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JUNE 2020
WHAT’S INSIDE: 02
COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTOR SECTION
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LOCAL STORIES
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COLUMNIST ARTICLES
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TAX UPDATES
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GEELONG COUNCIL NEWS
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COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS TEAM/LEADERSHIP COACH
COPYWRITER
LOAN SPECIALIST
WARREN STRYBOSCH
SALLY HIGOE - FACILITATOR
SARAH WALKERDEN
LEE WISNIEWSKI
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
PAINTING & DECORATING
GARAGE DOORS
EDIBLE BOUQUETS
PERSONAL INSURANCE | FOUNDER
INSURANCE
CAMERON WALKER
TK SAUNDERS
CHANTAL DJURIC
STEVE DAHLLOF
FINANCIAL PLANNING
REAL ESTATE RENTALS
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT | ADMINISTRATION
TRAVEL SERVICES
CHRIS CARLIN
WARREN RAPSON
SAMANTHA CARROLL
AINSLEY SOFFEE
DANCE AND YOGA
BUSINESS COACH
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MARKETING
JANA KOLACZ
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PLUMBER
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Geelong The
EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 article@findgeelong.com.au PUBLISHER: Issuu pty Ltd POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Wararnwood VIC 3134 ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: advertise@findgeelong.com.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30 EMAIL SPORT: sport@findgeelong.com.au WEBSITE: www.findgeelong.com.au
OUR NEWSPAPER The Find Geelong was establish in 2019 for the purpose of bringing together everyone in the community in one place. Our core focus is the support all the Not-For-Profits in the region by providing NFP’s with FREE advertise and helping them raise funds for their respective organizations. A core of business owners attend the Find Network luncheons held one a month to discuss the paper and how best to make it even better fo the local commnunity. The Find Geelong has a strong editorial focus and is financed predominately by the business community.
ALL THINGS GEELONG The City of Geelong is one of Victoria’s largest regional capital cities. Geelong had a population of approximately 230,000 as at the 2019 Report which includes 16,000 businesses. Geelong’s location is in strong growth corridor, making it an ideal location for businesses to explore options outside of the capital city.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Find Geelong acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Geelong now stands, the Wadawuarrung people of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.
DISCLAIMER Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing. We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.
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Lockdown Buddies - a Geelong based initiative. By Kara and Rachel
Whether it be as simple as a phone call for a cup of sugar or heading to the shops to grab a list of groceries ‘Lockdown Buddies’ aim is to make the COVID19 isolation process easier and less lonely. Inspired by the memory of their late grandparents Mary and Kevin Bell. Lockdown Buddies was created by cousins Kara and Rachel, both local mums of young children. “I saw our elderly neighbour go out and come home with only one bag of groceries” Rachel tells. “This was when COVID was really ramping up and I thought, I would have been doing this for my Nan - I wish my neighbour had asked me to go to the shops for her” Lockdown Buddies has recruited a group of wonderful volunteers who have been providing a range of services to vulnerable people in the Greater Geelong region from one off gardening jobs, to delivering food packages as well as individual regular support. With the help of Volunteering Geelong the group has registered over 30 volunteers and have now closed volunteer
applications to focus on identifying the people in the Greater Geelong community that need help.
who would. They can register for help via the Lockdown Buddies website www. lockdownbuddies.org.
“While restrictions have been significantly eased since starting Lockdown Buddies, we recognise there is still many vulnerable people in our community who will be advised to stay in lockdown. We want to support them.” says Kara.
If you are part of a community group, a healthcare worker or in any other kind of job that supports people in our community who could use extra support from volunteers, please contact lockdownbuddies@gmail.com
BACK TO SCHOOL
By Warren Strybosch
On the 9th of June all children in Victoria will be able to go back to school. I am sure for many parents there will be the opening of champagne bottles around the state with the clinking of glasses and a sigh of relief. That is assuming there are any champagne bottles left to open after such a long period of time of home schooling. Given many parents were conscripted into become teachers of their own children, I think it is fair to say that many parents now have a greater appreciation of what teachers have to deal with on a daily basis. Personally, I am actually going to miss my children when they go back to school and I don’t look forward to the hectic schedule that is associated with school life e.g. all the extra curricula activities and running around.
Unlike other parents who had primary school children that needed to be monitored regularly, I was fortunate enough to have children in secondary college and to have a large enough office space, separate to the house, to be able to accommodate all of my children whilst they did their online schooling. During that time, I was only called upon every once in a while, to help when maths classes was on. What shocked me was that I had forgotten how to multiply decimals and as a result I set myself homework before the next maths class was on. I put it down to the head injury I sustained about 5 years ago which resulted in me receiving 35 staples and the resultant forgetfulness that occasional happens. That head injury has come in pretty handy when my wife has asked me to do something and I have totally forgotten to do it.
This change in schooling for many families, has seen a significant rise in parents applying to the government to home school their own children. A lot of parents have realised that home schooling can work and that it suits their lifestyle, and more to the point, their children’s sense of wellbeing. it will be interesting to see what this means for conventional schooling in the future. It is my belief that the school who first adopts a curriculum that is flexible enough to allow a mixture of conventional schooling and home schooling will be the school of the future. How did you fair throughout this period of time? Do you have a story you would like to share? If so, write to the editor@ findgeelongcom.au and will share your story. JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Restaurant And Cafés To Resume Dining In By Warren Strybosch
From 11.59pm on 31 May, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses have been able to resume dine-in services with the following restrictions: • •
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Up to 20 seated patrons per enclosed space. Limits will be placed on entry to comply with the density requirements allowed within a single space – one customer per four square metres. Venues are required to request contact details, first name and phone number, of every customer to assist in rapid contact tracing.
The spaces specifically available for staff only (for example, behind bars or counters) are not included when calculating the density quotient for customers.
From 11.59pm on 21 June this will increase to 50 patrons per enclosed space. A further increase of up to 100 patrons per enclosed space is planned for the second half of July. Changes to these dates will be subject to the advice of the Chief Health Officer. Source: (See Link)
Four Square Metre Rule What is the ‘four square metre’ rule? As a way to limit the number of people who may gather in a premise at one time, retail operators must allow entry to no more than one patron per four square metres of available floor space in their shop.
In the directions the ‘four square metre’ rule is called the ‘density quotient’. Closed areas within venues (for example, gaming areas) cannot be calculated as part of the four square metre rule. Temporary structures should not be installed to create separate areas.
Does it apply to everyone in the space i.e. staff and customers? The four square metre rule applies to limit the number of customers/visitors in a space, but not the number of workers. Venues and facilities can have the number of staff reasonably required to operate, in addition to the limit in place for patrons. Workers are excluded from the calculation because employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace.
What are the penalties for noncompliance? Victoria Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses for:
For example, if an indoor space is 8 metres long and 2 metres wide, its total area is 16 square metres. Its density quotient is 4, so no more than 4 patrons would be permitted to be in the indoor space at the same time. The density quotient should be rounded down, for example a density quotient of 9.68 becomes 9 patrons.
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Refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions Refusing or failing to comply with a public health risk power direction Refusing or failing to comply with a direction by the Chief Health Officer to provide information.
Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,0000 for businesses are possible through the court system. Source:(https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-sector-coronavirus-disease-covid19#what-is-the-four-square-metre-rule)
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JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Rental Properties and COVID-19: Your Questions Answered. By Warren Strybosch
The ATO has updated its Frequently Asked Questions webpage that addresses how the COVID-19 event has had an impact on those owning and renting investment properties. For the most part, COVID has not impacted those who rent out their properties to long term tenants however it has had a significant detrimental impact on those who were using their properties for short-term accommodation. As such, it is important for those who own a rental property to understand what their entitled to in the way of deductions and what needs to be reported for income purposes in the 2019-20 tax returns. We have provided here the more common questions and responses that clients may have in relation to their rental properties: Question 1: My tenants are not paying their full rent or have temporarily stopped paying rent because their income has been adversely affected by COVID-19. Can I still claim deductions on my rental property expenses? Answer 1: Yes. If tenants are not meeting their payment obligations under the lease agreement due to COVID-19 and you continue to incur normal expenses on your property, then you will still be able to claim these expenses in your tax return.
This question was last updated on 3 April 2020. Question 2: If I receive a back payment of rent or an amount of insurance for lost rent, is this amount assessable income? Answer 2: Yes. These amounts should be declared as income in the tax year in which you receive the amounts.
This question was last updated on 3 April 2020. Question 3: If the bank defers loan repayments for a period of time as a result of COVID-19, can I continue to claim interest on the loan as a deduction? Answer 3: Yes. If interest continues to accumulate on your loan, it will be an expense that you have incurred and is therefore deductible. Interest remains deductible on the loan even if the bank defers the repayments.
This question was last updated on 3 April 2020. Question 4: Can I access the new instant asset write-off for my property? Answer 4: No. If you are a property investor, you cannot access the instant asset write-off deduction.
Short-term rental properties Question 1: COVID-19 is adversely affecting demand, including cancellation of existing bookings, for a property that I currently rent out as shortterm accommodation. I have previously had some private use of the property. Will I be able to continue to deduct expenses associated with this property in the same proportion as I was entitled to claim before COVID-19 for the period that demand is adversely affected? Answer 1: The amount you can claim will depend on how the property had been used before COVID-19 and how you had planned to use it during the COVID-19 period. If the reason for the adverse effect on demand for your property is because of COVID-19 (or the bushfires before this), you can continue to deduct expenses associated with your property in the same proportion as you were entitled to deduct before COVID-19.
