63 minute read
COLUMNIST ARTICLES
Birt Lavis - Heathmont Icon
HERITAGE & HISTORY
By Russ Haines
Bert Lavis played a key role in Ringwood’s history, not only as well-known citizen, shop-owner and Councillor, but as first Mayor of the City of Ringwood.
EARLY YEARS
Albert George Lavis was born in Bristol, England in early 1906, the son of Fred Albert Lavis and Florence Marion Nokes. Following WWI, in 1921, the family migrated to Australia and landed in Melbourne on 8th December. Bert was only 15 years old at the time and his younger sister, Kathleen, was 11.
He met Audrey Andrewartha and married her on 3rd August 1935 in South Australia. His parents settled in the CamberwellBalwyn area. His mother died in 1963 and his father ten years later.
COMING TO RINGWOOD
In 1947 the Lavis’, with friends, bought 25 acres in Canterbury Road opposite Heathmont Park from Mr Sell for £2000. The land stretched from Canterbury Road to Reilly Street, the southern boundary of Jubilee Park, and Wantirna Road to the west.
COUNCIL LIFE
Bert was nominated for the South Ward of Ringwood Council to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Cr. Barry Smith. He canvassed 255 houses in the South Ward, was elected and served as a Councillor from August 1951 to 1967. He was also Mayor in 1956/57 and 1959/60.
He had the glorious duty of being the inaugural Mayor of Ringwood on 9th March, 1960 when His Excellency, the Governor of Victoria, General Sir Dallas Brooks, proclaimed Ringwood as a City (see photo above). During the week there were celebrations with the Pageant of Progress. On Saturday, there were more than 60 floats in a pageant (see below), a carnival and the Proclamation Ball in the town hall. Special Church services were held on Sunday.
In those days, Mayors used own cars, provided supper and paid for wet cupboard and all other expenses. The first time the allowance was £250, the second £850 and Bert had to pay for the Mayoral Ball each year.
PRIVATE LIFE
Bert ran a hardware store for many years at 155 Canterbury Road, Heathmont, not far from his property. It was a purposebuilt shop and was located on the west end of Heathmont, opposite Dickasons Road.
OTHER MEMORIES
Bert and Audrey Lavis lived at 263 Canterbury Road Heathmont, near Jarma Road, the property being sold by the family in 2002 by CE Carter. It was part of his original estate and now accommodates town houses. The shopping centre on the West side of the railway line contained Mr Maiden’s Post Office and a small grocery store, with Mr. Cutting’s grocery store on corner. Mrs Byrne owned a brick pair of buildings and built two shops in front – the E.S.&A. Bank occupied one and the Lavis hardware store in the other.
When Canterbury Road became a highway 20 feet was taken from the nature strips on either side, 3 lanes of traffic divided by a median strip, with footpaths and road made. Traffic had increased tremendously.
Bert bought land next to the Post Office and sold the block for a butchers shop, and built two-storey building as a hardware store – upstairs was a doctor, hairdresser and an estate agent. It was sold in 1966.
The Heathmont Football Club named their pavilion the A.G. Lavis Pavilion, the first ever to be named after a Councillor. He continued on Council until 1967, as well as sitting on Bench as Justice of Peace for many years. He was Life Governor and Secretary of Lionswood Village and continued with community activities both in Ringwood and Heathmont. A wing in Lionsbrae Retirement Village is named after his honour. He was connected with Heathmont Scouts for many years and awarded a badge for service. He died on the 1st July 1984 after a very serviceable and fulfilling life.
Biodiversity Concerns High Among Aussies
By Liv Casben (Australian Associated Press)
A new report has found Australia is leading a global trend showing hundreds of millions of people are concerned by biodiversity loss.
The study by The Economist Intelligence Unit is called “An Eco-wakening: Measuring global awareness, engagement and action for nature”.
Commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature, part of the research analysed news articles and social media trends from 2016 to 2020.
The report found Australia exceeds global averages on many key findings relating to public concern for nature.
In Australia, stories on biodiversity and nature increased by 407 per cent, from 37,562 articles in 2016 to 190,558 articles in 2020. While globally, there was also a big jump with the number of online news articles on the same topics growing by 19 per cent in the same period.
Since 2016, nature-loss and biodiversity conversations have grown globally, with a 65 per cent increase in twitter mentions. The report found in Australia, the popularity of Google searches related to sustainability and biodiversity in the shopping category surged by 165 per cent.
WWF said the research shows people all over the world are increasingly aware of the planetary crisis.
The research found Australia sits alongside the UK, the US, Germany and Canada in driving this trend, which is forcing corporations to respond, particularly in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, fashion and food sectors.
The report listed three possible barriers for nature still being under threat – existing laws and regulations, cost implications and a lack of awareness.
WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman said extreme events have likely influenced the explosion in news stories and tweets about nature-loss in Australia, and the substantial jump in sustainability shopping. “Given the unprecedented bushfire crisis, it’s understandable these categories were through the roof in Australia compared to global average increases,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“This surge of interest has been driven by so many conservation groups working to raise awareness of nature-loss and the plight of Australia’s wildlife after the fires.”
The report found the number of people signing online petitions to protect the environment is also on the rise.
Since 2016, more than 159 million signatures for biodiversity-related campaigns have been collected globally.
The report cited an Australian Conservation Foundation petition which gained almost half a million signatures from people calling for stronger national environmental laws in Australia.
The report comes ahead of International Day for Biodiversity on the 22nd of May, which the UN hopes will increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues
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Discover our First Nations in Focus or Australian Made playlists, which feature some of the best local musicians from around the country including William Barton, Jessie Lloyd, and Allara, plus a wide range of new works by Australian composers.
While you’re there, head over to the National Reconciliation Week website and discover what events are happening as part of this important week.
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When live music returns... Celebrated pianist Ian Munro makes his Great Performers debut, showcasing inspired repertoire from Romantic masters, plus a new work of his own.
Ian Munro is one of Australia’s most distinguished artists, in demand as both a performer and composer. His gifted range and sensitivity at the piano makes him a great partner to even the most emotionally complex repertoire. For this solo recital, hear imaginative Romantic piano works by Mendelssohn and Rachmaninoff, plus Ian’s startling and personal new work, Moscow 1986.
Want to discover more? Immerse yourself in the history of this program in the Great Talks podcast. Click here to listen now or find out more below.
Wed 16 June 7.30pm
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David Jones and Ensemble Liaison first collaborated in 2011. The long-awaited return of their critically acclaimed partnership is a rare chance to explore brilliant music for an unusual combination of instruments.
