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MARY CLARE SWITZ
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.
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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.
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The Find Geelong Team.
The
The City of Geelong is one of Victoria’s largest regional capital cities. Geelong had a population of approximately 230,000 as at the
which includes 16,000 businesses. Geelong’s location
in strong growth corridor, making it an ideal location for businesses to explore options outside of the capital city.
The Find Geelong acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Geelong now stands, the Wadawuarrung peo ple of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.
Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing. We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.
Well, anothaer season has come to an end and we farewell the 2022 footy season.
We want to congratulate Geelong Cats, one of the oldest teams in the AFL, for winning and taking home the 2022 premiership flag.
It was a one-sided affair but we have to acknowledge that Sydney where in the grand final compared to the other 16 other AFL teams who did not make it.
Irrespective of where you stand with the time of the Grand Final the best team won on the day. We wish Joel Selwood a happy retirement from football and congratulations to Geelong and the Norm Smith Medalist Isaac Smith.
With the footy season now ended we wish everyone all the best who play sports during the summer season.
I think you’d agree that the atmosphere in Geelong is absolutely electric at the moment.
It took more than ten years, but the premiership cup finally made its way back to Geelong last month and it returned in empathic fashion.
If ever there was an event that symbolised the recovery of our city in the post-Covid world, then this season’s grand final was it.
During the past two years we have all been challenged and in hard times it is only natural that we search for something to give us hope.
The Cats have again provided that for so many people across our region.
Having seen the immense joy in the faces of community members young and old at council’s Premiership street parade, it was a reminder of how good the Geelong Football Club is for the city.
But I think it is also true that the relationship is mutually beneficial.
As we have seen in recent times, the ever-increasing popularity of our region for city-dwellers as a lifestyle destination has aided the club in attracting quality recruits.
Being in a regional centre helps separate Geelong from the nine metropolitan Melbourne clubs and provides prospective players with a distinct choice between the hustle and bustle of the capital city or the laidback nature of living in a coastal or semi-rural environment within reach of world class restaurants, wineries and a growing arts and cultural scene.
As a city that should fill us with great optimism as we continue our recovery from the past two years.But full credit must go to the Geelong Football Club for its capacity to attract and retain high quality people both on and off the field and instilling a culture that made it such an appealing organisation to work for.
The 2022 Grand Final win was just reward for years of hard work and I congratulate the board, the executive, the players and staff on their success.
The new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with the Teachers Union puts many school-based extracurricular activities that our children love at risk. After all our kids have been through with lost learning through covid lockdowns, mask mandates and being unable to celebrate important milestones such as graduation, they now face this blow!
The new time-in-lieu component of the teacher’s union’s new EBA is a massive headache for schools, principals and teachers. This new arrangement is putting every extracurricular activity in jeopardy, particularly school camps and performing arts, which will incur an enormous out of school time payment that is unfunded by the state government.
The school is to provide 100% of time while on duty and 50% of time while ‘on call’ as time-in-lieu. The government is offering 1.3 new staff for each school, but this can’t account for the teaching of performing arts, language specialists or teachers in areas of high demand such as maths or science.
Time-in-lieu should be taken within two weeks of earning it, however this is naturally not always possible. There is a provision to delay the time-in-lieu until the end of the year, to be taken in December, which is difficult but possibly workable for Secondary School teachers as they finish a great deal of their curriculum content by December. However Primary school teachers are teaching curriculum well into December and music/art/language teachers, who earn time-in-lieu due to
concerts and similar events, require specialist knowledge and therefore this will leave a gap in student learning no matter when the teachers take their leave.
If a school doesn’t provide the time in lieu by 1 March of the following year, then the teachers are entitled to a cash payment of 150% of the time they are owed, also coming out of school budgets, which is even more problematic.
Schools will either not organise extracurricular activities or will need to consider extra charges for camps, interschool sports competitions or performing arts activities to make up the funding shortfall. This will hit vulnerable families hard as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise rapidly.
Mr Myroshnychenko said it was vital for the international community to stay united in opposing the Russian occupation and for its support to help expand the list of countries backing Ukraine’s fight.
The Ukrainian government has called for Australia to help build support in the Pacific as it looks for more international aid to repel Russia’s move to annex parts of the country.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko says officials have asked their Australian counterparts to help expand a coalition of countries opposed to Russia’s aggression.
“I believe we will repel the Russians, I believe we will restore our sovereignty … it
all now depends on our friends, including Australia, if we can get enough weapons and equipment to be able to evict the Russians from Ukraine,” he told ABC TV on Saturday.
His comments follow Russian president Vladimir Putin proclaiming his country’s annexation of a swathe of occupied Ukrainian territory, after a series of referendums dismissed as shams by Western nations.
The announcement of Russian rule over
“(The) Ukrainian government has asked the Australian government to help us in the Pacific, and here in Southeast Asia as well, in engaging with the partners in the region, because we need to have a big coalition supporting Ukraine in our fight for freedom and democracy,” he said.
China, India and several other nations abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution, introduced by the US, condemning Russia’s annexation of parts of Ukraine.
Mr Myroshnychenko said it was important for allies such as Australia to continue sending weapons and other equipment to enable Ukraine troops to defend the country following Russia’s annexation move.
“For Ukrainians, nothing changes. We are there on a mission to liberate Ukraine, to evict the Russians from Ukraine and restore our sovereignty,” he said.
Ukraine previously asked for further Bushmaster vehicles, artillery and access to Hawkei protected light vehicles from Australia.
The government has said it continues to work with Ukraine by providing support to enable it to end the conflict.
Find Aged Care Services is seeking professional ‘aged care’ accredited financial planners to provide advice to those seeking aged care advice in their local area. Are you accredited and can help work with clients to find the best aged care options? Are you able to work with their loved ones and help make the process of transitioning into aged care less daunting and complex? If so, consider listing on our website.
List with us, and we will get you promoted through our website, social media, and local community papers.
Why not consider joining the Find Network as a specialist Aged Care advisor and obtain referral leads from the rest of the Find Network members in your area?
To learn more about these new opportunities, contact Warren on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findagedcare.services visit our website at www.findagedcare.services
When and how often is it required?
By Warren StryboschDo you own property in your Self Managed Superannuation Fund (“SMSF”)? If so, you will need to start suppling valuation reports to the auditor to justify the value of your property. In the past, auditors would have asked you to estimate the value of the property or rely on the rates notice, however, those days have now passed.
As the property is an important component of your SMSF, and likely the main asset of the SMSFs, determining the market value is now a compliance requirement by SMSF auditors.
The easiest way to obtain a valuation is to request a restricted property assessment by a qualified and independent property valuer.
What is a SMSF restricted property assessment?
It is a desktop assessment completed by qualified valuation professionals. The licensed valuer does not need to visit the actual property but can use real-time sales and leasing data in real time which enables them to provide an accurate and timely report. The report helps the trustee meet there obligation of providing the auditor with a property valuation that is reliable and represents a true or close to true market value assessment.
The ATO has stated that the valuations should be supplied on an annual basis to the auditor. However, best practice is to obtain a valuation after ‘a significant event’ and as at 30 June of each financial year to comply with the relevant super laws.
All SMSF’s are required to provide a market value of assets held in their fund. ATO recommends engaging an independent valuation of properties that are owned within an SMSF especially:
• after a “significant event” which may include macroeconomic events, market volatility or natural disasters. COVID-19 could be considered a significant event and the trustees are recommended to take this into consideration when preparing this year’s financial reports.
• if either the value of the assets represents a significant proportion of the fund’s value or the nature of the asset indicates that the valuation is likely to be complex or difficult.
e.g. If it is a land-rich investment property, a number of different approaches may be required to determine what is the highest and best use for that property.
Yes and No. You will need to check with the real estate agent that they can
demonstrate they are using current and relevant supportive data when preparing their valuation reports. If they can, great. If they cannot, then it would be best to find an independent valuer who can.
Most Restricted Property Assessments will cost around $330 for residential property where the property value is less than $1.5M. For properties above this amount and for commercial properties, where the value is less than $2.5M, and has less than 2 tenants, the price could be as high as $695. It is not uncommon for a valuer to charge up to $1100 for properties valued over $2.5M.
For SMSF trustees, the annual valuation requirement is another additional cost that must be incurred when holding property in a SMSF. Unfortunately, it is a legal requirement and must be completed annually otherwise the SMSF might become non-compliant. A noncompliant SMSF is something to avoid at all costs.
At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice. Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.
Warren Strybosch - Find Group has been named as a finalist in the ifa Excellence Awards for 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 connecting with the community and engaging with clients," added.
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.
This Award 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.
will need to train them daily for several days. In dynamic workplaces where changes occur on a regular basis, weekly re-trainings should make sense, at least until after everything has stabilised.
If you are training one or two employees who are on their way to a promotion or will need to be assigned new technologies, a monthly training session that will help get them to speed should suffice. If the goal of your training is to overhaul the skill set of your entire team, consider holding it once to twice every year.
Regular trainings are never a waste of time and resources if timed right and done correctly.
Remember, the goal is to keep your team engaged and to help them develop their skills continuously.
Let’s not deny the fact that people often forget things! … we all have a limited mental capacity. Therefore, irregular and infrequent retraining doesn’t work. Your employees simply move on, and, without follow-ups or real application, they forget their recently learned knowledge. Regular training, on the other hand, drills down new information to your team, helping them to understand and remember it better.
LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH
By Sally Higoe
Regardless of how your team has been performing recently, it is still your responsibility as a leader to keep them engaged. You want everyone continuously updated and aligned with your team’s goals.
But organising a team to success is easier said than done.
So how can you make this happen? You must invest time and resources in training and upskilling your team. It pays to develop your people regularly — the better they get, the more they contribute to the growth of your business.
However, I certainly get it! Holding training sessions can take a lot of work, all while taking your team out of the action to make sure that they learn something new
and improve in their role. So how often is ‘regular’ training? And how can you ensure that these planned trainings are effective? We’ll cover these concerns in this article, so keep reading and learn more. There’s a lot to think about but we’ll sum it all up as you read along.
Any organisation that puts value on its workforce should hold regular training sessions. Because at the end of the day, the whole company will benefit from it anyway!
How often you hold trainings mainly should depend on the availability of your employees. For instance, you will need to take note of peak seasons when everyone is at their busiest or holidays when your people would rather take a breather from work.
You have to factor in the purpose of your training. If you are upskilling your team with new methods and technologies, you
Your team must constantly evolve. It’s imperative that they constantly refine their methods and adapt accordingly to potential new tools and tactics. This will ensure that the entire team remains an overall asset to the business and each member a productive asset to the team. So training comes in handy!
After understanding the importance of training, let’s dive into the types of training you can organise for your team.
This is usually the fun one. The main goal of experiential training is to keep your team engaged and interested. So how do you do that? This type of training usually involves activities such as games, problem-solving, role-playing, and more. But remember, no matter how fun (or even wild!) it can get. Be sure to stick to your agenda to ensure the team is learning.
