Find Geelong April 2023 Edition

About the Find Geelong

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Geelong is a community paper that aims to support all things Geelong. We want to provide a place where all NotFor-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-and-coming events in the Find Geelong for Free.

We do not proclaim to be another newspaper and we will not be aiming to compete with other news outlets. You can obtain your news from other sources. We feel you get enough of this already. We will keep our news topics to a minimum and only provide what we feel is most relevant topics to you each month.

We invite local council and the current council members to participate by submitting information each month so as to keep us informed of any changes that may be of relevance to us, their local constituents.

We will also try and showcase different organisations throughout the year so you, the reader, can learn more about what is on offer in your local area.

To help support the paper, we invite local businesses owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.

Lastly, we want to ask you, the local community, to support the fundraising initiatives that we will be developing

and rolling out over the coming years. Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating. Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you. We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised. Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.

Follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/findgeelong) so you keep up to date with what we are doing.

We value your support, The Find Geelong Team.

Geelong The

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 editor@findgeelong.com.au

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OUR NEWSPAPER

The Find Geelong was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with is core focus of helping other Not-For-Profits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Geelong has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

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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Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand; however, the ceremonies and their meanings have changed significantly since 1915.

According to Dr Martin Crotty, a historian at the University of Queensland, Anzac commemorations have “suited political purposes right from 1916 when the first Anzac Day march was held in London and Australia, which were very much around trying to get more people to sign up to the war in 1916–1918.”

Gallipoli campaign, 1915

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, which was an ally of Germany during the war. The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Army commanded by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk).What had been planned as a bold strike to knock the Ottomans out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. The Allied deaths totalled over 56,000, including 8,709 from Australia and 2,721 from New Zealand. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed to achieve its military objectives of capturing Constantinople and knocking the Ottoman Empire out of the war, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand troops during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an “Anzac legend” became an important part of the national identity in both countries. This has shaped the way their citizens have viewed both their past and their understanding of the present. The heroism of the soldiers in the failed Gallipoli campaign made their sacrifices iconic in New Zealand memory, and is often credited with securing the psychological independence of the nation.

ANZAC DAY “Lest We Forget”

Geelong Column

Our major events have come back with a bang, and none louder than the Australian International Airshow at Avalon.

The fifteenth edition of the event in March saw record trade visitor numbers, exhibition space at capacity, and public tickets selling out for both the Saturday and Sunday Airshow.

Avalon 2023 will be remembered as the largest - and many may say the best - edition since it started in 1992.

A total of 248,000 people attended across the show’s six days.

This includes 48,516 for the industry showcases - a 24 per cent increase from the last show in 2019.

There were high-level dignitaries and delegations from all over the world, with 38 countries represented.

Among the attendees were 22 chiefs, six national armament directors, and three space commanders.

The impressive numbers highlight the Airshow’s prestige on the international stage and indicate a strong public interest in aviation and its role in contemporary society.

The influx of visitors significantly benefited the local economy, with many local businesses reaping the rewards.

The spectacular aerial displays are always a highlight.

There were incredible displays from some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, as well as the return of crowd favourites such as the RAAF’s Roulettes and F-35A Lightning planes.

From a City of Greater Geelong perspective, we were proud to host a trade stand with Deakin University and Hanwha Defense Australia to showcase our region’s defence industry capability to the world.

We also worked with Geelong businesses, such as Air Radiators, XTM, RAPP, CLOS, and McHugh and Eastwood, and helped facilitate conversations with key defence organisations and government delegations so they could promote their company’s advantages.

The success of the Avalon Airshow can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in its planning and execution, including the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, and the wider aviation community.

This event has become a global showcase of Australian innovation, further promoting the City of Greater Geelong as a hub of industry, innovation, and investment.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

Know the benefits and uses of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a government-funded program in Australia that provides eligible seniors with access to a range of healthcare services and concessions.

The program is designed to assist seniors in managing the costs of healthcare and living expenses by providing discounts on prescription medicines, medical services, and utility bills.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and usage of the CSHC.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

If you don’t have a CSHC yet but think you may be eligible, knowing the following benefits that come with having it might entice you to get one right away.

Access to discounted prescription medicines: CSHC holders are eligible for discounts on prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Medical services: Holders of a CSHC can get bulk-billed medical services from general practitioners (GPs) who choose to participate in the program. This means that CSHC holders don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for consultations.

• Discounts on public transport: If you commute a lot, you’ll be happy to know that CSHC holders are eligible for concessions on public transport fares across Australia, although the actual benefit depends on your state or territory. Discount offers typically include rides on trains, trams, buses, and ferries.

• Savings on utility bills: You may be eligible for discounts on your electricity, gas, and water bills from their service providers. The amount of the discount varies depending on the state or territory you live in.

• Free or discounted rates on dental, hearing and eye care services: Some states and territories offer additional healthcare benefits for CSHC holders. These services can include eye, ear and dental check-ups, and some minor procedures.

or the Department of Veterans Affairs. They must also be an Australian resident and meet the income test.

Once you’re approved for the CSHC, you can start using your card to access discounts on prescription medicines, medical services, and public transport fares. You will also need to present your card to service providers to receive discounts on utility bills.

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card provides a range of benefits to eligible seniors in Australia. It’s meant to help them manage the costs of healthcare and living expenses, so they can enjoy a good quality of life.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible for the CHSC, you can apply on the Services Australia website or inquire at a service centre near you.

Eligibility Requirements and Usage of the Commonwealth Seniors

Health Card

To be eligible for the CSHC, seniors must meet certain age and residency requirements.

They must be of Age Pension age, which is currently 66 years, and not be eligible for a pension or allowance from Centrelink

If this article has inspired you to think about your own unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please contact your advice professional.

This information does not take into account the objectives,financial situation or needs of any person.

Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs.

The Advisor Innovation Summit is back in 2023 with a focus on how advisers can adapt to transform and thrive in the future.

As the advice industry copes with economic uncertainty and generational shifts in wealth management, the highlyanticipated Adviser Innovation Summit is returning this year to arm advisers with the strategies they need to flourish in an ever-changing landscape.

Taking place over two days — 8 and 15 June 2023 — the summit will unpack how advice practices could revamp their business models to succeed even when the market is volatile and deliver cost-effective advice, boost efficiencies, and meet compliance requirements. The IPA conference, also over two days, will provide delegates with key information to enhance their technical knowledge, understand emerging

Warren Strybosch

I am excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the Cape Schanck Hybrid Conference and 2023 Advisor Innovation Summit at The Great Hall - University of Technology Sydney.

management and professional skills and discuss thought-provoking insights on professional and ethical standards.

The summit is aimed at financial advisers, fintech consultants, executives, IT and compliance managers, practice managers, product managers, and decision makers. The IPA conference is aimed at accountants or accounting technicians.

One of the industry leaders, Warren Strybosch, will be one of the speakers at this year's summit. He will be joined by other industry leaders to discuss the latest data and strategies that could help other advisors transform their practice into an accessible, compliant, well-oiled machine, and look at the opportunities and threats unique to the financial planning industry. Warren will also be speaking at the Institute of Public Accountant

(IPA) Conference this April. He will be joined by other thought leaders in the accounting profession to discuss ethical standards in the accounting profession.

The Advisor Innovation Summit and IPA Conference will push advisers and accountants to reimagine their operational structures and find new practice efficiencies to provide quality advice.

You can read the full article about the summit here: https://www.ifa.com.au/ news/32536-adviser-innovation-summit2023-to-future-proof-advice

If your an IPA member and would like to attend the IPA Conference, you can read more here: https://www. publicaccountants.org.au/events/ conferences/2023-cape-schanckhybrid-conference

Thursday 20

List Your Aged Care Facilities with Find Age Care Services Today

Help the local community know you exist and what sets you a part compared to other aged care facilities, Financial Planners and other providers in the local area.

We have developed Find Aged Care Services (www.findagedcare.services) so you can promote your facilities and services to the general public. You can also place any job vacancies on our website that is available in your facilities.

For more information, please contact us at 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findagedcare.services

‘Nature prescriptions’ improve patient health: study

So-called “nature prescriptions” – when doctors recommend spending more time in nature – have been found to reduce patients’ blood pressure, increase daily step counts and lower depression and anxiety scores.

Australian academics who reviewed 92 international studies in which participants were prescribed time engaging with nature found reduced levels of chronic stress and increased healthy behaviours such as socialising and physical activity.

Lead researcher Xiaoqi Feng from University of NSW Medicine and Health said the evidence showed nature prescriptions helped restore and build better physical and mental health.

“One third of Australians spend less than two hours a week in any form of nature,” Professor Feng told AAP.

“Contact with nature, and trees especially, is really good for strengthening mental and physical health across our lives.

“How can we encourage and enable people to reconnect with nature?

“That’s where the idea of a nature prescription comes in.”

Prof Feng and co-lead researcher Professor Thomas Astell-Burt, from the University of Wollongong, recently secured a $1.5 million government grant through the Medical Research Future Fund to test the effectiveness of nature prescriptions in Australians with cardio metabolic diseases aged 45 and older.

“We need to think about how we can integrate nature prescriptions into existing health plans,” Prof Feng said.

Living close to certain types of green space can also improve health.

Those living in areas with 30 per cent or more tree canopy reported better general health and reduced psychological distress, a study of almost 47,000 adults in NSW also conducted by Prof Feng found.

The research has informed the City of Sydney’s $377 million strategy to reach 40 per cent green cover by 2050.

“But even if you have a high-quality green space like a park nearby, it doesn’t mean that everyone will visit and benefit from it,” Prof Feng said.

“What we need now is to work out how to make nature prescriptions happen in a sustained way for those people with high potential to benefit, but who currently spend little time in nature.”

Nature prescriptions are emerging as a supplement to standard medical care.

In the UK, a pilot program has been introduced for “green social prescribing” and Canada has a national nature prescription program.

Prof Feng is pushing for large-scale nature prescription programs in Australia.

“How long should the nature prescription be for? What should be in the prescription? How should we deliver it, and by whom? These questions don’t have firm answers yet,” she said.

“If we want nature prescriptions to become a national scheme, we really need to provide the evidence.”

Prof Feng cautioned against these prescriptions being a “luxury item for the rich” who already have access to beaches and high-quality green space.

“We want these benefits for everyone,” she said.

Samantha Lock (Australian Associated Press)

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) were introduced in July 2017 and set in place a limit on how much an individual could transfer from their accumulated superannuation account into their retirement pension account.

The first general transfer balance cap (GTBC) limit was set at $1.6 million and then this increased by $100,000 on 1st July 2021. The mechanism for the increase is covered in the income tax assessment act 1997 (ITAA) with inflation being the key factor as to when and how much it will increase each financial year. Based on recent inflation levels it is expected the increase on the 1st of July 2023 will be $200,000 and take the GTBC to $1.9 million.

For those who are yet to set up a pension and are likely to have assets in super exceeding $1.7 million at 1st July 2023, would want to consider setting up their pension after the 1st of July, 2023 to take advantage of the increase in the GTBC. Remember, if you exceed the GTBC, you are liable to pay tax on the excess transfer balance earnings (excess transfer balance tax). You also need to transfer any excess to a super accumulation account or withdraw it as a lump sum.

For most Australian’s they will not exceed their personal transfer balance cap (PTBC) of $1.9 million. If they are close to exceeding their PTBC, there are strategies that can be put in place to reduce an individual’s funds in their accumulation account and so avoid going over their PTBC. It is important for individuals who believe they might exceed their PTBC to seek financial planning advice ahead of time and not leave it until they are just about to retire.

For those who are already in pension phase, their PTBC could be anywhere from $1.6 million to $1.9 million depending on when they set up their pensions and how much they had in their accumulation account at the time. Everyone will be different and it is not a matter of simply adding $200,000 to your existing PTBC.

For those who are already in the retirement phase of their lives, a Transfer Balance Account (TBC) is required to track an individual’s use of their PTBC.

TRANSFER BALANCE CAPS What they are and when to report

Transactions are recorded based on the reporting of various events (refer below table). The most common being the commencement of retirement phase pensions and commutations from those pensions.

Commutation of capital value of the pension (includes partial lump sum payments)

Structured settlement value

Family Law payment splits

Losses due to fraud or bankruptcy

Reduction in defined benefit pensions due to change in circumstances.

