Find Geelong February 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.

TheGeelong

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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Pako Festa dates back to 1983, when the Ethnic Communities Council Inc. got together with Geelong West Traders and Geelong West City Council with an ambitious idea for a community-driven party that celebrated the region’s diverse cultural communities.

Much has changed since 1983. The very first Pako attracted 12,000 people and ended with a tug of war! In 2020, over 100,000 people attended, 2,000 people took part in the street parade and 10,000 people performed on five stages.

These days the festival is organised by Cultura (the new face of Diversitat & MACS) and has grown into Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural party. Some things remain the same. Pako is about community and led by community. The event celebrates and highlights the extraordinary contribution of individuals, cultural groups and multicultural communities in Geelong and across Australia.

Sarturday, 25th February 2023

COVID has affected the event over the past two years, which did not stop us celebrating our local diversity through a reimagined lens. We are truly excited to be able to bring the event back home and stage the 41st Pako Festa in Pakington Street in all of its former glory, a large outdoor street party in the one location.

Join us at Pako Festa and share in the enriching connections of culture. Supported by the Victorian State Government and City of Greater Geelong.

Pako Festa is a free event!

Robot Lawyers

By Warren Strybosch

Have you heard of DoNotPay? It is the first Artificial Intelligent (AI) robot that has been developed to help people in the US to get out of paying parking fees or infringements that were incorrectly issued.

The company was founded in 2015 and will defend its first court case this month. The program will analyze data from past cases to prepare a defense on behalf of person who was issued the parking fine. The AI will even respond to questions in court. DoNotPay has agreed to take on the burden of punishment and pay for the speeding ticket if they fail and the fine has to be paid.

DoNotPay will charge a person $36 to argue the case in court. If they win and continue to do so this will be new breaking technology that is sure to change the landscape of the court system and likely put pressure on lawyers who operate in this space.

DoNotPay believe this will revolutionize the legal system and this is only the beginning. If their AI programs can operate with few errors and more importantly win cases, they will be able to expand their AI into different areas. The benefits of this technology will be vast and it might mean we are seeing an end of litigation as we know it.

People associated with more than 50 cultural groups live harmoniously in our community – with about 18 per cent of our residents settling here after being born overseas.

Presiding over citizenship ceremonies provides great insight into the different roads people travel to call Geelong home.

On 26 January, I had the honour and pleasure of conferring Australian citizenship on 300 community members.

They came from more than 30 countries, including Portugal, India, France, Brazil, Afghanistan, Mexico, Iran and Japan.

Geelong Column

Watching them all stand and join the Geelong Harmony singing group to belt out the national anthem – with joy and pride etched on their faces – was so memorable.

Geelong is being enriched as people from a wide range of backgrounds choose to call it home.

Over the Australia Day long weekend, Councillors also took part in events for the Geelong Nepalese Association and for Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Chinese New Year symbolises renewal and new beginnings, with a focus on embracing the future and deepening bonds with family, friends and community.

These are universal qualities that all residents should embrace, especially as we look forward to Victoria’s largest free multiarts and cultural party.

After some COVID-19 impacted years, Pako Festa is coming back home to Pakington Street, with a large outdoor street party on Saturday 25 February.

The Council is proud to support Cultura (formerly known as Diversitat and MACS) with a $100,000 grant, as it celebrates the region’s diverse cultural communities.

The last time the street party was held in 2020, more than 100,000 people attended and 2000 people took part in the street parade.

February in Geelong is synonymous with Pako Festa, and it’s fantastic to again see it sharing the enriching experience of multiculturalism with as many people as possible.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

The increasing cultural diversity of Geelong is one of our great strengths.

tuning into our senses is an important way to unwind and unplug from the busyness of life.

By Kayte Kitchen

This is the fifth of five publications where we have been running a series of sensory experiences in nature.

Each experience will take about 10 mins and you are encouraged to read through the instructions before you commence your time in nature to maximise your experience.

Find a spot outside where you can sit or lie down comfortably. This could be in your backyard, your local reserve or in a national park. You may like the familiarity of the same place you have practised before or you may like to try somewhere new.

Take a few moments to regulate your breathing and settle into your position.

For this breathing exercise, we will follow a pattern of 4 counts in, holding for 7 and then exhaling for 8.

Follow this pattern, allow it to take all of your focus and to help you unwind.

Repeat for a few minutes.

Allow your breathing to find its natural rhythm once more.

For the next 5 mins we are going to practise tuning into all of our senses while we do a slow walk. You may only move a few metres within the 5 mins, the point of the exercise being to tune in to your senses of sight, smell, hearing and feeling as you go. Draw your attention to the details, get in close to nature, take time to experience the full experience of each moment.

You are trying to slow down your senses, slow down your experience. Try not to allow distractions to come into your mind, be fully present to the experience. If you do get distracted, don’t stop, just tune back in and continue.

When you choose to complete your experience, you may wish to take a moment of gratitude for nature and for the experience you have just had.

Kayte Kitchen is the founder of Admirari Nature Therapy who provide nature experiences for schools, business and individuals. For more information visit admirari.com.au

Baby Boomers most likely to create electric car boom

Interest in electric vehicles is rising in Australia and Baby Boomers have become the most likely generation to buy one of the next-generation vehicles, according to new research.

The survey of 1040 Australian drivers found electric cars had become the third most sought-after vehicle in Australia in 2022, after family and economical models, with older drivers narrowly overtaking Gen Z to become the most likely group to buy one.

But the study, conducted for vehicle subscription service Carbar, also found the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle had soared in the past year, reaching an average annual cost of more than $15,000.

Carbar founder and chief executive Des Hang said the price rises, along with rising interest rates, could hold back car sales in 2023.

The company’s survey, conducted by YouGov, found the average price of owning a car had risen to $15,754 a year – up 78 per cent from 2021 – with the biggest increases to petrol, car repayments and insurance.

The rising charges meant one in three Australians could postpone a car purchase this year, and three per cent planned to sell their vehicle and not replace it.

“Households will become more costconscious,” Mr Hang said.

“People may be thinking twice in regards to upgrading their vehicle and they may be waiting it out to see where the (Reserve Bank) lands if they have a mortgage.”

But he said the study also showed more drivers were considering an electric car for their next ride despite the financial crunch, with older generations more likely than younger drivers to make the swap.

“We saw Baby Boomers had a stronger interest in EVs but Millennials said they would be more cost-conscious about inflationary pressures,” Mr Hang said.

“But there has been an uplift for electric vehicles across the board.”

Retired couple Sandra Templar and Arthur Worsley, from Tasmania, said they

joined the ranks of older electric vehicle drivers in April 2022, taking out a Carbar subscription on a Nissan Leaf after the petrol engine in their car failed.

Mr Worsley said the monthly investment had paid off for them, significantly cutting their energy costs while also ensuring they could try the technology without a large financial outlay.

The couple has covered more than 20,000 kilometres in their electric vehicle so far.

“The (battery) range of the car is probably about 250km which seems to fit into all our needs,” he said.

“There’s a lot of misinformation around about how complex things are with electric cars and it’s not. We just plug into the power point at home and put a 40 per cent charge into it overnight in offpeak.”

Figures from the auto industry showed electric vehicles made up 3.1 per cent of new cars purchased in 2022, though the vehicles were also available on subscription from services including Karmo, AGL, and Hello Cars.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson (Australian Associated Press)

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

Maximum aged care interest rate now exceeds 7%

By Warren Strybosch

The maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR) has increased substantially again this quarter moving from 6.31% to 7.06%. This rate will apply to new residents entering care between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2023.

The MPIR is the maximum rate that can be charged to calculate the daily payments for outstanding accommodation balances. For example, the MPIR is used to calculate the Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) for those not paying 100% of the accommodation payment as a lump sum.

The MPIR is also used when a low means resident converts their Daily Accommodation Contribution (DAC) into a lump sum Refundable Accommodation Contribution (RAC).

Please note, changes to the MPIR generally do not impact existing residents as the rate for each resident is determined at their date of entry. However, the MPIR may change if the resident changes rooms within the same facility so it is always important to confirm with the facility.

Limitations surrounding intra-fund financial planning advice

By Warren Strybosch

Choice-related group, Super Consumers Australia (SCA) has pointed to the limitations of intra-fund advice noting that “any advice from the same company providing the product isn’t independent”.

Intra-fund advice is where a superannuation fund offers in-house advice to their members. The SCA did a so-called ‘road-test’ of the advice provided by superannuation funds to their members and the results were mixed with most funds falling short of providing the type of advice that the clients were looking for.

As a result of the exercise, SCA policy manager, Franco Morelli said people interested in getting advice from their fund needed to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses.

However, he pointed out that a “weakness” of intra-fund advice was that it could not make comparisons with other funds and their products.

“People looking for this information should be aware that they need to look elsewhere, like the government’s free fund comparison tool,” Morelli said.

“This advice also isn’t designed to offer you comprehensive advice which is tailored to you and takes into account a complete view of your finances, circumstances and retirement goals.

“Finally, be aware of the conflicts built into this type of advice. Any advice from the same company providing the product isn’t independent. A fund will have the incentive to get you to stay, or contribute more to their product.”

What has been encourage is that some superannuation funds, like AustralianSuper for instance, recognise

and understand their limitations when it comes to providing advice to their members. They understand that they cannot provide comprehensive advice to their members and where the client’s situation is more complex e.g. when the client may require advice around shares, SMSF, and/or investment properties, AustralianSuper will refer their own clients to other financial planners, outside of AustralianSuper, to those financial planners whom they know and trust will provide sound advice in the best interest of their clients.

The SCA results were not surprising, but a lot of intra-funds already knew this to be the case. That is why the good intrafunds have already aligned themselves with financial planners that are not direct employees of their own superannuation funds, to provide the financial planning advice they know will be better suited to their client’s needs.

Wherever you may be in Australia, there’s likely to be a beach nearby. Either way, you can go for a leisurely stroll or drive to the beach. Bring a picnic hamper with all your favourite things, plus whatever beach stuff you need to have a relaxing date. Make sure you wait till the sun sets to have that perfect romantic ambience to cap off your time together.

