Find Geelong 2022 - November Edition

MARY

About the Find Geelong

By Warren Strybosch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We value your support, The Find Geelong Team.

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 editor@findgeelong.com.au PUBLISHER: Issuu pty Ltd POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Wararnwood VIC 3134 ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findgeelong.com.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30 EMAIL SPORT: editor@findgeelong.com.au WEBSITE: www.findgeelong.com.au

ALL THINGS GEELONG

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.

THE GEELONG REVIVAL

MOTORING FESTIVAL

is an action-packed motoring festival held on Geelong’s picturesque waterfront. Take pole position for the historic quarter-mile sprints, as 300 classic and exotic cars and motorcycles sprint down Ritchie Boulevard at full throttle.

The Geelong Waterfront will be covered with over 800 quirky, valuable and fascinating vehicles that are guaranteed to please anyone with an appreciation for unique vehicles.

Take a step back in time into the vintage lifestyle zone featuring live music, trade stalls, delicious food and entertainment. The lifestyle zone wouldn’t be complete without the Vintage Caravan Display and of course the National Vintage Fashion Awards, a crowd favourite! Motoring enthusiasts can also top off their weekend in the trade expo zone, featuring great displays, sales and unique demonstrations.

The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival is the ideal way to spend a day out with the whole family and this year’s event will no doubt be no different!!

Entry is free to all areas except the Pits and VIP zone.

www.geelongrevival.com.au

Geelong is once again set be the centre of attention across the country as we launch our 2022 Christmas program, highlighted by the world-famous floating Christmas tree.

Christmas is an important time for people in our region and I am proud of Council’s efforts to be known as the Christmas capital of Australia.

The lights on the floating Christmas tree are set to be switched on with a free community celebration on Saturday, 12 November, and the light show on the tree will run with different themes between that night and 2 December, 3 December to 25 December and finally from 26 December to 8 January.

Local products Taylor Henderson and Denis Walter will headline the launch, while Angie Hilton and dancers will bring a special Christmas groove.

Kate Daley and Steve Hobbs will perform some all-time favourite Christmas tunes and Geelong’s own ‘piano man’, Andy Pobjoy, will accompany Shandelle Cooke to get people into the festive spirit.

I am delighted as well that this year’s program will see a return of additional in-person activities, be more accessible, and held across more venues.

Family favourites such as the projections on City Hall and letters to Santa will be back, while our Giant Selfie Trail, with 26 locations, and the school Christmas trees in Johnstone Park and Little Malop Street, will also return.

In addition to this we have exciting new Christmas events and activities for people of all ages.

Geelong Column

These include free Santa pet photos, Christmas golf and Christmas by the Pool, and there will be masterclasses, a shopping night, music and storytelling events for kids throughout the lead up to the big day.

I would encourage everyone in the position to do so to shop locally when buying gifts, and if you can, pop into a restaurant or café to support small businesses who have been doing it tough during the past two years.

Most importantly though, enjoy the company of friends and family and stay safe.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

For a full list of events and activities, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas

by Mayor Peter Murrihy

As a renowned stressor and over thinker, year twelve has presented many challenges and provided some of the most rewarding experiences for me. Starting off the year with five subjects and re-entering a ‘normal’ school routine proved to be a difficult obstacle, and with the added anxiousness surrounding ATAR, study and SAC scores, it took a long time to get used to the pressure and gain the ability to manage my nerves. I was apprehensive before every SAC and faced copious amounts of stress, to the point it was hindering my ability to think and perform as well as I wanted. As Unit 3 sped by, and my averages were considerably lower than my previous expectations, I knew I had to change something. Studying for around 2-3 hours every night and having tried every preparation technique imaginable, I knew that it was my mentality entering assessments that needed to be altered, rather than the workload.

Speaking about your worries and fears can be daunting, but it helped more than words can describe. After approaching the counsellor for advice, I was not only able to minimise tensions, but also physically recognise the importance of looking after your wellbeing. Just through talking to someone my scores improved drastically and although the stress is not completely gone, I have learned to manage and decrease it.

As exams loom and the end to my seemingly everlasting time at Belmont is nearing, I could not be more pleased having spent it out of lockdown and amongst peers. Being the first year fully back at school, every class, assembly and our celebrations allowed us to become more connected as a cohort. I was able to attend lectures and master classes, along with being provided the opportunity to go to an EY firm for first hand advice with no restrictions like the previous years faced. Although I’m nervous to enter each exam, face to face learning has provided me with more than enough resources to be able to view this stressor as a challenge rather than a threat.

With a support network filled with the most extraordinary teachers, that still go above and beyond for me, along with amazing friends, my time throughout secondary school is one I will forever cherish. I still cannot thank my teachers enough for helping me navigate through this difficult year, without their unfaltering dedication and undeniable kindness I would not be where I am today. The lessons given to me from them alone, that surpass the study designs and stem beyond the given subject, are the ones that will forever stick with me.

Elliana Wallace

Songs That Make You Go hmmm…

‘Cause I heard them all before; A hundred times or more

[Chorus]

I’ll forgive and forget; If you say you’ll never go; ‘Cause it’s true what they say; It’s better the devil you know [Verse 2]

Our love wasn’t perfect, I know; I think, I know the score; You say you love me, oh boy;

I can’t ask for more; I’ll come if you should call

It continues on including other lines like “I’ll be here every day, Waiting for your love to show”

Have you ever listened to a song, really listened to it, and realised it meant something different to what you thought. You may have listened to it for years, even sung along with it in the car but not actually registered what the words meant?

I had this experience recently with a song by Kylie Minogue. It was released in 1990 as the lead single for her third album ‘Rhythm of Love’. ‘Better the Devil

You Know’ is said to be about her leaving the tv series Neighbours and her relationship with her then boyfriend, INXS singer Michael Hutchence.

However, to me, the song sounds like it is encouraging people to stay with abusive partners. Have a look at some of the lyrics and see what you think –

[Verse 1]

Say you won’t leave me no more; I’ll take you back again; No more excuses, no, no;

I listen to the song and I hear “You don’t treat me nicely but you tell me you love me so that’s ok. If you leave me, I’ll welcome you back as long as you tell me you love me. There isn’t any point me leaving you because I might end up with someone just as bad or worse. At least by staying with you I know what I’m getting. There is no way I could end up with someone better.”

What do you think? Is there a song that you have heard that makes you go hmmm? Email us at editor@findmaroondah.com.au with your thoughts.

Listen, what do you notice?

How many different sounds can you hear?

Are they far away or close by?

In what direction do they come from? Are they repetitive or random?

NATURE

By Kayte Kitchen

Over 5 publications we will be running a series of sensory experiences in nature. Each experience will take about 10 mins and you are encouraged to read through the instructions before you commence your time in nature to maximise your experience.

Find a spot outside where you can sit or lie down comfortably. This could be in your backyard, your local reserve or in a national park.

Take a few moments to regulate your breathing and settle into your position. Breathe in for the count of 5, hold your breath for the count of 5, breathe out for the count of 5, pause for the count of 5. Repeat up to 5 times. Allow your breathing to find its natural rhythm once more.

If you are comfortable, shut your eyes. If not, focus on a spot down in front of you. For the next 5 mins, tune in to what you can observe with your ears.

Allow your sense of hearing to become larger.

If your mind gets distracted, just draw your thoughts and attention back to what you are hearing.

Try to stay focused and enjoy the experience of tuning into your sense of hearing.

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

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

Joodie More

Tuning into our senses is an important way to slow down from the busyness of life

WILDLIFE CARE IN AN EMERGENCY

Joodie More

As the weather warms up and both people and wildlife are more active, accidents are bound to happen. If you find an injured animal, there are small things you can do that can go a long way to helping the animal survive. Despite common misconceptions, cats are not the cause of most wildlife injuries. They mostly go for mice and rats, helping to keep the rodent population down. It is human activity that causes the majority of injuries to the local wildlife.

Your first choice should be to contact a qualified wildlife carer or your local vet.

Wildlife Victoria - (03) 8400 7300 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use this link to report online. - https:// www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/wildlifeinformation/report-a-wildlife-emergency

Warriors 4 Wildlife - 1300 352 923 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use the chat function on their website https:// warriors4wildlife.org/

If you feel the animal is in a compromising position, for example somewhere a predator has easy access, you may need to move it.

Wild animals carry mites, lice and diseases that can be transmitted to humans and your beloved fur babies at home. With a few simple precautions though, you can still help.

Make up a small kit of: - disposable gloves, - hand sanitiser, - an old towel, - a disposable puppy pad, and - a decent sized box with air holes.

Alternatively, a plastic bag can be used instead of gloves to contain the animal’s limbs or wings while you wait for a wildlife carer or you take it to a vet. Keeping the animal away from your clothing and skin can help with reducing the chance of contact with any lice or mites, however you can always quarantine those items of clothing if the animal needs to stay close for warmth. Putting hand sanitiser on your hands and arms can help stop the mites and ticks from sticking to you.

On a cold day: In the ventilated box, put the old towel at the bottom, a heat pad or hot water bottle in the towel (warm not hot), puppy pad and animal. If possuma beanie is adored for comfort by them.

On a hot day: towel in box, puppy pad on top and good ventilation, provide any water hydration that you can and regulate temperature.

If you come across a mother who has died, please always check her pouch for any babies. If you can transport the mother as well, it is best to keep the baby in the pouch until you can get to the vet or a qualified wildlife carer.

Emergency care for possums and birds is very similar if a vet isn’t open nearby. Boil water (250ml)

Add a small teaspoon of honey

Cool down to room temperature and syringe a little into the animal’s mouth until you can get to closet vet or RSPCA.

It is common to find baby birds, known as fledglings, on the ground at this time of year. This is a very important part of their development as they learn to fly and take off from the ground. It is wise to keep an eye on them to ensure you can spot if they become injured, however do not approach them as their parents will be close by keeping an eye on them. If you are concerned at all, please contact a qualified wildlife rescuer for advice. They may want to come out and assess them to determine if there is anything to be concerned about.

Your vet will ask exactly where the animal was found so it can hopefully be rehabilitated and reunited with its family. If you do get bitten or scratched, please don’t forget to make sure your tetanus vaccine is up to date!

Special thanks to Kate McIntosh from Elsternwick Vet Clinic for this information.

Preparing your pets for a holiday

Are you getting ready for a longawaited holiday? You probably have plenty of preparation and planning to do, especially if you have pets. Whether taking your pet with you or leaving it with a trusted caregiver, there is still much to take care of.

Travelling with your pet

If you are travelling by car, you should make sure that you have everything you need to make your pet comfortable. Some things you will want to keep close by include:

• Your pet’s leash

• Bags for waste/bathroom stops

• Food

• Water

• A favourite toy

Your pet should be wearing a collar or harness with up-to-date tags on it. Having your pet microchipped is wise, also.

If you happen to be travelling with a cat, you may want to keep them in a carrier or crate. Cats typically won’t eat, drink, or use a litter box while on the road. They will probably wait until you reach your destination.

When travelling by air, you will need to contact the airline ahead of time. Each airline has specific guidelines that must be followed, and forms that need to be filled out in advance.

Boarding for your pet

If you are planning to leave your pet in a boarding facility, start looking for the perfect place as early as possible. Visit the facility by yourself first, and then, when you find one you like, bring your pet for a visit if possible. This way your pet isn’t going to a completely unfamiliar place when you leave. You will also get a chance to see how the staff and your pet interact before the holiday begins.

Things to look for include:

• Friendly staff

• Cleanliness

• Living quarters with ample space for the pets

• Outside areas for pets to play if the weather permits

• Do the animals look happy?

• Do animals have fresh water?

• What policies are in place in case of an emergency?

In-home pet sitter

You may prefer having someone come to, or stay at, your home. If this is the case, you will want to interview potential pet sitters. Handle these interviews much like you would if you were hiring for a professional position.

• Ask for references and check them

• Watch the potential sitter interact with your pet

• Ask how they would handle an emergency

• Be clear about your expectations

Once you have chosen your pet sitter, be sure you provide them with a schedule to follow. Also, give them information on how to contact you and your veterinarian.