If your employees are working remotely or are in a hybrid work arrangement, holding online training is probably the way to go. It’s possible that some might feel disengaged since they are working outside the office. You can ensure engagement by organising online training which is ideal to develop their skills. It’s also a good way to catch up with them and see how they’re doing.
to promote an employee? Thinking of recalibrating the whole team? Or are you training a new employee? You can hold a particular training to provide the guidance that your workforce needs in order to succeed.
Aside from those, specialised training can also be a good way to improve communication within the team, instil a better mindset among employees, apply a strategic approach, boost their confidence, and establish resilience.
If you’d like to talk further about how you can regularly implement training and and building sessions, reach out and we’ll create a little plan, based on your needs – sally@team-resilience.com.au
If you’re looking for a premium training that will immediately boost morale, improve communication, and inspire collaboration, and one you can jump on to right now, check out this one - https:// training.team-resilience.com.au
Assessments are a good way to track an employee’s growth in terms of skills. Has an employee improved? Do they need more guidance? Or do you want a better understanding of the type of support they need? All these can be answered by holding assessments to see where they’re currently at.
This can be organised to address specific requirements. Are you planning
Organising regular training for your team is an effective way to establish a lasting connection between you and your employees. It will also boost their motivation, grow their toolbox of knowledge, and make them feel that they are given the support they need to succeed.
When you set your team up for this kind of success, be ready to be rewarded across the board!
The last two of three years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions have highlighted on the importance of serenity and little moments. Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech says, “We have all reacted to the upheavals of the last couple of years in different ways – some people crave lightness and whimsy, whilst others seek order and reassurance.”
This year we see richer colour trends compared to last year but inspiration from nature is still in favour. There is a strong pull toward warm colours, especially warm yellow tones. Paint company Dulux has chosen Wild Wonder as its Colour of the Year 2023. It adds a warm and slightly earthy tone to a room. A warm yellow is versatile. In modern homes, it adds warmth and colour and in older-style houses, it enhances the historic feeling of the home as it’s a tone that has been used in homes for centuries.
Dulux have also put together three colour palettes from the extensive range as the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023. The three palettes are inspired by a connection to nature, a desire for balance and calm and revitalisation of our spirits with joy and play.
Balance is a colour palette of serene oceanic blues and weathered pastels that create a still and calm atmosphere in your home. It features serene marine blues and gentle greens for those wanting a simple but sophisticated look. Colours by coastlines – most appropriate for Geelong – such as Kimberley Sea and Nephrite are paired with the richness of Deep Garnet in a combination that perfectly elevates inner-city apartments or terrace homes
Balance is very much inspired by “less is more”, with minimal detailing and a restrained approach to decorating. “The focus is on immersive colour and the beauty of complex, structured patterns found in nature, such as a simple seashell or fern frond,” Bree says.
The Connect palette brings rich colours of the great outdoors inside our homes. These earth-based colours emulate a great connection to nature and reflect a simpler lifestyle.
Featuring earthy tones of moss, wasabi, sandstone, cinnamon, muddied yellowgreen and burnt charcoal, the palette reflects activities like hiking, cooking, quilting and gardening by combining classics like Whisper White with warmer colours such as Bongo Skin and Basset Brown for inviting feature walls.
glimmering emerald. If you want a funfilled space with personality, this is the palette for you!
Sunshine yellow, gold and breezy blues paired with Dulux’s Purple Celebration wil be instant mood-boosters. Too bright? Soften them with Princess Pink and Pink Chi, or add deeper hues such as cobalt blue and emerald.
Pairing retro influences with futuristic features, such as pixel patterns and digital art, the Revive palette cleverly merges the past and present. It’s colourful with a look-at-me accent.
Don’t know which one to choose? For all painting and colour advice, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@ bigpond.net.au We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.
The muddied yellow-green produces a nostalgic, country-house feel, contrasted with rich, purple-brown that adds an indulgent and contemporary twist.
The eclectic bright hues of the Revive colour palette add joy to your home with some nostalgic elements.
Dulux’s latest forecast suggests that playful, happy colours are set to brighten up our everyday lives. Imagine peachy pinks, cobalt blues, lavender and
Steve Dahllof
Define your WHY, Why are you in Business? What is the purpose? What is the outcome you are looking for?
your ads for each group, as you would address them individually. You would relate to a 30 year old mum with a young family differently to your own mother and your grandmother. The needs in each case vary.
By Deb FribbinsIn the current fast-paced society, in which we live, life and lifestyles have changed with the changed environment over the last 3 years in particular.
It is crucial, that what we do, is relevant to the marketplace around us. The products you offer must be what your customers want or need? Today we live in an ‘instant’ society, where people want things to make their life easier and faster. What we offer, is required to meet our customers needs and wants to ensure they come to us not our competition?
Companies like Kodak were the biggest in the world in photography, specifically cameras, for a very long time. They did not believe that digital cameras would ever catch on and that people would always want printed photographs. They believed camera phones would never take off. As people became more reliant on their digital cameras and smartphones, Kodak didn’t keep up with the times. They did not listen to their customers needs and wants. They are now paper manufacturers. They’ve lost a huge fortune over many years, because they didn’t look at the market and analyse what was going on in the world, or understand what the customers wanted, rather than what they had to offer.
Looking critically at businesses today, there are a few who still may fail through lack of understanding of the market needs. What is your purpose, your why for being in business? Who are your customers today? What are they looking for? Do you offer what they want or what you want to sell? Analyse the current market and what changes customers have made in their shopping habits? How much is tactile? How much is able to be purchased on line?
Break down your business and examine the individual results. What areas in the business are working? How can you capitalise on these? What parts are not working? How can you make effective changes? It is invariably not the whole business that is suffering, but one part that has not kept up with the changes in the market. Consumers are much more savvy these days, as the internet will give them the information they need to make relevant decisions.
Most of us in business and in our personal lives “don’t know, what we don’t know”. I was recently told at a seminar‘, we have about 10% of knowledge in life. We know there is 10– 20% that we know we don’t know. There is another 70–80% we don’t know that we don’t know.’ SME’s often find out the hard way when a situation presents itself. As the owner of a Small Business Enterprise we need to be Entrepreneurial not Managerial.
What can you do in your business to ensure you are relevant today? What are the areas within your business that need support right now? How can you recognise which areas they are? Do you know the areas in your business that you need to support. Can you determine what actions you can take to grow in sales and profits? Which components are letting you down? Explore the different ways you can tackle your business to perform in an upward trajectory. In today’s world, everything is instant and ever-evolving – are you?
As a Manger of a business, the focus is on:-
Maintaining employment
Maintaining a routine for smooth running of processes
React to issues as they arise
Doing as directed by owners/ bosses who make all the decisions
Collect a salary
As an Entrepreneur the focus changes to:Being visionary to the future
Be pre-emptive to avoid issues before they arise
Be evolutionary to continue to move the business in as upward trajectory
Be motivational with your staff and customers
Be passionate about the business to grow and thrive.
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/
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
It isn’t easy to save money on your mortgage when interest rates are on the increase, but there is a way. Depending on the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) status of your employer, you can maximise your earnings and take the sting out of your home loan interest at the same time. While popular salary packaging strategies tend to direct people to cars, laptops or living expenses, you may be able to use your pre-tax income to pay your mortgage. This could also leave you with more disposable income to invest in other things or put towards more of what you enjoy. So the first things to do is check your employer’s FBT status and confirm they allow to salary package.
How does salary packaging your mortgage work?
Because salary packaging enables you to use your pre-tax income, your mortgage repayments are effectively tax-free. This is a way of indirectly yet effectively getting a discount off your loan. As the deductions are from pretax, it doesn’t matter which tax bracket you are in, you will see a benefit. If you want to set up your mortgage for salary packaging, the steps are fairly straightforward and easy. While the ability to do this will depend on your employer’s FBT status, it is a simple process to set up through your salary packaging provider. There’s not many ways you can save on your mortgage and legitimately minimise the tax you pay.
Salary packaging your mortgage can help you reduce the duration of your loan term. Because you are able to potentially increase the amount of your repayments without feeling the extra pinch, you have the ability to pay down your loan faster. Paying your loan down in a shorter period can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest. To calculate how much you can save on a weekly or monthly basis, as well as over the entire term of your loan, you can get in touch with your salary packaging provider.
Another benefit is that your mortgage payments can be made in line with your pay cycle rather than on a monthly basis. This means that if you are paid every fortnight, your mortgage repayments can move to fortnightly as well, saving you even more interest and potentially years off your loan term.
Even though salary packaging has been around for many years, unfortunately not all lenders understand the positive cash impact of salary packaging home loan repayments. If your lender doesn’t, it may even be worth making the switch or refinancing with one that does so you
can start maximising those hard-earned dollars. In any case, we recommend consulting an independent financial advisor for personalised advice.
Absolutely. It’s up to you how much you decide to allocate to your mortgage repayment. Obviously, paying towards principal and interest with your pretax dollars is the best way to get your mortgage paid off sooner.
Set up instant deductions to your lender Your loan repayments can be paid directly to your lender from your salary deductions. Instead of having to make loan repayments separately from your bank account, this is a convenient way to pay your mortgage. Because it is set up to come out of a set pay cycle, you can nominate when payments are made in line with your mortgage due date. This means you will never be late for a repayment.
When you salary package your home loan, you’ll be making repayments on your mortgage from pre-tax dollars. Because this reduces your amount of taxable income each pay cycle, the tax office can’t take as big a chunk. This means you can put more towards your mortgage and will have more disposable income after your mortgage repayment. You can use this towards ever-increasing living expenses, designate the extra funds to a high interest savings account for a new venture, renovations or a maybe that dream holiday. You will pay less income tax in every financial year as long as you continue to salary package your home loan.
That’s fine. You can salary package multiple expenses depending on your employer. Even if you are already making the most of salary packaging for your bills, car, meals and entertainment or childcare fees, you may be able amend your current arrangement to include mortgage repayments. As long as you are still under the maximum cap during that FBT year, get those pre-tax dollars working as hard as possible.
Some employee benefits such as salary packaging may be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). This is a tax payable by any employer when they allow benefits to be paid for an employee in lieu of their cash salary. But, employers in certain sectors may be entitled to FBT exemptions or rebates. This means they are able to offer cost-effective salary-packaged benefits (including mortgages) to their employees.
Wanttoknowmore?AskTheSalaryPackagingPeople.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of salary packaging your mortgage, have a chat to a real person on the phone by giving us a call or send us a message online.
To be eligible, Purchasers must move into the property as their home within 12 months of settlement and live there as their principal place of residence for 12 months continuously (additional eligibility criteria apply).
Purchasers of a home where the dutiable value of up to $600,000 or less can receive the first home buyer Stamp Duty exemption and pay zero Stamp Duty.
A property with a dutiable value between $600,001 to $750,000 can receive the first home buyer duty concession, calculated on a sliding scale concession up to $750,000. The closer the property value to $600,001, the greater the concession.
This concession or reduction can apply whether you buy a new or established home. Vacant land (or off the plan purchases) can also attract the exemption or concession if the land is being purchased to build your first home.
There is also a separate scheme called the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) which offers eligible purchasers with funding assistance to purchase their home – this is for brand new property and vacant land only.
If you are buying land and a building package (also known as “off-the-plan”), you may be eligible for an off-the-plan concession. This concession can apply to contracts for:
• Land and building packages.