Make your time together count

There’s no denying that Valentine’s Day is a romantic day for couples. However, it can also be fraught with stress if you don’t prepare or plan well ahead.

If you need some great ideas on what things you can do with your loved one on Valentine’s Day, here are a few.

1. Serve breakfast in bed.

If you’re doing this at home, wake up extra early to whip up your beloved’s favourite breakfast staples. It could be anything from pikelets with syrup, butter and fruit to The Big Fry (farm-fresh eggs, smoked bacon, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms) or whatever they enjoy eating for breakfast.

2. Go on a staycation.

Enjoy some exclusive couple time by booking a suite in one of the best local hotels. Here, both of you can enjoy breakfast in bed and spend the day as you wish. You can book a couple’s massage, talk about your couple goals,

enjoy a night out, go for a movie or a fancy dinner, or just chill and enjoy each other’s company without any distractions.

3. Re-enact your first date.

There’s nothing like memories to bring back the thrill of your sweet, romantic moments in the past. You can both dress up like you’re going to a prom or ball if that’s how you first dated. Or arrange to meet in front of the movie theatre or restaurant where you met for the first time as an exclusively dating couple. It’s all up to you. Be creative and commit to your part.

4. Compile your favourite couple songs

Playing music that’s meaningful to your relationship is a great way to reminisce about how you fell in love in the first place. Your playlist can include your individual personal favourites aside from your couple and wedding songs.

5. Have a picnic on the beach and watch the sunset.

It’s true you can do all sorts of special things for and with your loved one anytime. However, you can also get caught up in the daily rush and forget— which is precisely why Valentine’s Day is special.

So, to ensure your beloved (and your relationship) gets the attention they deserve, make time to plan and use the ideas shared here to have a memorable Valentine’s date.

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.

(Feedsey Exclusive)

Bringing Money into Australia? The ATO has you in their sites

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Every once in a while, you hear the stories about someone having access to cash from an undisclosed source. You are not 100% sure where they are getting the funds from, but you hear whispers that it might be coming from overseas - being transfer into Australia on their behalf. Well, this is all about to change.

Over the years, the ATO’s data matching capabilities and ability to track funds have increased significantly. Now that banks must disclose transfers and any suspicious activities, it is becoming increasing more difficult for people living in Australia to bring funds in from overseas.

The ATO, has warned everyone that they are increasing their surveillance in the area of money transfers coming into Australia. The ATO believes there are still people living in Australia receiving funds from overseas, who are masking the funds as something else, with the aim to avoid paying tax on that income they receive.

In 2014, the ATO provided an amnesty to those offenders who were receiving funds without disclosing it; to give them a chance to come forward and disclose their omitted offshore income and capital gains, without incurring penalties. However, it is unlikely the ATO will provide such an amnesty now.

The ATO has been working closely with many countries; entering into tax information exchange treaties for data gathering and data matching purposes. The ATO has more power now to access bank accounts to confirm the flow of funds and the ability to cross-check purchases with insurance policies and purchases with the amount of income being declared on returns.

The ATO has made it very clear that if anyone has funds flowing into Australia should have a tax strategy in place to account for those funds and pay the appropriate amount of tax that is due and payable. Otherwise, the ATO has warned that they may face audits, a please explain and possible penalties and fines; with large offenders being taken to court with the potential of facing jail time.

The ATO is really concerned with funds being transferred in the guise of a loan from one unrelated party to another. These are really concern to the ATO and will be monitored very closely. The ATO has gone so far as to say that they will even speak to the person who provided the loan and seek written confirmation that it is indeed a loan.

The ATO has stated that there are provisions in Australian which can be applied to treat a loan as income and people need to be aware that they might be required to pay a lot of tax if they cannot substantiate the funds transferred was actually a loan.

The ATO’s powers are far reaching and they have placed tax practitioners, accountants and other advisors on notice. The ATO has stated that they must make full enquiries to satisfy themselves that any funds transferred into Australia or received by a client are indeed what the client has reported. Otherwise, they themselves, might be caught up in the unauthorised or mischaracterised transaction and be considered duplicity in the client’s dealings; potentially placing themselves at risk of being fined or prosecuted as well.

“It’s timely as Australia continues to attract strong levels of investment, particularly in respect to real estate, both residential and within property development.”

“The ATO has now drawn a line in the sand and committed to scrutinising these transfers closely, so people should ensure they have received the proper tax advice before making a transfer.”

The ATO’s data resources meant another amnesty for offenders - along the lines of Project DO IT in 2014 - was unlikely, Mr Chye said. Project DO IT was a one-off for individuals to disclose omitted offshore income, capital gains and over-claimed deductions with reduced penalties.

“The ATO has significantly more information-gathering powers than it did during the time of the amnesty, increasing its level of resourcing and entering into tax information exchange treaties with other jurisdictions,” he said.

“People seeking to transfer funds into Australia therefore need to ensure their tax structuring is appropriate well before

they physically transfer the funds, or risk interrogation from the ATO and other authorities.”

He said individuals claiming transferred funds - in amounts from $2 million and $50 million - were a loan from an unrelated party should be aware that this would raise an alert at the tax office.

“If taxpayers are saying it’s a loan, then the ATO will speak with the person providing the money as a loan,” he said. “There are provisions in Australian law which can be applied unexpectedly that can treat a loan from overseas as income; if shareholders take money from the company as a loan but it’s not documented properly, for example, it can be treated as income.”

“The ATO’s powers are far reaching and intended to also put advisers on notice and encourage them to dig deeper with clients and their financial affairs, otherwise advisers could be unwillingly supporting mischaracterised amounts coming in, which carries the risk of prosecution.”

Mr Chye said Australia’s unique tax laws meant early investment in tax advice would pay off.

“It reinforces the need for an appropriate level of tax planning before any transactions are undertaken - it’s also an educational opportunity for many new entrants as it can set them up with building and structuring tax advice overtime,” he said.

If a taxpayer was concerned by their level of compliance Mr Chye recommended getting a review conducted to determine their current obligations and create a plan for the future.

“A voluntary disclosure can mitigate against substantial penalties, time, cost and angst of a protracted ATO review or audit,” he said.

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

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.

TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA 2021 & 2022

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.

Warren Strybosch Financial Adviser

hosted by Ben Nash

Leadership Secrets to Inspiring & Motivating your Team

LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

Communication is largely considered to be the backbone of an organisation. However, people have distinctive communication styles shaped by dynamics like culture, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, and class. Therefore, as the world progressively leans towards diversity, it is obvious that we are likely to suffer communication breakdown and misunderstanding.

Without a smooth flow of communication, a company is likely to falter in its productivity. Your team’s morale is likely to go down due to poor communication. Miscommunication also ignites unnecessary conflicts in an organisation.

The first step towards ensuring your business has effective communication is looking at the various styles and types of communication and then settling on the best communication model. You need to assess your employees, find out their communication styles, meet halfway, and work towards building a uniform communication model across the organisation.

Many businesses go to great, expensive lengths to conduct assessments. However, to easily assess people’s communication styles, you can use the Extended DISC assessment.

One of the most useful Extended DISC assessments is the individual behavioural assessment that identifies the strengths and weaknesses of your team members. It can measure at a deeper unconscious level to exclude the impact of the current environment in which your team are experiencing.

Regarding your organisation’s communication style, the Extended DISC assessment system will help you to:

• Understand your team members’ differences and develop a uniform communication model

• Develop your organisation’s communication culture

• Follow up on your team members’ communication performance

• Reduce the effects of poor communication like conflict and turnovers

Aleadermustadjusttheircommunication style to meet their team members’ style andthusmotivate,inspire,andeffectively complete tasks to the best possible outcome. You need to understand two basic perspectives of communication: style and types of communication.

There are four basic styles of communication:

• Passive communication - passive communicators keep it all to themselves and avoid expressing their grievances or giving their opinions.

• Aggressive communication- aggressive communicators are more radical and domineering in expressing their opinions and may infringe on other people’s rights.

• Passive-aggressive communication involves expressing negative feelings indirectly, mostly appearing passive on the outside but very aggressive on the inside. Passive-aggressive communicators are likely to use body language to communicate.

• Assertive communication- assertive communicators express their feelings clearly and directly while respecting other people’s feelings and opinions.

As a leader, you should adjust towards being an assertive communicator. Assertive communication is respectful and dictates that you should be a good listener, respect other people’s opinions and feelings, and be authentic. An organisation with assertive communicators is a critical-thinking and problem-solving organisation. For example, by using assertive communication, you are inclined to listen to and articulate opinions better and agree on what helps the organisation achieve the common goal. Consequently, assertive communication will encourage teamwork and create strong bonds among members.

Communication is also divided into five types:

• Verbal- transmitted via word of mouth

• Non-verbal- body language, eye contact, and touch

• Written- emails, letters, texts

• Visual communication- photographs, graphs

As a leader, it is important to understand that your team members may individually prefer different communication types. For example, some members may prefer a presentation of graphs and videos rather than long meetings or emails. Generally,toadjustyourcommunication style to your team members’ style, you may need to do the following:

• Use a variety of communication styles, for example, the same message in meetings, emails, and slide presentations. This will help you accommodate every team member.

• Reach a consensus with your team members. You may agree to negotiate with your team members and decide what is best for the business. You may forego your personal preferences and improve your decoding skills, for example, forgoing verbal communication as

• your personal preference and having to improve on coding and decoding graphs.

• Be courteous. Like in assertive communication, you need to respect other people’s opinions.

• Listen to feedback. You should listen to what your team members say about your mode of communication, what they prefer, and what you should change.

• Train your team members on the contemporary styles of communication that are mandatory. For example, using PowerPoint presentations and videos in meetings should not be a problem for a team member in organisations where it is considered standard.

Conclusion

Organisations are increasingly becoming diverse, and it is important to have well-defined communication models. Team members and leaders should use a uniform communication model to facilitate smooth communication. As a leader, ensure you use the communication style you want the rest of your staff to use. It is advisable to use assertive communication and bargain on the best communication from verbal,

non-verbal, written, and visual communication or use combinations.