Currently, you could report either annually or quarterly with many reporting annually. For SMSF’s it would either be:

• Quarterly reporters – reporting of events required to be lodged within 28 days after the end of the quarter in which it occurs.

• Annual reporters – events to be reported no later than the lodgement of the SMSF’s Annual Return for the year in which the event

occurs.

New Reporting laws

From 1 July 2023 the reporting laws will change and everyone, including SMSFs, will be required to report on a quarterly basis.

This will also capture all reportable events that may have occurred in the 2022/23 financial year. In effect, all reportable events that occur from 1 July 2022 – 30 September 2023 will have a reporting date of 28 October 2023.

There will be no grandfathering of the old rules either. Funds that were previously identified as annual reporters will be quarterly reporters from 1 July 2023 and will need to consider the abovementioned reporting date for events that have, or will occur, this financial year.

Value of all retirement phase pension accounts as at 30 June 2017

Commencement value of new retirement phase pensions.

Commencement of death benefit pensions

National earnings that accrue on excess balance

Repayments of LRBAs commenced from 1 July 2017 where there is value shifting beteen accumulation and pension phase

Existing quarterly reporters do not receive an extension to lodge and will still need to report events from the 2022/23 financial year on a quarterly basis.

Going forward, reporting dates will be:

There will continue to be some instances where reporting must occur earlier:

• Commutations resulting from a member voluntarily responding to an excess determination are to be reported within 10 business days after the end of the month in which the event occurs.

• Commutations required due to the receipt of a commutation authority from the ATO must be reporting within 60 days of the authority being issued.

Impact for annual client

Many trustees and their advisors would be reporting on an annual basis, especially those who are processing their financial accounts annually. For those trustees of

Debits (decrease in account balance)

Debits (increase in account balance)

SMSF, who current report annually, will need to put in place processes to remind them to report quarterly should an event occur that would impact their TBA.

Often it is the SMSF accountant or administrator who is lodging the Transfer Balance Account Reports (TBAR), and they also will need to be aware of these new reporting rules and keep an eye out for any events that might require the lodgement of a TBAR.

Thankfully, estimated values of the event can be lodged, with more accurate information reported via an amendment at a later date. However, this does create inefficiencies as the reporting mechanism is often linked to the software the transactions are processed in. Having to create ‘dummy entries’ in order to lodge a TBAR will result in double handling and increase the chances of errors occurring. We would not encourage this process as this might lead to the further scrutiny by the ATO regarding the specific event being reported.

Late lodgement penalties

Transfer balance account reporting is akin to the requirement to lodge tax returns and activity statements in

that, late lodgement may lead to penalties for failure to lodge on time. A penalty unit, currently $275, can apply for each 28 days (or part thereof) that a report is lodged late. Up to a maximum of 5 penalty units.

While the ATO have chosen not to apply penalties for late lodgement to date, it cannot be expected that this will continue. With the streamlining of reporting and having all SMSFs on the same reporting regime, it will be easier for the ATO to start imposing penalties.

It is important to note that there is only a requirement to lodge if there are events that need to be reported. Unlike an activity statement, for example, where you may still be required to lodge a nil statement when there is nothing to report, transfer balance account reporting is driven by an actual reportable event.

Given the pending increase in the general transfer balance cap from 1 July 2023 and the implications for personal transfer balance caps, the sooner events are reported, the sooner these values can be correctly determined.

More pressure on accountants

These new requirements are likely to place additional pressures on accountants and administrators of SMSF. It is important for accountants and administrators of SMSF to review their reporting practices to try and avoid late lodgements of TBARs. This is especially important for those clients that have previously been able to lodge their TBARs at the same time as lodging their SMSF Annual Return.

For those trustees with complex trust structure set ups it is advisable to seek advice from an accountant or lawyer that specialises in this area.

Warren Strybosch

You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au www.findaccountant.com.au

The founder of the Find Group of companies draws on his diverse background, which ranges from teaching, to serving in the army, to taxation and accounting, to coach and help clients live their best financial lives. A multi-award winner, Warrens’s innovative approach in business means he was a champion of virtual financial advise long before the pandemic. Warren established the Find Foundation, which owns and operates accros Victoria.

The financial advisers featured in this guide are a diverse group: some specialise in responsible investment advice, some provide financial advise to specific professions, and some focus on addressing market gaps, mwith several finding themselves on the list for the very first time. But they all have one thing in common: they all wield influence that can create the blueprint for the future of financial advice in Australia. Not all of them are faniliar names but just because they are not making a lot of noise doesn’t mean they are not making waves. Meet our Power 50.

Values and Leadership: A Heart-Centred Approach to Leadership

by Charlie Firth

LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

A lot of times, leaders are encouraged to be rational rather than heart-centred during decision-making. A rational leader focuses on logic, facts, and rules, not feelings. On the other hand, a heartcentred leader focuses on intuition and beliefs and makes decisions based on what feels right at that moment.

Even though the contemporary business environment is highly competitive, and it focuses on statistics, facts and figures, working with human beings with emotions makes it difficult to be a purely rational leader. For example, if a leader only focuses on productivity and work rules, how will they deal with an employee’s well-being?

A heart-centred leader is guided by values, which I refer to as your ‘emotional compass’. Values guide our decisions and actions and compel us to stand for our beliefs and lean into what matters. Values also provide a sense of clarity of what a leader’s deepest desires are. Values like integrity, honesty, and empathy are highly required in an organisation and should be used to guide a leader’s decision-making process.

Here’s how to be a heart-centred leader.

Be Introspective

A team member has lost a loved one, but no one will cover their shift if they leave. What do you do? Leading by heart largely calls for reflecting on your emotions. Sometimes it is about understanding that there’s more to life

than profits and rules. You may need to bend the rules because of what you feel and instead offer support and compassion. Therefore, leading by the heart is always about listening to your heart.

Put Your Employees First

Employees are human beings, not machines. And guess what? Even machines break down when they’re not properly cared for. Forget about the statistics, graphs, and strict policies you modelled from a rival company; are your employees comfortable? Get real and find out what they feel. Do not hurt your team in your quest for maximum productivity. For example, making your team work long hours without considering their mental and physical health is an ingredient, ironically, for low productivity.

Photo

To be heart-centred, you must have the emotional intelligence to recognise and interpret your team’s emotions and learn when they are comfortable, when to cheer them up, when to push them and when to stop.

Lead By Example

Practice self-awareness. A heart-centred leader models the behaviours and values they want to see in their employees. Do you want your team to be centred on respect and honesty? Well, take charge and be respectful and honest first. Lead by example by practising your values in and out of the organisation. Be consistent. Do not be heart-centred on a section of your team and neglect the other.

Be Open-Minded

Leading by heart means you have to unlearn ineffective, old-fashioned attitudes, business rules, and norms. Reprogram your mind to adopt new paradigms and perspectives favouring employee well-being and aspirations. For example, you may need to drop harsh policies that focus fundamentally on output and opt for more supportive and growth-oriented models.

Communicate and Collaborate

A heart-centred leader focuses on creating synergy. What if we all did this together to reach a common goal? Inform your team about your core principles and values so that they know

what is expected of them. Also, listen carefully to your team’s concerns and better understand how to manage them.

Create Institutional Mechanisms For Expression

You must encourage your employees to open up if you want to be a heartcentred leader. To be fair, many people struggle with mental health issues, add to that a fast-paced life and this often means they lack ways to open up and seek help. Therefore, create institutions where your team members can open up in case they have issues, for example, the following:

• One-on-one meetings- encourage talks where your team members can open up. Again, carefully use emotional integrity to understand people’s emotions.

• Anonymous feedback systems- for example, utilise suggestion boxes to get your team’s thoughts.

• Resource groups- help your team members create resource groups to help each other out. Help whenever necessary.

• Guidance and counselling services.

Practice Positive Values

Generally, being heart-centred means practising positive values and avoiding values that may undermine your team’s well-being. The top values a heart-centred leader can have are compassion, empathy,

integrity, inclusivity, honesty, transparency, humility, respect, and authenticity.

Finally, I’d like you to consider; Using logic fundamentally to lead a team may be a thing of the past.

New studies show that a good balance between rationality and emotional intelligence produces optimum results. Treat your team as human beings with emotions rather than simply resources to be managed. However, you should be careful because too much emotional leadership can lead to impulsive and erratic decision-making.

If you’d like to dig deeper to access your personal values, become Emotionally Fit, or talk further about heart-centred leadership, simply get in touch, I’d love to have a chat.

Sally Higoe

HOW CAN YOU GET A CAR WITH A NOVATED LEASE?

month for the car running costs, your total monthly salary deduction would be $600. Once the deductions occur from your pay, the net impact might be $450. The benefit to you is that you could have $150 more in your pocket even with your lease and car running costs covered.

How Do You Get a Novated Lease?

Now you know how a novated lease works and you have your dream car in mind, the next step is to speak with your Salary Packaging/Novated Leasing provider. Your employer should have a policy and provider in place so they can incentivise employees to work with them. If your employer doesn’t have a provider, you can reach out to a provider who’ll contact your employer to set up a program.

The provider will assist you in choosing the car most suitable to you and, in most cases, they can reach out to their supplier network for the best possible car price.

SERVICES

By Dan Nicholls

Getting a car can be quite a challenge. It’s a big decision that can be difficult to budget for, especially if you’re focused on building your savings. However, there’s an option that can make it easier for you to get behind the wheel: a novated lease. So what is a novated lease? Basically, it’s an agreement between you, your employer, and a finance company that allows you to lease a car using your salary package. That means you can potentially save money on taxes and reduce your taxable income, all whilst driving the car of your choice.

An Alternative Way To Getting Your Dream Car

Before you begin the novated lease process you should have an idea of the car that you’re interested in. Ideally, you will know the make and model of the vehicle, and what options and accessories you’d like included. It can either be a new or a used car. Once you’ve decided on your car, you then need to think about how long you want to keep the car for, for example, three years. It is also important that you know approximately how many kilometres you think (or know) you will travel each year.

One important thing to remember is that at the end of the lease term, you don’t automatically own the car. The ATO stipulates that there must be a residual value at the end of the lease term. You have options at the end of the lease, upgrade your car to a new lease or pay off the residual value and own the car.

A major benefit of a novated lease is that the financier can claim the GST on the purchase cost of the car therefore your lease payments are based on the GST free cost of the car. This results in some significant savings for you.

How Does A Novated Lease Work?

A good way to understand purchasing a car with a novated lease is to compare it to purchasing one using a traditional finance method, such as a personal loan. The difference between the two is that with a novated lease the repayments are from your employer via your salary package. Basically this means that you can use some of your pre-tax salary to pay for lease payments and the car running costs rather than paying all your financing and running costs from your after tax income.

Here’s an example of how the lease works:

If the monthly repayments are calculated to be $300/ month for the car + $300/

The Proposal

Once your workplace has a provider sorted, you should be able to get a novated lease proposal that will detail all the lease and car running costs, whether there is a tax benefit and what impact the lease will have on your take home pay. To provide an accurate proposal, you will need to provide your gross annual wage and how many kilometres you drive on average per year.

Once you receive your proposal, you may have a few questions specific to your quote, your situation and needs. Your provider should be able to answer any questions you have regardless of whether you think they are silly or not.

Accepting The Proposal

Once you’re happy with the proposal it’s time to sort the admin. You’ll need to supply a Novated Lease Application form, a signed Privacy Consent form as well as recent payslips and identification.

Your provider will then submit an application to a selected financier and once approved they’ll take care of the arrangements with the supplier of the car.

You will need to sign some documents and your employer will also need to sign one as well. Your provider will arrange all of these documents.

SALARY PACKAGING

Buying a Used Vehicle

A car purchased with a novated lease can’t be older than 12 years at the end of the lease agreement. For example, you could lease a 9-year-old car on a 3-year lease. A car from a private seller is also an option however you need to remember that there is no GST that the financier can claim. You may find that a dealer is easier for you as dealing with individuals can be more complex.

The value in a novated lease is often in cars 1- 5 years old. If you had a dealer car with a sale price of $30k and a private seller car at $25k, there’s not much difference in the price once the financier claims the GST on the dealer price. In some cases, the price from the private seller might be a lot lower. Regardless of this, the vast majority of people choose to purchase through dealerships.