By John Van BeverenAre you looking to purchase a new home or investment property? Perhaps you are dreaming of a beautiful heritage home for sale at an upcoming auction or looking to buy a new office space? Or maybe you have just inherited your childhood home?
When you obtain your property, you will need to pay Land Transfer Duty (also known as Stamp Duty), and this is payable to the State Revenue Office, on the transfer of the land at settlement.
Stamp Duty is a tax that state and territory governments charge for certain documents and transactions.
Land transfer duty is calculated based on the dutiable value of the property
(the price paid for the property or the market value, whichever is greatest) and assessed on a sliding scale, which can be up to 6.5% of the dutiable value.
Therefore, the cost of Land transfer duty can be quite significant depending on the value of the property, so it is important to bear this in mind when budgeting for a property purchase and be aware of the exemptions and concessions which may be available to – because it can save you thousands of dollars!
Some of the concessions/exemptions the State Revenue Office are offering at the moment are listed below:
Those purchasing their first home in Victoria may be eligible for a complete duty exemption or entitled to a savings up to 50% off the Land transfer duty.
• Lots in vertical developments (such as residential towers).
• Lots in horizontal developments (such as low-rise apartments and unit complexes).
• Refurbished lots
When the off-the-plan concession applies, the dutiable value is the contract price minus the construction or refurbishment cost incurred on or after the contract date. This reduces the amount of duty you pay.
For example, Paige buys an apartment off-the-plan as her future home for $620,000. She signs the contract before any construction has started. The vendor advises Paige that $465,000 of her contract price will be spent on constructing her apartment. This means that the dutiable value of Paige’s apartment, after applying the off-theplan concession, is $155,000 ($620,000$465,000).
The date of the contract is also important here as it affects the scale of the concession. In other words, if you sign the contract early in the construction phase, you can claim more constructions costs than you could if signing later into the construction.
Again, the discount only applies for purchasers intending to live in the property as their home for 12 months continuously within 12 months of settlement. This discount does not apply for investment properties.
If you are not a First Home Buyer, you may still be entitled to a discount if you purchase a property which you intend to live in as your home. To qualify, the dutiable value of your property must be between $130,000 and $550,000 and you must use the property as your principal place of residence for at least 12 months, within 12 months of settlement.
Eligible pensioners or concession card holders purchasing a home as their
principal place of residence may be entitled to a one-off Stamp Duty exemption where the property is valued at $330,000 or less or a concession saving where the property is valued between $330,001 - $750,000.
This discount also applies where eligible pensioners/concession card holder purchase the property with someone else. When this happens, the exemption or concession is assessed based on the value of their share.
Regional commercial, industrial and extractive industries property concession
A Stamp Duty is available if you buy a property in Regional Victoria for commercial, industrial or extractive use. This includes property currently being used for these purposes, as well as property converted to one of these uses. For contracts of sale entered from 1 January 2021, the duty payable is reduced by 50%.
For example, a purchaser who brought a residential property, with the intention to turn it into a commercial office space, were able to save $25,000 using this concession.
Although money may not be changing hands, in these instances, such transfers still attract Stamp Duty costs. If a property is sold or gifted to a family member, duty is calculated based on the property’s market value and not the sale price if selling at a reduced price or if there is non-monetary consideration.
Geelong’s best and most complete conveyancing service takes all the stress out of buying (or selling) your home in Victoria, Geelong, Bellarine, and the Surf Coast.
Our experienced lawyers can inform you of the exemptions and concessions which may be available to you when purchasing your new home.We can also assist you in all conveyancing matters including providing complimentary contract reviews for peace of mind prior to making the important decision to sign off on the purchase of your new property.
By Allison Groot
Running a small business there is usually not much budget if any at all to think about your branding. Business branding is more important than you realise. While a logo and colours are good and are a great starting point. Your brand is considered your business identity. It is essentially the personality or face of your business when you’re not there.
Social media has really played a role in how we see branding. We are flooded and exposed to so much branded content… which is great for your customers as they have a lot of choices…but harder for businesses to be seen.
So how do you find that competitive edge and create strong brand awareness?
Consistency in your design, colours and styling is how you show your brand these days in a digital, video and printed world. There are quite a lot of advantages to hiring a content creator and graphic designer to streamline the look and feel of your business plus then you have clear visual guidelines when creating video content. It enhances engagement, promotes business strength and offers your customers new and fresh ideas all bundle nicely into branding they know and are comfortable with.
If your branding is not cohesive or consistent it will not stay at the top of your target market’s mind or stand out from the already heavily saturated marketplace.
When making a recruitment, promotional, educational, case study and animated video branding compliments the visuals and the storytelling. It can be used in simple and subtle ways or it can be overtly stated.
If we look at a recruitment video. The idea is to entice your viewer to want to work for you, so the team members who are being interviewed will have branded shirts or polo’s on or in the background of a shot is your company logo or even as subtle as a branded pen on a table. All of these elements make it possible to create that cohesion and inevitably your final branded recruitment video.
But even visual branding needs assistance. Logos, colours and styling can not do it alone; they require a statement or mantra or catchy saying or in some cases a tune that customers will remember and attach to your branding.
So, if your branding isn’t strong and instantly recognisable it may be time to look at a rebrand or invest in services that can help your business be seen!
If you would like more information or to discuss the subject further please give me a call.
Groot
Director
Oh, my goodness me! It is October already!!
Sooo, what is next? Good question … now is a good time to map out what is happening over the next 3 months which includes the silly season and the new year.
Staffing – if you require additional staff over the summer and Christmas periods, start recruiting NOW. All industries are struggling with sourcing new staff. We are hearing stories that pay rates have become competitive so be ready for some negotiations on them, even for hospitality staff.
Opening Hours – if you adjust your opening hours heading into the summer season, map those out now and have your social media posts ready to update. Also, calculate what additional hours means in terms of wages to minimize surprises
Shut Down – if you are a business that has a mandatory shut down over Christmas, map out the dates and communicate it with your staff. This year Christmas day falls on a Sunday (and is a public holiday) with Boxing Day & the additional Christmas day also public holidays. New Year’s Day is also on Sunday with the Monday being a public holiday as well.
Annual Leave – review outstanding Annual Leave. If some staff have a large amount accrued, have a conversation about planning when they will be taking the leave in the next 9 – 12 months.
October 2022 Award Rate Increases – not all awards increased this past July. Some awards were delayed until this October. They include Hospitality, Restaurant & Clubs Awards. The increases are effective from the first full pay run in October.
Junior Rate Increases – have you reviewed your under 21s to see if they have had a birthday and need their rate increased? If you have a lot of staff this is an easy one to miss and the juniors are not always quick to point it out. As you hire junior, note their birthday in your calendar as a reminder to review their pay rate.
Superannuation – are you up to date?
The ATO is cracking down on businesses who have not kept up to date with paying employees’ superannuation into their chosen funds on time. If you are behind, have a conversation with your BAS or Tax Agent to discuss how to address the issue. Consider paying the entitlements either Monthly, or per pay run instead of waiting for the Quarter to end … this will help your overall cash flow through the year.
Did you know that it was discovered around 12 years ago, that you can’t get fat from eating fats, there just isn’t a metabolic pathway!
They came up with this idea because fats give you more energy per weight than carbohydrates and protein. But what this actually means is that fats can fuel your body longer, than what carbohydrates can.
Good fat sources include avocado, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, and seeds.
Protein is required for growth and repair of all cells, and should be included in every meal. It’s found in meat, eggs, dairy, soy, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Good sources of carbohydrates (carbs) are fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. Carbs are particularly important for kids and teens as they grow and for adults that are active all day.
When you have a diet with plenty of fats, it’s easier for your body to use stored fats as a fuel source as the process is similar, but if you’re used to a diet high in carbs and low in fats, it can take a little while for your body to get used to using fat as a fuel source, so don’t suddenly change overnight.
Below are some reasons why you might be eating well, but not loosing weight, of have plateaued.
Below are some reasons why you might be eating well, but not loosing weight, of have plateaued.
The thyroid gland determines metabolism in your body, how energy is
In response to stress, your body produces cortisol, which is helpful short term, but proinflammatory long term. This is why there is a correction between stress and heart disease, but also many other inflammatory conditions. Factor into your week activities that help you relax: time with friends, as well as activities that you do for fun.
Perimenopause begins around mid 40’s, at this stage the hormone oestrogen can fluctuate, whilst progesterone decreases. This can cause stress leading to weight gain amongst other things. Essential fatty acids are required to make hormones, so be sure to include quality fats sources in your diet. The pill can also disrupt your hormones and cause weight gain.
used and stored. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder and can cause weight gain or fluid retention, depression, fatigue, concentration and memory problems, high cholesterol, muscle weakness, cramps, SOB, menstrual irregularities, low libido.
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, increased metabolic rate, can be due to stress or over supplementation with iodine.
If you suspect thyroid dysfunction, see your doctor about blood tests, and this will give you a starting point as to what’s going on. Further testing can be done to fully understand how your thyroid is functioning.
Stress causes your body to retain weight, as historically, human stress involved a lack of food. Short term stressors are actually good for us, for example, exercise, where you push your body for a short time. This actually increases your resilience to stress. It’s the long-term chronic stress that’s a problem, which is becoming increasingly common as a result of life over the last couple of years.
This is the hormone that puts your energy away in cells, used for all carbohydrates and somewhat for protein. When the cells are full, excess energy is stored in your liver (this allows you to go all night without eating), it then stores energy in adipose cells (fat). Adipocytes by nature are inflammatory leading to a number of health issues including heart disease and joint pain. Continually overeating carbohydrates can exhaust the insulin, making it harder to get energy for the cells, leaving you exhausted. This happens in the lead up to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, where being prediabetic you can cause you to gain weight and be exhausted, similar to hypothyroidism. This can be checked by a blood test and managed by diet if it is found early enough.
This can either cause stress or be as a result of stress, which once again, can cause weight gain. When you’re tired, healthy food choices can be harder, and you can have less energy to prepare food.
If you have trouble falling asleep, try a night-time routine that includes winding down before bed, and blue light glasses for screens in the evening.
A sugar spike can keep you wide awake, so if you’re hungry in the evening choose high protein, high fats snack like nuts, and add a little dried fruit if you need to. Be sure all evening beverages are sugar free. Alcohol is also high in sugars and research has shown that one glass of wine can improve sleep, but more is often worse. If you need something calming in the evening, a herbal tea with a name like relax, sleep, calm, etc can be beneficial.
Don’t forget that too many coffees during the day can be affecting your night-time sleep. If you’re awake with a busy mind set aside time while you’re still awake to process thoughts, to do lists, or journaling, talking about problems with a friend, etc.
A low calorie diet can have your body think that there are food shortages, and store energy as fat, whilst a high calorie, low nutrient diet will also store energy as fat. I recommend a diet high in fats and proteins, and low in refined carbohydrates.
If you crave sugar, try eating something sour or bitter like lemon juice or roquette.
When you eat sweet foods, go for natural forms such as fruit, dried fruit, honey, etc. With all of these you will hit a point where you don’t want anymore, as opposed to sugar, where you can just keep going.