Whether your pet comes with you on your holiday or stays behind, you will want to be sure to take plenty of time to make appropriate arrangements. Your holidays will be much more enjoyable when you go into them with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is having all its’ needs met and is safe. Your pet will appreciate it too.

Mining faces global inflation, cyber risks

Marion Rae (Australian Associated Press)

Inflation is starting to bite in the mining industry but gaps in cybersecurity could be life-threatening.

More than 7500 delegates are gathering for a high-powered summit in Sydney to make deals and tackle challenges, with a large police presence to fend off climate protesters.

The prestigious harbourside event brings together deal-makers from more than 100 countries, including industry leaders, diplomats, commodity buyers, investors and bankers.

BHP executive James Agar told the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) the picture is mixed, with tight labour and energy markets as the major challenge.

“We do expect the lag effect of inflationary pressures to remain a persistent challenge through the 2023 financial year,” he said on Wednesday.

Like the broader economy, the mining industry has been experiencing a combination of “good”, or demand-led inflation, and rising costs from “bad” bottleneck inflation.

“Unfortunately, the balance between the two has been skewed heavily towards the ‘bad’ since the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” he said.

“The energy crisis in Europe is profound and will continue to drive volatility in energy markets.”

Labour markets were tight globally, with no sign of improvement, but shipping delays and port congestion had eased considerably, he said.

Australia is profiting from elevated prices for top commodities as war in Ukraine cuts Russian exports of gas, oil and critical minerals.

Investors who were already looking to replace China as a supplier are flocking to Australia.

The industry summit will showcase new mining technology and the ingredients the world needs to make electric cars, batteries and wind turbines.

But lives could soon be at stake if the industry doesn’t safeguard against increasingly sophisticated attacks, experts warn.

New technology and the electrification of equipment could mean digital environments become weaponised.

“Increased ‘technologisation’ creates new entry points, which cyber criminals are increasingly exploiting to compromise production and supply chains, potentially jeopardising human safety,” MinterEllison cyber practice chief Paul Kallenbach said.

Rob Labbe, chair of the Mining and Metals Information Sharing Analysis Centre, said the mining industry was yet to identify cybersecurity as a key business risk.

“It’s where safety was 20 years ago where it was largely seen as a technical problem, and you put up another guard rail and the issue was solved,” he said.

Decarbonisation is also a key theme at the conference, as investors, governments and consumers demand a transition to a net-zero emissions economy.

But organisers have warned delegates not to show their conference identification outside the Darling Harbour venue or engage with protesters expected to target the event.

“We need to protest against IMARC. It is our future these polluters are planning to destroy,” said climate activist Chris Black, from School Strike 4 Climate.

Marie Flood, from environmental group Knitting Nannas, said members would keep raising the alarm on new mines.

“Police are attempting to stop us protesting the corporate culprits and their well-resourced plans to wreck the climate,” she said.

Mining giant BHP said diesel makes up around 40 per cent of their operational emissions and there was initially some scepticism about how to electrify a 400-tonne haul truck.

“Fast forward to today … we are working towards trialling battery electric haul trucks on our sites,” Mr Agar said.

BHP has also partnered with Rio Tinto and Vale on a global initiative for suppliers to develop concepts for large-scale haul truck electrification systems.

Do you own a family trust?

the new changes to resolutions and minutes

By Warren Strybosch

For those who own and operate a family trust, you would be aware of the increased interest the ATO has placed on these structures.

The ATO seems very interested in reducing the amount of distributions that are being passed on to adult children and other beneficiaries whereby the result is less tax being paid by the owners of those trusts; in most cases, this being the parents of adult children.

Since the inception of family trusts in 1970, trusts have been subjected to many changes with new laws being handed down by the Courts, the ATO and State and Federal governments, with the most recent one being centred around 100A.

However, with a recent Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal that has taken place, trustees now need to be aware of another potential change that is likely to take place. This change involves the minutes that must to be completed and signed before the end of each financial year in relation to distributions of income for that particular accounting period.

The Appeal decision in question relates to Owies v JJE Nominees Pty Ltd (ACN 004 856 366) (in its capacity as the trustee for The Owies Family Trust)

[2022] VSCA 142 (“Owies”) which was handed down in July this year. The decision now puts trustees on notice to genuinely consider all beneficiaries, and in particular the primary, named or specified beneficiaries when making their trust distributions. The failure to do so may result in certain trust distributions made in a particular year being voidable and higher taxes being paid.

This case highlights the point that for a trustee to genuinely consider a beneficiary as being entitled or not entitled to income for a particular accounting period, the trustee should as a minimum, make enquiries as to the primary, named or specified beneficiaries’ needs and circumstances.

It is not good enough now to simply get beneficiaries to sign a document releasing the trustee from having to paying any money to a particular beneficiary. The trustee must demonstrate that they have made enquiries regarding the needs and circumstances of the beneficiary to determine if that the beneficiary does not need those trust distributions. If it is found out that the beneficiary could have benefited from the trust distributions and these were withheld, then a future claim might be made against the trustees to pay the amounts withheld and/or the ATO might rule the distributions invalid resulting in the trust having to pay the tax for that given period, usually around 45%.

The absence of such evidence may assist a beneficiary in making a successful claim against the trustee for not receiving a (or receiving an inadequate) trust distribution in a particular year.

For the trustee to avoid an adverse court judgment against them for future trust distributions, the trustee may need to do one or more of the following:

1. Make enquiries each accounting period on the needs and circumstances for every primary/ named/specified beneficiary as a minimum;

2. Internally document their enquiries and considerations;

3. Consider removing certain primary beneficiaries from the trust - subject to review of the trust deed.

We believe that this case has such significance for all trustees and that we are likely to see a higher take up of beneficiaries approaching trustees for past distributions that were not paid to them.

Warren Strybosch

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

ACCOUNTANT

Be aware of

Holistic Adviser of the Year & Practice Principal of the Year

Year after year, the ifa Excellence awards have rewarded the most exceptional financial advisers and businesses across the country, showcasing their achievements and honouring their efforts in contributing to the sector.

Recognising the contributions of the profession’s rising stars through to those in the most senior ranks of start-ups, established businesses and transformed businesses, our awards program enables thousands of professionals and businesses to boost their careers, reputation and businesses after winning an award.

The finalist list, which was announced on 5 October 2022 , features over 230 highachieving financial services professionals across 28 submission-based categories.

“Firstly I would like to congratulate all the finalists and thank everyone that applied for this year’s ifa Excellence Awards. The competition was very tough and we at ifa are thrilled to once again host a fun night out for all our well-deserving advisers after another fairly tumultuous few months,” says Wealth editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic.

“We look forward to celebrating the excellent work being undertaken by advisers all across the country and those whose innovation has led the way for the sector."

Warren Strybosch, Founder at Find Group, said that he was humbled to be recognised and proud to be named as a finalist in the ifa Excellence Awards 2022.

"Find Group's recognition for our excellent contribution to the Financial Services Industry reinforces the strength of our service and dedication to ceonnecting with the community and engaging with clients," added.

Holistic Adviser of the Year:

This award Recognise An Individual Who Offers Clients A Multitude Of Advice Services And Professional Disciplines, Such As Investment And Risk Advice, SMSF, Tax And Accounting, Legal And Estate Planning, And Mortgage And Credit Advice.

Practice Principal of the Year:

This Aeard Recognises The Individual Owner Or Managing Director Of a Boutique, Self-Licensed. Financial Planning Firm Who Has Built The Most Successful Business Over the Past Calendar Year. Success Will Be Measured By The Individual Adviser and Collective Advice Capanilities Of The Firm, Growth And Retention Of Advisers And Other Team Members, Plus The Success of the Business In Term Of Revenue And Profitability.

Warren Strybosch - Find Group has been shortlisted for the ifa Excellence Awards 2022. Warren Strybosch - Find Group has been named as a finalist in the ifa Excellence Awards for

.

What Leaders Should Consider During Recruitment Hot advice about recruitment

LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

As a business leader, it’s important to ensure that your company continuously grows - this is a no-brainer! One way for leaders to make this possible is to establish a reliable workforce.

Workers are the backbone of any business, and how they perform determines how their company thrives. Are your employees often late? Can’t meet deadlines? Now that’s a red flag! Are they providing great results? Always present at work? These are good signs!

Read on and learn how you can obtain people who will add real value to your business’ talent pool.

3 things to consider when recruiting new employees

Recruiting people for your business can be quite a tedious and time-consuming task. It’s not a walk in the park, that’s for sure. One cannot just hire anybody who says they’re qualified for the role, and you will need to have each candidate go through a vetting process to see if the’re a good fit for your company.

You don’t want people who may appear good on paper but are actually incapable of meeting the demands of the role, that would be a big headacheand a costly one at that!!

Recruitment is more than a process. Its purpose is to introduce new talents that will significantly improve your company’s performance. Your new hire may or may not be well-experienced in the role, but here are a few recruitment considerations that you should look at:

* Hard Skills

* Typically, hard skills are learned at school or their previous jobs, and they are something that you can measure through tangible assessments. Specific hard skills are the primary requirement of any job opening. Candidates, therefore, should have hard skills that match what,s required in the role they’re applying for but you may need to look further than that. (TIP… remember that skills can be taught! If you find a person with a solid values match that does not meet all the hard skill requirements… I’d highly consider this person over one with the opposite match)

* Soft Skills

* Soft skills are often ancillary to the candidate’s personality, and they are not always apparent in each individual. Such inclusions could be the likes of work ethic,communication skills, and leadership. Soft skills should be assessed on ‘right fit’ for your culture and they will determine how seamlessly new employees will gel with your existing team, so be sure to hire based on the soft skills that are appropriate for the role.

* Personality

* Your candidate’s personality also determines whether or not they will align with your company’s culture. An employee that fits well with your existing company culture is a happy employee and is more likely to deliver their best to help your company grow.

Best way to measure candidate qualification

Often, interviews are not enough to see if your candidate is a good fit. One of the best ways to determine a candidate’s qualification is through EDISC or Extended DISC profiling.

Now, DISC stands for the four basic behavioral styles:

* Dominant

* People who score high in dominance love challenges and have a drive for accomplishment. They love taking action and want immediate results.

* Influential

* Influential people are a good fit for managerial and sales roles. They are team players, love ideas, and are happy to motivate their peers.

* Steady

* Candidates who score well in steadiness are great listeners. They are level-headed and cooperative, and can work well in the most stressful situations.

recruitment and onboarding new staff

* Compliant folks are cautious and calculating. They love plans and routines, and excel best in precision work.

EDISC is currently available in over 60 languages and it is an excellent way to gauge a candidate’s personality and soft skills. The profile application consists of 24 questions that accurately measure human behavior while providing indepth analysis of strengths and areas that need improvement.

Aside from the points mentioned, it would be a good idea to ask for a recommendation from your candidate’s previous employer. You might have an idea on what a candidate’s work ethic is like based on the interview. But you will have a better idea if you receive a recommendation from candidates’

previous managers. (TIP - View this objectively and as an addition to other information, not the basis of the decision)

Remember, onboarding new employees is an investment. This is why it’s important to put as much effort as you can to make sure you’re hiring the right candidate for your business. It’s definitely better to take time finding the right candidate, rather than speeding up the hiring process and then end up working with someone who apparently doesn’t fit the role.

Recruitment can be tricky, and you will need to look beyond the resume. It pays to understand your candidate's behaviour, as it is a major factor that can determine whether or not they are a good addition to your team.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Extended DISC profiling can

help you with your next team member (or to see how they’ll fit within your current team) please reach out and let’s chat, happy to share the benefits and provide a sample report.

Leadership and Team Development

SALLY HIGOE

Sally Higoe

Hot advice about recruitment

Paper or Digital?:

Collecting employee information in the dim dark past was usually via paper forms. Some of the issues with using paper included:

• Was the new employees writing legible?

• A copy of the Tax File Number Declaration needed to have part completed by the Employer and sent to the ATO.

• Storage of the documentation ... in a filing cabinet or scanned and stored on a computer.

