LOCAL STORIES

By Warren Strybosch

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Find Geelong Column

by Mayor Peter Murrihy

It’s an absolute pleasure to introduce myself to Find Geelong readers as Mayor of Greater Geelong after last month’s election.

I am so honoured to have this opportunity to serve the region as Mayor and I’m also ecstatic to be able to connect with readers through this column.

If you don’t already know me through my work as a Brownbill Ward councillor, I’ve lived in Greater Geelong since 1980 after arriving from Port Fairy as a 19-year-old.

I have a background in banking and as a police officer, but some of my proudest moments come from my work at a number of community organisations.

I put down strong roots here by being heavily involved at St Mary’s FC, Newtown and Geelong Amateurs, Geelong Racing Club and the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.

I’m a proud Active Geelong ambassador and a strong supporter of the Barwon Health Foundation.

I’m also an active member of The Man Walk and Right Mate committee, which both support men’s mental health – an issue which doesn’t get the coverage it deserves.

Enough about me though, as I’m excited to update you on the 2022-23 Budget being approved recently.

This is big news for the region, because it features a $206.5 million capital works program for parks, LED street lighting, community hubs, swim facilities, sustainability initiatives, shared trails and more.

This reflects council’s commitment to investing strongly in community-focused initiatives.

The $107,000 operating surplus puts the Budget back in the black after two years of annual deficits to support COVID recovery, while meeting four-year Budget commitments and delivering 130+ services.

A big thanks to the community for having its say as the consideration of feedback led to changes to the final Budget, which can be found here: https:// geelong.link/budget

Council has also decided to progressively increase spending on ageing assets such as buildings, roads, open spaces and cultural facilities to ensure equal access to council infrastructure, regardless of where residents live.

This is an action from our newly adopted Asset Plan 2022-2032, which sets out how council assets will be managed and maintained.

With new and upgraded facilities on the cards, we have so much to look forward to over the next financial year.

List Your Aged Care Facilities with Find Aged Care Accommodation 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 Accommodation (www.findagedcareaccommodation.com.au)

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@findaccommodation.com.au.

Super guarantee changes to take affect 1st July 2022

By Warren Strybosch

Employers are reminded that from 1 July 2022, that all employees can be eligible for super guarantee (SG), regardless of how much they earn.

The $450 per month eligibility threshold related to SG has been removed and so every dollar earned will now attract SG.

However, employers need only to pay super for workers under 18 when they work more than 30 hours in a week.

The ATO also reminded employers that the SG rate will also increase from 10% to 10.5% on 1 July 2022. As a result, employers will need to use the new rate to calculate super on payments made to employees on or after 1 July, even if some or all of the pay period is for work done before 1 July.

Home Maintenance Tips for Every Season

Home Maintenance Tips for Every Season

A lot of property owners take a very casual approach to the upkeep and repair of their house or building. They usually wait for something to break, clog, overflow, leak, jam or fail catastrophically before addressing the problem. Others are satisfied with getting maintenance tasks done twice a year during autumn and spring.

However, smart property owners know that it’s crucial to take precautionary steps all year to prevent unexpected wear and tear issues that could crop up when the seasons change.

Remember, the different seasons might cause new and unforeseen maintenance concerns on your property. Therefore, it’s critical to keep everything in check all year and maintain your property according to the needs of every season.

If you’re not sure how or where to begin, we’ve put together a seasonal home maintenance checklist that will help ensure your property is in the best possible condition all year long.

Spring preparations

When it comes to seasonal home maintenance tips, most guides start with spring.

Now’s the time to get your yard ready for the season once the earth has thawed and the trees have started to blossom. After all, spring cleaning and springtime go hand in hand.

Below are some of the tasks you need to take care of as you prepare your home for the upcoming warmer months.

• Get rid of mould or mildew and get a new exhaust fan if needed.

• Have your plumbing checked for damage and get it repaired.

• Check the gutters and roof for any signs of wear and tear or damage, and make sure to address all issues.

• Assess your garden or yard and see if any plants need pruning, treatment, transplanting or fertilising.

Summer maintenance

Before heading out to have fun as the sun, sand and sea beckon, take care of the items on this summer home maintenance checklist.

This way, you won’t have much to do if you already followed the spring cleaning checklist and you can focus on simply enjoying the summer.

• Stay on top of pest control by hiring professionals to stop the proliferation of bugs and vermin.

• Get your fireplace or chimney cleaned if you have one.

