Find Geelong 2023 - March 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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

We value your support, The Find Geelong Team.

Geelong The

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

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OUR NEWSPAPER

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

ALL THINGS GEELONG

The City of Geelong is one of Victoria’s largest regional capital cities. Geelong had a population of approximately 230,000 as at the 2019 Report which includes 16,000 businesses. Geelong’s location is in strong growth corridor, making it an ideal location for businesses to explore options outside of the capital city.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Find Geelong acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Geelong now stands, the Wadawuarrung people of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.

DISCLAIMER

Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing. We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.

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2023 AFL SEASON

The 2023 AFL season will be the 127th season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest level senior men’s Australian rules football competition in Australia, which was known as the Victorian Football League until 1989. The season will feature eighteen clubs and is scheduled to run from 16 March until 30 September, comprising a 23-game homeand-away season, the longest in league history, followed by a finals series featuring the top eight clubs.

2023 AFL premiership season

16 March—30 September 2023

March is a big month for our region, with plenty of things happening in and around Geelong.

One of the events I am really looking forward to this month is the Tastes of Central Geelong festival.

This is now in its 12 th year, showcasing the amazing food and hospitality sector in the heart of our region.

Since its inception, Tastes of Central Geelong has been embraced by many local businesses as well as the broader community, and has become an annual highlight on the event calendar.

This year’s program encourages Geelong residents to stay local, eat local and drink local and invites visitors from outside of the region to come and see just how much there is to discover, for seasoned foodies and new food lovers alike.

Geelong Column

The Greater Geelong region boasts a vast selection of delicious, fresh, locally grown produce.

I am proud of the fact that we are also home to some of the country’s best wineries, boutique distilleries and craft breweries.

If you have been out in Melbourne, Regional Victoria, and indeed across Australia, you may have seen some of these food and drink offerings served by top venues outside of Geelong.

But the beauty of living here is that all these products are readily available at our top restaurants, bars and cafes, waiting for you to come and try.

This year, the festival offers experiences for all ages across 11 days.

It includes many free activities such as an afternoon tea with a celebrity chef at The Pier, a cupcake decorating session with Baked By Us, a Native Australia and Indigenous tasting event hosted by The Gordon, as well as cooking classes, workshops and more.

The Tastes of Central Geelong is all about indulging your senses, so I encourage you to get out and explore our many fine restaurants, wine bars and tourist attractions.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

It is wonderful news that official legal action has now started to get approval for the sale of the land known as “The Paddock” to the Give Where You Live Foundation.

This significantly coincides with the objectives pertaining to education and employment as well as the mission of fostering a more equitable G21 community, according to Foundation CEO Bill Mithen.

Since it opened more than 15 years ago, The Paddock, a seven-acre farm in Leopold, has served as a valuable community asset by providing individuals of all abilities with the chance to discover new things and develop new abilities. It has served as a hub for a variety of community activities, farmers markets, and job and training programmes for people with disabilities.

If granted, the Give Where You Live Foundation will work to expand the community’s relationship with The Paddock by operating it as a social enterprise.

8 Things Good Parents Do for Their Children

People know the importance of good parenting, but what makes model parents? What do they do for their children that shows they are good parents?

Here, we unlock the mystery of good parenting with a list of 8 things good parents do for their children.

1. They provide guidance and support

To encourage their children to excel in school, parents typically push, nag, bribe, demand, or even threaten kids with punishment. Good parents know that providing kids with lots of support and giving them a little push when they need it will benefit them more than being an extremely strict mum or dad.

2. They encourage their kids to become independent

Good parents understand the value of teaching their children to take care of their own needs.

The best thing you can do is get your kids to a point where they can manage things on their own, whether it’s homework, housework, or making friends. It’s okay to assist your child when you do it with the intention of eventually teaching them to do things independently.

3. They model good behaviour children can emulate

Children learn from what they see, especially at home or from the behaviour of their parents. While it’s not always possible to be a perfect parent, it’s crucial to remember that if you want to have well-mannered, kind, and helpful children, you need to be respectful of others and on your best behaviour too.

4. They let their children know they are loved

Show and tell your kids you love them. Spend time with them. Write little notes or sweet messages for your kids and reassure them that you love them whenever you can. Doing these things will not only strengthen your bond as parent and child but also make them feel secure, accepted, and wanted for themselves.

5. They know when to say sorry

Being a good parent doesn’t mean you’ll be Mr or Ms Perfect. People make mistakes, and so can you. What’s important is you know how to own up to your mistakes, say sorry, and take responsibility for what you’ve done.

6. They know how to discipline their child effectively

Disciplining your child doesn’t mean punishing them. It entails making them realise what they did wrong and take responsibility for the consequences of

their actions. Let your child know why something they did was wrong and how it affected them and other people. Take the time to explain things and come up with a disciplinary action that’s fair, such as grounding and withholding certain privileges

7. They keep track of their children

Know what your kid is doing and with whom. Who are your children friends with? Do you know the other child’s parents? When your kids play at their friends’ houses, who will they meet and what things will they get exposed to? These are some enquiries you need to make before agreeing to a play date to ensure your children’s safety while they are not with you.

8. They listen

Parents frequently spend more time talking to their children than actually being with them. Instead, pay close attention and actively listen to your children. This way, you’ll get to know your children better and teach them the importance of listening in communication.

Perhaps you’re already doing one or some of these things. If not, it’s not too late.

All you need to do is start practising these tips and you’re on your way to becoming the best parent you can ever be.

(Feedsy Exclusive)

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

under

The Rich get Poorer new super laws ALBANESE’S

By Warren Strybosch

It had to happen. With record spending under Labor, and Australia’s debt continuing to skyrocket, Labor has been under pressure to find ways to either curb spending or find new ways to increase revenue. Given Labor is not known for having a good fiscal policy and would rather give away money to the masses, they have sought to raise revenue instead.

They did not have to look too far. With total superannuation assets worth $3.3 trillion at the end of the September 2022 quarter (https://www. superannuation.asn.au/), there is a massive amount of money at the governments fingertips ready for the taking. Obviously, they cannot simply take the funds, but they sure as heck can tax it. This is exactly what they have decided to do.

The Prime Minister, on the 27th of July, announced that from 1st July 2025, anyone with superannuation balances over $3 million, will be taxed at 30 cents in the dollar. That is a whopping 100% increase in taxes for those with large super balances.

The change will take place after the next federal election. Labor is hoping that by taxing the rich it will be resonant with the less fortunate. After all, who really cares about the big end of town? Ironically, more and more people in the future are going to find themselves with likely super balances above 3 million dollars. In the next 10 to 15 years, we are going to see the largest movement in intergenerational wealth that the world has ever seen and a lot of that transfer of wealth will be likely placed into superannuation…well, it was going to be.

For those who have worked hard and made their fortunes, they will be forking the bill for those who have not once again. Again, who cares, right?

Mr Albanese said the reform would “strengthen the system by making it more sustainable”.

“The savings that are made from this tax breaks will contribute $900 million to the bottom line of the forward estimates and some $2 billion when it is operating over the full year period,” he said.

We are not sure how these changes will ‘strengthen the system by making it more sustainable’? Isn’t the amount of superannuation assets growing year by year? I think he means that this will make it more sustainable for them to keep spending money like it grows on trees by taking it from others.

Will this win votes with the average Aussie punter? Likely it will as we are known for our tall poppy syndrome in Australia. We are all on about given the battler a go but don’t get too high or we will try and pull you down.

In short, super is getting taxed again and this is likely to lead to more scepticism about using super in the future.

Are you Working from Home?

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

New ATO rules you need to understand if you wish to claim a tax deduction at the end of this financial year.

Even before COVID hit, many people were working from home, and it was costing the ATO a lot of money. During COVID the amount of work from home (WFH) deductions that were claimed, increased dramatically.

During COVID, the ATO was generous enough to offer a shortcut method to calculate the WFH deductions. You simply added up all of your hours working from home and multiplied it by 80 cents per hour.

Unfortunately, a lot of individuals who submitted their own tax returns got it wrong or over claimed the amount they were entitled too.

The shortcut method was supposed to include your phone and internet use and the depreciation of items purchased for your home office. However, it seems some people claimed the hours as well as claiming phone, internet and office equipment. Even some tax agents and accountants were getting it wrong.

As such, the ATO has tightened up on WFH claims for 2023 and made it an arduous process for those wishing to claim the WFH expenses from 1st March 2023.

The first thing the ATO did was get rid of the COVID shortcut method and will only allow two methods to calculate WFH: the fixed rate method or the actual costs method.

In the past, most people would simply opt for the fixed rate method because it

was less onerous to keep records but that is all about to change. The ATO is now applying a rigorous approach to record keeping where WFH expenses are involved including under the fixed rate method.

The fixed rate deduction will be 67 cents per hour but those who now work from home must keep a diary of all the hours they work from home. The ATO will not allow an estimate based over several weeks. No, the ATO wants you to record every single hour you work from home under the fixed rate method.

The ATO stated that taxpayers should keep records “as they occur” as “timesheets, rosters, logs of time spent accessing employer or business systems, or a diary for the full year”.

Not only will taxpayers need to keep a detailed record throughout the whole financial year of the hours they have worked from home, but they must also keep a copy of their utility bills, phone, internet, stationary and computer consumables e.g. paper and ink for the printer.

It is believed that if a taxpayer is audited in the future, they will have to justify that their working from home costs were incurred. The ATO wants to see an increase in costs to justify the claim being made.

The fixed rate method will still allow a separate claim to be made for depreciation of computers and office furniture, which was not allowed under the fixed rate method during COVID. Other items like repairs, cleaning and maintenance can also be claimed separately.

Those claiming 67c an hour will also need to keep bills for costs included in the fixed rate, which covers electricity, gas,

phone, the internet, stationery and computer consumables. The threshold cost for depreciation of an asset remains at $300.

What has changed is that those working from home do not now need to have a dedicated home office to claim WFH expenses, which was a requirement in past years. The ATO believes this will be a boon for taxpayers.

However, Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh warned that taxpayers “carrying out minimal tasks, such as occasionally checking emails or taking calls” were ineligible to claim because “you must be working from home to fulfil your employment duties”. So, if you are doing work from home but it was not a requirement by your employer to do so or there was no arrangement in place to carry out those work duties from home, then you will be ineligible to claim future WFH expenses.

Mr Loh said the ATO would accept a representative record of hours worked from home for the period 1 July 2022 to 28 February 2023, but after that “taxpayers will need to record the total number of hours they work from home”.

“And remember, you can’t claim for things like coffee, tea, milk and other general household items, even if your employer may provide these kinds of things for you at work.”

What does this mean for tax agents and accountants who prepare tax returns? It is likely the tax agent or accountant will be asking the client to verify their WFH expenses. This will initially cause friction between the taxpayer and their accountant/tax agent, but as the saying goes, ‘don’t shoot the messenger’. We encourage everyone to work with their accountants/tax agents where further information has been requested of the taxpayer to substantiate their WFH claims.

Strybosch

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

Financial Adviser

hosted by Ben Nash

Effective Time Management Strategies for Ultimate Leadership Results

LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

Time management is easy, said no leader ever. Juggling between the lengthy team and zoom meetings, networking, administrative duties, and personal life can be hell, especially for a newly placed leader. However, here are some key strategies to achieving and even beating your deadlines and enjoying your leadership role.

Planning and Prioritisation

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln.

Do not jump straight and blindly into executing tasks. Do you have a jampacked week ahead? Take your time to plan and prioritise. To prepare for the week:

• List down all of your tasks, including personal ones. A to-do list will help you memorise everything, including that anniversary you don’t want to miss. This will also help you set each task’s deadlines and motivate you to undertake them.

• Prioritise your tasks. Carefully go through your tasks and differentiate them focusing on identifying importance and urgency. Further, group them into important and urgent, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, and not important and not urgent.

The most important and urgent tasks should be prioritised before the rest. You can use tools like the priority matrix or Eisenhower matrix to help you categorise the tasks and help you prioritise... or you can simply number them from 1 to 4.

In the contemporary fast-paced business environment, you must maximise your limited time by prioritising only the necessary and most efficient tasks. Failure to plan and prioritise will likely cause a lack of focus, neglecting duties, time pressure, panic, and low productivity. All these are recipes to unnecessary workload and lack of enough time for a leader to spend time with their team and still enjoy some personal time off.

To work in synergy with your team, share your planning and prioritisation strategies. This will help your team have clear goals, better decision-making, and time management.

The Pareto Principle

This polymath and economist Vilfredo Pareto principle suggests that 80 percent of results are achieved from 20 percent of effort. In essence, not every effort yields significant results, and as a leader, you should focus more on the 20 percent of effort that will give you 80 percent of results. The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, can be explained further in the following examples:

• If 20 percent of your team does social media marketing that yields 80 percent of results, prioritise the 20 percent. To avoid inefficiency, don’t set aside equal time and resources for the other 80 percent of the team.

• If 20 percent of your activities as a manager don’t yield 80 percent of the desirable results, they are likely to be unproductive. Therefore, cut down on the low-value activities and prioritise the high-value ones that achieve 80 percent results.

How can You Use the Pareto Principle?

1. You can identify and delegate timewasters and distractors to other team members as a leader. For example, urgent but unimportant tasks are time-wasters and should be delegated elsewhere.

2. The principle resembles the famous “work smart, not hard” mantra. It negates the idea of undertaking a lot of duties to be productive and beat deadlines. Instead, the most significant tasks are prioritised, no matter how easy to do. This reduces burnout and being time-starved.

3. The rule will help you identify the 20 percent of high-performing team members and high-value activities contributing to 80 percent of the desirable results. You can then focus on training them more to achieve even better results. This saves time as you avoid incidents of having to bail out your team occasionally.

4. The principle exposes low performers and bottlenecks to the desired results. This allows for either replacement or change in the delegation of duties to the most suitable team members, or you can focus newly found time on training your team in areas you wish for them to grow. You can then minimise team supervision when things work smoothly in the long run.

Conclusion

The average newly placed leader is ever-swamped and sometimes lacks time for their team and personal life. However, planning and prioritisation can be streamlined, organised and effective using the Pareto principle. By following this principle, you can evaluate the business activities and focus more on high-value or productive activities. You are, therefore, able to save more time by delegating the right duties to the right members of your team.

Sally Higoe Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method

Through The Eyes Of The Camera

By Allison Groot

When we watch a video we are usually there for the subject matter - whether its to learn, be informed, upskill or just to have a good laugh but what we don’t realise is that there has been (in most cases) a lot of thought and concepting has gone into how everything looks down to how clean the background is.

These subtle things delve deep into our psyche and create unconscious decisions for us. Our mind fills in the gaps with language and visual cues. Great marketing and design can embed feelings and emotions towards colours, scenes and imagery. The same can be said about a good background.

Let’s talk about cameras for a second. They are all around us at the supermarket, in security cameras, in our computers, laptops, and phones. We are constantly recording our lives and workplaces on them and our cameras see everything. From the coffee table with tissues on it to the top of our neighbours head as they walk past the window…they capture it all.

But have you ever stopped to think about what the camera is seeing in your background?

If you are regularly doing posts and making videos then you should be considering the locations of where you are filming, what you are talking about and how you want your customers to see you. A messy background can be distracting, and annoying, it puts customers off your products and subconsciously delivers a message of disorganisation, forgetfulness and a preconceived idea that you aren’t connected to your products and the quality is not great.

Making some changes and creating a clean, uncluttered background helps to provide a clear focal point for the viewer to see you and your products. It shows that you love what you do and take pride in the products, that the quality is exceptional and that you are great at what you do.

I know you are asking how can a clean and tidy background create all that. It is simple, we buy with our eyes. Sure our products or services are amazing and yes people will still buy them but there is something to be said about clean lines, pops of colour and an inviting scene to showcase your products.

So remember when filming your social media videos.. the camera see’s everything!

Yes Today Media - Quick Tips:

Before you do any filming at home or in the office, have a tidy-up. Tidy shelves, desks, wipe down benches, put out the rubbish, put those boxes away that you have been meaning to move for ages. Add some brand colours, use a pull-up banner or even products could be your backdrop. Be very deliberate in your choices.

For more information or quick tips contact Yes Today Media

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Negotiating your wins

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

We spend our life negotiating in so many different ways. In business, with our families and friends, and in our pursuit for happiness in the various organisations or groups with which we belong. No matter the type of negotiation that you’re working through, the results that you’re looking for at all times, will be more beneficial if there beneficial when there is a win for both sides.

Prepare the five stages of negotiation to achieve the results that you want. The conversation you have may be crucial to your business or the person you are dealing with. Your business negotiations should be planned out thoroughly before you start the meeting. There are many factors to take into consideration The financial cost is often the main factor we concentrate on. This can lead to failure if you do not consider physical, emotional and environmental considerations.

In all negotiations there are three possible outcomes A. There is no win for you and the negotiations fail completely with no favourable outcome. B. You win on this occasion, but you don’t get the opportunity to go back in the future. You burn your bridges for ongoing opportunities. C. You a achieve a favourable negotiation for both sides. The later is the most beneficial in the long run. It may not be quite as fruitful as you initially wanted, but will lead to better relations going forward.

Knowing exactly what you want, and what you are prepared to compromise on, gives you greater bargaining power. Utilising the 5D program during this process becomes second nature very quickly, and will lead to better long term results.

1. DEFINE what it is that you “need” out of the negotiation. What are the minimum requirements that you’re prepared to accept as a win, what is the end result that is most beneficial to you and your business.? What is your utopia? What impact will the negotiation have on other areas in your business?

2. DETERMINE the parameters under which you are working. Know your marketplace, know the value of the negotiation that you were trying to achieve, what are the market forces? Know the costs physically, mentally, and financially to the person or company you are negotiating with? Know the party with whom you will be negotiating. What are their limitations? Are you speaking to the right person? What are other benefits you may negotiate that do not cost either party, such as exclusivity, or pre-launch window of opportunity, or Gift With Purchase (GWP), or delivery, or service as applicable to your business.

3. DEVISE a plan for the conversation, under which you’re able to negotiate. Atay on topic until the conclusion of the negotiation. Start the negotiation amicably on a level playing field. What are the minimum negotiating points that give you a complete win? What are you prepared to compromise to achieve a workable result? What are the implications to your business and equally importantly your ongoing relationship?

4. DELIVER on those plans as you devised them, with thorough planning you will know what you are able to negotiate your way to a beneficial result. Start with the most favourable to you then slowly relinquish only if you have to.

5. DISSECT the planning stages with a mentor or coworker before you go into the meeting. Listen to their suggestions and possible adaptions you may need to make? Be fully prepared before you start the conversation. When the negotiation is completed Dissect again. How well did the negotiation go? What did

you need to compromise on? How will that impact on the business? What are the long term ramifications with this stake holder? What will you do differently next time?

Going through these 5 steps will enable you to be fully prepared for a more favourable outcome. Maintaining good customer relations is just as crucial to the result as the negotiating the right price for customer relations and longevity of supply.

If you would like support to address this in your business book a time for a complimentary Appointment With Purpose (A.W.P.) with Deb Fribbins. We will explore your options together. https://calendly. com/deb-fribbins/appointment-withpurpose?month=2023-03

WHY THE END OF FBT YEAR IS YOUR EXCUSE TO GET SPENDING

By Dan Nicholls

It’s that special time of year again. No, not Christmas. Not that one day in September (Victorian thing). Not tax return time. This is even better, at least we think so. The end of FBT year is your excuse to start looking at ways to spend what is remaining of your salary packaging allowance. It is also when your salary packaging allowance starts all over again for another year of saving big by accessing your pre-tax income. The FBT year is the fringe benefits tax year which runs every year from the 1 st of April to the 31 st of March. Here’s why you need to make sure you focus on your salary packaging arrangements right now. The following is for anyone who has a cap entitlement because they work in the Public Health, Not-ForProfit and Charity sectors.