Fri 11 Jun 7pm
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Henry Lawson and Midnight Oil rub shoulders in this brilliant take on the Australian songbook. The pioneering folk artistry of Bush Gothic and Partridge String Quartet undoubtedly heralds a new era for enjoying old tunes.
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Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.5 is joyful, playful and even provocative. His Symphony No.35, ‘Haffner’ is just as festive in spirit. The uplifting nature of these works is a perfect fit for the young performers of the Australian National Academy of Music.
Thu 24 Jun 11am & 2pm
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Available now! Listen to the second episode of our Great Talks Podcast with Graham Abbott, featuring pianist Ian Munro.
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2021/22 Federal Budget Technical Bulletin
Highlights from this year’s Federal Budget include the relaxing of superannuation contribution rules, an extension of tax savings for individuals and small business and a $17.7 billion boost to aged care spending.
Important note: The measures outlined below are proposals only until legislated and are subject to change.
Summary
Superannuation Tax Social Security Aged Care
• Work test removed for those 67-74 making non-concessional and salary sacrifice contributions
• Expanding bring forward rules to 67-74 year olds • Downsizer contribution age reduced to 60 • Removal of minimum
Super Guarantee threshold
• More super available for first home buyers • Chance to exit some legacy retirement products • Low and middle income tax offset retained
• Extension of 100% asset write-off for businesses
• Additonal year for companies to carry back losses to apply against past profits • Tax residency test simplified • Freeze on Medicare surcharge and private health rebate thresholds • Pension loan scheme to allow lump sum payments • More child care support for familes with higher incomes and multiple children • $17.7 billion additional spending over 4 years • 80,000 new homecare packages • No new fees announced for aged care residents
Superannuation
The Government has announced a range of measures this year relating to superannuation. The commencement date for these changes is 1 July of the year after the proposals have become law with the likely start date to be 1 July 2022.
Removal of the work test for some contributions
Currently, if you wish to make a personal contribution to super from age 67 to 74, you must meet a work test (or qualify for the work test exemption) before the contribution can be made. The work test requirement will no longer apply for this age group when making: • Salary sacrifice contributions • Non-concessional (after tax) contributions The requirement to satisfy a work test will continue to apply to those 67-74 who make personal contributions and claim a tax deduction.
2021/22 Federal BudgetImportant Information This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the 1 information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. Any case studies, graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations. Individual circumstances may vary and this will alter the outcome. The case studies do not represent any forecast or guarantee on return. Superannuation, tax and Centrelink and other relevant information is based on our interpretation and continuation of law current as at the date of this document. The information contained in this document does not constitute legal or tax advice. You should seek expert advice in this regard. Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFSL & ACL No. 238256 and its related entities distributing this document and each of their respective directors, officers and agents believe that the information contained in this document is correct and that any estimates, opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in this document are reasonably held or made as at the time of completion. However no warranty is made as to the accuracy or reliability of any estimates, opinions, conclusions, recommendations (which may change without notice) or other information contained in this document and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Matrix disclaims all liability and responsibility from any direct or indirect loss or damage which may be suffered by any recipients through relying on anything contained within or omitted from this document.
The ability to access the bring forward arrangements for nonconcessional contributions where up to $330,000(2021-22) can be contributed will extend to those 67-74 years of age (currently available to those under 65).
$450 per month super guarantee threshold abolished
Employers will be required to pay super guarantee contributions to all employees over age 18 irrespective of how much they earn in the month.
CASE STUDY
Freya has two casual jobs earning about $400 per month from each. Currently, she receives no super support from her employers as she earns less than $450 per month per employer however this measure will require both employers to start contributing to super on Freya’s behalf – that’s nearly $1,000 per year in super.
Downsizer contributions available from age 60
The ability to make a downsizer contribution to super when selling your home will extend to those 60 years and over (currently must be 65+) allowing many more to take advantage of an extra $300,000 per person to be invested in super. Combining this measure with the non-concessional bring forward rules outlined above, those aged 60 to 74 and selling a home will have the opportunity to contribute up to $630,000 per person (or $1.26 million as a couple) into super without exceeding any caps.
First home super saver scheme boost
The amount of voluntary super contributions that can be withdrawn to help purchase your first home will increase from $30,000 to $50,000. The annual contribution limit for this scheme will remain at $15,000.
Those looking to commute their restrictive legacy retirement products that were purchased before 20 September 2007 (often referred to as ‘complying’ products) will have the opportunity to roll back these funds to super, commence a new income stream or withdraw the funds from super altogether. The types of products impacted under this measure include term allocated pensions (TAPs), marketlinked, life expectancy and lifetime income streams including those provided by self-managed super funds (SMSFs).
Super announcements NOT included in the budget
The two standout measures that were not addressed in the budget and will therefore proceed as legislated include: • The compulsory super guarantee contribution rate will increase from 9.5% to 10% from 1 July 2021. • The temporary 50% reduction in minimum pension payments will cease from 1 July 2021 with minimum payments returning to standard rates as outlined below.
Age
Under 65 65-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90-94 95 or over
Standard minimum rate (%)
4 5 6 7 9 11 14
Tax
Low and middle income tax offset (LMITO) to stay for another year
The LMITO, which provides a tax offset of up to $1,080, was due to cease on 30 June 2021. This tax benefit will now be extended until 30 June 2022. The offset is automatically calculated when you lodge your income tax return.
Tax residency rules simplified
Currently, four (often conflicting) tests are used to determine if you are an Australian tax resident for income tax purposes. The Government has proposed to simplify this system by applying one primary test - an Australian tax resident is someone who has physically been in Australia for at least 183 days in the financial year. Additional secondary tests may be used for those who do not meet the primary test.
Small business tax concessions extended 12 months
Businesses will continue to benefit from two significant concessions announced last year as follows: • Eligible businesses with annual turnover less than $5 billion will be able to deduct the full cost of depreciable assets first used or installed before 30 June 2023.
• Eligible companies can carry back losses for another year being the 2022-23 year to offset against profits in 201819 or later years.
Important Information This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not 2021/22 Federal Budget guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. Any case studies, graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations. Individual circumstances may vary and this will alter the outcome. The case studies do not represent any forecast or guarantee on return. Superannuation, tax and Centrelink and other relevant information is based on our interpretation and continuation of law current as at the date of this document. The information contained in this document does not constitute legal or tax advice. You should seek expert advice in this regard. Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFSL & ACL No. 238256 and its related entities distributing this document and each of their respective directors, officers and agents believe that the information contained in this document is correct and that any estimates, opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in this document are reasonably held or made as at the time of completion. However no warranty is made as to the accuracy or reliability of any estimates, opinions, conclusions, recommendations (which may change without notice) or other information contained in this document and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Matrix disclaims all liability and responsibility from any direct or indirect loss or damage which may be suffered by any recipients through relying on anything contained within or omitted from this document. 2
The single and family thresholds used to determine if the Medicare Levy surcharge is payable and the private health insurance rebate available, will remain at current levels for 2021-22.