If you’d like to chat about this further and understand more about Extended DISC assessments , reach out and email me, I love to have a chat to support and inspire leaders on how they can best serve their team whilst being true to themselves, and then work out the best way that you can do that. Being trained and qualified in both individual and team assessments places me in the perfect place to assist you to create the right path and hold your assessments should you wish.

Sally Higoe

Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method

www.linkedin.com/in/leadership-development-coach/ sally@team-resilience.com.au

VIDEO PRODUCTION

By Allison Groot

The definition of video content has changed over the last few years. The traditional idea and landscape for the video format was only being used in broadcast, TV commercials and film then as it evolved it was more widely used by large businesses and corporate industries.

Now, technology has changed and advanced so much that video production services and the development of devices has made making your own videos and content more accessible and affordable.

Video content is now defined as any content format that features or includes video. Common forms of video content include live-action videos, interviews, promotional, animation, customer testimonials, vlogs, animated GIFs or infographics, reels, recorded presentations and webinars.

Videos have become fundamental in how we see the world.

In our home life - we make video recordings on our phones for fun, in our work life - we use videos for presentations or use links to video examples and we show clips to our friends that we have seen on Facebook.

So if video is ingrained in our lives… why not use video in our businesses?

Video is versatile and engaging; it gives us a real-life picture of what is going on with our customers; it’s also easy to share across multiple platforms. Customers like it because it’s easy to digest, entertaining and engaging, and marketers like it because

it can give a potentially huge return on investment (ROI) through many different platforms and channels.

Video is also very accessible to anyone with internet access, both to watch and to produce. While there is certainly a trend towards higher quality videos on a professional level, anyone can make a video, reel or story.

Over the last few years, Instagram has shifted from being solely an imagebased content platform to incorporating video like reels and stories, so they see the value of video and have pivoted and shifted their business accordingly.

If a large company like Instagram can change the way they use and view video content …why can’t we.

Here are some examples of different types of videos that can help with customer engagement:

• Promotional

• Interviews

• Company Overview

• Educational

• Product Reviews And Demo Videos

• Character Animation

• Explainers

• Infographic - Facts And Figures

• Live Video - Reels, Stories And Streaming

I would love to talk with you more about how video content can help your business call, email or visit our website for more information. yestodaymedia.com.au

How To Increase Traffic Flow To Your Business

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

How to increase traffic flow to your business

In Australia today there is a mentality of store owners that customers or clients will only buy good that have a discount on the purchase.

There is a growing number of customers that believe if there is a big discount, then that is a result of 1 of 2 scenario’s:

1. There is stock left over and they want to get rid of it because it is not very good.

2. The original price was horrendously overstated.

Either way the offer is not value for money. The internet has given access to us all to check prices readily.

Answer this question are you an entrepreneur or a manager

3. STAFF

Training and industry knowledge is important that they can support the consumers’ needs where applicable offer a substitute that will see increased basket size for you.

4. BUNDLES

Addons to give added value can be in the form of after sales service, set up in home, dressmaking changes as applicable to your business.

5. EVOLUTION of display, both within the store and with your online presence. Have your products make a statement that cannot be refused Not a bigger discount but a better assortment of associated goods, to enable you to become the major destination for your product offer.

To attract online business offer products exclusive to online This can be a great way to trial new products and keep your offer fresh, effective and inviting.

There are five key drivers to bring customers to you.

Do you have:

1. 5 RIGHTS OF BUSINESS:

Right: Products, Price, Time, Quality and Quantity

The Right Products for today’s market

The Right Price be competitive not cheap

The Right Time to sell the products that your customer is looking for

The Right Quality for your consumers end use

The Right Quantity that will maximize sales and not leave you with extra stock

2. EXCLUSIVITY

Of product from the supplier to give you something your competitors don’t have. This could be a new product to the markets. A Gift with purchase, a bundle of goods showing a saving at a higher initial cost.

With the product offer right you need to let the customer know, who you are and what you offer. Not through reducing prices but by creating the right environment for them to shop on

Create Theatre in the store and on your web site. This will create a level of interest that will draw consumers back to see what is new and different in your business regularly.

Decorating your windows with amazing themes adds to the theatre and curiosity. Follow this through with your marketing and instore displays. Constantly changing your windows, your online presence and your displays will engage your customers to look for new initiatives that will evoke an interest to discover more and continue to come back for the next instalment.

Place draw cards/ mark downs and lost leaders, at the back of the store. This will entice customers into the store to explore the draw cards and see your range of regular goods.

Where possible a lost leader is a great way to capture the attention of customers to explore others in your store and online. Looking for more bargains. Trial new products regularly to keep them coming back to your differentiators from your competitors.

Keep your marketing, signage and advertising emotive to pull on your client’s heart strings where possible. Recurring customers do not like to be manipulated: they love to be inspired to want the best intown. To keep up with the latest trends

Alvin Toffler was way ahead of his time when he said:

It is time to look at what you have learned – what you need to let go of (unlearn) – and what you can learn from today’s discerning customers

1. Be first to market

2. Know what is on trend

3. Have profitable lost leaders

4. Have an irresistible offer they can’t go past

5. Maintain store and window displays that entice customers through the door.

If you are not sure how to do that in your business ring Deb Fribbins on 05400524451 or make an appointment at https:// calendly.com/deb-fribbins/appointmentwith-purpose?month=2023-02 and let us explore your options together.

I have been asked to be an Attorney for someone under a Power of Attorney document….. What does that mean?

LAWYERS

By John Van Beveren

As difficult as it is to think about, we don’t want to leave the hard decisions to our families when they are already suffering. At the same time as drafting your Will, we highly recommend you also put in place documents that plan for any future incapacity.

Powers of Attorney and Medical Decision Maker documents ensure that if a person becomes unable to make decisions about their finances, medical treatment or living arrangements, then the person who you trust to make these decisions can do so unhindered.

Powers of attorney are legal documents that allow you to choose who will make decisions about financial and personal matters if a person is unable to make the decisions themselves.

An enduring power of attorney authorises an eligible attorney to do anything on behalf of the person that a person can lawfully do by an attorney, and deals with lifestyle matters, including place of residence and restriction of any visitors detrimental to the wellbeing of the principal.

Some of the main points of how a power of attorney operates:

• The principal must be 18 or over and have decision making capacity at the time of making a power of attorney.

• The appointment is not effective in respect to the attorney and/or any alternative attorney until a statement of acceptance in the prescribed form is executed.

• The attorney’s authority is restricted to carry out only the acts specifically listed within the power of attorney, subject to restrictions that limit the things a principal can lawfully authorise an attorney to do.

• A person dealing with an attorney acting because a principal does not have decision-making capacity for the matter can ask for evidence to establish the lack of the principal’s decision-making capacity.

• An attorney under an enduring power of attorney is not entitled to any remuneration, gifts or benefits unless specifically authorised by the instrument of appointment as enduring power of attorney.

Revocation of Appointment

The appointment can be revoked by the Principal whilst they have capacity, in the prescribed form. Once the principal loses capacity, the principal will be unable to revoke the power. The appointment ends upon the principal’s death.

An attorney may (or may not) be able to resign, depending upon whether the principal has decision making capacity:

• An alternative attorney may resign as alternative attorney for that matter at any time when the principal has decision making capacity for the matter. This must be done in the Prescribed Form and notify the Principal and any other Attorneys accordingly

• An attorney may resign as attorney when the principal does not have decision making capacity for the matter—

° if there is another attorney who has power for the matter; or

° if there is no other attorney who has power for the matter but there is an alternative attorney who has power for the matter who is able and willing to act; or

° with leave from VCAT or the Supreme Court.

Power of Attorney – laws in different states of Australia

This power, as well as Revocation and Attorney forms, is only for use in the state it is made and is for execution in that state. If the principal needs a power for interstate or overseas matters, s/he may need to make a power under their laws. The laws of some other states and territories in Australia may give effect to this enduring power of attorney; however, you should not assume this will be the case and will need to confirm whether the laws of the state or territory concerned will in fact recognise this enduring power of attorney.

Power of Attorney and Wills – The Difference

The effect of a Power of Attorney becomes null and void after the Principal passes away, and that is when a Will takes effect and whoever is appointed as Executor of the Will has authority to maintain the estate’s assets in accordance with the Will.

Generally, attorneys are not entitled to access or review the principal’s will. A principal may authorise an attorney to access and review a copy of their will. Accessing the will may be necessary where an attorney is required to sell the principal’s property to care for them; however, they do not wish to sell specifically bequeathed assets.

Responsibilities of an attorney

If called upon to exercise your functions as attorney you have the following obligations:

• Keep your money and property separate from the Principal’s money and property;

• Keep reasonable accounts and records of all dealings with Principal’s money and property;

• Not benefit from being an attorney unless you have been expressly authorised.

• Always act in the Principal’s best interests

• Always act honestly in all matters concerning the Principal’s legal and financial affairs.

• Keep the principal’s matters confidential unless disclosure is specified in the power or required by law; and

• Avoid acting where there is any conflict between the interests of the principal and the attorney.

The power gives the attorney the authority to buy and sell real estate, shares and other assets for the principal, to operate the principal’s bank accounts, to spend the principal’s money on behalf of the principal and to exercise many other powers.

Offences for dishonestly obtaining or using an enduring power of attorney, including those powers which pre-date the Power of Attorney Act – are included in the Act. In Victoria, The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has the power to order an attorney to pay compensation for any loss caused by the attorney contravening the Act.

At Van Beveren Lawyers, we can help and provide you with professional legal advice about how Power of Attorney and Medical Appointment of Decision Maker works. Contact our compassionate team at Van Beveren Lawyers today!

Van

high-quality, timely and tailored legal solutions with price certainty Australia-wide. We focus on quality services, building relationships and forging longterm partnerships. Together, we invest in your ongoing success.

•

• Family Law

• Business Law

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• Immigration Law

• Criminal Law

• Probate

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Beveren Lawyers based in Geelong provide

How does salary packaging work?