If you had started to use the property in a different way than before COVID-19, the proportion of expenses you can claim as a deduction may change. Examples of changed use include: • •
increased private use of the property by you, your family or your friends a decision to permanently stop renting out your property once the COVID-19 restrictions end.
This question was last updated on 23 April 2020. Question 2: I am using my holiday home privately for myself and my family so we can isolate during COVID-19. Can I continue to claim deductions for the property for this period, as I am unable to rent the property commercially? Answer 2: No. If you are using the property yourself or providing it to friends or family, this will increase your private usage of the property and reduce the deductions you can claim. This question was last updated on 23 April 2020. For more information visit the ATO website related to rental properties and the impact of COVID-19.
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WARNING: Working From Home Is Stunting Business Growth RESILIENCE COACH By Sally Higoe
This new working-from-home norm has many positives! But it’s also becoming a little dull... don’t you think? Sure, it’s easier to get up last minute, set up the way we want and eat as we feel. But is it too comfortable? Comfort may equal ease, but day in day out comfort becomes predictable and predictability suffocates growth. When you look in the mirror in the morning, how bright is the twinkle in your eyes? Do they shine and sparkle at the thought of what’s happening next? Or do they lay dull in their sockets because it’s ‘the same old thing’ today? Have you considered that you may be too comfortable?! And this could be spilling over into your leadership style! Another word for comfort is certainty. Some people get addicted to the certainty of things. Get addicted to having control. Predicting results is much easier when you’re in your little bubble of comfort and don’t look beyond. But getting stuck here can unknowingly stifle results – for everyone. Certainty, Control, and Comfort DO NOT inspire creativity, opportunity and change. There is an overwhelming need for all people, across the globe to fill their lives with certainty right now... simply to balance the enormous level of uncertainty in the outside world. It’s a natural and subconscious response and is commonly happening in the work environment. Perhaps for you it’s in your set-up, your approach or directly shown in your leadership – are you micro-managing or lacking delegation, avoiding online team meetings with too many variables? Self-awareness is the key here and a must in any great leader. When you understand how you respond in different situations you are then able to adjust accordingly in order to continue to motivate and inspire yourself and those around you.
Too much uncertainty, drives a need for certainty.... this is a universal response, that is, it applies to everyone and often without awareness. So there is a big possibility that you and/ or your team have overcompensated with comfort in your home work space and if so, that spark, that urge to think outside the box, to challenge, to create will surely be stifled and choking your bottom line results. It’s time to encourage greatness, bring back some spark – to you and those around you! Hiding behind the screen cannot be the new norm. Here’s some easy steps that you and your team can follow to stimulate originality and expression, go back to basics and EMBRACE THE UNCERTAINTY of the new work-from-home life!. 1. HAVE A GO! – Say Yes and then work out how. The key is to make up your mind quickly and change it slowly. When you say YES, it confirms you’re worth it. You will then back yourself to figure out the rest. This way you’ll consistently discover that you’ve got more to give, and you have yet another level within. 2. TRUST YOUR SENSES Doing this effectively will form a belief within yourself that you can draw on at times of uncertainty - this will carry you through. By believing in yourself and trusting your senses, you’re more likely to give it a go in the areas that you may not think you know so well.
3. DO ONE THING EVERY DAY TO GET YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE Could be as simple as speaking to someone you wouldn’t usually, going down a slide at the park (with or without the kids!), go bare foot on a trail walk. 4. DO THE LESS PREDICTABLE THING Not to shock others, but to surprise yourself. This will build your inner trust. 5. CHOOSE A MORE POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND LOOSEN UP – “I have no idea how to do this, yet I’m going to have a good ole crack at it and work out where I suck”. Through striving forward and giving it a go, we discover where we struggle and where the gaps are for us to move forward. “Fantastic, I now know what I have to learn and where to progress” With a deeper understanding of how you work, what makes you tick and why you do the things that you do – both individually and as a team – you’re able to hone in and create a tailored work environment that’s both inspiring and fun, innovative, motivating and productive. Commit to building a resilient team that promotes individual greatness yet moves seamlessly together as one... this is where the magic happens... get in touch if you’re keen to know more on how.
Sally Higoe The Resilience Coach The Resaliantce Method 438963718 sally@theresaliantcemethod.com.au JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Five Ways To Celebrate The End Of The Financial Year
FINANCIAL PLANNING By Chris Carlin
30 June is not exactly a big day of celebration for those outside of the finance world. But for those in the finance world, it is bigger than Christmas! And like Christmas you either feel incredibly excited or an impending sense of doom. For financial planners like myself, most of them will feel incredibly excited as May and June are their busiest months before they can go on a sunny holiday in July (maybe not this year though). For accountants though, all they can think about is how much overtime they need to do to get everyones tax returns done! But what does 30 June mean for you? How can you get the maximum out of your finances prior to 30 June? Here are a few tips to get you started. 1. Make contributions to super If you haven’t been making regular contributions to your super, June is a great time to make a lump sum contribution into super and get the financial benefits early in the new year.
If you are a low income earner (under $38,564 per annum for the 2019/20 financial year) and meet certain criteria, you can make an after tax contribution of $1,000 into your super account and the government will tip in an additional $500 into your super account.
of funds than the government is. If there is a way that I can donate to a cause I am passionate about and I can pay less tax in the process, I will take it and so should you!
If you are a higher income earner, you can make a before tax contribution to super and use those funds as a deduction to your taxable income. If you earn $100,000 per annum and put $10,000 into your super account, you could reduce your overall tax payable by up to $2,400. T&Cs applies to the above, so get advice from your accountant, financial planner or super fund to ensure your are eligible.
Most big businesses want to maximise their sales prior to the end of the financial year. It makes them look good to their shareholders, which means the CEOs can up their gigantic salaries even further! In order to get those last few dollars into their business before the end of the year, most businesses will offer you some substantial discounts to buy their products before 30 June. If these items are related to your work and/or home office, you will be able to claim a tax benefit by doing this. Friendly reminder when buying these items to use cash where possible – don’t get caught in a lengthy car loan or ZipPay and lose any applicable tax benefits in fees and interest.
2. Make a donation to your favourite charity or cause If there is a cause you are passionate about and they are a registered charity (DGR status) consider making a donation and claim this money as a reduction of your taxable income. If you make a you can get a tax refund of $390 (based on an income of $100,000 pa) or you have to pay $390 less in tax. I am a big believer in building wealth for the community around you. Furthermore, I believe most charities are more
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End of financial year sales
4. Get an accountant on your team We have seen a significant increase in people who are using MyTax to lodge their own tax return. But unless you are a low income earner (i.e. you are a student, a stay at home parent or retiree) and are
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you have paid during the financial year back on your tax refund, you need an accountant on your team. Most people are not aware that tax is going to be the biggest expense you pay over your lifetime. People think they are saving $200 by not using an accountant but I believe the overwhelming majority of those doing their own tax return are donating extra money to the government. 5. Get a plan I want you to take a moment and ask yourself two questions. One, how much are you financially worth 12 months ago and two how much are you worth today? Sadly for most people they have not significantly increased their financial wealth over the next twelve months. They have worked 40 hours per week for 48 weeks of the year (1920 hours over the year) and have nothing to financially show for it. What a shame!
Building your wealth does not happen by accident.
MasterYour Money Now - Instagram – www. instagram.com/masteryourmoneynow
You need a plan in place to ensure the next twelve months don’t pass you by like the previous twelve months do.
Master Your Money Now - LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/ masteryourmoneynow/
Lets talk about getting that plan in place – it will enable you to enjoy 30 June just as much as I do!
Master Your Money Now - YouTube – www. youtube.com/channel/UC7ulBKKq3igAPWzhNmerNQ
If this is a topic that you would like to discuss in more detail, please go to www.MasterYourMoneyNow.com.au/ getstarted to book in your complimentary 30 minute strategy session.
Liked this article? Share it with your family, friends and work colleagues!