Social security and aged care
Boost in aged care funding From 1 July 2022, it has been proposed to extend this scheme A range of aged care measures were announced with the Government projected to spend $17.7 billion over the to allow up to 50% of the maximum annual rate of pension to be received as a lump sum (limited to two lump sum payments next four years. A further 80,000 homecare packages will in 12 months). The maximum lump sum payments based on become available to help reduce the current waiting list for current pension rates will be: care packages (estimated to be approximately 96,000). The • $12,385 for singles Government will pay an additional $10 per day Basic Daily Fee • $18,670 combined for couples Supplement for every resident in residential aged care, paid directly to the aged care provider. No new resident fees were Boost in aged care funding announced in this budget.
Pension loan scheme to offer lump sums
A range of aged care measures were announced with the Government projected to spend $17.7 billion over the next four years. A further 80,000 homecare packages will become available to help reduce the current waiting list for care packages (estimated to be approximately 96,000). The The pension loan scheme is a reverse mortgage style Government will pay an additional $10 per day Basic Daily scheme provided by the Government to allow you to receive Fee Supplement for every resident in residential aged care, fortnightly payments using the equity in your home. The paid directly to the aged care provider. No new resident fees regular instalments are limited to 150% of the maximum rate were announced in this budget. of Age Pension. From 1 July 2022, it has been proposed to extend this scheme Important Information to allow up to 50% of the maximum annual rate of pension This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. to be received as a lump sum (limited to two lump sum Any case studies, graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations. Individual circumstances may vary and this will alter the outcome. The case studies do not represent any forecast or guarantee on payments in 12 months). The maximum lump sum payments return. Superannuation, tax and Centrelink and other relevant information is based on our interpretation and continuation of law current as at the date of this document. The information contained in this document does not constitute legal or tax advice. You should seek expert advice in this regard. based on current pension rates will be: Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFSL & ACL No. 238256 and its related entities distributing this document and each of their respective directors, officers and agents believe that the information contained in this document is correct and that any estimates, opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in this document are reasonably held or made as at the time of completion. However no warranty is made as to the accuracy or reliability of any estimates, opinions, conclusions, • $12,385 for singles recommendations (which may change without notice) or other information contained in this document and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Matrix disclaims all liability and responsibility from any direct or indirect loss or damage which may be suffered by any recipients through relying on anything contained within or omitted from this document. • $18,670 combined for couples
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Important Information
This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. Any case studies, graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations. Individual circumstances may vary and this will alter the outcome. The case studies do not represent any forecast or guarantee on return. Superannuation, tax and Centrelink and other relevant information is based on our interpretation and continuation of law current as at the date of this document. The information contained in this document does not constitute legal or tax advice. You should seek expert advice in this regard. Matrix Planning Solutions Limited ABN 45 087 470 200, AFSL & ACL No. 238256 and its related entities distributing this document and each of their respective directors, officers and agents Important: This offer is only available new clients to Find Accountant Pty Ltd. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation believe that the information contained in this document is correct and that any estimates, opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in this document are reasonably held or made as at the time of completion. However no warranty is made as to the accuracy or reliability of any estimates, opinions, conclusions, recommendations (which may change without notice) or other information contained in this document and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Matrix disclaims all liability and responsibility from any direct or indirect loss or damage which may be suffered by any recipients through relying on anything contained within or omitted from this document.
Federal Budget 2021–22: Impacts To Businesses And Their Owners
ACCOUNTANT
By Warren Strybosch
On 11 May 2021, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the 2021–22 Federal Budget.
Here is a list of some of the major tax announcements that may impact private businesses and their owners:
Extension of Temporary Full Expensing and Loss Carry Back
The Government will extend the temporary full expensing and the loss carry-back measures into 2023.
This measure entitles businesses with an aggregated turnover of under $5 billion to an immediate deduction for ‘eligible capital assets’ acquired from 7.30pm AEDT on 6 October 2020 and needs to be installed or used before 30 June 2022. If legislated, the 30 June deadline will be extended to 30 June 2023.
The loss carry-back measure amended the tax losses regime to temporarily allow eligible corporate entities (with a turnover capped at $5 billion) to use losses that are incurred in the income years 2019–20, 2020–21 or 2020–22 to be retrospectively applied against profits made in the 2018–19 year or later years. If the proposed changes are legislated, the measure will also apply to losses incurred in the 2022–23 income years.
Minor changes to Individuals Claiming Self-Education Expenses
For those paying self-education expenses, the first $250 paid is not deductible. This has caused confusion for many people who have submitted their own returns. The government will remove the $250 non-deductible amount so that the full amount of self-education expenses can be claimable.
Unfortunately, this Budget measure still does not allow individuals to deduct education and training expenses they incur, where the expense is not related to their current employment. The self-education expenses must be in connection with the individual’s current employment and production of their assessable income.
Not-for-profits — Greater transparency of income tax exemptions
The ATO will receive funding from the Government to build an online system to enhance transparency and the reporting obligations for not-for-profits entities (NFP) claiming income tax exemptions.
Currently, non-charitable NFPs are able to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemptions and do not need to submit tax returns each year. From 1 July 2023, the ATO will require income tax exempt NFPs to submit online annual self-review forms to ensure that only eligible NFPs are accessing income tax exemptions. At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice. Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au www.findaccountant.com.au
How to Prepare for End of Financial Year
BOOKKEEPER
By Neha Nayyar
It’s that time of year again, and what a year it’s been! Business owner’s across the globe were forced to adapt and reshape their businesses in order to thrive during the ever changing lockdowns and covid restrictions. Now, before we can breathe a sigh of relief that this financial year is over, let’s go over how you as a business owner can prepare for June 30th.
Here are our top tips on preparing for end of financial year:
1. Review your Accounts - Probably the most important aspect of preparing for the end of financial year is making sure all of your accounts are up to date. This means reviewing your payroll and STP lodgments, ensuring your accounts are all reconciled correctly, confirming you have all of the receipts you wish to claim, etc. If you’ve been doing the books yourself, perhaps you might consider having a bookkeeper or accountant review your files to ensure everything is up to date and meets the requirements.