By Dan Nicholls

Looking for a simple explanation? Salary packaging or salary sacrifice can seem confusing to the uninitiated, but here is a basic breakdown of how it works. When you get paid by your employer, your income comes in two forms. Your pre-tax income is known as your gross pay, and your take-home pay is known as your net pay, the difference between the two is the amount of tax you pay. If you decide to use salary packaging, you’ll be able to use an amount of your pre-tax income to pay for a range of eligible lifestyle expenses.

I still don’t understand salary packaging

Fair enough. There are plenty of people out there who press the snooze button as soon as they hear the word ‘tax’. But this is good news. Salary packaging means you pay less tax on your income. How? Let’s say you go to pay a bill. You’ve just been paid, and your tax has been deducted and sent to the tax office. That means the money you use to pay the bill is from your taxed, take-home pay. The beauty of salary packaging is that it lets you access your pre-tax income to pay the bills or expenses of your choice. You nominate what you would like to pay for up to a certain amount, and the bill or expense will be paid before your pay goes into your account. Salary packaging unlocks a part of your gross pay so you can use it to make tax-free payments on living expenses such as mortgage payments, childcare fees, car repayments, insurance, utility bills and much more.

Who can do salary packaging or salary sacrificing?

It depends on your employer and their Fringe Benefit Tax status. Put in simpler

terms, salary packaging is of greatest benefit to employees in specific industries. For example, if you work in the public hospital and health sector, or for a charity/not-for-profit organisation you can access your pre-tax salary to pay for expenses or devices.

So how much do you get to spend of these tax-free dollars? As an example, Jenny is a nurse working for a public hospital. Jenny gets a salary packaging allowance of $9,010 per year meaning Jenny can pay for some of her living expenses from her pre-tax income up to this amount per year. Plus, Jenny has an additional meal and entertainment allowance of $2,650.

How much does that work out to per pay packet? If the pay cycle is fortnightly, (there are 26 fortnights in a year), Jenny will get $346.54 per pay - tax free - that can be used towards living expenses, and $101.92 per pay to use towards meals and entertainment.

Here’s another example. Robert works for a charity, also known as a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) and earns $70,000 per year and claims the tax-free threshold. This means $51,800 of Robert’s pay is taxable but as a PBI employee, Robert can access up to $15,900 of his pre-tax salary through salary packaging.

So, Robert’s $51,800 taxable income minus $15900 (RFB) = $35,900 taxable income. Robert can also get a meals and entertainment allowance of $2,650. This takes Robert’s taxable income down even further from $35,900 to $33,250.

As you can see, there is clearly some substantial tax advantages for both Jenny and Robert by salary packaging to their full entitlements.

But how do I get access to the money?

Technically you don’t get access to the funds. The salary packaged amounts are paid to your nominated expense via

your salary packaging provider. Your employer puts the rest into your bank account after they’ve sent the salary packaged amounts to your supplier and then taken the applicable tax. You’ll need to provide them proof of whatever expense you decide to package. For meals and entertainment, you can get a card pre-loaded with your salary packaged funds that you can use just like you would a debit card. By using your pre-tax salary through salary packaging, you’ll also pay less tax on your remaining income which means more dollars in your pocket.

How does that mean more dollars in my pocket?

The tax office only takes tax away from your taxable income. Any amount you nominate for salary packaging can’t be touched by the tax office. Because less taxable income will be going into your account after salary packaging amounts are taken out, you will get more of your take-home pay than you would have if your total gross pay was taxed. It is understood that it can be confusing, but rest assured you could be better off. It’s also totally legal and approved by the ATO.

I don’t work in health or for a charity. What else can I do?

Are you interested in a shiny new car? Novated leasing can be offered by all employers in the private and public sectors. Basically, you can make all your car repayments - and package your car’s running costs - using a combination of your pre-tax and take-home salary. Novated leases are also available on electric vehicles, so you never have to pay for petrol again. It’s easy to set up and can quickly get you behind the wheel of a brand new car without the need for you to arrange your own car loan or budget all your running costs yourself. Novated leases actually save you money over the life of the lease. Read more here

Does that explain salary packaging?

If you have any questions at all, we’re here to help with real people ready to answer any queries you have. Give us a call at The Salary Packaging People on 03 5229 4200 or send us a message online.

SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES

The “in” colours for 2023

PAINTING

& DECORATING

The last two of three years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions have highlighted on the importance of serenity and little moments. Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech says, “We have all reacted to the upheavals of the last couple of years in different ways – some people crave lightness and whimsy, whilst others seek order and reassurance.”

This year we see richer colour trends compared to last year but inspiration from nature is still in favour. There is a strong pull toward warm colours, especially warm yellow tones. Paint company Dulux has chosen Wild Wonder as its Colour of the Year 2023. It adds a warm and slightly earthy tone to a room. A warm yellow is versatile. In modern homes, it adds warmth and colour and in older-style houses, it enhances the historic feeling of the home as it’s a tone that has been used in homes for centuries.

Dulux have also put together three colour palettes from the extensive range as the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023. The three palettes are inspired by a connection to nature, a desire for balance and calm and revitalisation of our spirits with joy and play.

Balance

Balance is a colour palette of serene oceanic blues and weathered pastels that create a still and calm atmosphere in your home. It features serene marine blues and gentle greens for those wanting a simple but sophisticated look. Colours by coastlines – most appropriate for Geelong – such as Kimberley Sea and Nephrite are paired with the richness of Deep Garnet in a combination that perfectly elevates inner-city apartments or terrace homes

Balance is very much inspired by “less is more”, with minimal detailing and a restrained approach to decorating. “The focus is on immersive colour and the beauty of complex, structured patterns found in nature, such as a simple seashell or fern frond,” Bree says.

Connect

The Connect palette brings rich colours of the great outdoors inside our homes. These earth-based colours emulate a great connection to nature and reflect a simpler lifestyle.

Featuring earthy tones of moss, wasabi, sandstone, cinnamon, muddied yellowgreen and burnt charcoal, the palette reflects activities like hiking, cooking, quilting and gardening by combining classics like Whisper White with warmer colours such as Bongo Skin and Basset Brown for inviting feature walls.

glimmering emerald. If you want a funfilled space with personality, this is the palette for you!

Sunshine yellow, gold and breezy blues paired with Dulux’s Purple Celebration wil be instant mood-boosters. Too bright? Soften them with Princess Pink and Pink Chi, or add deeper hues such as cobalt blue and emerald.

Pairing retro influences with futuristic features, such as pixel patterns and digital art, the Revive palette cleverly merges the past and present. It’s colourful with a look-at-me accent.

Don’t know which one to choose? For all painting and colour advice, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@ bigpond.net.au We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.

The muddied yellow-green produces a nostalgic, country-house feel, contrasted with rich, purple-brown that adds an indulgent and contemporary twist.

Revive

The eclectic bright hues of the Revive colour palette add joy to your home with some nostalgic elements.

Dulux’s latest forecast suggests that playful, happy colours are set to brighten up our everyday lives. Imagine peachy pinks, cobalt blues, lavender and

Steve Dahllof

UNDERSTANDING INVERTER TECHNOLOGY AND TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR AIR CONDITIONING RUNNING COSTS DOWN

HEATING AND COOLING

By Stacey Dalton

When it comes to air conditioners, inverters monitor the power supply frequency of the motor. It is a small computer-type system that is programmed to adjust how the units cool or heat. There is a variable speed compressor in an inverter AC, which means it is a multi-speed type.

Meanwhile, a non-inverter only has one speed, which is fixed at all times.

Turning on any AC system is the most expensive and most functional part of running an AC. So, by not constantly turning off and on, inverter air conditioners are much more efficient, use less energy, and likely will last longer because there is less wear and tear on the components of the system.

EXTRA POINTS TO KEEP THE INSIDE TEMP DOWN. THIS IN TURN, ALLOWS YOUR AC SYSTEM TO RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY.

1. Throw some shade around the house. ...

2. Cover your windows. ...

3. Get smart about your thermostat. ...

4. Install ceiling fans. ...

5. Service your AC. ...

6. Go with an alternative cooling system. ...

7. Seal the leaks to minimize heat entering. ...

8. Avoid using the stove and oven.

Precision Plumbing Heating and Cooling Services

We have the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure that you receive nothing but the best service. Our reputation has been developed through hard work and reliability.

• DUCTING GAS HEATING

• AIR CONDITIONING

• HYDRONIC HEATING

• HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Factory 3, 14-16 Birkitt Place, South Geelong VIC 3220 03 5221 0052

info@precisionac.com.au

STACEY DALTON

https://precisionplumbingheatingandcooling.com.au/ Heating and Cooling

Emotional Connections are Built Through Branding and Signage

By Tim & Narelle 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 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.

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.

SIGNWRITER

Signarama Geelong West 0479 046 496

geelongwest@signarama.com.au

Tim & Narelle Knott

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Warren Strybosch

Advisers are rallying around the prospect of upfront financial planning advice fees becoming tax deductible after the ATO announced a review of Tax Determination 95/60 recently.

The financial planning profession has faced some significant challengers over the past 10 years and more so in recent years. So much so, the number of licenced financial planners has fallen from 31,000 down to just under 16,000. No other profession has experienced such a loss of members, and with nearly 50% of financial planning members exiting in such a short period of time, government and other organisations are reviewing what when wrong and what they can now do to rebuild the profession.

Whilst the numbers have dropped significantly, most people, even the financial planners who have remained, believe the regulatory changes were necessary to move the financial planning industry away from a sales-driven culture into profession focused on client needs and objectives first and foremost and making sure the client’s best interest were always placed at the forefront of any advice being provided.

Even so, with so many advisors leaving the profession, it has now resulted in more Australians finding it difficult to afford financial planning advice. With the increased regulatory burden placed on financial planners, their workload has tripled over the last 5 years, and with fewer financial planners able to provide advice, it is no wonder financial planning fees have increased. It is believed the average fee beingen charged across Australia is approximately $3,580 per client per annum. This means some advisors are charging less and some are charging more than the $3,580 per annum but one thing is for sure, this increase in fees and likely future

increases, is likely to place financial planning advice outside of the reach of most everyday Australians.

