53 minute read
COLUMNIST ARTICLES
Why Should Leaders Exude Confidence?
LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH
By Sally Higoe
According to Eleanor Roosevelt, American political figure, diplomat, and activist, “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” But I bet any employee wouldn’t feel good if their leader doesn’t show confidence in making decisions.
The leader’s behaviour affects how the team thinks and decides. If a boss is lazy and doesn’t make decisions confidently, expect chaos in the team. But if the boss knows what he or she is doing, work would be like a walk in the park for the employees (but not all the time!).
A timid and self-doubting leader will result in uncertain situations and confuse members. However, a confident leader will develop a group of independent, creative minds with a clear intention of what they want to achieve as a team.
After all, apart from this, how can confident leaders positively affect the organisation?
Confidence improves your decision-making process
Making decisions should be a collaborative effort and open to any suggestions. But let’s be honest, the boss (yes, that’s you) always has the final say. A leader will face numerous decisionmaking situations, and most of these would have a huge impact on the team. Confidence is the person’s ability to create a decision without being stressed and anxious while understanding the possible results or consequences and holding accountability for this decision.
Confidence should not be based on emotions but on factual judgments. Have you done enough research? Were you able to analyse the situation carefully? Are you going to accept the result regardless of the outcome? Do I hear a ‘yes’? Good! These are the primary questions you should ask yourself before creating a critical decision.
Confidence drives effective communication
Effective communication is basically the key to the success of a flourishing team. As a leader, you will need to have the spirit to facilitate meaningful conversations. An aura of confidence is essential to this, as well as when it comes to striking communications with individual team members.
If you are confident in sharing your thoughts with your colleagues and subordinates, it should not be difficult for them to trust you and be more open about their thoughts and opinions. Your confidence and your team’s level of openness is necessary when coming together to brainstorm solutions to pressing problems — they get to speak their mind and help you come up with various solutions without fear of consequence.
Confidence builds trust
If you show confidence in handling your responsibilities as a leader, your team sees that you know what you are doing and trust your decisions as a result. As we all know, trust is essential to all sorts of workplace collaborations, and when you have achieved a healthy level of trust between you and your team, it will not be hard for you to lead them to accomplish objectives that will help your organisation reach set goals.
A leader trusted by the team will have his or her insights valued. The words of a trusted and confident leader carry plenty of weight, and their decisions are ultimately respected, whatever the results may look like.
Confidence improves workplace relationships
If you are confident with your actions and decisions, you practically eliminate any anxiety or stress growing amongst your team. As mentioned earlier, they will get to trust you, and this should result in healthier working relationships not just between you and your team but also between individual team members.
As your confidence inspires healthy working relationships, expect to create a workplace conducive to productivity. Productive workers are happy employees, and happy employees are satisfied individuals who are more than willing to stay with the team provided they are appropriately compensated for their efforts.
Confidence paves the way towards achieving your goals
Confidence provides a clear path to your goal for the team. When you show your team that you are confident enough to reach the goal, each member will try to contribute as much as possible to follow suit.
Your team members will also be inspired by the confidence that you exude, allowing them to believe in themselves and increasing their independence. Plus, it encourages them to take the necessary initiative to accomplish tasks on their own, all while seamlessly collaborating with their colleagues to achieve the objectives that you have set.
Confidence shows your team that you’re the right person for the job
Confidence results from the experience and wisdom you have gained from work. As such, being confident shows that you have sufficient knowledge to make the right decisions, develop the best strategies, and create solutions that can provide a clear resolution to current problems.
In other words, this lets your people see that you know what you are doing, and will follow through with whatever you come up with. It should also tell them that, in case of failure, you
have an arsenal of knowledge to go back to and recalibrate to achieve your goals on the next attempt.
Confidence, in a nutshell, is a solid foundation upon which you, as a leader, build your team’s trust. Timidity has no room in leadership, and everyone entrusted with the duty to take the lead needs to be more confident to produce the best results. Also, there’s no shame in seeking support from other experts, like at this workshop in Geelong on August 10th, if that will help you boost your confidence as a leader.
Sally Higoe
Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method
0490388017 sally@team-resilience.com.au
Leadership and Team Development
.....Imagine a team where each individual is so strong in self that their focus is how to move together as one....
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0490 388 017 sally@team-resilience.com.au www.team-resilience.com.au
Leadership coaching that connects your team and drives results
SALLY HIGOE
Resilience Coach Team Resilience Method
The Five Rights Of Retail
BUSINESS COACH
By Deb Fribbins
The success of any business is reflected in sales, profits and foot traffic. Regardless whether they are coffering goods or services in bricks mortar store fronts or online How we can increase sales, maximise profits and grow customers/ data base, all comes down to a basic five rights.
These 5 rights are the key aspects your customers see. It is the strategy behind each of these that will give your company longevity.
The world is forever changing; therefore, we need to make sure we keep “on trend” at all times. Ensure you are using the world’s best practises, showcasing the latest trends in the products you are offering. How you do that is up to you and your individual business. There are trade shows, merchandisers, agents, your competitors, and of course the right sites on the internet. Always be aware of your competitors, but never be a “Me Too”.
The Right Products, at the Right Time, in the Right Place, in the Right Quality in the Right Quantity?
The right price will fall out of these 5 rights. It is not the most important part of the part of the equation. It is not about being the cheapest on the block. It is all about the best value for money. If you can offer your customers better “value” for their purchase than your competitors, they will come back to you. Value can be in the form of the customer service, after sales service, exclusivity, presentations, ranging offer, bundling and so much more. Price is relevant to each of these factors. A vase in a $2 shop has the same end use as a Waterford Crystal vase at very different price points. It is all about value for money, customer perception and the customer experience.