2. Review your finances - Once your accountant or bookkeeper has ensured your file is all correct and up to date it’s a good idea to sit down and review your finances. How did you track this year? How do your finances track against your monthly/ quarterly/yearly budget? Did you meet your targets? Perhaps your finances fell shorter than estimated this year. It’s important to understand the current and true financial position of your business to help determine what you as a business owner can do differently next year to put more dollars in your pocket. 3. Review your business plan - This is a great time to sit down and review your business plan. Maybe you want to be better prepared for unforeseen circumstances and determine what different avenues you can take to adapt to the changing environment.
It’s an important time to reflect on and remember what your goals and priorities are and develop a road map for getting there.
4. Reviewing your IT systems - We’ve come a long way since the days of spending hours on end hole punching, organising and filing all your documents and receipts.
It’s amazing that technology now allows us to manage all of these time consuming tasks with a click of a finger but it’s no lie that sometimes this can leave your online files looking quite unorganised especially if you have multiple users working on the same system. Making sure you’re working with a secure system is extremely important when working with confidential information. Are your systems up to standards? It’s important to take some time to review these systems to help save you time and prevent the stress of dealing with it later on. Need help preparing your books for the end of financial year? We at Sum and Substance work closely with businesses reviewing their accounts and cleaning up files to help ease the many end of year tasks! Please contact us if you’re interested in some more information. We can be reached at (03) 9424 9447 or info@sumsubstance.com.au. You can directly book in a time to chat by clicking here.
Neha Nayyar
Bookkeeper Sum and Subtance Bookkeeping and Training Services 0401 409 573
Wrong Way Go Back! - Label? Or Roadmap?
PARENTING
By Lesley-Anne Banton
Can you imagine, you are driving in Victoria, but you have been given a roadmap of NSW and no one has told you? The road does not match, the signs do not match, and the landmarks do not match, try as you may, you cannot get to your destination. This sparks uncertainty, fear, anxiousness, selfdoubt, and hopelessness hitting wrong turns every way you go!
Just like going down the wrong side on to a freeway our bodies and brains can be the same. If we did not have the road signage, filter lanes and traffic lights on the road how would we know where we are? Where were we going? And if it were safe to go? - it would be dangerous and chaotic!
Have you ever put in an address into the GPS in your car and then put the same address into your phone and they come up with completely different route options? Or found that your GPS in your car needs updating because the roads have changed, or the technology has changed?
Like maps we have roadblocks, deadend streets, roadworks, no U turns, and unpredictable accidents on the roads ahead.
Now imagine that your brain (neurology), emotions, and thinking have been given one map (internally) and you have been given another map (externally); they do not match and are full of expectations and confusion. You seem to never reach your ideal or potential, there is a part of you shouting to be seen and understood, you struggle to meet others expectation of you and your world is filled with uncertainty, fear, trauma, anxiousness, self-doubt, hopelessness and many other emotions, negative self-talk and limiting beliefs.
Having worked with many adults and children that have road maps that are wrong for them, I often see that misunderstood children become misunderstood adults. They live their lives thinking something its wrong with them, they do not fit in, they are unintelligent, they have shamed themselves their entire life. They struggle to reach their potential or understand why they cannot be like other people. They are unable to tackle tasks or goals the same way others do. They spent most of their lives in fight and flight mode and they do not even know it.
By not fully understanding ourselves, how we are made up and not having the right roadmap we can be in just as much internal chaos and in danger of never reaching out truest potential.
I’ve had many conversations and gone on many adventures to help see individual’s truest self, I often come across resistance, defence, self-shaming, fear and blaming when a person thinks they or their child are going to be ‘labelled’. What if's it is not a label? What if it the key to unlocking the potential inside? What if it is a way to help you or your child to experience the world with more joy? Less fear? More understanding? Less selfshaming?
By challenging our thinking and see the things that makes us uniquely us is part of our individual road map rather than a label that is limiting and restrictive opens up to being understood or understanding others.
It opens up our thinking to being curious about ourselves or our child’s behaviour, feeling and expressions of emotions. It opens up to finding a different way to be communicated with and understood. It opens up to relief of finding the way to feel at peace with yourself or helping your child to feel more at peace with themselves, self-acceptance. It opens up to giving yourself or your child the best way to self-regulate before having a meltdown. It opens a new world of possibilities and adventures to find the right road map for your unique self and being able to share that with others so that you no longer have to meet other’s expectations and be accepted for your true self, no more hiding, no more shaming and no more being misunderstood.
So, what might a road map look like versus a label?
A label might be, for example “He’s autistic”, instantly your brain may jump to conclusions around what you know about the meaning of the word/ the label. You may have already made some presumptions about the boy, limited the boy, or even dismissed his potential by limiting him to the label. to, “I wonder what this means for him?”. “I wonder what he needs?”. “I wonder if he gets sensory over stimulation”. “I wonder does he need some quiet time during the day to help his brain calm”.
Curiosity is key to noticing an individual’s way of seeing and navigating the world. If a young child is pacing around a room or ‘fidgeting’, are they disrespecting the rules, being ‘naughty’ or are they doing their best to self-regulate in a situation they are finding over stimulating? Most times you find this is self- regulation, so what do you need to do with you thinking to see it? What might the child need in his road map prior to pacing around/ self-regulating? What might they need when they get to this point?” – told off for not sitting? Shaming because they are not doing what other kids are doing? Understanding? Compassion? A quiet space for a short time? The freedom to be able to pace/ regulate?
Discovering the best way to communicate, a child might seem like they are not listening, do they need telling off or shaming? Understanding? They may also have an auditory processing roadblock. This child may need you to get in proximity, be facing you and looking at your face to know that you are talking to them giving short concise communication. It can be hard for a child with auditory processing challenges to decipher noise and direct communication, often they will close down within themselves to be able to regulate being in a noisy environment.
Once you discover what makes you YOU or what makes your child their unique self, you help build the confidence, self- esteem, acceptance, being understood and so much more. This helps you or your child to start to navigate how to get to your/ their potential what tools and directions you or they need to achieve goals. You can see and understand your map and explain it to others empower your child to do the same.
Preparing for Breastfeeding Success
LACTATION CONSULTANT
By Dr. Joanna Strybosh
It is said that preparation is the key to success but how do you best prepare for breastfeeding? For something you have never experienced before? For learning a new skill that you cannot practice ahead of time? And how do set yourself up for success when there are so many potential roadblocks and variables, which you cannot predict?