• Check your home for mould and mildew, and have it removed immediately if you find any. Due to the dryer weather and milder temperatures, autumn is a great time to perform property maintenance activities.

• Take care of your yard and ensure unwanted pests are eliminated.

• Check your furnace and adjust the flues in preparation for winter or very cold temperatures.

• Clean the HVAC filters or get them replaced to ensure your central heating system works smoothly.

Winter tasks

Since there are only a few places in the country where snow appears during winter, seasonal home maintenance in Australia varies, especially during this period.

However, it can and does get chilly in most places, and torrential rains are quite common. So, even if you can’t control the weather, some proactive winter house upkeep can reduce your stress levels down the line.

• Check and clean your gutters to prevent them from overflowing and flooding your home.

• Get your air conditioning units serviced to get rid of dust, mould, or allergen build-up.

• Ensure your property is well ventilated to prevent it from accumulating stale and musty air, as well as developing mould problems.

Year-round maintenance for your home

Remember, your home is or probably will be the biggest investment you’ll ever make in your lifetime. Therefore, it’s essential you stay on top of its care and upkeep.

Use this printable seasonal home maintenance checklist to stay on top of all crucial tasks designed to protect your property from wear and tear, from spring to summer, autumn and winter.

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.

Are you a Financial Planner looking for more clients?

Grow your Financial Planning Business with great integrity and sensitivity by providing advice to those requiring Aged Care Services.

List in our Find Aged Care Accommodation Website

Are you an Established and experienced Financial Planner providing Aged Care Advice?

Find Aged Care Accommodation is seeking professional ‘aged care’ accredited financial planners to provide advice to those seeking aged care advice in their local area. Are you accredited and can help work with clients to find the best aged care options? Are you able to work with their loved ones and help make the process of transitioning into aged care less daunting and complex? If so, consider listing on our website.

List with us, and we will get you promoted through our website, social media, and local community papers.

Why not consider joining the Find Network as a specialist Aged Care advisor and obtain referral leads from the rest of the Find Network members in your area?

To learn more about these new opportunities, contact Warren on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findagedcareaccommodation.com.au visit our website at www.findagedcareaccommodation.com.au

Stolen generations payments in Vic: ATO factsheet

By Warren Strybosch

The ATO has published a fact sheet on the tax treatment of lump sums paid by the Victorian Government under the Stolen Generations Reparations Package and Stolen Generations Funeral Fund. The ATO says such payments by the Victorian Government to a Stolen Generations member are not taxable. Accordingly, these payments do not need to be shown in the tax return for a Stolen Generations member because they are not taxable.

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ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice. Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.

Warren Strybosch

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

WARREN STRYBOSCH

Find Group

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 acroos Victoria.

TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA

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.

The Five Rights Of Retail

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

The success of any business is reflected in sales, profits and foot traffic. Regardless whether they are coffering goods or services in bricks mortar store fronts or online How we can increase sales, maximise profits and grow customers/ data base, all comes down to a basic five rights.

These 5 rights are the key aspects your customers see. It is the strategy behind each of these that will give your company longevity.

The world is forever changing; therefore, we need to make sure we keep “on trend” at all times. Ensure you are using the world’s best practises, showcasing the latest trends in the products you are offering. How you do that is up to you and your individual business. There are trade shows, merchandisers, agents, your competitors, and of course the right sites on the internet. Always be aware of your competitors, but never be a “Me Too”.

The Right Products, at the Right Time, in the Right Place, in the Right Quality in the Right Quantity?

The right price will fall out of these 5 rights. It is not the most important part of the part of the equation. It is not about being the cheapest on the block. It is all about the best value for money. If you can offer your customers better “value” for their purchase than your competitors, they will come back to you. Value can be in the form of the customer service, after sales service, exclusivity, presentations, ranging offer, bundling and so much more. Price is relevant to each of these factors. A vase in a $2 shop has the same end use as a Waterford Crystal vase at very different price points. It is all about value for money, customer perception and the customer experience.

When looking at the specific Products you sell, consider how they fit into your business. How will your clients perceive them? Consider:

1. The ranging strategy in your business. 2. Changes in the marketplace, current trends 3. Consumer needs versus wants. 4. Relevance in today’s market. 5. Competitor analysis If the item is right, consider the TIMING. Is this the right time, taking into account;?