When looking at the specific Products you sell, consider how they fit into your business. How will your clients perceive them? Consider:
1. The ranging strategy in your business. 2. Changes in the marketplace, current trends 3. Consumer needs versus wants. 4. Relevance in today’s market. 5. Competitor analysis If the item is right, consider the TIMING. Is this the right time, taking into account;?
1. Climatic conditions 2. Demographics 3. Seasonality 4. Special occasion 5. Consumer needs
With the right product, at the right time, positioning in the Right PLACE for the consumer to be able to find readily is paramount. Consider:
1. Create a demand by putting it front of mind. 2. Changing the position, to draw customers in to look for the item 3. Create theatre in the store with demonstrations or movement where applicable 4. Change the relevance of the product mix around it, style, colour, end use, etc 5. Reactionary to conditions ie: umbrellas at the front of store with a sudden change in the weather
The product may have the right end use but is it the right QUALITY for your clients?
1. Is it value for money 2. What quality does your client expect from your business 3. Is there an extended warrantee or guarantee you offer? 4. Are there sustainability or biodegradability advantages? 5. Will it last the lifetime the consumer expects for the money they pay? Finally the QUANTITY, how long is a piece of string?
1. If you have too many, customers may think it is not very good and you cannot sell them. 2. Where you have a lot of stock, limit what you put on display to create a call to action 3. If you have too few and sell out too quickly, it is costing you in lost revenue. 4. Where sell outs occur, and the product is in high demand advise customers of the next delivery date. Offer to advise when it comes in, and or to deliver to them. 5. What can you offer as a good alternative to meet their needs?
With these “5 Rights” in place you are portraying a clear message to your consumer. They know what to expect from your stores, from which you will achieve greater loyalty from existing customers and their friends through referrals, which will increase foot traffic. Increase foot traffic leads to increased sales maximising the profits in dollar terms.
Deb Fribbins
PAINTING & DECORATING
By Steve Dahllof
If you have metal garden furniture, aluminium window and door frames or an outdoor shed, cooler temperatures are a good time to paint them.
Like all painting, preparation is the key to success. Here are a few handy tips for getting the best appearance and protection for the metal surfaces around the home or office.
1. Clean the metal surface
Using sandpaper or another gentle scraping tool, remove all dust, dirt, debris and grease. A mild detergent should be sufficient but for more persistent deposits, mineral spirits will do the trick. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and leave to dry thoroughly. Don’t use water as it doesn’t clean metal effectively.
2. Get rid of peeling or loose paint
This applies to preparing all surfaces for painting – get rid of old paint that is loose or peeling. Otherwise, the new paint won’t stick. Use a hand wire brush, a scraper or sandpaper and gently sand back. Too much pressure and the metal surface may be gouged, leading to an uneven finish.
Some people like to use power tools for this part of the cleaning process but beware – this method may end up polishing the metal surface, leaving nothing for the new paint to adhere to. You will need to rub a scuffing pad along the metal surface; the pads will lightly scratch the surface, allowing the primer to stick.
3. Remove the rust
Rust is a sign that the metal is not totally sound. You may need to replace the roof or frames if there is structural damage. If there is rust in just a few places, apply a high-quality primer with rust-inhibiting properties by brushing or sanding. Painting over rust will damage the metal paint by causing it to rust as well.
4. Use the appropriate primer
Check that the primer you choose is compatible with the paint you’ve selected. Follow the instructions on the label as different primers have differing drying times. begin the process again. For the best results, apply up to three thin coats of spray paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
How to Paint
metal surfaces
Water-based primers are not appropriate for metal surfaces but there are many other options. Rust-inhibiter primers, iron oxide primers and galvanised primers are more suitable, depending on what you are painting.
6. Work safely
Apply the primer immediately after the previous surface preparation. This will help prevent flash rusting or dust accumulating. If what you are painting is outdoors (for example, roofs, furniture or sheds), a second coat of primer will add an extra layer of protection against oxidisation.
5. Paint the surface
Metal paints come in oil-based and water-based brush-on or spray-can versions. Oil-based paint is trickier to work with but the results are last longer. Waterbased acrylic paints can be easier to apply but may be difficult to find in spray form for exterior use.
The easiest way to paint metal surfaces is with spray paint. (However, though it’s faster and easier, it doesn’t create as firm a finish.) If you decide to spray paint, hold the can 15 to 30 centimetres away from the metal surface – this prevents the paint from pooling. Using a long sweeping motion, spray whatever it is you want to paint. (Don’t be tempted to hold the can in one place.) If you notice excessive dripping, wipe everything clean and Whenever you are painting metal surfaces, make sure you protect yourself. Wear a dust mask or respirator, protective goggles and gloves. Work in a well ventilated area – outdoors if possible. If you use power tools (for instance, when getting rid of rust), insert quality ear plugs to protect your hearing.
For more painting advice, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@bigpond.net. au. We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.
Steve Dahllof
PAINTING AND DECORATING Dahllof Painting services 0407 365 372
Financial Reports for Not for Profits
BOOKKEEPER
By Mary-Clare Switz
Not for Profits (NFP) come in a range of types, sizes and purposes including, sporting groups, scouts, environmental protection societies, churches, surf lifesaving clubs. All will have money flowing in and out requiring good financial record keeping. Requirements to lodge income tax returns, lodgement of financials, lodgement of Business Activity Statements, or requirement to be audited will depend on the type of NFP, the status of the NFP and the size of the NFP. Follow this link for the ATO’s Tax basics for non-profit organisations.
In general, no matter the size or format of the NFP, they will need to keep up to date financial records that may be accessed by their membership, reported to their Committee of Management and potentially lodged with a relevant body. In the dim dark past financials were commonly kept in handwritten ledger books, receipts were written by hand and cash & cheques were the only way to receive or pay out money.