Onboarding New Employees into Payroll

BOOKKEEPER

By Mary-Clare Switz

Getting a brand, new shiny employee from being hired to being entered into your payroll system is a bit of a process. It involves information gathering and the provision of documents.

Ask your employee to complete the following:

• Employee Details form

o this gathers their name, address, phone, date of birth and emergency contact details.

• Tax File Number Declaration form

o this includes their tax file number, how they are employed (Full time, part time or casual, what PAYG withholding option they want).

• Superannuation Standard Choice form

o collects their choice of super fund and their fund member number.

o one of the choices they can make is to choose the employer’s default fund ... the employer then can add them to the default fund through payroll.

Optional:

• Employee Health Declaration

o On the Employee Details form you can add a Health Declaration where the employee advises of any health issues such as allergies or restricted movement as well as acknowledge that they are fit for the position that they are being employed for.

o The information that they provide here can be very important. For example, it they say they have a severe allergy to nuts, they may not be suitable to work as a kitchen hand in a venue that uses nuts on a regular basis as part of their menu.

• Pay Slips & Income Statement

o Information for the employee as to how their pay slips are provided to them and how their end of year income is reported.

What you MUST provide to all new employees:

• Fair Work Information Statement

o For ALL new employees regardless if they are full time, part time or casual.

• Fair Work Casual Employment Information Statement

o For ALL new casual employees (in addition the Fair Work Information Sheet).

• Please note that from time to time both of these Statements do get updated so always check that you have the current version.

A word about gender:

• The employee details form ideally will include a question about gender. In our world today we have more than just female and male. In addition, we also have options such as transgender, non-binary, nonconforming, prefer not to respond.

• Some super funds require a gender to be nominated, so if no gender is chosen in payroll, the software may flag that a gender is required.

Today we have digital options. Timesheet/Rostering software such as Deputy and Tanda have the ability to electronically onboard employees. Keypay, a standalone payroll, also has an onboarding component. There are also solutions such as Canyou which is a standalone product that is just employee onboarding. Most of these integrate with different payroll solutions.

Onboarding an employee digitally is a quick way of getting the new employee onto the roster even before they have completed all their onboarding details. It saves chasing paperwork and the Tax File Number Declarations can be lodged electronically.

Employee Contracts, Certificates and Tickets:

Whilst I am not touching on what should be in an Employee Contract or Letter of Offer, it is important to note that some Awards require a contract even if the employee is employed as a casual (refer to your applicable Award).

With digitally onboarding, some of the solutions allow the ability to include attaching employee contracts for signing. Some include the ability to require that an employee attach relevant certificates or qualifications (ie. Diploma, RSA, White Card, Driver’s Licence, etc.).

So ditch the paper and move to a digital option!

recruitment and onboarding new staff

Recruitment is becoming a fairly regular conversation that I am having with clients over the last few months. They are not able to get qualified staff for the roles, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd or compete with other businesses in their industry who are also looking for talent and with the current climate there is a shortage of people wanting to work in certain industries.

Some of the pain points that have clearly shone through in these conversations are:

• They are unable to find enough candidates (not enough choices)

• Interviewing takes up a lot of time and scheduling is an issue

• Due to their slow recruitment process, candidates receive a counteroffer

• They keep missing out on the good talent

Video is a great tool to deal with these issues and directly target those pain points head-on.

First of all, there are a few different ways that video can cut through the crowd noise. It is often said that “a picture is worth a thousand words” and in this case that saying is true.

Video can inform prospective candidates about your company, its ethos, its culture and its people in a relatively short time frame. Roughly 90 seconds to 2 mins. With a well-created script, a professional voice over artist, and a talented film crew, your video can quickly illuminate and highlight your business features and benefits and help ease your elimination process.

emotion (visually) and touch on what defines your business and what is unique about what you do, candidates will quickly know if your business is the right fit and a place they want to work. What you gain from this is strong candidates who align with your culture and values plus it whittles out the candidates who are not serious about the role.

Videos can also help you gain time back during the recruitment process. As the applicant applies for the role you can add as part of the prerequisite that the candidate is to watch the video and do a written response or even make their video introduction to go with their resume. You will definitely know they are keen if they do. You and your business will gain some much time back.

Being on top of your recruitment process isn’t easy but a quick “thank you for applying” video sent back to the candidate with a general time frame of

Also, something to consider when looking at making videos for recruitment is “what do your staff think about the business” and “would they be willing to talk about it on camera”. Your biggest advocates are the people who work in your business every day, so if you want candidates to connect with your business on a personal level, getting your staff to talk about it can really add another level to your recruitment of new talent.

For more information on how I can help you make quality recruitment videos Email me at hello@yestodaymedia.com.au or call 0403 899 697

Allison Groot Creative Director Yes Today Media

NOV 2022

Strategic Vs Tactical marketing

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

Good marketing is a mixture of both strategic and tactical processes.

What is strategic marketing: It is the process developed to achieve a company’s goals, utilising a detailed plan that defines the objectives ,the KPi’s, and the identified targeted audience.

A tactical plan is the process used, to achieve the strategy determined, for the budgeted growth of the business. This incorporates the tactile steps; advertising, branding, special offer, loss leaders, packaging, display and presentation standards.

Once the strategy is determined, a tactical path must reflect the strategy of the company to the consumer, to understand the value. All aspects of the tactics used must be congruent, they could include things such as:

• Website offer

• Lost leaders

• Demonstrations

• Limited offers

• Exclusivity

• Pre release

• Instore presentation

• Advertising, catalogue, paper, magazine, Radio, TV etc etc

Research shows, that businesses who plan and document their strategy, have a 313% higher chance of success.

Those who define their objectives are 429% more likely to succeed and 81% achieve their goals.

Only 59% of Businesses that are Business to Consumer (B2C) and only 62% of Business to Business (B2B) have documented content strategy. Which category are you?

Marketing plans that have a clear strategy and a well thought out tactical plan with clear directions for all stakeholders will maximise your opportunities to increase sales, and basket size while maximising profits.

The strategy is the vision for the future, while the tactics are the means by which you get there.

To set a strategy, or the theory for the future, in motion, the tactical plans must be designed to support the chosen destination. A strategy will not be successful without a tactical plan behind it.

Strategic marketing includes :

• Objectives

• Key Performance Indicators

• Marketing channels to use

• Branding

• Target Audience

The tactics can vary by products within the one business but will remain congruent across all areas in line with the overall strategy.

When clearly planned and articulated, both the Strategy and the Tactics, will be much easier to follow through to execution from all aspects.

If you need support working on your strategy to achieve your vision, or you have a clear vision and not sure how to execute the right tactics contact

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

https://linktr.ee/debf

Can you SALARY PACKAGE at two different jobs?

SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES

By Dan Nicholls

Yes, you can! It is absolutely possible to salary package at more than one employer, however what you can package depends on each employer’s Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) status. If you are working in the not-for-profit or public health sector already and making the most of your salary packaging entitlements, you’d know there is a cap or limit as to how much you can claim. What you might not know is that the cap relates to the employer - not the employee. That means if you are salary packaging two jobs, you could get double the benefit!

Maximise your benefits at both employers

Because any cap on salary packaging relates to your employer, if you work for 2 places with the same FBT status you can effectively double your salary packaging cap. For example, if your annual cap is $15,900, you can claim the same amount at both, increasing your salary packaging cap to a total of $31,800. Imagine the difference this can make to the amount you save on tax when claiming reportable fringe benefits (RFB) and meals and entertainment (if applicable). The only thing is that you can’t claim the same benefit with each employer, therefore if you claim mortgage repayments from one employer you will need a different benefit for the other. The same regulations apply across employers, so

largely how you choose to maximise your savings is up to you, but just make sure you claim every possible dollar.

It may seem complicated to use salary packaging at two employers, but as long as you have a reliable salary packaging provider, they can easily set it all up for you. Your salary packaging allowance (times two) runs for the FBT year, from 1 April to 31 March, so make sure you claim all your entitlements through each employer before the end of each FBT year.

What if you have two jobs, but only one offers salary packaging?

Obviously, you can only benefit from salary packaging at the employer who offers it, but a suggestion is to look at claiming your tax-free threshold at your non-salary packaging provider. This should reduce your overall taxable income as much as possible. If in doubt, always check with your accountant on what you can claim on tax at the end of every financial year. Also, remember that you can’t claim any expense via salary packaging if you are claiming the same expense at tax time, for example an investment property.

What can you use salary packaging for?

Salary packaging allows you to access your pre-tax salary to save money on a range of essential and lifestyle expenses. It also helps you reduce your taxable income. You could use salary packaging for car-running costs, workrelated devices, meals, entertainment, holiday accommodation, memberships,

subscriptions, bills, mortgages, rent, loans, childcare, rates, insurance, aged care, self-education and credit cards.

If you’re not sure where best to use your salary packaging allowance, talk to your salary packaging provider, financial advisor or trusted accountant. If you haven’t used salary packaging before, it’s actually pretty straightforward. After the money is received from your employer, you’ll be reimbursed for the expense you have paid, or you can opt to have funds paid directly to your chosen expense.

You might prefer the convenience of a salary packaging card pre-loaded with funds. This means you have a card, with the same functionality as your existing bank card except cash withdrawals, that you can use for living expenses such as bills and groceries. It also negates the need to keep receipts and invoices to claim at a later date.

Is there anything you cannot claim from both employers?

While you’ll benefit big time from doubling your salary packaging allowance, there are some limits on what you can claim.

If you are claiming from two different employers:

• You can’t claim the same payment from two different employers e.g. mortgage, credit card or childcare repayment.

• If your partner also receives salary packaging benefits, you can’t both claim the same expense or payment as they are. For example, only one of you could claim the mortgage repayment on your joint home loan.

• You can’t claim Remote Area Housing (RAH) at both employers

• You can’t claim the same meals expenses via reimbursement at both employers (so only one set of receipts can be submitted per employer, not for both)

Get specialist help with The Salary Packaging People

The Salary Packaging People are Geelong and Western Victoria’s local salary packaging specialists working with a range of companies and employers right across the region. Speak to one of our team members directly by calling 03 5229 2400 or email info@salarypackagingpeople.com.au

6 paint touch-up jobs for summer

By Steve Dahllof

Christmas will soon be upon us and who wants to spend valuable holiday time with household chores? November is a great time to refresh your home. With the weather getting warmer, you can spruce up your home for outdoor entertaining or resale with a few quick and easy paint jobs over the following weekends.

1. Engaging entryway

If you have a timber front door, give it a refresh with a new coat or go wild with a completely new look. Red, cobalt blue and emerald green tones make definite statements and are colours that invite guests inside. Don’t forget the doorframes. These need a coat of paint for protection as well as aesthetics.

With primer, paint, brushes and sandpaper, you could have this done and dried in a few hours.

2. Good-looking garage door

If your garage door faces the street, it accounts for a large area of the appearance of your home. Does it look clean or a bit rundown? Both timber and metal garage doors can benefit from a lick of paint. Elegant and minimal or bold and beautiful, a new coat of paint on the door will add to the street appeal of your home.

3. Gorgeous garden

How many timber and metal surfaces do you see around your garden? A splash of colour is a great way to keep your garden bright and colourful in the months where plants aren’t flowering or the weather is overcast.

Planter boxes, fences, retaining walls and wall hangings are available for your creative flair. Imagine how a splash of yellow or orange could brighten up a dark corner or a dull brick wall. The vegetables may look boring but the box they’re planted in could make this the most attractive part of the garden if it were painted in festive green or red.

This is a fun project that can be done in stages anytime, each part taking no more than half-an-hour.

4. Desirable decking

Oiling your decking is something that should be done at least once a year to protect the timber from rain and consequent water rot. If your decking is painted, the paint will have started to shred after a year so painting it annually is also a must.

Choose a dry day with no wind. Cover and tape down surrounding surfaces like paths and walls with plastic sheeting. Sweep and soap the deck surfaces. Pour the oil or paint into a tray and spread evenly across the decks with a roller. If painting, choose a brand that is suitable for high traffic areas and outdoors. Make sure you oil and paint in a direction that leaves you room to get indoors without stepping on the wet surface.