As such, the federal government, has once again, placed the idea of taxdeductible financial planning fees back on the table. This is exciting news for financial planners and clients alike and may be what is needed to enable more Australians to seek advice and help the profession encourage a new wave of financial planners to join the profession.

Under an existing tax rule, a fee paid by investors for the creation of a financial plan isn’t tax deductible. However, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently said it was reviewing this rule contained in Tax Determination 95/60.

Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) CEO, Sarah Abood, has welcomed the review after lobbying hard for the ATO to reconsider the ruling. One of the quickest and easiest ways to make quality financial advice more affordable for consumers would be to make it “taxdeductible in full”, she said.

“The ATO’s commitment to issue a new Tax Determination – indicating its willingness to modernise its long-standing view on this important issue – will provide more certainty to our members and the broader community of Australians who benefit from comprehensive financial advice,” she said.

Tax write-off would boost advice seeking

Warren Strybosch, Founder of the Find Group of companies including Find Wealth and Find Retirement, recently stated that affordability is a genuine concern. “We need to find a way to make advice more affordable. The problem is that our costs are being driven up by forces outside of our control. We are doing what we can do reduce costs but there is only so much that can be done. The government needs to step in and make this change. Only then will we start to

address the issue of advice and affordability, Strybosch says.

We are excited about the opportunities that this change could provide our profession and will keep you posted in future articles if in fact this proposal becomes legislation, as a profession all Financial Planners want to see that Financial Planning is affordable for all Australians, as the evidence suggest that seeking financial planning advice can pay off. The Financial Services Council estimates that professional advice can leave people better off in retirement by as much as $91,000 or more.

Whatever your goals and ambitions, it’s really important to get moving now and start planning for your best financial future.

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/

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

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should 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-to-date 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.

Good vibrations help extend battery life

Shreya Vats (Australian Associated Press)

A nanomaterial exposed to highfrequency sound waves could be the key to extending the life span of mobile phone batteries to almost a decade.

Researchers at Melbourne’s RMIT university believe MXene can be an alternative to extensively used lithium for batteries in the future.

MXene is a class of two-dimensional inorganic compounds first discovered in 2011 and is a highly adaptable material that can have a wide range of technological applications.

In the global shift from fossil fuels to other energy technologies, RMIT researchers believe MXene could prove to be an environmentally sound replacement for lithium, a key component of batteries.

However, the material tends to rust easily after use, hindering it’s electrical conductivity.

In their studies to address the limitations of the material, researchers found an efficient way to reuse rusted MXene.

Using sound waves at a certain highfrequency can remove rust from the nanomaterial, getting it to it’s original state.

Associate Professor Amgad Rezk said the materials replacing lithium will suffer degradation with time.

“With acoustics, the ability to remove the rust will allow us to extend the life of the battery or recycle it in some sense,” he said.

Co-lead author Hossein Alijani said exposing the oxidised Mxene film to the high-frequency vibrations for just a minute was enough to remove the rust.

“This simple procedure allows its electrical and electrochemical performance to be recovered,” he said.

The researchers hope the discovery could increase usage of MXene for batteries and in turn, extend a battery’s use from about three years to up to nine years.

A national battery recycling scheme was launched in early 2022 as households were only recycling 10 per cent of the batteries they used.

Planet Arc’s recycling campaigns manager, Rachael Ridley, said different battery types contained both toxic and valuable materials and recycling them could keep the toxic materials out of landfill to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.

“It also ensures the valuable materials in batteries are recycled into something new,” she said.

Complaints are up by 24% compared to last year.

By Warren Strybosch

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority continues to see much higher complaint numbers in FY23 across all sectors, with December 2022 complaint volumes up 24% compared to December 2021.

This follows more than 9,000 complaints in November 2022 and more than 8,000 complaints in October 2022.

AFCA has now received 45,704 complaints since 1 July 2022 – a 33% increase compared the first six months of the previous financial year (1 July to 31 December 2021), where AFCA received 34,476 complaints.

The banks and general insurers lead the way and there has been a drop in complaints related to personal insurance and superannuation.

Read More

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Whilst it’s commonly known that excessive drinking causes liver damage, there are many other toxins that are processed through the liver. The human body is exposed to toxins daily from the air we breathe, the water we drink, plastics, chemical cleaning products, cosmetics, medications, recreational drugs, cigarette smoke, and the list goes on. At some point, the liver becomes overloaded, and the detoxification process is impaired.

Signs of poor liver detoxification

• Liver damage

• Gallbladder disease

• Fatty liver and high cholesterol

• Migraines

• High blood sugar

• Allergies

• Poor digestion

• Nausea

• Sugar cravings

• Menstrual irregularities

• Eczema/dermatitis

• Stress

• Fatigue

The detoxification process

The liver detoxifies though three phases and is the most important organ in metabolism. The first phase is a process of chemical breakdown of the toxins; the second phase prevents oxidative damage to the body from the products produced in the phase one; and the third phase removes the final products of detoxification from the liver though the gall bladder to the bowels.

How to support the liver

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are an important part of the second phase of detoxification and can reduce inflammation which leads to liver dysfunction. All fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants, but the most effective vegetables are garlic, onion, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli; while berries, apples, citrus fruit, and grapes are the most beneficial fruit choices.

Dietary fibre

Fibre is important in regulating blood sugar, as fuel for a healthy gut microbiome, preventing constipation, absorbing bile and reducing the formation of gallstones. It is found in wholegrains, fruit and vegetables.

does your liver need a detox?

Fats

Fats are important to stimulate bile, reduce gallstones, and reduce inflammation. Essential fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and grass-fed meat. Avoid trans fats (found in many packaged snacks and fast foods) and deep fried foods.

Exercise

Find something within your capabilities that you enjoy and move your body most days.

Reduce toxins

Sugar is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and liver disease. Reduce refined sugar and eat fruit or natural sugars as an alternative. Look out for chemical food additives in all processed foods: colours, flavours, and preservatives, and choose natural food products. If possible, eat organic foods which are free from herbicides and pesticides. Use natural cleaning products in your home, as well as personal cleaning products and cosmetics. Drinking filtered or spring water is preferred and spend time in nature breathing in the fresh air.

Special offer

Herbal medicines are very effective in detoxifying the liver and these herbs can be combined with antioxidant and other herbs.

Herbal medicines are very effective in detoxifying the liver and these herbs can be combined with antioxidant and other herbs.

For the month of February we are offering:

• acute liver detoxification appointment

• 1 bottle of liver tonic (individually made for you and your symptoms)

Only $80 (normally $110)

Available in person in Ferntree Gully, or video telehealth appointment.

https://wholenaturopathy.com.au/liverdetox/

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

Raising the roof for more female trade apprentices

Dressed in high-vis and working on a roof, Meliha Birkett is the one per cent.

She is one of roughly 65 female roof tilers in Australia, among 6500 people employed in the trade.

Ms Birkett, 19, began working with her dad Paul to save up for an overseas trip, but loved the job so much she took on an apprenticeship last year.

“When I started, I looked at all the guys and thought ‘that’s not for me’,” she told AAP.

“But then you watch yourself get better, do all the things you never thought you would be able to do and you get stronger.”

The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research show there were 128,125 women doing apprenticeships and traineeships in the June quarter last year, a yearly rise of 36 per cent.

The number of women starting trade apprenticeships has grown slowly over the last five years, averaging 14 per cent of tradies in training.

But the challenge is getting women onto work sites, as they represent only 11 per cent of those who complete their apprenticeships.

In some states, including NSW, as little as two per cent of tradespeople are women.

Industry groups and state governments are behind a renewed push to encourage women to work in traditionally maledominated trades through grants programs and awareness campaigns, particularly as the nation deals with a prolonged skills shortage.

Regional training provider Verto found the growth of women starting apprenticeships is slow, but attitudes are shifting.

“There’s still a lack of awareness, especially for female students, that apprenticeships are a viable career,” chief executive Ron Maxwell said.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but barriers are starting to break down.”

Verto surveyed more than 1000 young women in 2020, finding sexism is a key concern for those who have taken up apprenticeships or are thinking about it.

Tradeswomen Australia, a not-for-profit organisation working on better gender representation in skilled trades, said the federal government’s jobs summit last year was a “watershed moment” in recognising women’s inequitable workplace participation.

Mr Maxwell said along with concerns about discrimination, parents’ and teachers’ perceptions can hinder entry into trades.

“If they’ve got someone in their ear, saying, ‘you have to go to university’ … they won’t even consider a trade.

“It’s about keeping an open mind. Trades are a source of aspiration because you can go so far, it’s entirely up to you.”

Ms Birkett said her experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and some of her female friends have enjoyed their carpentry and electrical apprenticeships.

“It would be cool to see more women doing it, and also being in leadership roles in trades,” she said.

“They have a way of dealing with things that works really well.”

In its submission on the federal government’s Employment White Paper, the group said the terms of reference should include the impact of gender inequity and discrimination in highlygendered sectors like trades.

Stephanie Gardiner (Australian Associated Press)

Self-education removal of deduction limitation

Individuals will now have the ability to claim a higher deduction for self-education expenses. From the 2022–23 income year, legislation that limited the self-education deduction to costs above $250 each income year has been repealed. In order to claim a self-education deduction, an individual must demonstrate a necessary connection of the expense with their assessable income.

The announcement, which recently became law after receiving royal assent, originally came from the 2021 Federal Budget and is somewhat related to a Treasury discussion paper released in December 2020. However, other matters addressed in the paper, such as deductions for expenses unrelated to current employment, have not been taken further at this stage.

Announcement(11-May-2021)

Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed(28-Nov-2022)

Royal Assent(12-Dec-2022)

Date of effect(1-Jul-2022)

Starting from 1 July 2023, operators of sharing economy platforms will be required to report transactional information to the ATO. The Taxable Payments Reporting System already applies to some businesses in industries where non-compliance is deemed to be high risk. By adding operators of sharing economy platforms to the regime, taxpayers who hold or use assets for short-term lease or contract work will also have their information collected.

The identification of users of sharing economy platforms means that, as an adviser, you should be informing taxpayers who earn income off these platforms about their tax obligations. This includes operators of shortterm accommodation, ride-sharing transport and food delivery platforms. Also, other task or time-based service platforms will be required to report for income years beginning on 1 July 2024.