No rolling over funds

These metaphors write themselves, but no seriously, don’t just roll over and ignore unused salary packaging funds, because it will impact what you can do in the new FBT year. If you have any balance in your salary packaging ’account’ at the 31 st of March, the balance amount will reduce your salary packaging cap limit by that amount in the new FBT year. For example, let’s say you have a balance of $250 on your salary packaging card at the 31 st of March, this amount will reduce your available cap in the new FBT Year. That means if you work in the Public Health sector and your cap is $9,010 each year, your cap will only be $8,760 in the new

FBT Year. The same goes for your Meal Entertainment cap, if there’s any balance remaining at the end of the FBT Year, your cap in the new FBT Year will reduce by the balance. So, it is really important in the lead up to the end of the FBT Year that you know what your balance is at all times. If you don’t already know how to continually check your balance, you should check with your current provider about how you do this. If you have a Novated Lease as part of your salary packaging arrangement, there’s nothing for you to do regarding the funds held as these will transfer over to the new FBT Year.

Splash that tax-free cash

You’ve been extremely wise and thrifty to take up salary packaging, but now is not the time to be shy about throwing those tax-free dollars around. If you have a remaining balance and need to assign some last-minute claims, use it towards expenses you haven’t previously claimed. You may have already allocated your salary packaging benefits to sensible and regular expenses like mortgage, rent, childcare fees or bills. But what about other options like oneoff purchases? Have you considered salary packaging a smartwatch? Check out our previous blog on setting that up. The work year may have just started, but it’s never too early to pay for a holiday. Remember you can claim holiday accommodation. What about hitting the gym? There’s a range of memberships and subscriptions you can buy with your salary packaging allowance. If you still have meals and entertainment funds

left, pick an expensive restaurant and enjoy. Just make sure you use your meals and entertainment card or send in those claim forms (if your salary packaging provider allows claims) before the 31 st of March. Claim a few days BEFORE the 31 st of March Even though the end of FBT is the 31 st of March, financial transactions and the required administration mean it can take several days for salary packaging claims to go through the system. Check with your salary packaging provider, but round these ‘ere parts, the end of FBT year is unaffectionately known as Mad March. To make absolutely sure your claim goes through by the end of the FBT year, we recommend submitting claims as early as possible but no later than the 27 th of March. This goes for salary packaging cards as well. Even though the transaction happens instantly with the vendor, it can take a few days for your salary packaging balance to adjust. All salary packaging providers have different cut-off dates for when you can make your final expense claims, so check with them.

Why is the FBT year different to the financial year?

Good question. The regular financial year or tax year runs from the 1 st of July to the 30 th of June.

The FBT year runs from the 1 st April to the 31 st March. This was decided by the tax office as a way of reducing the pressure of having to do fringe benefit reporting on top of the usual taxation chaos that we all know as EOFY.

Want to know more about the end of FBT year?

If you need help with your FBT claims or you have any queries about salary packaging in general, including Novated Leasing, please call to talk to a real person at The Salary Packaging People. If you’re an employer and not currently happy with your salary packaging services, now is the best time to switch to a truly personable provider. Contact us online or call 03 5229 4200.

Dan Nicholls

Salary Packaging Services

dan@salarypackagingpeople.com.au

SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES

Best tips for cleaning up after painting

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

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

What about rollers and trays?

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

By Steve Dahllof

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

What do I do with cloths, sheets and tape?

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

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

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

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

How do I clean paintbrushes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steve Dahllof

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.

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

Financial Reports for Not for Profits

By Mary-Clare Switz

Not for Profits (NFP) come in a range of types, sizes and purposes including, sporting groups, scouts, environmental protection societies, churches, surf lifesaving clubs. All will have money flowing in and out requiring good financial record keeping. Requirements to lodge income tax returns, lodgement of financials, lodgement of Business Activity Statements, or requirement to be audited will depend on the type of NFP, the status of the NFP and the size of the NFP. Follow this link for the ATO’s Tax basics for non-profit organisations

In general, no matter the size or format of the NFP, they will need to keep up to date financial records that may be accessed by their membership, reported to their Committee of Management and potentially lodged with a relevant body. In the dim dark past financials were commonly kept in handwritten ledger books, receipts were written by hand and cash & cheques were the only way to receive or pay out money.

Today we have easy access to good online accounting software such as Xero or Quickbooks Online. These make it easy for a NFP to keep their financials up to date as well as prepare current financial reports. We strongly recommend that if a NFP is looking to move their bookkeeping online that they seek the assistance of a Registered Bookkeeper/BAS Agent to guide them through the setup process.

It is generally accepted that at a Committee Meeting the Treasurer presents a set of financial reports. If the Committee meets monthly, the reporting period is monthly. If the Committee meets quarterly, then the reporting period is quarterly.

The basic reports to include are:

• Profit & Loss – which represents the income and expenses for the reporting period (ie the previous month or quarter) and for the period beginning at NFP’s financial year to the end of the reporting period

• Balance Sheets – which represents the value of assets and liabilities on the last day of the reporting period

• Bank Account Statements – covering the period and showing the ending balance for the period

• Bank Account Reconciliations – showing that the bookkeeping ledger has been reconciled to the bank statement at the end of the reporting period. This will also show any deposits that have not yet made it into the bank, or any payments that have not yet left the bank (usually checks that have not cleared)

• Transaction Ledger – a report showing ALL transactions that have occurred in the reporting period

• Cash Flow Statement – a report that summarises the flow of cash in and out of the bank accounts for the reporting period

For simple and small NFPs, the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets will be relatively simple and will be unlikely to show much in the way of fixed assets or loan liabilities. Larger and more complicated NFPs will have detailed financials.

For example, a small arts group that has incorporated to benefit its members will be unlikely to own any major equipment or borrow funds to purchase large expenses. Their Profit & Loss will simply show the Revenue in and the Expenses out, and the Balance Sheet showing the balance of the bank accounts, accounts payable & accounts receivable.

A larger group such as a Surf Life Saving Club will shop multiple areas of Revenue; expenses related to the Revenue will show as Cost of Sales rather than expenses. They will have large Fixed Assets registers cataloguing all their equipment that will be depreciated from year to year.

Above I mentioned cash and cheques. In today’s post COVID world we see a lot less cash changing hands and cheques were well and truly losing favour with the ability to move funds around via internet banking.

Removing cash from NFPs helps to prevent fraud as well as save enormous amount of time. We recommend sporting clubs to take on a service such as Square for their face-to-face sales needs (canteen, uniform, events). The initial equipment cost is affordable, and the benefits include not having cash lying around the club rooms, or in someone’s car, or in their house; quick receipt of funds into the bank account rather than waiting for someone to deposit the cash; reduced volunteer time investment (no counting of cash, preparing deposit slips, driving to the bank, changing notes for coins, etc.).

In a recent example we assisted a Pony Club to move to be cashless late last year. An iPad, Square® stand and terminal were bought for just over $1,000. The canteen now runs cashless; all uniforms are purchased via the Square® terminal as well. The benefits have included not worrying about a money float and having the right change; no money to count at the end of the day; and one of the best benefits has been the sales reporting and the ability to see what food items sell best. One of the other interesting effects is that now customers can tap to pay they end up spending more!

One final word about financial reporting. As seen at the Pony Club, the Sales reporting has informed what the club chooses to sell at their canteen, rather than just winging it like they used to do pre-Square. Financials are incredibly important for Committees of Management to be able to truly track their financial performance, manage the highs and lows (remember COVID times?) and understand where their money is going, be able to budget ahead as well as set annual membership fees that cover the budget.

BOOKKEEPER

Income Protection: Considerations before Cancellation

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Warren Strybosch

Insurance is designed to protect clients in those specific instances in which an event occurs.

There are various types of insurances (summarised in Figure 1) available and it is fundamental for you to understand the key differences between each. A good advisor will help guide you through the process of choosing the right type and amount of cover that you need.

The discussion will usually include:

• Understanding the client’s current situation and why they may require personal insurance;

• Work out what the client’s needs are by asking a series of questions;

• Identifying any issues that may arise and steps that need to be taken e.g., pre-existing medical conditions;

• The costs associated with having insurances in place. It is not always about how much more it will cost but sometimes finding ways to save on premiums;

• Provide quotes and agreeing on what to take up/hold and/or what to scope out; and

• Implementing the insurances which includes underwriting and disclosures.

• ensuring DII [disability income insurance] benefits do not exceed the policyholder’s income at the time of claim, and ceasing the sale of Agreed Value policies;

• avoiding offering DII policies with fixed terms and conditions of more than five years; and

• ensuring effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with longer benefit periods. (APRA 2019).”

Note: The terms disability income insurance (DII) and individual disability income insurance (IDII) have the same meaning. Both terms will be referred to as IP going forward.

It is important to understand the key differences that now apply to income protection and more importantly, if you decide to cancel and replace your current IP policy, what benefits you might lose.

What are the key benefits that might be lost if you replace your IP policy?

A. Agreed vs Indemnity

In the past you could choose between agreed and indemnity. Now you can only be provided with an indemnity style policy. Most Agreed policies would ask you to prove your earnings at time of application whereas an indemnity policy

submitted. Obviously, an agreed policy is more beneficial to have and keep compared to an indemnity type policy. APHRA decided to remove the ability for insurers to offer an agreed policy because it was costing the insurance industry way too much money in claims.

B. Benefit Amount

For those who have older IP policies, you would likely be entitled to receive 75% of your income at claim time. However, new policies only allow you to insure up to 70% of your income. If you have a new policy that has a benefit period longer than 5 years, then the income may reduce down to 60% after the first 2 years. Some insurers will allow you to maintain the 70% but other terms and conditions will apply. Anyone wanting to take out a policy with a benefit period greater than 5 years must make sure they understand these changes that occur after the 2 year period when on claim.

C. Own vs Any Occupation Definition

Note: Various insurance product providers may have different names for their products, for example, trauma cover may also be known as crisis recovery or critical illness insurance.