Breastfeeding is a learned skill, that improves with practice and is empowered by knowledge. Many of today’s new mums do not have the benefit of having observed other women work through the learning process of early breastfeeding and seen how common issues can be resolved. In our society today, most women who give birth will have never held a newborn baby before, never changed a nappy or burped a baby. Never bathed or dressed a baby, settled a baby to sleep or seen a baby breastfeed up close and personal.
What we know from the data is that many women run into difficulties with breastfeeding in the early weeks. In Australia most women want to try breastfeeding. Approximately 92% of mothers start out breastfeeding after birth, however by 6 months of age, the number of women exclusively breastfeeding has reduced to just 14%. Many mums report that early breastfeeding is much harder than they had expected. What are the factors that seperate those that go on to long term breastfeeding success and those that don’t?
Breastfeeding takes both practice and perseverance. Research clearly tells us is that women who report higher rates of self-efficacy have better breastfeeding outcomes, both in terms of initiation and duration. In other words, women who feel confident about their ability to face challenges with determination and who have a wider plan to overcome obstacles, are more likely to breastfeed and to stick at it for longer. They are prepared to work hard and are open to testing different ideas and suggestions as needed. And if things don’t work out, they are more likely to blame external circumstances rather than blame themselves.
Learning a new skill is not always easy, but approaching the task with positive expectation, rather than fear and selfdoubt, is really important. So, in preparing to breastfeed, mums will benefit firstly by having a realistic and positive attitude towards it and a mindset to trust their body and to work at it, even if things don’t turn out as easy as she expected. In order to feel positive and empowered, women need to be informed and they need appropriate support from those around them.
Mothers want to be informed about what to expect. Attending breastfeeding education classes through the Australian Breastfeeding Association (available online) is an excellent way to gain information and knowledge. Classes both educate and empower mothers. They teach her important skills such as how to identify her baby’s feeding cues, how to latch and position her baby at the breast and how to know if her baby is getting enough milk. Learning as much as she can before the arrival of her baby will help her confidence.
Getting in touch with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is another great way to get informed. Even before the birth of her baby, it’s a good idea to make contact with her local lactation consultant so that she can build a connection and know exactly where to turn once her baby arrives. After her baby is born, she will benefit from having the sort of personalised, one-on-one, hands-on help that a lactation consultant can provide. Mothers also need appropriate support, and lots of it. This can come from many sources; her health care professionals, her partner, her own mother and friends as well as her wider family, co-workers and society at large. Reading, discussing and asking questions will allow the expectant mother time to think about what it might be like, how she may respond to the challenges of breastfeeding and what sort of emotional and practical support she would prefer. She needs to be able to ask questions and to receive reassurance. In particular, mothers want their health care professionals to have good breastfeeding knowledge, to have an “authentic presence”, to listen well, to give positive reflection to their emotions and to provide practical suggestions and advice.
Being informed, supported and connected with a skilled lactation consultant can be invaluable in getting mum and baby off to the best possible start and avoiding many of the pitfalls that are common in the early months and set them up for long term breastfeeding success.
Dr. Joanna Strybosch
Osteopath B.App.Sc(Clin.Sc)/B.Osteo.Sc/Grad Dip Paeds Lactation Consultant CHILDREN’S OSTEOPATHIC CENTRE 9876 3011 www.childrensoteopathiccentre.com
How Crossflow In Your Home Could Save You Money
ARCHITECT
By Kathy Ismail
Many people don’t think about crossflow as they turn on the heating or air conditioning. However, the advantage of making your home more comfortable may not seem so pleasant when the gas and electricity bills arrive!
What if there was a better, greener and cheaper way to manage temperature conditions?
Air flow
Ventilation in buildings removes stale air, moderates inside temperatures and creates air movement which improves the comfort of everyone inside your home.
Cross ventilation is when wind enters through a window or door, allowing air to flow directly through the house and out through an opening on the other side. A good way to plan for effective cross ventilation is to know the prevailing wind direction where you intend to build your home. Likewise, the position and size of your vents, windows and doors, as well as the path between the different sides of the house, make a big difference to how effectively you can cross ventilate your home.
Is there an ideal positioning? Simply opening the doors in the house would allow air to get around, especially when the air enters the house directly from the front door. It also reduces the accumulation of moisture, odours and gases that can build up. A lack of cross ventilation can lead to rotting timbers and mould due to rising humidity.
Ideal cross ventilation
If not properly ventilated, your roof space could trap as much as 10°C in excess heat, and radiate that back into your home through the ceiling. Installing winddriven ventilation mechanisms like soffit vents, ridge vents and whirlybirds, will do a great deal to allow this heat to escape, and to lower the overall temperature inside. Installing roof-mounted vent mechanisms will work even when there isn't any wind. Wind-driven ventilation can also help to ensure you don’t get a build-up of dampness in your ceiling cavity.
Living in Melbourne means that we need to both heat our homes in the winter and cool them in summer. Up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost and up to 87% of its heat gained through the windows. Energy efficient windows can dramatically reduce your energy costs and help to create a brighter, cleaner and healthier environment. Cross flow ventilation is most effective when you open the window that is receiving a gentler breeze than the window on the opposite wall. This produces a vacuum effect and will enhance air flow. In some cases, especially where wind is unpredictable or blowing on an imperfect angle, wind ventilation can be improved by directing wind into the home using wing walls and casement windows.
Awnings can also help when weather conditions or poor air quality induces you to keep the windows and doors closed.
• North-facing windows, receiving the most amount of sun in all seasons, can be easily shaded from the high summer sun to help keep the house cool. Ideally, the glazing area should be between 10–25% of the floor area of the room. • East and west facing windows receive little sunlight in winter, autumn and spring, but excessive sunlight in summer. Keep these windows small and well-shaded, particularly those facing west if this does not compromise ventilation. Alternatively, consider using high performance glazing such as low-e or toned glass.
• South facing windows receive no direct sunlight in winter and only early morning and late afternoon sunlight in summer. Windows should be kept small to retain warmth; however, they can be extremely useful for passive cooling as part of cross ventilation as cooling breezes in summer usually come from the south.
Example Plan Example Section
How an architect can help
If you are building a new home or renovating, call in an architect before you start. Architects will incorporate cross ventilation as part of their plans for your new home or renovations. They will aim for direct flow paths from rear to front and from side to side in the main living space. Entry door can be fitted with openable highlight windows to allow airflow with privacy. A raised ceiling in the kitchen with openable windows will allow warm air to be drawn up and out of the home. Stairwell can also have openable windows to provide the same effect.