5. Wonderful windows

For beauty and protection, exterior window frames need painting at least once every seven years. But the windows can be thought of as the eyes of a house. Repainting your window frames can give the appearance of your home a lift, along with other window features such as shutters. Try matching the colour of your doorframes and garage door, or a contrasting shade that

will give a subtle distinction to your home. Choosing to paint everything in the same tones can also produce a great effect.

6. Fabulous outdoor furniture

Oil and paint your outdoor timber furniture for the same reasons as you do your decking. However, with garden furniture you can have much more fun with colours. Benches can be decorated in one colour, striped, with motifs. Let your imagination run wild or paint it in greens and browns to blend in with the surround foliage.

Put each item of furniture on a sheet outside, sand back, paint with primer and off you go. This is an activity which your kids can do with your guidance, lightening your workload, teaching them a new skill and at the same time giving them something fun and practical to do.

These six small jobs can make a difference to your home and lift your spirits.

For all painting and colour advice, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@bigpond.net.au. We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.

Steve Dahllof

HEATING AND COOLING

By Stacey Dalton

We are very excited to be working as a preferred installer with The Victorian Government to help Victorian households improve their thermal comfort.

By offering rebates to upgrade gas, electric, and wood heaters with energyefficient reverse-cycle air conditioners, low-income, and vulnerable households can also benefit from the advances in AC technology and thermal comfort.

While we naturally regulate our body temperature, thermal comfort depends on several environmental factors. For most people the recommended temperature to achieve thermal comfort varies from 20 ºC to 26 ºC.

A reverse-cycle air conditioner is one of the most cost-effective and energyefficient ways to provide heating and cooling for your home in one system, for year-round thermal comfort.

The are 3 Major Upgrade Programs.

• Upgrades for Owner Occupiers

• Upgrades for Rental Properties

• Upgrades for Community Housing

Don’t worry if you don’t know which systems are the most cost-effective, energy efficient. We have a list of units the government has approved for the programs and we have highlighted them for you on our website. If you want to investigate the different systems, we have brochures attached for your convenience.

https://splitsystemgeelong.com.au/

Precision Split System

2.5KW - starting from $2050.00 exc GST. Fully Delivered & Installed - Govt Rebate applicable!

splitsystemgeelong.com.au

All YOU need to do is find out if you’re eligible for the $1,000 rebate. It’s very easy to apply and generally can receive a token within an hour of the application process. Once you have your token, simply call or email as:

Heating and Cooling

Precision Plumbing, Heating and Cooling 52210052 info@precisionac.com.au www.precisionplumbing.com

Stacey Dalton

HOW TO PROTECT MYSELF WHEN I AM LENDING MONEY TO SOMEONE

2. Early repayment

It is important that a loan agreement considers situations where the borrower wants to repay the loan early. Early repayments should only be allowed at the end of an interest period to avoid any payment of breakage costs.

In certain circumstances, a loan agreement should also require mandatory early re-payment, such as on the sale of the borrower’s company or sale of a property the borrower owns.

3. Default Interest and Event of Default

A default Interest will increase the interest rate that is payable on amounts which are not paid when they fall due. If the rate is excessive, there is a risk that it will be deemed a ‘penalty’ rate. Note that if this occurs, the loan agreement will not be enforceable if a dispute arises.

What Is an Event of Default?

An event of default clause protects lenders from borrowers that do not repay their loans. If a borrower commits an event of default, they have defaulted under the loan agreement.

By John Van Beveren

You may want to help your children get into their first home or help them out with much needed home renovations. But what if you have lent your children money and thy partnered, only to have their relationship breakdown? Can you get your money back?

Lending money without a formal and valid loan agreement in place carries real risks.

Oral agreements, or an incomplete written agreement with vague or uncertain terms, are unlikely to be enforceable, and in Australia the loan is presumed to be a gift if there is no loan agreement in place.

A formal loan agreement protects you and the borrower. It also increases the chance that you will get your money back if the borrower enters family law proceedings or bankruptcy.

You should also consider whether you want a secured or an unsecured loan agreement. Registering a mortgage or caveat over the borrower’s property provides different forms of security and careful consideration should be given to which is the right option under the circumstances.

You can also choose whether the debt can be forgiven on your death by creating a Will to reflect this (which Van Beveren Lawyers can also help you prepare). Otherwise, the loan will remain owing to your estate.

Before taking out or providing a loan, it is crucial that you understand every aspect of your loan agreement. This will ensure that you are not signing yourself to be legally responsible for something that you were not prepared for.

Some of the key considerations are as follows:

1. Interest

The interest clause sets out the interest rate on your loan. There are two main types of interest rates:

• fixed fee rates; and

• floating fee rates.

A fixed fee rate is set at a given number, which will not change during the course of the loan (i.e. 8% fixed).

A floating fee rate is based on an interest rate margin added to a benchmark rate (i.e. 3% + the benchmark rate). It generally moves in line with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate target.

Interest is normally payable at either the end of each interest period (generally a 3, 6 or 12 month period) or at the term of the loan.

Once an event of default occurs, the lender can:

• refuse to lend the borrower more money;

• request immediate repayment of loaned money;

• take possession and sell secured property to repay the loan; or

• ask any guarantors of the loan to repay it on the borrower’s behalf.

The major events of default includes:

• cross default, which is where a default under any other on-demand facilities provided by the lender to the borrower will automatically cause a default under this loan agreement;

• breach of a term in the loan agreement;

• where any non-payment of interest or principal; and

• where the borrower is declared insolvent.

4. Repayment – On Demand or Fixed Term

Another key term relates to the repayment provisions of the loan agreement. Is the facility to be repaid on demand? Or on a set date or schedule? Generally, you and the other party to the loan agreement will agree to a fixed repayment schedule. However, the lender may insist on an ondemand facility - this is particularly likely if the borrower has poor credit.

LAWYERS

5. Secured or Unsecured

The majority of loans are secured against an asset. For example, home loans are commonly secured against the value of the property itself. Therefore, this means that a bank might require the borrower to sell the property if they are unable to meet their repayment dates or are unable to pay back the loan.

The most common asset that borrower’s offer security against is “Real Property” (meaning a house or apartment that the borrower owns). There are two main forms of security over Real Property, caveats and mortgages.

A caveat acts as a warning for third parties that the lodging party (known as the “Caveator”) has an interest in the land. A caveat prevents the owner of the land from transferring, selling, or otherwise dealing with the property without the prior consent of the Caveator. A caveat can be used to protect a loan by securing the interest noted in the Agreement.

A mortgage is similar to a Caveat but is a more secure and enforceable type of loan security. A mortgagee often retains the Title Deed to the mortgaged property, which means that in order for the registered proprietor to sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with the property, the mortgagee must consent and provide the Title Deed. Another thing to note that if there is already a Mortgage registered with a financial institution, the consequences of being the second mortgagee.

Therefore, whilst both caveats and mortgages offer security for a lender against the Real Property of the borrower, a mortgage provides a higher degree of enforcement options if the borrower defaults on their loan.

The consequences of using an unregistered mortgage -

In some cases, a lender may obtain a signed mortgage but hold off on its registration pursuant to an agreement with the borrower to that effect. Whilst this is possible, and the mortgage will not expire per se, there are significant risks to this approach:

• Changes to mortgage form - Where the form of mortgage is changed by the relevant titles office, or more recently the Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council, the mortgage may become un-registrable. This happened to lenders who entered into mortgages on titles forms that existed prior to the introduction of the National Mortgage Form and who failed to register within the grace period.

• No power of sale - You cannot, of course, exercise power of sale against a property until your mortgage of the property is registered. You run the risk that you could be refused consent to register the mortgage at a later date and could be forced to caveat the property and commence proceedings, which would cause you considerable added cost and delay.

• Loss of priority - If the title is unprotected, there is the risk of registration of other dealings (including other mortgages) that will take priority.

• Changes to title - In addition to the registration of additional dealings on title, the title itself could change by subdivision, amalgamation, or transfer to a new owner, which will render your mortgage un-registrable and possibility void.

Is there enough equity in the property?

Home equity is the difference between the market value of the secured property and the outstanding debt on the loan. For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and the current debt on your home loan is $320,000, then your equity is $180,000.

Equity can build up over time as the borrower reduces the loan amount with principal and interest repayments, and if the market value of the property increases.

Negative equity is when borrower owes the lender more than what the property is worth. This can happen when property prices fall, and your house drops in value. When it comes to selling the property, the borrower won’t have made enough on the property to repay the loan.

Therefore, as a lender it is crucial to ensure the mortgaged property has enough equity to repay the loan. Also, if there is already another mortgage with a financial institution registered on title, you also must consider if there is enough equity in the property to re-pay both loans.

Get professional legal advice at Van Beveren Lawyers!

At Van Beveren Lawyers, we can assist you by listening to situation and take your instructions, provide independent legal advice, conduct the necessary searches over the proposed security, and draft the Loan Agreement and assist with correct execution. Our office is also able to register a Caveat or Mortgage over the secured property on behalf of the Lender.

Come into Van Beveren Lawyers and tell us your story and what you are hoping to achieve, and we will then provide you with your options and what steps you can take moving forward to achieve your desired outcome and ensure you are protected.

BEVEREN

Signarama, The World’s Largest Sign Franchise

SIGNWRITER

By Tim & Narelle Knott

Our award-winning network of sign centres is approaching 1,000 locations in 60 countries – truly making us “the way to grow your business.”

For 30 years, we have been serving communities with quality products and customer service. Now that we have grown to become the world leader in signage, we still work hard to maintain the localized support and individual attention that made us who we are today.

Our commitment to quality is unmatched in the industry. We know the importance of brand awareness and the affect it has on the bottom line. Signage plays an integral part in the recognition of a brand and therefore quality is imperative.

At Signarama, we believe in going the extra mile to produce more than just quick, standard signage. Signarama Geelong offers full-service signage options that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Whether one sign or hundreds, temporary banners or permanent monument signs, we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for every customer each and every time.

WIRED & TIRED - from stress to exhaustion

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Trying to achieve more than most people? Or maybe you’ve been doing that and have hit a wall?

Welcome to the world of adrenal exhaustion, or technically, the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, or hypercortisolism.

It all starts with stress

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2020-2021, 15% of Australians experienced high levels of psychological distress, and this was higher in women, and younger Australians (16-34 years). This is likely to be higher in Melbourne where the pandemic stress combined with lockdowns meant long periods of reduced social activities and parents trying to juggle work with homeschooling.

Our central nervous system has two modes: sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dominance, known as ‘fight or flight’, and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) dominance, ‘rest and digest’. During life we need to spend time in both modes, SNS to achieve and accomplish our goals, and PSNS to relax and enjoy life.

High achievers usually do exceptionally well when life is predictable and there is enough time for relaxing. But add some kids, financial pressure, or any other additional responsibilities to the mix and the time spent in PSNS mode often gets squeezed out of life. This is where the problem starts and people tend to either ignore the stress and push through, or relax by drinking, enjoying junk food, or finding another way to distract themselves. Either way is not good for your body.

Signs of adrenal exhaustion

• Feeling exhausted or fatigued

• Surviving on caffeine (which may be less effective over time)

• Sleep disorders (insomnia or daytime sleepiness)

• Anxiety or depression

• Memory or concentration difficulties

• Menstrual and reproductive dysfunction

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Cardiovascular disease

• Immune dysfunction

• Metabolic disease

• Weight gain

The solution

There is so much that can be done with both nutritional and herbal medicine to help support you. There is a class of herbal medicines called ‘adaptogens’, and these herbs help you to adapt to both physical and mental stress. In clinical

studies on athletes, those taking adaptogens can run and swim for longer and go further than the control group. In studies that use questionaries, those taking adaptogens report significantly lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. There are also herbs to support your adrenal glands and nervous system which can be accurately prescribed during a naturopathic appointment.

What can you do?