Whether you decide to buy privately or through a dealership, your provider should be able to help people who aren’t ‘car people’ find a car. When a car is new you can have help sourcing it and getting the best price possible. If it’s a private seller car, your provider should help you find the right model and avoid dodgy sellers.

Buying a Low Emission Vehicle

Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) are becoming increasingly popular. With some electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen cell vehicles, there is no fringe benefits tax and all deductions are pre-tax. This makes purchasing an LEV an even better choice. Now is a great time to lease one!

There are a lot of regulations around a novated lease on a LEV but your provider

should be able to assist with all these so you don’t set something up incorrectly, which could have an adverse taxation impact on you.

Get Started With A Novated Lease

With a novated lease you can get your dream car and enjoy all the benefits of car ownership. The goal of salary packaging in general and a novated lease specifically is to use your income from your employer in a way that best suits your needs.

To get a novated lease, you need to find a reliable company that specialises in salary packaging and novated leases. Remember to think about the type of car that you’re after in advance of speaking with a provider.

Ready to get started with salary packaging and a novated lease? The Salary Packaging People are experts in both so contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the car of your dreams. Get in touch with us here or call 03 5229 4200.

Dan Nicholls

dan@salarypackagingpeople.com.au

We ensure your staff get the full advantage of their entitlements, because taking care of your staff is our business.

recording on devices

VIDEO PRODUCTION

By Allison Groot

We often take for granted that we have computers and more specifically video cameras readily available for us to use. We carry around in our pockets everyday devices that have high-definition video cameras that almost….but not quite match the quality of professional cameras.

However, using these cameras and understanding how to present on camera is a whole other story. Most of us never use our devices to their full capability or even grasp the potential that they hold.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that mobile phones and devices have only had this technology available for a few short years and it’s easily accessible.

So let’s talk about recording on your devices.

We most commonly record our friends, and our family and do selfies on our phones but did you realise that there are other features in your smartphones and tablets that are relatively easy to use and they help you make better videos.

Here is some advice to help you feel more comfortable with recording on your devices:

1. Play with the devices a little - change the camera to a different setting and see what it does. The fun setting I like to use is Hyperlapse.

2. Use one of the features to record something moving - little like a butterfly

3. Practice holding the device steady by using both hands or if you are feeling more adventurous use a tripod or monopod.

4. Use the back camera vs the front camera when filming you will create higher-definition footage.

5. If it is dark - turn on some lights or add light. Don’t be afraid of using natural light; the camera can handle it.

Once you start to gain confidence with using the camera the next step is to be in front of the camera.

Recently, I have talked about presenting on camera and how it can be challenging and a bit daunting and I repeatedly get asked “is there a secret to overcoming the fear” and I say of course there is. There are a lot of ways to overcome the fear, anxiety, and wanting to sound more professional and not looking like a deer in headlights.

There are 3 simple words to start you in the right direction “Practice, Practice, Practice” Write a script, do some dot points, know your product, this will help you create better videos.

Yes Today Media - Quick Tips:

The front camera is the selfie camera, the quality is usually not as good as the back camera.

The back camera is on the back of the device and usually has a different set of high-definition lenses than the front camera.

For more information or quick tips contact Yes Today Media.

By Steve Dahllof

The job of painting your home doesn’t finish when you stand back and admire your smooth, newly coloured walls and ceilings. There is a whole lot of stuff to do after the last brushstroke before you can celebrate your painting project being fully completed with a glass of wine or beer.

What do I do with cloths, sheets and tape?

Even while you are painting, you can make your final clean-up easier and quicker by having a damp cloth handy to wipe up drips and spills straightaway. Drips on dry or non-porous surfaces can be wiped off with mineral spirits or paint thinner.

Before the paint dries, remove all masking tape. This will minimise the likelihood of the new paint film lifting off with the tape. No problem if it has dried – just score the edge of the tape with a sharp knife or razor blade before removing the tape. For glass surfaces, wait until the paint is completely dry before using a knife or paint scraper.

When you remove the drop cloths or sheets, fold the corners into the middle. This prevents sills or drips from flicking onto surrounding areas.

Oily rags can spontaneously combust (catch on fire) if piled up or left in a closed container or space. Not fun! You can safeguard against this by immersing oily rags in an open container filled with water or drying them before putting in the washing machine.

How do

I clean paintbrushes?

There are few things more tedious than getting your brushes, rollers, edgers, scrapers and paint trays out for a new job and discovering that you didn’t clean them after your last one. When you’ve finished painting, clean whatever equipment you used immediately so that paint doesn’t dry permanently on them, and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.

If you used latex paints, you will need warm soapy water; oil paints need turps, mineral spirits or paint thinner. Don’t soak brushes in solvent or water as this can damage the bristles. Pour the soapy water or solvent into a container and dip the paintbrush into the solution. Work it through the brush bristles, dipping up and down in the container several times.

Best tips for cleaning up after painting

Spin the paint brush in a waste area to remove excess water or thinner and then repeat process with a clean container and clean water or thinner.

A useful tip is to use one set of synthetic painting tools for oil-based products and another set for water-based products.

It is much easier to clean the paint brushes if you don’t switch back and forth between the two types of bases.

A paintbrush comb is one of the best ways to clean a paint brush. It cleans through the centre of the brush and removes any residue near the ferrule’s edge. Paint residue left in the brush hardens, causing the bristles to ‘set’, which makes them lose their bend recovery. Once clean, use the paintbrush comb to straighten the bristles or filaments. Reshape the paint brush to its original shape and lay flat to dry.

What about rollers and trays?

For rollers, disassemble and rinse with warm water, add detergent and work it into a lather to remove the paint. Air dry it standing upright to avoid crushing the fibres. For solvent-based paint, pour the solvent into the paint tray, circulate it through the roller and let it soak for a few minutes. Squeeze the excess solvent out of the roller and repeat the process with new solvent until it’s clean.

Pour unused paint from your tray back into the tin, providing it’s not contaminated by insects or dirt. Run water over your paint tray, use a scrubbing brush to remove the rest of the paint and dry the tray off with an old cloth. Discard tray liners when dry.

After using the appropriate cleaner on your hands, wash them with soap and water.

Of course, to save time and effort, you could hire a professional painter who will do all this for you!

For more painting advice on cleaning up after painting, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@bigpond.net.au We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.

Steve Dahllof

Why You need to advertise on Google

DIGITAL MEDIA

By Ethan Strybosch

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business looking to succeed. One of the best ways to increase your visibility and reach potential customers is through advertising on Google. With over 5 billion searches conducted on Google every day, it’s a platform that no business owner can afford to ignore.

In this month’s article, we’ll explore some of the key reasons why businesses should advertise on Google.

Firstly, Google Ads allows you to target your ideal audience with precision. By selecting specific keywords, locations and demographics, you can ensure that your ads are shown only to the people who are most likely to be interested in your products or service. This level of targeting ensures that your advertising budget is being used effectively, as you are reaching the people who are most likely to convert into paying customers.

In addition to precise targeting, Google Ads also allows you to track your results in real-time. This means that you can see

exactly how many people have clicked on your ads, how much each click is costing you, and how many conversions you are getting from those clicks. Armed with this data you can quickly and easily adjust your campaigns to improve your return on investment.

Another benefit of advertising on Google is that it’s incredibly scalable. You can start with a small budget and increase it. Over time as you see positive results. This allows you to test different strategies and find what works best for your business without committing to a large investment upfront.

Google Ads also provides a range of ad formats, including text ads, image ads, and video ads. This means that you can choose the format that works best for your business and target audience. For example, if you have a visually appealing product, you might want to use image ads to showcase it to potential customers.

Finally, advertising on Google is a great way to stay ahead of the competition. If your competitors are advertising on Google and you’re not, they may be capturing potential customers that could have been yours. By advertising

on Google, you can ensure that your business is visible to anyone searching for keywords related to your industry, giving you a competitive edge.

In conclusion, advertising on Google is a smart investment for any business owner looking to increase their online visibility and attract new customers. With precise targeting, real-time tracking, scalability, a range of ad formats, and the ability to stay ahead of the competition, Google Ads is a platform that should not be overlooked. If you’re not already advertising on Google, now is the time to start.

If you have any more questions, please reach out to:

KEEP YOUR TRAMS ON TRACK

DEFINE YOUR WHY YOUR GOALS

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

We are getting closer to being back on track, across Victoria, at long last. As we have had a long hard look at that track and where it leads to, have we made the changes that are needed for the new way of shopping.

Customer buying habits have changed over the last 20 months, since COVID changed our lives and our livelihoods forever.

Getting our customers back requires more than just opening our doors. Looking specifically at product retailers, we need to have innovation and creativity to draw our customers back into our stores and entice new customers.

Sadly many of your competitors have closed their doors forever. Their customers are still buying products. With this competition gone their customers are looking for somewhere to buy those goods. Some will shop on’ line particularly for brands that are easily identified and identical to what is available in stores. This is particularly relevant in hard goods, homewares, and grocery lines. Many categories are still preferred to be shopped face to face as customers’ needs are met. Products such as soft furnishings, clothing, footwear, bedding, lighting, artwork are more tactile in nature. They need to fit properly, the colours may not be the same in real life as they are on the monitors. The shades may vary in different products or

fabric may not be as nice as they look in photography.

People who have never shopped online have had to resort to online shopping since the pandemic started. Many of these customers will go back to face to face shopping for a few key reasons: Fit, Fabric, Colour, Service, and the Shopping Experience.

Stores will need to incorporate theatre into the displays, changing regularly in themes, reacting to consumer demand. Relate to local area events where applicable to your products, such as: Geelong Cup, The Melbourne Cup The Festival of Sails, The myriad of running races, bike races, Food and wine show, the Muscle festival, Pako Fest. By planning your marketing out in the coming months around topical events capitalises on the marketing money spent by others to drive customers to your business with associated goods.

For those who have learnt to love online shopping and are less concerned / fussy about Fit, fabric, colour, service and not enjoy the shopping experience, the same ideals apply to your website. Is the website current? Does it have all products? Do you have products exclusive online that are not available in store? How often do you change the offer? What special offers do they include? Clearly the products need to be competitive, not cheap. What can you offer cost effectively as a bonus offer? Do you have stock or is it drop ship? Do your “window displays” match the offer? What support service can you offer that some others cannot, such as setting up in the home? Logistics, drop ship, etc.

DETERMINE YOUR CLIENTELE, MARKET, COMPETITION

DEVISE APPROPRIATE PLANS TO ADDRESS NEEDS IDENTIFIED

DELIVER THESE PLANS ALLOWING FOR FLEXIBILITY AND AGILTY

DISSECT EACH STEP FOR CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

Ensure as you Devise your plans that they lead you on the right track. Are they:

Timely: Is this the right time?

Realistic: Do you have the resources?

Achievable: Can you deliver the needs?

Measurable: What measures to plan for success

Sustainable: Can you keep up with all the promises you have made

Keep your TRAMS of track and watch your sales and profit grow.

If you would like support to address this in your business book a time for a complimentary Appointment With Purpose (A.W.P.) with Deb Fribbins. We will explore your options together.

https://calendly.com/deb-fribbins/ appointment-with-purpose

Deb Fribbins

amanda@vanbeveren.com.au

Have you had the discussion with your partner?

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Warren Strybosch

Jane (not her real name) rang me up last week. Jane was a member of one of the network groups I attended and I had not seen her around for quite a few months. This was not unusual for Jane as she would often be away on holidays. Jane and her husband love to ski and they would take every opportunity to travel and ski when and where they could whilst doing their work around their skiing trips.

We talked for a while and then Jane wanted to share with me some news…her husband has lymphoma. Her husband had gotten really sick recently whilst they were overseas on one of their ski holidays. Initially, they thought he had a bad cold or the flu but he could not seem to get over it and he started getting worse. They decided to go to the local hospital near the ski fields but received no conclusive answer so they decided to cut short their trip and return to Australia. After seeing their local doctor, they were provided the bad news a week later. Jane, being the fighter she is, told me that it was one of the more aggressive types of lymphoma, which apparently was good news, as it is one of the rarer types that is easier to combat, and has a higher chance of recovery.

