s leading brands and cutting edge design in eye wear fashion, Eye Gallery’s range includes frames by Givenchy, Micheal Kors, Ted Baker Global, Fendi, Nina Ricci, Roberto Cavalli, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Moschino, Hugo Boss, Serengeti, Mandarina Duck, Escada, Trussardi, Jhane Barnes, Memoflex, Kenzo, Lacoste, Gucci, Sonia Rykiel, MIKLI par MIKLI, Sass N Bide, Etnia and Conquistador.

‘Having the right insurance is no accident’

BUSINESS NEWS | 31

LEGAL THE Federal Court of Australia has this month heard an appeal by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (the SDA) against the decision by Fair Work Australia (FWA) to allow 90-minute after school retail shifts for secondary school students - once again creating uncertainty for businesses right across Australia. The introduction of the Retail Industry Award 2010 in January 2010 brought with it a mandatory minimum engagement of three hours

for all casual employees. The National Retails Association Limited made numerous attempts in 2010 to have FWA reduce the minimum engagement from three hours to two hours. The NRA’s attempts were resisted by the national workplace relations tribunal. Seemingly searching for a compromise, the NRA then applied to FWA in 2011 to vary the Award to reduce the minimum engagement for casual employees [who are secondary school students] from three hours to one hour

Retailers Association winning on hours fight Common sense has prevailed on the fight to allow small businesses, and particuarly small retailers, hire young workers for 90-minute after school shifts.

and thirty minutes on school days. The NRA submitted that the variation was necessary to achieve the Award’s objective of “promoting social inclusion through increased workforce participation” and that “a three hour minimum engagement is too restrictive for the needs of employers and employees in the retail industry”.

Retailers across Australia await the decision of the Federal Court. Will the Court overturn FWA and reinstate the obligation on employers (large or small) to provide minimum three hour engagements to all employees, and where will that leave so many traders in our region that close their doors between 5:30 or 6:00pm?

The NRA’s application was opposed by the SDA, which presented evidence said to show that employees would prefer to work longer shifts and that factors such as cost of transport and time taken to travel to and from work made the shorter shifts a burden on employees. FWA Vice President, Graeme Watson, accepted with qualification the NRA’s application, saying the introduction of ninety-minute shifts meant employers

“FWA Vice President, Graeme Watson, accepted with qualification the NRA’s application, saying the introduction of ninety-minute shifts meant employers may be more prepared to hire school students...” may be more prepared to hire school students after school. VP Watson allowed the variation on the condition that the student is studying full-time; they be engaged to work between the hours of 3:00pm and 6:30pm on a day which they are required to attend school; that the employee agrees to work, and a parent or guardian of the employee agrees to allow the employee to work, a shorter period than three hours; and the employment for a longer period than ninety minutes is not possible either because of the operational requirements of the employer or the unavailability of the employee. The changes came into force on 1 October 2011 and the SDA’s appeal against VP Watson’s decision was rejected by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia. In response, the SDA sought judicial review of the FWA decision by the Federal Court.

32 | BUSINESS NEWS

Martin Reid Workplace Relations Partner

Disclaimer: This article contains general comments only. Specific legal advice should be obtained in relation to any matters associated with the topic discussed.

MARTIN REID

TAX NOT many of us take that step, and not everyone who does makes a success of it, but it might well be the best thing you ever do. There are some key aspects to starting your own business that will improve your chances of success. 1. Be clear on strategic rationale You like the idea of owning your own business, but why this particular shop, or restaurant, or printmaking business? For your idea to succeed, it needs to fulfil at

To test your assumptions on how customers will react to your business, it is useful to have a prototype to market test, or hold focus groups to gauge reactions to various ideas. What is really important is to be clear on what makes you unique – your point of difference. Why should people come to you, and are you able to prove it? For example, you may say, “I can make the best banana bread in Geelong”. That’s great, if other people agree with your personal taste

Stepping into a new business future Starting your own business is most people’s dream at one point or another – being your own boss and in control of your own destiny.

where are you best to advertise, what about an opening promotion? 2. Understand the financials It will be important to have an understanding of how much income you might earn - the size of the market, how many units you might sell, what price you will charge... market research and understanding what your competitors are doing is key. Similarly, how much is it likely to cost to set up? You’ll need a property, even if it’s just a home office, and some marketing material (business cards, brochures and a website). If you are making or selling goods, you’ll need to invest in some stock. Perhaps you will be able to arrange supplier credit, but many of these things need to be paid for on delivery. You’ll need to assess how long it will take for the business to start paying for itself – and how much money you will need in the meantime.

to deal with people. It will also help if you have family and friends to fall back on for understanding and a network of experienced people and advisers to turn to. And even when the business is up and running, of course things don’t always go to plan. In fact, one common issue is that things take off more quickly that you thought. This can be a problem, as a growing business absorbs working capital, causing cash shortages that might not have been anticipated. Or things might develop more slowly, or cost more, or simply not work. You might need to call in favours, so make sure you’ve built them up. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, from your bank, business adviser or lawyer – that’s what they’re for. There is a lot to work through, but many business owners make it work. If you never try it, you’ll never know.

It is likely you will need to borrow money, from investors, friends and family or the bank - a clear business plan is fundamental to give credibility to your request. Other key things to consider in the financial area are: - Insurance: you may need to look at public liability, product liability, professional indemnity and other risks; - Choosing the right structure for your business (sole trader, partnership, company or trust). It makes a difference to the tax you will pay; - Registration for tax file number, ABN, business name and licenses;

least one of the following: - you have a new product or service that customers can’t get elsewhere; - you can do things better for customers, e.g. a lower price, personal attention or a closer location; or - there is a market need, e.g. labour or supply shortage.

preferences, and if you can demonstrate by their comments, or say a trade show prize, that it is true and not just a hopeful claim. Lastly, what’s the best route to market – consider whether you should sell via the Internet, or agents, or a store. How should the store be best laid out,