If you want to know more about Master Your Money Now, go to www. masteryourmoneynow.com.au and follow Master Your Money Now on:
Chris Carlin Financial Planning Master Your Money Now 1800 734 225 admin@masteryourmoneynow.com.au
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Running A Thriving Home Business While Raising A Family VIRTUAL ASSISTANT By Samantha Carroll
It’s been an interesting time lately, with many businesses needing to re-think the way they operate. More people have been forced to work from home, some loving it, others hating the isolation. I’ve been running my virtual assistant business from my home in Geelong for a while now, so this recent pandemic has seen my work-life carrying on somewhat normally. With more businesses seeing the beauty of outsourcing, and how people can successfully work from home, there’s never been a better time to be a Virtual Assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant? Often referred to as a VA, a Virtual Assistant is a person who provides your business with remote admin and customer support services. They are the perfect business partner for soloists, small and medium-sized businesses. The beauty of a Virtual Assistant is that they’re a business owner. They understand how to run a business and know what it takes to do it well. Their business
reputation is based on providing highquality services to you, so they’ll work relentlessly to perform well. You’ll find that many VAs will specialise in their area of expertise, drawing on their past experiences and training. So, if you’re looking for a particular skillset, you’re likely to find a VA to suit. If you need help but can’t justify an employee wage, you’ll love that a VA is a contractor. They pay their own tax, superannuation and insurance, and use their own office equipment in their home-based offices. You have no added overheads and only pay your VA for the time they’ve worked, or on an agreed package rate. Hi, I’m Samantha, your local VA
pressure off them. As mum’s, we tend to ‘do it all’, but we don’t have to. I help with items such as customer service emails, client invoices and quotes, calendar management, social media scheduling and moderating comments, updating website products and photos, personal concierge services and much more. Check my website for more information: www.tradeyourtimeva.com.au
Samantha Carroll Virtual Assistant | Administration Trade Your Time VA Services 0481 209 964 samantha@tradeyourtimeva.com.au
I’m a local business mum who’s lived in Geelong for most of my life and absolutely love it here. I started Trade Your Time VA to not only be home with my son but to help fellow business mums by taking some of the JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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The Best Time to Paint your House PAINTING & DECORATING By Steve Dahllof
Painting your house can seem like a massive undertaking, and one that you’d simply rather avoid. Yet, with your house most likely being your biggest asset, a fresh coat of paint not only increases its value, but also protects it from weather damage and more. Let’s look at when you might consider painting, and how you might manage it. Exterior Painting If you own a weatherboard house for any length of time, painting is clearly going to become a fairly regular, and highly essential, maintenance task. While you may be able to get away with only painting once every 10 years or so, often, it’s far cheaper and easier to repaint before the existing paint starts to diminish or deteriorate. Once your existing paint starts flaking off for instance, your weatherboards will need a lot more prior preparation to ensure a quality finish. And if you live on a coastline, being hammered by salt and sea spray, you’ll clearly be wanting to paint far more often. Brick houses may not require quite as much attention, but many old properties may still have timber window frames, and more modern houses sometimes have timber features. These also will need regular attention to keep them looking great.
the shower, that really benefit from a good scrub and repaint. Otherwise though, repainting your interior is a great way of freshening up the feel and look of your home. Colour trends have certainly changed over the years. Where once darker colours and shades of beige, or ‘mission brown’ might have trended – these days, it’s generally about being fresh and light. Particularly, if you’re keen to sell. That said, a splash of colour on a feature wall can really enhance certain spaces and complement your individual personality. Painting can be highly effective at modernising your property. Add value, add personality or get ready to sell
And don’t forget to regularly check your paintwork close up! Sometimes you won’t see the first signs of paint deterioration with that quick glance as you run out the door on a daily basis. You need to take the time to inspect it properly.
Clearly, the number one reason for painting, particularly internally, is to freshen things up before you sell your property. Often, buyers are more likely to fall in love with a home, and are more likely to pay higher prices, if you use fairly neutral tones and give your home a more modern look. Lighter shades provide a feeling of space, light and the ability for an owner to view it as a blank canvas, that they can customise to their tastes.
Interior Painting
Yet there are other reasons.
Interior painting tends to be more of an aesthetic consideration as opposed to protection. However, there are times when it does become imperative to paint, to protect the integrity of your walls and plaster.
You may be moving into a house that needs a bit of a refresh and a change of colour scheme, to suit your preferences. This is particularly handy to do before you move your furniture in.
Your bathroom in particular needs good ventilation, but in older homes, there’s a good chance you may end up with mould and mildew in spots, such as over
You may have been living in your house for a little while, and simply feel like a change. Or, if you’ve had young kids, your walls could well be marked, and showing a little wear and tear.
(There’s certainly nothing quite like the scuff marks from toys and the odd crayon disaster!) Minimising disruption When painting the exterior of your house, it’s best to do it BEFORE winter. You clearly can’t paint, or achieve a quality finish, if it’s too cold for the paint to dry, blowing a gale (and blowing dust around) or pouring with rain. Getting your interiors painted can be even trickier though, as it can cause some major disruption for a week or two. You’ll need to be able to move furniture off the walls, and either get items out of the house, or ensure they’re well covered. If you have a holiday planned, then it makes sense to get it done while you’re away. That way you don’t need to be tip-toing around wet paint and dodging the painters and their equipment. Failing that, you could see if you can stay with family or friends for a week. If however, removing yourself from the house just isn’t possible, a good professional painting company should be able to work with you to come up with a schedule to minimise disruption to you and your family. But let’s face it, a freshly painted house, can be well worth a week or two’s disruption.
Steve Dahllof Paintaing & Decorating Dahllof Painting Services Pty Ltd 407365372 kerna1967@gmail.com
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Local Data and the Rent Relief Grant
REAL ESTATE RENTALS By Warren Rapson
As Australia begins to get back to normal just a little bit, we’re pleased to report that the rental data for Geelong isn’t as scary as it was predicted to be. Last month’s data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria reported that 2 bedroom units had a median rent of $330 per week across Geelong and this has not changed since December. 2 bedroom houses are also remaining at their median rent of $330 per week while 3 bedroom houses are back to a median rent of $380 per after touching $385 per week in the previous month’s data. Geelong’s vacancy rate is now at 2.4% – a new high up from 2.2% last month. That figure is surprising because during this time, our vacant properties have leased very well and very fast but that is probably due to our 3D tours that we have provided for all properties during the recent lock-down restrictions. In fact, many agents globally have praised the 3D technology that is available today. Matterport cameras, for example, were very quickly sold-out in the first two weeks of restrictions in Australia due to the demand for the technology. COVID-19 certainly has brought with it some challenges and both the Federal and Victorian governments have done well to assist people where possible. JobKeeper from the Federal government is arguably the most significant help to
those in trouble. In the world of renting, however, while direction has come from Canberra, the laws and help are coming from Spring Street. The “Coronavirus Rent Relief Grant” is one such measure which combines some rules and some funds. This grant is worth about $80m and will provide payments of up to $2000 to tenants experiencing rental hardship but it is very involved. Firstly, let’s define ‘rental hardship’. Hardship, in this instance, is when a tenant is spending more than 30% of their income on rent while earning less than $100,000pa and having less than $5000 in savings. Tenant’s experiencing hardship are encouraged to talk to their property managers or landlords to try to negotiate an arrangement that can help them get through this time. Remembering that landlords - who are often regular people - may also have their own financial problems, this negotiation may not achieve a result. In that case, tenants can then contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to lodge the request. CAV will then start a process of mediation in the hope of succeeding where the initial negotiation failed. If the CAV meditation also fails, CAV has the power to set the rental amount for the property. CAV will attempt to set the rent to be 30% of the tenants income including the $2000 grant.
the middle of this situation where someone loses out and that someone is our client - the landlord, but on the plus side, we know that our tenants homes are secured during this tough time. The unfortunate flaw in this arrangement (in our opinion) is that the landlord’s financial situation is not taken into enough consideration which means that in the worst example, the landlord can’t make the mortgage payments which leads to bank repossession which will lead to the tenant eviction as soon as the crisis is over. However, we have heard plenty of stories where landlords can afford to help and have done so. We have even experienced landlords in our own portfolio offering to help even before the tenants ask and we’re not alone in this experience with similar stories all over Australia. There’s no doubt that we are living in difficult times, and overall our lawmakers have done well to protect those most vulnerable, but the system isn’t perfect yet. The good news is that we are on the way out.
Warren Rapson Real Estate Rentals Geelong Property Managers 0418 582 309 warren@geelongpm.com.au
As property managers, we are stuck in
JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Why You Shouldn’t Overlook The Importance of Your C COPYWRITER By Sarah Walkerden
When it comes to writing the copy or content for our business websites, many business owners may assume that there really isn’t much to write, for their ‘contact’ page. In fact, when I suggest that it needs to be well written to clients, they often give me a somewhat puzzled look.
Why is this so? Your contact page is literally your last chance to make a good (and the right!) impression on a potential client and convert them into a paying customer. That seems pretty important to me. So, here’s a few things that I recommend to my clients, in relation to their contact pages. Make it friendly and inviting
After all, the rest of the pages are more important to get right, things like home pages and services pages are what people read, aren’t they?
You may not need to write massively long spiels for your contact page, but you do need to ensure you’re actually inviting people to reach out to you.
For the contact page, you simply throw up a contact form, a phone number and an email address, and you’re set. Right?
Simply dumping your contact details on a page, just doesn’t inspire people to take any action.
Well, actually no. I mean yes, your other pages are critical too. However, your contact page is honestly, an incredibly important page to get right, if you actually want your prospective customers and clients to reach out to you.
You want to write something that is in keeping with the tone and messaging of the rest of your website, reinforces a few main points, and actually says something along the lines of…
And there could be massive ‘conversion’ opportunities you’re missing out on, because you haven’t paid enough attention to this crucial page.
“Feel free to get in touch with any questions – I’d love to hear from you” – all while trying to be enthusiastic in your tone (in a genuine way!).
Even if the above line is all you use – that will still certainly be far more effective than not saying anything at all. And please, writing “Contact me here” is just not inviting or compelling enough. Make it slightly personal If you run a smaller business, chances are, your customers and clients are going to be working directly with you, and will make a decision to support you, based on how you present yourself. Consumers these days love to know that they can relate well and connect easily with any business owner they choose to engage. They don’t want the generic – ‘contact our company’ line. They want to know who specifically they are contacting or dealing with. Adding a small, friendly looking photo of you on your contact page (or if you’re a bigger business, a nice photo of your team), can assist with reinforcing a connection with your prospects. It puts a friendly face to the information you’re giving them and gives them a chance to not just connect with who you are, but to trust you as well.