I was saddened by the news and when it was appropriate to do so, I asked her a question that no one had yet asked her. I asked her if she knew what personal insurances her husband had in place. Jane had already shared with me during our conversation that their circumstances had changed and she was reviewing all her financial options now that she was looking after her husband. Initially, she did not understand what I meant and I explained that he might have personal insurance cover in super or a policy outside of super and that one of these policies e.g., Income Protection, could help cover some of their medical expenses and/or loss of earnings if a claim was put in. Jane had not even considered this and admitted to me that she had no idea what her husband had in the way of personal insurances. She said she would look into it after she spoke with me. Jane suggested I should write about this and so here we are.

Personal insurances, such as life insurance, disability insurance, and critical illness insurance, can provide financial security for both you and your partner in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. For example, if your partner were to become seriously ill or pass away, having appropriate insurance coverage could help alleviate the financial burden and ensure that you and your family are taken care of.

Additionally, personal insurances can be particularly important if your partner is the primary breadwinner in your household. Without adequate insurance coverage, the loss of their income could be devastating for your family. However, if they have appropriate insurance coverage, it can provide a safety net and ensure that you and your family are financially secure, even if your spouse/ partner is unable to work.

Furthermore, personal insurances can also provide peace of mind. Knowing that your partner has appropriate insurance coverage can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that can come with unexpected events. It can help you feel more prepared and in control, knowing that you have a plan in place to handle any potential challenges that may arise.

So, with all these potential benefits in mind, it may be worth knowing whether or not your partner has personal insurances. However, it’s important to approach this topic delicately and respectfully. Some people may feel uncomfortable discussing their finances, or may not want to disclose personal information about their insurance coverage even to their partner. It’s important to respect your partner’s wishes and boundaries when it comes to discussing these topics.

If you do decide to broach the topic of personal insurances with your partner, it may be helpful to start the conversation by expressing your own concerns and priorities. For example, you could explain that you want to ensure that your family is financially secure in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, and that you’re curious about whether or not your partner has appropriate insurance coverage to help achieve that goal.

It may also be helpful to approach the conversation as a team effort. Rather than trying to dictate what your partner should do, work together to explore your options and come up with a plan that works for both of you. This can help ensure that both you and your partner feel heard and respected, and can help you reach a mutually beneficial decision.

In conclusion, knowing whether or not your partner has personal insurances can be important for your financial security and peace of mind. However, it’s important to approach this topic delicately and respectfully, and to work together as a team to come up with a plan that works for both of you.

If you or your partner require a review of your personal insurances, or would like to know how much cover you ideally should have in place, then consider having a discussion with your local financial planner. If you do not have a local financial planner than reach out to Erryn or Warren from Find Wealth or call Find Insurance on 1300 88 38 30 and they will organise a time for you to speak to an advisor and help you find the right cover in place for you or your family.

Warren Strybosch

1300 88 38 30 | warren@findwealth.com.au www.findwealth.com.au

Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth.

Find Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 236815). Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/

This information has been provided as general advice.We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriatenessoftheadvice.Youshould obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-todate information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

Warren Strybosch is Authorised representative (No. 236815) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

Warren Strybosch Financial Adviser

hosted by Ben Nash https://youtu.be/h_-Vx2Wyl9c

REFLUX - a sour taste in your mouth

acid when you think about food or smell food. This happens when you walk past a restaurant, smell the food and your stomach starts gurgling – it’s increasing the stomach acid ready for digestion. Another way you can do this is by stopping work or other distractions 15 minutes or so before eating and think about and smell the food you are about to eat.

What else can I do?

Sometimes it can be helpful to add acid by drinking lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a little water just before you eat. Be careful not to drink too much water with meals though, as this can dilute the acid in your stomach and make digestion harder, you’re best to drink water away from food by 1 hour. Bitter herbs can stimulate your body to produce more stomach acid and are best taken 15-20 minutes before eating.

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Whilst most people will experience reflux with extreme fullness occasionally, often with overeating (think Christmas day!), for some people this is a daily occurrence.

What’s going on?

In healthy digestion, food enters the stomach via the oesophagus through a valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter, which opens only to let food in, then it closes again. Reflux is when this sphincter opens at other times and lets food or stomach acid through, often causing a burning pain in the oesophagus or an acid taste in the mouth.

Why stomach acid is so important?

The acid in your stomach plays a very important role in breaking up foods, killing bacteria (along with other foreign substances like bugs ). The stomach is an amazing organ in that the acid can destroy human cells and will burn anywhere else in the body, but the lining of the stomach prevents it from destroying the stomach itself.

The problem with antacids

What most people do when they have reflux, is to take an antacid. This makes sense, of course, since at first glance, the problem is too much acid in the oesophagus. What can happen here though, is that further problems develop because they haven’t treated the cause. The acid is really important in breaking up foods and low stomach acid can lead to reduced digestion. This means that the food sits in the stomach for longer, placing increased pressure on the sphincter, which in turn can lead to increased reflux.

What you actually want to do, is be sure that your stomach has enough acid, strengthen the sphincter, and heal the oesophagus if it has been damaged by the acid. Another important point is that your body produces less acid as you age, so extra care is required as time goes by.

How to increase acid production

Stomach acid is produced when your nervous system is in ‘rest and digest’ mode as opposed to ‘fight or flight’ mode, which I have talked about previously. So eating in a calm environment when you’re not in a hurry is a great starting point. Your body will also produce more

If you get really stuck, or are already taking medications to reduce your stomach acid, it can be helpful to take digestive enzymes with food so that your body has lots of acid with meals to digest them, then low acid in between. This can also help with other digestive issues such as fullness or pain. There are also some great herbs to heal the lining of the oesophagus if it has been damaged by the acid.

If you can follow your way to the cause of your health issues, you can go much further with your treatment.

Whole Naturopathy can help provide you with natural products such a bitter herbs and digestive enzymes, along with dietary advice for reflux and fullness.

This advice is general in nature and not intended to be prescriptive. For individualised prescriptive advice, please see a naturopath or other health care practitioner.

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

How parents can prepare for the cost ofeducation in Australia

Education is a vital investment in your child’s future, but it can also be a significant financial burden for those who are unprepared.

One study shows that although a large majority of Australian parents believe that education plays a significant role in their child’s future prospects, less than half of them are prepared financially.

Based on the data presented in the study, depending on their location and type of school (government, Catholic or independent), parents can expect to shell out anywhere between $68,597 (Queensland regional and remote, government) and $357,931 (Sydney, independent) over 13 years.

With education in Australia becoming increasingly expensive, saving early and considering your options to help manage these costs is important. Here are some tips to kick-start your savings and make education more affordable for your family.

1. Estimate your child’s educational expenses.

It’s crucial to do some research to come up with a rough estimate of how much you will need to save based on your child’s age and the school you plan to send them to. Be sure to consider other costs like childcare fees and debts you might be paying off concurrently.

2. Make a budget and save.

Start saving as early as possible. Decide how much you can afford to put aside each week or month after setting up a budget. Consider increasing the amount you’ll save each year to account for inflation. You can set up a direct debit from your account into a high-interest savings account or make lump-sum contributions a few times a year.

3. Pay off debt ASAP.

Paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible is a good strategy to save on interest and free up cash for school fees. To do this, you need a mortgage with a redraw facility or offset account. Be disciplined and avoid using the money for other expenses.

4. Consider investing.

Investments like insurance bonds, managed funds, and shares can also be a way to set money aside for your child’s education. However, make sure you consider investment flexibility, costs, and timeframe. If you’re new to investing, it’s best to seek financial or tax advice.

5. Practise money-saving tips with your children.

There are simple, doable ways to make education more affordable for your family. Doing these things can also help prepare your kids for future financial responsibilities.

• Discuss money with your kids and emphasise the difference between needs and wants.

• Consider sending your child to a public primary school if you plan to send them to a private high school.

• Walk your kids to school instead of driving them, or apply for a concession card for public transport use.

• Compare prices before buying school supplies, laptops and devices.

• Buy school shoes during sales and consider trainers as an option if the school allows for their use.

• Prepare homemade meals and snacks. This will require you to plan weekly and to be creative. However, it will also ensure your kids have access to nutritious food.

Education is a significant expense for families, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can make it more affordable.

Start saving early, consider your options, and use money-saving tips to help manage costs.

If this article has inspired you to think about your own unique situation and,more importantly,what you and your family are going through right now, please contact your advice professional.

This information does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any person.

Beforemakingadecision,youshould consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)

2023 TAX UPDATES

“Temporary” apartment qualifies as permanent place of abode

In 2019 the Australian tax residency of an individual was ruled incorrect by the Full Federal Court on appeal, reversing an earlier determination by the Commissioner of Taxation. A subsequent appeal to the High Court of Australia by the Commissioner was also dismissed. This was a major case for expatriates living abroad, as the individual in question had been living in “temporary” serviced apartments in the Middle East. During the time in question, the taxpayer’s family had been living in Australia in a property jointly owned by the individual. The case was overturned on account of the term “permanent place of abode” which is part of the Australian tax residency question. The ATO has recently provided further guidance with TR 2022/D2 for expatriates wishing to remain a non-resident of Australia for tax purposes when working overseas.

Small business tax education courses now obligatory - Commissioner’s directive

The Commissioner of Taxation now has new powers to direct a small business taxpayer to undertake a record-keeping education course in lieu of an administrative penalty. The new directive will be initially limited to small business owners in order to assist them in keeping up to date with tax obligations.

The individual must then provide the Commissioner with evidence of completion of the course in order to avoid financial penalty. The Commissioner will be able to issue a tax-records education direction to an entity from 12 March 2023.

Div 7A interposed company arrangements alerted by ATO

The ATO has initiated a crackdown on arrangements where an individual shareholder accesses profits of a private company in tax-free form through an interposed holding company. Typically, in such an arrangement, the profit of a company ultimately gets passed to the individual shareholder as a loan on terms which often do not comply with ITAA 1936 s 109N.

Arrangements of this nature, that have been made with the primary purpose of tax avoidance, will be closely monitored by the ATO in the coming months. Corrective measures will be taken, and penalties will be levied on taxpayers that enter into such arrangements and are found in breach of the statutory legislation.

SMSF schemes involving asset protection under scrutiny

There have been significant concerns raised by the ATO that surround schemes where an SMSF is attempting to provide additional asset protection by potentially breaching the SIS Act. These arrangements of concern involve the creation of a discretionary trust, commonly known as a ‘Vestey Trust’, that acquires the assets of the SMSF through an equitable mortgage.

The ATO has advised that these arrangements, in their opinion, are a breach of the SIS Act and should not be undertaken. Any SMSF trustees who are using this arrangement are encouraged to make a voluntary disclosure prior to penalties being levied.

SMSF schemes involving asset protection under scrutiny

There have been significant concerns raised by the ATO that surround schemes where an SMSF is attempting to provide additional asset protection by potentially breaching the SIS Act.

These arrangements of concern involve the creation of a discretionary trust, commonly known as a ‘Vestey Trust’, that acquires the assets of the SMSF through an equitable mortgage. The ATO has advised that these arrangements, in their opinion, are a breach of the SIS Act and should not be undertaken. Any SMSF trustees who are using this arrangement are encouraged to make a voluntary disclosure prior to penalties being levied.

Announcement(3-Aug-2022)

Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed(28-Nov-2022)

Royal Assent(12-Dec-2022)

Date of effect(12-Mar-2023)

Announcement(8-Feb-2023)

Consultation period(8-Feb-2023) Released(8-Feb-2023)

2023 TAX UPDATES

Working from

home

deduction from 1 July 2022

A Practical Compliance Guideline has been released for taxpayers who continue to work from home after 1 July

2022.

Under the guideline, an individual working from home may make a simplified claim for running expenses at a rate of 67 cents per hour worked.

As per the new record-keeping requirements, from 1 March 2023, individuals must maintain an ongoing diary for the hours and days they work from home.

Transitional rules on making a claim for 2022–23 income year will apply.

For the 2023–24 and later income years contemporaneous records of hours and days worked from home must be kept for the entire income year.

FBT record-keeping overhaul - simplification of obligations

Proposed legislation will give the Commissioner of Taxation the power to allow companies to reduce their FBT compliance costs by utilising other corporate tax records. This initiative will also reduce the complexity of FBT compliance obligations as employers will be able to rely on other substantiation documents to finalise FBT returns.