- Keeping on top of progress – make sure you have real time reporting set up to monitor your KPIs, in particular cash flow. 3. Are you ready for this? This is going to be harder than you think. Sometimes long hours, difficult situations, unexpected twists and challenges. It needs a particular sort of person to take this in your stride – highly motivated, flexible and able

Phillipa Bakes Business Advisor

Readers should not act on the basis of this information as the contents are of a general nature and do not reflect individual circumstances. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional standards Legislation other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees. WHK Pty Ltd ABN 84 006 466 351

PHILLIPPA BAKES BUSINESS NEWS | 33

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

Barwon Youth is committed to the provision of quality programs and service delivery for disadvantaged young people living in the Barwon South West region of Victoria.

www.streetsurferbus.com

Youth Week Barwon Youth in partnership with Victoria Police, Surf Coast Shire and key community agencies have successfully developed a mobile Youth Resource Service. The StreetSurfer Youth Bus project is an exciting initiative that has involved the conversion of a commercial passenger bus into a youth activities centre. The bus has been fitted with lap-tops, internet access and LCD televisions. A free BBQ and refreshments are available and youth workers provide support, assistance and information. The Streetsurfer is on the streets each Friday evening at locations in the Geelong Mall, Waurn Ponds Skate Park and Corio Shopping Centre. The project began in 2007 and initially received funding from Victoria Police, Geelong Community Foundation, United Way and donations from several Geelong companies and business and was launched in April 2010.

Major Sponsors

More recent support for the project has been received from The R E Ross Trust, the Melbourne Lord Mayors Fund and AERF (Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation). Barwon Youth would welcome donations from businesses to be able to expand the role of the bus throughout the region. Phone Barwon Youth: 5221 4466 For more information on the Streetsurfer Bus visit www.streetsurferbus.com

34 | BUSINESS NEWS

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

NATIONAL Youth Week (NYW) is back for 2012! We’re getting ready to make the week of 13–22 April an awesome experience for young people around Australia with a new theme, great competition prizes and an amazing team of supporting players. This is your chance to Imagine. Create. Inspire. Be part of NYW 2012 by getting involved in a range of fantastic events, activities

and competitions. Check out the website for more info and keep an eye out for upcoming competitions, news and more. Who is involved? Young people from all over the country take part in the celebrations along with many high schools, universities and TAFEs. A huge range of organisations also get involved in NYW, including community and youth groups, sponsors, businesses, and Australian, state, territory and

local governments.

Who runs NYW?

How can I get involved?

NYW is a joint Australian Government, state, territory and local government initiative. The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, in collaboration with the departments responsible for youth affairs in each state and territory, coordinate NYW with the help of a group of fantastic young people.

There are many ways you can get involved in NYW 2012. - attend the offi cial National launch - attend your state or territory launch or closing ceremony - host an event - enter the competitions To fi nd out what’s going on in your local area, follow NYW 2012 on Facebook or twitter.

Help prevent youth HOMELESSNESS. For 24 years Time for Youth has been making a difference in the lives of young people 12-24 who are homeless or in crisis, and their families. Time for Youth provide a range of innovative services including crisis accommodation, youth housing and support, meals, development of personal/life skills, counselling, mediation and parent support. Call Sharon today to discuss how your donation can make an impact on homelessness.

“You can help brighten the future of a young person in need.” timeforyouth.com.au

Ph: (03) 5246 7500 | Email: info@timeforyouth.org BUSINESS NEWS | 35

MEDICAL MEN’S health means a lot more than physical fitness, rippling six packs and protein shakes. The traditional vision of men’s health and wellbeing that pervades popular culture is of a physically fit young male, a vision which has been fostered over many generations with dominant masculine traits of power, strength and stoicism. This is an unreal model for the majority of boys and men to aspire. The imagery is flawed and fundamentally misses out on so many aspects of health and wellbeing that go to make up a healthy male identity.

is still very much the case that women are the key drivers in men’s health. At what point do men start taking on that ownership themselves? Is it the case that men really aren’t interested in their health or is it a now a case of men striving to break out of the male stereotypes and creating environments to better understand their own health? The landscape in regards to men’s health has changed markedly over the course of the last few years. In 2010 the Federal Government released the first National Male Health

Exploring this thing we call “boys’ and men’s health” Men’s health means a lot more than physical fitness, rippling six packs and protein shakes. It’s now time to think a little deeper, explore why we hold onto this unattainable notion and start to challenge it with improved insights into what constitutes men’s health. Models of masculinity, gender insights and men’s health literacy are all concepts that require thought and most of all debate. What about boys and men’s mental health, spiritual health, social connections and relationships? Surely these have a place in an identity where a healthy male can appreciate how each of these aspects play out in their lives. Over the course of a lifetime, men will face a variety of personal challenges, which will ultimately have a huge bearing on their health and wellbeing outcomes. Early relationship development with boys and girls, family relationships, school and other educational experiences, making a way in the world (finding a job, secure housing), raising a family, retirement – all present unique opportunities which inevitably contribute to each man’s identity. We continually hear that men don’t look after themselves and don’t seek help or support. It

36 | BUSINESS NEWS

Policy, while the Victorian State Government is due to release its men’s health policy later this year. Policy documents now recognise that men’s health and wellbeing outcomes are impacted by a variety of societal factors, including employment status, secure housing, religious beliefs, education levels, health literacy (or our ability to understand health messages, obtain knowledge and act), healthy relationships, discrimination and exposure to violence. This social determinants approach seeks to understand the social context in which boys and men live their lives, by doing this workplaces, families, friends, and clubs are much better placed to inform and support boys and men. So, what is happening on the local scene to try and broaden this concept of health and wellbeing? An initiative in the Geelong region looks to explore boys’ and men’s health and wellbeing. You may have heard of it - it’s called Blokes Day Out. 2012 marks the third instalment of this week-long celebration. It has steadily grown over that time, to the point where approximately