As of 1 October 2021, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) mandated the change in income protection (IP) products for “life companies to better manage riskier product features by:

would ask you to proof your earnings at time of claim. The big difference was that if you had an agreed policy, it would likely pay you the agreed amount regardless of what you were earning at the time of claim. This meant, you could have been earning less for several years prior to the claim being submitted and still be entitled to the amount you insured yourself for. Whereas, with indemnity, you get paid based on what you earned up to 12 months prior to the claim was

Before I can mention benefit periods, I need to explain the difference between an ‘Any’ occupation and ‘Own’ occupation definition. For the most part, you would want to have an ‘Own’ occupation IP policy. This meant that if you could not do your ‘own’ job because of injury and/or illness, you would be paid at claim time, subject to waiting periods. However, APHRA have decided that an ‘Own’ occupation definition is too generous and have now restricted the use of an ‘Own’ occupation definition to a maximum of 5-year benefit period. Going forward, if a young person wants a benefit period greater than 5 years e.g., up to age 65 or 70, they will only be allowed an ‘Own’ occupation for the first 2 years and then the policy reverts to an ‘Any’ occupation definition. As a financial planner, this new change in definition for those wanting a benefit period longer than 5 years is disconcerting. It means that the insurer could potentially force you to return to work after the 2 years or you lose your payments. This new change in definitions has not been tested yet and we await the outcome when the first client has no choice but to return to work.

Note:

For those who choose benefit periods of 5 years or less will continue to have an ’own’ occupation definition.

One insurers definition of disability are as follows:

Figure 1: Types of personal insurance Source: TAL 2022

Disabled/disability

During the waiting period

Disabled means solely because of sickness or injury:

You are unablle to perform the material and substancial duties of your regular occupation at full capacity for the duration of the waiting period; and

You are not working in anby capacity for 14 days out of the first 19 consecutive days of the waiting period.

(Source: www.clearview.com.au)

D. Benefit Periods

One of the most difficult changes to understand is the new benefit periods that have come into effect. For those who choose a 2 year or 5-year benefit period, not a lot has changed. For those who wish to have a benefit period longer than 5 years, each insurer has a different way of assessing the amount you will receive after the 2- or 2.5-year mark when on claim as well as the change in definitions (already discussed above). Most insurers will not continue to pay up to 70% of the benefit amount after the 2-year claim benefit period has been reached. Often it will drop down to 60% of the insured amount. APHRA believes this will encourage more people to try and return to work faster than if they were to continue to be paid the 75% amount offered on old IP policies.

E. Waiting Periods

Most insurers have reduced the number of waiting periods on offer with many only going up to 13 weeks, with the most common waiting period being 8 weeks or 3 months. Before you can receive any benefits once a claim has been submitted, you must have completed your waiting period.

For the first 30 months following the date of disability

Disabled means solely because of sickness or injury:

you are unadle to perform the material and substancial duties of your regular occupation at full capacity; and

your monthly earnings are less than 80% of your pre-disability earnings; and within your regular acccupation you are unable to work the lesser of:

38 hours or more per week the number of hours you regularly worked prior to disability.

F. Offsets

Most insurers will apply ‘offsets’ to benefits. Some will include sick leave and annual leave as an offset, but some do not. Others will offset ‘other payments’ and ‘earnings.’ For instance, if you are a director of a company that produces a profit, your profit may be offset against your IP benefit amount whilst on claim.

Income protection insurance is a must have for all those who are currently working and especially if they do not have enough assets or other sources of income to supplement their current earnings should an event occur which results in them not being able to work.

It is surprising how many people have no income protection in place or have simply accepted the default insurances provided by their superannuation funds. Having some insurance is ‘good’ but we want to make sure you have moved to ‘better’ or ‘best’ cover.

Personal insurance is a necessary evil in that it costs money to hold on to it and you hope you never have to use it, but when you do need to use it, you are very thankful you have it in place.

After 30 months from the date of disability

Disabled means solely because of sickness or injury:

you are unadle to perform the material and substancial duties of any suited occupation at full capacity; and

your monthly earnings are less than 80% of your pre-disability earnings; and within any suited acccupation you are unable to work the lesser of:

38 hours or more per week

the number of hours you regularly worked prior to disability.

We encourage everyone to speak to a financial planner about personal insurances. If you don’t have a financial planner then reach out to Find Insurance (www.findinsurance.com.au) and book a meeting with them or call 1300 88 38 30.

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.

(Source: tal.com.au)

An easier transition into Menopause

Hot flushes

Hot flushes occur due to the fluctuating oestrogen levels and can be somewhat regulated with phytoestrogens. Sage is a great herb for hot flushes with excessive sweating, and whilst it can be consumed as a tea (chilled), capsules may be more convenient. Homeopathic Amyl nit can be taken with each hot flush to reduce the severity, especially in severe cases such as waking to saturated sheets from sweat, or being unable to regulated body temperature afterwards.

Osteoporosis

After menopause, due to the reduced oestrogen levels, women are at higher risk of osteoporosis. Adequate consumption of calcium in foods such as dairy, soy, tinned fish with bones, nuts and seeds are important in the diet. Vitamin D is required to move the calcium into bones, so time should be spent outside each week as this vitamin is made by your skin, but not long enough for sunburn. Weightbearing exercise increases bone density and 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended.

PMS

By Kathryn Messenger

Traditionally in many cultures menopause was celebrated as freedom from childbearing and a sign of wisdom. Sadly in our culture many women struggle with the loss of youth, it can be good to be reminded to enjoy this stage of life and look for some positives.

The average age for menopause is 51, and by definition is 12 months with no period. Perimenopause is the transition stage and usually occurs from age 45 to 55. Changes occur due to changes to main female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is the ‘strong’ hormone, it has a role in strengthening bones with calcium, and during perimenopause the levels fluctuate. Progesterone is the ‘calming’ hormone, it relaxes the nervous system, and in perimenopause the levels drop. During the reproductive years, these hormones generally create balance and after menopause, even though much less of each of these hormones are produced, they are also in balance. It’s unbalanced ratio in perimenopause that causes the symptoms of increased anxiety, unstable mood, changes to the menstrual cycle, and hot flushes.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is often due to a drop in oestrogen and often women who had PMS previously can find symptoms to be worse or last longer in perimenopause. But there’s something easy that can make a big difference: phytoestrogens. This is a group of foods that are chemically similar to the hormone oestrogen and when consumed help to modulate oestrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are found in soy products, linseed, as well as other seeds and legumes, eating these foods can help to offset the fluctuating oestrogen levels.

Stress

Often the first sign of perimenopause is higher stress levels due to the loss of progesterone. Rather than try to fight the hormonal changes, find activities that you can do each week that you find relaxing or fun. Magnesium is a great nutrient for calming the nervous system: magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate are the best forms.

Short cycle

The early stages of perimenopause can also be characterised with a shorter menstrual cycle and very heavy periods, be sure to have your iron levels checked if this is the case, as low iron can lead to exhaustion. There are herbal medicines that do well at regulating the cycle, and a naturopath or herbalist can help with this.

There is so much that can be done naturally to support the transition to menopause.

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

Whole

Naturopathy can help provide you with natural products to help ease the transition into menopause.

Consumer prices rose 7.4 per cent in year to January

Inflation decelerated in January faster than economists were expecting, although price increases still rose by the second-highest level since the start of monthly data releases four and a half years ago.

Consumer Price Index figures released

by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed retail prices rising 7.4 per cent in the 12 months to January, down from 8.4 per cent in the year to December.

Consensus expectations were for a 8.1 per cent rise in the year to January.

“The monthly inflation data is very volatile and noisy and a lack of history makes it harder to analyse, but it is pointing to slower inflation in early 2023,” AMP senior economist Diana Mousina wrote in an analysis.

The higher-than-expected inflation data for the December quarter now looks like a one-off, driven by a few categories like holiday accommodation and travel that are unlikely to be repeated, Ms Mousina added.

KPMG chief economist Dr Brendan Rynne said the figures would provide “partial comfort” to the Reserve Bank that its strategy of hiking interest rates to combat inflation was paying off.

While KPMG still expects two more 25 basis point rate hikes in March and April, “the end of the rate hikes now appears to be in sight,” Dr Rynne wrote.

The most significant price rises in January were in the same categories as in December – housing (up 9.8 per cent); food and non-alcoholic drink (up 8.2 per cent); and recreation and culture (a 10.2 per cent rise).

New dwelling prices rose 14.7 per cent in the year to January, as builders passed through higher costs for labour and materials and government housing construction grants slowed or ended.

Rents also rose further, climbing from an annual rise of 4.1 per cent in December to 4.8 per cent in January, “reflecting low vacancy rates and a tight rental market”, the ABS said.

In monthly terms, rents were up 0.7 per cent in January while new dwelling prices rose 0.5 per cent.

“Rents are growing more strongly than they were 12 months ago while the increases in new dwelling prices are moderating compared to a year ago,” said ABS head of prices statistics Michelle Marquardt.

The increase in food prices reflected high input costs such as wages, freight and supply disruption, the ABS said.

The exception to rising food costs was fruit and vegetable prices, which fell 2.3 per cent in January, on a monthly basis.

The annual movement for CPI excluding the volatile items of fruit, vegetables and petrol rose 7.2 per cent in January, down from 8.1 per cent in December.

Excluding holiday travel, consumer prices rose 6.7 per cent in the year to January, compared to 7.4 per cent in December.

Derek Rose (Australian Associated Press)

2023 TAX UPDATES

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)

Sharing economy - expansion of reporting regime now in effect

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)

2023 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)

Are you a in or around geelong area?

Not-for-profit

Advertise your event for FREE on the following pages

Are you an NFP with an up-and-coming event? If so, email your event to editor@findgeelong.com.au and we will place it in the paper for FREE.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Not-For-Profit Of the month

is here in 2023 for the inaugural event to be held in August of this year. The Geelong Art Show Inc. has been formed as a Not For Profit by a committee of communityminded individuals with the skill sets to drive the art show to a successful annual event. This event aims to provide Australian artists with the opportunity to showcase their masterpieces to the wider Geelong community whilst raising funds for an important cause and giving back to the local community. This year’s funds are being donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation through the Geelong Region Cancerians. Most of us have been affected by cancer in some way, if not ourselves, members of our family and friends. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for the Geelong community to enjoy and celebrate local artists while raising funds for a cause that has impacted many.