• Find things in your life that are fun

• Have activities you find relaxing

• Spend time in nature

• Do things with friends or family

• Spend time in gentle exercise

• Spend time away from a screen and relax before bed

• Eat nutritious food

• Reduce caffeine, sugar, and alcohol

• Learn time management techniques

• Remove life stressors where possible

• See a counsellor

https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/firstinsights-national-study-mental-healthand-wellbeing-2020-21

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

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

Whole Naturopathy can help provide you with nutritional and herbal support for stress, exhaustion, and any other health issues that arise as a result of stress.

Life Insurance always a good idea

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Warren Strybosch

What would happen to your partner or family if you passed away? Would this cause them financial stress, would they have to sell assets just to live, pay bills and buy essential items?

Many people don’t stop to consider this question because most people don’t like to think about worst case scenarios. Many people think ‘oh that it won’t happen to me’ or they think of insurance as an unnecessary expense.

Most people who own a car, have car insurance, and don’t even think twice about having it, yet many people do not have any or have very little life insurance (which is can also be known as death cover). Yet one of the best ways to protect your partner and your children if you were to pass away suddenly, is by ensuring that you have adequate insurance to protect them and their lifestyle.

What is personal risk insurance?

Personal risk insurance can help protect you or your loved ones financially, to ensure you can all keep living the life you love in the event of illness, injury, or even worse death. This article focusses on Life Insurance.

However, it is important to point out that there are 4 different types of personal risk insurance cover:

• Life Insurance (also known as Death Cover) - Life Insurance provides a lump sum payment to help ensure your partner and families financial security in the event of your death, or if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

• Income Protection - Income Protection provides you an alternative source of income if you are unable to work due to an illness. This can help to keep your household with income, while you recover and until you are able to return to work.

• Trauma Insurance - In the event you’re diagnosed with certain serious medical conditions or illnesses (such a cancer, heart attack, stroke just to name a few), trauma cover provides a lump sum payment to assist you as you recover. During recovery there can sometimes be unexpected costs that may not be covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance, such rehabilitation equipment, ongoing medical care, home modifications, living expenses and bills which is where a trauma payout can be very helpful.

• Total and Permanent Disability Insurance (TPD) - TPD insurance can provide a lump sum payment if you were to become permanently disabled due to accident or illness and are unlikely to ever be able to work again.

How can Life Insurance be set up?

Life insurance can often be purchased through your existing superannuation fund which is referred to as Group Cover.

However, we encourage you to read the product disclosure statement and ensure you understand what you are covered for.

Financial advisers have access to many different insurance providers and products, we can offer you Retail Insurance cover.

There are advantages and disadvantages of both Group and Retail cover, a financial adviser can help you understand which option may be best for you.

What is group insurance cover?

Group insurance is a pooled insurance product offered by a super fund (or employer) to a group of people. The agreement is between one owner (the trustee of a super fund or an employer) and the insurer. Often, people will hold a default level of group cover via their industry superannuation fund. The amount of cover usually decreases as you get older with group life insurance.

And it often gets more expensive as you get older.

One of the advantages of Group cover is that sometimes you can be automatically accepted without having to provide further information about your health. However, if you want to take additional life cover above the standard level offered you may be required to answer a medical questionnaire.

What is Retail Insurance?

An individual insurance product between the life insured and the insurer. Policies are channelled via intermediaries suchas financial advisors. The application process involves underwriting – which is an assessment of the risk profile of the life insured, which involves a medical component (e.g., personal/family history, potential collection of bloods etc). One of the main benefits of a retail insurance policy is that the terms and conditions are protected and cannot be unilaterally changed to your disadvantage.

What effects the cost of a retail life insurance policy?

An underwriter determines your overall risk by examining factors, such as your age, gender, medical history, current health status, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, your occupation, and your recreational activities. They can then choose to offer you cover at standard rates, or they may offer you cover with a policy exclusion or add a premium loading if they determine you may be higher risk.

Should life insurance be indexed or not?

Retail insurance policies allow you to have the option of increasing your sum insured annually which is also know as indexation. The amount you are insured for will be indexed in line with inflation. You can however to choose to remove this indexation.

Most group insurance schemes tend to reduce the benefit amount as you get older. This is one of the critical differences between group and retail insurance.

What is the difference between stepped and level premiums?

Stepped premiums is when the cost of your cover is recalculated each year based on your age at your policy anniversary. Generally, this means your premium will increase each year as you get older. Group insurance generally only offer age-based/unitised or stepped premiums.

Retail life insurance policies on the other hand tend to offer a choice between stepped and level premiums. This is also one of the benefits of retail insurance policies is they allow you to select between stepped and level premiums or a hybrid of the two. This provides more flexibility for short-term or long-term insurance needs.

Level premiums are where premiums are calculated based on your age when any cover started. Your premium is generally averaged out over several years, which means you avoid increases in your premium due to age at each policy anniversary.

This means your cover is more expensive than ‘stepped premiums’ at the beginning of your policy, but generally gets cheaper (relative to stepped premiums) as your policy continues.

What should you do if you would like further information?

As you can see life insurance is complex yet critical for your family’s financial wellbeing. If you are considering a review of your insurance needs, please contact Find Insurance on details below.

We would be happy to have an initial phone conversation, or you can find out more information at our website https:// findaccountant.com.au/financialplanning/insurance/

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. 449221). Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/

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

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

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly 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.

Find Group

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.

TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA 2021 & 2022

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.

WARREN STRYBOSCH

2022 TAX

Sharing economy reporting system to be implemented

Individuals may soon have the ability to claim a higher deduction for self-education expenses from the 2022–23 income year. New legislation has been tabled into parliament following the original announcement by the former government in the 2021 Federal Budget.

Currently, a self-education deduction is limited to costs above $250 each income year. This limitation, known as the s 82A limitation, will be repealed from the tax laws. This requires legislative approval.

The announcement 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.

Sharing economy reporting system to be implemented

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 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 of their tax obligations. This includes short-term 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. The start date of the proposed changes have been delayed after the former Bill was prorogued at the last federal election.

Announcement(11-May-2021)

Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed Royal Assent Date of effect(1-Jul-2022)

Announcement(25-Aug-2021) Consultation

Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed Royal Assent Date of effect(1-Jul-2023)

ATO to have power to make small businesses undertake tax education course

The Commissioner of Taxation will be given new powers to direct a 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 new directive will be available after the Bill receives Royal Assent.

Small business technology investment boost

A business with aggregated turnover of less than $50 million will be entitled to a 20% bonus deduction for expenditure relating to a digital business adoption.

The bonus deduction will be available for expenditure incurred from 7:30pm (AEDT) on 29 March 2022 (2022 Federal Budget night) until 30 June 2023. There is a limit of $100,000 of eligible deductions able to be claimed by a business each income year but can be claimed on both business expenses and depreciating assets.

Small business skills and training boost

Small businesses will get a bonus tax deduction on top of the allowable deduction for training their employees.Businesses with aggregated turnover of less than $50 million will be entitled to claim a 120% deduction for eligible expenditure. Eligible expenditure refers to external training courses delivered to a business’s employees by a registered training organisation in Australia. The skills and training boost is available from 7:30pm (AEDT) on 29 March 2022 until 30 June 2024.

Announcement(3-Aug-2022) Consultation Introduced(3-Aug-2022)

Passed Royal Assent Date of effect

Announcement(29-Mar-2022) Consultation(29-Aug-2022)

Introduced Passed Royal Assent Date of effect

Announcement(29-Mar-2022) Consultation(29-Aug-2022)

Introduced

Passed Royal Assent Date of effect

TAX UPDATES

Non-commercial losses and the Commissioner’s safe harbour

Sole traders and partners in a partnership may be able to utilise a safe harbour to deduct non-commercial losses against other assessable income. The PCG bypasses the Commissioner’s discretion under the noncommercial loss rules, where a business has been directly affected by floods, bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will be required to show necessary evidence to support using the safe harbour. The safe harbour applies for the 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 income years.

Announcement(11-May-2022) Consultation period(21-Jun-2022) Released(14-Sep-2022)

Crypto assets to be specifically excluded as foreign currency

Crypto assets are to be specifically excluded as a foreign currency with the release of exposure draft legislation. The proposed 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. If the legislation receives royal assent, the new laws will be in effect from income years that include 1 July 2021.

Queensland land tax to include interstate landholdings

Note: On 30 September 2022, reports have emerged that the Queensland government intends to scrap the newly legislated measure that would include interstate landholdings in land tax assessments. We will provide further explanations in due course once they are announced by the state government.

Queensland has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to change land tax rules relating to taxable landholdings. Under the proposed changes, a landholder will have their land tax calculated based on their total Australian landholdings. The calculation will then be pro-rated to reflect a taxpayer’s Queenslandonly taxable landholdings. The new legislation will commence from 1 January 2023, meaning that the first calculation under the new rules will take place for 30 June 2023 assessments.

Image rights to be taxed in individual returns only

A draft determination from the ATO has stated that earnings from an individual’s “image rights” or “fame” can only be included in that individual’s assessable income. This position from the ATO has changed from previous draft practical guidance which stated that professional sportspersons could use a safe harbour approach to alienate income to a related entity. If individuals already entered into an arrangement in good faith on the basis of PCG 2017/D11, the ATO will not devote compliance resources up to the 2022–23 income year. Also, the draft determination distinguishes “image rights” and “fame” from an individual providing services to a third party.

Incentivising pensioners back into the workforce

Pensioners and those on Veterans’ entitlements will be enticed back into the workforce with an increase to their work bonus concession balance.

This measure is being supplemented with an increase to the time limit for the suspension of pension entitlement from 12 weeks to 2 years. This means if a pensioner earns too much income over a period of time, their pension will be suspended instead of cancelled.

Further changes will also apply to an individual’s entitlement to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

Announcement(6-Sep-2022) Consultation(6-Sep-2022)

Introduced

Passed Royal Assent

Date of effect

Announcement(21-Jun-2022) Consultation Introduced(21-Jun-2022) Passed(24-Jun-2022 Royal Assent(30-Jun-2022) Date of effect(30-Jun-2023)

Announcement(5-Oct-2022) Consultation period(4-Nov-2022) Released

Announced: 25-Oct-2022 Updated: 26-Oct-2022

NOT-FOR-PROFIT of the Month

November 2022

Clairvaux Catholic School

is a primary school in Belmont - Geelong. The School, situated on 5.9 hectares caters for children from Prep to Year 6. It serves parents who want their children to experience a Catholic education based on an education philosophy in which faith, culture and life are brought into harmony. Clairvaux was established in July 1998 as a result of the amalgamation of the two primary schools in the parish – St Bernard’s in Belmont, and Mercia in Highton. The present site was formerly a secondary school called South Barwon Secondary College. The ethos of Clairvaux combines the best from both former schools and is dedicated to educational excellence in teaching and learning.

Clairvaux Catholic School is a school which is operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS). MACS governs and operates 292 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them. Today Clairvaux has an enrolment of around 650 students. Each year level from Prep to Year 6 has four classes.

Over the past few years we have had many renovations to our school, including the office area and classrooms making our school a contemporary and inviting learning environment with spacious, light filled classrooms and large play areas for students to enjoy.

At Clairvaux, evidence based learning and teaching practices guide the way we educate our students. Of particular note is how we are aligning our teaching in ways to cater for all our students in the most equitable way. Our staff are upskilling themselves about the current science of how students learn best and consequently making school decisions with the greatest impact for all our students. Through new learnings, we are slowly changing some of our teaching practices to best cater for the learning needs of all our students. This is the beginning of a learning journey for all our staff and students. Some of the initiatives we have implemented so far are: teaching Systematic Synthetic Phonics in our

Junior School (Prep - Year 2), Spelling Mastery, a Direct Instruction teaching method for spelling for our Middle and Senior school (Year 3-6) and we are beginning our journey into Daily Reviews and Explicit Instruction throughout the whole school.

listening to quiet music play across the school).

Our parent support programs are run by the wellbeing team which includes the highly qualified school counsellor with a purposeful focus on mental health. Schools play a role in creating a positive community that enhances a sense of connection and belonging in students. Using a whole school approach, schools can develop a safe and inclusive school environment and promote student mental health and wellbeing. This is best achieved by working in partnership with all members of the school community.