1. Climatic conditions 2. Demographics 3. Seasonality 4. Special occasion 5. Consumer needs

With the right product, at the right time, positioning in the Right PLACE for the consumer to be able to find readily is paramount. Consider:

1. Create a demand by putting it front of mind. 2. Changing the position, to draw customers in to look for the item 3. Create theatre in the store with demonstrations or movement where applicable 4. Change the relevance of the product mix around it, style, colour, end use, etc 5. Reactionary to conditions ie: umbrellas at the front of store with a sudden change in the weather

The product may have the right end use but is it the right QUALITY for your clients?

1. Is it value for money 2. What quality does your client expect from your business 3. Is there an extended warrantee or guarantee you offer? 4. Are there sustainability or biodegradability advantages? 5. Will it last the lifetime the consumer expects for the money they pay? Finally the QUANTITY, how long is a piece of string?

1. If you have too many, customers may think it is not very good and you cannot sell them. 2. Where you have a lot of stock, limit what you put on display to create a call to action 3. If you have too few and sell out too quickly, it is costing you in lost revenue. 4. Where sell outs occur, and the product is in high demand advise customers of the next delivery date. Offer to advise when it comes in, and or to deliver to them. 5. What can you offer as a good alternative to meet their needs?

With these “5 Rights” in place you are portraying a clear message to your consumer. They know what to expect from your stores, from which you will achieve greater loyalty from existing customers and their friends through referrals, which will increase foot traffic. Increase foot traffic leads to increased sales maximising the profits in dollar terms.

Deb Fribbins

Staff Turnover – why it happens

Lack of flexibility

Flexible work hours have been around for a while. Maternity and paternity leave have also allowed people with young families to work more productively. However, working from home during lockdowns gave employees a taste of greater daily flexibility which they preferred.

If you wish to go back to the ‘good old days’ where everyone comes into the office, you may need to readjust your expectations. You may find that your staff are resistant to the idea. A high number of workers report that they left their job because it did not offer flexible work options. Even more have stated that they would have been more loyal to their company if they had had flexible work options.

Burnout

Post-Covid, good employees are hard to find. With the loss of 20% of Victoria’s population, people retiring from the workforce earlier than before and with the Covid restrictions still in place, your employees who are left may be doing more work than usual. Balancing work with family and leisure activities can be a juggling act at the best of times. Having to fill in for staff after normal hours or on weekends can make them feel resentful. Feeling overused and undervalued is not conducive to maintaining a good attitude so they may start looking for another job.

Not feeling appreciated

Covid has undermined many traditional business practices. As employers seek to establish a ‘new normal’ in the office, things such as performance reviews may get left by the wayside. What is worse than not having these reviews is having them infrequently or in a way that is unproductive. According to Gallup polls, about 80% of employees who felt criticised or unmotivated after a performance review started to look for a new job.

Tired woman photo created by diana.grytsku - www.freepik.com

LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

How many farewell parties have you been to lately for employees who seem to have been around for only five minutes?

Are you spending time and money on interviewing candidates instead of growth for the current team, marketing for profit, or expanding your client base?

If you are finding it difficult to retain people in key positions, you are not alone!

The Covid factor

High staff turnover is a problem at the best of times but even more so now after the Covid lockdowns. People have rethought how they want to work and are considering whether their current workplace suits their needs or desires.

Nearly 20% of Victorians left the state between lockdowns, including many employees who wanted to escape Covid restrictions, reducing the state’s workforce by nearly a fifth. Others took the opportunity to change professions or decided to retire early. Some found that working from home without the camaraderie of office colleagues was mentally stressful and looked for a work environment where everyone was in the office.

Increases in…

Covid has affected businesses worldwide. Shipping reduced dramatically to the point that there is a global shortage of containers to transport overseas materials and supplies. This has severely affected probably every industry you could name. On top of that, the Federal Government has recently announced an increase in superannuation and employee wages. If these stresses for business owners and managers filter into the workplace, they can produce an unhappy environment that no one wants to work in.

The increase in interest on domestic mortgage rates may encourage staff to look for a better paid job. Paying off a mortgage on your work premises and needing to lay off staff to repay it may encourage others to leave. Any whiff of financial struggle in a business, and the staff will leave to look for something more secure.

Toxic colleagues

Who enjoys being employed each day with co-workers who are overly critical, often blame others, gossip, undermine colleagues and only look out for themselves? These types of employees can even push more competent colleagues out of the workplace. There is a direct link between relationships and turnover. Bullying, however mild, is toxic and affects everyone. If you are having trouble retaining staff, why not speak to a leadership coach? Reach out to me at sally@team-resilience. com.au. I’ll be happy to help.

Sally Higoe

Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method