Find Manningham August 2023 Edition

• Bookkeeper

• Bowen Therapy

• Builder- Commercial

• Business Coach

• Business Equipment Financing

• Business Insurance

• Cabinets

• Caterer

• Graphic Designer

• Plasterer

• Chinese Medicine

• Chiropractor

• Creative Director

• Commercial Mortgage

• Computer Repair

• Computer Web Design

• Concrete

• Copywriting/Copy Editing

• Counselor/ Psychotherapist

• Dentist

• Digital Media

• Electrical Operations

• Electrician

• Finance Bookeeper

• Financial Planner

• Fitness Trainer

• Flooring

• Pilates

• Garage Doors

• General Insurance

• Health & Wellness Coach

• Homeopathy

• Lactation Consultant

• Lawn Care

• Lawyer

• Life Coach

• Loans

• Marketing

• Massage Therapist

• Meditation/Yoga

• Mortgage Broker

• Naturopathic Medicine

• Nutrition

• Osteopathy

• Painter

• Personal Trainer

• Photographer

• Plumber

• Podiatrist

• Printer

• Project Management

• Psychologist

• Real Estate Rentals

• Real Estate Sales

• Reiki

• Residential Cleaning

• Residential Mortgage

• Security

• Signs

• Solar

• Solicitor

• Travel Agent

• Website Developer

• Wedding Planner

About the Find Manningham

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Manningham is a community paper that aims to support all things Manningham. We want to provide a place where all Not-For-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-andcoming events in the Find Manningham for Free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We value your support, The Find Manningham Team.

anningham The

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES:

Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 warren@findnetwork.com.au

PUBLISHER: Issuu Pty Ltd

POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findmanningham.com.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30

EMAIL SPORT: sport@manningham.com.au

WEBSITE: www.findmanningham.com.au

OUR NEWSPAPER

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

ALL THINGS MANNINGHAM

The City of Manningham is a local government area in Victoria, Australia in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Manningham had a population of approximately 125,508 as at the 2018 Report which includes 27,500 business and close to 45,355 households. The Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until December 15, 1994.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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

DISCLAIMER

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

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Buy local, support local

By Abby

We encourage consumers to support businesses and products within their local communities. The idea behind this is to promote economic growth, sustainability, and a sense of community by prioritising local businesses over larger corporate chains or online retailers. When people shop locally, they contribute to the local economy, create jobs, and help maintain the unique character of their neighborhoods.

Here are a few reasons why buying local and shopping local is often emphasised:

1. Economic Impact: Local businesses play a vital role in generating economic activity within a community. Money spent at local shops, restaurants, and service providers circulates within the area, creating a multiplier effect that can lead to increased employment and prosperity.

2. Community Building: Supporting local businesses fosters a sense of community pride and identity. It can create a stronger bond among residents, business owners, and other stakeholders, contributing to a more vibrant and connected community.

3. Environmental Benefits: Buying local can often reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution, since goods don't need to travel as far to reach consumers. This can help lower emissions and promote sustainability.

4. Unique Offerings: Local businesses often offer unique and distinctive products or services that may not be available through larger chains. This can contribute to a diverse and culturally rich marketplace.

5. Preservation of Character: Local businesses help maintain the unique character and charm of a neighborhood or town. They often contribute to the distinctive atmosphere that makes a place special.

6. Personal Connections: Shopping locally allows for more personal interactions between customersand business owners. These connections can lead to better customer service and a stronger sense of trust.

7. Job Creation: Small and local businesses are significant job creators. When consumers spend money locally, they contribute to job growth and help improve the overall employment situation in the community.

8. Cyclical Spending: Money spent locally tends to stay within the community longer, as local business owners and employees are more likely to reinvest their earnings back into local products and services.

To participate, individuals can consider shopping at local farmers' markets, boutiques, restaurants, and other small businesses.

Supporting community events, festivals, and artisans also helps promote local culture and entrepreneurship.

Remember that while buying local is encouraged, it's important to find a balance that meets your needs and preferences.

Some items might only be available through larger retailers, and online shopping can offer convenience for certain products. However, making a conscious effort to support local businesses whenever possible can have a positive impact on your community and the broader economy.