Chocolate – cocoa is high in magnesium, so if you crave chocolate, are stressed, and have muscle pain, supplementing magnesium may be helpful. If you want chocolate, go for dark chocolate, and try to work your way up to 85-90% cocoa.
Gymnema is an amazing herb for sugar cravings, just a few drops in your mouth and you can’t taste anything sweet for hours!
Once you’re eating good food, be guided by your body, if you wake up ravenous, eat, if not wait until you are hungry. We were never meant to be eating all day, eat a meal, then wait until your hungry before you eat the next one.
help with any of these issues,
hormonal
well as with natural
All former-VicSuper members received an email around the 13th of September. The email reminded VicSuper members that the merge with Aware Super would bring about ‘stronger returns and enhancements over the long term.’ The email included links to significant events related to that merger and one has to question how this represents ‘enhancements’ to members.
Most VicSuper members were in accumulation phase so this article will concentrate on the first significant event that relates more to those accumulation members; more specifically the personal insurance changes that will take place. However, it is important to note that your super fees are going up and you will be paying more than 1% in fees on Funds Under Management (FUM).
There are many superannuation products available, and we may be able to assist you in finding a cheaper alternative to suit your needs. To view an example of the potential fee savings Find Wealth may be able to provide to you go to https://findaccountant.com. au/financial-planning/super/ and view the chart ‘How much are you paying in Super fees’.
If you wish to pay less super and/or pension fees e.g. 0.2%-0.3% then speak to someone at Find Wealth (1300 557 144). Here is the link to the significant VicSuper event: VicSuper FutureSaver SEN.
5pm Friday
21 October 2022
From 9am Tuesday
8 November 2022
Tuesday 31 January 2023
If you want to apply for insurance or make any changes, we need to receive your application by this date.
You can cancel your insurance at any time during the temporary interruption, please call us to discuss.
You can log into your account and check your insurance.
If your current occupation category is General and you want us to review your new insurance category, we'll only backdate any changes to 3 November 2022 if we receive your request on or before 31 January 2023.
change to
To check if you have insurance through your VicSuper account, log into Members Online or the mobile app and go to the insurance tab. (refer to the illustration above)
It is important for former-VicSuper members to understand what these changes mean and to make any nominations before the 3rd of November 2022.
We regularly review our insurance arrangements for members to insure they’re competitive and meet our members' expectations. As a result of our most recent review, we'll be making changes to our insurance arrangements, effective from 3 November 2022.
From 3 November 2022 we're:
• replacing unit-based death and total and permanent disablement (TPD) cover with aged-based cover design that will improve affordability of automatic cover
we
insurance
• introducing new streamlined, online insurance application processess
• changing the way we calculate insurance premiums
• introducing new insurance categories (which are used to calculate insurance premiums)
• simplifying many insurance features, including a simplified TPD definition.
No member’s amount of cover will reduce on 3 November 2022 as a result of these changes.
As a financial advisor, when I compared industry fund insurances in the past, I felt that VicSuper had one of the better insurance offerings available. However, with the new changes being introduced, I believe the new insurance offerings are going to be more aligned to the other industry fund providers insurance offerings, which may lead to poorer claim outcomes for their members and more expensive premiums. I would go so far to say that these ‘enhancements’ do not benefit members but will benefit the superannuation fund and their
shareholders e.g. less claim money being paid out in the future.
Don’t get me wrong, I love industry funds – I am not anti-industry funds. In fact, I recommend many of our clients use a particular industry fund for their Superannuation investments. However, when it comes to holding personal insurances in an industry fund, I believe the ‘group cover’ now being offered is less desirable and in most cases, more expensive compared to holding insurances with a ‘retail’ provider. And for all of you ‘Bare Foot Investor’ followers who still hold on to the mantra that you should hold insurances within an industry fund, I feel you need to reconsider that piece of advice. The insurance advice provided in those books are about 10 years old, and in my opinion, is now not relevant. Also, when it comes to lump sum cover, it will likely cost you more in the long run.
A Summary of the major changes that will occur is outlined below:
A. Unit Based Cover to be removed and replaced with Aged Based Cover.
• This will result in your cover decreasing when you need it most e.g. when you are getting older. After age 40, your cover will decrease each year until it reaches $10,000.
B. Removal of Indexation on Fixed cover.
• The insurer, will be discontinuing the indexation option that adjusts your cover amount each year in line with inflation. This means your benefit amount for fixed death and Total and Permanent Disablement Cover (TPD) cover will no longer increase due to indexation on 1 July each year
C. Automatic Reduction of Fixed Cover from age 61
• If you have fixed TPD cover, your insurance will reduce in equal amounts each year from age 61 until it expires at age 70. If you take up fixed TPD cover after your 61st birthday, your TPD cover will reduce in equal amounts each year from your next birthday until age 70.
D. Income Protection - Removing ‘Own Occupation’ definition.
• The insurer is removing the optional ‘own occupation’ Income Protection (IP) definition (which some members have currently chosen, at a higher premium) – a single definition of disability will apply to all insured IP members.
• A new TPD definition will apply for claims with a date of disablement on or after 3 November 2022.
• Different provisions based on a member’s age will be removed – only one set of provisions for all members will apply.
• The optional ‘own occupation’ TPD definition (which some members have currently chosen, at a higher premium) will be removed - the same definition of TPD will apply to all insured members in future.
• Activities of daily living, future care, domestic duties and loss of limbs provisions that currently apply in the current definitions will be removed, making the TPD definition less complex and it will be consistent across all members, whatever their age.
F. Cancellation of insurances due to inactivity
If your insurance has ceased because you haven’t had any contributions or rollovers into your account for 16 months, you currently have a 3-month reinstatement period in which you can request reinstatement of your insurance cover using a form from our website. You can reinstate your cover by completing a ‘Reinstate your Insurance Cover Form’ and returning it by 2 November 2022.
• However, if your insurance ceases due to inactivity, it cannot be reinstated after 2 November 2022, as this reinstatement period will not be available from 3 November 2022. If you want insurance later, you’ll have to apply and answer several questions from the insurer, including some about your employment, health and lifestyle. Depending on your answers, the insurer may decide to offer you cover, or decline to offer you cover, or they may offer you a different cover amount or on other terms
The removal of ‘own’ occupation definitions is concerning as is the inability to ‘re-instate’ your personal insurances due to inactivity. For those who stop work due to having children or go on ‘leave without pay’ for a period of longer than 16-months, you are likely to lose your insurance cover and will have no recourse to get it re-instated.
It is important that all former-VicSuper members read the significant event related to their super and insurance
otherwise, you may be paying more in fees or could lose your insurance cover in the future.
If you would like to a review of your personal insurances and/or superannuation, then consider speaking to a financial advisor from Find Wealth who can discuss with you your needs and objectives and if suitable provide you with a no obligation insurance and superannuation report for your consideration.
Don’t pay more fees or hold on to insurance that may cost you more in premiums. Book an appointment now with Find Wealth.
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,needsorobjectives.Youshould 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.
Over the next 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. Take a big breath in, followed by another smaller ‘extra’ breath in, then exhale. Repeat a few more times.
Allow your breathing to find its natural rhythm once more.
For the next 5 mins tune in to what you can observe with your eyes.
Look around you, what do you notice?
Look close and far away.
Look for big things and look for the details.
Look for light and shade.
Look for colour and contrast.
Look for movement and stillness.
Allow your sight to move around and then see what it settles on. If your mind gets distracted, just draw your thoughts and attention back to what you are seeing.
Try to slow your eyes down and enjoy the experience of tuning into your sense of sight. 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.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts”
- Rachel CarsonKayte Kitchen is the founder of Admirari Nature Therapy who provide nature experiences for schools, business and individuals. For more information visit admirari.com.au
The surprise slowdown in the pace of rate rises risks dragging out the rate hiking cycle and forcing the central bank to go even higher than expected to dampen demand.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s 0.25 percentage point lift is the sixth consecutive rate hike and brings the cash rate to 2.6 per cent.
The unexpected shift to a slower pace of tightening has prompted some economists to revise their forecasts for the cash rate peak.
ANZ economists are expecting the cash rate to peak 25bp higher than the 3.35 per cent previously forecast to 3.6 per cent in May next year.
The bank’s economists see the RBA’s decision to downgrade to 25bps will extend the rate hiking cycle and potentially force the bank to raise the cash rate even higher than expected.
“The slower pace of rate hikes increases the risk that rates need to go higher than previously expected, as demand remains too strong and sentiment is initially boosted by the RBA’s moderation,” ANZ economist David Plank said.
NAB economists said the factors driving goods and construction inflation were starting to fade, setting the scene for
inflation to peak at 7.5 per cent in quarter four and then moderating fairly quickly in 2023.
“Over the past nine months there has been a clear pull-back in shipping costs, supply backlogs are being worked through, while some indicators point to an emerging slowdown in global goods demand,” NAB economist Taylor Nugent said.
In the absence of any surprises causing inflation to surge again in the near term, NAB economists expect the cash rate to peak at 3.1 per cent.
The big four banks have wasted no time passing on the 25 basis point interest rate hike, with Westpac the first of the big four to announce lifted rates for home loan and savings customers from October 18.
The Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and the ANZ also confirmed on Tuesday they were lifting their rates by the same amount on October 14.
RateCity research director Sally Tindall said not all banks had hiked rates on their savings accounts, however, but was hoping to see announcements in the coming days.
“Savers have turned from a liability for the banks into a sought-after commodity,” Ms Tindall said.
“That’s because deposits are becoming an increasingly attractive source of funding for home loans – great news for savers who could see further rises in the months to come,” she said.
For mortgage holders, the six rate rises will blow their repayments out by hundreds of dollars.
Compare the Market data shows monthly repayments will increase by $725 on the average $500,000 loan with 30 years left to go.
Rising interest rates and soaring inflation is eroding consumer confidence in the lead-up to the festive season, with Compare the Market analysis showing 40 per cent of people plan to spend less this Christmas than in previous years.
Minister for financial services Stephen Jones said the Albanese government was delivering a budget under “very difficult circumstances” and was concerned about the impact of high inflation on household budgets.
“We know that the independent Reserve Bank has got a strategy to bring those down, and that’s what’s behind the interest rate rises,” he said.
“But as a government, we’ve got to focus on ensuring we don’t make the situation worse and we have a strategy for the near term.”
Downsizer contributions have been available to members of complying superannuation funds since 1 July 2018. From that date, a person aged 65 years or older has been able to make a contribution up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling their main residence. A legislative amendment originally from the 2021 Federal Budget reduced the age limit from 65 to 60 from 1 July 2022. Further, another legislative amendment has been issued by the new government in August 2022 to reduce the age limit again from 60 to 55. The change will not come into effect until after the new Bill receives royal assent. To be eligible to make a downsizer contribution, an individual must have owned their main residence for at least 10 years. It is available to both members of a couple for the same home, even if only one is on the title deed.
Downsizer contributions are in addition to existing rules and caps and are exempt from the: age test, and $1.7 million total superannuation balance test for making non-concessional contributions.
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.