1,200 people attended last year’s festival day in Geelong’s Johnstone Park. Blokes Day Out Coordinator, Peter Kelly, works as a Health Promotion Officer for Barwon Health and has seen the event go from strength to strength. “This event celebrates what it is to be a male and strives to take a strengths-based approach to men’s health where men recognise the links they have to their families, friends and local community,” he said. As Peter explains, the initiative comprises three components: a launch, Blokes Week and the Blokes Day Out Festival. This year’s launch will be held on Friday March 23 at Labuan Square, Norlane, kicking off with a free barbecue breakfast from 8am. Free blokes bags, stalls, local entertainment from Northern Bay College and guest speakers will form part of the morning, which is open to all. Renowned Australian poet Geoff Goodfellow will also be reciting some of his works and stories of his life experiences. “The launch will provide a great opportunity for families in the northern suburbs to share in the event – we look forward to seeing everyone come down,” Peter said. The Blokes Week provides an array of activities and events hosted by a variety of Barwon region services and groups. It encourages boys and men to learn, experience, participate and share. The Blokes Week calendar comprises close to 50 activities and provides every bloke (and their family and friends) the opportunity to get out and enjoy diverse activities ranging from a guided Barwon River walk, dads’ playgroups, spinal checks, handyman sessions and film nights, to woodcarving, croquet, kidney health checks and tango dancing. A new activity on the Blokes Week calendar this year is a schools forum targeted at male Year 10 students. It aims to showcase some of the issues and adversity faced by four men with different stories to share. Harley Doedee, a

car crash survivor and road trauma spokesman, will be one of the presenters. The Geelong youth is looking forward to the opportunity of being involved and speaking to students about the importance of health. “By sharing our life experiences we hope it really gets young men thinking about their own health and wellbeing on many levels,” Harley said. The Blokes Day Out Festival incorporates a huge range of local services, organisations, businesses and groups, which will be united in delivering a free fun day out for boys, men, their friends and families from across the region. The festival, on Sunday April 1, at the new location of Eastern Beach Reserve on the Geelong Waterfront, is a celebratory event featuring entertainment, games, show bags, displays, information, health checks, food and plenty more. Featured entertainment on the day will be Chris Wilson and the Wayne Jury Three. The festival kicks off at 10am and goes through until 3pm. “This is a chance for local organisations, clubs and groups to unite and showcase their services, programs and products in a relaxed and interactive environment,” Peter said, “This year, over 50 groups will be represented, including Parks Victoria, Bethany, Geelong and Bellarine Prostate Support Group, Men’s Sheds, CatholicCare, St John of God, Fishcare volunteer group, Portarlington Sailing Club, headspace Barwon and Barwon Medicare Local. “We hope to see many blokes with their families and friends down at the Waterfront to enjoy an entertaining day and start exploring what health and wellbeing means to each of us.” For more information on the Blokes Week activities or the festival day, visit the Barwon Health website: barwonhealth.org.au or contact Peter Kelly on 5260 3810 or connect via Twitter and Facebook.

MEDICAL

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to see many blokes with their families and friends down at the Waterfront to enjoy an entertaining day and start exploring what health and wellbeing means to each of us.â&#x20AC;?

BUSINESS NEWS | 37

THE TECH GUY QUANTUM LEAP

The Tech Guy Every month, our Tech Guy, Jon Mamonski, brings us the wildest, most mind-blowing gadgets he can find... The perfect Quantam Computer is closer than ever before... we think... well, IBM is pretty sure they are close to cracking the holy grail of computing, and if they do, we will happily bow down in reverence. But while IBM are diligently plugging away trying to unravel the mysteries of quantum computing, many others have their best and brightest - and just plain coolest - ideas out there to share with the world. For instance, ever wanted to see the dark side of the Moon? Well, now you can, thanks to the clever - and now grounded minds - of

the NASA physicists. It is the ultimate in B-sides and, surprisingly, not all that dark. We also came across a not-so-small development in camera technology from the good folks at Canon, found that someone with a lot of time on their hands developed a way to turn your iPhone into a virtual laser gun (the new weapon of office politics?), were unsurprised that lawyers had found a fun new way to use Facebook to serve lawsuits - and were even less surprised to see that the Germans are once again leading the tech race, this time in phone audio.

The holy grail of technology is to develop the perfect Quantum Computer.

As you can imagine, this will turn current computer processing power on its head.

Today’s computers recognise information as bits: binary information in “On” or “Off” states.

IBM thinks it’s closer than ever to realising this dream and it will happen in the next few years - before 2015 at least.

A quantum computer uses qubits: that exist in all states simultaneously, not just “On” or “Off”, but every possible state in between.

DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

JON MAMONSKI

Take a moment to breathe, because this one’s kind of mind blowing. NASA has just produced a new video of the Dark Side of the Moon and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not really all that dark. Compiled into a 30-second video clip, this footage provides a glimpse of the moon’s B-Side, panning over the rock from north to south. It’s all part of an initiative from NASA’s Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL),

38 ||BUSINESS BUSINESSNEWS NEWS

which presumably spent a lot of Time and Money to build its twin spacecraft, nicknamed Ebb and Flow. On January 19th, the lab sent the pair up to that Great Gig in the Sky, as part of the GRAIL MoonKAM mission. Ebb was charged with filmic duties and did a great job, returning high res footage to NASA’s engineers, and giving both Us and Them something to think about during the next lunar Eclipse.

THE TECH GUY ONE DSLR TO RULE THEM ALL

Canon’s new behemoth has an 18 megapixel full-frame sensor, uses oversized pixels to battle noise and is supported by a pair of Digic 5+ imaging processors, which also help drive a 61-point high density reticular AF system and ISO setting of 204,000 (51,200 native), a 252-zone metering system, a 14 fps JPEG (or 12 fps RAW) burst mode and a built-in wired gigabit LAN connection, for remote shooting

and image transfer. You just want to take family photos at the beach? Not with this mother. The 1D X is being pushed in every category from commercial studio shooters to newspapers. Video shooters can choose between 1080p video capture at 24 (23.97), 25 or 30 fps, or 720p at 50 or 60 fps. And the price? A lazy $7,000 will get you the body, lenses as are extra.