The Power of Pricing: How Higher Pricing Can Boost Your Business

DIGITAL MARKETING

By Ethan Strybosch

By Ethan Strybosch

Setting the right price for your products or services is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success and growth of your business. While some may believe that lower pricing attracts more customers, the truth is that correctly pricing your services, even at a higher level, can offer numerous advantages that lead to greater profitability and success. In this article, we will explore the benefits of pricing your service correctly, and why higher pricing can be a better strategy for your business.

Setting the right price for your products or services is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success and growth of your business. While some may believe that lower pricing attracts more customers, the truth is that correctly pricing your services, even at a higher level, can offer numerous advantages that lead to greater profitability and success. In this article, we will explore the benefits of pricing your service correctly, and why higher pricing can be a better strategy for your business.

1. Perceived Value:

1.PerceivedValue:

3. Better Customer Relationships: Contrary to common belief, customers are often willing to pay more for exceptional service and a superior experience. When you charge higher prices, you can afford to allocate more resources to enhance customer support and provide personalized attention, leading to stronger relationships with your clientele. These satisfied customers are more likely to become brand advocates, spreading positive word-ofmouth and driving more business your way.

3.Better Customer Relationships: Contrary to common belief, customers are often willing to pay more for exceptional service and a superior experience. When you charge higher prices, you can afford to allocate more resources to enhance customer support and provide personalized attention, leading to stronger relationships with your clientele. These satisfied customers are more likely to become brand advocates, spreading positive word-ofmouth and driving more business your way.

to invest in research and development. With more resources at your disposal, you can innovate and stay ahead of the competition. This willingness to invest in improvement fosters a culture of innovation within your organization, keeping your services fresh and relevant to changing customer needs.

to invest in research and development. With more resources at your disposal, you can innovate and stay ahead of the competition. This willingness to invest in improvement fosters a culture of innovation within your organization, keeping your services fresh and relevant to changing customer needs.

7. Sustainable Growth:

7. Sustainable Growth:

One of the main advantages of higher pricing is that it conveys a sense of premium quality and value. Customers often associate higher prices with superior products or services, which can create a perception of exclusivity and desirability. When your offerings are priced higher, potential customers are more likely to view your business as a provider of high-quality solutions, increasing the likelihood of converting them into loyal, long-term clients.

One of the main advantages of higher pricing is that it conveys a sense of premium quality and value. Customers often associate higher prices with superior products or services, which can create a perception of exclusivity and desirability. When your offerings are priced higher, potential customers are more likely to view your business as a provider of high-quality solutions, increasing the likelihood of converting them into loyal, long-term clients.

4. Targeting the Right Audience: Pricing your service correctly allows you to target the right audience effectively. A higher price point can attract clients who value quality over affordability, and who are willing to pay for the unique benefits your service provides. This targeted approach not only simplifies your marketing efforts but also helps build a loyal customer base that aligns with your business's values and offerings.

4.Targeting the Right Audience: Pricing your service correctly allows you to target the right audience effectively. A higher price point can attract clients who value quality over affordability, and who are willing to pay for the unique benefits your service provides. This targeted approach not only simplifies your marketing efforts but also helps build a loyal customer base that aligns with your business's values and offerings.

While lower pricing might attract an initial influx of customers, it can be challenging to maintain the volume needed to sustain profitability in the long term. On the other hand, correctly pricing your services higher ensures a stable revenue stream, supporting sustainable growth and expansion opportunities. This stability allows you to weather market fluctuations and make strategic decisions for longterm success.

While lower pricing might attract an initial influx of customers, it can be challenging to maintain the volume needed to sustain profitability in the long term. On the other hand, correctly pricing your services higher ensures a stable revenue stream, supporting sustainable growth and expansion opportunities. This stability allows you to weather market fluctuations and make strategic decisions for long-term success.

2. Improved Profit Margins:

2.Improved Profit Margins:

Higher pricing naturally leads to improved profit margins, allowing your business to maintain healthy financials and invest in its growth. With better margins, you can reinvest in marketing, research, and development, as well as customer service improvements, which ultimately enhances your competitive advantage and overall business performance.