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(10-May-2017)
Consultation
Introduced(3-Aug-2022)
Passed Royal Assent Date of effect(1-Jul-2018)
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)
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.
Announcement(3-Aug-2022)
Consultation
Introduced(3-Aug-2022)
Passed Royal Assent Date of effect
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 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(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
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 non-commercial loss rules, where a business has been directly affected by floods, bushfires or the COVID-19 pandemic.
The business will be required to show necessary evidence to support using the safe harbour.
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 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.
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 Queensland-only 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.
Announcement(6-Sep-2022) Consultation(6-Sep-2022)
Introduced
Passed
Royal Assent Date of effec
Announcement(21-Jun-2022) Consultation Introduced(21-Jun-2022) Passed(24-Jun-2022) Royal Assent(30-Jun-2022) Date of effect(30-Jun-2023)
Lions Clubs began in the United States of America in 1917, 105 years ago.
A small group of independent clubs responded to a call from a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones, to launch a club which had service as its primary aim.
The first Australian Lions Club was formed in Lismore NSW. IN 1947 75 years ago
Since then Lions Aust. has grown to 1,400 clubs & a membership of 30,000.
Worldwide, Lions International has a membership of over 1.4 Million in more than 180 countries & geographical areas.
Fellowship…
good times…
building lasting friendships…
service to the community...
learning new skills…
Leadership & personal development…
These are just some of the good things about being a member of LIONS, the worlds largest NON FOR PROFIT & most active service club.
100% of all funds raised, go directly back into the community.
The emphasis is on community service in all its forms. Our programs serve the young & the aged, the disabled & the disadvantaged – anybody who has a need.
Programs are conducted locally, nationally & internationally. They include citizenship services, hearing & speech action, working with the vision impaired, programs with the deaf, drug education, environment, recreational, health & social services.
Lions clubs provide help in times of emergency& great need – droughts, floods, earthquakes or cyclones.
Lions have established eyesight institutes & other health foundations in all Aust. States. They carry out world ranking research into the causes & treatment of blindness & disease. Most of Australia’s eye banks were established by Lions. So, too, was the country’s only training facility for hearing dogs for the deaf.
Lyn Polson with ber bearing dog,
mac who was trained at the Lions-funded training centre.
Lions contributions to the development & care of Australia’s youth include living skills programs, drug awareness, an International Youth Exchange program, the national Youth of the Year Quest & our Leo clubs for the younger generation between 12/18 year old, school based or 18/30 year old, tertiary level.
Most Lions clubs meet twice a month, usually over dinner. However some clubs meet for lunch, others meet for breakfast. There will be a club that suits your life style.
Some clubs have separate dinner & business meetings, others combine both. Many meetings feature interesting guest speakers , all provide opportunities to build lasting friendships. Clubs are always on the lookout for new members, different, entertaining ideas & new activities for their meetings – often involving partners & family members.
As a member you are given the opportunity to participate to a level that suits you. In Lions we say it is “Work, Family then Lions”. You can choose the activities & committees with which you wish to be involved. You are also given every opportunity to develop your leadership & organisational skills. If you choose, you may take on office roles that lead to Presidency of your club - & beyond to District & International levels of involvement.
The annual fees that members pay go to running our clubs. Unlike other organisations, 100% of all funds raised through our projects go direct back into the community.
Above all, you will enjoy working with like minded people on even the simplest of projects & get satisfaction from knowing that you are helping your community at the same time.
In the Geelong & surrounding areas there are a number of clubs, 20 in fact, starting with – Little River in the north to Anglesea in the south, Queenscliff in the east to Inverleigh in the west. Within Geelong it self there are 9 clubs – Lara, Corio/ Norlane, Corio Bay, Hamlyn Heights, Geelong, Geelong Breakfast, Sth. Barwon, Leopold & Grovedale/Waurn Ponds. Then there is the Lions Caravan club spread all over Australia.
All of these clubs have their own special projects, but, all with one common goal, - that is to serve their local community & those in need. In some cases we all unite to help one another, eg. Corio Bay Lions organise the gates for the Geelong Show also parking at the Airshow where we involve other clubs..
Other projects clubs are involved in are collecting spectacles for recycling, then distribution to places like Papua New Guinea, also, Christmas Cakes & Lions Mints, just to mention a couple.
Membership to a Lions Club is by invitation, open to men & women over the age of 18 years and of good moral character
reputation.
know a Lion, then ask him or her to invite you along to a meeting.
you do not know a member of Lions, just contact
information about a club new you.
Lions I get to meet a cross-section of people – people with a wide range of backgrounds and interests”
have found that through Lions I am able to give something to the community and enjoy myself at the same time”
In an age when many of us feel the pressures of work and family responsibilities, membership of Lions help us to find a balance, to “re-create”. We have fun and enjoy the pleasure of each others company while working on project to help our communities and make them better places in which to live. Our members are men & women of all ages, occupations and interests. We are a non-sectarian and non- political.
A weekend in the gorgeous costal town of Geelong is the perfect opportunity for some R&R and to start your Christmas shopping nice and early.
at the new and stylish R Hotel Geelong
The Geelong
shopping centre, spa pampering treatment, restaurant
shops and popular Makers and Growers Market
COST:
Some years ago experts were advocating for parents to spend Quality Time with their children It was made out to sound as if Quality Time was enough as if Quality Time compensated for the lack of Quantity Time…. since we were all too busy and not able to spend much time with our children Quality Time was promoted as an intense time where you gave your child (or your partner/friend) your full attention for a short period of time, doing a highly engaging activity.
We’ve now come to realise that both Quality and Quantity Time are necessary in raising well adjusted children and essential to sustain any healthy relationship.
It’s been said that children spell Love as T I M E. Meaning that as we spend Time (both Quality and Quantity) with them, they feel loved and their deepest needs are met.
My wife (Judi) and I raised four sons. For a large part of the child raising years Judi was a full time mum at home and I worked full time as a teacher. Invariably, before I arrived home from work one or more of the children would have been ‘acting up’ or misbehaving in some way, despite Judi having spent considerable Quality and Quantity Time with them throughout the day. Upon arriving home, Judi would subtly draw my attention to the fact that one or more of the children needed some extra Time (Love). So, I would do an activity of some sort with them. It seemed that on 99% of these occasions the children’s undesirable behaviour would vanish, once I had spent that time with them. I reckon they felt loved and noticed a big part of their deepest needs met by spending Time with a significant adult.
Here’s a few rich activities that most children love to do with mum or dad or another significant adult:
• Reading stories
• Going for a walk or bike ride
• Going out for a special date a hot chocolate or….
• Playing a board, card or ball game
• Doing a job or errand or home project together
Enjoy these precious times with your kids. The reward for the efforts we make today, will last a life time.
All the best everyone! Rob. LPS Chaplain. Robert.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au
Right now, there are too many animals in Victorian shelters – animals who want and deserve loving homes. To get as many animals as possible out of shelters, animal welfare organisations across the state are uniting for Mission Adoptable, a pet adoption promotion aiming to find homes for Victoria’s animals in need. Increased pressures on animal welfare groups including fewer reclaims on lost pets, rising costs and a reduction in adoption applications, means higher numbers of animals need new homes.
Running from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th October, Animal Aid, Australian Animal Protection Society, Bendigo Animal Relief Centre, Cat Protection Society, Geelong Animal Welfare Society, Greyhound Adoption Program, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, RSPCA Victoria and Second Chance Animal Rescue are all taking part in Mission Adoptable.
Dogs, cats and a variety of small animals are currently seeking new homes in Victoria with the Mission Adoptable animal welfare groups calling for people to adopt to help ease the pressure and to make way for more animals in need.
If ever there was a time to adopt, it’s now. Aside from giving an animal a new chance at a happy life, there are many benefits associated with adopting a pet. Research shows pets make people physically and psychologically healthier by encouraging exercise, enhancing social connectedness and providing companionship.
Animals adopted from animal welfare organisations are behaviour checked, microchipped, vaccinated and desexed.
Potential adopters are matched with pets based on a set of criteria including lifestyle suitability, and physical requirements.
For those who are not in a position to take a new pet into their home, foster caring is an integral part of caring for Victorian animals in need and anyone interested is encouraged to contact the organisations participating in the Mission Adoptable promotion to seek additional information.
For promotional offerings from each of the organisations participating in Mission Adoptable visit www.missionadoptable. com.au
Quote attributable to Animal Aid CEO, Mark Menze
When we have more animals coming into our care than being adopted, it makes our work extremely difficult. We will continue to help our community by taking lost and abandoned animals, but we need our community to open their hearts and homes and consider bringing one (or two) of our shelter animals into their family.
With so many beautiful animals looking for and deserving of a loving home, we are thrilled to be a part of this collaboration program to raise awareness and find homes for animals in need. We hope as a united group our message will be heard by many and our cause highlighted for every abandoned, unwanted and unloved animal looking for love.
BARC is pleased to be part of Mission Adoptable and looks forward to seeing many animals in need of a home being matched to their new owners. The campaign is a great initiative that backs BARC’s own vision and values relating to responsible pet ownership.
Like most Shelters across Victoria, our Adoption Shelter is at absolute capacity with vulnerable cats in need of their forever home. We are excited to be working alongside likeminded organisations who are also facing the same challenges and encouraging Victorians who may be considering pet ownership to adopt during our “Mission Adoptable” campaign. To encourage adoption and ongoing responsible pet ownership, our Society will be offering all new adoptees a free cat carrier and a 25% off voucher to visit our Cat Friendly, Cat Only Veterinary Clinic at a later date.
Quote attributable to Geelong Animal Welfare Society CEO, Helen Cocks
The Geelong Animal Welfare Society is at capacity with beautiful animals in need of forever homes.
We are hopeful that by joining forces with other Victorian animal welfare organisations in Mission Adoptable, we can encourage those considering adopting a pet, to do so now; to help take pressure off shelters around the state and to give thousands of animals the loving home they deserve. At GAWS, we have many dogs, cats and small pets in our care – some who have been with us for months – waiting to be adopted.
We are always looking for the perfect forever homes for our greyhounds and now more than ever.
Greyhounds are an extremely popular breed of dog to have as household pets. We have greyhounds that suit families of any size, people of any age and most environments. Our expert GAP team is ready to welcome anyone to meet, play and acquaint themselves with any of our ‘ready to adopt’ greyhounds before meticulously matching to a loving home.
Quote attributable to Lort Smith Campbellfield Manager, Jennifer Donaldson
Our world has changed enormously over the last 3 years and the pandemic has impacted not only humans, but our companion animals. Shelters across Victoria have reached full capacity and we’re desperately looking for loving new homes for the many animals in our care. This is why we’re joining forces to voice a single message – animals deserve a loving home for keeps, and we need your help to find that home. From foster carers, to shelters, donors and the people putting up their hand to adopt - when we come together as a community, we can achieve great things! Support Mission Adoptable 1st – 9th October and make a real difference to animals’ lives.
Quote attributable to RSPCA Victoria Rehabilitations and Adoption Manager, Rupert Baker
RSPCA’s shelters are currently operating close to capacity due to a number of factors that are impacting our ability to move animals into forever homes, and we are calling on the community for help. By joining forces with likeminded organisations, we hope our message to encourage adoptions will be heard, resulting in more animals in happy homes and more space for the animals that will come into our care in the coming months.