Today we have easy access to good online accounting software such as Xero or Quickbooks Online. These make it easy for a NFP to keep their financials up to date as well as prepare current financial reports. We strongly recommend that if a NFP is looking to move their bookkeeping online that they seek the assistance of a Registered Bookkeeper/BAS Agent to guide them through the setup process.
It is generally accepted that at a Committee Meeting the Treasurer presents a set of financial reports. If the Committee meets monthly, the reporting period is monthly. If the Committee meets quarterly, then the reporting period is quarterly. • Profit & Loss – which represents the income and expenses for the reporting period (ie the previous month or quarter) and for the period beginning at NFP’s financial year to the end of the reporting period
• Balance Sheets – which represents the value of assets and liabilities on the last day of the reporting period
• Bank Account Statements – covering the period and showing the ending balance for the period
• Bank Account Reconciliations – showing that the bookkeeping ledger has been reconciled to the bank statement at the end of the reporting period. This will also show any deposits that have not yet made it into the bank, or any payments that have not yet left the bank (usually checks that have not cleared)
• Transaction Ledger – a report showing ALL transactions that have occurred in the reporting period
• Cash Flow Statement – a report that summarises the flow of cash in and out of the bank accounts for the reporting period
For simple and small NFPs, the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets will be relatively simple and will be unlikely to show much in the way of fixed assets or loan liabilities. Larger and more complicated NFPs will have detailed financials.
For example, a small arts group that has incorporated to benefit its members will be unlikely to own any major equipment or borrow funds to purchase large expenses. Their Profit & Loss will simply show the Revenue in and the Expenses out, and the Balance Sheet showing the balance of the bank accounts, accounts payable & accounts receivable. A larger group such as a Surf Life Saving Club will shop multiple areas of Revenue; expenses related to the Revenue will show as Cost of Sales rather than expenses. They will have large Fixed Assets registers cataloguing all their equipment that will be depreciated from year to year.
Above I mentioned cash and cheques. In today’s post COVID world we see a lot less cash changing hands and cheques were well and truly losing favour with the ability to move funds around via internet banking.
Removing cash from NFPs helps to prevent fraud as well as save enormous amount of time. We recommend sporting clubs to take on a service such as Square for their face-to-face sales needs (canteen, uniform, events). The initial equipment cost is affordable, and the benefits include not having cash lying around the club rooms, or in someone’s car, or in their house; quick receipt of funds into the bank account rather than waiting for someone to deposit the cash; reduced volunteer time investment (no counting of cash, preparing deposit slips, driving to the bank, changing notes for coins, etc.).
In a recent example we assisted a Pony Club to move to be cashless late last year. An iPad, Square® stand and terminal were bought for just over $1,000. The canteen now runs cashless; all uniforms are purchased via the Square® terminal as well. The benefits have included not worrying about a money float and having the right change; no money to count at the end of the day; and one of the best benefits has been the sales reporting and the ability to see what food items sell best. One of the other interesting effects is that now customers can tap to pay they end up spending more!
One final word about financial reporting. As seen at the Pony Club, the Sales reporting has informed what the club chooses to sell at their canteen, rather than just winging it like they used to do pre-Square. Financials are incredibly important for Committees of Management to be able to truly track their financial performance, manage the highs and lows (remember COVID times?) and understand where their money is going, be able to budget ahead as well as set annual membership fees that cover the budget.
Why Video Is Important?
VIDEO PRODUCTION
By Allison Groot
In this current fast-paced digital landscape, technology is ever-changing but the consistent factor that has stayed evident is that there will always be a need for visual representation whether that be marketing material, products, or video content.
In the last 10 years, we have seen a shift from a stock standard / formulated corporate video to detailed narratives with intricate storylines and a demand for creating high-end, high-budget video content for social media platforms.
So what does this mean for a small business or not-for-profit? In order to answer that, we need to first know the “why videos are important”. Video content has become a fundamental part of how we as businesses are seen by the outside world. In an instant, your business can be seen by thousands of people with a click of a button, a swipe or pop up.
In a recent survey done by wyzowl - People watch an average of 19 hours of online video content per week. 96% have watched an explainer video to learn about a product or service and 88% have bought that product or service after watching a video.
This is why making videos that are clear and concise are essential to capture your audience. Not only does it send a message about your brand but also shows that you take pride in what you do, how you do it and most of all you love what you do. Video is a great way to get your message across in a short amount of time and can also be crafted and targeted to your needs. Once you understand why your business needs a video then the next step is to understand the stages of video production.
There are 3 main stages:
1. Pre-Production: the concept, key messages and scripting
2. Production: filming components
3. Post-Production: editing, drafts, completion
Having a basic understanding of the process helps when you are working out timelines for campaigns and also knowing that it takes a little bit of time to create a good video makes all the difference.
Embracing a new approach to traditional marketing and allocating the budget for making video content will help ensure that you keep up-to-date with current trends but also secures longevity of your business or not-for-profit.
Keep this in mind - customers are more likely to share video content with their friends and family than other types of content.
If you need help making a video or would like to know more please get in touch.
Allison Groot
Creative Director 0403 899 697
Moving to the country? You could enjoy the Remote Area Benefit.
SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES
By Dan Nicholls
If you’re making the move to a remote area or country region, you could be enjoying more than just fresh air. The pivot to permanent and flexible working arrangements driven by the pandemic has caused an exodus of city dwellers seeking the good life. The Commonwealth Government offers some tax incentives for people and businesses to live and work in Remote Areas, known as Remote Area Benefits.
The idea behind these benefits is to assist employers in rural and remote areas to attract and retain staff. While the concessions were originally designed to attract more people to work in remote regions rather than seeking fortunes in cities and towns, current trends are seeing people happily head back to literal greener pastures. Because many employees have found themselves able to work remotely, there has been an influx of people populating regional locations. This has caused higher demand for property across the country resulting in higher house prices, giving even more reason for those eligible to take advantage of Remote Area Benefits.