We are very grateful for our parent community who always support our students with fundraising opportunities to raise money for our sister school in Mannya Uganda - this is also a way for our students to demonstrate their social justice awareness for those less fortunate than themselves. The Parents and Friends also focus on other things for our school community such as: the refurbishment of our school hall, playgrounds etc. Some of our fundraising initiatives over the years have been: a Colour Run, Lap-a-Thon, Chocolate Drives, Movie Nights and our Carnivale which occurs every two years. We will be having our Carnival in November 19th this year after missing two Carnivales due to Covid. It is sure to be a wonderful celebration of our community and the support we have for each other.

We are currently taking enrolments for the 2023 school year for those that meet our zoning requirements (Belmont/Highton). Each May we open our enrolments for the following school year, we have enrolment tours and open days for Parents to learn more about our school and have the opportunity to view our school in action and meet the Principal and staff in Leadership positions.

Clairvaux School Community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Wellbeing is a major focus of the school with our nine touchstones representing who we are and the way we are. Each term we focus on two or three touchstones with a current focus on Respect and Purpose. Others to name a few include Kindness,

Growth, Belonging and Positivity. Our school empowers all students, staff and families to have positive relationships, have a sense of purpose and be mentally, socially and emotionally well. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) involves - to name a few - our partnership with the Respectful Relationships program, Cyber safety initiatives and Mindfulness (which is an extension of the whole school stopping for two minutes after each outside break time to take a quiet breather while

If you would like any further information please contact the school either by phone or email.

Clairvaux Catholic School

Ph: 52437102 info@ccsbelmont.com.au

The

WALK AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE

Friday 25th November 2022

5pm - 7pm

Cunningham Pier, Geelong

Look for the Zonta Signs

Join members of the Zonta Club of Geelong to raise awareness and walk in solidarity with victim survivors of family violence and violence against women at our 3rd Walk Against Family Violence. We will walk from Cunningham Pier to Eastern Beach and return.

Please wear ORANGE to help us Orange the World.

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Family Violence, the Zonta Club of Geelong will Orange the World in our community starting with our Annual Walk Against Family Violence

Please email zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au if you would like further information.

WHY IS OUR TOWN TURNING ORANGE?

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December)

The 16 Days of Activism aims to raise public awareness and mobilise people to bring about change. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. It began in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute.

In support of this initiative, the UN Secretary-General’s campaign ‘UNiTE to End Violence against Women’ calls for global action to increase worldwide awareness and create opportunities for discussion about challenges and solutions.

In 2014, the UNiTE campaign called on governments, UN entities, civil society organisations and individuals across the world to ‘orange their neighbourhoods’ to raise public awareness about the issue of violence against women and girls. The colour orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your support in eliminating all forms of violence. Orange is used as the colour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and has become synonymous with events during the 16 Days of Activism.

This year in Geelong you will see buildings floodlit in orange, street lighting in orange, and other displays drawing attention to the elimination of violence against women.

The Zonta Cub of Geelong is working with several organisations in Geelong to light up the city for the 16 days of Activism. November 25, the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will see the Zonta Club of Geelong holds its third annual Walk Against Family Violence on the foreshore from 5pm (please see flyer below). Join us on November 25 to show your support for this campaign.

Zonta Club of Geelong PO Box 1120, Geelong www.zontageelong.org.au zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au

Window of Opportunity

Children grow up fast, and before we know it, our window of opportunity will close. What children need from us now, is as much time and attention as they can get, but often there comes a time when they don’t want it, especially if it hasn’t happened in the early years

Here’s a poem that says this in a thought provoking way:

To My Grown-Up Son

by Alice E. Chase

My hands were busy through the day, I didn't have much time to play The little games you asked me to, I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook, But when you'd bring your picture book And ask me, please, to share your fun, I'd say, "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night, And hear your prayers, turn out the light, Then tiptoe softly to the door, I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, and years rush past, A little boy grows up so fast, No longer is he at your side, His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away, There are no children's games to play, No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear, That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now lie still, The days are long and hard to fill, I wish I might go back and do, The little things you asked me to.

The conundrum is that while the children are young we think we’re too busy to spend that extra time with them. The thing is though, it’s while they’re young that they really need it and our investment of time is the most productive.

We should put our phones down, turn the television off or say ‘No’ to the other distractions and instead play that game, read that story or do that activity with our children while we still can.

All the best everyone!

Rob. LPS Chaplain.

Robert.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

The Future is brighter Dedication! outpost for those in geelong charlottes

and with the

The Outpost Inc. has been humbled and inspired by 5 year old Charlotte O’Brien who has dedicated to run 1km per day for 30 days culminating on 24 November 2022 to raise money via Go Fund Me to support those in need who attend The Outpost Inc.

The Outpost is a not for profit organisation operating 365 days per year assisting Geelong’s homeless and food insecure by serving hot nutritional meals, warm drinks, general necessities, bedding and above all a friendly, welcoming community.

Inspired by watching Sydney’s Nedd Brockman who raised 2.5million for charity by running 3800kms, Charlotte is a shining example of the impact that everyone in our community can make no matter your age.

Recently Charlotte attended the Outpost Inc to gain a better understanding of the people that she was supporting. Charlottes mum Thalia O’Brien not only set an example but also reminded us at The Outpost of our core purpose, explaining to her daughter - ‘We are not here to ask questions; we are here to listen; and serve’.

Charlotte’s mission coincides with The Outpost’s continued search to find a new venue in the CBD as the deadline looms for the sale of the council owned Busport building in early 2023. It is unimaginable that a service for the homeless may too find itself on the street.

Nearing her end date, now is the time to show your support and get behind Charlotte and those she is raising money for – people in the community who need your help to keep food on the table, the heater on and the doors open at The Outpost Inc.

Fundraiser by Thalia O’Brien : 1km a day for 30days for those in need (gofundme.com).

Last day of the run is on the 21st of November

Keeley’s Cause

As a young ASD woman Keeley is committed to making a difference for children who like her, struggled in the school system. Keeley will talk with us about what her organisation achieves to help those children via her ipad’s in schools initiative and community education.

November Speaker: Keeley & Sharon Murphy

DONATE NOW

Lifeline Crisis Support Volunteers in

On Giving Day, we are fundraising for our Crisis Support Line 13 11 14. Our goal is to fund the training of 100 Crisis Supporters volunteers in Geelong and South West Victoria, to help reach increasing call demand and community need for this valuable service.

- Our Crisis Supporters give 100 hours of their time training before they support people on our 13 11 14 crisis support line.

- It costs us $3,500 to train and support each person during this period.

- Demand for Our services has increased by 25% since COVID and we receive more than 3,000 calls per day Australia-wide.

Funding the training of more Crisis Supporters will be a huge success for our community and bring us one step closer to our vision of an Australia free of suicide. It could mean that over 25,000 more calls could be answered. That’s 25,000 people who won’t feel alone when they’re going through their darkest moments— everyday people like you.

Book Ticket

View Website

INCLUSION

GENU INCLUSION MEMBER BREAKFAST NOVEMBER 2022

Tue 22nd Nov, 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Myers St &, Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220

Rydges Geelong Cnr Myers and Gheringhap Street, Geelong Vic 3220 Please join us on Tuesday 22nd November, where our guest speakers are Chris Lytas and Luke Outerbridge from Right Mate.

Right Mate was founded by a desire to change the narrative when it comes to men’s Mental Health. Chris and Luke are passionate about not only encouraging the conversation but understanding the actual issue and offering avenues for solutions.

We are delighted to have both Chris and Luke join us. Places are strictly limited, please RSVP by Wednesday 16th November and include any dietary requirements.

If you would like any further information, please contact the genU Inclusion team on 5222 7445 or email us on inclusion.admin@genu.org.au

LEOPOLD SPORTSMANS CLUB BOWLS

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.

GOLF

RACQUET

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.

R EAL E STATE

2022 Senior Achiever winner Award announced

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards celebrate the volunteer work and community contributions of older Victorians.

Congratulations to Ross Synot of Newtown for receiving the 2022 COTA Senior Achiever Award!

Ross Synot OAM, JP, GCSJ is a positive and well-respected leader in the Geelong community who makes a difference to many lives through a range of community and sporting endeavours.

An active inaugural member of the City of Greater Geelong Ageing Well Committee, Ross has contributed to our 30-year plan and been the face of a campaign to stop elder abuse.

Ross established the Bravehearts branch in Geelong to educate, empower and protect children from sexual abuse and continues his service as a Patron for the organisation.

Ross was the driving force behind the creation of the Geelong Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group more than 20 years ago, now known as the Geelong ME/CFS Support Group. Despite his own health challenges, Ross has generously shared his time, support and strength with people experiencing illness and with many other support groups across the state.

Ross is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia and the Governance Institute of Australia.

He is former Chief Executive of Grace McKellar Centre where he held senior positions for twenty-eight years. During this employment he held the positions of President/Chairman of many state and regional bodies relating to aged and disability care, health, and community care. Ross was instrumental in the introduction of many home-based services.

Following an overseas study tour in 1980, he is credited with the introduction of the quality of life concept for the aged and disabled in Australia. He has a great interest in initiating and extending home based services and improving residential care.

Ross is passionate about badminton, a sport he has enjoyed and supported administratively for over 50 years. Ross was integral in bringing the first Australian Masters Games to Geelong. He has also volunteered with the Geelong Football Club over many years and continues to volunteer with his local church.

The stories of the Victorian Senior of the Year awardees are incredible and reflect what it means to be a Victorian.

The full list of awardees and their stories is available on the Victorian Seniors Online website.

City Hall transformation

We are finalising preparations for our Christmas in Geelong program, with City Hall lighting up with colour for the Christmas projections.

The artwork had a test run on the building’s Gheringhap Street façade last week ahead of the official launch this Saturday 12 November.

The vibrant display draws on the Christmas tradition of giving and the gesture of wrapping and unwrapping, and will feature designs and music inspired by our region’s rich and diverse community.

Experienced multimedia artist Georgie Pinn is behind this year’s exciting projections, with contributions from Ian de Gruchy and Olaf Meyer.

The City selected Multimedia Events to produce its first Christmas display, which utilises City Hall’s professional sound and light projection system.

Following the Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration on Saturday 12 November to switch on the Floating Christmas Tree at Steampacket Quay, a marching band will lead community members to City Hall where the projections will launch at 9.30pm.

Spectators will also be treated to the second fireworks display of the night, discharged from the City Hall rooftop.

The festive projections will see City Hall come alive with playful designs and a sense of wonder for Christmas this year.

The animations on Gheringhap Street always create an electric atmosphere in Central Geelong and put the community in the festive spirit.

Off the back of captivating projections for White Night, NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and ANZAC Day, this special commission will cement our region’s reputation of curating and presenting exceptional public art experiences.

Trent Sullivan, chair of the Creative Communities and Culture portfolio

Council’s annual Christmas projections at City Hall are a highly anticipated public event in the region’s calendar.

Georgie Pinn, Ian de Gruchy, Olaf Meyer and Multimedia Events have done a brilliant job creating such clever and creative animations that instantly capture the imagination – they are a must see!

These impressive projections will also encourage visitors to stay longer in Central Geelong and support local traders, who are recovering from a tough two and a half years.

After its Saturday 12 November launch, the 12-minute display will run nightly from 8.30pm until 11:30pm. As the summer days lengthen in December, the show is best experienced from 9pm.

In addition to seeing the projections live in-person, community members will also have the opportunity to watch the full show on the Christmas in Geelong page.

Keep an eye out on this page as the details for the Christmas in Geelong program are revealed.

The City is offering a range of new festivities like 18+ activities and sporty experiences, as well as traditional favourites such as the Floating Christmas Tree and School Christmas Trees.

Cr Jim Mason, deputy chair of the Creative Communities and Culture portfolio and Mayor Peter Murrihy.