Contact KiR Architecture at contact@ kirarchitecture.com.au for help with planning your building projects. We are always happy to answer any inquiries.
Kathy Ismail
ARCHITECT KiR Architecture www.kirarchitecture.com 0422 026 962
It’s Party time!
GENERAL INSURANCE
By Craig Anderson
I see some fairly simple but frequent mistakes made. I think it may be because a number of Contractors are a little reluctant to ask basic questions for fear of looking silly or ignorant. That being said, it would be better to ask a basic question and be thought of as silly, rather than remaining silent and lose a boatload of money when a claim arises that could have been covered but was not; or which might have been avoided with simple measures.
Following that line of thought, you may change some business practices to avoid a loss if you understand the limitations of your policy, which again is a lot easier once you understand your policy conditions, or once you chose a policy which fits your business well.
In a PL Policy (Public and Products Liability policy) you are the First Party, and the Third Party is your client or a member of the public. If the insuring clause says it will pay losses for which you are liable to a Third Party, it means you are not able to claim first party losses like materials used or faulty labour. If for instance you paint a house the wrong colour it is up to you to fix it at your own cost, and you may not claim the cost of that from your Public and Products Liability insurer. If you accidentally drop your ladder and do $10k worth of damage to the clients home, that would be covered, as the damage is to the third party’s property and you would be liable. Many contractors show genuine surprise when this is explained to them which tells me this product is not well understood. A little good advice can easily fix this, and as insurance can be complicated a broker is the best person for the job.
Cover for injury to subcontractors as part of your PL is also often overlooked as an area that you should do your best to understand. If you hire a subcontractor, and in the process of working for your firm, you injure that contractor, this occurrence would be subject to an insurance recovery claim from Workcover. This means that Workcover will pay for treatment and rehabilitation of the subcontractor and then seek to recover all costs, and often additional anticipated ongoing costs from your insurer. This type of claim may be subject to a $25,000 excess on your PL policy depending who you are insured with. At this point, I am hoping you will stop to read your current policy wording to see if this applies to you! I also hope you will have a think about site inductions and safety procedures, and about ensuring your subcontractors actually have Workcover before letting them on your worksite. It could cost you $25,000 if you get it wrong, not to mention investigations and other repercussions.
If your PL Policy is part of a business pack cover, there’s a handful of other sections we need to discuss, like Property, Theft, Business Interruption, Transit, and more, however we would not have enough space for it this month.
Talk to your broker about your cover, and try not to be embarrassed to ask about the basics. Oh, and you can ask your broker at any time, not just when renewal comes around. As always, any advice in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, you should consider its appropriateness (having regard to your objectives, needs and financial situation).
Craig Anderson
General Insurance Small Business Insurance Brokers
Who's Telling Your Loved One's Stories
ACCREDITED EDITOR
By Susan Pierotti
The generational demands on the Baby Boomer generation have been described well by Lauren Scott who runs Golden Girls Assist, a concierge service for the elderly:
‘The trend for having children later in adult life has been growing steadily over the last couple of decades while our parents are living longer, independent lives. It is therefore becoming more common for adults to be sandwiched between caring for their children as well as supporting their parents. In fact, about 1.5 million middle-aged Australians are included in this demographic.
Business owners who work from home are often expected to be able to provide support and help on the spot to family because they are seen as having more flexibility and time to spare than those working outside the home. It is often overlooked that home-based business owners also have to maintain business hours…Our population is getting older and living longer which requires the current sandwich generation to redefine their work life balance…This is particularly pertinent to business owners who need time to focus on their work to keep their businesses productive and profitable.’
Too busy to listen
If you work in business, you will have work expectations to fulfil. Whether you work or not, you will still have marriages and friendships to maintain and develop, and usually children to care for. With all the expectation of your older loved ones to do their banking and shopping, take them to medical appointments and even the joy of family celebrations, when do you ever have time to sit down and listen to their stories?
Old age makes one invisible and silent. Yet our elders have led remarkable lives – volunteering in their local community, flying planes in the war, running businesses, coaching winning sports teams.
The fact is that we really do lead busy lives. Even at Christmas, when we eat, drink and be merry, we tend to pass a plate across to Grandma and give her a present but not have a quiet half-hour to ask her about her life.
Hire a professional story teller The benefits of life story telling
This is where a professional life story writer can help you. Elderly people, even ones with active social lives, can feel a little lonely. When a life story teller, someone they don’t know, listens with patience, untangles incidents, provokes happy memories, and gives them their full attention, they sit up straighter, their eyes sparkle and the stories pour out. I know – I’ve seen it happen every time I record and write an elder one’s story.
A life story teller will also record things that your family members would forget to ask about, things that you already know, things that you think aren't worth mentioning or things you don't know. One ninety-year-old lady I interviewed spoke of her school uniform including suspenders and stockings. When I asked her if her granddaughter knew what a suspender belt was, she looked astonished - it hadn't occurred to her that that was something unusual in this day and age. (Naturally, we included this in her memoirs!)
Have you ever had the time to find out what the colour of your mum's school uniform was? Do you know what your dad did on weekends as a boy? What were their pets? What impressions did they have growing up of school, of parents and the world around them? What were their ambitions and were they fulfilled? Do they consider their lives to have been good and successful? Wouldn't you like to know? Memoir and life story telling has so many benefits. Here are a few:
• It validates our elders, most important in a society which, unlike many others, has no rite for honouring elders in our community • It increases their mental and emotional health • It allows them to leave your family a legacy • It records local history and culture • It inspires others • It promotes the teller’s point of view • It educates younger generations about other times and places.
It also makes a great Christmas present of the whole family! Why not ask your loved one if they’d like to tell their story.
Contact Susan at www.creativetext.com. au to discuss writing your loved one’s life story.
Susan Pierotti
Accredited Editor Creative Text Solutions 0437 127 159 www.creativetext.com.au
5 Types Of Garage Door Noises And What To Do About Them
GARAGE DOORS
By Chantal Djuric
Noises from garage doors are like pains in our bodies – they tell us when something is not quite right. Here are 5 types of noises you may hear your garage door making.
1 Bent tracks
If your garage door makes rubbing noises when you open and close it, this could be a sign that the metal rail has bent. Another sign of this is if you see loose screws.
Don’t try tightening them using a wrench or socket set. Call a garage door specialist at once.
2 Loose parts
Each piece of your garage door hardware can become loose and they each have their different sounds. Highpitched squeaking or grinding noises may mean that the rollers or hinges are worn out. A loud slapping sound is caused by the rollers smacking against the track. This is because of jerky door movements due to a loose garage door opener chain becoming loose. A vibrating or rattling noise when you open and close it indicates that nuts and bolts have become loose. Metal or sloppy rollers or hinges will become noisy and worn after an extended period of use or if they are bent.