How do Remote Area Benefits work?
If you live and work within a remote area as defined by the ATO, you could be eligible to salary package for either rent, or interest on your mortgage repayments, plus your gas and electricity bills with your pre-tax dollars. Only 50% of the value of the remote area benefits are taxable, allowing eligible employees to effectively increase the amount of their take home pay. Any Remote Area benefits made from pre-tax salary reduces the amount of tax applied to your take-home pay, so it is financially win-win. The exact Remote Area Benefits you can claim vary depending on location, so be sure to check with your employer. All Remote Area Benefits are non-reportable benefits and won’t appear on your annual PAYG payment summary and can be in addition to any other salary packaging arrangement you already enjoy. Collectively known as Remote Area Benefits, the items that can be included are Mortgage Interest or Rental Payments, Housing Purchase Expenses, Relocation Costs and Holiday Travel.
Remote Area Housing Purchase Remote Area Mortgage Interest
There aren’t many ways to save on a house purchase, so make the most of this one if you’re eligible. You can salary package the costs associated with buying land or a house and land in a remote location. Once again, as long as the land or house and land will become your primary place of residence and the construction of the home is completed, 50% of your purchase costs is treated as an Exempt Benefit, so 50% of your purchase costs can be deducted from your pre-tax salary.
Remote Area Residential Fuel
Most Australian households are currently experiencing more bill shock than ever before. But, as long as you are already salary packaging one of the above Remote Area Housing Benefits, you could be saving on household fuel or energy such as gas, electricity and firewood (not motor vehicles). Because 50% of your fuel cost is treated as an Exempt Benefit, 50% of your fuel costs can be deducted from your pre-tax salary. While this doesn’t apply to motor vehicle fuel, you could always consider novated leasing as a clever way to save on your overall car running and maintenance costs. If you’re eligible, you might already enjoy saving on mortgage repayments with salary packaging. This lets you save even more. If you have a mortgage on your home and your workplace is in a remote area, and that home is also your primary place of residence, you can salary package more than only your mortgage repayments.
Because 50% of the interest amount is treated as an Exempt Benefit, 50% of your interest is deducted from your pre-tax salary. For example, Amy works in the not-for-profit sector and lives and works in a remote area and has a mortgage on a property that is Amy’s primary place of residence. Amy sends through the annual mortgage statement and the total interest paid was $15,700. For the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year (1 April to 31 March), Amy can salary package $7,850 from pre-tax salary as a remote benefit and the other 50% can be part of the eligible Cap. This means Amy is able to salary package other expenses, thereby maximising the eligible entitlements.
Remote Area Rental Payments
No one enjoys paying rent, but Remote Area Benefits will certainly take the sting out. If you pay rent on your home and your workplace is in a remote area, and that house is your primary place of residence, you can salary package 50% of the amount of rent you pay from your pre-tax salary. For example, Peter pays $8,200 in rent every year, therefore 50% of the rent amount can be salary packaged from pre-tax. But, as with Remote Area
Mortgage Interest, Peter can also salary package more to an eligible Cap for other benefits.
Remote Area Holiday Travel
If you are moving to a remote region, you’ll potentially find yourself a long way from other family members and friends. This benefit is designed especially so you can salary package the cost of travel from your remote location to the nearest capital city and help you stay in touch.
This is available to eligible employees and their immediate family such as a spouse, partner and, even if you do not accompany them on the holiday. For example, your children may go and stay with their grandparents for a week while you and your partner stay at your property. You can salary package the children’s travel expenses if they take any form of remote transport. Plus, if some of your immediate family members do not live with you at your remote location, you can also use this benefit to pay for their travel to meet you. The Remote Area Holiday Travel requires that the holiday is for three or more working days and the travel is within Australia to major population centres. The claimable expenses can include:
• Air Fares • En route meals & accommodation • Hire car and hire car costs to the destination • Costs associated with transport to the holiday location inc. own car expenses
Costs incurred at the destination, such as meals, accommodation and car hire are not eligible.
What qualifies as remote living?
To qualify, you need to work for an employer and have your primary place of residence located more than 40 kilometres from a town of 14,000 people, or more and more than 100 kilometres from a town of 130,000 people. You must also live in the property as your main residence. Your employer must also be in a remote location as defined by the ATO. To put that into a Victorian perspective, you would need to be located more than 40 kilometres from a major Australian town or city such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Shepparton, Wangaratta or Albury etc. For the full eligibility criteria, check the ATO website here.
Ask us how much you can save on Remote Area Benefits
As Victoria and Geelong’s premier regional salary packaging services provider, we’ve helped employees across the state access Remote Area Benefits. If you believe you are eligible, or you are an eligible employer who wants to attract and retain staff, we can step you through the process of applying for Remote Area Benefits. Get in touch with us here or call 03 5229 4200.
Dan Nicholls
Salary Packaging Services
Call us now
(03) 5229 4200
Salary Packaging means you can pay less tax, use your pre-tax income to pay for everyday expenses and make your salary go further. Services
• Comprehensive and always on-time FBT reporting • Direct to employee claim benefits paid in one working day
• Packaging administration • One-on-one customer service • Staff and organisation resources We ensure your staff get the full advantage of their entitlements, because taking care of your staff is our business.
By Daniel Tomlinson
Now is the time of the year to begin spring-cleaning your home or office. What, now in the cold weather, on a gloomy day?!
Yes, now. Spring is the time when nature look bright and fresh, yet we often wait until these beautiful days appear before we even begin to make your homes and offices look sparkling and inviting.
Understandably, no one wants to prune the garden on a cold day or use the only sunny weekend in a month to pressure wash the outside patio. If that happens, it could seem like every spare free moment is spent cleaning and tidying.