25,000 Reasons To Build Something Amazing! MORTGAGE BROKER By Lee Wisniewski
In major news this past week, Australians will be offered $25,000 grants to build a new home or start a major renovation under an almost $700 million federal government housing package, in a bid to boost the economy and act as a lifeline to the home construction industry. Called ‘HomeBuilder’, the grant will complement existing State and Territory grants and schemes. Here are some of the main details around the grant and its eligibility criteria: •
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restricted to people on middle incomes and to new homes and major renovations valued between $150,000 to $750,000. the pre-renovation value of the house must not exceed $1.5 million
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excludes sheds, pools, granny flats and any other structures not attached to the property. it is a temporary scheme that will last until the end of the year, aiming to build 30,000 homes by Christmas. construction of a new home or a substantial renovation must be contracted to begin within three months the grant(s) will be means tested, allowing singles who earned up to $125,000 the previous financial year and couples who earned up to $200,000 to access the scheme.
This is obviously a significant opportunity for anyone looking to built or renovate but you’ll need to be prepared and have your finances in place. That’s where we come in so please get in touch if you have any questions regarding this, but most importantly don’t delay as you will need to start your works within the next few months to qualify!
Lee Wisniewski Mortgage Broker Fidget Loan Specialist 401272505 lee@fidget.com.au
findgeelong.com.au
Contract Page (& How To Make Yours More Effective) More connection and trust will inevitably result in more sales – and increase your chances of getting those leads reaching out to you (giving you more chance of converting them). Infuse your personality Personality, through the use of words, will ultimately attract like-minded people to you. It also allows you to stand out from your competitors, in a way that absolutely no one else can replicate. Don’t be afraid to be a little quirky on your contact page, if that’s who you are. And don’t be afraid to be a little quirky, within your contact form as well. This is one of my biggest tips, and I can happily and graciously contribute this knowledge to a brilliant mentor that is further along in the business and copywriting game than I am, who does this ever so cleverly (her name is Kate Toon, if you want to check her out!). There is nothing to say that a contact form, needs to utilise the stock standard fields that most tend to do. Sure, you’ll be wanting to have fields for their Name, Email Address and Phone
Number, with a message box, so they can send you their questions. That is standard and that is what you need. But why not try to make your contact form more interesting, more engaging and more fun? Sometimes, if you add a slightly silly question, it gets you more attention from your prospect and gives you a light-hearted way of starting your sales conversations, as you already know something interesting and fun about them. This might be things like… • • • • • •
What’s your favourite football team? What’s your favourite dog breed? Do you prefer salt or pepper? Are you a Coriander lover? Yes or No? Who’s your favourite movie star? If you could marry a celebrity, who would it be?
The purpose though, is to stand out for being different and having a little fun. Which leads me to my final piece of advice. Don’t be afraid to have fun! Business doesn’t need to be entirely formal or boring. And it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what you do or who you are. You’re allowed to have fun with this seemingly mundane stuff, such as your website copy and marketing messaging and even, your boring old contact page. Because when you have a little fun and inject that fun and your unique personality into your marketing – you’ll help yourself stand out (no matter how crowded your market might be) – and help your prospects, really relate to you and connect with you. And the more connection you create, the more sales you’ll make.
Or any number of things. You can make it slightly relevant to your business, or it can be entirely off topic and random. You can be as creative as you like, and I’m sure you can come up with something far more brilliant than the above suggestions.
Sarah Walkerden Copywriter The Rural Copywriter 041764169 sarah@theruralcopywriter.com.au
INSURANCE
HELPING TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY At Find we can help you find the ‘right’ personal insurance. Our aim is to help you obtain and retain the personal insurances that are appropriate for you and at cost that you can afford.
Personal Insurances Inculde: Income Protection (IP) Life Insurance or Death Cover Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Trauma Insurance or Critical Illness Insurance Business Expense Cover Child Trauma Cover When your insurance are in place, our services do not stop there. We will provide you with an after care service that includes plolicy notifications, insurance report, help desk, reviews and help at claim time. We pride ourselves in providing honest advice that you can rely on. 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134
1300 88 38 30
warren@findinsurance.com.au
www.findinsurance.com.au
Find Wealth t/as Find Insurance Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 468091) of Clearview Financial Advice Pty Limited ABN 133 593 012 AFSL. No. 331367 JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Does your business have a coronavirus (COVID-19) plan? SIGNAGES By Cameron Walker
Restrictions have recently eased, and many businesses have been able to reopen their doors and start trading again. And many more businesses are preparing to open in the coming weeks. But for most businesses it is not as simple as just opening the doors and start trading again. Things have changed for all of us and employers will need to adjust how they operate and manage the current restrictions, as well as the changes that are yet to come. In addition to everything else that business owners and employers are required to know and implement to manage coronavirus, such as government restrictions and conditions of trading for different industries, employers are also required to manage the occupational health & safety risks of coronavirus (COVID-19). Employers have a duty to eliminate or reduce, as far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19), to their employees, customers and visitors. So, what does this mean? Employers must identify whether there is a risk to the health of their employees from exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) at their workplace. And the risks can be different for each industry and each workplace. If there are risks then they need to be managed to eliminate or reduce the risk.
To effectively manage coronavirus (COVID-19) at the workplace it is important to understand your workplace and how the virus might affect your employees and operations of the business. If you have employees who can work form home then they must. This will help control the spread of the virus in the workplace. If employees are required to come to the workplace to perform their work, then you are required to, among other things, have effective cleaning and hand hygiene measures in place. Simply telling people that they must wash or sanitise their hands might not always be enough to control or reduce the risk. Staff also need to know how to wash and sanitise their hands the correct way.
Displaying posters and information on the correct process to wash your hands, apply hand sanitiser, or how to put on and remove disposable gloves are important. If not done correctly then these things can contribute to the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Am effective way to provide continuous management of coronavirus (COVID-19) risks is to have a COVID-19 plan which will help document the health risks specific to your business and what you can put in place to manage them, and how your workplace will respond to a potential outbreak of the virus. A detailed plan will help to provide vital information, instruction and training to employees, and vital information to customers and visitors. For more information on COVID-19 plans and how to develop and implement them, contact Cameron from Walker Safety Services.
Cameron Walker Walker Safety Services 0444 540 638 cameron@walkersafetyservices.com
findgeelong.com.au
GARAGE DOORS By Chantal Djuric
Garage door openers work via electronic signals to the door and the remote control. They last a long time but not forever. Most last from ten to fifteen years. If you’ve noticed that the motor isn’t running smoothly and that your garage door is not working as efficiently as it should, what do you do? You may be a weekend warrior who likes to have a go at fixing things around the house. Perhaps you had a Meccano set as a child and enjoy engineering projects. You may even relish a challenge. If you are one (or more) of these, you might think you can save money by deciding to fix your garage door opener yourself by installing a new motor. Surely, all you would need to do would be to go to your local hardware store, buy an opener and matching remote, watch a YouTube clip on how to install and away you could go… Don’t! Garage doors are not like cars that can be tinkered with. Besides the specific equipment required to install a garage door opener, it involves potentially dangerous activities such as climbing ladders and drilling in closely confined spaces. The door, the springs and the rest of the hardware are under a high amount of tension and could cause severe injury if inexpertly handled. Garage door motor installation should definitely be left to a garage door specialist to avoid damage to the garage door, the motor and yourself!
There is a large assortment of garage door motors for all types of garage doors. For instance, roller doors, panel lift garage doors and tilt-a-door openers all have different motors mechanisms. Not only that but each garage door motor caters for the particular size and weight of each individual garage door’s make and model. Each garage door motor has been designed to lift a certain load rating. So don’t make the mistake of buying and installing some cheaper brand than what you’re replacing as it may not be the suitable application for your garage door. You need to also be aware that installing an incorrect motor application on your garage door may void your warranty on your garage door and affect your insurance cover. Once an expert garage door mechanic has installed your garage door opener, it’s now time to check the remote control to your garage door. Here are five tips on keeping your garage door remote control working at its full potential: • •
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Keep your garage door remote control away from direct sunlight. Change the battery in your garage door remote when you check your smoke alarm batteries; that is, at least once a year. Keep your garage door remote control away from extreme weather conditions. For instance, find a secure place to keep it inside at an even temperature, out of burning
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heat in bushfire weather and frosty nights in winter. Keep your garage door remote control in a dry space. For example, don’t put it near where you park your morning cup of coffee cup, or outside where it could be rained upon. Teach your kids that the remote control is not a toy. Opening the garage door is not a game, but of course it can be done under adult supervision.
By the way, have a good look at your remote control. It may be missing a button or have a cracked cover. The battery hatch cover may be loose or the remote control isn’t reliable in opening the garage door, first time, every time. If your garage door remote control is starting to look worn out and tired, it may be time to look at purchasing a new one. For 24/7 garage door servicing, give Cruzin Garage Doors a call on 0427 894 603 or email us at sales@ cruzingaragedoors.com.au.