Deb Fribbins, the committee chair, founded the committee in 2021. Her vision was to bring an event to the Geelong community for local artists to share their art that can raise funds for important

causes that impact Research Foundation to the Committee ones affected should have to the Australian treatments and Deb along with hard to bring expertise amongst local artists, successful time to this fantastic The Geelong valued sponsors local community from 10:00 am are now open submissions and packages are available. Get in touch hello@geelongartshow.com.au or visit www.geelongartshow.com.au for more information.

impact the local community. The charity for 2023 being the Australian Cancer Foundation through the Geelong Region Cancerians is especially important Committee members who have either personally had cancer or have had loved affected by this incurable disease. The committee passionately believes that no one to sufferfrom Cancer. All surplus funds from this year’s event will go towards Cancer Research Foundation in supporting people to access appropriate and ultimately find a cure.

with seven other determined and talented committee members have worked bring Deb’s vision to life this year for the inaugural Geelong Art Show Inc. With amongst committee members from a former CFO, to a successful keynote speaker, successful entrepreneurs and marketing gurus the committee have donated their fantastic cause.

Art Show Inc. opens on the 18th of August, launching with a VIP event for our sponsors and Geelong dignitaries. The Art Show will be open for viewing for the community on Saturday 19th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 20th am to 4:00pm. Entries open for artists’ and sponsorship are still

touch via hello@geelongartshow.com.au

www.geelongartshow.com.au information.

The Geelong Art Show Inc.

Elf Night - Autumn AUTUMN 2023

ELF NIGHT

FRI MAR 31 2023 AT 03:30 AM

The purpose of the Autumn 2023 edition of this quarterly social event:

- To thank our hundreds of volunteers, donors and community for your amazing support to date, with awards and acknowledgement galore;

- To report on our 2021 - 2022 activity and impact;

- To invite you to join us in 2023, as we celebrate our 5th year as a registered charity, providing toys, treats and tech to thousands of families in need.

Celebration is the theme of the night. Venue TBC.

You may also like the following events from Elf Squad:

• This June, 30th June, 07:30 am, ELF Night - 2023 Winter Edition in Geelong

• This October, 27th October, 06:30 am, ELF Night - Spring 2023 Edition in Geelong

Also check out other Nonprofit Events in Geelong.

About The Host: Elf Squad will distribute toys, treats & tech to 200 families in need in the Geelong region.

Website Link: http://www.elfsquad.com.au

Welcome

Welcome back everyone A special welcome to the new families to LPS.

It’s been lovely seeing everyone’s smiling faces over these first weeks. The atmosphere in the classrooms is captivating – it’s so good to see all the children attentive and ready to learn. We have an awesome school. The commitment and professionalism of staff is second to none

it never ceases to amaze me how competent and kind everyone is at LPS. Your child is in great hands.

Here’s my suggestions to help your child have the best 2023

• Practice gratitude as a family, thank each other with appreciations and kind words as much as possible – share what you are thankful for on a regular basis – take turns each evening around the dinner table – remind children how fortunate we are here in Australia

• Stay positive and give as much encouragement as possible

• In difficult situations stay calm – believe in yourself, your family, the school and other supports, trusting that things will work out in the end and ultimately you will grow through the experience – it’s been said that life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how we respond to it

• Speak positively about others, particularly the school and teachers

• When issues arise at school, listen carefully to all sides of the story with an open mind and communicate with the school as soon as is practical

• Put realistic limits on screen and device time

• Create opportunities to connect with your child one on one – spend time with each child playing games, reading books, going on dates, walks, adventures, chatting, dreaming

• Model kindness and patience with everyone around you, including strangers –children learn more about how to behave from observing their parents than anything else

• Plan a holiday or family outing together that everyone can look forward to and have some input into

• Facilitate one or two extra-curricular ongoing activities for your child

• Treat your child’s other parent/stepparents/ex with respect and kindness where possible – positive demonstrations such as this have far-reaching effects – I wonder if the way we treat our spouse has more lasting impact on our child than our direct relationship with our child

All the best everyone.

Have a terrific 2023

Rob Hunter Chaplain LPS

Robert.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

Geelong Art Show

SPONSORSHIP PIECE

The inaugural Geelong Art Show is here in 2023!

The Geelong Art Show Inc. is already creating a lot of interest amongst local artists. With a board of dedicated volunteer committee members working towards this being an annual event to weave into the social calendar of Geelong for local artists from Geelong and surrounding communities to enter into. The committee plans to build this event each year with more categories and be more inclusive of artistic genres. This year we start with four categories, 1. Oils, 2. Acrylics, 3. Watercolours, and 4. Charcoals, Ink, Graphite and Pastels.

On Friday the 18th of August the opening night of the show will be held. The opening night will see leading Geelong dignitaries and our sponsors invited to join the artists at the official launch of the art show. Finger food and beverages will be served prior to the opening ceremony. All funds raised from the 2023 Geelong Art Show Inc. will be donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation through the Geelong Region Cancerians.

Working Together We Can Help Beat Cancer. This is an amazing opportunity to align your business with a reputable fundraising event that is striving to find a cure of cancer. Aligning your business with our fundraising initiative is a wonderful way to promote your business, support vital research, expand networking opportunities and involve your business in charitable practices.

With sponsorship packages available at $1000, $3000 and $5000 offering a range of branding opportunities as well as an invitation to the show’s opening night there is a great opportunity for your business to sponsor what stands to be a fantastic event for an important cause.

Get in contact today via sponsorship@geelongartshow.com.au or visit our website for more information www.geelongartshow.com.au

Our Sponsors

GROW, CONNECT & CONQUER

Would you like to connect with more businesses in Geelong and Bellerine?

Making those connections is vital for business survival and for business growth. Coming up on 25th March in Geelong is a SPEED NETWORKING EVENT … it gives businesses the opportunity to meet AS MANY businesses as possible, but most importantly make those 1:1 connections we all crave!

The event is called Grow Connect Conquer Event and it’s on from 10.30am-2.30pm.

Not only is there speed networking, but there is other entertainment, including a keynote from International Speaker Justine Martin on ‘resilience in small business’ and LIVE music by Kim Cooper.

The charity partner for the event is Cancer Council, and the event will proudly donate ticket sales and money raised to the wonderful cause.

Businesses connect session & expert tips from a panel of Geelongs award winning business people.

Food and drinks provided

Door prizes

Competitions

And live music from the very talented Kim Cooper

Saturday

25 March 2023 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Runway geelong 33 Mackey Street, North geelong Victoria 3216

Geelong’s Longest Lunch

presents the region’s ultimate culinary experience, Geelong’s Longest Lunch, back for the first time since 2019!

Join us for Geelong’s Longest Lunch on Friday March, 17 at a stunning new location overlooking Geelong’s waterfront.

Guaranteed to sell out (consider this your warning, tickets are limited), the popular annual event features four award-worthy courses prepared by the region’s top chefs, utilising fresh regional produce and coupled with local wines, all in support of our local health service.

Friday March 17, 2023

From 12-4pm

Transvaal Square, Geelong

Tickets $165 per person

Includes canapés and drinks on arrival, a three course lunch with matching wines, entertainment and a donation to the Barwon Health Foundation.

Hosted by Sarah Pound aka Wholesome by Sarah

Featuring Mike Jaques – Tulip, Andy Symeonakis – 1915, Stuart North – Empire Grill, Leonie Mills - The Cullinary Collective @ The Gordon, Daniel Brehaut – The Davidson @ The Gordon, Chris Hudich – Wharf Shed

For more information about how your business can be involved or support please contact Danni.

danni.flowers@barwonhealth.org.au

Em-Power Golf

Empower is a full service disability recreation not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to facilitate and promote the world’s most inclusive sport for people living with disabilities.

Em-Power Golf is set to tee off for Term 1 on Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 at Clifton Springs Golf Club with a limit of 12 positions available, you will need to get in quickly by emailing Luke Maher at Leisure Networks luke.maher@leisurenetworks.org

There is a fee of $500 for the 8 week program to assist Dan with tuition, equipment and everything that made last years sessions so fulfilling.

Every Tuesday,Thursday of every week from 14 February 2023 to 30 March 2023

Website: https://empowergolf.com.au/

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.

allison GROOT

• Video Production

• Member of Find Geelong

Allison Groot is the Creative Director at Yes Today Media.

Yes Today Media is a video production company that offers small businesses, Not-For-Profits, and companies a chance to build their video content in a cost-effective way. With over 15 years of experience in video production, they offer a unique approach to creating content. Most of all they enjoy what they do and they love making videos.

Yes Today Media offers the following services:

(a) Video Production - Filming | Editing | Interviews | Script Development; (b) Social MediaCreating Content | Posting; (c) Events - Design | Filming | Editing | Product Showcase; (d) Animation - Motion Design | Infographic | Character Animation (e) Graphic Design - Social Media | Print; and (f) Photography - Product | Headshots | Life Style.Allison’s ideal clients are small businesses and not-for-profits.

hello@yestodaymedia.com.au

council news

Council awards $3.136 million in grants to community

Upgrades of a baseball indoor training facility and a hot glass art workspace are among the clever and creative projects to share in $3.136 million from Council’s 2022-23 Community Grants program.

A total of 44 community groups, clubs and organisations have been awarded grants, including 35 Community Infrastructure Grant applications totalling more than $2.615 million.

The Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club will receive $350,000 to install new sports lights at its second oval on the Western Heights Secondary College grounds and the Bellarine Catchment Network will use the same funding amount to update the Bellarine Environment Centre to be more accessible and comfortable. The Clifton Springs Bowling Club’s $260,000 grant will fund a kitchen upgrade for members.

Other Community Infrastructure Grant recipients include the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club ($146,799) to upgrade lights to LED, Club Italia Geelong ($50,000) to replace its power board, and 1st Barwon Heads Scouts ($32,482) for a feasibility study into a new Barwon Heads Scout Hall.