FACEBOOKED

Being dropped by a ‘beau’ online isn’t the only indignation made easier by social networks. Lawyers in the UK have now been granted permission to serve a legal suit via Facebook. Here in Oz, documents must be delivered physically, be it in person, by post or even fax. But, in a pre-trial for a commercial dispute, these old-fashioned methods proved fruitless.

IS YOUR IPHONE A GUN?

You’re in love with your smartphone and who can blame you, really? There’s no limit to what it can do, but just ask yourself this. Does it look like a gun? That’s a big, fat NO. Thankfully, the Xappr is on its way from Metal Compass, set to help smartphones everywhere live up to their full laser gun potential.

The company tells us that the accessory will work with iPhones and Android and Windows handsets (though only iOS and Android games are available, at present). Metal Compass expects to shoot these out in June, but I dare you to pre-order now, for the low, low price of $30 plus shipping.

The prosecuting team then decided to check online and noticed recent updates on defendant - one Fabio De Biase’s profile. Satisfied it was currently active, prosecutors sought permission to send documents via the website, with Justice Nigel Teare obliging. What’s that noise? It’s the sound of millions of mice clicking on “privacy settings” all at once.

HI-DEF VOICE

The German geniuses at Fraunhofer (who invented MP3 audio compression that changed the audio world) are set to raise the bar again for Voice over LTE (mobile phone technology), as the company has announced a new codec known as Full-HD Voice. You will be able to talk and use data services simultaneously, because LTE treats voice the same as any other type of data. Fraunhofer claims that

consumers will experience audio quality that rivals the experience of chatting faceto-face. Technically speaking, it’s said the codec offers four times the audio bandwidth of regular phone calls and twice the bandwidth of HD voice services, all without an increase in bit rate. The technology will only be available for Android phones initially and that seems like a fine place to start.

BUSINESS BUSINESSNEWS NEWS|| 39

ARTS FOR Peggy, it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern between the present and the past, between what is familiar and what is foreign. Events that took place just minutes ago are being constantly erased, while memories that you have been able to keep at bay for decades now come rushing towards you.

“If a loved one starts to lose their memories, what role can we play in holding on to them? And if our parent is no longer the person we know, how can we care for them in the present and also honour their memory?”

Sundowners Syndrome is the unexplainable phenomenon where people with Alzheimer’s become particularly disorientated and confused when the sun goes

The mysteries of the mind Seen through the eyes of three generations, Sundowner tells the story of writer Peggy (Helen Morse) who, in her late 50s, has younger onset Alzheimer’s. down. If a loved one starts to lose their memories, what role can we play in holding on to them? And if our parent is no longer the person we know, how can we care for them in the present and also honour their memory? Sundowner is a story of lament and at times grief and sorrow. Ultimately, though, it is a story of love. KAGE Physical Theatre developed the production after extensive research involving carers and sufferers of Alzheimers. It premiered in Castlemaine in 2011 to considerable acclaim. AFI award-winner Helen Morse - best know for her film roles including Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) and the television miniseries A Town Like Alice (1981) - as well as many award-winning theatre roles - is remarkable in the lead role. Sundowner also features the Tivoli Lovelies, original dancers from the Tivoli Theatre. Sundowner comes to Geelong for four performances in The Playhouse from April 19-21. Theatre season advance booking discounted packages and single show tickets are now on sale. Contact GPAC Box Office on 5225 1200 or visit gpac.org.au

40 | BUSINESS NEWS

Photos: Jeff Busby

ARTS The Colin and Elizabeth Laverty Collection This exhibition of major works from the extraordinary collection of Colin and Elizabeth Laverty showcases the best of their contemporary holdings of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian art formed over several decades. It includes – and judiciously juxtaposes – works by significant contemporary artists including Paddy Bedford, Rosalie Gasoigne, Louise Hearman, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Richard Larter, William Robinson, Aida

across abstraction and figuration, embraces sculpture and minimalist imagery, and this selection is hosted in Geelong – following previous exposure at the Newcastle Art Gallery – in recognition of the breadth and outstanding quality of the remarkable private collection assembled by Colin and Elizabeth Laverty. When: Until April 15th. Where: Geelong Gallery. Details: geelonggallery.org.au

A Public Art Perspective After a decade of work

The Arts of March

works by Bruce Armstrong, Robert Bridgewater, Robert Hague, Matthew Harding, Chaco Kato, Louise Paramor, Julie Collins & Derek John, and featuring Inge King’s ‘Grand Arch’. The exhibition also launches the Backspace Gallery at Alfred Deakin Place behind the Art Gallery of Ballarat as an exciting new open air exhibition space. The Perspective show will literally be open day and night from March 9th to April 1st – providing ample opportunity for everyone to enjoy these inspired artworks. Where: Backspace Gallery, Ballarat.

March at Her Majesty’s

Throughout March – a month when the weather has a bad habit of turning, well, bad just in time to ruin weekend and day off plans, our galleries and theatres have kindly provided an alluring line up of exhibitions and events to stave off boredom. Tomescu and Ken Whisson, among others. Over many years, both Colin and Elizabeth Laverty have been staunch advocates for and serious collectors of contemporary art, particularly Indigenous Australian art. The Laverty’s collection ranges

supporting innovative art installations across Ballarat, the City of Ballart’s Arts & Culture Unit presents this inaugural exhibition featuring work by artists responsible for Australia’s most successful public art installations. Included in the exhibition are

The wonderful Miriam Margolyes performs her onewoman tour de force, Dicken’s Women on March 13th, David Williamson’s Let the Sunshine plays on March 14th, the Met Opera Screenings season continues with Verdi’s Ernani on March 18th, experience the Bard at play with The Comedy of Errors on March 25th, burst into Bursting Out! On March 26th, and be swept away when the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Her Maj on March 28th. A stellar March lineup concludes with Sondheim’s Company on March 31st. Where: Her Majesty’s, Ballarat. Details: hermaj.com

Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration

Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the Art Gallery of Ballarat with an exhibition of vintage prints from London’s V&A Museum taken by royal photographer, Sir Cecil Beaton. This special exhibition of nearly 100 portraits taken by Beaton over a period of 30 years depicts Elizabeth in her roles as princess, monarch and mother, and will include a number of rarely-seen photographs alongside extracts from Beaton’s personal diaries and letters. Ask about our accommodation and travel packages.

Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. When: Until April 15. Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat. Details: artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Kitty Flanagan: Charming & Alarming It’s been a long time coming but Kitty is finally heading to Werribee, to launch herself on a largely unsuspecting audience. CHARMING & ALARMING promises to be a fast paced evening of cracking stories, skillful characterisations, hard laughs and a little bit of musical spectacle from a secret special guest...who, as it happens, is neither secret nor special. In fact, it’s just her sister Penny who works cheap and will provide a bit of atmos and guitarnoodling at various points throughout the show. Kitty describes her comedy as: “A little bit oowah” Which is to say people often laugh then say: “Oowah, did she really say that?” The Edinburgh Evening News summed it up as:“Cruel, vicious, charming and innocent.” Her mother describes it as:“Not really my cup of tea but all the girls at the golf club seem to like it so what do I know?” When: March 16th. Where: Wyndham Cultural Centre. Details: wyncc.com.au

Geelong: A Bird’s Eye View 1857-2011 The seagulls of Geelong have seen it all; from the arrival of the first squatters in 1836 to the opening of the new TAC headquarters in 2009, Bird’s Eye View is a unique opportunity to experience the city from a gull’s perspective. Look from above with five Geelong panoramas spanning 150 years and retrace the appearance and disappearance of some of the city’s most significant features while you marvel at Geelong’s transformation into a modern city. When: Until June 3rd. Where: National Wool Museum. Details: geelongaustralia.com.au/ nwm

BUSINESS NEWS | 41

COMMUNITY NEWS IT can, however, prove difficult for them to tap into this source, as they often don’t know how to go about it, or lack the necessary contacts and connections. BacLinks can assist community agencies to connect with its extensive network of keen businesses or, in some cases, other community, sporting and service groups, by regularly posting community requests for support via email, website and other media. Conversely, BacLinks

members often bring in donations of all sorts of nolonger-needed office furniture and equipment, as well as other useful items that can be snapped up by organisations connected with the BacLinks program. “Our members are keen to contribute to our community in meaningful ways,” Sheree Holdsworth, BacLinks Manager says. “We can connect them with community organisations to meet a whole range of needs.” How beneficial these

Sharing our resource pool The business sector offers a wonderful resource pool for community organisations to draw from to help meet their many needs.

transactions can be was illustrated when both Glastonbury and St Laurence Community Services were able to provide Christmas gifts last year to a select group of disadvantaged and isolated clients, who otherwise would have had nothing under their Christmas tree; a result that could not have been achieved without the generous business contributions in response to their calls for support. Answering their calls, Target Australia generously donated a range of jewellery and other personal items, along with children’s clothing, while Patrick Rowan & Associates, Principle Focus, Buxton Real Estate all engaged their staff in a collection of items suitable for the client groups and Centrelink collected from their staff and purchased

Olympian, Michael Klim - official ambassador to the 24hour Mega Swim – believes: “… the 24 hour Mega Swim is a fantastic community event for people of all fitness levels.” Held locally on the 31st March-1st April at Leisure Link, Waurn Ponds, the 24hour Mega Swim is a fun team event comprising of teams of up to 15 swimmers. It doesn’t matter how well anyone swims or how old they are, they can dog paddle, sidestroke or float along, as long as at least one swimmer from each team is in the water during the 24-hour period. Teams are asked to raise money through the contributions of friends, family and colleagues, whether it be one-off contributions or sponsorship on a per lap basis. It is hoped businesses

“BacLinks can assist community agencies to connect with its extensive network of keen businesses... community, sporting and service groups, by regularly posting community requests for support...” items from their community support fund. Another way BacLinks can assist community is through the promotion of specific programs or events. This can be along the lines of a one-off call for support or regular calls, such as the ongoing blood drive for Australia Red Cross. Recently, MS Australia sought BacLinks assistance to promote their 24hour Mega Swim, a unique communitybased fundraising event to help people with multiple sclerosis achieve specific personal goals.

Michael Klim, Olympian and MS Mega Swim Ambassador, is passionate about the event.

42 | BUSINESS NEWS

MS Australia provides vital services to the 18,000 people currently living with the disease in Australia. Unfortunately, the incidence of MS in Australia is growing by 10% each year so this worthwhile organisation is in need of strong support from its community.

will get behind this event by advertising it in their staff rooms and encouraging staff to get teams together – a great team building opportunity. MS Australia are also holding a dinner party at Club Italia on Saturday March 2012 to raise additional funds in support of the Mega Swim. If you would like to participate in these two MS Australia initiatives BacLinks will provide you with the contact details on request, or to find out how your business can get involved in other projects facilitated by BacLinks, please contact our team on 5249 8989.

COMMUNITY NEWS Two-pronged approach for youth alcohol support. AT the same time, the hospital has been raising awareness of alcohol issues through participating in charity fundraiser, FebFast. The partnership with headspace – the national youth mental health foundation – expands St John of God Health Care’s commitment to Social Outreach and Advocacy services for young people in need with more than $300,000 in funding over three years. Experienced dual diagnosis

clinician, Julie Halifax, has been appointed to the triage role at the headspace centre at Corio Shopping Centre. Julie will develop clinical practices and standards of the centre, providing comprehensive assessments and counselling for young people in need of support, as well as education for families of clients and referrals to other mental health practitioners where appropriate. Meanwhile, St John of God Geelong Hospital caregivers played a significant role in developing alcohol awareness in the community by pledging

Real change starts with kids St John of God Geelong Hospital has announced a major new commitment to youth mental health services and drug and alcohol support by partnering with headspace Barwon.