Higher pricing naturally leads to improved profit margins, allowing your business to maintain healthy financials and invest in its growth. With better margins, you can reinvest in marketing, research, and development, as well as customer service improvements, which ultimately enhances your competitive advantage and overall business performance.

5. Distancing from Competitors: A well-placed higher price can distinguish your business from competitors, establishing a sense of uniqueness in the market. Lower-priced services often engage in price wars and discounts, eroding profitability and diminishing perceived value. By pricing your services higher, you demonstrate your confidence in the value you deliver and encourage customers to choose you based on quality rather than price alone.

5. Distancing from Competitors: A well-placed higher price can distinguish your business from competitors, establishing a sense of uniqueness in the market. Lower-priced services often engage in price wars and discounts, eroding profitability and diminishing perceived value. By pricing your services higher, you demonstrate your confidence in the value you deliver and encourage customers to choose you based on quality rather than price alone.

6. Capacity for Innovation: Higher pricing provides your business with a financial cushion, enabling you

6. Capacity for Innovation: Higher pricing provides your business with a financial cushion, enabling you

In conclusion, pricing your service correctly is a critical aspect of your business strategy. While lower pricing might seem attractive initially, the benefits of higher pricing, such as perceived value, improved profit margins, better customer relationships, and sustainable growth, far outweigh the short-term gains of attracting bargain-hunting customers. By positioning your services at a higher price point, you can establish your business as a provider of premium solutions, attract the right audience, and pave the way for lasting success in a competitive marketplace.

In conclusion, pricing your service correctly is a critical aspect of your business strategy. While lower pricing might seem attractive initially, the benefits of higher pricing, such as perceived value, improved profit margins, better customer relationships, and sustainable growth, far outweigh the short-term gains of attracting bargain-hunting customers. By positioning your services at a higher price point, you can establish your business as a provider of premium solutions, attract the right audience, and pave the way for lasting success in a competitive marketplace.

DIGITAL MARKETING

Transition to retirement pensions

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Erryn Langley

Superannuation can be used to start an account based pension once a person retires (or meets another condition of release). This allows income to be received as a series of regular payments (usually monthly, quarterly, half yearly, or yearly).

If over preservation age but still working, the person may not have full access to superannuation but may be able to start an account-based pension under the Transition to Retirement (TTR) rules. A TTR pension may also be referred to as a Transition to Retirement Income Stream, or TRIS.

Once a person reaches 65 or informs their super fund that they have met a condition of release before turning 65, their TTR pension becomes a ‘TTR pension in retirement’. This means their pension is subject to the same conditions that apply to an account-based pension.

Income Payments

The person can select how much income to receive each financial year. This allows flexibility to meet individual needs. The only rules for how much pension must be taken are:

• An income payment must be made at least once each financial year.

• A minimum level of income must be paid each year based on a percentage of the account balance at commencement and each 1 July. If the income stream commences part-way through a financial year, or is commuted before the end of a financial year, the minimum income payment is pro-rated for that year.

pension can be commuted (stopped) at any time with the money rolled back to accumulation. Withdrawals cannot be made in cash unless a condition of release has been met.

Taxation of Income from a TTR Pension

Every withdrawal (income or lump sum or death benefit) from a pension is split into taxable and tax-free components in the same ratio that applied when the pension commenced. The tax on each component depends on the person’s age as shown in the table below.

For a TTR pension, the maximum income is 10% of the account balance and no lump sum withdrawals can be made.

The pension will cease when the account balance reduces to nil, or the person requests the money be rolled back to accumulation phase or another pension account. The

* Plus, Medicare Levy

Earnings added to a pension account are taxed at the same rate as applies to the accumulation phase of superannuation.

Erryn Langley

1300 557 144 | erryn@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 AllianceWealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No.449221).Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/

Erryn Langley is Authorised representative (No.1269525) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

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

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

Why Should You Use a Mortgage Broker?