Call in a specialist to tighten whatever is loose and to replace old and worn out parts.
3 Poor lubrication
When the door moves, it results in friction, which can cause squeaking, rattling or grinding. If you think of lubricating the worn rollers, don’t reach for your WD40 – check with a garage doors specialist what the best lubrication is. Remember the extreme tension the torsion springs are under — don’t place any part of your body in or near the springs. Don’t repair, remove or adjust the springs or any connected components of the counterbalance system.
A regular service by a garage door technician will prevent parts from wearing out.
4 Unbalanced doors
Banging, rattling, scraping or squeaking noises could be bad news – your garage door could be unbalanced. If so, the springs could be either exert too much tension or not provide enough to counterbalance the door’s weight, resulting in a snapped spring or cable, or the opener failing prematurely.
Worn-out hinges aren’t as common as worn out rollers, but they can make a lot of noise. Check to see if the hinges are broken, worn out or have metal fillings or dust around them. Don’t repair, remove or adjust the hinges yourself. This is definitely a case for a garage door specialist.
5 Improper installation
If your garage door is grinding, squealing or rattling loudly, it may have been installed incorrectly. Other indications of this closing or stopping halfway up, not closing or opening properly and being difficult to operate.
The good news is that a garage door specialist can reinstall your door so that everything is aligned as it should be.
Specialist assistance Fixing the noises of your garage door yourself is definitely not a DIY job. There are many factors to consider, such as the variety of garage doors – panel doors, roller doors etc. How they are attached to your garage, the structure of your garage and its alignment to your house, your garage’s overall condition and even the weather are factors that only a specialised garage door expert can analyse to fix the noise problem.
Here are 4 ways a professional garage door technician can make your door quieter:
• Replacing steel or metal rollers with nylon rollers • nstalling a belt-driven garage door opener instead of a chain-driven one • Installing torsion springs rather than extension springs, if there’s space • Performing a thorough inspection to confirm your garage door is appropriately operating.
The best way to keep your door operating correctly and safely is to have regular garage door maintenance. For 24/7 garage door servicing, give Cruzin Garage Doors a call on 0427 894 603 or email us at sales@cruzingaragedoors. com.au.
Chantal Djuric
Garage Doors Cruzin Garage Doors www.cruzingaragedoors.com.au
Signage is a Strategic Investment
SIGNAGES
By Glenn Martin
All growing things need attention to become strong. Your new business needs to build a presence so that it gets the attention it needs from customers to become profitable. The most cost effective and sustainable way to call attention to your business is by making sure you have shined a light on it. And the best way to do that — a well-branded, creative, hard-working signage solution. Here’s some stats, just in case you weren’t already convinced that investing in signage is a strategic marketing priority.
Consider your Branded Look.
The first step is an analysis of your site, from both an external and internal perspective, listing all your signage needs and opportunities. If you don’t have an advertising brand guideline, finding the right idea for your signage can be challenging. An effective and creative way to kick-start this process is to construct ideas boards on paper or digitally (Pinterest) to collate examples that grab your attention. Collect images from entire building looks to the very specific, for example materials used, colour palettes or illuminated effects that you love the look of. Be sure to review what your competitors are doing with their signage program so you can plan to be distinct. You might choose to engage a graphic artist to create your look or use one of our skilled designers.
Keep it Simple to be Effective
Best practice is to have 30-40% of your sign’s face area text and graphic free. Known as ‘white space’, this is important for optimal readability. From your external shop signs to your instore point of sale signs remember to use this rule. Use as few words as possible in your messages. The shorter the message, the easier it is to read at a glance. We can help you wordsmith your signage, based on deep experience of what works for similar businesses.
Choose Smart Colours
Consider colours carefully. Too many colours take away from the quick readability of the sign. Avoiding clutter is a good guideline to work with. Make sure your colours are contrasting for best readability. For example, yellow on white is hard to see, but yellow on grey or black pops. Other colour schemes are instantly recognisable as existing businesses. If you sell hamburgers, you probably want to steer away from the red and yellow of McDonald’s for example.
Be Bold & Creative
Signage is about being memorable and getting a reaction. Be courageous and creative particularly with temporary signage such as window promotions, pre-opening hoardings and even A-Frames and floor decals. Signs that spark our curiosity or make us laugh can be highly effective. We can show you some incredibly creative examples that have been traffic showstoppers.
Reach Out
If you already have a design, simply send us the files and we will be in touch to start the process, including a free consultation and site audit to help your business stand out from the crowd. If you’re unsure of exactly what you want to say, or how you’d like it to look, that’s okay too, just contact the team on 1300 633 902 and together we’ll create the perfect signs for your business. Ensure you get current promotions by following us on Instagram @Signarama_Mitcham.
Glenn Martin
Managing Director SIGNARAMA
Favourite Ways To Make Coffee
COMMERCIAL COFFEE MACHINE
By Ivana Smith
There are probably as many ways of serving coffee as there are countries that grow the beans. Here are some of the most popular varieties available.
Black and mostly black
An espresso, also known as a short black, consists of a 30 ml shot of coffee made from 7 grams of coffee, straight from the machine served in a 60 ml porcelain cup. A single origin espresso uses coffee bean from a single origin, rather than one blended from various regions.
A double shot espresso is the same as an espresso but with two shots. A double shot can be made by re-pouring hot water over the single shot or using a double basket (holding 14 grams of coffee) but extracted in the same timeframe (30 seconds) to produce 60 ml of coffee.
Ristrettos are the same as an espresso shot, but only using the first half of the espresso shot (15 ml) which is sweeter.
A long black is a typically Australian variation that is also found in New Zealand. Add 100–180 mls of water over an espresso (or double espresso) shot. Don’t add extra water to the espresso shot as you will eliminate the crema.
‘Macchiato’ is an Italian word that means ‘marked’ or ‘stained’. This refers to the teaspoon of frothy, steamed milk that ‘stains’ the espresso. About 1–2 teaspoons of steamed milk and a bit of foam are poured on top of an espresso shot. A macchiato is a good choice for coffee lovers who want something stronger than a cappuccino but not the hit of an espresso. You can relish the coffee and the sweet milk, all in one sip, while also enjoying the foam and body of the drink.