ABNs to be cancelled for late lodgments

Australian Business Number (ABN) holders will now be required to be more accountable and comply with annual income tax lodgment obligations.

First announced in the 2018–19 Federal Budget as an integrity measure, this exposure draft legislation seeks to strengthen disruptions to black economy and tax avoidance behaviour.

Currently, ABN holders are able to retain their ABNs regardless of whether or not they meet income tax obligations. This measure will provide more accountability on enterprises by giving the regulator the ability to cancel ABNs. This means advisers need to ensure clients keep their lodgments up to date, or at least keep a clear line of communication with the ATO.

ATO scrutiny of s 100A family trust arrangements

The ATO has finalised TR 2022/4 and PCG 2022/2 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. Along with these regulatory resources, 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.

Announcement(25-Aug-2021)

Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed(28-Nov-2022)

Royal Assent(12-Dec-2022)

Date of effect(1-Jul-2023)

Announcement(12-Apr-2019)

Consultation(29-Nov-2022)

Introduced

Passed

Royal Assent

Date of effect

Announcement(23-Feb-2022)

Consultation period(29-Apr-2022)

Released(8-Dec-2022)

TAX UPDATES

Crypto assets to be specifically excluded as foreign currency

Crypto assets are to be specifically excluded as a foreign currency within income tax and GST legislation.

The legislation maintains the current tax treatment of crypto assets such as Bitcoin and removes uncertainty following the decision of the Government of El Salvador to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender.

When the legislation receives royal assent, the new laws will be in effect from income years that include 1 July 2021.

Individual tax residency framework reform

The individual tax residency rules will be replaced by a new framework with a primary physical presence test.

Under the new primary test, a person who is physically present in Australia for 183 days or more in any income year will be an Australian resident for tax purposes. Individuals who do not meet the primary test will be subject to secondary tests that consider a combination of physical presence and other measurable criteria.

These new rules contrast with the current rules which look at the ordinarily resides test as the primary indicator to reviewing Australian residency.

Changes to the individual tax residency rules will be required to go through the legislative process and will commence after royal assent has been given.

Announcement(6-Sep-2022)

Consultation(6-Sep-2022)

Introduced(23-Nov-2022)

Passed

Royal Assent

Date of effect(1-Jul-2021)

Announcement(11-May-2021)

Consultation

Introduced

Passed Royal Assent

Date of effect

“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.

Announced: 27-Feb-2019

Updated: 20-Jan-2023

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.

Announcement(3-Aug-2022)

Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed(28-Nov-2022)

Royal Assent(12-Dec-2022)

Date of effect(12-Mar-2023)

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Not-For-Profit Of the

Grassroots to genU

In 1952, a group of Geelong parents dreamed of a world where disability would not stand in the way of their children reaching their full potential. They established ‘Karingal’, a play centre to enable their children to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

It took vision and hard work from these parents — and those that joined them along the way — to fight for their children’s rights and advocate for people with disability. As the children grew, so did their needs for education, employment, and somewhere to call home. With community support and tireless fundraising, Karingal expanded its services.

By the 1970s, Karingal had added a workshop, plant farm, respite care and more to its services. In the decades that followed, Karingal merged with St Laurence, added employment and training services, and acquired organisations including IPA recruitment and Northern Support Services.

Today, Karingal is known as genU, a national not-for-profit organisation supporting around 67,000 Australians each year. As a ‘profit-for-purpose’ organisation focused on building inclusive communities, genU reinvests surpluses to deliver a diverse range of community services – all to support people with disability and mental health challenges, ageing Australians, students, and the unemployed. Visit

Through Seasons Café and Catering, genU delivers high quality, healthy food services while creating employment opportunities for people with disability.

Like Aaron, who has been employed by genU Business Enterprises for more than seven years. The Barista and Café All Rounder currently works in the Highton Season’s café and is renowned for his exceptional customer service.

“The best part of my job is making the coffees and upselling the muffins!” Aaron said.

“I get to be more social and have learned to cook new things. It’s built my confidence and I’m always happy. It makes me smile.”

Every purchase from Seasons Cafe and Catering supports the careers of people with disability.

Do Genuine GooD support the careers of people with disability

the month

Visit

Seasons North Geelong

77–79 Douro St

North Geelong, VIC 3215

Mon–Fri, 6:30am–2:00pm

Seasons Highton

genU Support Hub

21 Reynolds Road

Highton, VIC 3216

Mon–Fri, 7:00am–3:00pm

Seasons East Geelong

285a McKillop St

East Geelong, VIC 3219

Mon–Fri, 7:00am–4:00pm

Sat, 9:00am–2:00pm

Other ways you can make a difference

Hire or buy from other genU social enterprises who help build the careers of people with disability. Services and products include:

Landscaping and grounds maintenance

Community nursery and horticulture

Venue hire (East Geelong)

Commercial food preparation

Handmade artisan products from The Otway Kitchen

Warehousing and packaging

Document shredding and management

Commercial laundry.

a Season’s café’s today or go to book catering for your next event.

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.

sally higoe

•

Unlike other leadership experts, Sally is uniquely worldexperienced having lead high-performing teams in high-pressure outlying remote environments. This experience across multiple countries has amplified her ability to know what it takes to build resilience and understand team-culture first-hand.

Her greatest learning however, was to recognise that when a leader ‘shines’ from the inside-out, they’re able to influence a ripple of positive change, generating impact that then gives rise for others to shine… and she wants to share her know-how!

Sally works with leaders in new roles who are feeling flustered, confused and borderline incapable and turns them into a Lion-hearted star - bold, present, courageous and energised - but most importantly, capable of tapping into and leaning on their true classic self for simplicity in their decision making!

Sally has a pragmatic approach and is known for ‘being herself’. She’s developed the admirable ability to take this to any situation, lead with volition as required - without the need to conform to outside pressuresand still obtain outstanding results… and she’s on a mission to help leaders in new roles reach this level too. Sally will ensure you find your classic sparkle and reach your destination with clarity whilst you navigate changing times.

Sallywouldlovetoworkwithleaderswhoare18months or less in a new role, in a service-based industry who is experiencing the above personal challenges around their role. sally@team-resilience.com.au

• Leaders Resilience Coach

Find Geelong Facilitator

council news

Council seeks recognition on trees

To find out more about the more than 165,000 trees the City of Greater Geelong manages in our parks, reserves and streets, visit our Urban Forest Dashboard.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“Council’s decision last night reflects a strong commitment to make Greater Geelong a greener place.

We know that more trees make areas more liveable and cooler, clean the air, support biodiversity and improve our wellbeing.

Feedback from the community through engagement for the One Million Trees Plan and our Sustainability Framework Action Plan 2020–2022 strongly suggests it would support acknowledgement of our Urban Forest management.”

As part of ongoing sustainability efforts to increase the region’s tree canopy, Council will apply for the City of Greater Geelong to be recognised as a Tree City of the World.

The program is an initiative of the United Nations and the Arbor Day Foundation to recognise cities committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed and celebrated.

Only seven Australian cities out of 139 cities around the world are recognised and the City of Greater Geelong would be the first in Victoria if successful.

There are several benefits of being recognised as a Tree City of the World, including:

• supporting the City of Greater Geelong’s sustainability initiatives by promoting the importance of trees and the health and biodiversity outcomes that they help deliver

• raising the profile of our commitment to a cool green city

• connecting to a global network of cities practicing urban forestry excellence and

• meeting an action of the City’s Urban Forest Strategy to strengthen partnerships with other greening agencies.

The Arbor Day Foundation requires cities to be able to demonstrate a commitment to caring for the urban forest, have a team responsible for tree management, have tree management rules in place, have an inventory and dedicated resources and celebrate trees.

Councillor Jim MasonEnvironment portfolio chair

“Collaborating and getting new ideas from other cities on tree management is another step towards our Clever and Creative future.

Being a Tree City of the World would allow us to gain valuable insights into the most successful approaches to managing urban trees and forests.

Our current tree population, from the Eucalyptus and Acacia species in the You Yangs to the Moonah Woodlands on the Bellarine Peninsula, would benefit from this and pave the way for increased tree canopy.”

Apply for our

Ocean Grove District Ride Centre reference group

Councillor Stephanie Asher, Bellarine Ward:

“It’s vital that we consider the many different positions that are held in relation to the development of the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre.

The City of Greater Geelong is calling on community members to consider becoming a part of the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre Community Reference Group.

A District Ride Centre is a bike facility that includes features such as a jump park, pump track, and skills and trials area.

Joining the reference group will provide an opportunity to assist with progressing the detailed design of the District Ride Centre.

Council has noted that Kingston Park, Ocean Grove, is the preferred location for a District Ride Centre.

The Community Reference Group will comprise up to 12 people and provide information, advice, and views regarding specific issues, ideas, and suggestions to inform the design.

The City is striving for diverse membership to bring a broad range of perspectives for the design of the District Ride Centre.

The Community Reference Group will meet for three workshops of up to three hours, in Ocean Grove, across March, April and May 2023.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan:

“It’s important that we have a range of perspectives contributing to the conversation, so we hope to draw on people with a variety of connections to Kingston Park.

A facility like this has the potential to be of real value to Ocean Grove residents, along with being another attraction to those visiting the Bellarine Peninsula.”

There are many things to consider when it comes to moving the detailed design forward and I encourage all stakeholders to think about sharing their thoughts on the concept.”

All applicants will be notified of the outcomes of the selection process in writing.

Applications can be made by visiting this page.

The submission period closes on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

Residents can now access free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) at many of the City’s libraries, leisure facilities and customer service centres.

The COVID-19 detection tests can be picked up by all community members from the following locations:

Customer Service Centres

• Corio Customer Service Centre

• Drysdale Customer Service Centre

Libraries

• Barwon Heads Library

• Belmont Library

• Chilwell Library

• Corio Library

• Drysdale Library

• Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (The Dome)

• Geelong West Library

• Highton Library

• Lara Library

• Leopold Library

• Newcomb Library

• Ocean Grove Library

• Waurn Ponds Library

Sporting and Aquatic Centres

• Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre

• Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre

• Leisuretime Sports Precinct

• Splashdown Leisure Centre

• Waterworld Leisure Centre

Council facilities offering free Rapid Antigen Tests from today

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“There are no eligibility requirements when collecting free tests.