So why not hire a team to do all this for you? There are several benefits to hiring a property services business.
More efficient
Winter often brings rain. Rain nourishes plants that now spring into life, the result being verdant, lush foliage but also an abundance of weeds, bulging shrubs, overhanging tree branches, not to mention the ‘other’ garden growing in your gutters.
Gardening is hard labour and, especially if you need to climb ladders, quite hazardous. If your garden is starting to look like a jungle, call a gardener. One or more people will turn up with a lawn mower and a pair of clippers, loppers and secateurs and trim your garden to look neat and tidy. However, will they take away the grass clippings? What do they do with large tree branches? Do they offer gutter cleaning as part of their services?
What does the rest of your outdoor space look like? When was the last time you oiled the decking? So now you should buy decking oil, mops and trays, prepare the surface with dustsheets and tape, and spend a sunny day oiling the decks instead of being with the kids on the sports ground or having a coffee with your girlfriends.
Are there tiles missing or plants growing in the grouting? Time to get out the pressure washer – er, do you even own one? And if you do, is the electric cord long enough to reach the nearest power point?
What about the windows? When was the last time you could see out of them without smears and spiderwebs blocking your view? You can, of course, fix all these things yourself or you could employ a different professional specialising in each individual maintenance matter. However, there’s a better solution. Why not hire a property services team that can do the lot! Instead of contacting individual tradies, save time by hiring a team to do the lot. All your projects will be done far more efficiently.
2 benefits in hiring a property services team
More professional
One other benefit of hiring a property services company is that you are dealing with only one business. They will have already checked out their team members for experience and qualifications and they will have insurance that covers all situations. You can check them out online to see what others have said about their services and see how long they have been in business. A long history and positive testimonials will say more about them than their own advertising.
Again, another time-saving way to get all your jobs done before spring is to just hire one team. When reviewing property services companies, you only need to review one trade history, one page of testimonials and one website instead of searching for gardeners, tilers, handymen, gutter cleaners and so on. Whether you own your own home or you are a facility manager of business premises, at some stage you will need your outside windows cleaned, the garden tidied up, the gutters cleaned and possibly tiles and decking replaced or pressure washed and patio surfaces sanded and resealed.
It pays to hire the services of a professional property services crew to handle all those niggly jobs for you.
For all outdoor property maintenance advice, call Pristine Outdoor Property on 0468 485 122. We will be happy to answer all your enquiries.
Daniel Tomlinson
Property Services Pristine Outdoor Property Services
0468 485 122
Family Law Common Misconception:
Does All Family Law disputes must go to Court?
Negotiation
Negotiation is another method used in which people can settle their differences by reaching an agreement that suits both parties. This can be conducted by your lawyers where both parties have their own representation. Lawyers take their client’s instructions and communicate with the other party’s lawyer to determine what both parties’ goals and expectations are. Your lawyers will continue to correspond back and forth over a period of time while advising you on your options and act on your instructions until a happy medium is reached and both parties find the solution to the disputed issues.
Like FDR, negotiation is much faster and more cost-effective than the court process and it has proven to be very successful. Negotiation is beneficial because it provides an avenue where you can avoid further disputes in a safe environment where you can speak freely without judgement and with privacy.
LAWYERS
By John Van Beveren
It is a wildly common misconception that any Family Law related matter must go to Court -which is understandably quite off-putting to those experiencing Family dispute/issue and are seeking a resolution. However, the truth is only 5% of separated couples end up going all the way to a Final Hearing in Family Law Court, while the remaining 95% of family law matters are resolved outside the court room - thereby avoiding the stress, timely delays and costly disputes of facing court.
Many believe that engaging a lawyer to help with their Family Law matter means they automatically will end up in Court, or their matter will not be resolved peacefully. However, it is your Lawyer’s job is to listen and act on your instructions and encourage a peaceful resolution that avoids the court.
How do I resolve a Family Law dispute outside the Court?
By engaging a Lawyer, they will be able to listen to your story and assess your position. They will then ultimately advise you to the various options available based on your individual circumstances. This will allow you make any decision fully informed.
When we provide the options and advice available to you, we consider several factors including the efficiency, cost implications, time limits, prospects of success, and ultimately what is the best way to get a peaceful resolution.
There are many Alternative Dispute Resolution processes available that do not involve Court, this includes Family Dispute Resolution and Negotiation.
Family Dispute Resolution
Family Dispute Resolution (‘FDR’) is generally the most common pathway chosen when resolving Family Law disputes about children or property and it has a significant success rate.
FDR operates as a form of mediation specialising in Family Law where an independent third party assists disputing parties resolve their conflict using specialized communication and negotiation techniques. FDR is preferred is because it promotes cooperation and communication between parties, which ultimately enhances the ongoing parenting relationship and provides for an amicable resolution to property or parenting arrangements.
The benefit of utilising FDR is it allows couples to control the outcomes that impact their future and the future of their children, instead of putting their fate in the hands of a Judge to decide. It is a much faster and more cost-effective way of reaching an agreement than going to court.
Do you have a Family Law issue that you would prefer to resolve outside of Court?
What we can do at Van Beveren Lawyers –
• All the Family Law services you need, in one place
• We apply forward-thinking ideas and solutions to the most challenging
Family Law issues you face and approach each case with compassion and commitment
• Our team is committed to providing long term family law solutions that last and help you look forward positively into the future.
If you have a Family Law related matter, come into Van Beveren Lawyers and tell us your story and what you are hoping to achieve, and we will then provide you with your options and what steps you can take moving forward to achieve your desired outcome.
Engaging a lawyer does not mean you will automatically end up in Court, nor does it mean your dispute can no longer be resolved peacefully.