to lay off the booze throughout February. St John of God Health Care has been one of the leading organisations to support FebFast over the last three years, fundraising for other organisations that support young people with alcohol or drug problems. The organisation’s caregivers raised more than $20,000 for the cause last year and are leading the team fundraising challenge again in 2012. “We are delighted to confirm our support for headspace over the next three years, as it builds on our existing commitment to young people experiencing mental health issues in the Greater Geelong area,” said Taanya Widdicombe, Director of Community Development at St John of God Geelong Hospital. “Julie already has extensive experience in dual diagnosis of co-occurring mental health and substance use issues and she is really excited to be providing this essential support to young people in our community.” Group Manager of Youth at St John of God Health Care, Mike Board, added: “Supporting headspace in this way is an extension of the organisation’s Social Outreach and Advocacy services for young people in need across Victoria. Our two Horizon Houses in Geelong have been supporting homeless young people for many years but we are also very committed to providing mental health services where there is a clear community need.” Attention: Do you have a job for a young Indigenous person? Whitelion, a not-for-profit organisation, will run an employment training session titled ‘Supporting youth at risk in the workplace’ in Geelong on Thursday 8 March, 2012 at Narana Creations from 10.00am. The session will raise awareness of Whitelion’s activities in creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Indigenous people in the Geelong region. ‘Supporting youth at risk in the workplace’ will run for two

hours and target 20 key local businesses that are interested in hearing more about Whitelion’s Employment Program. The Whitelion Employment Program provides culturally appropriate support to Indigenous young people who have been involved with or are at risk of being involved with the youth justice system by bringing them closer to their communities, culture and traditions. “We would like to encourage employers [in regional Victoria] from all sectors to find out more about the program and how they can help change the lives of young Indigenous people,” said Whitelion CEO and CoFounder Mark Watt. The training session will feature an overview of youth at risk in Australia and the challenges faced by these young people on a daily basis. The session will also review the tools available for engaging young people such as employment, as well as overcoming issues in the workplace and confidentiality. Indigenous youth eligible for the Whitelion Employment Program are guided through vocational assessment and a pre-employment program by Whitelion that includes training for any specific skills required for employment that they might lack. The young person is then matched with a new or existing employer through Whitelion, with both the young person and the employer supported on an ongoing basis. Whitelion is a not-for-profit community organisation that supports and empowers young people at risk to reach their full potential. Through providing mentors, role models and employment opportunities Whitelion’s programs support those that have been involved with or are at risk of being involved with the youth justice and/or out of home care systems. For information, contact Heather Pittman, Employment Coordinator at Whitelion on (03) 9389 4420. For more information on Whitelion visit www.whitelion.asn.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 43

WINE THIS was seen as a major breakthrough in wine packaging at the time and was set to revolutionise the industry. It was more environmentally friendly, lighter, cheaper and easier to transport than glass bottles. It was not subject to cork taint and it could house a larger volume without exposing the wine to oxidation. Now, over 47 years later, there is another wine packaging revolution on the horizon. PET bottles are not a new form of packaging. Obviously we’ve been buying products such

The advantages are numerous: lighter material means cheaper transportation costs; PET is also 100% recyclable and virtually unbreakable; and it takes less energy to create a PET bottle than its glass counterpart. I guess the only negative will be the general public’s response. Wine in plastic may suffer from an image problem and be perceived as a lower quality product. Does anyone remember the first screwcap? That image problem seems to be a distant memory. Ultimately, if the producer can

A Real Bottler of an Idea Not many people realise that the “cask” or bag in a box is an Australian invention. as soft drinks in PET for a while now. With wine however, there has been a degree of apprehension in using plastic due to the possibility of it interfering with the wines flavour. Many wineries have been experimenting with plastic packaging for a while. They found, after numerous blind tastings and hours of tests, that for wines that are consumed young and not aged in the PET containers, there is no impact on the flavour.

pass on the savings to the consumer as they have done with cask wine, this should elevate a great deal of the backlash that may occur. So what of the humble glass bottle? We have been using them since Roman times. Well, the bottle producers won’t be taking this threat lying down and have come up with there own innovation. How about a wine bottle that looks the same but weighs nearly 30 per cent less than

its previous incarnations? Well, now a product has hit the market that is not only 30 per cent lighter, but is also shorter, so you can fit more in a container. The empty glass bottle weighs just 375grams and less than a kilo when full, which is less than some glass bottles do when empty. This also shaves about 15 per cent off the carbon footprint associated with each bottle. The last innovation in wine packaging is a paper bottle. Well it’s more like a foil lined tetra pack in the shape of a botte. They weigh in at just 10 per cent of a regular glass bottle and use only 10 per cent of the energy to produce. The real advantage

is that none of the existing infrastructure needs to be changed - the size and shape is the same as a conventional bottle. Who knows at this stage which of these innovations will be the next big thing. As long as I can pour from it and the wine tastes as good as I remember, I look forward to giving it a try. When not immersed in his work as Winemaker’s Assistant and jack-of-all-trades at the award-winning Witchmount Winery, Adrian presents wine tasting evenings at Lamby’s Restaurant + Bar.

ADRIAN MARCHIARO

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Celebrating 50 years It was a celebration of five decades of local accounting history was celebrated in February, when WHK Geelong acknowledged the 50-year anniversary of the fi rm’s beginnings. FROM the days of Day Neilson Jenkins & John, a merger of four small practices, through to Day Neilson, WHK Day Neilson, and now WHK – the firm has evolved from a local private practice to being part of a national publicly listed company.

Graham Johns, Glyn Jenkins, Geoff Neilson and Howard Day

James Nott, Russell Peake and Colin Brown

Over the past fifty years, many of the Partners have been leaders in the Geelong community, through business, charity, on committees and boards, and none more so than the founding Partners: Howard Day was actively involved in church, Apex and other clubs; Geoff Neilson was active at Marcus Oldham College, Deakin University, Morongo Girls’ College, The Geelong College and founding director of the Geelong Community Foundation – to name just a few; Glyn Jenkins was active in community service, was a councillor of the City of Geelong, was a member of the Victorian Parliament and was

appointed as the Minister for Water Supply in the Thomson Government; and Graham Johns was active in community service and church. Since then other Partners have included Michael Betts, Michael Dowling, James Nott, Michael Stafford, Graeme Ross, Bruce Potgieter, John Gavens, Russell Peake, Martin Thompson, Roger Pierce, Andrew Dunbabin, Ross Fraser, Margaret Crossley , Richard Trigg, Paul Jones, Ruth Annett, Colin Brown, and the current WHK Principals Barry Kittelty, Wendy Maloney, Helen Butteriss, Gary Thomas, Chris Humphrey, Andrew Conlan and Mark Whelan. Without exception, all have been active in and contributed to the local Geelong community. Over the past 50 years, these Partners have collectively assisted thousands of Geelong clients with their financial affairs and provided employment to several hundred individuals.