Quote attributable to Second Chance Animal Rescue CEO/Founder, Marisa Debattista
Over the last three years, things have gotten increasingly more difficult for many in our community. There has been an increase in the number of people facing hardship, domestic and family violence or just struggling to keep up with the rising costs of living. The need for the services we provide here at SCAR has doubled, and we’re not alone when we say that our shelter is seeing a huge Increase In surrender enquiries. We are at capacity and animals that would have once found homes in a matter of days, have been in our care now for months. So, we stand together with our fellow animal welfare advocates as part of Mission Adoptable, doing whatever it takes until all these vulnerable cats and dogs are finally safe and happy in the arms of families who love them.
For media enquiries please see below
Animal Aid
Geelong
Fear, shock and worry are normal responses to a cancer diagnosis, but what everyone wants to know is what will happen in the short and long term.
Breast Care Nurse
in partnership with the
invites you, your family and friends to a panel discussion aimed at giving you some tools to help individuals and their families with a cancer diagnosis.
event
A breast cancer nurse based at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre who has supported many men and women through their journey post diagnosis.
Mental Health Educator
A mental health specialist who understands mental illness and how to manage invisible blocks and walls often confronted.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor
A prostate cancer survivor who will talk about his personal journey from diagnosis to remission.
Moderator & MC
A Q&A session facilitated by Geelong barrister Allana Goldsworthy will follow the presentations.
Media Release
8th October 2022
PO Box 601, Maylands 6931
P 08 9444 8646 F 08 6500 0255
E edconnect@edconnect.org.au
The Rise, 28 Eighth Avenue, Maylands edconnectaustralia.org.au
Celebrating the invaluable contribution and important role of seniors in our local community.
In celebration of Seniors month this October, EdConnect is recognising the commitment and passion of local volunteers who give their time consistently each week to support students and schools.
Local Newtown resident Lionel Tunnell-Jones, 81 talks about his love for volunteering which he discovered through his role with EdConnect Australia. Lionel has been supporting students at Rollins Primary School in Bell Post Hill, in a learning support volunteer role since the beginning of 2022.
“When you retire, you realise you have so much to offer to the community, in particular young people. Recognising the valuable contribution you are making to their lives really makes you feel wanted”.
This is just one of the many things that Lionel loves about volunteering with the EdConnect program. The intergenerational program trains and supports volunteers to work in local schools. Volunteers make a life- long impact on students’ lives by “giving back” and sharing their life experience with younger generations.
Lionel volunteers for 9 hours every week to help grade 3 and 4 students improve numeracy and literacy skills through English and Math support at the school. He helps students in class and in small groups with their reading skills, sound awareness and comprehension.
“It is amazing to watch different traits and skills develop in the students as the curriculum moves forward. Watching them grow and seeing how much more engaged they are towards the end of the year is incredible. It is a privilege to be able to volunteer and contribute in a positive way”.
Caitlin O’Connor, EdConnect Liaison Officer talks further about the nature of the volunteers.
"EdConnect volunteers are remarkable. They kindly give their time and have a lifetime of skills and knowledge to pass onto younger generations and with as little as an hour a week, they make a real impact” says Caitlin.
“With last year being a disruptive school year, this year the extra help and support EdConnect volunteers are giving to students is more valuable and welcomed than ever before,” she continued.
While numeracy and literacy are important in education, there are many more life skills that are equally as important. EdConnect volunteers assist students to develop their confidence, resilience and self-esteem, which in turn boosts their engagement and enjoyment at school.
“EdConnect volunteers donate their time locally here in Geelong and the Surf Coast across 22 schools and campuses. Some have been offering one-on-one mentoring to students or assisting in the classroom for more than 10 years,” says Caitlin.
Tim Callaghan, Assistant Principal of Rollins Primary School enjoys and values the partnership with EdConnect Australia.
“This extra assistance to teachers has been much appreciated with the teachers involved incredibly grateful to have the extra adult presence in the room. Funding for students can be very difficult to attain and therefore many children miss out on that extra 1-1 support they so desperately need’, said Tim.
EdConnect Australia aim to equip young people with the life skills they need to succeed. We do this by building positive and supportive relationships with each student. To hear more stories from Lionel and other volunteers, come along to EdConnect’s Morning Tea on Thursday October 13 th , 10-12pm at The Eastern Hub.
For more information about the EdConnect volunteering opportunities see www.edconnectaustralia.org.au, contact edconnect@edconnect.org.au or call 1800 668 550.
Photo Opportunity Available upon request or photo can be provided
For more information:
Caitlin O’Connor
EdConnect Liaison Officer Geelong & Surf Coast caitlin.oconnor@edconnect.org.au
After many months of planning, Lion John Olsen OAM, a members of The Lions Club of Geelong Corio Bay set out on what was to have been his 4th & last SOLO “Long Walk Across Australia” A project we called “10 Million Steps for Leukodystrophy”.
Leukodystrophy – “A group of genetic neurodegenerative disorders affecting the Central Nervous System”. Of which there is no known cure. The idea behind the walk was to raise much needed funds for this organisation.
For further information go to – www.leuko.org.au/thelongwalk this will give more details about the walk & Leukodystrophy.
Unfortunately, three days into the walk, John suffered a severe medical issue &after spending some 3 weeks in hospital the walk was cancelled. John being the passionate & determined person that he is, set about finding ways to raise the $100,000.00 he originally planned for. Following some discussions amongst members, it was decided that an ongoing project will be held.
After further talks & with the amazing support from Anaconda Belmont store, it was decided that a monthly sausage sizzle would be held in their car park on the last Friday of every month commencing at 4-30pm. Members of the public can come down & meet this amazing man.
A synchronised race event taking part across 21 cities in Australia and New Zealand all to help conserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Races will start simultaneously with a global leader board where you will not only compete against your local runners, but runners from across two continents. Register for your preferred distance with races at 1km, 5km, 10km, or the elite 10km race2zero.
Not quite across the line on whether to enter or not yet...?
The first 40,000 entrants go into the draw to win a BYD electric car, there are limited registrations available, you can run against family and friends across Australia and NZ and it’s going to be fun...!
Great day for all including local musicians for your entertainment. Click the link below and enter now...!
Watch video here. Images sourced from run4reef.org
When
October 2022,
Where
Beach
In 1971 a couple of locals, Len Lewis and Kevin Ash had an idea for a bowls club in Leopold. The idea took hold, a committee formed and money raised. A location was needed that would have enough space for two bowling greens and a clubhouse. Finally this was located in Kensington Road, our current location and 5 acres purchased for $8500.
In May 1975 the club was officially opened as a family friendly sporting club by Brian Dixon, the then Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation.
You can see the results for yourself on visiting our club.
There are so many people to thank over many years for their support, encouragement and voluntary help along with the the original crew that helped established the club.
Leopold Sporties, located in Leopold, Victoria, is a club based on sports. We offer Bowls, both social and Pennant, Golf, Racquet Ball and Squash.
FC Leopold 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.
major sponsor,
all entrants
a
increase on total entries
delighted to announce that this year’s Geelong Business
incredible clever, creative
proceed as finalists, the process allows all
reflect
potentially
The Awards presentation event will take place at GMHBA Stadium on the 27 October 2022. Guests will enjoy a 3-course meal, drinks and entertainment and see 20 awards presented, including the most prestigious accolade, the 2022 Geelong Business of the Year.
Don’t miss Geelong’s most prestigious business awards event of the year! Book now to purchase tickets.
The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce LBW Business + Wealth Advisors as the major sponsor of the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
LBW Business + Wealth Advisors are committed to supporting the Geelong business community and they will be the sole major sponsor of the awards for the next three years.
Ben Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Chamber of Commerce said “We are excited LBW Business and Wealth Advisors are continuing to support business excellence in our region. They are a successful business and they want to ensure other Geelong businesses continue to grow and prosper.”
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Geelong Business Excellence Awards 2022 which recognise the clever, creative and connected businesses in the Geelong & the Bellarine, Surf Coast, Queenscliff & Golden Plains region.
Cathryn Walley, Associate Principal, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, said “we are thrilled to be sponsoring a program that puts the spotlight on our outstanding businesses and inspirational leaders by celebrating their success and sharing their incredible stories to inspire others. We have lots to celebrate about Geelong.”
The awards celebrate business excellence across 20 categories targeting small, medium and large business from all industries including the manufacturing, hospitality, not for profit, health, financial services and more.” Nominations are open at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards website at www.gbea. com.au Businesses and leaders can be nominated by others or they can also nominate themselves.
An innovative Geelong company is helping to reduce the risk of fires in garden organics facilities thanks to a Clean Technology grant.
Sequence Digital is today launching a fleet of its new 4G, weather-proof, solarpowered temperature sensors in a pilot program that will reduce the risk of fires at the City of Greater Geelong’s Garden Organics Processing Facility in Anakie.
The $26,000 grant was awarded in 2019 through Cleantech Innovations Geelong, a business and industry support program funded by the City of Greater Geelong, the Victorian Government, and the Geelong Manufacturing Council.
The grant was used to develop the device, which can remotely measure and log the temperature of organic material.
The new devices will monitor 10,000 cubic metres of garden organics - the equivalent of four Olympic-sized swimming
pools – collected from household green bins across Greater Geelong.
The new Geelong Garden Organics Composting Facility between Anakie and Lovely Banks processes up to 35,000 tonnes per year of green organics collected from garden waste bins.
The industrial temperature sensor has a ground-breaking design with the ability to operate in remote areas where the internet signal is weak, and the weather conditions are extreme.
Last month, Geelong was recognised as the ‘International Smart City of the Year’ at the World Smart City Expo held in Korea in recognition of similar initiatives and our ongoing commitment to being global leaders in smart and innovative projects.
For more information visit Cleantech Innovations Geelong or Sequence Digital
“Compost can get really hot and ignite so using remote, round-theclock monitoring means we can improve safety on site and process organics more efficiently.
The data is available in real time so our staff know straight away if there’s an issue with higher temperatures and they can take action quickly to cool down the material.
This initiative is an example of the clever and creative ways we are deploying smart technology to support better outcomes for our environment and community.”
“Around 50 percent of the rubbish Australians put in the garbage bin could be put to better use as compost and mulch. The temperature monitoring means we can safely and efficiently process organics while reducing our impact on the environment.”
“These devices are tough as nails and send critical temperature data to the cloud in real-time, rain, hail or shine, even in areas with patchy rural internet connectivity.
The Cleantech Innovations grant made it possible to redesign our earlier prototype from the groundup to make sure it could be used in the most remote outdoor organics facilities across Australia.”
Mayor Peter Murrihy, chair of the Innovative Solutions portfolio
Innovative Solutions Deputy Chair, Councillor Sarah Mansfield
Co-director of Sequence Digital, Patrick Blampied
The City of Greater Geelong is excited to announce the lights on Geelong’s famous Floating Christmas Tree will be switched on with a free community celebration on Saturday 12 November.
The hero event kick starts what will be best and biggest Christmas in Geelong program to date and will see one lucky Geelong child flick the switch to turn on our iconic tree with Santa.