Council has awarded two First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants, totalling $52,200 to recognise, restore, protect and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Ocean Grove Primary School’s ‘Rekindling the Wadawurrung Spirit of Ocean Grove’ is an intangible Cultural Heritage project to build Wadawurrung heritage of the Ocean Grove area and will receive $29,100 to establish. A total of $23,100 will go to the Friends of the

Geelong Botanical Gardens to fund ‘The Wadawurrung Connection,’ another intangible Cultural Heritage project to place name the Indigenous gardens and signage at the Geelong Botanical Gardens.

An unspent budget of $47,800 from the First Nations Cultural Heritage Grant stream has been carried forward to increase the 2023-24 grant budget.

Seven restoration projects have collected a total of $100,575 in Geelong Heritage Grants.

They include $12,200 for heritage tour signage works at the Barwon Paper Mills, $22,600 to help repaint and repair the upper façade of a building on Gheringhap and Ryrie streets, $13,790 to replace some window frames at the Victorian Railways Institute Geelong Hall and $5,000 to restore the sign at The Barwon Club Hotel.

Applications for this funding round opened on 4 June 2022 and closed after eleven weeks on 22 August 2022.

A number of grants are open to applications, with various closing dates:

• Arts Professional Development Grants

• Arts Projects - Quick Response Grants

• Community Events Quick Response Grants

• Environmental Sustainability Grants (Round 2)

• Healthy & Connected Communities Grants (Round 2) and

• Neighbourhood House Grants (Round 2).

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“The Community Grants recognise the immense contributions community groups, clubs and organisations make to Greater Geelong each year.

Grants are often the difference between whether a project gets off the ground or not, so Council is thrilled to be able to help.

We thank these groups for their hard work reconnecting with the community during the pandemic, helping disadvantaged community members, offering a safe space for friendship and fostering creativity, physical activity and compassion.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken

“The Community Grants demonstrate Council’s commitment to sustainability through empowering community members and responsible financial management.

By expanding opportunities for our community, we are helping to foster and invest in a more resilient and inclusive Greater Geelong.

Council is proud to invest significant funds into Community Infrastructure, First Nations Cultural Heritage and Geelong Heritage through our annual budget, which the community will benefit greatly from for years to come.”

Arts projects set to enrich Greater Geelong

The recipients of nearly $203,000 in Council’s 2023-2023 Arts Projects Grants have been congratulated and provided further support during a celebration at the region’s civic precinct, Wurriki Nyal

A total of 22 music, performance, visual arts, film and writing projects received grants of up to $10,000 each for the round, representing the diversity of artists and the artistic life of Greater Geelong

Twenty grant recipients from 12 different projects attended the event, including representatives of the Geelong Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYO). The GYO will utilise its $10,000 in funding to expand with a new and unique orchestral program of excellence for young people across Geelong and The Bellarine

Other attendees included representatives from Geelong Gallery which is using its $10,000 grant to present an exhibition of Back to Back Theatre’s participatory exhibition ‘Portrait’ from Friday 18 March. ‘Portrait’ collaborated with femaleidentifying students from Nelson Park

School and Barwon Valley School and challenges existing photographic representations of disability, age, gender, and sexuality.

Planning for all funded projects is well underway, with delivery throughout 2023.

Councillor Jim Mason, Deputy Chair of the Creative Communities and Culture portfolio presented to the group and spoke about how positive outcomes from arts grants benefit not only the creative community, but residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds

The City’s Arts and Culture team offered advice on how to ensure the success of each project, with grant recipients introduced to the team member who would be providing each project with support.

Blink Dance Theatre creative directors Elise Wilkinson and Jess Lesosky delivered insights as previous 2021-2022 grant recipients on how the funding contributed to the development of their work, Small Wonders.

“Council is excited to aid arts projects that support the region’s Clever and Creative, economic and accessibility aims

We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these 22 upcoming arts projects and help groups receive information about their grants, networking opportunities and tips for project success

We have a wealth of creativity and knowledge in our region, so I can’t wait to see how the final projects take shape!”

“Council is proud to play a significant role in the development of creative works and projects in the community

It was a pleasure to present to and meet with so many professional and passionate local creatives, who were eager to share how they can make their funding work as hard as possible

I thank these groups for their contributions to make our region more artistically vibrant and inclusive.”

Mayor Trent Sullivan - Chair of the Creative Communities and Culture Portfolio

Councillor Mason

“From our visit we got to see and learn about the library’s innovative features, the green rooftop, brickwork façade and different internal aspects of the library such as the central courtyard and quiet spaces, all of which are complimented by views of the surrounding parkland.

It’s a really unique building and I hope it inspires the design of other new buildings in the region. “

Boronggook Drysdale Library set to become town’s gathering place

A new $9.15 million library featuring an innovative circular design and green rooftop in Drysdale town centre is nearing completion.

Mayor Trent Sullivan and Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason today joined State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP and Vanessa Schernickau, Chief Executive Officer Geelong Regional Library Corporation, for a special preview of the facility.

The new library, jointly funded by Council ($8.156 million) and the Victorian Government ($1 million), will provide communal multi-purpose spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility, an internal courtyard garden and a City of Greater Geelong customer service point.

The first of its kind in the Greater Geelong region, the library features 4,300 plants, including18 different native species on its rooftop, providing habitat for birds, bees and butterflies.

With the opening scheduled for April, the community will soon be enjoying this contemporary space.

The library’s name, Boronggook (Bo-ronggook), is the traditional Wadawurrung name for the area and means ‘turf’.

Sitting atop Drysdale Hill at 10 Wyndham Street, the site was once the gathering place for Traditional Owners. This legacy has been translated into a modern concept, with the circular design incorporating a terraced amphitheatre.

Mayor Trent Sullivan:

“We are pleased to see the new Drysdale Library nearing completion.

Without a doubt, this space will provide a focal point for Drysdale and surrounding communities by bringing people together.”

The new Boronggook Drysdale Library will be an incredible asset to the local community – from the dedicated children’s space to the thousands of new collection items to the rooftop garden.

While our libraries will always provide spaces for people to read and connect to free Wi-Fi, libraries are no longer just about borrowing books. Our vast range of programs and events appeal to people of all ages, from vital early literacy programs to cyber safety sessions to craft sessions where people gather to create, but more importantly to connect.

New libraries such as Boronggook have been designed with new ways of working in mind – there are light filled spaces to work and collaborate and affordable meeting rooms available to hire.

We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people into the incredible new Boronggook Drysdale Library.

Councillor Jim Mason:

Vanessa Schernickau:

Frank Costa AO to be immortalised in bronze

The life and achievements of the late Frank Costa AO will be publicly recognised with a permanent bronze statue in central Geelong.

Mr Costa holds a special place in our community for his tireless philanthropy, his role as long-time Geelong Football Club president, his significant business endeavours, and his passionate advocacy for the region.

The City of Greater Geelong has partnered with Mr Costa’s family and his beloved Geelong Football Club to make the memorial a reality after Geelong Authority member Rory Costelloe approached Council with the idea.

Respected Australian artist and sculptor Louis Laumen is currently creating the public artwork based on the vision to memorialise him as a ‘paper boy’, in a nod to Mr Costa’s time selling newspapers as a child.

The boy will hold up a copy of the Geelong Advertiser proclaiming Geelong’s premiership victory in 1951, with the statue to explore a number of unifying themes evident in Mr Costa’s life.

The 220-centimetre-tall statue will be installed on the northeast corner of Ryrie and Moorabool streets (in front of the T&G Building) where the future businessman once sold papers.

The memorial is expected to be unveiled mid-2023, soon after the second anniversary of Mr Costa’s death.

The cost to fabricate and install the memorial is $100,000, funded by City of Greater Geelong, Costa-Costelloe and Geelong Football Club

Mayor Trent Sullivan

“Frank Costa has ‘Legend’ status not just at the Geelong Football Club, but within all sections of the community.

Frank was a larger-than-life figure with a generosity of spirit, who lived his life in service and cared greatly about the welfare of Greater Geelong residents.

A remarkable businessman, mentor and advocate, Frank’s work will have a positive impact on our region for generations to come.

Council is thrilled to partner with the Costa Family Group and Geelong Football Club to acknowledge the unique contribution Frank made with this statue.

This public artwork will not only illustrate the many facets of Frank’s life but create a space to reflect on and learn about his contributions and spark inspiration to help others.”

Shirley, Robert and the extended Costa family

“We were humbled by Rory’s suggestion to capture the moment when a young Frank, full of enthusiasm, started his love of Geelong and the opportunities he found within it.

We’ve been delighted to support this testimonial to Frank, depicting where his story begun. We believe it would mean a lot to him, it certainly does to us and hopefully to many others who got swept up in his endless world of possibilities.”

Joel Selwood - former Geelong Football Club premiership player and captain

“When I think of Frank Costa, I not only reflect on all that he achieved as our President and as a humble custodian of the Geelong Football Club, but all that he achieved beyond the stadium walls. He was an iconic figure in the region with a generous, authentic and fierce advocacy for the community.

Frank loved everyone and everyone loved him. He was a remarkable person and will always hold a special place in my heart, as he would by everybody who he came into contact with.

One of the best things about coming to the footy club everyday was the stability of the place and without Frank, that would never have happened. Frank believed in Geelong when few did, and I’m honoured to represent the Club to acknowledge all that Frank contributed, in making this town what it is today.”

Finish the working week on a high in Central Geelong

Knock off work and celebrate the end of the working week with live music, roving entertainment, delicious food, a garden bar and giant games in Central Geelong this month.

The City of Greater Geelong is hosting Fridays After Work on 10, 17, 24 and 31 March from 5:00pm to 8:30pm in support of our talented local musicians and hospitality venues.

Enjoy a range of entertainment during these pleasant March evenings at the beautiful Green Spine Triangular Park at 1 Malop Street, on the corner of Malop and Mercer streets:

Friday 10 March 2023 (March long weekend)

• Roving entertainment from 5:00pm to 6:30pm

• Rach Brennan and Friends playing Fleetwood Mac and Beatles tunes and performing Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash impressions from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Friday 17 March 2023

• Roving entertainment from 5:00pm to 8:00pm including the amazing Monae Power Unicyclist performing incredible circus tricks

• DJ Wolfie spinning vinyl tunes on the vintage Moto Bella Vespa from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Friday 24 March 2023

(as part of the City’s Tastes of Central Geelong festival)

• Roving entertainment from 5:00pm to 6:30pm

• Pineapple Head playing Crowded House covers from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Friday 31 March 2023

(as part of the City’s Tastes of Central Geelong festival)

• Roving entertainment from 5:00pm to 6:30pm

• Lady Valentine Band from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

More News and Updates

“I encourage community members to unwind on Malop Street with the City and make a night of it.