Everyone is welcome to come pick up free RATs from our participating council facilities, no matter their age or health, disability or carer status.

Community members can take up to two kits per person plus up to two for each household member, while those with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

RATs are a convenient and fast way to detect COVID-19 early.

Following the closure of state PCR testing sites, the Victorian Government is supporting local councils to distribute free tests until June this year.

Council requests that that community members who are experiencing symptoms don’t attend these facilities for a test.”

St Leonards upgrade paves the way

Streetscapes have been upgraded in the popular coastal town of St Leonards, including the installation of new lighting, paving, seating and hundreds of plants.

The $720,000 upgrade to St Leonards’ town centre is a multi-year project that will make St Leonards a more attractive place for locals and visitors.

The City of Greater Geelong contributed $650,000 towards the project, with the Victorian Government committing $100,000 towards new ‘wombat’ crossings in Blanche Street and Murradoc Road, and Federal Government committing $70,000 towards CCTV.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

The project has delivered improvements to the central retail area, Murradoc Road, Bluff Avenue and The Esplanade as well as improved connections to the foreshore.

The project includes:

• 900 plants

• 10 trees

• 1000 lights in trees

• Three CCTV cameras

• One smartpole

• New seating

• Pedestrian crossings

• 300 metres of new electrical cabling and communication systems

• 800 square metres of new pedestrian pavements and drainage works.

An artwork by visual artist Martin Moore has been installed on Murradoc Road. The work, Pelican, is twice the life-size of the sea bird.

Committed to environmentallyconscious practice, Moore cast the work in recycled aluminium using a sand casting process, which lowers the carbon footprint of production and uses less power than other foundry casting metals such as bronze or steel.

“These improvements will offer a safer and more enjoyable experience for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers whether they live in St Leonards or visit for holidays.”

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker

“St Leonards is such an amazing part of the Bellarine, these investments are so important to this town as it continues to grow and attract strong visitor numbers.”

Member for The Bellarine, Alison Marchant

“The new wombat crossings have boosted safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in St Leonards, helping to get local road users home safely at the end of every day. Road safety is a priority so we’ll keep investing in the things we know will improve safety on our roads.”

Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason

“St Leonards is a beautiful place and will be even more attractive with the addition of hundreds of plants, lighting and seating. The upgrade will cater to residents as well as the growing number of guests exploring The Bellarine.”

Bellarine Ward Councillor Stephanie Asher

“The St Leonards community is really passionate about their village so it’s fantastic to see this upgrade delivered for the town.”

City welcomes 300 new Australian citizens

Three hundred residents have had a day to remember, with the City of Greater Geelong welcoming them as new Australian citizens.

Mayor Trent Sullivan presided over two in-person citizenship ceremonies, which were held at Geelong West Town Hall.

The 300 community members originate from more than 30 countries, including Portugal, India, France, Brazil, Afghanistan, Mexico, Iran and Japan.

“It’s a real honour to share in these events, as there is so much happiness and excitement in the room. While the roads they have travelled to get here are all different, our new citizens share a great pride in calling Geelong and Australia their home. Our cultural diversity is one of our community’s great strengths and is a key part of what makes living in Geelong so special..

“Many of the people at these ceremonies have already been contributing to our community for some time. So, to see the smile on their faces when they officially become an Australian citizen is a special thing to witness..

New Australian citizen Asma Mohamed (third from right) celebrates with his family and (from left): Cr Jim Mason, Member for Lara Ella George, Mayor Trent Sullivan, Cr Melissa Cadwell, and Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken

A total of 49 new citizens were conferred on Australia Day in 2022, across a range of online ceremonies.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken

Greenery makeover for busy shopping strip

Expressions of interest open for a Potato Shed Community Representative

Council awards $3.136 million in grants to community

geelong

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

Students will learn a range of art techniques and explore differing styles through drawing, painting, collage and construction activities. Weekly projects will provide opportunities for children to learn about art history and experiment with various materials such as watercolour, acrylics, pencils, pastels, air drying clay and more.

Projects will be based on art elements and art principles and students will learn to mix colours, create interesting compositions and build observational and imaginative drawing skills. Through a series of fun and exciting activities, students will learn to express their creativity and imagination.

6 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

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

Members Art Exhibition Open to Public

At the Shearers Arms Gallery, Geelong Art Society presents a Members Art Exhibition that is now open to the general public. The pieces include:

• Painting

• Printmaking

• Drawing

When Various dates from 17 January 2023 to 25 February 2023

Website www.geelongartsociety.weebly.com

• Sculpture

THE BARWON HEADS TRIATHLON

The Barwon Heads Triathlon presented by 13th Beach Health Services is an achievable for all mass participation Triathlon. Event includes:

• 400m swim

• 14km cycle

• 14k run

The course has something for all levels of competitors from first timers to experienced triathletes. The beautiful coastal towns of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove make this the most picturesque Triathlon in Victoria.

When 26 February 2023, 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Where Lahey Square, Barwon Heads VIC 3227

Email swsportevents@gmail.com

Phone +61 401 160 236

Associated organisation SW Events

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

Bringing up Great Kids - Waurn Ponds Library

Bringing Up Great Kids is a 6-week program for parents of children aged between 12 months and nine years.

The program aims to:

• Develop parents’ skills to enhance communication with their children

• Promote positive interactions between parents and their child/ren

• Encourage the development of a child’s positive self-identity.

Register online now!

When: Every Wednesday of every week from 22 February 2023 to 29 March 2023

Valentine’s Day Dinner At 360q

There really is no better place on the Peninsula to celebrate Valentine’s Day than right on the gorgeous Queenscliff Harbour at 360Q!

Show your special someone just how much you love them by treating them to this special Valentine’s Day experience. Spoil your loved one on Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at 360Q and we guarantee you’ll get massive brownie points.

For just $85 per person, you and your date will enjoy a stunning three-course meal including a duo of entrees, mains and delicious desserts with drinks at bar prices.

It is more than just an exhibition of sunrises and sunsets. It is about showing nature at its best and worst, from early morning fog and the beauty of the rainbow, to floods, droughts, storms, dust storms, lightning and all manner of wild weather.

And it is far more than purely landscapes. Street photography, sport, news events, motorsport, portraits and animal photos are all featured, where the weather is a major contributing factor.

Some great photos, shot under less than perfect conditions.

As Ansel Adams once famously said: “There is no such thing as bad weather for photography. Only different weather.”

When Various dates from 4 February 2023 to 26 March 2023, 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wadawurrung Country, 46 Douro St, Nth Geelong

Contact Craig Watson

Email: bmcexperience@gmail.com

Phone: 427537443

Associated organisation: Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery

Website: www.focalpointdarkroomgallery.com.au

Exhibition - Weather: Nature’s Beauty and Fury

Tri State Junior Water Polo Tournament

Geelong Marlins Water Polo Club are hosting the largest regional junior water polo tournament in Victoria. Teams from over 25 Clubs will be competing, many travelling from regional Victoria, regional NSW, Tasmania and Metro Melbourne.

With over 500 competitors, the Tri State Tournament will display the talents of some of the best junior water polo players in the country.

Geelong Junior Marlins will be represented with teams in every division. This includes Mixed 12s, Under 14 Boys, Under 14 Girls, Under 16 Boys and Under 16 Girls, with medals awarded to the top three teams in each division.

Food will be available, plus a pop-up Delfina store, with a selection of Delfina bathers and towels for sale.

Ticketing

The Tri State Junior Water Polo Tournament is open to members of the public to view all games. A one off $5 gate fee will enable admission throughout the weekend, with all funds raised going towards the ongoing development of Junior Water Polo in Geelong.

When Daily from 18 February 2023 to 19 February 2023

Contact

Email: darcybrice355@gmail.com

Held biennially the 2023 event will be the fifteenth such event staged at the Avalon Airport home. It’s going to be a huge week for defence industry and even bigger weekend of excitement and fun for the whole family...!

See the most potent assets in our air defence arsenal strut their awesome stuff at Australia’s world famous aviation spectacular. Marvel as jet fighters, strike bombers and heavy lift leviathans are joined by swarms of attack helicopters, from home and abroad, for a series of breath taking routines and simulated combat manoeuvres.

Ticketing

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When Daily from 28 February 2023 to 05 March 2023

03 March 2023, 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

04 March 2023, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

05 March 2023, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Where Avalon Airport

Wadawurrung Country, 80 Beach Road, Lara VIC 3212

Contact Website: https://www.airshow.com.au/airshow2023/PUBLIC/ index.asp

Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/AustralianInternationalAirshow/ https://www.facebook.com/AustralianInternationalAirshow

Geelong Gift Athletics

The Geelong Gift is one of Victoria’s premier athletics competitions with a setting that is second to none on the Victorian Athletic League calendar. The Geelong Gift is run in the lead up to the prestigious Stawell Gift, held every Easter for the last 140 years.

With races for Juniors, Women, Open, Men, Novice and Masters athletes, and distances from 70m to 3200m, we have a race for you. Come on down and watch the action on Geelong Waterfront - spectators are free.

When 25 February 2023, 11:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Where Steampacket Gardens

Wadawurrung Country, Eastern Beach, Geelong VIC 3220

Contact Taylah Perry

Email: val@val.org.au

Phone: +61 3 4239 0211

Associated organisation: Victorian Athletic League

Website: https://www.val.org.au/

Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/geelong.gift

https://twitter.com/VictorianAthLea

The Australian International Airshow returns from 3-5 March 2023...!

RIVER RUN GEELONG

Now in its 10th year, The River RunGeelong is one of the regions most popular fun runs and with good reason, as the course takes participants along the beautiful Barwon River path system with single lap 5km and 10km courses.

The course is flat and fast, where everyone is welcome from the elite athlete to walkers and pram pushers. We aim to provide a fun and friendly atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome.