Chantal Djuric GARAGE DOORS 427 894 603 sales@cruzingaragedoors.com.au
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It’s not coming. It’s here! EDIBLE BOUQUETS By Tk Saunders
Yes Winter is here as of the 1st of June we are officially in the winter months, the nights are dark earlier, there is that certain smell in the air, that chilly wind that carries a hint of wood smoke from someone’s fire, and the sound, have you ever just stopped and listened to winter? I always think it has a slightly muffled affect to all those common noises, and if you are lucky enough (or unlucky depending on your view) to live where it snows that beautiful muffled snow sound! That is one of my all-time favourite sounds that slight whisper in the air from the snow falling and that calmness, oh boy I could go on about snow all day! Back to winter, I know personally winter brings thoughts of staying indoors with the fire roaring or the heating set just a little higher than is probably cost effective,,, but hey its winter! Thoughts of frost in the early hours, your breath misting, rugging up, 3 layers or 4? Do I need my umbrella today? Oh that’s right I still need to buy a new umbrella! Convincing your pets that yes they really do need to go out for a toilet break. Some of the other things that spring to mind Footy!!!! Sport, that weekend get together to watch the game! Have a few beers or wines chuck a snag on the Barbie and scream, yell, clap and rejoice as your team scores! That togetherness of sharing your joy, hugging a complete stranger at the stadium because your team just scored! And agreeing with that total stranger who is your new best friend that actually that Ref has no bl#$%^dy idea what he is doing and has he ever actually read the rules? It was clearly in the back! Oh boy I get shivers just thinking about it all,,, how exciting! Oh wait Covid is here! Covid is totally interrupting our winter month plans, no hang on its interrupting our lives! So now as we all pull together to flatten the curve we find we need to re think all of those game day get togethers etc, its easy to get upset or feel lonley but think of all the good! We did so well flattening the curve that we can now visit friends and family as long as we saty safe and don’t go crazy, we can start to reconnect, we can see our loved ones and spend a night in watching the game etc.
So where am l going with all this? Here at Bliss Bouquets we are still working and still delivering, we decided it’s time to celebrate how we as Aussie’s are doing during this time, so we decided to offer a $5 discount on our Meat and Cheese lover Bouquets, just mention this article while ordering and we will apply your discount. Now we think our meat and cheese bouquets are just perfect for a wintery day! They come in 3 sizes, we have the Mini, Medium and Large, now the mini as suggested is probably best for a more intimate gathering of 1, Medium will definitely cater to 2 maybe 3 people if you like to share, the Large will cover 5 to 6 no worries! Let me tell you all about these beautiful meaty bouquets! Just imagine you have decided on a day in with your family maybe watch a movie or the game, you are stoking the fire pouring a glass of wine or cracking a beer, now the next step snacks! Do you fancy a bag of potato chips? Or do you fancy some Salami, Twiggy sticks, some Brie? How about some olives and baby bell cheese, maybe a couple of wasabi peas? Maybe some prosciutto and dried apricots, hmmm some pistachios, come chocolate coffee beans dates or yummy trail mix with all those yummy seeds? Kabana and cheese? And more? All Delivered to your door?
Is it possible? Yes, yes, it is, and the best part? We will deliver it right to your door! Yes! you heard that right, all that yummy goodness all in one bouquet! (please note mini and medium do not contain all ingredients see our page for variations) Now you might be thinking hmmmm I actually fancy chocolate. Not a problem we have something for everyone! So what ever you fancy check out our facebook page Bliss Bouquets, or instagram Blissbouquets_melbourne or phone 0487823523 we do have a website in the making but of course covid slowed that right down so please hang in there with us! We make and deliver all fresh bouquets 7 days a week, please order before 3pm the day before you would like delivery, we also include a complimentary gift card. We can also cater for gluten free and vegan please mention any allergies at time of booking. As always stay safe, stay cool! Much love Tk and Marie, Bliss Bouquets the flavour of extraordinary!
Tk Saunders Edible Bouquets
findgeelong.com.au
Economy Shrinks Amid Fires And Virus Shock Katina Curtis, AAP Senior Political Writer
Australia is in the midst of its first recession in 29 years after the economy shrank by 0.3 per cent in the March quarter. New GDP figures have exposed the damage caused by the summer bushfires and the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. Annual growth slowed to 1.4 per cent. That’s the slowest rate since September 2008, when Australia was plunged into the global financial crisis. The economic decline is only going to get worse, with most of the pain packed into the current quarter. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the nation is now in a recession. “That is on the basis of the advice that I have from the Treasury department about where the June quarter is expected to be,” he said on Wednesday. Predictions during the early stages of the pandemic had painted “the economist’s version of Armageddon” but the Treasurer said the March figures showed the economy had in fact been remarkably resilient. The average contraction among OECD nations is six times greater than what Australia has experienced. Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it was a bit rough to tell the 800,000 newly unemployed Australians the economy was resilient. “This is about people’s jobs, it’s about their capacity to provide for the people that they love, it’s about all of the uncertainty that people face in this recession, in the coming months and the coming years,” he said in Brisbane. Australian Bureau of Statistics chief economist Bruce Hockman said Wednesday’s figures capture just the beginning of the expected economic blow from the measures to contain the coronavirus. The size of the hit was cushioned by increased government spending, which added 0.3 points to GDP, and strong exports adding 0.5 points. But household spending dropped by 1.1 per cent over the quarter, the first decline
since December 2008. There was an unprecedented fall in spending on services as social distancing rules and travel bans were introduced, partially offset by a rise in goods bought. “This is the story of what was happening in the economy as we saw panic buying in our supermarkets, but we saw people increasingly staying at home,” Mr Frydenberg said. The Reserve Bank and Treasury have said the bushfires probably knocked 0.2 points off the GDP. The June quarter numbers, which will be revealed in September and feed into the October 6 federal budget, are expected to be in the realm of a nine per cent contraction.
“It will be important for the federal government and Reserve Bank to ensure that the downturn is brief and that Aussies quickly return to work,” he said. “That way the economy, and life generally, will quickly return to some sense of normalcy.” Mr Frydenberg said there were already hopeful signs, including nine weeks of consumer confidence increasing from a record low. He will give a detailed mini-budget update on July 23 (which was pushed back a month) that will include the response to a review of the JobKeeper wage subsidy.
But the Reserve Bank says the economic slump might not be as bad as previously thought given the success on the health front. CommSec chief economist Craig James said stimulus will probably lead to a healthy lift in the second half of the year – as long as the virus stays under control.
Australia is now a recession: Treasurer JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Australian to host first human vaccine trials (Australian Associated Press)
The first Australian human trials of a coronavirus vaccine are about to kick off with more than 100 volunteers. The trials, which are being overseen by US biotechnology company Novavax, will take place in Melbourne and Brisbane with 131 healthy adults aged between 18 and 59 years. Infectious diseases expert Dr Paul Griffin from Brisbane’s Mater Health Services is one of the researchers overseeing the phase one clinical trials, which are the first step in human testing. “It is very exciting,” he told Nine’s Today show on Tuesday. “Healthy volunteers will receive this vaccine for the first time and it’s predominantly about safety. So we will carefully monitor them throughout.” Apart from safety, the trials will give researchers initial clues about the effectiveness of the vaccine developed by Novavax. Novavax expects to have some results to share in July and that could pave the way for phase two trials to look at the
impact on people with coronavirus and side effects.
vaccine an immune response that will then protect them from this infection.”
“We are, in parallel, making doses – making vaccines – in anticipation that we’ll be able to show it’s working and be able to start deploying it by the end of this year,” Novavax research head Dr Gregory Glenn told a virtual press conference in Melbourne from Novavax’ headquarters in Maryland.
“Potentially, by the end of the year, there will be a significant number of doses available,” Dr Griffin said. About a dozen experimental vaccines are in the early stages of testing, or due to start, in China, the US and Europe.
The Novavax trial involves a “recombinant” vaccine created by using genetic engineering to grow harmless copies of the coronavirus spike protein in giant vats of insect cells in a laboratory. Scientists extract and purify the protein and package it into virus-sized nanoparticles. “So it is something almost the same as the surface of the virus but doesn’t contain any live virus,” Dr Griffin said. “We hope that will then give these volunteers and people that receive this
Australian get flu shot in record numbers
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In times of crisis; we all need an UGG
(Australian Associated Press)
The profound economic impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has forever changed lives and livelihoods but for Gold Coast business UGG Since 1974, resilience and the desire for consumers to buy quality, local Australian made product has been their silver-lining to this crisis. Hannah and Todd Watts are thirdgeneration owners of the Miami-based business which has manufactured premium sheepskin boots and accessories from their bespoke workshop for over 45 years. “When COVID-19 initially hit, it was a pretty tumultuous time because we’re heavily reliant on international tourists physically visiting our bricks and mortar stores. Literally overnight, our manufacturing staff went from 15 down to 2,” explains Hannah, co-owner and general manager. “Thankfully there has been a huge momentum shift in Australians really looking to where products are designed and manufactured.” The reinvigorated interest in finding, supporting, and buying local, quality Australian made products over cheaper imported versions from overseas has given UGG Since 1974 a lifeline.
“With Australians reassessing where their products are coming from and determined to support local industry or small business, within a few days of this momentum shift, we were able to put everyone back in work at the workshop,” says Hannah. “That’s 40-odd staff able to roll along thanks to Australians making the economy grow by choosing where to spend their money.” Buying Australian has a knock-on effect on other businesses too. “We source all of our sheepskin from Australian farmers. So, the demand for our brand increasing has that knock-on effect back to the farmers breeding the sheep themselves, the wool classers, the thread suppliers, packaging suppliers, and courier drivers, and so on,” says Hannah. “It’s massive, in terms of importance, on what Australian business can do when they’re supported.” The fact we’re all bunkering down at home as temperatures drop, can’t hurt sales of the humble sheepskin boot either. But, buyer beware, not all sheepskin boots are created equal and some products declaring they’re ‘Australian made’ might only be somewhat true.