There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than with an eclectic mix of music and entertainment, coupled with tasty food and drinks.

Join us for some fun and good vibes at Fridays After Work this month and enjoy the last of the warmer evenings.”

Councillor Eddy Kontelj - Chair of the Arts, Live Entertainment and Hospitality portfolio

“Council is thrilled to invest in the free Fridays After Work series as it will encourage community members to stay in Central Geelong for longer and support local businesses.

Fridays After Work are just one of the many activations Council is funding to drive people to Central Geelong, building on our Music in the City and Tastes of Central Geelong programs.

It’s a vital economic hub that supports more than 27,000 jobs and holds a special place in Greater Geelong’s collective identity.”

Safe zone for pedestrians created

Pako Street welcomes inclusive sculpture

Indulge your senses at Tastes of Central Geelong

Mayor Trent Sullivan

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

Call out to Bellarine cyclists and walkers - Come and tell us about your favourite local rides and walks

The Bellarine Bicycle User Group (BBUG) is working on a CoGG-funded project to design and publish an Active Travel Map for the Bellarine. We hope the free map will encourage more people to actively explore the beautiful Bellarine.

Drop-in session details:

Venue: Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, 17-21 High St Drysdale

Date: 14 March 2023

Time: 9 – 10am ~ cycling focus

10 – noon ~ all welcome

The public is invited to a community drop-in session on Tuesday 14 March at SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale between 10am and noon. Cyclists are invited to arrive from 9am to discuss cycling matters. Refreshments will also be available.

The public is invited to a community drop-in session on Tuesday 14 March at SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale between 10am and noon. Cyclists are invited to arrive from 9am to discuss cycling matters. Refreshments will also be available.

Anyone interested in this new map is encouraged to attend and/or connect with us. Email bellarinebug2@gmail.com

Where Springdale Neighbourhood Centre Wadawurrung Country, 17-21 High St Drysdale VIC

Cost

This is a free event

Contact Vicki Perrett

Email: bellarinebug2@gmail.com

Phone: +61 425 802 116

Associated organisation: Bellarine Bicycle User Group (BBUG) Follow us: https://www.facebook. comgroups/bellarinebelles/ permalink/6318976484832712/

A six-session parenting program for parents of adolescents aged 12-18 years.

Would you like to learn how to:

• Support parents to connect and communicate with their teens

• Assist parents with understanding adolescent development

• Help parents to assist their teen to develop emotional intelligence

• Remain empathetic and stay connected

Tuning into teens shows you how to help your teen develop emotional intelligence.

Register online now

When

Every Tuesday of every week from 07 February 2023 to 14 March 2023, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Contact Regional Parenting Service

Email: rps@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: +61 3 5272 4741

Website: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ct/ forms/form.aspx?form_id=20360

Wed 15

March 6:30pm

Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2023

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a 3-hour celebration of our oceans comprised of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This unique collection of short films from around the globe document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate

the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-

inspiring underwater scenes and fastpaced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points.

Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with moving footage, touching interviews and insightful narrations. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home.

Find out more at:

www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au

Tickets

Tickets for Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2023 – Geelong Wed 15 March 6:30pm can be booked here.

Get

About The Host:

www.oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au brings the world’s best ocean-related independent films to Australia and tours them around the country.

Website Link: https://oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au

This event is FREE for all veterans and spouses! Interview with 40+ companies in just 3-hours.

MilitaryX virtual job fairs connect you directly with veteranfriendly local employers.

Powered

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

Literary Trivia

Are you learned about literary legends...? Are you a fan of fictional film adaptations...?

Test your literary knowledge by joining us for a light-hearted, fun-filled literary trivia evening in person at Chilwell Library. Play as a team, duo or just fly solo.

Ticketing

Although this event is free, bookings are essential.

Book tickets

When 15 March 2023, 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Where Chilwell Library

Wadawurrung Country, 51 Russell Street, Geelong VIC 3220

Contact Associated organisation: Geelong Regional Library

Website: http://www.grlc.vic.gov.au

Follow us: http://www.twitter.com/geelonglibrary

http://www.facebook.com/ geelonglibraryandheritagecentre

All Ford Day, Geelong

FINEST FALCONS DISPLAY - ALL FORDS DAY 2k23

Finest Falcons Fam, it’s finally time to start planning next year’s All Fords Display!! This year was an incredible success, as our first ever club display. With 2 successful pre meets, a killer cruise, and to top it off an amazing day with friends and new faces, it’s time to do it again, bigger and better!

Information on pre meets and running schedules are yet to come, but save the date, invite all your Ford mates, let’s make it a huge one!!

ALL FORDS WELCOME!

Club display at ALL FORD DAY 2023

hey guys with AFD COMING UP IN 2 MONTHS IVE BOOKED 30+ SPOTS...

to register to part of the club display follow the link below https://allfordday.org.au/ go to enter then pick judging all normal put in club name Ford muscle car club melbourne...

26 March 2023

Eastern Beach Road

Geelong has long been known as the home of long course triathlon racing and Ironman 70.3 Geelong is set to return to the waterfront.

A multi-looped fast course, Ironman 70.3 Geelong is set to test avid triathletes looking for a challenging and unique experience along Geelong’s spectacular waterfront and scenic country side.

Ticketing

• Entries are now open. Have a go and tick this challenge off your bucket list.

Buy tickets

Visiting Geelong...?

If you’re headed to Geelong for Ironman 70.3 Geelong, make the most of your visit by enjoying the best of our region. From eating out, enjoying some family fun to having a round of golf, being adventurous or sampling our locally made wines, there’s lots on offer.

Plan your itinerary

This event is proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong via Geelong Major Events funding and was first held in 2007.

Contact Ironman Oceania

Email: geelong@ironman.com

Phone: +61 1300 761 384

Associated organisation: Ironman Oceania

Website: https://www.ironman.com/im703geelong

Geelong Pride March

Join us for the 2023 Geelong Pride March! It will begin at Johnstone Park in Geelong, and end in West Park in Geelong West.

Marshalling will begin at 9:30am on Saturday 25 March, with an expected 10am start.

Individuals can rock up on the day, but we are asking for all organisations to sign up using the following Google form:

This is so we can get an idea of numbers and composition, and contact you if we have any further questions.

The route is 1km and relatively flat, but there is one underpass on Gordon Avenue which may mean wheelchair users or other people with mobility aids will require assistance.

Please note that we have not been given permission to shut down traffic for the March, so Geelong Rainbow volunteers will be leading groups across traffic lights and other road crossings. We will be crossing Latrobe Terrace, which is a major road.

Following the March, we will begin our Rainbow Festival Carnival Day at 11:00am at West Park (89 Autumn Street, Geelong West). All March participants are invited to stay on for the festivities.

For any other accessibility information, or if you have further questions please contact hello@geelongrainbow.org.au

You may also like the following events from Geelong Rainbow Inc:

• Next month, 24th March, 07:30 am, Geelong Rainbow Pride Prom in Geelong

Also check out other Festivals in Geelong.

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

When Various dates from 28 February 2023 to 26 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

Tiny Home Expo - featuring large displays of Tiny Homes from an array of builders, plus Backyard Pods/offices/retreats, lots of ideas, advice, builders, off-grid product, land and Finance.

This event is packed full of information including a full speaker hall running all day long, and featuring Q+A sessions for your personalised questions.

There is no other event that can get you all the answers, all in one place.

This event is packed full of information including a full speaker hall running all day long, and featuring Q+A sessions for your personalised questions.

There is no other event that can get you all the answers, all in one place.

Yes, you can find land to place a tiny house

Yes, they come with upstair bedrooms OR they can be built on one level

Yes, they are perfect for AirBNB - OR living in long term

No, they are not illegal

Yes, you can take them 100% off grid (most do)

No, you do not need to buy land to have a tiny house

Yes, perfect for your acreage/large plot home as a second dwelling

No, they are nothing like a caravan - not even slightly similar!

Yes, they have air conditioning, lots of storage and many luxuries

No, they are not just for homeless people, they provide many solutions for all kinds of situations

Interested in coming to a Tiny Home Expo to find out more?

Click INTERESTED or GOING and receive facebook post updates on all the exhibitors and event details including giveaways.

TICKETS: This is a ticketed event - children 16yrs and under are free Staggered Entry to keep crowds lower

Friday 10am - 3pm

Sat AM 9am - stay all day

Sat PM 1pm - 5pm

Sun AM 9am - stay all day

Sun PM 1pm - 5pm

Tickets are available at the gatehowever, keep a close eye on the FAQS as we update there if the limited tickets are close to selling out (gate tickets are ceased if online tickets sell out)

www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/faqs

RECOMMENDATION: Please do look into the FAQS for detailed information about the event.

You may also like the following events from Tiny Homes Expo:

• This May, 12th May, 11:00 am, Sydney Tiny Home Expo 2023 in Orchard Hills

• This June, 9th June, 09:00 am, Toowoomba Qld Tiny Home Expo in Wilsonton

Also check out other Business Events in Geelong, Exhibitions in Geelong.

Fri Mar 31 2023 at 07:00 am to 12:00 pm

Geelong Race Course, Geelong, Australia

Offshore Superboat Championship

Racing on the Inner Harbour of Corio Bay over two days at speeds of up to 240km/h...!

Free and easy to watch from multiple vantage points.

When Daily from 18 March 2023 to 19 March 2023

Where Corio Bay

Wadawurrung Country, Geelong, VIC 3220

Contact John Curnow

Email: jrcurnow@gmail.com

Phone: +61 419 969 959

Associated organisation: Australian Offshore Powerboat Club

Website: https://superboat.com.au/

Follow us:

https://www.instagram.com/offshore_ superboat_racing/

https://www.facebook.com/ OffshoreSuperboats/

Fri Mar 31 2023 at 3:00 pm GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Geelong Art Show Inc. 2023 is Here!