Graeme Ross, Roger Pierce, Andrew Dunbabin and Michael Stafford

BUSINESS BUSINESSNEWS NEWS|| 45

AFTER HOURS

Community unites behind Hospital Appeal Barwon Health Foundation Ambassadors Denis Walter and Tom Lonergan helped launch the 2012 Geelong Hospital Appeal last month. THE new year of fundraising officially commenced at the 2012 Geelong Hospital Appeal launch held at Deakin University Waterfront Campus last month. 150 guests attended the launch and many individuals and businesses present pledged to support the Appeal again this year. Tom Lonergan and paediatrician Dr Kym Anderson were guest speakers on the night, with Denis Walter as MC. Tom has experienced firsthand the services of Geelong Hospital because he was rushed to emergency in 2006 with a kidney injury during a Geelong Cats game. Tom said he was pleased to be part of this important launch event, “I’m very grateful for the care that I received in Geelong Hospital, so it’s a privilege to be a Barwon Health Foundation Ambassador. It’s exciting to be part of The Launch and I encourage everyone to get onboard and support the Geelong Hospital Appeal” Tom said. Olivia Skeen, 2012 ‘face’ of the

Geelong Hospital Appeal, was introduced to appeal supporters for the first time at the launch. Seven-year-old Olivia has cystic fibrosis and she is excited and proud to be the ‘face’ of the appeal, as she feels such a strong bond with the Children’s Ward. Funds raised by the Geelong Hospital Appeal support all Barwon Health’s services and facilities this year including Geelong Hospital, the McKellar Centre, Andrew Love Cancer Centre and community health centres - this means that the funds support all generations in the community. The major focus of the Appeal in 2012 is the completion of the $7.8 million Cotton On Foundation Children’s Ward redevelopment at Geelong Hospital. Works this year include the refurbishment of the final overnight rooms with ensuites, a new parents’ room, reception space and specialist oncology treatment room in the ward. The redevelopment is expected to be completed early next year.

Photos: Elisha Lindsay, elphotography.com.au

46 | BUSINESS NEWS

AFTER HOURS

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AFTER HOURS Photos: Elisha Lindsay, elphotography.com.au

A feast of fine food and wine It was a joyous gastronomic occasion when guests at the Geelong Food & Wine Show Launch 2012 sat down to dine. HELD at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on a gorgeous late summer afternoon, guests were treated to some of the region’s finest produce, prepared by three of the region’s most notable chefs. Entrées were created by Stephane McGlynn of Q Seafood Provedore, the Main Course was the work of Matt Dempsey from Gladioli in Inverleigh and Desserts were designed by Leonie Mills from Jack and Jill. The vibrant food and wine culture of the Greater Geelong region will be on show at inaugural Geelong Food and Wine Show will be held over the Labour Day long weekend, March 10-11, at Deakin Waterfront campus. Shining the limelight onto the region will be celebrity chef

48 | BUSINESS NEWS

ambassador, Melbourne boydone-good George Calombaris, plus dessert king Adriano Zumbo, and the surfing chef, Ben O’Donoghue. Over the two days, Deakin Waterfront Campus will be transformed into a marketplace of chefs, providors and winemakers. More than 80 exhibitors will be presenting their produce, with a series Masterclasses run by George, Adriano and Ben, as well as local chefs, cheese makers and winemakers. The Geelong Food and Wine show is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and acknowledges the importance of produce from the Geelong region to Melbourne’s food and wine culture. For event information, visit geelongfoodandwineshow.com.au

AFTER HOURS

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WHAT’S ON 10 - 12 MARCH 2012 Ballarat Begonia Festival The floral carpet will make its return to the Ballarat Begonia Festival this year, in celebration of the event’s 60th birthday. The Ballarat Begonia Festival will be held over the Labour Day long weekend, Sunday to Monday, from 10am to 5pm. For more than 50 years the Floral Carpet was a highlight of the Festival and admired by thousands of visitors from across Australia and around the world. This year,

well as twilight cinema, DIY workshops, entertainment, children’s activities and much more. Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Floral Carpet on display on the Lake Wendouree foreshore). ballaratbegoniafestival.com

17 - 18 MARCH Geelong Highland Gathering Experience all things Scottish and Celtic at this year’s Geelong Highland Gathering, celebrating its 55th year in

What’s On in March

The Geelong Highland Gathering has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish culture in Victoria. Where: Geelong Show Grounds. geelonghighlandgathering. org.au

2 - 15 MARCH “Beginnings” Sculpture by Tas Wansbrough A collection of Tas’s powerful but beautiful sculptures made from wood and steel. Where: Red Brick Gallery, Ballarat. redbrickgallery.com.au

Sustainable Home and Garden Expo The expo will provide visitors with information on garden designs, product selections, insulation, solar energy, water saving products, sustainable building products, energy efficiency and much more. Where: Steampacket Gardens, Geelong Waterfront. barwonwater.vic.gov.au Whyte, Just & Moore Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong The festival is a celebration of wooden boats and the art of wooden boat building. Where: Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Geelong. rgyc.com.au

10 MARCH The festival season rolls on this March, with a full calendar of events across Geelong, Werribee and Ballarat. From the cultural to the informative to the just plain fun... local business owner Kevin Moneghetti has volunteered hundreds of hours to create two carpets. Each ten by four metre carpet boasts more than 4,000 blooms featuring ten different plant varieties. One is a traditional floor carpet pattern and the second an impressive 3D carpet displaying a landscape image of a residential backyard. Festival goers will also be able to enjoy favorites such as the Begonia Display and The Courier Begonia Parade, as

Geelong. Witness or take part in traditional highland dancing, be captivated by the true essence of folk music, experience Scottish Country Dancing displays, rove amongst a variety of authentic market stalls selling their celtic wares, be enchanted by Scottish dogs, horses and Highland Cattle... then throw in some haggis tossing, genealogical displays, woodchopping competitions, archery, children’s activities and a children’s farmyard.