“There are hundreds of companies that have UGG or some derivative of UGG in their name. As a consumer, shopping online, it is very difficult. You cannot touch or feel the quality and whilst many claim ‘Australian sheepskin’ or ‘Australian owned’ the truth is the majority of UGG boots are not made in Australia,” explains Hannah. “Companies can import fully constructed UGGs in flat packs from overseas, glue the soles on in Australia and put the green and gold, Australian Made tag on them.” Hannah estimates there are five UGG companies ‘doing the right thing’ from start to finish in Australia. Price is often a good indication. Quality Merino sheepskin and hand-crafted Australian UGGs will cost more than what you’ll find at Target. “I think people are also jumping on board with the ‘buy less, buy better’ philosophy. It’s better for the environment too,” says Hannah. “The only problem for us is, customers only need to buy a pair of our UGGS every ten years or so! They’re handmade from A-grade Merino sheepskin, they last for years and years!” * This feature has been produced in collaboration with City of Gold Coast JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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May 19 Coronavirus snapshot: The numbers, measures, developments, sport, economics CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS • •
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Australia has recorded about 7068 cases, with 557 remaining active. The national death toll is 100 – NSW 49, Victoria 18, Tasmania 13, WA 9, Queensland 6, SA 4, ACT 3. (Two QLD residents who died in NSW have been included in both state’s counts). A 93-year-old woman from Newmarch House has become the 17th virus-linked death at the NSW aged care facility. Nearly 5.9 million of an estimated 16 million people have registered for the federal government’s COVIDSafe tracing app since April 26.
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MEASURES •
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The federal government has announced a three-phase plan to ease off coronavirus restrictions in coming months, with states and territories to determine the exact timings. Social distancing and hygiene measures retained. NSW public school students will return to full-time classes on May 25. A staged return to school classrooms has begun in Queensland. In Victoria prep, grades 1, 2, 11 and 12 students return to their classrooms on May
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26 with the rest returning from June 9. WA reinstated compulsory school attendance from May 18. Tasmanian schools to start reopening from May 25. NSW restrictions on outdoor gatherings and recreational activities, cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs eased. People must stick to a group limit of 10 and maintain social distancing. Working from home is encouraged while public transport changes mean 12 people at most on two-door buses in Sydney, 32 commuters per train carriage and 245 people on the Manly ferry. Victorians may have up to five visitors in their homes. Gathering limits relaxed to 10 for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking and golf. Maximum of 10 guests at weddings, 20 at indoor funerals and 30 for outdoor services. From June 1, 20 people allowed inside restaurants, cafes and pubs, increasing to 50 diners from June 22 and 100 in the second half of July. In Queensland, shopping for nonessential items permitted while up to five members of one household can visit other homes. Up to 10 people allowed to congregate in parks, pools and playgrounds. The Queensland and NSW border could reopen in September.
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South Australia has resumed elective surgeries and allowed regional accommodation to reopen. Alcohol-free dining with a 10-person limit allowed at cafes and restaurants. Seasonal workers must self-isolate before entering the state. WA has entered phase two of its recovery plan, allowing greater regional travel and encouraging people back to work while cafes, pubs and restaurants may seat up to 20 patrons. Further easing of restrictions expected on June 8. The Northern Territory has relaxed restrictions on parks, golf, fishing and swimming. Restaurants and bars can reopen with a two-hour limit, with entertainment venues to come. Restricted access to indigenous communities remains in place until at least June 18. In Tasmania,restaurants and cafes are allowed to seat up to 10 people with the same number allowed to gather for real estate purposes, religious gatherings and weddings. Premier Peter Gutwein is hopeful of making a call to reopen borders in July. The ACT has allowed outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, easing restrictions on sport and recreation.
findgeelong.com.au
STILL OPEN •
Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, public transport, some schools, hairdressers, petrol stations, postal and freight services, bottle shops, newsagents, retail shops. Restaurants and cafes opened in most states.
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS •
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China has agreed to support an international probe into the coronavirus but not before Beijing punished Australia’s push for the investigation by slapping an 80 per cent, five-year tariff on barley imports on Monday. There’s not enough evidence to support Donald Trump’s use of a malaria drug to protect himself against COVID-19, according to an Australian task force. Four nursing homes in Melbourne have gone into lockdown after a resident from each were tested for the virus. Victorian universities will receive a $350 million boost to help them recover from the pandemic
Meanwhile, the state’s police have stung more than 5600 people with $8 million in COVID-19 related fines since late March. One in eight Australians believe Microsoft founder Bill Gates is somehow responsible for the coronavirus and the 5G wireless network is to blame for spreading the disease.
ECONOMICS •
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SPORT • •
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The NRL will resume competition on May 28 while the AFL will resume on June 11. The referees union will head for arbitration with the NRL later this week over the league’s decision to revert to one referee for the rest of the season. The International Cricket Council is set to update regulations prohibiting the using spit to polish cricket balls while Cricket Australia is considering reducing the Women’s Big Bash League by 16 matches this summer as part of virus cost cuts.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham has urged state and territory governments to open borders to domestic holiday-makers when safe. The federal government’s current free childcare plan is costing about $131 million a week. The local private health insurance industry lost nearly $300 million in income in the March quarter due to virus-linked losses on the stock market.
GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS • • •
Cases: at least 4,894,278 Deaths: at least 320,189 Recovered: at least 1,909,233
Data current as of 1730 AEST May 19, taking in federal government and state/ territory government updates. Johns Hopkins virus tracker.
COVID-19 resulted in global emissions declining by 17 per cent in April By Rebecca Gredley (Australian Associated Press)
The federal energy minister sees no difference with how the coalition has dealt with climate change and coronavirus in regards to listening to scientific advice. The Morrison government has credited its coronavirus response decisions to medical experts, with the nation’s top health officers front and centre. Energy Minister Angus Taylor says it’s the same with climate change. “We take enormous amounts of advice from scientists,” he told the ABC on Wednesday. But Mr Taylor believes the two problems are different as climate change is a global issue to solve. “Emissions know no boundaries,” he said. “Contagion happens at a local level of course, so that is a difference.” It comes as a new study reveals restrictions in place because of coronavirus resulted in global emissions declining by 17 per cent in April.
The preliminary analysis was published in Nature Climate Change on Wednesday and is the effort of a global team including researchers from the CSIRO. It found the peak decline of a 17 per cent drop in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel sources occurred on April 7. The decrease is compared to the same time last year, and resulted in a level of emissions not seen since 2006. China, the US, India and other highemitters were all in high levels of lockdown at that point in April. Daily emissions between January and April have declined by 8.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. Data was used from 69 countries – including Australia – that make up 97 per cent of global emissions and have 85 per cent of the world population.
It recorded a 36 per cent decrease in emissions, equivalent to 7.5 megatonnes of carbon dioxide. “Across other sectors, the power sector ranked second and the industry sector, encompassing manufacturing and material productions, third in terms of their contributions to the global decrease in emissions in early April,” Dr Canadell said. There was also a 60 per cent decline in emissions from the global aviation industry in April compared to the year before, amounting to about 1.7 Mt of CO2. If restrictions are lifted by the middle of June, the overall decrease in emissions for the year is expected to be about 4.2 per cent, compared to 7.5 per cent if countries remain at some level of lockdown until the end of the year.
“Decreases in emissions in 2020 were largest in China where industry and communities first locked down, followed by the US, Europe, and then India,” CSIRO researcher and report co-author Pep Canadell said. JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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Library Update June 2020
More info
Click for Home Delivery! HAVE YOU HEARD?? Your reservations can now be posted to your home!
‘Click for Home Delivery’ is a new service that we’re offering to you, our wonderful members, in support of social isolation directives. Place holds on all your favourite items in the catalogue and get in contact with your library to arrange a delivery once they come in. Feel like mixing it up a little? Ask our staff to make a selection for you, whether that’s magazines, books, DVDs or games! Get in touch with your library to arrange a delivery: Call us Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) on 1300 737 277 or call your local branch. Contact us via our feedback form. Our return chutes remain open 24/7. Find out more about this service along with some handy FAQs here.
Storytime Live Eastern Regional Libraries Facebook Page Participate in an online storytime! Join us for plenty of reading, songs, dancing and fun. Storytimes premiere on Facebook everyday at 11am, so like our Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Storytimes are also uploaded to our YouTube channel and accessible from our website, so you can watch anywhere, anytime.
Watch Now
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The Lawyer X Story with author Vikki Petraitis Wednesday 10 June | 4 - 5pm How did the Victoria Police come to use a criminal defense barrister as a police informer? Vikki Petraities, author of Cops, Drugs, Lawyer X and Me will tell the incredible behind the scenes story of the shocking deals done at the highest levels of the Victoria Police and the damage wrought by their use of Lawyer X. Reaching to the depths of Melbourne’s underbelly, the tale of Lawyer X includes outhlandish deals that defy belief. This event will be hosted via Zoom. Invites will be emailed the deatils in the days prior.