The popular community event is back for the first time since 2018, after the celebrations were rained out in 2019 and cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year, we will also see a return of more in-person activities, with the 2022 program being more accessible and held in more venues than ever before. Projections on City Hall will also be turned on the same night.
The City will again host a competition for the opportunity to turn on the Floating Christmas Tree.
Out of 12 finalists on the night, one child will be randomly drawn to flick the switch with Santa.
The light show on the tree will be changed three times, running from 12 November to 2 December, 3 December to 25 December and 26 December to 8 January.
Decorating the floating tree is not a simple task, and lighting experts from Geelong company Total Events will spend the week before the opening event testing and programming the LED lights. Total Events has worked on the Christmas lighting display for the last six years.
The full Christmas in Geelong program will be released next month.
The competition for a child to win the opportunity to flick the switch to light our floating Christmas Tree is now open!
To enter: https://bit.ly/3Ri07Vh
“Everyone looks forward to the return of the tree to Geelong, but this year’s celebrations will be so much bigger and better now that we can again celebrate together as a community.”
“We have moved our Opening Night event to a Saturday night for the first time as a trial, which we hope will allow more families and visitors from outside the region to enjoy the festivities and boost Geelong’s economy.”
“One lucky child will be given the opportunity to help Santa light the tree at our Opening Night event. The opening night celebrations will include a stage show, roving performers and live entertainment so it’s a fabulous opportunity for the whole family to come into Central Geelong.”
“It’s going to be a big night for Geelong, so we encourage everyone to get in early to make a booking at their favourite café or restaurant on the Waterfront to continue helping to support local businesses. Make it a memorable night to enjoy with your family and friends while taking in our Christmas show.”
The City of Greater Geelong will celebrate the 17th annual Geelong Children’s Week with more than 30 events for children and their parents to enjoy.
The 2022 edition of Geelong Children’s Week aligns with national Children’s Week celebrations which run from Saturday 22 through to Sunday 30th October, and recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children.
This year’s theme, taken from Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focuses on supporting the well-being and healthy development of children.
The week is designed to celebrate and promote the unique contributions that young children make to our community and focus community attention on the needs and issues associated with early childhood.
View the full program and book an event.
Events may change in line with COVID-19 restrictions; please check the program closer to the date.
In addition, further information on how to enjoy time in nature with children is available on our embrace the space page.
For assistance in viewing the program, please contact us during business hours by phone or email.
“I encourage families to take the opportunity to get involved in the many events on offer.
Where the previous couple of years forced our community into a combination of in-person and virtual events, 2022 has really opened up to allow families to re-engage and these events provide a fantastic opportunity for that.
Geelong Children’s Week is an excellent example of events that families can enjoy at no or low cost, while at the same time celebrating the rights of children.
The events provide opportunities for our children to thrive with their peers, and I encourage families to start booking events into their calendar.”
“The range of events and activities on offer will enable children and their families to connect with local services and supports in a fun and engaging way.
The City is blessed with many fabulous facilities and services and this week will showcase many of the great things happening in our community.
From Kids CultureFest, a multi-cultural celebration through to a Teddy Bears Picnic, music, cooking and art there’s a broad range of activities to engage and entertain the children in our community.”
The City of Greater Geelong is developing a marketing framework and activation plan to help encourage participation, visitation, and vibrancy in central Geelong over the long-term.
Feedback is being sought from the community, the Central Geelong business community, and key stakeholders to help develop the marketing and activation plan.
The City wants to work collaboratively with Central Geelong businesses and others to deliver marketing, events and activities to collectively build momentum in city life.
In April, Council voted to include $700,000 in its 2022-23 Budget, to deliver a program of activities and marketing campaigns for central Geelong, and to develop a three-year marketing strategy to inform future funding and activities.
The funding allocation follows Council’s decision in May 2021 to not declare the Central Geelong Special Rate, which had previously applied to 1466 commercial properties in the central business district.
Public feedback will be fed into a threeyear activation plan for the delivery of activities in Central Geelong, both by the City and in collaboration with businesses and the community.
Feedback can be provided by completing an online survey and you can also share your idea on how you would attract people into Central Geelong.
Engagement staff will be available at various locations in Central Geelong throughout October to provide the community with additional opportunities to have their say, including incentives and giveaways.
Public consultation runs until 5pm Friday 28 October.
For more information visit Have You Say
“Working together with CBD businesses to design and deliver activations ensures support from the business community and shared investment in the outcome..
We want to enhance everything that’s great about Central Geelong – from the beautiful waterfront to our food and dining culture – for shoppers, traders and all Greater Geelong residents. Central Geelong is the engine room of our economy, supporting more than 27,000 jobs, and embodying Geelong’s identity and civic pride.”
“We know that Greater Geelong is a unique and vibrant city and we want to make sure that everyone else knows it too. We’re looking to harness people’s ideas to deliver innovative campaigns that drive visitation and spending in Central Geelong.”
The Community and Research Network (CARN) is a network of health professionals, health consumers, researchers and interested community members, seeking to share their expertise and experience to promote good health and wellbeing for the community of Geelong.
Join us to hear more about how meaningful community participation can influence and improve mental and physical health research, and join in a fun interactive activity to demonstrate how each individual’s personality and experience can offer something new and different to research...!
event
When 13 October 2022, 02:00 PM -
Where Kitchener House
Country, 285-299
Street Geelong,
Email: t.stevens@deakin.edu.au
organisation: Art of the Minds
EdConnect is hosting a morning tea event.
Come and hear from our current senior volunteers who will share their EdConnect volunteering experiences offering an insight into how this volunteering opportunity offers powerful connection to our local community.
Following the formal presentation part of the session, participants will be able to ask questions.
Followed by further discussion and networking over morning tea.
When 13 October 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Contact Danie Mc Neil
Email: danie.mcneil@edconnect.org.au
http://www.edconnectaustralia.org.au
Come and spend a delightful Day with your Dutch hosts
a taste of Dutch food, music, dancing, culture
The event starts with the time for
with old friends
make new ones.
Dutch themed light lunch will be provided.
Book your tickets
limited -
When
The Female Athlete Networking and Education Event is an exciting collaboration with athletes, coaches and medical/ allied health practitioners to bring health and wellbeing education for the female athlete to the fore.
With the rise and rise of women’s sport in Australia and around the world, the time is now that we support young girls and women of all ages and skill levels to achieve optimal health for optimum performance.
When
Daily from 14 October 2022 to 15 October 2022
Upcoming dates
14 October 2022, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
15 October 2022, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Where Gallery Space, Deakin University Waterfront Campus - John Hay (D) Building - Level 2, Wadawurrung Country, Cnr Cunningham St and Western Beach Rd Geelong, Victoria 3220
Contact Emily Shears
Email: femaleathletenetworkgeelong@gmail.com
Associated organisation: The Female Athlete Network Website: http://www.thefemaleathletenetwork.com.au/ Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/ thefemaleathletenetworkaus
off Gas’ where you will hear from experts in the field, with an opportunity to have your questions answered.
On Sunday 16th October we are showcasing nine diverse open houses across the region, with features including passive solar design, thermal mass, insulation, new building practices, draught-proofing techniques, sustainable products, energyefficient appliances, rooftop solar, battery storage, straw bale homes and productive gardens. You will have the opportunity to speak with experts and homeowners on site, including architects and solar companies.
Seminars require bookings via our website; tickets are $5 with discounts when booking two or more. Open house day is free access, and you are welcome to attend our amazing houses around the region during their open times.
Book your tickets online
When Daily from 15 October 2022 to 16 October 2022
Sustainable House Day is back this year for its fourteenth iteration Geelong Sustainability in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong is excited to bring you an amazing weekend of seminars and open houses. Sustainable House Day is being held across the entire weekend of giving people even more opportunity to explore new and innovative ideas and solutions.
On Saturday 15th October we have three in-person seminars covering important topics including ‘Sustainable Homes: Buy, Build & Renovate’, ‘Retrofitting for energy efficiency’ and ‘Going
Contact Karina Donkers
Email: karina@geelongsustainability.org.au
+61 420 308 080
Associated organisation: Geelong Sustainability
https://www.geelongsustainability.org.au/shd2022/
us: https://www.facebook.com/geelongsustainability
Indeed in a time of increased environmental concerns and rising fuel costs, many experts say EV’s are the future of motoring.
This presentation is a great way to explore how you can accelerate to a clean energy future!
We’ll have a couple of zero emission vehicles on site so you can see what’s involved in charging them at the Library.
Book tickets online
When 22 October 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Whether you’re EV-curious or actively looking to switch to an electric vehicle, we’ll challenge common preconceived notions about owning an EV.
We will look at charging, driving range, reducing range anxiety, EV costs and much more. We’ll show you how changing to an EV is a bit like transitioning from a landline to a smartphone, the benefits are that good (especially if you have rooftop solar).
Contact Noreen Nicholson
Email: noreen@geelongsustainability.org.au
Associated organisation: Geelong Sustainability Website: http://www.geelongsustainability.org.au Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/geelongsustainability http://www.instagram.com/geelong_sustainability
Reggae Fest is a family friendly event that will bring the Caribbean Culture to Geelong through music and food.
We will be showcasing local reggae artists as well as international reggae artists from Jamaica. This is an inclusive event for the whole community to enjoy.
When 29 October 2022, 12:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Where
Johnstone Park Geelong Wadawurrung Country, Fenwick Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Contact Damian Rosevelt
Email: info.irie.entertainment@gmail.com Phone: +61 401 308 187 Associated organisation: Taste Jamaica Website: http://www.reggaefestau.com Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/reggaefestau https://www.instagram.com/reggaefestau/
the night,
Geelong
Join Australia’s biggest celebration
Ride2Work Day -
a happier and healthier
commuter riding
October
Ride2Work Day is for everyone. If you have never commuted before now is your chance to give it a
you are a regular rider use it to stay motivated and encourage your work mates to get involved.
Register your ride to make it count on the link below, read our top tips to get you commute ready and download
free workplace resources pack.
When
Where
Geelong Harness Racing
Contact
Harness Racing
When
Australia
visitor
British Comedy Award winner is a
our shores,
Aussies flocking to theatres
master in action. Irreverent and immensely
Route To Normal
be the seventh show that
brought down under, delivered with the energy
Bill’s new show,
Route To Normal,
this moment
see a way
naming the show
Route To Normal
ponders
and other questions
history
even
Students will learn a range of art techniques and explore differing styles through drawing, painting, collage and construction activities. Weekly projects will provide opportunities for children to learn about art history and experiment with various materials such as watercolour, acrylics, pencils, pastels, air drying clay and more.
Projects will be based on art elements and art principles and students will learn to mix colours, create interesting compositions and build observational and imaginative drawing skills. Through a series of fun and exciting activities, students will learn to express their creativity and imagination.
Ideal for children aged 6-12 years old.
Various dates from 6 October 2022 to 15 December 2022
Where Eastern Hub
Wadawurrung Country, 285a McKillop Street, East Geelong VIC 3219
Cost Child: $350.00
Per child for the entire fourth term including all materials necessary.