Just add milk Australia’s favourite coffee is the flat white – and it was invented in Australia in the 1980s, though New Zealand also makes a claim of origin. Aussies didn’t want the mountains of foam that came with cappuccinos of the time so they asked for their coffees to be made white but ‘flat’. A flat white traditionally features two shots of coffee to which a small layer of steamed, somewhat frothed milk is added. It is traditionally served in a 250 ml porcelain cup. A flat white is smaller than a latte and usually contains more espresso. Because it has less milk, you can more fully experience the flavour of the beans.
As its name suggests, the latte is similar to a flat white, but is more milky (because there is less coffee). Invented in the US, it is usually served in a glass and topped with a small amount of foam, around 5 mm. in Italy, a caffè latte is usually a very milky breakfast drink made with a shot of coffee from a stovetop espresso maker. It can be made with one or two shots of coffee.
Cappuccinos are the oldest variation of coffee. The name ‘cappuccino’ comes from a Capuchin friar who supposedly invented it; the colour of the friars’ habits matched the colour of the beverage when milk is added in small portions. The original cappuccino was made by the Austrians when they added cream and spices to coffee in the 18th century. The Italian cappuccino seems to have come from Viennese-style cafes in Italian areas controlled by the AustroHungarian empire. Espresso machines became widespread during the 1950s, and cappuccino were now made from espresso and frothed milk. A cappuccino is made with one or two shots of espresso. This is poured into the bottom of the cup, followed by a similar amount of hot milk, which is prepared by heating and texturing the milk using an espresso machine steam wand. The top third of the drink consists of milk foam dusted with chocolate or cinnamon, giving rise to decorative coffee art. It is typically smaller in volume than a latte, with a thicker layer of microfoam.
Another popular coffee variety is the piccolo, an espresso shot with 90ml of steamed milk, sometimes ordered as a double shot macchiato.
Whatever your preference for drinking coffee, you can be sure to find your favourite version somewhere in Melbourne!
For advice on coffee and how to supply it to office spaces and clubs, contact Ivana at ivana.smith@xpressodelight. com.au.
Ivana Smith
Commercial Coffee Machine Xpresso Delight 0418 393 085 www.xdcoffee.com.au
How The 2021-22 Federal Budget Is Supporting Women
FINANCIAL PLANNING
By Warren Strybosch
The safety and economic security of women was a prominent theme for the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Some of the announcements were as follows:
Childcare Subsidy
The Childcare Subsidy percentage for families with multiple children aged 5 and under in childcare has been announced to commence from 11 July 2022. This measure, if passed, will see an increase in the subsidy percentage by 30% for the second and subsequent child/ren, but this will be capped at no more than 95%.
Women Only Scholarships
The Government will offer scholarships to encourage women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Increased Workforce Participation
The Government seeks to remove more barriers for women who wish to re-enter the workforce after career breaks. They will provide more career opportunities and career pathways for women. The Government proposes to provide assistance to lawyers to provide mediation services to those parties with assets less than $500,000 will have those assets distributed fairly after separation.
Women’s safety
The Government have announced several initiatives to reduce the instances of, and support the victims of Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) against women and children. Various funding initiatives have been announced and more programs will set up for women and children who have been subjected to FDSV, support programs on consent and respectful relationships and support to assist vulnerable women and children to engage with the legal system.
Improving retirement outcomes
The Government has announced the removal of the $450 per month threshold related to superannuation contributions. Given 63% of people impacted by the $450 per month threshold are women, it is hoped by removing this threshold that more women will have a higher super balance in retirement. support women, it must be remembered that these announcements are just that, announcements. We will keep following this announcements and inform readers when this become legislated.
This information is current as at September 2018. This article is intended to provide general information only and has been prepared without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs (‘circumstances’). Before acting on such information, you should consider its appropriateness, taking into account your circumstances and obtain your own independent financial, legal or tax advice. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about a product. While all care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and reliable, to the maximum extent the law permits, Clearview and its related bodies corporate, or each of their directors, officers, employees, contractors or agents, will not assume liability to any person for any error or omission in this material however caused, nor be responsible for any loss or damage suffered, sustained or incurred by any person who either does, or omits to do, anything in reliance on the information contained herein.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findretirement.com.au www.findretirement.com.au
Find your nearest library
We’re back in lockdown, but there’s good news too!
Due to the COVID-19 circuit breaker, all libraries are closed from Thur 28 May, with a planned reopening on Friday 4 June.
Now for the good news – James Merlino, Acting Premier of Victoria, has stated that public libraries are able to offer click and collect services - music to our ears! Isn’t it great that Your Library is recognised as an essential service?
Call + Collect
You can call the team at your local branch and ask them to put together a bag of books, DVDs, or other library items for you and your kids. Maybe borrow something for your Mum and Dad too. Tell our team what you like to read or watch and they may even include a surprise or two for you as well!
Existing reservations More good news! The staff at your library will call you if your reservations are available and let you know they’re ready to collect. Why not ask the staff to include a couple of additional surprise items for you to read or watch?
Collections You can collect your items between 9am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday at all branches*.
Ann Reardon is the creator and host of ‘How To Cook That’, the international online baking series sensation. A pastry chef and certified food scientist and dietician, Ann’s unique, wildly-creative desserts have amassed a legion of 5 million fans across the globe.
Her first cookbook, ‘Crazy Sweet Creations’, has skyrocketed to the top of the best-sellers lists in the USA, UK, Germany and Australia. Released by Mango Publishing, the cookbook beautifully captures Ann’s warmth, creativity and superb culinary skills as she unveils the science behind baking. It is set to delight and inspire everyone from beginner bakers to professional chefs.
Meet Ann in person at this special event to celebrate the launch of ‘Crazy Sweet Creations’.
Sales and signing to be offered by Dymocks Eastland.
Returns
Our after-hours return chutes will remain open while the libraries are closed, with the exception of Belgrave Library. Don’t forget, Your Library is fine FREE.
Are you house-bound? Please let us know if you are house bound due to illness, or another reason. We can’t promise you delivery, but we will do our best.
*Please note, Belgrave Library is currently closed for extensive refurbishment and Call + Collect services are not available from this branch.
What’s On
Our digital library is open 24/7!
• eBooks • eAudiobooks • eMagazines • Streamable movies and documentaries (all ages) • Virtual storytimes • Online learning
Plus, there’s so much more to explore!
Explore our digital Library
Just for Kids!
Storytimes Activity packs
We will be featuring online storytimes every day via our Facebook page. Please join us for some fun stories, songs and rhymes! The Children’s Team can prepare activity sheets for different age groups, i.e. Toddlers 1-3 years, Pre-schoolers 3-6 years, Early Primary 6-9 years, and Primary 9-12 years.