Emotional Connections are Built through Branding and Signage
SIGNWRITER
By Tim Knott
Sixty-four percent of consumers build relationships with brands based on shared values. We have gathered some tips on how to improve your branding and communicate your company’s brand values with indoor and outdoor signage. Properly branding your company means clearly explaining your purpose, goals and the unique qualities that set your brand apart from your competition. Emotionally connecting to your target audience is also an important component of branding, as well as creating customer loyalty. Branding your company properly comes down to communicating information regarding your products and services well and consistently. One way to accomplish this is by incorporating outdoor and indoor signage.
Outdoor Signage
Outdoor signage is crucial to the success of branding of any business. Whether it be creating street visibility or informing passers-by of products and services, outdoor signs are designed to establish brand recognition and credibility for countless industries: restaurants, auto repair shops, property management companies, banks, beauty salons, real estate offices, dry cleaners, shopping centers, convenience stores, and countless other varied corporations.
• Strengthen your corporate identity and vastly improve your company’s exposure with the professional presence of a building sign or an engraved sign.
• A monument sign is a perfect solution when you are looking to attract passing motorists. They are made using quality materials making them resistant to termites, moisture, and up to 180mph winds.
• Does your company offer delivery?
We can design and create your company’s car top signs, magnetic signs or vehicle wraps for signage on the go.
• Attract attention day or night with a custom made illuminated sign, neon letters or channel letters.
Our experts are able to create outdoor signage options that will not only make your business stand out from the rest but will ensure that they comply with all local and state ordinances, making branding your company easy and successful.
METAL SIGNS
Indoor Signage
Indoor signage is just as important as outdoor signage when it comes to successful branding. Informing customers of products and services at the point of sale is crucial, and something business owners should not take lightly.
• Promote specials, products and upcoming events with free standing banner stands, or utilize durable fabric banners.
• Digital menu boards are a perfect indoor signage solution for restaurants, cafés or bars who want to be able to update their menu options and make featured products stand out to patrons.
• Don’t waste any opportunity to utilize space creatively. We can help with our custom-made floor mats and floor decals featuring your logo and colors.
Showcasing your business professionally and communicating your brand values is easy to do with the help of the sign experts at Signarama. We offer our clients unlimited custom designs from our large variety of finishes, colors, textures and sizes, and can even design them to match any building style or color.
Your local team for quality Signs
Signarama Geelong West
Professional sign design, top quality production methods, and expert installation ensure Signarama you are in safe hands with your local Geelong signs team at Signarama.
Geelong West
Services
• Creative Services • Installation Services • Project Management • Printing • Resources
TIM & NARELLE KNOTT Owner
Marion Rae (Australian Associated Press)
Springtime allergies
NATUROPATH
By Kathryn Messenger
I do like Spring, it brings the promise of warmer weather. I particularly like wattle, the way it blooms well before the weather has begun to warm, like a promise that winter won’t last forever.
But for many of us, springtime has a unique set of problems: hayfever and allergies.
Symptoms obviously depend on what allergens your body is sensitive to, and the degree of sensitivity will determine the severity of your symptoms. Those with asthma or eczema in their family often have increased genetic sensitivity.
What’s going on?
An allergen enters the body and triggers an immune response to defend against the allergen. Mast cells (part of the immune response) release histamine which causes inflammation, usually in the nose, throat or skin.
What’s going wrong?
In someone without allergies, histamine is easily cleared from the body by enzymes called diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT).
However, if these enzymes are impaired, the histamine can cause a range of allergic responses. Your body needs vitamin B6 and vitamin C to produce DAO. Be sure your diet includes oily fish, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits to provide these nutrients.
Digestive issues such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can also cause problems, as some strains of unhealthy gut bacteria produce histamine. This can be alleviated by specific probiotics. See a naturopath or nutritionist for the right strains of probiotic, as some strains can exacerbate SIBO symptoms.
What to do?
Whilst fermented foods have great health benefits, they are high in histamine and should be avoided in times of allergy. Slowly defrosted frozen foods are also high in histamine. Sulphites used as a preservative in some alcoholic beverages and in brightly coloured dried fruit, can also trigger an allergic reaction.
Prevention
If you’re susceptible to springtime allergies, the following nutrients can be taken in the lead up to and during Spring to help with histamine clearance and strengthening the immune system:
• vitamin B6 & B12 • vitamin C • vitamin D • quercetin • omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish) • bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple) Herbs such as Echinacea can also be used to regulate the immune system.
If you suffer from a blocked or runny nose, slow breathing exercises can also help. Sit up straight and inhale through your nose for 3 counts. If possible, hold for a few counts, then slowly exhale through the nose for 5 counts. Do this for 15 minutes without talking and adjust the length of the count to what feels comfortable.
Whole Naturopathy has a range of antiallergic herbal medicines and homeopathy stock and can choose the best remedy for your unique signs and symptoms. We can also order in a large range of nutritional products to support you through the Spring.
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
Personal Insurance: Types of Cover
FINANCIAL PLANNING
By Warren Strybosch
Last month we discussed how much personal insurance you should consider having in place. It was a starting point and seeking professional financial advice is important to determine the right amount of cover for your needs.
This month we are going to review the different types of personal insurances you can obtain. It is important to note that that not every insurer offers the below type of cover but they are available through different insurers. Again, seeking appropriate financial planning advice is important. Talk to a licenced financial planner and they can discuss with you what types of cover you should consider. Please do not go to a mortgage broker, the bank or a general insurance broker and ask them to provide you with personal insurance. That is akin to asking a masseur to perform surgery on you…they could do it but they are likely to botch it up. Go to the professionals if you want a professional job done right.
Why life insurance is important
We insure our cars, home, pet and even our health. But many of us neglect to insure our most important asset – our lives. Whether you need to take time off work to recover from a sickness or injury; change your lifestyle due to a permanent disability, or you die unexpectedly, without your income, it can have a huge impact on you and your family’s quality of life.