Contact Katrina Fisher
Email: Katrinafisher145@gmail.com
Phone: +61 409 236 164 Website: https://www.katrinafisherillustration.com/kids-artclasses/
Join us for a music-filled morning where optimism and positivity is promoted with opportunities to connect in a welcoming and safe space.
Shedding the Blues will invites mature-aged residents to get together for:
• some terrific community-based music
• a set of fun games that encourage connection and problem-solving
• some simple exercises that can be done in the home
• and a light lunch.
Leave your worries, ailments and fears behind, have a bit of fun with others and participate in some new games, activities and exercises that are beneficial to the body and mind.
Shedding the Blues members have been entertaining members of the public since forming in early 2020 and have the combined skills and enthusiasm to make the morning very special for those attending.
A light lunch will be catered for by local providers with tea and coffee available throughout the morning.
Contact Email: sheddingtheblues@gmail.com
Associated organisation: Queenscliffe and District Neighbourhood House
Inspired by all things French, Le Festival Français is a celebration of the food, wine, language and above all, the culture of France.
This two-day weekend event is an opportunity to soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere and experience la belle vie in one of the region’s most picturesque settings.
Le Festival Français will be held at The Heights in Newtown and is proudly presented by Alliance Francaise de Geelong in partnership with the National Trust Australia (Victoria).
Market stalls will be dotted across the beautiful grounds of The Heights, you’ll find stalls and vendors selling treasures, wares and food, all with a French flavour.
Main stage and roving entertainment will add to the carnival atmosphere ... and a dedicated kid’s zone means there is something for the whole family.
When Daily from 29 October 2022 to 30 October 2022
Upcoming dates
29 October 2022, 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
30 October 2022, 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Contact Le Festival Francais
Email: info@lefestivalfrancais.com.au
Associated organisation: Alliance Francaise de Geelong Website: http://www.lefestivalfrancais.com.au
Join us for an evening of music, dance and spit roast.
Connect with others and build friendships in a local, comfortable setting.
Our members, their families and friends, as well as community members are welcome and encouraged to attend this event.
The DJ will provide music for all types of dancing such as rock n roll, line dancing and slow dances, and easy listening during dinner.
A group of volunteers from the club will provide a floor show, which is often a highlight of these events.
When 22 October 2022, 04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Where Portarlington Parks Hall Wadawurrung Country, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington VIC 3223
Contact Anna Agius
Email: sec.pmpa@gmail.com
Phone: 0402 251 667
Associated organisation: Portarlington Maltese Pensioners’ Assoc Inc.
The final destination of The Grass is Greener 2022 tour is Geelong....!
The Grass is Greener quickly became the marquee festival in the FNQ in 2016, the two stage event began to play a vital role fostering local emerging Australian artists in regional centres alongside major Australian acts Amy Shark, All Day, Hayden James, Ocean Alley and spotlighting international hip hop artist Tyga when he was at the height of his career.
This year, the festival will continue its pledge of creating memorable moments for regional punters with a considerable investment into the construction of each event. Multiple themed stages, adventurous activations and a renewed VIP package program that will provide festival goers with an unforgettable experience.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale 8:00am Wednesday 13 July, before they are available to the general public. General admission and VIP release will go on sale Thursday 14 July. Put it in your calendar, pop it on your fridge, if you blink you might miss out.
When 30 October 2022, 12:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Where Geelong Racecourse
Wadawurrung Country, 99 Breakwater Road
Cost Adult: $139.00
Pre Sale
Other/More Information: $149.00
The popularly unelected Damian Callinan is slipping on the mayoral robes for 24 hours to run his comedic eyes over your town. After the one-man, public service campaigner has taken in all he can, he’ll rock up to the hall armed only with a projector and a microphone.
His ironclad campaign promise is that the makeshift council chambers will be ringing with the constituent’s laughter as he reports his findings at this very unofficial council meeting. Combining photos, observations, municipal advice, community interactions, colourful yarns and his uncanny eye for seeing things that the locals don’t, Callinan will have the town thinking he’s been residing there for a year rather than a day.
Book online now! Or alternatively call The Potato Shed to speak to our friendly staff!
When 20 October 2022, 08:00 PM
Where Potato Shed
Wadawurrung Country, 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale 3222
Contact Lisa Harvey or Rob MacLeod
Email: potatoshed@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 5251 1998 Website: http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/potatosheddrysdale
Contact Ryan Fletcher
Email: ryan@callandresponse.com.au Phone: +61 434 942 296
Associated organisation: The Grass Is Greener
https://thegrassisgreener.com.au/
Follow us:
The school community of North Geelong Secondary College is celebrating its multiculturalism with a spectacular multicultural festival.
The HON Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs will be the Key note speaker at the 11am opening ceremony.
North Geelong Secondary College is a culturally diverse and inclusive community. The heritage of our college is built around multiculturalism, where almost every continent is represented, including migrants and refugees from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific Islands and the Americas.
The school’s Multicultural Festival is a celebration of this rich diversity that is woven into the fabric of our community.
The festival’s theme for this year is Woven Togetherthe days festivities include:
Dancing and drumming
Cooking
cultural
When
October 2022,
Geelong
College
It
that time of year again
the annual MG Car Display from MG Car Club
See over 100 MG cars on show. The display includes a variety of classic sport cars
the
close and personal
Free event to all,
When
October
Contact Lawrie Ulph
the family
you wander
to present day. Chat to the enthusiastic owners
to the waterfront and make a
Contact Glenda McGrath
MG Car Club Geelong
Geelong Secondary College, City of
Come and see a diverse range of beautiful hand made quilts on display. We will have handmade crafts to purchase, raffles and demonstrations.
Learn basic English Paper Piecing with a kit provided by the Ballarine Quilters.
Bookings for the class are free and can be booked by emailing Christine Fox via the email address below.
When Daily from 29 October 2022 to 30 October 2022 10:00 am - 04:00 pm
Where Drysdale Community Hub
Wadawurrung Country, 21-27 Eversley Street, Drysdale VIC 3222
Cost
Other/More Information: $2.00
Contact Christine Fox
Email: cmfox@aap.net.au
Phone: +61 481 060 909
Associated organisation: Ballarine Quilters
Follow us: http://www.facebook.com/bellarinequilters
Caters for all levels of fitness / abilities. If not wanting to participate in the Circuit class, all are welcome to observe.
Please call Mary at reception for further details.
Bookings required: Yes, please call reception.
Essential class participation requirements: Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes suitable to exercise in, and bring a water bottle and sweat towel.
When 21 October 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Where Waterworld
Wadawurrung Country, 1-15 Cox Road, Corio VIC 3214
Contact Mary Schroeder
Email: mschroeder@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Enjoy a centre tour followed by a complimentary gentle exercise class that is part of our Livewell program; - a health and fitness program for ages 55+ . A fun and interactive group class that aims to work the muscles, heart and lungs, with a variety of options.
Phone: 03 5275 1909
Associated organisation: Waterworld Swim Sport and Leisure Centre
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.
licensed
Westfield
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A flawless end to an immaculate season. Before Saturday, Geelong were the best team of 2022. Top of the ladder. On a 15game winning streak. There to be beaten. The mostly likely side to do it were Sydney. But if form really does go out the window in big games, the Swans hurled theirs into oblivion in the grand final, blown away by 81 points by a Cats outfit as magnificent as their opponents were textureless.
This decider, on return to a full house of 100,024 at the MCG after a two-year hiatus, was a famous victory for the ages. The 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52) result is the equal fifth-biggest grand final win in VFL/AFL history. It was also a belting with shades of Geelong’s 119-point 2007 premiership triumph over Port Adelaide, and one that was all but over after the opening quarter. A 35-point quarter-time lead – the biggest in a grand final for 33 years –set the Swans an almost-insurmountable task. They stemmed the bleeding in the second term but by the third the result was academic.
For Chris Scott, undoubtedly one of the best coaches the game has seen, it is a first piece of silverware since he won the flag in his first year at the Cats in 2011. Reward, too, for his smart list management. For turning age into an asset and fashioning a collective unit of consistency which was on display from the first siren to the last.
And for captain Joel Selwood, now a four-time premiership winner who kicked a goal late on in his 355th and possibly final game, it was all too much.
“They’re so hard to win, they’re so hard to win,” he said. “Every side says it, but I think we deserved one. Just been bashing away. We don’t apologise to being up there, having a crack at it each year.
“This has been built over five or six years. There have been a lot of good people … in and out of the program. I hope they’re sitting back really proud today. It just hasn’t been 12 months in the making.”
Geelong’s lineup on Saturday was the oldest team to ever play in the VFL/AFL – grand final or not - with an average age of 28 years and 173 days. The Swans, young and comparatively inexperienced, had been a revelation this season, with a roster of emerging talent and an energy that helped them squeak past Collingwood last weekend.
But while Sydney were wearing red it was Geelong who were red hot, all form and speed, aggressive on the ball and causing mayhem for defenders who spent the entire first quarter under
siege and unable to organise. Robbie Fox played a lone hand, keeping Jeremy Cameron honest. But the Cats entered forward-50 in open space and breached Sydney again and again.
Tom Hawkins drew first blood, and second, and would finish with three goals, to be bested only by Tyson Stengle’s matchhigh four. Then Norm Medallist Isaac Smith, who scored three of his own and led the field for disposals, kicks and metres gained. And then Mark Blicavs.
By the end of the opening onslaught Lance Franklin had one disposal and Isaac Heeney hadn’t touched the ball. Geelong, meanwhile, had racked up almost double Sydney’s disposal count, nearly triple the inside-50s and triple the number of marks. Geelong had won the contested possession by 20.
The Swans needed a response. They had to slow down the game. Franklin emerged in the second term higher up the field. He grabbed the ball and clattered the post, harried and hassled with little support. It wasn’t until Hayden McLean took a smart one-handed mark in the goal square before converting the straightforward set shot that the energy of the context shifted ever so slightly.
They started to chip away. Heeney kicked a major from his third touch of the match. Last time these teams met, at the SCG back in round two, Heeney was best on ground with five goals and
Franklin scored the 1,000th of his career. Here both struggled to assert themselves into a game in which nothing seemed to fall their way.
By half-time they had stopped the rot but the deficit still stood at 36 points and Sam Reid had departed with a flare-up to his adductor injury, returning to the bench for the second half before eventually being subbed out for Braeden Campbell.
Geelong didn’t take a chance with the injured Max Holmes, a tough call that paid off as Mark O’Connor slotted in seamlessly. Patrick Dangerfield was Patrick Dangerfield-esque throughout, dominating the centre clearances all the way to the veteran’s first flag, while Tom Stewart and Sam De Koning were unimpeachable in defence.
A six-goal third quarter put the result beyond doubt as Stengle, picked up as a delisted free agent and playing in the SANFL this time last year, joined an elite group of Cats to kick four or more in a decider. He now stands beside the likes of Cam Mooney, Paul Chapman, Steve Johnson, Bill Brownless, Doug Wade and Gary Ablett senior.
There were late consolations for the Swans, as Chad Warner added two late goals and Tom Papley added one just before the siren, but they were again outscored by a Geelong team already on an inexorable march to glory some time in the making.
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