Employers may still choose to use approved forms such as employee declarations and the prescribed forms detailing the fringe benefits provided to employees and associates if they wish. In some instances, it may benefit an employer to continue using standard FBT measures.

This measure is currently still at exposure draft stage and will require parliamentary approval. The effective start date for the change will be the first FBT year (1 April) after the bill receives royal assent.

Large superannuation balances will have tax concession removed

The federal government has announced its intention to change tax concessional treatment of very large superannuation account balances.

From 1 July 2025, superannuation balances over $3 million will have earnings on that portion of the balance taxed at 30%. The 30% tax rate will be the same as the company tax rate and the individual tax bracket of $45,000 to $200,000 in that income year.

This change will require legislative approval, and as yet there has been no exposure draft issued. However, members with large balances currently have 2 years to plan for its inclusion in the tax law.

Off-market share buy-backs - a revised tax approach

After first being announced as an integrity measure in the October 2022–23 Federal Budget, Treasury has released an exposure draft outlining amendments to the share buy-back provisions for listed public companies. This measure, once enacted, will align the tax treatment of off-market share buy-backs and on-market share buy-backs. An on-market buy-back generally happens if the share is listed on a stock exchange and the buy-back transition occurs through the stock exchange. Any other type of buy-back is considered an off-market buy-back.

This measure will ensure that the buy-back price does not include any dividend payments (potentially frankable) when a listed public company conducts an off-market share buy-back of shares or nonshare equity interests. It will bridge the capital benefit gap created by franking credit offsets received by shareholders. This measure excludes off-market share buy-backs undertaken by private companies and companies that are listed on a stock exchange but are not widely held.

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Not-For-Profit

For over a hundred years, RSL Australia has provided a support network, services and an organisation of camaraderie and recognition for current and ex-serving members.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL Australia) was formed in 1916 in response to the lack of a unified approach to the organisation of repatriation facilities and medical services for those returning from the Great War.

Since its formation, RSL Australia has evolved into the nation’s largest Ex-Service Organisation, operating through a federated structure of State and Territory Branches and 1,135 Sub-Branches, and representing approximately 150,000 members.

An ethos of compassion and service remains the motivating influence of the League. Our core mission has never changed and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and women.

RSL Australia today supports public debate, education, and increased public awareness of issues relating to the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. RSL Australia also serves as a sounding board for the Government in the development of policy and practice.

The National Office of the League is situated in Canberra. Whilst each State and Territory have a Branch Headquarters to serve the grassroots members. The RSL national office’s role is to coordinate and promote the national interests of the organisation, making representations to Parliamentarians, Government, various Government Departments, and to other bodies.

Our Purpose

Help veterans and their families by offering care, financial assistance and advocacy. To lead the nation in commemorative services that help all Australians to remember the fallen.

Our Values

• Remembrance

• Compassion

• Patriotism

• Mateship

DONATE

Not-For-Profit anzac day Of the month

APRIL 2023

Australian and New Zealand troops (the ANZACs) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915 where they, along with other Commonwealth Forces, held ground against almost impossible odds for eight months, against a Turkish force determined to defend their homeland. Both sides suffered horrendous casualties.

But amongst the ravines and gullies of that rugged battleground, the Anzac spirit was formed. The Anzac spirit has become the benchmark for standards of courage, mateship and determination.

Initially, Anzac Day commemorated those who served and sacrificed their lives in the Great War. However, in the years since WWI, Australian troops have answered the call in conflicts across the globe, and the date has become the day on which the nation remembers all those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all the conflicts that Australia has participated in.

On 25 April we will remember them, lest we forget.

Leopold Community & Learning Centre

The mission of the Leopold Community & Learning Centre is to bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational, volunteering and support activities using a community development approach.

The Leopold Community & Learning Centre welcomes people of all ages, abilities and walks of life, creating opportunities for people to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make. Some of the activities that we offer are:

Art and Craft Classes

• “In Stitches” Craft Group

• Leopold Art Group

Interest Groups

• ‘Sing out Strong’ Community Choir

• Genealogy

• Scrabble

• Canasta

• Garden Club

• Book Club

• Writing Lines

• ‘Hit and Miss’ Social Table Tennis Group

Health and Wellbeing

• Weights and Balance

• Core and More

• Walking Group

Technology Help

One on one help to troubleshoot those one-off problems that people may be having with their phone, tablet, online form or laptop.

We also conduct various Workshops during the year and offer services such as appointments for Document Signing by a local Justice of the Peace and helping people obtain the $250 Power Saving Bonus. The Wiser Driver Course, Safe Seats Safe Kids and How to live at Home Longer programs have also been very popular.

The Chatty Café was introduced to the Leopold community in March 2022 and has proved a great success. The Café is open Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and offers coffee, a variety of teas, hot chocolate, babyccinos and home-made cakes and slices. The Chatty Café Scheme aims to get people chatting to build and encourage social connections within the local community and to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

The Leopold Community & Learning Centre also produces a monthly newsletter “Leopold Buzz” which has information on new classes/events, articles from the Garden Club and Tech Tips as well as community news.

More information about the Centre is available on our website www.leopoldcommunitycentre.com.au or email info@leopoldcommunitycentre.com.au

We are open Monday – Thursday 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and are located on Level 1, Leopold Community Hub, 31-39 Kensington Road, Leopold. Phone: 52 501 301.

Why not come and say hello, everyone is welcome!

‘Hit and Miss’ Social Table Tennis Group in action. The Chatty Café operates Monday & Wednesday mornings. Hit and Miss’ Social Table Tennis Group in action

What is your Child’s Love Language?

We know that loving our children has a vital impact on developing well-adjusted and resilient kids, best prepared for their future. But how best to express that love and engage with them at a meaningful level is the tricky thing. Each child is unique and they often ‘speak a different language’ when it comes to having their deepest needs met.

My first son engaged with me best by hitting, catching and throwing balls. Physical activities were his dominant love. My second son however, engaged best with me through books and art related activities. That was his dominant love. This different way to engage, caught me by surprise and took me longer than it should have to realise how different our first two children were.

To make connections with our children and engage with them where they are at, it’s worthwhile considering what sorts of things make them tick. One helpful strategy for this is to discover their ‘Love Language’.

Some of you will know of The Five Love Languages that Gary Chapman has written extensively about. They can be very helpful in how we can best connect with our children – in the way that is most relevant for them.

The Five Love Languages are:

1. Physical Touch – hugs, cuddles, play wrestling etc

2. Words of Affirmation – encouraging comments that build a child’s self-image

3. Quality Time – spending time together doing an activity that your child enjoys

4. Acts of Service – doing something for your child (Parents do this all the time!)

5. Gifts – giving meaningful presents

The principle is that usually we each have a first and second language of dominance. As individuals we are prone to giving out what we most enjoy receiving which doesn’t always hit the mark. For example, one of my primary love languages is Words of Affirmation, so in attempting to love one of my children with lots of words when his primary love language is Gifts will not cut to the chase. It will be as if he and I are speaking different languages.

Although we each seem to gravitate to one or two of these love languages, healthy relationships should include all five languages, at least to some extent. For example, my wife’s least favourite love language is Gifts, but if I forget to buy her a present for her birthday, she’ll be disappointed. There’s some very good on-line tests and surveys to help determine which of the five love languages are most important for our respective children. Try googling, ‘What is my child’s love language?’ There are also some great follow up ideas and fun activities for each love language. Try this link: Big Life Journal

All the best!

Kindest regards, Rob. (LPS Chaplain) Robert.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you!

Building health and resilience for you and your work colleagues, family and/or friends can be achieved simply by laughing.

Research suggests that laughter induces a wide variety of benefits that range from stress reduction and improved breathing to providing an extra boost to the body’s immune system and increasing pain tolerance. Laughter is

- a powerful cardio workout,

- increases blood circulation and reduces blood pressure - the antidote for depression,

- can change a person’s mood by releasing chemicals from your brain called endorphins,

- boost the production of antibody-producing cells,

- the quickest way to put a smile on your face.

Laughter is great when it comes to improving teamwork, creating connections and building a better business!

World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May every year in most large cities around the world.

The laughter yoga movement formed by an Indian physician in 1995 will see laughter clubs around the world celebrate to raise awareness about laughter and its many healing benefits as a manifestation of world peace.

Laughter Club Geelong will meet on Saturday 6 May to spread the laughter all around as it helps to cure many problems that could be emotional or physical and promote wellness and overall well-being.

Everyone is welcome to join in every Saturday from 9:00am for half an hour at Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. The free laughter session is done standing or seated and wearing everyday clothing.

The best way to celebrate World Laughter Day is to meet your friends and help promote international laughter and to create awareness about its healing benefits through our community Laughter Club.

Among the myriad prescriptions for health, perhaps none is more important to a business than laughter. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson - To laugh often and much … This is to have succeeded.

What are Thieves Looking for in Your Car?

Most thieves are opportunistic. They will see something in a car and if the car is unlocked or there is no one around – in other words the risk of being caught is low - they will seize the chance to take whatever they can in the hope they can get something worthwhile.

Cars can be broken into for as little as a few dollars in loose change. If an offender puts a good few hours into a few dollars here and there, it can really add up.

In the meantime, you have to fix a broken window, or feel like your personal space/belonging has been invaded.

Taking steps to secure your car before leaving it outside at home (which is where most car crime occurs) or parked while out can significantly reduce your chance of having your belongings stolen.

Loose change in the console

Having money visible from outside your car can also make other items in your car vulnerable to theft if a thief breaks in.

Valuables on the backseat

Before your leave your car, make sure anything valuable is hidden from view or put in the boot of your car – the less thieves can see, the less there is to steal. Making sure handbags, gym bags and electronics are out of sight can help reduce the chance of your car being broken into. Having large blankets, jackets or towels draped on your car seats can also create an illusion that there is something valuable to be stolen from your car.

Use the boot – make sure that nothing can be seen if someone is peering into your car.

Keys

NEVER leave keys in your car.

Remove keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle wherever it is parked and left unattended, even if it is only for a minute.

Always lock your vehicle and remember to fully close all windows.

Never hide spare keys on or in the vehicle as thieves know where to look.

License Plates

Number plates are the most ‘popular’ item stolen from cars. The rate of number plate theft remains high in Victoria. Not only is number plate theft a hassle for the person whose plates are stolen, stolen number plates are often used to commit further crime.

A simple way of stopping the theft of number plates is to fix one-way, anti-theft screws to your number plates. These screws are easy for you to put on but are hard for thieves to take off, making it harder for thieves to steal.

When it comes to your car – and your home – don’t tempt the opportunistic thief, make the reward look small, and the risk high.

For more crime prevention information, visit Neighbourhood Watch Victoria at https://nhw.com.au/

Follow Neighbourhood Watch Greater Geelong on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NHWGreaterGeelong/ or call us on 0418 351 913.

LEOPOLD SPORTSMANS CLUB

In 1971 a couple of locals, Len Lewis and Kevin Ash had an idea for a bowls club in Leopold. The idea took hold, a committee formed and money raised. A location was needed that would have enough space for two bowling greens and a clubhouse. Finally this was located in Kensington Road, our current location and 5 acres purchased for $8500.

In May 1975 the club was officially opened as a family friendly sporting club by Brian Dixon, the then Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation.

You can see the results for yourself on visiting our club.

There are so many people to thank over many years for their support, encouragement and voluntary help along with the the original crew that helped established the club.

Leopold Sporties, located in Leopold, Victoria, is a club based on sports. We offer Bowls, both social and Pennant, Golf, Racquet Ball and Squash.

FC LEOPOLD

FC Leopold was established in 2016 by Jared Larkins and Mitchell Vials. The club is based in Leopold, Victoria and played its first competitive games in 2017. In our first season we had over 100 registered players and expect those numbers to grow in 2018 and continue to grow into the future as the club continues to develop.

The club aims to provide a positive family friendly enviroment for our members to develop their skills off the field and to also become great people off the field.The club is run solely by volunteers and we are always looking to get members involved in helping the club grow and develop.

We are aiming to become a huge part of the Leopold community and look forward to growing the sport of football (soccer) in our beautiful town.

FC Leopold is a community club that fields senior mens teams, a senior womens team and multiple miniroos and junior teams in Geelong competitions.