Mayor Peter Murrihy

Councillor

Flood Repairs To Take Time

The City of Greater Geelong is asking for the community’s patience and understanding as it tackles the mammoth task of repairing flood damaged roads across the region.

The City received 513 Requests for Service relating to roads between 13 October and 3 November, and 447 requests relating to drainage and pits.

This is more than three times the volume from the same period last year, with further requests still coming in each day.

It is estimated that up to one third of the region’s unsealed roads have been washed away and will require resheeting.

Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne:

There is simply an enormous amount of work to be done, and it will take time to get through.

We understand that every request made by our community is important, but we are having to prioritise our repairs based on safety and greatest benefit to the majority.

Roads that have washed away, are impassable and/or have significant shoulder damage are receiving high priority.

Adding to the challenge, there is a shortage of both contractors and materials available given the huge flood impact across Victoria.

We thank the community in advance for being kind and considerate to our staff and contractors who are out on the roads doing their absolute best in very testing circumstances.

We recognise that the wait will be frustrating, but can only ask for patience with the assurance that we will get everything done as soon as we can.

The City announced a three-month suspension of its Road Management Plan on 24 October to enable a prioritisation of flood repairs.

This plan sets the standards for inspection, maintenance and repair of sealed and unsealed roads, footpaths, shared paths, kerb and channel, bridges, waterway channels and traffic control devices.

Several other Councils across the state have also suspended their Road Management Plans.

Floating Christmas Tree Returns To Geelong Waterfront

About the program

There is something for everyone in the Christmas in Geelong program, including the projections on City Hall, Giant Selfie Trail, Santa’s Craft Workshop, School Christmas Tree program, Santa Pet Photos, Christmas by the Pool, masterclasses and sporting programs.

Community members who use the hashtag #GeelongChristmas in their social media photos go in the draw to win a $50 Westfield Gift Card.

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Greater Geelong.

Geelong’s famous 10-tonne floating Christmas Tree has sailed into Steampacket Quay, ahead of being officially switched on at next week’s free Christmas in Geelong Opening Night community celebration.

The 25-metre-tall tree was towed into place at our iconic Waterfront this morning and welcomed by Mayor Peter Murrihy and Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan.

The Christmas in Geelong program is tipped to provide our region’s economy with a $20 million boost by creating jobs for tradies, performers and lighting experts and generating income for small businesses.

One lucky child will be selected to switch on the tree and trigger a pyrotechnic display at the City of Greater Geelong’s Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration on Saturday 12 November at Steampacket Quay.

The tree’s free sound and light show will run every 15 minutes from 8:30pm to midnight each day until Sunday 8 January 2023 (to align with Orthodox Christmas). The display lasts for six minutes.

About the tree

• The 10-tonne steel Christmas tree was constructed by Geelong manufacturer Hanlon Industries in 2014

• The tree is 25 metres tall and made up of 400 LED lights and 25,000 reflective discs

• The star is four-metres wide and gently rotates with the wind direction

• Prior to COVID-19, the floating tree attracted 193,000 visitors

• The tree will be in place until Sunday 8 January 2023.

The Floating Christmas Tree is looking spectacular and is set to bring a lot of excitement and joy to locals and visitors of all ages over the next few months.

Local company Total Events has been busy decorating and testing the floating tree’s 400 LED lights over the last week and has developed three captivating sound and light shows for the community to enjoy.

Geelong is once again the Christmas capital of Victoria.

The arrival of our beloved Floating Christmas Tree signifies the start of a very special time for Greater Geelong, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together and celebrate.

With so many activities to choose from this year, we’re expecting thousands of people to enjoy the eight-week Christmas in Geelong program.

More news and updates

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan

2023 Geelong Calendar on its way

Pontoon replacement provides a boost for boating enthusiasts

Grants to create clean technology and help our environment

Mayor Peter Murrihy

View 2022 artist lineup

The Queenscliff Music festival is a three day event held on the Bellarine attracting some of Australia’s biggest musical names.

The Bellarine Peninsula will be rocking to the sounds of music again this summer as Queenscliff Music Festival announces plans for November 2022.

With the focus on our plethora of incredible homegrown talent the first line up announce features a veritable who’s who of Aussie music icons including

Along with the Geelong Business Excellence Awards’ major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the 2022 winners and finalists of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

The awards program celebrated the clever, creative and connected business community with a glamourous event held face-to-face for the first time in three years.

Walking along the red carpet into GMHBA Stadium, award guests were dazzled by a magnificently set up President’s Room. Renown television personality Nicky Buckley hosted the awards night with 20 category winners announced across three stages and entertainment provided throughout the evening by local band Good Faces for Radio. With 800 people attending the event, this year’s awards were the largest inperson awards celebration the Geelong Chamber of Commerce has ever put on while also streaming the awards live across Facebook.

Chamber president John Stekelenburg said, “It’s so important to recognise those businesses and leaders who have stared down the challenge, embraced the opportunity and taken everyone around them on a very special journey.”

Custom Neon wins Business of the Year Award

Custom Neon won the prestigious Business of the Year Award sponsored by LBW Business + Wealth Advisors. The judges were thoroughly impressed with the growth and expansion of the Custom Neon business. To start from their garage in 2018 and now have a global business with USA and UK markets and onsite teams in those countries is outstanding. The marketing of the business supports its fun and professional brand and has segmented their target markets to maximise their sales. The judges thought that Custom Neon have very good people and culture which includes great initiatives, training and OH&S policies. Moreover, the judges found their financial management practices were second to none.

First carbon neutral Awards night ever

Besides being the biggest awards presentation held in the history of the awards, the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards were also the first ever carbon neutral awards event. This is a great step for Geelong in showing a major event can be held in a sustainable manor. In close collaboration with Climate Society, the carbon footprint of the awards were estimated and recommendations put in place to decrease carbon emissions. Table numbers were provided to guests ahead of time to ensure tickets were not printed. A QR code on a business card-sized tag, embedded with seeds on a 100% recycled cardboard included the menu, order of proceedings & sponsor messages. Moreover, the table decorations consisted of a potted, Australian native plant, which guests were encouraged to take home and plant after the event.

Higher Mark – Geelong Cats was able to engage 17 local suppliers for an

Christmas in Geelong Opening Night

After a three-year absence, our opening night festivities are back! You are invited to celebrate a spectacular night of Christmas activities to kick start the 2022 Christmas in Geelong program.

Geelong’s stunning Floating Christmas Tree returns on Saturday 12 November 2022 with a few new surprises when we launch our city’s biggest night of Christmas celebrations.

Families who mark the annual tradition of lighting the tree at the Waterfront will also be treated to the biggest Christmas entertainment line-up yet! It will feature an impressive line-up of entertainment.

Renowned performers, Taylor Henderson and Denis Walter will headline the launch of our Christmas in Geelong program.

Angie Hilton and dancers will bring the Christmas groove, Kate Daley and Steve Hobbs will serenade you with some all-time favourite Christmas tunes and Geelong’s own ‘piano man’, Andy Pobjoy will accompany Shandelle Cooke to get you into the festive spirit.

Roving entertainment kicks off at Steampacket Quay with Christmas characters, music and face painting at 5.30pm ahead of a two-hour stage show commencing at 7pm with a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country and performance opening the show.

The stage show runs from 7pm - 9pm.

The lighting of our Floating Christmas Tree will occur at 9pm and will include low-level fireworks. Come and help us do the traditional count-down to light the tree!

Following this, head up to City Hall to see our festive Christmas projections which will commence at 9.30pm at City Hall.

Again this year, one lucky child will have the chance to turn on Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree as well. Enter the City’s Christmas Flick the Switch competition for your chance to win. (Open to children aged 12 and under). Enter here! When 12 November 2022, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show

Our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree will return to the bay for Christmas In Geelong 2022 soon with Sound and Light Shows being staged nightly from 8:30pm...!

Similar to last year, you will be able to choose to visit the tree and witness the spectacular sound and light show inperson. You can also choose other viewing options to enjoy the tree.

Don’t miss our popular Opening Night - Christmas in Geelong event on Saturday 12 November where we turn on our iconic Floating Christmas Tree.

One lucky child will have the chance to turn on Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree as well. Enter the City’s Christmas Flick the Switch competition for your chance to win. (Open to children aged 12 and under). Enter here!

This year, we have introduced a new weekly early evening Family-Friendly Sound and Light Show on our Floating Christmas Tree in December for young families and those not wanting to be out after dark. On every Saturday in December up to Christmas Day. Enjoy the same great show in a special earlier timeslot, running from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Until our iconic tree returns, enjoy watching last year’s show.

Shows

Our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree sound and light show will be staged each night between 8.30pm and midnight. The shows are approximately 6 minute in length and plays every 15 minutes.

Interactive website: When visiting the tree between 8.30pm and midnight, in between shows try out the interactive website to change the light colours of the tree and star on top! Try out the website

For Christmas in Geelong 2022, there will be three different shows to experience.

Dates will be announced soon!

Make sure you make plans to see them all. Each has a different light show and music production worth catching!

About the tree

This is the ninth installation of Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree! The tree is 25 metres tall and is moored at Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong, near the Carousel.

The tree will be a prominent feature of the Waterfront throughout the festive season.

Much thanks goes to our Floating Christmas Tree sponsors, Geelong Port. The team at Geelong Port provides safe

storage and assembly space every year. As you can imagine the space required is rather large and the assistance of Geelong Port is essential.

When Daily from 12 November 2022 to 08 January 2023, 09:00 PM - 11:59 PM

Contact

Email: marketing@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Phone: +61 3 5272 5272

Associated organisation: City of Greater Geelong

Piano man comes to Port Seniors

This will be afternoon of fun, dancing, singing that will connect with all in the community.

Enjoy a one-hour set, before a break for afternoon tea.

The singer will then come back for another set to finish off the entertainment for the day.

When 17 November 2022, 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Where Portarlington Senior Citizens Club

Wadawurrung Country, 65 Newcombe Street, Portalington

Contact Shirley Butler

Email: sbutler9372@gmail.com

Phone: 0438 720 076

Associated organisation: Portarlington Senior Citizens Incorporated

Mixed Medium Art Market Geelong

Mixed Medium is hosting another Art Market this year and just in time to get organised for all your Christmas Gifts.

Mixed Medium is a collaborative Art Market showcasing artwork from local artists, designers and creators. As well as supporting local musicians, we have a great line up for you all which will be announced shortly.

Geelong Ballet Centre prides themselves on providing high quality dance and singing tuition to students who wish to pursue dance as a hobby or career. The Geelong Ballet centre’s professional teaching faculty creates an environment of care and attention for each of their students and caters for individual learning in a group setting.

Artists are being announced on our Instagram page. We are excited to see you all again and to meet some new faces to this free event...!

When 12 - 13 November 2022

Contact Mixed Medium

Email: mixed.medium.geelong@gmail.com

2022 Christmas Projections

Stunning Christmas-themed projections will again light up City Hall this festive season as part of Christmas In Geelong.

Our 2022 Christmas projections on Geelong’s City Hall this year will feature a specially commissioned contemporary festive celebration of visual splendour.

Taking inspiration from the tradition Christmas giving and the gesture of wrapping and unwrapping, the projections will reveal designs and musical compositions inspired by our rich and diverse community.

Credits: Artist: Georgie Pinn with contributions by Ian De Gruchy and Olaf Meyer Produced by Multimedia Events

In addition to seeing the projections live in-person, you will also have the opportunity to watch the full show here soon.

Geelong Street Orienteering Summer Series

Enjoy a stroll or a more strenuous challenge - Walk, jog or run and be as competitive or as casual as you like while getting to know your parklands and suburbs.

The Geelong Street Orienteering Summer Series is in full swing. It’s a great way to spend a Thursday evening exploring a new neighbourhood.

Courses for runners and walkers.

Are you looking for new training options or just a fun way to exercise...? Park Street Orienteering caters for all and all ages and abilities welcome.