Central Geelong Farmer’s Market Where: Little Malop Street Central (Moorabool to Yarra Streets) Geelong. geelongaustralia.com.au Craft Market at Werribee Park Where: Werribee Park Mansion. craftmarkets.com.au

10 – 11 MARCH Geelong Food and Wine Show Showcasing the vibrant food and wine culture of Geelong. Where: Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Geelong. geelongfws.com.au

12 MARCH - 13 MAY Sports Alive! Learn about the scientific principles behind sports in a fun and interesting way. Where: National Wool Museum, Geelong. geelongcity.vic.gov.au/nwm

13 MARCH Geelong Through the Newsreels Presenter Colin Mockett has trawled the old film companies for newsreel clips featuring Geelong then coupled them with the songs of the times. Where: Potato Shed, Drysdale. geelongaustralia.com.au

17 - 18 MARCH Geelong Highland Gathering

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WHAT’S ON 15 – 17 MARCH The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave Be part of one of Australia’s biggest and most popular fundraising events and join more than 125,000 people and shave or colour your hair. worldsgreatestshave.com

18 MARCH Legends of the Lawn Legends on the Lawn at Werribee Park will feature top Australian artists, including James Reyne, Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, The Blacksorrows and Guests. Where: Werribee Park, Werribee. legendsonthelawn.com.au Mountain of Fun Run 6km walk/run around the Dunnstown or a more challenging 12.5km run to the top of Mt Warrenheip. Participants of all ages welcome. Where: Dunnstown Recreation Reserve. mountainoffunrun.com

15 - 28 MARCH Microchipping and Registration Roadshows 2012 Make sure your pets always come home, with microchipping for only $15 for existing registered pets or pets being microchipped and registered together. geelongaustralia.com.au

16 MARCH Karingal Karnivalé Visit Karnivalé,a fully inclusive event that opens Karingal up to the wider community. Stroll amongst a variety of stalls, purchase a glass of wine, sample a gourmet delight, sit back and relax on the lawns of the Riverview Tce Mansion and soak up the entertainment. Where: Kardinia House, Belmont. karingal.org.au Artefact Market – Geelong’s Art & Design Collective Selling high quality local handmade, gourmet food,

glassware and many more treasures. Where: All Saints Hall, Newtown. geelongaustralia.com.au

17 - 18 MARCH Cancer Council Victoria Geelong Relay For Life Relay For Life is an overnight Community Event where teams of family, friends and work colleagues participate in a Relay - style walk or run to raise funds for the Cancer Council. Where: Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus. relayforlife.org.au

24 MARCH Friends Nursery Weekend Plant Sale Come to the Friends Nursery where plants will be sold at bargain prices. Where: Friends Nursery, rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. friendsgbg.org.au Stella Artois Polo Cup Your last chance to see toplevel polo played this season! Victoria’s best players go head-to-head in three exciting games throughout the day. Where: Werribee Park Polo. victorianpoloclub.com.au

25 MARCH Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta This event attracts over 1,800 competitors from schools throughout Victoria. Schoolgirls represent their school from yr9 - yr12 in various events run over the two days. Where: Barwon River, Geelong. hosg.com.au

18 MARCH Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea Festival celebrating Barwon Heads wonderful estuary location, and bringing together a range of local talents, expertise and interests: arts, music, food, produce, environment, etc. Where: Barwon Heads Foreshore. barwonheads.net

23 MARCH Blokes Day Out Breakfast Launch Kick off the start of Blokes Day Out celebrations at this free event. Where: Labuan Square, Norlane. barwonhealth.org.au Reverend Reborn! The Daniel Reddie Charity Benefit Night Party the night away for a great cause with all profits going to Heartkids & Defib Your Club, For Life! Where: The Pier, Geelong. danielreddiefoundation.org

Strike Out Stroke Community Awareness Day 16 team T-Ball activity with stroke and healthy lifestyle information and health checks. Where: Waurn Ponds Baseball Centre. barwonhealth.org.au Sri Chimnoy Barwon River Run 6km, 12km & 18km fun run along the banks of the Barwon River. Where: King Lloyd Reserve, Geelong. au.srichinmoyraces.org

31 MARCH - 1 APRIL Geelong 24 Hour Mega Swim This community event raises funds for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). You don’t need to be an expert lap swimmer to register – anyone can take part. Where: Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Geelong. megaswim.com

1 APRIL Blokes Day Out The day out for our men, Blokes Day Out is a festival focusing on boy’s and men’s health and wellbeing. Where: Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong Waterfront. barwonhealth.org.au

7 - 8 APRIL Easter Art Show For the 36th year, The Rotary Club of Drysdale presents the Easter Art Show, with more than 400 painting on sale and the majority of profits going to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong. Where: Christian College, Drysdale. drysdalerotary.org.au

Lara Food & Wine Festival With over 80 exhibitors and cooking demonstrations by Masterchef’s Matt Preston and chef Rosa Mitchell. Where: Pirra Homestead, Lara. larafoodandwinefestival.com.au Geelong MG Car Club Classic Car Display Displaying between 80 and 100 MG’s from classics to modern vehicles. Where: Steampacket Gardens, Geelong Waterfront. geelongaustralia.com.au Wyndham Multicultural Fiesta at Werribee Park This massive day will include dance and musical performances from all around the globe, and from the many cultures that are proud to call Wyndham home. Where: Werribee Park. parkweb.vic.gov.au

10 - 12 MARCH Ballarat Begonia Festival

BUSINESS NEWS | 51

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