FC Leopold are looking for enthusiastic members of the community who would like to contribute to the clubs ethos and family friendly feel - whether that is through being a committee member, volunteer, coach or player.

Like the page to keep up to date with the clubs progress as exciting things are happening with lights and a massive COGG funded pavilion project.

Dan nicholls

• Salary Packaging Services

• Member of Find Geelong

Dan Nicholls is a director at The Salary Packaging People. Having spent over 20 years in leadership & management roles in financial services in the UK and Australia, Dan has brought his energy and expertise to the specialist field of salary packaging in his adopted home city of Geelong. Driven to help employers to recruit, reward and retain their employees through providing benefits that help individuals save thousands of dollars in tax on everyday expenses, meals entertainment and running their own cars.

The Salary Packaging People provide no fuss, person-to-person Salary Packaging and Novated Leasing administration services to business of any size from our Geelong head office. They’ve been doing it for over 31 years and they still love it! They want every employer to be able to offer salary packaging to their staff, which is why they make their products and services available for even a single employee right through to large teams. And it doesn’t cost employers anything to do it. A zero cost pay rise!

From healthcare and community organisations to private and public companies, they take care of as much of the process from start to finish as their clients need – They can even take care of the back-end payroll.For this month’s ideal client, it would be any business regardless of its structure, state, size and location with PayAs-You-Go structure and operation.

For this month’s ideal client, it would be any business regardless of its structure, state, size and location with Pay-As-You-Go structure and operation.

council news

Come and see us at Boronggook Drysdale Library

We’re excited to welcome you to the new Boronggook Drysdale Library from Thursday 13 April. The building’s name, Boronggook (Bo-rong-gook), is the traditional Wadawurrung name for the area and means ‘turf’.

Our former Customer Service Centre that was located at 18/20 Hancock Street is now closed. We open next week in our new location in the innovative $9.15 million library - only a short 100m walk across the road at 10 Wyndham Street.

By transitioning our former Drysdale Customer Service Centre to the new library we are ensuring the community continues to get the highest level of care and best in-person service.

With features including an innovative circular design and green rooftop, we look forward to welcoming you to our new location which is set to become a popular gathering place.

Jointly funded by Council ($8.156 million) and the Victorian Government ($1 million), it provides communal multi-purpose spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility, an internal courtyard garden, as well as our City of Greater Geelong customer service centre.

Read more

Our Customer Service Officer Sharon Sturma with Drysdale customer and local resident Janina Randone at our new Customer Service Centre located in Boronggook Drysdale Library

Artist’s impression of the new Boronggook Drysdale Library

Youth Award winners announced

Young people making an outstanding contribution across Greater Geelong have been recognised at the annual Geelong Youth Awards.

The City of Greater Geelong presented awards in 10 categories at Friday night’s ceremony at Geelong West Town Hall, recognising the contributions of young people aged between 12 and 25 years who live, work, learn or play in Greater Geelong.

The awards ranged across the areas of leadership, cultural awareness, community work, sport, arts, music and youth development.

Youth Council members were instrumental in selecting the award categories and played a role in determining the successful nominees in each category.

The 2023 winners, selected from 89 nominations (young people were able to be nominated in up to two categories) across the 10 categories, include:

• Active Achievement - Competitive hearing-impaired swimmer Dylan Logan, has a reputation for encouraging and inspiring other children with disabilities to participate in sports, be involved in their sporting community and strive for excellence.

• Arts and Music - Kai D’Orsa, spent seven months planning sessions to inspire and engage young people in Geelong to be involved in an innovative arts project at the Geelong Gallery.

• Citizenship Group - 1st Belmont Venturer Unit Ukraine Fundraiser –Group members Kaitlyn Biro, Angus Taylor, Liam Biro, Miri Barnes, Alistair Breaky and Will Cole completed odd jobs in the community to raise $3000 to support youth in Ukraine.

• Citzenship Individual - Arhlia Cvetkovski, has developed a community group, that focuses on health and wellbeing through regular exercise. Drawing on the support of sponsors she has built a group of 50 who meet at Point Lonsdale beach front each Sunday morning to walk or run together.

• Cultural Awareness - Dedicated to ensuring his community felt connected to their new country, through sport and various activities, Moo Thay Wyar Blue, was instrumental in the organisation of the largest sports tournament within the Karen and Karenni communities. Over 1500 people attended from Victoria and New South Wales.

• Inclusion - Sarbjeet Singh has demonstrated commitment and determination in supporting international students to settle in Geelong. This included organising community events, study support groups, social groups, cultural events with traditional gatherings, demonstrating leadership skills, cultural understanding and promoting inclusion.

• Inspiration - Proud aboriginal young person, Jonathon Kelly connected with the broader community by sharing his culture and supporting the Aboriginal community to engage in cultural activities, sporting carnivals and activities. Despite facing many challenges, Jonathon achieved excellent educational outcomes, which led to him being accepted to study Civil Engineering at University.

• Leadership - Breanna Beckley has made a significant impact on gender equality in the community, hosting

• the first Female Festival of Sport in the Barwon region, supporting young women to participate and be celebrated for their successes in both football and netball.Breanna is the first female to ever be appointed to the position of talent and operations lead at the Geelong Falcons.

• Unsung Hero - Jasmine Van Der Muellen, is currently studying VCE, whilst juggling the role of a young carer for her family, particularly her two younger sisters, who both have ASD. Jasmine supports daily tasks such as dressing, cooking and cleaning and managing some of their symptoms. She uses her personal experience to educate others about ASD.

• Volunteer - Lottie Hughes. Impacted by the number of people struggling to feed their families during covid lockdown, Lottie partnered with the Drysdale Foodbank by riding her bike, with trailer attached, to collect donations for delivery to the Foodbank. Lottie also developed close relationships with elderly residents in the community who lived alone and looked forward to their visit.

Special mentions were made of Odi Evans for his contribution to the environment, Nic Robinson in recognition of his creativity in the world of tech and animation, along with inspiring young entrepreneur, art gallery owner Abby Sleep.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“I congratulate the award recipients; it’s vital for the City to acknowledge the outstanding role that the region’s young people play.

It’s important that we recognise and reward the terrific work that the youth of the Geelong region do in our community.

The awards provide well-deserved acknowledgement to the many young people who have made outstanding contributions across a variety of areas in Greater Geelong.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken

“I applaud all 89 nominees and congratulated the award winners across the 10 categories.

As a Council, we’re enormously proud of the inspiring work that our region’s young people do to make our region such a great place to live.

Contributions come in a variety of forms and it’s always exciting when we see young people around us stepping up and making a positive contribution.

I hope that the stories of our category winners provide inspiration for other young people in the Geelong community.”

Free entertainment this Autumn

Local bands, singer–songwriters and street performers will continue to captivate audiences for an Autumn edition of the City’s Music in the City series until the end of May.

The free entertainment is predominately focused in the Little Malop Central precinct from 12-2pm each weekday.

Musicians cover a diverse range of genres such as jazz, indie, gypsy folk, blues, roots, reggae and rock, including original compositions.

Performers include pop classics duo The Gems, songwriter and guitarist Eden Ariston and fiddle and guitar duo String Theory.

Some performances will share exclusive songs and stories to our region.

For more information, visit Central Geelong’s Music in the City series page.

Please note performances are subject to weather and performer availability on the day.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“Council’s Music in the City program continues to foster a welcoming and fun atmosphere in central Geelong.

By attracting more people to our city centre for shopping, dining and culture, we support local businesses, boost the region’s economy and contribute towards the vibrancy and safety of this precinct.

Take a look at our Music in the City program - checking out some live music is a great way to relax in between shopping and visiting our hospitality and cultural venues.”

Councillor Eddy Kontelj - Brownbill Ward

“The program is just one of the ways Council is supporting the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan by attracting increased investment to the area.

We’re always looking at ways to promote social connection and support our local musicians who are incredibly talented and unique.

There are plans to add to Music in the City to the May’d Festival that Creative Geelong are delivering in Little Malop Central and Centrepoint Arcade on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May 2023.”

Dom Crea and Terry Fielding (from Terry & Dom) with Mayor Trent Sullivan.

Council approves sale of land parcel at Connections Park Corio

The sale of the land has been carefully considered, and the property will be sold at an agreed value with proceeds from the sale providing a positive financial benefit to the community.

The income earned from the property sale could be used to reinvest in purchasing or improving other public open spaces in the nearby area.

Council has authorised the sale of the land to the adjoining property owner subject to conditions including maintaining current pedestrian access points and a relocated east-west shared path.

Council last night voted in favour of beginning the process to sell a second parcel of land at Connections Park in Corio.

The 2,560 square metre (approximate) narrow strip of reserve land connects two other land parcels, the former Connections Park East and Connections Park West, off McHarry Court in Corio.

The former Rosewall Primary School, which adjoins the narrow strip of land, has recently been sold, with the purchaser intending to develop it for housing.

The connecting piece of land, which on its own does not meet current urban design guidelines for public open space, could be incorporated into this residential development.

Selling the land would improve visibility and passive surveillance of the area and

reduce the risk of the connecting land becoming an unsafe corridor between high residential fences.

Reinvesting the sales income to purchase or improve other public open space in the nearby area will align with Council’s adopted Social Infrastructure Plan 20212023.

The sale of the connecting land will also allow for creating road access to the land of the former Connections Park East and maintain pedestrian connection for the surrounding neighbourhood.

An initial period of community engagement was carried out about the proposed sale in September and October 2022.

Keep an eye out on the City’s Have Your Say page for upcoming engagements on Connections Park West.

Rosewall as an area is going through significant investment renewal.

It is being transformed for a new generation of residents in the northern suburbs and so it makes sense for us to sell this piece of land to invest in other facilities that we have identified as a higher priority for the community.

As part of the sale, it is important we undertake another period of engagement with the community to hear how they would like to see the other piece of landConnections Park West - used in the future.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken

Geelong Coast Guard keeps community safe for 60 years

Council has hosted a Civic Reception to celebrate the Geelong Coast Guard’s 60 years of continuous service to the Greater Geelong community on Corio and Port Philip bays.

The Geelong Coast Guard is primarily involved in marine search and rescue operations, averaging about 80 calls for help each year, however it also supports events and the cruise ship industry, and provides water safety initiatives.

Mayor Trent Sullivan presented Squadron Administration Commodore Ian Graham with a gift from Wathaurong Glass and a certificate of appreciation. Twelve members of the Geelong Coast Guard were also awarded certificates.

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, Councillors Jim Mason, Melissa Cadwell, Ron Nelson and Peter Murrihy congratulated and thanked the Geelong Coast Guard members for their efforts following formalities

Other attendees included West Victoria Squadron Commodore Graham Douglas, Squadron Training Commodore Gary Tomlins, Queenscliff’s Flotilla Commander Michael Donohue and Flotilla Administration Officer Robyn Tomlins.

For more information about the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, visit Australian Volunteer Coast Guard website.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“Council is so thankful for all that the Geelong Coast Guard does for our community.

The Geelong Coast Guard has provided tireless service, invaluable skills and often life-changing support to our local community over the last six decades.

Our Civic Reception was about recognising the sacrifices these volunteers make to ensure people have help when they need it the most.

Volunteers make emergency search and rescue callouts in the middle of the night, work on weekends and public holidays, and keep irregular and demanding hours.

The Geelong Coast Guard is always on hand to support the community, Council, event organisers and the cruise ship industry and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

“The Geelong Coast Guard is made up of passionate volunteers who want to make sure everyone enjoys their time on the water and returns home safely.

The Geelong Coast Guard is extremely proud of having kept a close eye on the water for so long and ensuring people are safe.

We have a pretty low profile but we actually maintain a 24/7 response service and work closely with the Water Police, who often rely on us as first responders for boats in distress.

I’ve been a member of the Geelong Coast Guard for a number of years and I encourage local community members interested in volunteering to make contact.

We’ll train you, so you don’t need to have any boating experience, and aside from meeting other great volunteers and learning seamanship skills, you’ll make a real difference in the community.”

David McGowan - Pursar and crew member of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard

Mayor Trent Sullivan with Squadron Administration Commodore Ian Graham.

geelong

Do you have photos from a local event or great story would like to share? Email your

With a scenic flat course around the Barwon River trail, the Geelong Half Marathon attracts up to 1,000 runners every year. The event is consistently one of the most popular in the state because it is delivered and organised by local runners for runners.