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Facebook, Google forced to bargain on news By Matt Coughlan
Australia’s competition watchdog has promised to even up the market imbalance between news organisations and tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is seeking feedback on a wide range of issues with a mandatory code of conduct, which will be in place later this year. The rules will force Google and Facebook to pay for news content. ACCC chair Rod Sims says the new regime would allow media organisations to bargain with tech giants over fees. “We need to even up the bargaining,” he said on Tuesday. “We need to give that teeth and make that work, and see as best we can to come up with the sort of outcome you’d have in a competitive market.” Mr Sims declined to comment on News Corp Australia’s suggested price tag of $1 billion a year or Nine’s floated going rate of $600 million. He said collective bargaining would be the most straightforward way to determine fees, but it could still result in arbitration. “I’m not going to predict outcomes. What I am going to predict is we will even up that bargaining position and come out with a better position than we are in now,” he said.
Facebook and Google have a stranglehold on the digital advertising market and benefit greatly from the content of news publishers on their platforms. Google argues it doesn’t make money from searches because only clicks on ads drive revenue. Mr Sims said while direct benefits weren’t large, there were significant benefits stemming from the use of news. “If you want to be the allsinging, dancing search engine, you need news so that when someone types in coronavirus, you get all the news articles,” he said.
“Otherwise it’s a pretty limp search.” He said quality content from professional journalists was important to Google and Facebook. “If you don’t have the news, then you might get a whole lot of fake news,” he said. Notifying changes to the websites’ algorithms, data sharing, the use of content behind pay-walls, and the definition of news are among the other issues in the ACCC’s concepts paper. A voluntary code was torpedoed earlier this year after negotiations between the watchdog and Google and Facebook broke down.
Possible power bill relief during pandemic By Rebecca Gredley
Australians could get a helping hand with power bills through a proposal to the agency in charge of the energy market. The Australian Energy Regulator has asked the Australian Energy Market Commission to let retailers defer network costs for up to six months. The proposal would apply to network charges incurred from the start of July to December 31. While the rule would not directly benefit consumers it would help retailers, who could pass relief on to clients. Network costs range from making up about 30 per cent of an energy bill in the ACT to about 46 per cent in NSW. Energy Consumers Australia wants the federal government to back a public education campaign so consumers know they have help when it comes to their bills.
The group also want energy retailers and networks to back the push for the change. “Energy businesses have a social contract with the community and this is a time for a coming together in the best interests of consumers,” chief Lynne Gallagher said. “We need industry to work out any differences in a joined-up
response to avoid bickering, motivated by patch-protection or self-interest, and to get a workable arrangement fast. “The only interest that matters right now is the interest of Australians – our families and businesses.”
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Tax, how much should I pay? By Money and Life
One of the key determinants of how much income tax you pay, and how much you get back as a refund depends on how well you’ve maximised the deductions you’re entitled to claim. Some people are better at this than others, which explains why the amount paid in tax, based on tax rates alone, isn’t a level playing field. Most of these deductions relate to what the Australian Tax Office (ATO) deems to be claimable out-of-pocket costs, incurred on the job that your employer hasn’t already covered you for. But remember to retain all your receipts. What you’re entitled to claim as a legitimate work-related deduction can depend on many factors. But generally speaking, key criteria for deductibility tend to be around things like: travel, special clothing you’re required to wear at work, phone and internet costs, tools and other gear used on the job. Then there’s a plethora of additional job-related expenses you can also claim back, including certain training costs, fees for regulatory compliances or subscriptions/memberships to professional bodies or unions.
1. Other key determinants at the personal level However, the above-mentioned ‘deductibility’ is only half story when it comes to explaining why co-workers, earning the same income, can end up paying different amounts of tax. Drill down below these work-related expenses, and there’s another layer of variables that directly impact the tax people pay. How Australians are impacted by provisions – tax breaks and concessions – within the tax system are generally determined by their own individual circumstances. Given that the criteria for determining these provisions is subject to a complex set of ATO guidelines, those in doubt should seek early guidance of experienced industry professionals.
1. Some of the key measures relate to: 1. Occupation: The rules for claiming deductions differ between employees and independent contractors. There are also special rules for people who earn personal services income.
2. Employment status: Whether you’re an employee working part or fulltime, or self-employed can impact how much tax you pay. 3. Marital status and number of dependants: Specific tax treatments relate to anyone with a spouse, while family tax benefits help those raising children. 4. Government benefits: A beneficiary tax offset is available if you received certain Australian Government allowances and payments. 5. Financial activity: There are tax rebates for making a personal contribution to your super or by adding to your spouse’s fund before the end of the financial year. Specific tax considerations also relate to investors. But given the complexity associated with buying and/or selling assets, having a professional correctly review the appropriateness and timeliness of your strategy can be highly beneficial. There are also tax benefits associated with taking out income protection insurance. Having hospital cover, can also if you earn more than $90,000 (singles) or $180,000 (families and couples), help you avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (calculated at the rate of 1% to 1.5% of your income).
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2020 TA • DPN regime extended to GST liabilities The Director’s Penalty Notice regime will be extended to include GST liabilities, with legislation now passed parliament. Also, the legislation extends the regime for LCT and WET, taxes which are paid as part of activity statement lodgements. From the quarter following royal assent (at this stage likely 1 April 2020), the Commissioner of Taxation would be allowed to declare a GST liability estimate. From there, the director has 21 days to ensure an outstanding amount is dealt with to avoid a personal liability of outstanding GST. The extension will mean that a director may become personally liable for PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee or GST owed by the company they represent.
Announcement (20-Aug-2018) Consultation (27-Sep-2018) Introduced (04-Jul-2019) Passed (05-Feb-2020) Royal Assent (17-Feb-2020) Date of Effect (1-Apr-2020)
• Commercial rent relief code of conduct to assist COVID-19 businesses Eligible businesses will receive wage subsidies to pay staff as a result of being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The JobKeeper payment scheme will be available for sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies. The payments under the scheme will be $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee, for 13 fortnights beginning 30 March 2020.Businesses need to enrol for the JobKeeper payment via the ATO, using the Business Portal and myGovID. Tax agents can complete this task for their clients. Eligible businesses must identify eligible employees and provide monthly verifications to the ATO. All eligible employees must receive, at a minimum, a gross amount of $1,500 per fortnight.
Announced: 08-Apr-2020 Updated: 08-May-2020
• Artificial Schemes for JobKeeper Payment The ATO has released Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2020/4 which covers schemes in relation to the JobKeeper payment. The main takeaway from the PCG is that the Commissioner will not apply compliance resources where an employer had a genuine impact on the revenue of the operating entity due to change in the external business environment. The PCG also includes examples where the ATO deems a scheme to be artificial with the sole or dominant purpose to access JobKeeper payments.
Announced: 09-Apr-2020 Updated: 15-May-2020
• Service Entities Accessing Jobkeeper Payments The ATO has released Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2020/4 which covers schemes involving service entities in relation to the JobKeeper payment. The PCG provides guidance on how the ATO will apply its compliance resources to schemes used to access the JobKeeper payments. The main takeaway from the PCG is that the Commissioner will allow a service entity that employs workers, and receives a reduced service fee from the operating entity, to qualify for JobKeeper payments if there is a genuine impact on the revenue of the operating entity due to change in the external business environment.
Announced: 09-Apr-2020 Updated: 18-May-2020
• Spouse Contribution tax Offset eligibility To Be Extended Spouse contributions tax offset eligibility will be extended following the release of draft Bill and Regulations. The Bill and Regulations were made to give effect to the measures announced in the 2019 federal budget. From 1 July 2020, an individual is eligible for the offset where their spouse is under 75 years of age when the contribution is made. Connected with this new legislation is the extension to acceptance of contributions for individuals aged 65 and 66. The current law states that where the spouse is over 65 years, the spouse must satisfy the work test for the contribution to be accepted. Effectively, the work test is being pushed out to the Age Pension Age of 67. There are no announced changes to the income limit or the maximum contribution allowed. Also, the spouse contribution should not otherwise breach their non-concessional cap.
Announcement (1-May-2018) Consultation (3-Apr-2018) Introduced (13-May-2018) Passed Royal Assent Date of Effect
AX UPDATES • Super Contribution Age Limits To Change Members of regulated superannuation funds have no restrictions for making voluntary contributions prior to reaching 65 years of age. However, from 1 July 2020 changes to legislation and SIS regulations intend to increase the age limit to 67 years of age. The new legislation also extends the ability for members to make bring forward contributions, making more individuals eligible to make 3 years’ worth of contributions. The legislative and regulatory changes only relate to voluntary contributions, as employer contributions have different rules relating to individuals over the age of 65.
Announcement (17-Apr-2018) Consultation (3-Apr-2018) Introduced (13-May-2018) Passed Royal Assent Date of Effect
• Unpaid Present Entitlements and Extension of Repayments Unpaid present entitlements (UPE) to private companies initially under an interest-only loan may be extended on final repayment date. The practical compliance guideline deals with a UPE that was put in an investment deal in accordance with PS LA 2010/4. If there is a balance to be repaid at the end of the investment period, it may become a new Div 7A loan. 30 June 2018 is the first year in which an interest-only loan at benchmark rates is due to be repaid after the issuing of PS LA 2010/4. That is, 7 years after the initial UPE was put on a sub-trust from the 30 June 2010 year. The PCG relates to arrangements in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 income years. The ATO has recently stated that the lodgement date for the 2018/19 income year is 5 June 2020. This extension is due to blanket extensions to tax returns issued by the Commissioner. Family groups using this strategy may benefit from utilising this extension of time to repay the initial unpaid present entitlement from the 2009/10 income year.