2023 sees the inaugural Geelong Art Show Inc. opening the weekend of the 18th of August at Sacred Heart College. The art show in 2023 is to become an annual event to weave into the social calendar of Geelong. The Geelong Art Show Inc. enables Australian artists to showcase their masterpieces to the wider Geelong community. The art community will have the opportunity to view the art over two and a half days. Friday night August 18th will see the official opening celebrating local artists of the event with our valued sponsors and distinguished guests. The Art Show will be open for viewing for the local community on Saturday 19th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 20th from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. The objectives of the Geelong Art Show Inc. are to gain awareness for local artists, to support the artistic community with surplus funds being presented to the chosen charity of 2023 being Australian Cancer Research Foundation through the Geelong Region Cancerians. The Geelong Art Show Inc. aims to become an integral part of the art scene in Victoria & to give back to the local community.

Visit www.geelongartshow.com.au to submit your artist entry or reach out to enquire as to sponsorship opportunities today!

Mentoring and advice to run and grow your business online

The Digital Solutions program has helped thousands of Victorian small businesses grow online.

For just $44, you can access 5 hours of mentoring from a selection of 40 digital business advisors in Victoria.

Whether you want to set up a TikTok Ad campaign, expand on your content strategy or improve your SEO rankings, the program can help you.

Sign up before 31 March at: courses. melbourneinnovation.com.au

Book Tickets

When 31 March 2023 - 05:00 PM

Cost Adult: $44.00

Get 1:1 mentoring, webinars, courses, and more for just $44.

Contact Ange Rayson

Email: arayson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: +61 402 650 043

Associated organisation: Melbourne Innovation Centre

Website: https://courses.melbourneinnovation. com.au/

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/ melbourneinnovationcentre/

https://www.instagram.com/ melbinnovation/

AFL MATCH DAY

The 2023 season is officially upon us: be there as we open our 2023 campaign at the MCG in Round 1!

Its Cats versus Pies in a Qualifying Final rematch under Friday night lights, don’t miss a second of the action.

ROUND 1

Geelong v Collingwood

Friday 17 March

Bounce: 7.40pm AEDT

MCG

Wurundjeri

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...

Do you know someone who is a changemaker, a life saver, a volunteer, or a community leader? Or someone who goes above and beyond to make a positive impact to their local community or the environment? Nominate them today for a Westfield Local Heroes grant.

Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community. Community members nominate their heroes and we select three finalists for each Westfield centre to go through to a community vote.

The successful heroes are awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and the finalists receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation.

It’s easy to recognise your hero and put them in the spotlight to potentially receive a $20,000 grant to help continue their work.

1. Visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes

2. Tell us who your hero is and how they create positive impact for your community or environment.

Nominations close Thursday 30 March 2023.

For the past five years, the Westfield Local Heroes program has been connecting and enriching our local communities. You can read more about the program in our Social Impact Report or watch our 5 Year Celebration video

If you have any questions, please contact us at westfieldlocalheroes@scentregroup.com

Enter a world of endless possibilities and excitement as Westfield and Disney come together to celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary.

Keep up to date with the latest Disney100 news and offers via our website or the Westfield Plus App. Not a member? Join now by downloading the free app – you won’t want to miss out on the exciting member exclusives coming up.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at the amazing Disney milestones over the last 100 years, and where it all began…

“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing— that it was all started by a mouse.” – Walt Disney

The Walt Disney Company’s journey through the years

1901 December 5 – Walter Elias Disney is born in Chicago, Illinois.

Celebrate Disney100 with Westfield

1923 October 16 - Walt and his brother Roy sign a contract with M.J. Winkler to produce a series of Alice Comedies, officially founding The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, now The Walt Disney Company.

1928 November 18 – Steamboat Willie debuts at the Colony Theatre in New York, introducing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to the world.

1932 November 18 – The Company wins its first competitive Oscar for the Silly Symphony short Flowers and Trees, as well as a special award to Walt Disney for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

1937 December 21 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles.

1952 December 16 – Walt Disney founds WED Enterprises, now known as Walt Disney Imagineering.

1955 July 17 – Disneyland in Anaheim, opens to the world.

1964 April 22 – Four ground-breaking Disney attractions open at the New York World’s Fair, including “it’s a small world”.

1966 December 15 – The passing of Walt Disney.

1982 October 1 – EPCOT Center becomes the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

1983 April 15 – Tokyo Disneyland opens in Japan. It’s the first Disney theme park outside the United States.

1989 May 1 – Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, now Disney’s Hollywood Studios, debuts at Walt Disney World Resort.

1991 May 6 – The Walt Disney Company joins the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

1992 April 12 – Euro Disneyland, now Disneyland Paris, opens in Marne-la-Vallée, France.

1994 April 18 – Beauty and the Beast opens on Broadway, the first show from Disney Theatrical Productions.

1995 July 31 – Disney announces its acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC.

1998 April 22 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park roars to life at Walt Disney World Resort.

1998 July 30 – The Disney Magic cruise ship sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, on its maiden voyage.

2005 September 12 – Hong Kong Disneyland opens its gates in Hong Kong SAR.

2006 May 5 – Disney acquires Pixar Animation Studios.

2009 August 31 – TWDC announces a deal to acquire Marvel Entertainment.

2012 October 30 – Disney announces its agreement to purchase Lucasfilm Ltd.

2016 June 16 – Shanghai Disney Resort opens in China.

2017 December 14 – Disney announces the acquisition of most of the assets of 21st Century Fox, including the storied 20th Century Fox film studio.

2019 November 12 – Disney+ launches, with 10 million subscribers on its first day of operation.

2019 November 22 – Frozen 2 is released, becoming the top-grossing animated feature of all time.

2023 October 16 – Disney celebrates its 100-year anniversary.

Keep up to date with all our Disney100 events, offers and retailer merchandise here.

Please click here to sign up to receive, by electronic means, information, offers and updates about Disney Australia & New Zealand and other products and services from The Walt Disney Family of Companies.

Challenge Brain Cancer

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...

MARCH’S CHARITY PARTNER –LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION

Market Square is excited to announce March’s charity partner The Leukaemia Foundation.

The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave is one of Australia’s longest-running and most well-loved fundraising campaign. In fact, this year is our official 25th anniversary.

More than two million people have sacrificed their hair, or donated to someone who has, over the last 25 years. We’ve seen it all: the all-over shave, edgy undercuts, messy mullets, bright blue ‘dos or plucky waxers. And we’ve loved them all! Your mission is to shave, cut or colour your hair to help make this happen!

1. Sign up as an individual, team, school or workplace

2. Set your fundraising goal and shave date

3. Update your fundraising page with a photo and your ‘why’

4. Get fundraising

5. Shave, cut or colour your hair

Are you in? Register now: https://worldsgreatestshave.com/#signup

MARCH 2023

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

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

bay views stretching from

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.

Special Tax Return Offer

$99 Returns - PAYG Only

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

Here are the steps involved:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1300 88 38 30

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au. If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

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

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

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

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au. If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

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

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

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

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au. If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

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

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

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

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

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

The Dimensions of the Ads are:

53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

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

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.

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

Support your Local Not-For-Profit

Order your Find Card directly from us or via your participating organisation. Only Find Cards can be in conjuction with the offers and must be presented to participating businesses.

FIND DINING FIND BREKKY, BRUNCH & LUNCH

FIND TAKEAWAY FIND LOCAL COUPONS

FIND CARD LOCAL OFFERS

PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS

Find Coupons & Find Cards Policy

Any changes or updates to these ‘Terms of Use’ of the Find Cards and/or Find Coupons can be found here.

Non-Transfer

The barter trade, sale, purchase, or transfer of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards, by any person or entity, including but not limited to business placing offers in the Find Paper, printers, publishers, and distributors of the Find Coupons /Find Card, is strictly prohibited, unless expressly authorized by Find Pty. Ltd. Find reserves the right to make changes to the participants and their offers at its sole discretion. Members will be notified of these changes via email or via the Site.

The Find Coupons and its Offers are intended for the non-profits use of the individual purchaser of the Find Cards &/or Find Coupons. Additionally, the use of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards or any of the Offers placed in our Find Paper, for advertising purpose, in any form of fashion, is strictly prohibited. Any use of a Offers in violation of these Rules will render the Offer VOID, and violators will be prosecuted. Offers may not be reproduced and are void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Find, will not be responsible if any establishment breaches its contract of refuses to acccept the Find Cards / Offers with in the Find Paper: we will however, use our best efforts to secure compliance, Find, will not be responsible in the events beyond its control. © 2022 Find.

Valid Periods

Find Restaurant, Find Cafe & Find Brekky, Brunch and Lunch offers can be used at participating businesses any time except the following days:

*Christmas Eve *Christmas Day

*Boxing Day * New Year’s Eve *New Year’s Day * Valentine’s Day

*Good Friday *Easter Sunday

*Mother’s Day. Some restaurant/ Cafe/Coffee establishments will have additional terms and conditions on the page where the business is advertising their offer).

All cards will have a ‘Valid End’ date and cannot be used beyond this date. For instance, if the Valid End: 03/24, then the Find Card is NOT VALID from April 2024 onwards.

Present Find Card

You are required to present your Find Card at any participating businesses if you wish to secure the discount or goods/service being offered.

Customer Name/signature and Valid End Date

All Find Cards must display your name and/or signature and be within the ‘Valid End’ date to be deemed VALID. If your Find Cards does not display your signature and the correct ‘Valid End’ date, the business can refuse to provide the discount offer advertised. The business has the right to ask you to provide other Proof of Identity e.g., Drivers Licence, to match up your name/signature on your Find Card. If they do not match, then the business has the right to refuse the discount offer.

Registration of Find Cards

All Find Cards will have individual credit card numbers. All Find Card participants must provide their Name, Email Address and Post Code prior to using the Find Card. Registering your Find Card will enable the Find Team to email you offers directly. Some offers will only be available for one day so it is important to provide your details so you can be informed of these offers and not miss out.

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