The Barwon River running track boasts one of the most beautiful courses on a flat fast surface.

Funds raised from the event are donated to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre. This event is all volunteer organised and as well as being the Geelong Cross Country Club’s annual fundraiser, your Geelong Half Marathon entry fees directly contribute to community organisations.

local events

your events to editor@findgeelong.com.au and we will place it in the Paper for FREE.

Museum Explorers

Little hands and feet will have a blast in this relaxing and engaging sensory art play session, inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions.

Throughout the sessions, babies and pre-schoolers will have the chance to play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and much more.

Children will be exposed to materials and the environment around them to create art and craft that uses their entire body. Adults and children alike will get messy!

Please note: It is advisable that you and your child wear items of clothing that you are happy to risk getting paint on. Whilst the paint is water based it may stain if not washed out quickly.

Bookings essential

Ages 0 - 5 years (carers free, entry to museum exhibitions is included in the ticket).

22 February 2023 to 31 May 2023

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

National Wool Museum

Wadawurrung Country, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong 3220

nwminfo@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

http://www.nwm.vic.gov.au

Nikon-Walkley Photography Exhibition

All the finalists and winners from the 2022 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Awards, showcasing the best Australian press photography from last year.

These are not only great photos, but are moments in Australian and world history. From floods and war to sport, protests and the human condition, these are all superb photographs.

Please note there are some photos that some visitors may find confronting, due to their hard-news content. Indigenous visitors are advised that this exhibition includes images of people who have died.

When

Various dates from 14 April 2023 to 27 May 2023, 10pm - 5pm

Contact Craig Watson

Email: contact@focalpointdarkroomgallery. com.au

Phone: 0427537443

Associated organisation: Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery

Website: http://www.focalpointdarkroomgallery. com.au

Kids Easter Holiday Kayaking Club

FUN, ACTIVE

& OUTDOORS

Our Easter Holidays Kid’s Club is perfect for kids and teens aged between 8 & 16 who would like to have an AWESOME time on the water while learning kayaking skills and making friends. Our Kids Club is run by experienced and passionate paddling instructors who keep everyone safe on the water and everyday full of fun (check out the timetable below for full details). All skill levels from complete beginner to current AusPaddlers are welcome to attend.

What you get:

Five days of kayaking 9 am - 12 pm daily. Learn to Kayak Sessions for Beginners & Improver Sessions for more advanced paddlers - to allow everyone to get some awesome new skills.

Water Safety Training - learn how to be safe around the water and to provide kayak rescues.

Maximum ratio of 1:8, instructor to paddler ratio, allowing everyone to get individual attention.

! Different activities everyday to keep everyone excited and engaged (including an on the water Easter Egg Hunt).

Daily morning tea.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: April 17 - 21, 9 am - 12 pm Daily

WHERE: The Barwon River Geelong, West Fyans Street Boat Ramp (Location will be changed to Corio Bay if river is impacted by flooding)

INCLUSIONS: 5 x 3 hour sessions led by experienced instructors and daily morning tea. Kayaks, paddles and PFDs are all provided for use during the program.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: A change of clothes including towel, sunscreen, personal medicines and a full water bottle

WHAT YOU NEED TO WEAR: Clothes you don’t mind getting wet and a sun hat.

TIMETABLE

Day 1: Introduction, safety briefing, kayaking skills (suitable for the paddlers skill level) and on water games

Day 2: Rescue training (Prepare to get WET!): self rescues (how to get back on your kayak or swim to shore if you fall off) and how to rescue your friends. Complete with splashtastic games so you can practice your skills!

Day 3: Canoe Polo: A fast paced ball game played on the water. Practice your skills and then challenge your friends to see who can score the most goals!

Day 4: Expedition: A journey along the river. We aim to cover at least 5 km with a stop half way for morning tea.

Day 5: On the water Easter Egg Hunt and races.

When

Daily from 17 April 2023 to 21 April 2023 9:00am - 12:00pm

Join Museum guides and tour the world through fascinating photographs of animals, plants and landscapes in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58.

Using the alphabet to guide you, what animals will you find? Discover which animals that start with the first letter of your name. A fun, interactive tour for families with children 3 —8 years.

• Bookings via Eventbrite

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58

The world-renowned exhibition, from the Natural History Museum in London features exceptional images, capturing animal behaviours, spectacular species and the breath-taking diversity of the natural world.

Learn more about the exhibition by visiting the main event page.

Image credit: The disappearing giraffe by Jose Fragozo (Portugal).

When

Various dates from 11 April 2023 to 18 2023

Animal Alphabet: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58 Family Tour

Contact National Wool Museum

Email: nwminfo@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: 03 5272 4701

Wild Night Pyjama Party

Get dressed up in your best animal inspired PJs or Onesie and enjoy a night of adventure with family and friends at the Museum.

Lead your young explorers on an Animal Alphabet tour of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition and then grab your torch for a plush animal hunt!

See the giant, illuminated Teddy Bear Bees and Ladybirds roving the Museum and join the Backyard Buddies neon

puppet making workshop by The Indirect Object. Learn about our amazing marine life with Wildlife Xposure and finish the evening with stories by candlelight in our 1950’s Reminiscent Cottage.

Image credit: Indirect Object, Geelong

After Dark 2019

Bookings essential via Eventbrite Suitable for all ages. Bookings required and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a parent/carer at all times.

When 16 April 2023, 05:30 PM - 08:00 PM

Where National Wool Museum

Wadawurrung Country, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC 3220

Contact National Wool Museum

Email: nwminfo@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: +61 3 5272 4701

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway

A ride on the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway is an unforgettable experience. As the train departs from Point Richards Station you are overcome with the freshness of the ocean breeze as the train winds through picturesque parklands.

Allow yourself to leave behind the modern world and become immersed in the charming atmosphere that this miniature railway has to offer. Be transported into the past and imagine the powerful sounds of a roaring locomotive, with its whistle echoing across the bay.

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway is Geelong’s only 7.25 and 5inch miniature railway.

This family park is only 30 minutes by car from Geelong and with its natural beachside setting making it an ideal location for that special family outing or picnic. Other attractions at the park include ample car parking, playgrounds, walking trails, free electric BBQ facilities and a station kiosk - All of which are nearby.

When

Various dates from 2 April 2023 to 18 June 2023, 11.00am - 3:00am

Contact

Email: secretary@miniaturerailway.com.au

Phone:

+61 476 124 598

Associated organisation: www.miniaturerailway.com.au

Website: http://www.facebook.com.au/ miniaturerailway

Day Out With Thomas

Join Thomas the Tank Engine for a day full of colourful adventures at The Bellarine Railway including:

• Jump on board for a scenic train trip along Swan Bay.

• Meet Sir Topham Hatt and take a trip with Thomas in the Troublesome Trucks.

• Go to Henry’s Play Space for some lawn games and to see Henry himself.

• Get creative at our Colour Corner in the hall.

• Plus mini Puppet Shows, Fire Truck rides, photo opportunities galore and more...!

When

Daily from 15 April 2023 to 16 April 2023

Upcoming dates 15 April 2023, 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM 16 April 2023, 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Contact The Bellarine Railway

Email: info@bellarinerailway.com.au

Phone: +61 3 5258 2069

Associated organisation: The Bellarine Railway

Website: http://www.bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/TheBellarineRailway

Join Archive owner & WSET Educator Graham Sutherland as he takes you on a journey of the regions of the Iberian Peninsula, tasting your way through some of the finest wines the country has to offer.

We’ll taste wines from Rías Baixas, Rioja, the Douro Valley and some Vinho Verde from Portugal’s Minho region.

A fun and informative way to learn about wine. We’ll pair six wines with some tasty cheeses, while learning about the subtle differences in Spain & Portugal’s growing regions.

When 27 April 2023, 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM

Where Archive Wine Bar

Wadawurrung Country, 140 High Street, Belmont, VIC, 3216

Contact Graham Sutherland

Email: shop@archivewinebar.com.au

Phone: 0352419030

Associated organisation: Archive Wine Bar

Website: https://www.archivewinebar.com.au/ Follow us:

https://www.instagram.com/archivewinebar/ https://www.facebook.com/archivewinebar

The White Wines of Spain & Portugal Wine Tasting The Wellbeing Express

ump on board The Wellbeing Express, a 1920’s style heritage four carriage train travelling from Queenscliff to Drysdale and return.

Join us for early morning yoga (optional) from 7.30 - 8.30am and then move through four wellbeing experiences:

1. Meditation

2. Red thread art

3. Belly dancing

4. Sound bath

Each session is guided by wellbeing professionals from The Bellarine - Charlotte Fraser (White Swan Sound and Yoga), Kim High (Family Hypnotherapy), Lisa Grace and Kirsten Penzes. Passenger has their own silent disco headset to wear, providing the opportunity for inner focus and reflection during the activities.

Enjoy light refreshments and take home a goodie bag.

Contact Charlotte Fraser

Email: thewellbeingexpress@gmail.com

Phone: +61 431 110 085

Associated organisation: White Swan Sound and Yoga and Family Hypnotherapy

Website: http://www.thewellbeingexpress.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088100620023 http://www.instagram.com/hewellbeing express

Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival is hitting the road for a huge 25th year! Featuring the best and brightest of the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re bringing the funny to you...!

Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the most talked-about

breakthrough stars of the moment, together in one jam-packed show that’s sure to leave the whole nation laughing.

As always there will be fantastic food from Café PALAT, cold drinks from the bar and live music from Luke Biscan while you eat from 6pm.

When 29 April 2023, 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Where

Geelong West Town Hall Wadawurrung Country, 153 Pakington Street, Geelong VIC West 3218

Cost

• Admit one: $45.00

• Group booking: $400.00 Table of ten

Contact Tim Young

Email: youngy6@hotmail.com

Phone: +61 418 265 043

Associated organisation: Melbourne International Comedy Festival and LGF Comedy

Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/ roadshow

Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ melbournecomedy

https://www.instagram.com/ melbcomedyfestival/

Nature Play in the Gardens is on again and we are excited to announce that Geelong has been chosen to host the feature Nature Play Week Launch Event for Victoria in 2023.

The launch will mark the 10th annual celebration of Nature Play Week in Victoria.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a morning exploring the gardens and immersing yourselves in nature-based play and activities.

Experiences include sensory play, reptiles, nature play and crafts, scavenger hunt, storytelling and performances throughout the day.

When

18 April 2023, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Contact: Nikki Welsh

Email:

childrensevents@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: +61 423 057 878

Website: www.geelongaustralia.com.au

Follow us:

www.facebook.com/cityofgreatergeelong www.instagram.com/cityofgreatergeelong

Geelong Cats 2023 AFL Fixture

Changed Traffic and Transport Conditions for:

* Saturday 22 April - 7:25pm

* Saturday 6 May - 2:10pm

* Saturday 27 May - 4:35pm

* Thursday 22 June - 7:20pm

The AFL season is an exciting time for fans and players alike, as it brings together the best Australian football teams from across the country to compete for the ultimate prize, the AFL Premiership.

Please see table below for the Geelong Cats GMHBA Stadium games:

LET’S GO!

Religious Groups and Churches

Geelong

Located in the heart of the city, Westfield Geelong is your one-stop hub for shopping, food, fun and relaxation.

Geelong’s premier shopping destination for fashion and beauty.

Home to some of Australia’s best-known retailers including Myer, Big W, Target and Coles as well more than 160 specialty stores.

A great range of cafes, restaurants and lunch options.

A friendly Concierge team is available to help with: Westfield gift cards, personal styling sessions, hiring mobility equipment, Kiddy cars, mobile phone charging station, and parking information and more.

There are plenty of amenities, a parent’s room on each level and an adult change facility; Changing Places. Located two blocks back from the water front, between Malop Street and Brougham Street.

Eat Shop

What’s Happening...

Not a Westfield Plus member?

You won’t want to miss out!

Make the most of every trip to Westfield Geelong by downloading the free Westfield Plus App. We’ve been dishing out plenty of incredible member exclusive offers, events, and lots more. If you’re reading this on a smart phone or tablet, with a couple of taps you too can have the free Westfield Plus App in the palm of your hand. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for member exclusive offers and events!