Announcement (17-Apr-2018) Consultation (3-Apr-2018) Introduced (13-May-2018) Passed Royal Assent Date of Effect
• Victoria COVID-19 Package for Business Grants and Assistance Part of the Victorian economic stimulus package are grants and assistance for Victorian businesses. Registered businesses in the hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts/entertainment and retail industries will receive tailored support. This is in the form of a grant, and specifically not a loan. Other measures announced include rent relief for businesses renting government premises, and banning of eviction for non-payment of commercial tenancies for six months.
Announced: 09-Apr-2020 Updated: 31-May-2020
• Victoria COVID-19 Package for State Taxes At the top of the Victorian economic stimulus package is a refund of payroll tax for small business. Effectively, the payroll tax threshold applies to Victorian entities with Australian taxable wages less than $3m for the 2019/20 income year. As well as the payroll tax refunds, other measures announced include deferral of certain land tax payments, and rent relief for landlords who provide rent reduction to their tenants adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Announced: 20-Mar-2020 Updated: 29-May-2020
• SMSF Penalties for Underreported Expenses Legislated
Announcement (28-Jul-2018)
Non-arm’s length income (NALI) rules are bring strengthened. In particular, the NALI provisions are bring re-written to include situations where expenses of the fund are reduced in order to obtain a non-commercial benefit. This new law will strengthen rules which were previously only part of guidance released by the ATO for SMSFs. Specifically, an income tax liability will be enforced as opposed to previous interpretations of tax and super regulations in relation to super fund borrowings. Draft ATO guidance has provided further situations where an SMSF may have underreported nonarm’s length expenditure, including where it may apply to all income.
Introduced (24-July-2019)
Consultation (24-May-2018) Passed (19-Sep-2019) Royal Assent (2-Oct-2019) Date of Effect (30-June-2019)
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Certainty and consistency for Central Geelong Business Owners
Food Truck Fridays in 2019 | June 10, 2020
Central Geelong business owners now have more certainty as Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor the region responds to and recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. Council last night authorised the City’s CEO to extend membership of the Central Geelong Marketing Committee’s business representatives to 30 June 2021. Their two-year term was about to wrap up at the end of this month.
“Extending the membership for the current committee is just another way council is working to provide stability and confidence for Central Geelong businesses. Bringing people back into the CBD and stimulating the region’s economy are major priorities for council, which have featured heavily in previous coronavirus support packages and the Draft 2020-21 Budget. We’re currently working on a medium to long-term support package to support business and the broader community, so stay tuned.”
Given many CBD businesses have temporarily closed or changed their service models due to state coronavirus restrictions, the extension will provide consistency through the response and recovery phases. The committee works to market, promote and activate Central Geelong and programs are being developed to encourage people back into Central Geelong. In April this year, council resolved to pay $283,907 Councillor Peter Murrihy - Chair, Central and Civic in financial support to the 1,482 local businesses who pay Geelong Portfolio the Central Geelong Special Rate, which funds the Central Geelong Marketing Committee. “Now’s not the right time to have a changeover in the committee, due to the current climate and restrictions on The funding was part of council’s most recent business support business as a result of COVID-19. package during the pandemic and covers a quarter of the annual special rate, which raises $1.13 million each year to Council has full confidence in the members and I look allow the committee to develop and implement programs that forward to seeing how they can continue to support support Central Geelong’s activation. More than $20 million of the Central Geelong business community through the total economic output per year is created from these activities, epidemic.” supporting over 30,000 jobs within the city centre.
CITY TO UNLEASH NEW DOG PARKS
COSTAL WILDLIFE CORRIDOR REJUVENATED IN OCEAN GROVE
SHORTENED STREET IN LARA RE-NAMED
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Youth Councillor meet with Greater Geelong Councillors, including Mayor Stephanie Asher, in February | June 05, 2020
Youth Council Highlights Mental Health in June Meeting Geelong’s Youth Council has used its June meeting to shine a light on the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the region. Junior members came together via video link for the monthly meeting on Monday 1 June. Together they observed a minute of silence to acknowledge the recent losses of local teenagers to suicide, and to recognise young people who are facing significant challenges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At the start of the year, Youth Council made mental health and wellbeing a priority area for 2020. This week the group reiterated the importance of providing a youth voice to discussions in this area, and explored support options available to young people during a guest presentation from youth mental health service headspace. The junior members discussed the importance of caring for themselves, looking out for others and reaching out for help when they need it. They also recognised the work of the City’s Youth Development Unit in leading mental health first aid courses for 3300 young people, parents, caregivers and teachers across Greater Geelong since 2019, as part of the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan. Youth Council flagged mental health and wellbeing would be a key focus of its second report, which will be delivered to Council on Tuesday 9 June. The June meeting also included: •
a guest presentation from Barwon Community Legal Service about the development of a new legal support program for people aged 12-24.
•
plans for upcoming mentoring sessions with City of Greater Geelong councillors.
Youth Council will meet next on Monday 13 July. If you or a loved one needs help, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit www.headspace. org.au or www.beyondblue.org.au. To participate in the City’s free mental health first aid course, contact youthadmin@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Geelong Junior Mayor - Farzana Hussaini “As elected representatives of our peers, it’s important to us to continue driving change in the mental health and wellbeing space.” “When Youth Council made mental health and wellbeing a priority area for 2020, we had our friends and family members in mind.” “We are united in wanting to make a meaningful difference.”
Youth Council The City has encourage a voice for young people with the creation of the first Youth Council in 2019. The Youth Council is made up of 12 young people aged between 12 and 17 years old, includes three representatives from each of the four council wards. Initial priorities for the Youth Council include social and community connections, mental health and wellbeing, and capability (such as skill development, education and employment). The young people will provide advice to the Council on specific issues, plan and run a Youth Summit and provide advice on priority work for the Youth Development Unit. The Youth Council will meet once a month at City Hall. The Junior Mayor will then present the group’s findings and recommendations to Council on a quarterly basis. The Introduction of a Youth Council was one of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Jury in January 2017, and was endorsed by the state government. JUNE 2020 | FIND GEELONG
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NEW OFFERS COMING
NEW OFFERS COMING
BREKKY, BRUNCH & LUNCH DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF TASTE
The best memories are made when gathered around the table. FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS info@findnetwork.com.au 1300 88 38 30
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& Lunch
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NEW OFFERS COMING
COFFEE
TODAY’S GOOD MOOD IS SPONSORED BY COFFEE FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS info@findnetwork.com.au 1300 88 38 30
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Takeaway
Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s the nourishment of the soul and body: It’s truly love. FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS info@findnetwork.com.au 1300 88 38 30
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NEW OFFERS COMING
FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS info@findnetwork.com.au 1300 88 38 30
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FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS info@findnetwork.com.au 1300 88 38 30
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NEW OFFERS COMING
Coupons &
Any changes or updates to these ‘Terms of Use’ of the
Non-Transfer The barter trade, sale, purchase, or transfer of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards, by any person or entity, including but not limited to business placing offers in the Find Paper, printers, publishers, and distributors of the Find Coupons /Find Card, is strictly prohibited, unless expressly authorized by Find Pty. Ltd. Find reserves the right to make changes to the participants and their offers at its sole discretion. Members will be notified of these changes via email or via the Site. The Find Coupons and its Offers are intended for the non-profits use of the individual purchaser of the Find Cards &/or Find Coupons. Additionally, the use of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards or any of the Offers placed in our Find Paper, for advertising purpose, in any form of fashion, is strictly prohibited. Any use of a Offers in violation of these Rules will render the Offer VOID, and violators will be prosecuted. Offers may not be reproduced and are void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Find, will not be responsible if any establishment breaches its contract of refuses to acccept the Find Cards / Offers with in the Find Paper: we will however, use our best efforts to secure compliance, Find, will not be responsible in the events beyond its control. © 2020 Find.
Find Cards Policy
e Find Cards and/or Find Coupons can be found here.
Valid Periods Find Restaurant, Find Cafe & Find Coffee offers can be used at participating businesses any time except the following days: *Christmas Eve *Christmas Day *Boxing Day * New Year’s Eve *New Year’s Day * Valentine’s Day *Good Friday *Easter Sunday *Mother’s Day. Some restaurant/Cafe/Coffe establishments will have additional terms and conditions on the page where the business is advertising their offer).
Present Find Card You are required to present your Find Card at any participating businesses if you wish to secure the discount or goods/service being offered.
Customer Signature If you do not have the correct signature on the Find Cards and it does not match the signature on your license or another card with your photo on it, then the business has the right to not provide you with the discount. it is at the businesses discretion as to whether or not they allow the discount to apply if the Signature is incorrect.
PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS
VALID
GEELONG
Valid Find Cards have four folds and contain six different categories. Valid Find Cards will have the Find 2020 sticker placed in the circle and the “Find Ok” stamped on top of the sticker.
NOT VALID
GEELONG
Find Cards that DO NOT display the Find 2020 Sticker in the circle and DO NOT have the “Find Ok” stamp on the top of the sticker are INVALID. They will not be accepted at any participating businesses. Also, your signature must be present. You may be asked to present ID to verify that Find Card belongs to you.
Present the Find Card and ID prior to paying bill. Card is Non-Transferable. Each offer corresponds to a number on the card. Number will be crossed off once offer used. This is not a credit or charge card. Copyright 2020 Find© Pty Ltd.
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