When 05 March 2023, 08:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Where Barwon Valley Park

Wadawurrung Country, Barabool Road, Belmont

Contact Justin Higgins

Email: justin@pbevents.com.au

Phone: +61 448 854 146

Associated organisation: PB Events

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

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/tryapbevent

https://www.instagram.com/pbevents. funruns/

STUDENTS, TUTORS, GROUPS EXHIBIT AT THE SHEARERS ARMS GALLERY

An exhibition by the students, tutors and groups of the Geelong Art Society.

When

Various dates from 28 February 2023 to 25 March 2023

Where Shearers Arms Gallery

Wadawurrung Country, 202 Aberdeen Street, Newtown VIC 3220

Cost

This is a free event

Contact

GEELONG ART SOCIETY

Email: geelongartsociety@gmail.com

Phone: 0352231825

Associated organisation: Geelong Art Society

Website: http://www.geelongartsociety. weebly.com

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

Associated organisation: Bellarine Agricultural Society

Website: www.bellarineshow.com.au

Follow us: www.facebook.com/bellarineshow

The 31st Annual Bellarine Agricultural Show is a traditional country show and it’s got something for everyone...!

The Bellarine Agricultural Show provides an important forum for the rural community to gather together to showcase their wares, share their skills and educate the wider community. A prime example of this is the extensive array of produce, art and handcrafts on display throughout the pavilions.

An opportunity for young children to discover farm animals and see farm machinery as well as participate in events such as:

• The hayroll

• Gumboot toss competition

• Horse competition

• Dog competition

Enjoy the live entertainment, watch various demonstrations from sheepshearing to lace-making.

When

12 March 2023, 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Contact Janet McDonald

Email: bellarineshow@gmail.com

Jams for Juniors with Grieg’s Peer Gynt

Jams for Juniors is the perfect way to introduce babies and toddlers to the magic of music...!

Children aged 0-5 and their adults can explore, play and join in at these popular 45-minute musical workshops. Jam with the trolls in the hall of the mountain king. Dance, sing and move along with Karen Kyriakou and the musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as they perform this famous piece.

Pull up a cushion and explore Grieg’s Peer Gynt, led by presenter Karen Kyriakou

Buy Tickets

When 04 March 2023

Where Limelight Studio 4, Geelong Arts Centre Wadawurrung Country, 81 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3217

Contact Box Office

Email: boxoffice@geelongartscentre.org.au

Phone: +61 1300 251 200

Associated organisation: MSO Jams for Juniors

Website: https://geelongartscentre.org. au/whats-on/all-events/jams-for-juniors/ Follow us:

http://www.facebook.com/ geelongartscentre

http://www.instagram.com/ geelongartscentre

Australian Baseball League Team GeelongKorea Returns for a Third Season

The Australia Baseball League (ABL) is excited to announce the return of Geelong-Korea for its third season in the league.

Geelong Baseball Centre will host the side ahead of Season 23, with a schedule now announced. The state of Victoria will be home to two ABL teams bringing baseball back bigger and better than ever to fans here and abroad.

“We are lucky to work with a supportive community in which enables our sport to achieve maximum exposure not only domestically but internationally as well. To be able to play across two iconic locations in Geelong Baseball Centre and the Melbourne Ballpark will give fans the best chance of witnessing live sport after a COVID impact season hiatus - said Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams.“

Ticketing:

Adult, children and family membership available for Geelong-Korea games only.

https://theabl.com.au/

OGBC Presents an Evening with Dangerfield and Duncan

Current AFL Geelong Cats stars and 2022 Premiership winners Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan will be on the panel at OGBC...!

They have often expressed that their success is due to a dedicated and passionate group of people around them.

Got a question to ask them...? Come prepared as there will be questionnaire forms on each table to complete prior to the interview. You’ll hear stories of big wins and bad losses, career highlights, funny stories and memorable mentions.

Doors open at 5.45pm with pre-show entertainment. Alternating two-course meals will be served from 6.45pm and panel interview kicking off at 7.30pm.

General Admission entry from 5.45pm, two-course meal.

VIP Experience includes priority entry from 5.15pm, drink on arrival, two-course meal, seating close to the stage, Meet and Greet professional photo with Dangerfield and Duncan.

VIP+ Experience includes priority entry from 5.15pm, drink on arrival, two-course meal, seating close to the stage, Meet and Greet professional photo, and exclusive dining on the same table with one of the premiership winners.

Our Courtesy Bus will be running for Ocean Grove Residents from 4pm, ensuring your safe arrival and departure from the Club. Call Reception to book, +61 3 5255 1540.

With our last talk show event selling out three weeks prior to the night, you’ll need to get in early for this one...!

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...

Bring your appetite to Westfield Geelong

Whether it’s taking the kids for a fluffy, lunch with the girls or a catch-up with mates, bring your appetite along on your next visit to Westfield Geelong. Read on for our favourite foodie destinations!

Family-friendly restaurants

If you’re after the best babyccino in town or just a place that’s sticky-finger proof, we’ve got you covered. These kid-friendly restaurants are guaranteed to make life easier no matter the occasion.

Try:

• Muffin Break

• Soul Origin

Quick eats

If you’re on the go and after a quick bite, you’ve come to the right place. Satisfy your lunch cravings stat by visiting our food court.

Try:

• Asian Gourmet

• Cheeky Chicken

• Hi Sushi Ramen House

• KFC

• Old Man Pho

• Spud Bar

• Subway

• Sushi Sushi

• The Kebab Empire

Sweet treats

And because there’s always room for dessert, why not indulge in a little sweet treat?

Try:

• Boost Juice

• Dr Nuts & Sweets

• Flour Boy

• Gotcha Tea

Lunch with the girls

Gather the girls for a leisurely ladies’ lunch this weekend – it’s good for the soul, and there’s an option for even the fussiest of friends.

Try:

• Schnitz

• Paper Cup

• The Coffee Club

Date night dining

Planning your next date night? Take your loved one out for an indulgent meal at these top spots.

Try:

• Hi Sushi & Dumplings

• Roll’d

Images source: Pexels

To explore all of Westfield Geelong’s quick eats, click here

Discover more exclusive offers with the Westfield Plus App. Join Westfield plus now

OPSM: Valentine’s Day gift edit

Spread love in full style and find a classic, sophisticated look.

Read more

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.

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

SKATE PARK GEElONG

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.

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

Cunningham pier

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

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

the old paper mills

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

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

geelong arts and cultural precinct

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.

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.

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

western beach

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.

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

rippleside park

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 grass-covered foreshore reserve.

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.

steampacket gardens

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

Geelong is a rare 1892 ArmitageHerschell handcarved wooden carousel.

the 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.

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

old geelong gaol

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.

By Warren Strybosch

Minimum age at time of contribution now 55

Home sale proceeds to be used for new home exempt under asset test for 24 months and deemed at lower rate.

Pension suspended instead of cancelled for up to two years where lost (at least partially) due to employment income.

Pensioner Concession Card retained for up to two years where pension lost due to employment income.

Administration and management costs capped and home care package exit fees banned allowing clients to change service providers without charge.

good news for Retirees - TBC Set to Rise to $1.9 Million

Inflation has risen to over 7% which is not good news for the average Aussie trying to afford their daily living expenses. However,one unexpected outcome from all of this is that retirees, who were considering retiring soon, could benefit from delaying setting up their retirementbased income streams.

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

With the higher levels of inflation, the general transfer balance cap (TBC) will increase to $1.9 million from its current $1.7 million. This provides a great opportunity for those about to retire who have more than $1.7 million in their superannuation funds.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, at the end of January, released its latest inflation figures showing a consumer price index (CPI) of 7.8 per cent for the December quarter 2022, which is high enough to result in a double indexation of $200,000 and raising of the general TBC to $1.9 million from 1 July 2023 (abs.gov.au).

Colonial First State head of technical services Craig Day, in a response to the SelfManagedSuper Magazine, said the increase was based on a calculation involving inflation and the initial TBC of $1.6 million.

“The way we index the TBC is to base it on the December quarter CPI figure of the prior year and at 30 June this year that will be the figure for December 2022,” Day said.

“We then divide that by the December quarter figure for 2016, used in 2017 when the TBC was introduced, and multiply by $1.6 million and round that to the nearest $100,000 for the level of indexation, which will be rounded down from $1,902,400.”

Whilst many retirees will not have anything close to $1.7 million in their superannuation and won’t be able to take advantage of the increased TBC, we are starting to see more and more clients reaching this figure who might win from this increase. Due to the significant increase in property prices over the last

decade, many retirees are opting to sell one of more of their investment properties and place these proceeds into super as they approach retirement. We are also seeing an increase in intergenerational wealth. Many accumulators are going to receive large windfalls over the next ten or so years. It is likely some of this windfall will end up in the super as well. It will be these people who will benefit from the increased tax-free pension income.

For those who have not yet commenced a retirement-phase income stream before 1 July 2023 will enjoy the full benefit of a $200,000 increase to the TBC, whereas those who have already fully utilised their TBC before this date will not receive any personal benefit from the upcoming increase to the general TBC.

For those people who have already set up a transition-to-retirement income stream pension (TTR), will need to consider whether to turn it off before 1 July or shift it back into accumulation phase – roll the money out of pension and back into superannuation. If they turn 65 after the 1st July 2023 and are still in TTR phase, the TBC will be $1.7 million, but if it is turned off and started later as an account-based pension, they will be able to have a $1.9 million TBC. It is advisable that those nearing retirement who currently have a TTR set up with a combined super and pension balance over $1.7 million, to seek advice regarding there TTR and whether it is beneficial or not to close the TTR down.

Retirement planning can be complex. At Find Retirement, we help clients transition from work to retirement with ease. If you are nearing retirement, then consider making an appointment with an award-winning financial advisor at Find Retirement.

Warren Strybosch Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant

Part of the Find Group of companies Ph 1300 88 38 30

email: warren@findretirement.com.au

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

Find Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221). Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance. com.au/

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

This information has been provided as general advice.We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should 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-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neitherAllianceWealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

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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.

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

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

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

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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