Download the Westfield Plus App >

• Download the free Westfield Plus App to receive these member exclusive benefits:

• 2 hours free parking on weekends & better parking rates on weekdays

• Exclusive member offers and events

• Be the first to know about the latest promotions and news happening in your local centre by subscribing to our newsletter or by simply opening your app

• Check your parking time and set a 30-minute reminder

• Add a Westfield Digital Gift Card to your wallet or Apple Pay and check your balance

• Explore the centre map and browse store directories

The Westfield Plus app is free and easy to download and use, with more great features to be added regularly. For more information on Westfield Plus, including how to download the app, visit: www.westfield.com.au/westfield-plus

Not a Westfield Plus member? You won’t want to miss out!

Market Square was a town square located in the centre of Geelong,Victoria, Australia. Consisting of eight acres (2.9 hectares) of land, the area was reserved by Governor Sir George Gipps as a town square during the initial surveying of Geelong. The area later became a produce market, before being progressively built upon. Today the Market Square Shopping Centre occupies the site, having been opened in 1985 by the City of Geelong.

Eat Shop

What’s Happening...

geelong waterfront

The Geelong Waterfront is one of Australia’s most stunning waterfronts. Having started from humble beginnings when Geelong was founded as a port in 1836, the Waterfront has now attracted a series of prestigious awards.

This cosmopolitan and vibrant area is a hive of activity with restaurants and cafes, beautiful landscaped gardens, attractions and public art, all with amazing views of Corio Bay. It also provides a full events calendar, tourism, education and accommodation services:

Our historic Carousel, Poppy Kettle playground and youth activities area is great for kids of all ages. See Geelong’s famous bollards.

There are plenty of possibilities to explore and view the Waterfront: take a ride on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, ride the trackless train if you prefer a more leisurely look around, check out the view from the air in a helicopter or take a boat cruise along Geelong’s spectacular Waterfront.

A visit to Geelong is not complete if you haven’t seen our spectacular waterfront

Poppy Kettle Playground

Situated on the Geelong waterfront, this park is jam-packed with awesome play elements, has beautiful sea views, has picnic facilities, and is a short walk away from cafes and other Geelong attractions. It makes for a beautiful day out for all ages, and is certainly a must-do in summer.

The interactive play equipment include a multi-coloured tubular slide that winds down the hill, a dragon emerging from the ground, a timber tower, swing, boat (atop the sand pit), bouncers, and a unique pyramid climbing net.

The playground is also well known for the interactive Poppy Kettle water fountains and miniature statues, situated amongst a rock area, which seem to be the main attraction for little ones. In fact, this feature was inspired by a children’s book written by local author, Robert Ingpen, and gives the park a magical quality. During the summer months the slide area has additional water play features.

A trip to this playground can be combined with a walk or bike ride along Geelong’s famous Bollard walk or a visit to The Carousel. Geelong’s Youth Activity Precinct is located a stones’ throw away from the playground, and features basketball ring, seating areas, open multipurpose area, and skate ramps.

This is one of the most perfectly positioned playgrounds for so many reasons.

skate park geelong

We have more skate parks per capita than any other municipality in Australia.

Skate parks in Geelong have a variety of facilities available for skate boarders, bladers and BMX bike riders including quarter pipes, handrails, funboxes, vert ramps, pyramids, banked ramps, and stairsets.

We strongly advise the wearing of helmets and padding when using our Skate Parks, and enforce compulsory wearing of helmets at all skate events.

Looking to get into skating or want to know more about skating in Geelong?

Young people interested in joining in activities can call the Skate Program Worker on 03 5272 5272.

www.findgeelong.com.au

cunningham pier

Geelong’s iconic waterfront function venue is perfect for every occasion. Experience the most unique function venue in Geelong.

The Pier Geelong offers uninterrupted bay views stretching from Rippleside to Point Wilson and the Geelong city skyline. It provides a large impressive area catering for small events to up to 800 guests seated or 1000 guests’ cocktail style.

The venue also housed City Quarter Bar a trendy lounge bar on Level 1. With loft ceilings, three decks, comfortable lounges, fireplace, gourmet pizzas and world inspired tapas, CQ is perfect for hosting engagements, birthday parties, hen’s high teas or pre or post event drinks.

Also housed within this iconic building is Wah Wah Gee, a funky Asian-inspired restaurant, offering an extensive menu leaving you feeling satisfied and content in an exciting atmosphere. Enjoy our delicious cuisine with floor to ceiling views of Geelong’s bayyou’ll feel like you’re floating on water

the old paper mills

Fyansford Paper Mill once of Geelong’s most historic places to visit

Geelong’s best kept secret The Fyansford Paper Mill is set on the Barwon River and overlooks the picturesque Buckley Falls. It was constructed in the 1870s and is one of the oldest paper mills in Australia.

The site is being transformed into a food, beverage, arts and cultural precinct, located within 10 minutes of Geelong’s CBD. With just under 5,000m2 of building space, the Mill is home to over 15 businesses, including a winery, café, gallery, yoga studio, homewares shop and escape room. There are also a number of small independent artists who have private studios across the site.

Visit the Fyansford Paper Mill once of Geelong’s historic places to visits. Discover all kinds of food, arts, activities, as well as our great history, see what’s on in Geelong here.

geelong arts and cultural precinct

Geelong Arts Centre, formerly the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, is a performing arts, functions, and events venue located in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

The area between Johnstone Park and Ryrie Street to the west of the shopping and business district of Geelong is known as the Geelong Arts Precinct. This area is also home to the Geelong Town Hall, which is the main council offices of the City of Greater Geelong.

The city is currently seeking funds for a radical overhaul of the precinct where the current facilities will receive a substantial redevelopment. There are also plans for some pretty innovative landscaping and street works which will bring the area into line with the rest of our recently rejuvenated city. This massive renovation will make the precinct one of the best arts and cultural precincts in the state. The scale of the project put the cost of the whole redevelopment in the vicinity of over 130 million dollars.

The Geelong Art Gallery is attached to the Geelong Town Hall, and it houses a magnificent and varied collection of artworks. Two paintings in particular are extremely special to our Gallery, first being the “View of Geelong” which was painted by Eugene von Guerad in 1856. This painting was bought recently by the museum from legendary English musical creator Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. “A Bush Burial” by Fredrick McCubbin, painted in 1890 is another of the gallery’s most precious works.

western beach

People have been swimming, boating, fishing, and playing at Western Beach Geelong since the 1840s.

In those days there was an unwritten rule designating Western Beach for men’s bathing and Eastern Beach for women. But some ‘dastardly gentlemen’ would disregard the agreement scaring respectable women away.

Today the area is rarely used for swimming, but it’s still a popular stretch of foreshore connecting Rippleside to the rest of the Waterfront.

Here you’ll find the Boat House restaurant (Geelong’s best spot for fish and chips), the Poppykettle Playground, a designated fishing area, and the marvelous Western Beach Boardwalk.

Curving out over the water the boardwalk has well-placed seats where you can sit back and watch the sea birds duck dive for fish. In the early morning, it’s perfect for watching the sun come up over the bay.

ripplesside park

A community built wooden Adventure playground built over six days in 2001 with all the usual ramps, walkways, steps, nooks and crannies to explore.

Popular with locals, Rippleside is less well-known to tourists who drive past en-route to more popular areas.

The park has magnificent bay views and is particularly appealing to families with young children who love the adventure playground.

The huge wooden structure has ramps, walkways, steps, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

When the kids tire of the playground the reserve has wide-open spaces to run around in. Don’t forget to bring your footy!

Tucked in next to the reserve is tiny Rippleside Beach where you can bask in the sunshine or splash around in the water.

Overlooking the whole area is the bright and spacious Ripples On The Bay cafe. This stunning cafe serves excellent coffee and has huge windows with to-die-for water views.

Other amenities include picnic and barbecue facilities, toilets, and plenty of car parking spaces.

Located on the western edge of the Waterfront, Rippleside Park Geelong is a pretty grasscovered foreshore reserve.

Steampacket gardens

Located right beside the water

Steampacket Gardens Geelong is a big rectangle of lush lawn that’s perfect for a relaxing picnic or a game of frisbee.

A path on the northern edge connecting the gardens to the bay has seats where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the nearby helicopter toing and froing.

On the eastern side you’ll find the Wharfshed Cafe serving yummy meals and to the west sits the delightful historic carousel.

There are some interesting art sculptures dotted around the park. Be sure to check out the Volunteer Rifle Band bollards and The Buoys sculpture, a group of former channel buoys that have been turned into a powerful piece of artwork.

The Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers market (Steampacket Market) is held here on the first Sunday of each month. This popular market offers local produce, beautiful art and handicrafts, and lots of tasty treats.

the carousel

The Carousel Geelong is a rare 1892 Armitage-Herschell handcarved wooden carousel.

One of only a few in the world this beautifully restored carousel is considered by many to be the best that’s still in use today.

Housed in a modern steel and glass enclosure the pavilion has an old-world carnival atmosphere that’s enhanced by a pipe organ playing Dixieland melodies.

A ride on this enchanting carousel is a magical experience for children of all ages and abilities, with a mobility lift that assists wheelchairs onto the attraction.

Entry into the pavilion is free. Tickets to ride the Carousel are $5.00.

The Carousel Pavilion can be booked for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, photo shoots, and private or corporate functions.

Housing a beautifully restored Carousel, this competitively priced, exclusive all-weather venue is available for private hire seven days a week from 3:00pm.

old geelong gaol

A 19th century gaol which operated from 1853-1991 in the same conditions you see today.

The Geelong Gaol Museum is housed in the 170-year-old Geelong Gaol, the third oldest prison in Victoria. Opening in 1853 and closing in 1991 it housed male and female prisoners.

Over its history, it has been used as an industrial school for young girls, a hospital gaol and a military detention barracks. It was the site of 6 executions.

Today it houses display illustrating not only the history of the Geelong Gaol but the history of the corrections of Victoria.

It features displays on the Hulks, Colonial Prisons, Executions and Saga Behind the Armour along with some of the prisoner stories who have spent time behind the bluestone walls.

The Geelong Gaol Museum is open on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

Should retirees pay off their mortgage at retirement?

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

With higher interest rates in Australia, it may be a good idea for people who are about to retire to consider paying off their mortgage. Higher interest rates can increase the cost of borrowing, making it more expensive to carry debt, including a mortgage.

Paying off your mortgage can provide several benefits in retirement, including reducing your monthly expenses, providing peace of mind, and freeing up cash flow for other expenses or investments. However, before making a decision, it’s essential to consider your overall financial situation, including your retirement income, other debts, and expenses.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Retirement income: If you have sufficient retirement income to cover your living expenses, including your mortgage payments, it may not be necessary to pay off your mortgage immediately. However, if you are relying on your retirement savings to cover your expenses, paying off your mortgage may help reduce your monthly expenses and provide you with more financial security.

2. Other debts: If you have high-interest debt, such as credit card debt or personal loans, it may be more beneficial to pay off those debts before paying off your mortgage.

3. Tax implications: Depending on where you live, there may be tax implications to paying off your mortgage. It may be worth consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand the potential tax implications.

4. Investment opportunities: If you have a long-term investment strategy, it may be more beneficial to invest your money instead of paying off your mortgage. However, this strategy involves a level of risk, and it’s essential to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance.

In summary, with higher interest rates in Australia, paying off your mortgage before retirement may provide several benefits. However,it’scrucialtoconsideryouroverallfinancialsituationandconsultwithafinancialadvisorbeforemakinganydecisions.

Special Tax Return Offer

$99 Returns - PAYG Only

We have made it cheaper and easier for you to get your returns completed & you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Here are the steps involved:

1. Email to returns@findaccountant.com.au requesting your PAYG return to be completed. Provide us with your full name, D.O.B and address

2. A Tax engagement letter will be emailed to you for signing via your mobile (no printing or scanning required).

3. You will be then sent a tax checklist to complete online. Takes less than 5 minutes.

4. We will then require you to upload your documents to our secure portal.

5. Once we have received all your documentation, we will complete the return.

6. We will email you the completed return with our invoices. Once you sign the return and pay the invoice we will lodge the return on your behalf.

1300 88 38 30

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

GEELONG

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