That’s where life insurance can help. Our range of life insurance covers can help you and your family financially if something bad happens to you. The right cover can help with:
• Paying the mortgage or rent • Paying for your children’s education • Covering your day to day bills, and • Covering out-of-pocket medical expenses
How life insurance works
Life insurance is there to pay you and your family when you need it the most. This could be anything from a temporary sickness or injury, through to a permanent disability or death. • Events covered: Covers typically protects financially against sickness, injuries or death (or a combination of these) • Causes: Some types of cover are limited to accidents only, while others cover you for sickness and accident
• Lump sum benefit vs daily benefit:
Some types of cover pay the benefit as a one off lump sum, while others pay as an ongoing benefit amount.
Insurance that makes regular payments typically cover you for the period that you’re out of action
You choose the type of cover and the benefit amount you need. To keep your cover in place, you need to pay your premiums. If you suffer an insured event while your cover is in place, you (or your beneficiaries if you’ve died) can claim the benefit amount, subject to satisfying the relevant terms and conditions.
If the unfortunate happens, we will pay out on genuine claims. The conditions on which we pay out depend on the type of cover. Remember to consider this carefully before taking out cover and read the relevant PDS.
What’s covered?
Cover for your family when you’re gone...
Life Cover
Life Cover can help ease the financial burden for your family if you’re terminally ill or die. With a lump sum benefit, your family can use the money to pay off the mortgage or other debts and maintain their current standard of living. You choose an amount of cover that’s right for you.
Cover for you while you’re living
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Cover
Some sickness and injuries may end up leaving you totally and permanently disabled and unlikely to ever work again. TPD Cover pays a lump sum benefit that can be used to make modifications to the family home, access the best rehabilitation or simply provide money to live on. Income Protection Cover only covers up to 70% of your income, so TPD Cover can be used to top up the shortfall. If you suffer from a specified serious illness such as cancer, heart attack or stroke, a lump sum benefit paid upon diagnosis may help you access the best medical treatment, or pay down some of your debt. You can choose a benefit amount of up to $2 million, and you are covered for more than 40 specified conditions.
Income Protection Cover
Income Protection Cover pays an ongoing monthly income for as long as you’re unable to work or until the end of the benefit period, whichever happens first. You can cover up to 70% of your income. Select from a range of benefit periods, from 2 years, 5 years or to age 65.
Business Expense Cover
You can’t afford to be sick if you’re selfemployed or running a small business. Business Expense Cover helps cover the fixed operating expenses of your business if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury. Similar to Income Protection Cover, you receive an ongoing monthly income (for a maximum of 1 year), but instead of replacing your salary, it covers your business expenses. This can help keep your business afloat while you’re on the road to recovery.
Child Cover
No one wants to see their child sick. But if it happened to your child, you’d want the best medical treatment available, and that can be expensive. Child Cover allows you to take up to $200,000 cover for kids aged between 2 and 18 and will pay a lump sum benefit if they suffer from a specified serious illness or in the event of their death.
Helpful little extras (provided by some insurers)
Some insurers provide the following quality features:
• Provision for continuing cover:
Once we issue your policy, we won’t change the terms and conditions or the premium you pay because of a change in your personal circumstances
• Indexation: We will automatically increase your cover each year to ensure your benefit amount keeps up with inflation (premiums will increase in line with increased cover)
• Worldwide cover: You are covered 24/7 anywhere in the world
• Provision for upgrades: If we make changes or introduce new benefits to our products, we will pass this on to you
What’s not covered?
There are some situations where you’re not covered and when we won’t pay a claim. This includes not telling us the truth about your health or financial situation when applying for cover.
Read the Product Disclosure Document (PDS)
Before accepting the cover that is being recommended to you, take time to read the PDS that should be provided to you prior to filling in an application for insurance. The PDS will go into great detail about each type of insurance and what you are covered for. Given not all insurers cover the same things, it is important you understand what your insurance is going to cover.
Who should you talk to?
If you are requiring a review of your personal insurances or wish to get some cover in place, then book a time with Warren Strybosch from Find Wealth Pty Ltd t/as Find Insurance. Warren has been helping clients for the past 20 years with their personal insurance needs. He has been a finalist for many financial planning awards, won a few awards of the years, and has been recognised as one of Australian’s top 50 most influential advisors. You are in safe hands with Warren.
Booking link:
https://calendly.com/findgroup/15minute-phone-conversation
After the meeting you will be provided with a FREE Insurance Report so you can make an informed decision about your personal insurance needs.
This information is current as at June 2022. This article is intended to provide general information only and has been prepared without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs (‘circumstances’). Before acting on such information, you should consider its appropriateness, taking into account your circumstances and obtain your own independent financial, legal or tax advice. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about a product. While all care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and reliable, to the maximum extent the law permits, Alliance Wealth and its related bodies corporate, or each of their directors, officers, employees, contractors or agents, will not assume liability to any person for any error or omission in this material however caused, nor be responsible for any loss or damage suffered, sustained or incurred by any person who either does, or omits to do, anything in reliance on the information contained herein.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findinsurance.com.au www.findinsurance.com.au
General Insurance
We specialise in the following:
• Business Pack Insurance • Professional Indemnity • Public Liability - Business related only • Landlord Insurance • Height Safety Insurance
We DO NOT provide advice or quotes for the following (you need to go direct and save):
• Car Insurance • Home & Contents • Caravan • eBikes
We work with only the most reputable insurers to bring you a range of insurance options for you to choose from:
When it comes to General Insurance, Find Insurance provides a referral service to Find Business Insurance. Find Insurance provides general information only and we do not offer general insurance advice. We refer all general insurance enquiries to Craig, a licensed Authorised Representative (No. 001248230) of Focus Insurance Brokers AFSL 426797. Craig is able to provide general insurance advice to you. You should always seek professional advice before making financial decisions. This material is not intended to constitute personal advice and must not be relied on as such. This material is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this material having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider obtaining independent advice. We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the information they can provide. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
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2022 TAX UPDATES
Queensland COVID-19 business grants and assistance
Apprentice wage subsidy programs
Temporary fuel excise cut and fuel tax credits
50% minimum pension drawdowns extended for another 12 months
Minimum drawdowns for superannuation pensions have been halved again for the 2022–23 income year. This extension means that the reduction of minimum drawdowns will be available for self-funded retirees from 1 July 2019 through 30 June 2023.