When: Various dates from 3 November 2022 to 1 December 2022, 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Contact: Jenny Chapman

Email: geelongstreeto@gmail.com

Website: https://www.vicorienteering.asn.au/go-orienteering/park-streetorienteering/geelong-wrap/

Fyansford Paper Mills Heritage Tours

The Fyansford Paper Mill paper mill complex, was constructed between 1876 to 1878 using locally cut bluestone and brick, and comprises the original mill buildings, manager’s house, six workers’ cottages, a bluestone water race with impeller, tower and stone weir. Its Heritage Victoria listing underlines its importance.

The Paper Mill buildings and water race are an impressive example of industrial architecture of the time. Manufacturing began in 1878 with early paper made from rags and cloth, then shredded before being processed. Your tour will take you through this heritage listed site to follow the paper making trail and hear stories and historic details along the way.

The Fyansford Paper Mill is now home to a collection of artisan workshops and galleries, a winery and restaurant, a café, a wellness centre and more.

Tours will finish at the Door Gallery Café where you can enjoy a tea or coffee and a light lunch.

When Various dates from 6 Nov 2022 to 20 Nov 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Contact Stephen Bath Email: stephenbath8@gmail.com

Phone: +61 407 335 198

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

get to

know geelong

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

geelong waterfront

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

Poppy Kettle Playground

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

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

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

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

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

Skate Parks In Geelong

Hubcaps

To Creative Hubs is the title for a series of short films about creative Geelong. Hubcaps are a reminder of Ford as a major employer before pulling out in 2016. Vacant industrial spaces such as factories and wool mills have become creative villages.

I stayed in a Vrbo in the Old Paper Mills (1878). In Victorian times, this bluestone mill pulped rags to make paper. The dramatic waterfall setting reminded me of the cover of George Eliot’s novel The Mill and the Floss. The present owner, Alex Robins, has lovingly restored what he refers to as an Industrial Cathedral.

The old mill is a labyrinth of galleries, studios, workshops, and boutique shops with handmade goods. Enjoy a coffee at The Door Gallery Cafe surrounded by antique Indian doors.

Provenance Wines has a cellar door and restaurant in the main building. Enjoy tastings matched with bite-sized food pairings. Rone painted one of his famous esoteric faces on the back wall. As street art is so transient, it’s great to see a lasting testament to his work.

the old paper mills

Cunningham Pier is one of the most recognisable structures on the Geelong Waterfront.

Opening in the mid-1850s it was originally known as Railway Pier. It was an important part of the Geelong Port and you can still see the train lines that were used to transport cargo to the end of the pier.

The pier stretches 250 metres out over Corio Bay and its bright white building is a standout feature of the foreshore.

The two-storey weatherboard building houses the Wah Bar and Asian food restaurant (bao buns!), Wah Wah Gee. The Pier Geelong function centre is also located here.

A large part of this Geelong pier is dedicated to car parking and a convenient covered walkway provides shelter as you walk along the train tracks.

Cunningham Pier fishing has always been popular and in keeping with tradition, local anglers continue to use it.

Cunningham pier geelong

Cunningham Pier is one of the most recognisable structures on the Geelong Waterfront.

Opening in the mid-1850s it was originally known as Railway Pier. It was an important part of the Geelong Port and you can still see the train lines that were used to transport cargo to the end of the pier.

The pier stretches 250 metres out over Corio Bay and its bright white building is a standout feature of the foreshore.

The two-storey weatherboard building houses the Wah Bar and Asian food restaurant (bao buns!), Wah Wah Gee. The Pier Geelong function centre is also located here.

A large part of this Geelong pier is dedicated to car parking and a convenient covered walkway provides shelter as you walk along the train tracks.

Cunningham Pier fishing has always been popular and in keeping with tradition, local anglers continue to use it.

Cunningham pier geelong

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

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

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

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

Curving out over the water the boardwalk has wellplaced 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.

western beach

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

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.

rippleside park

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

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

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

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

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

steampacket gardens

The Carousel

Geelong is a rare 1892 Armitage-Herschell hand-carved wooden carousel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

the carousel

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.

old geelong gaol

THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

With continuing uncertainty around the world, Australia, despite the current challenges it is facing, is still better poised to cope these uncertainties than most other countries around the world. Some take home points include:

1. $28.5% in budget improvements, with the underlying cash deficit in 2022-23 expected to be $36.9bn, down significantly from that announced in the March 2022 Budget.

2. The economy is expected to grow by 3¼% in 2022-23 before slowing to 1½% in 2023-24.

3. Unemployment is at a historic low level and is expected to remain low through until June 2024.

4. Rising interest rates and inflation are negatively impacting many families with wages growth not keeping pace with increased costs of living. Inflation is expected to hit 7¾% by the end of 2022 before starting to ease over the following two years.

WORK TEST FOR PENSIONERS

When retirees sell their home, they have to act quickly with the sale proceeds before the money is deemed by Centrelink. Often, retirees need longer than 12 months to build the new home and/or move into the new place of residency. It can become a real shock to some retirees, when they have been relying on their age pension, to have it either reduced or stopped all together and in some circumstances, having to pay back some money.

Housing stock is a real issue for young families. For many retirees, their home, is their largest asset and with significant prices rises over the last decade, these retirees are holding on to a greater amount of wealth than they had anticipated. It makes sense then to create a way for retirees to benefit from selling their principle homes to free up equity they can invest and generate an income whilst at the same time increase the amount of properties that younger people can purchase.

So it makes sense that the government, in their bid to tackle housing accessibility, has announced the extension of the downsizer superannuation contribution to those between the age of 55 and 59.

This measure was first introduced in 2017 and was previously restricted to those aged 60 and older. Now, it will become available to anyone over the age of 55.

The downsizer contribution allows people to make a one-off post-tax contribution to their superannuation of up to $300,000 per person (up to $600,000 per couple) from the proceeds of selling their home. Both members of a couple can contribute, and these contributions do not count towards their respective non-concessional contribution caps

Whilst not legislated, it is believed this measure will gain bi-partisan support and be passed in the first quarter of next year.

EXTENSION OF ASSET TEST EXEMPTION

HOME SALE PROCEEDS

From 1 January 2023, it is proposed that a two-year asset test exemption will be available for home sale proceeds that are going to be used to buy, build, rebuild, repair or renovate a new principal home. Currently, the proceeds from a home sale that are earmarked to buy, build, rebuild, repair or renovate a new principal home are only exempt from the asset test for 12 months.

Only the amount of sale proceeds that will be used for the new home are exempt. For example, if your home is sold for $1 million and $800,000 of this will be used for the new home, the amount exempt under the asset test is limited to $800,000. The impact of home sale proceeds during the exemption period will also reduce under the income test. Sale proceeds are often deemed to earn an income at the higher 2.25% rate. Under this measure, the exempt amount will have the lower deeming rate applied (currently 0.25% frozen until 30 June 2024).

This measure will be a great relief for all retirees who are currently receiving the age pension. It will mean that they will have plenty of time to move into their new principle place of residents and not have those funds deemed.

AGED CARE

The Government is committing $2.5 billion over the next four years to help fund more care for older Australians and to increase nursing numbers in care facilities. The package includes:

• Mandating that facilities have a registered nurse on site 24 hours per day from 1 July 2023

RETIREMENT

• Increasing average care minutes per resident to 215 minutes per day from 1 October 2024

• Better food options which are fresh, healthy, and safe

• Strengthening regulation of aged care providers

• Capping administration and management fees charged by providers in the Home Care Packages Program

MEDICATION COSTS TO REDUCE

Cost of medication to decrease

From 1 January 2023, the Government will decrease the general patient co-payment for treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from $42.50 to $30.00. This provides a $12.50 reduction per script for those paying the general rate.

Reduced impact of employment income on pensioners

Currently, the Work Bonus system allows age and veterans pensioners (both employees and the self-employed) to earn $7,800 per year of employment income with no impact on their pension payments under the income test. The Government has proposed to add a one-off credit of $4,000 to their Work Bonus income bank effectively increasing the amount of exempt employment income that can be generated in this financial year from $7,800 to $11,800.

The additional $4,000 income credit will be available until 30 June 2023. Other measures supporting working pensioners include a proposal to allow employment income to exceed the income limits for up to two years without a need to re-submit a pension claim and the Pensioner Concession Card will also be retained for a period of two years where the pensioner has a nil rate of pension due to employment income.

Commonwealth Senior Health Card income thresholds increase

The Government will increase the income thresholds for eligibility to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card to:

• $90,000 per year for singles (up from $61,284) and

• $144,000 combined per year for couples (up from $98,054)

Warren Strybosch

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

Join Premiership players Tom Atkins, Gryan Miers & Brad Close at Bannockburn Railway Hotel on Friday November 11th for an EPIC 2022 Premiership celebration!

Atkins, Miers & Close join host, Ricky Howling, on stage for an interview that will recount the best moments of the 2022 Premiership, whilst talking through the journey the Cats have been through over the past decade to once again reach the top of the mountain.

A live and silent auction with authentic and limited Geelong Premiership memorabilia will be available.

Ticket price includes admission to show only. Dinner can be booked prior to the show by calling the venue on 52811230.

Cat4Life Photo Passes can only be purchased with a valid General Admission ticket. Get Tickets

Cats Launch Morries premiership cup tour

The club has officially launched the 2022 Morris Premiership Cup Tour

To celebrate the Geelong Football Club’s 2022 Premiership victory, Cats fans around Victoria will now have the opportunity to get up close and personal with history as the Club launched the official 2022 Morris Premiership Cup Tour on Friday.

The Cup will have its first Tour stop on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium when the Cats host Sydney Swans in the last AFLW home and away season match on Saturday. Football fans will be able to have their photo with the Cup pre-match on the concourse inside Gate 13.

The Cup will then embark on its first leg of the Tour, traveling across Victoria with Metropolitan Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, Traralgon, Surf Coast, and Mornington on the itinerary, before heading interstate in 2023.

To see when and where the Cup will be near you, click here

Geelong Chief Executive Steve Hocking said the club was excited to share the historic trophy with as many members and supporters as possible, starting in Geelong on Saturday night.

“It [all] kicks off tomorrow night, so all members, they’ve got an opportunity to come down pre-game and get their photo with the cup and then stay on and watch some amazing football and a very talented team,” Hocking said.

“It’s just really good to have this available to us. It was an amazing win, it was quite extraordinary the way the team performed across the whole season but particularly the back end of the season. And then they really ramped up across the finals series.

“Most of the players are on leave at the moment so they’re recuperating but we’ve got this wonderful piece of silverware to share with all of our members and fans out there.”

Fans are also encouraged to share their photos with Cup and Cats Media will share the best ones along the journey.

Click here to share your special moment with us.

Festival of sports

The Festival of Sport is a free community event at Kardinia Park celebrating physical activity, health, wellbeing and the diversity of sport in Geelong and its surrounds. Underpinned by the principles of access, inclusion, social connection, healthy communities and partnerships, the festival is a community favourite on the annual event calendar. enquiries@kardiniapark.vic.gov.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

Advertise Here

(198 x 138mm)

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:

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

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.

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

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING

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 53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

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

SAMPLE SAMPLE

SAMPLE SAMPLE

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 Coffee 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/Coffe establishments will have additional terms and conditions on the page where the business is advertising their offer).

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.

Authentication Code & Customer Signature

All Find Cards must display an Authentication Code, Regions Sticker and a members name and signature to be deemed VALID. If your Find Cards does not display your signature and the correct code, the business can refuse to provide the discount offer advertised. You will receive your Authentication code after registering your Find Card.

John Dee

PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS VALID

Valid Find Cards have four folds and contain six different categories. Valid Find Cards will have its Regions logo sticker placed in the circle at the back and has an Authentication code display in front of the Find Cards.

NOT VALID

Find Cards that DO NOT display its Regions Sticker in the circle at the back and DO NOT display an Authentication code in front of the Find Card are INVALID. They will not be accepted at any participating businesses. Also, your signature must be present. You may be asked to present ID to verify that Find Card belongs to you.

Present the Find Card and ID prior to paying bill. Card is Non-Transferable. Each offer corresponds to a number on the card. Number will be crossed off once offer used. This is not a credit or charge card.

2022 Find © Pty Ltd.