This measure is intended to support retirees in managing the impact of the:
• recent volatility in financial markets, and • prevailing low interest rates on their retirement savings.
All eligible businesses who employ an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 June 2022 are eligible to receive a 50% wage subsidy. The wage subsidy is available for 12 months from commencement of employment. The maximum available subsidy is $7,000 per quarter per apprentice.
This wage subsidy is a stimulus payment announced to effectively boost employment for young people and help businesses transition away from the COVID-19 downturn.
These payments will be received via the Australian Apprentices Incentives Program. This program currently services employers by providing cash payments when apprentices meet certain targets.
Another program for apprentices that was in place prior to 5 October 2020 dealt with keeping apprentices employed (as opposed to employing new apprentices). These subsidies were to combat rising unemployment and an expected economic downturn due to COVID-19.
The wage subsidy was based on which apprentices remained in employment with their employer on 1 March 2020 and 1 July 2020. Originally, only small business employers were eligible to participate. From 1 July 2020, the government extended the measure to include medium-sized businesses. The original wage subsidy commenced for employers from 1 January 2020 and ran through to 31 March 2021.
Excise and excise-equivalent customs duty that applies to petrol and diesel will be temporarily reduced by 50%. The reduction of the fuel excise will be in place for 6 months, beginning at 12:01am on 30 March 2022 and ending at 11:59pm on 28 September 2022. The new temporary excise rate of 22.1 cents per litre will bring excise below the road user charge for businesses who claim fuel tax credits.
Minimum drawdowns for superannuation pensions have been halved again for the 2022–23 income year. This extension means that the reduction of minimum drawdowns will be available for self-funded retirees from 1 July 2019 through 30 June 2023.
This measure is intended to support retirees in managing the impact of the:
• recent volatility in financial markets, and
Announced: 22-Mar-2020 Updated: 12-Apr-2022
Announced: 12-Mar-2020 Updated: 12-Apr-2022
Announcement(29-Mar-2022) Consultation Introduced(30-Mar-2022) Passed(30-Mar-2022) Royal Assent(31-Mar-2022) Date of effect(30-Mar-2022)
Announced: 22-Mar-2020 Updated: 12-Apr-2022
2022 TAX UPDATES
Queensland land tax to include interstate landholdings
Temporary fuel excise cut and fuel tax credits
Sole traders and partners in a partnership may be able to utilise a safe harbour to deduct non-commercial losses against other assessable income.
The draft PCG bypasses the Commissioner’s discretion under the non-commercial loss rules, where a business has been directly affected by floods, bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic.
The business will be required to show necessary evidence to support using the safe harbour.
Once finalised, the draft guideline will apply to the 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 income years.
Sole traders and partners in a partnership may be able to utilise a safe harbour to deduct non-commercial losses against other assessable income. The draft PCG bypasses the Commissioner’s discretion under the non-commercial loss rules, where a business has been directly affected by floods, bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will be required to show necessary evidence to support using the safe harbour. On 23 February 2022, the ATO released TR 2022/D1 and PCG 2022/D1 in relation to distributions made by trustees of discretionary trusts. This was complemented by TA 2022/1, which discusses parents benefitting from the trust entitlements of the adult children. All 3 documents focus on schemes where income is diverted from an intended beneficiary in order to reduce tax liabilities. The rulings discuss these at detail and include significant attention to an important carve out for dealings that are “ordinary family or commercial” dealings. These dealings are excluded from the anti-avoidance provisions. Following on from the release of the draft guidance, the ATO has reiterated its stance in many areas relating to s 100A. In particular, where situations would generally come under an ordinary family or commercial dealing. Trustees need to make sure that their distributions are in accordance with the expectations of the ATO, otherwise they may be subject to an audit. Helping them understand their obligations is paramount coming up to the end of the current income year. Once finalised, the draft guideline will apply to the 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 income years.
Queensland has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to change land tax rules relating to taxable landholdings.
Under the proposed changes, a landholder will have their land tax calculated based on their total Australian landholdings. The calculation will then be pro-rated to reflect a taxpayer’s Queensland-only taxable landholdings.
Once passed, the new legislation will commence from 1 January 2023, meaning that the first calculation under the new rules will take place on 30 June 2023.
Excise and excise-equivalent customs duty that applies to petrol and diesel will be temporarily reduced by 50%.
The reduction of the fuel excise will be in place for 6 months, beginning at 12:01am on 30 March 2022 and ending at 11:59pm on 28 September 2022.
The new temporary excise rate of 22.1 cents per litre will bring excise below the road user charge for businesses who claim fuel tax credits.
Announcement(11-May-2022) Consultation period(21-Jun-2022) Released
Announcement(23-Feb-2022) Consultation period(29-Apr-2022) Released
Announcement(21-Jun-2022) Consultation Introduced(21-Jun-2022) Passed(24-Jun-2022) Royal Assent Date of effect
Announcement(29-Mar-2022) Consultation Introduced(30-Mar-2022) Passed(30-Mar-2022) Royal Assent(31-Mar-2022) Date of effect(30-Mar-2022)
Are you an NFP with an up-and-coming events? If so, email your event to editor@findgeelong.com.au and we will place it in the paper for FREE.
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