MORTGAGE BROKERING

By Reece Droscher

Now is the time to take a good, hard look at your current financial situation and stop paying more than you should be on your Home Loan. So you want to refinance your home loan to get a better interest rate, but where do you go? The bank down the road looks like they have a good rate but you’re self-employed and had heard it was difficult to get a home loan. You may be right, but how do you know that you’re getting the best option available to suit your needs? Or you have a few debts that are getting out of control with rising interest costs. How do you try and improve your finance situation? That’s how a Mortgage Broker can help you.

Finding A Lender To Suit You

A Mortgage Broker can help you filter out the Lenders that don’t suit your personal situation. Asking your friends or on a Facebook group will only provide you with the lender that is right for that person, and it probably only suited them at the time they applied. If they were to apply again six months later, they may find they are better off with a different lender altogether.

Each Lender’s credit policy is different and while one lender may be happy to lend to the self-employed, others can make it more difficult or may prefer PAYG applicants. Some will happily lend for properties in regional areas, other lenders may only lend against securities in metropolitan areas.

Time or Features – what’s more important?

Time can also be a factor when deciding which lender to go to. If you are looking to purchase a house, you may need a lender that is approving loans quickly. If you are refinancing, that may not be an issue and having the right rate and product features is more important. Mortgage Brokers are in touch with lenders every day and know which ones are able to respond quickly and which ones are taking a bit longer.

Fast Refi

If you are refinancing and time is of the essence, after all you want to be paying the lower rate as quickly as possible,

there is a product called Fast Refi that some lenders offer as part of their process. Often it is your current lender that can hold up the process and delay settlement, meaning they get to receive your repayments a little longer. Lenders who offer the Fast Refi process bypass asking your current lender to transfer the title of your property before releasing the money to pay out your current loan. They simply repay your current loan and then request the current Bank to discharge their mortgage and transfer the property title to them. Not all lenders offer this but your Mortgage Broker will know which ones to deal with if that is an option you wanted to pursue.

Medical Practitioners/Professional Packages

Did you know that if you are in a certain occupation, some lenders will offer you extra benefits? For example some lenders offer to waive the costs of Lender’s Mortgage Insurance on loans where the applicant needs to borrow more than 80% of their property value. Some of these occupations include Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Dentists as well as Financial Planners, Accountants, Lawyers and Vets. If you think you

might be eligible for this type of loan, a Mortgage Broker will know which lenders to approach on your behalf.

BID – Best Interests Duty

Mortgage Brokers are required to always put your needs first and to consider each loan based on your personal requirements. This means you can be confident that, even in the long term, the loan you get will be in your best interests and will have taken into consideration your current plans as well as future ones. If you simply walk into a bank, even if they know their product isn’t the best one for you, they can only offer you their product, which could cost you dearly.

As a mortgage broker we act in your best interests. A lender has no obligation to do so. At SHL Finance we have always acted in our clients’ best interest and would love the opportunity to help you too.

Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 should you want to discuss your finance requirements.

Awake - wrestling with the restlessness

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Insomnia includes trouble initiating sleep, maintaining sleep or early waking. It could be debilitating, or maybe it just affects your ability to function.

According to the Sleep Health Foundation, whilst only 15% of Australian adults show symptoms of clinical insomnia, over half of us suffer from sleep symptoms which affects quality of life.

Primary insomnia is caused by a range of issues such as HPA (hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal) axis hyperarousal usually as a result of chronic stress; circadian rhythm abnormalities; GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) dysregulation; and other excitatory pathways. Secondary insomnia is as a result of medical conditions, medications, and dugs (including alcohol, coffee and nicotine).

If you’re too switched on when you hit the pillow, try the following before going to bed:

• Don’t drink caffeinated drinks after midday

• Talk to someone about your worries

• Spend 30-60 minute before bed relaxing away from a screen

• Spend time in the morning in the sunlight and limit blue light in the evening

One thing that I see commonly in clinical practice is waking regularly around 3-4am, for some people it’s just for a quick trip to the bathroom, but for others, it can disrupt the sleep cycle enough to keep them awake for quite a while after.

3-4am is the time of night when your liver is involved in digestion, and I rarely see a case of this that isn’t resolved by taking herbs to strengthen and restore the liver. Since the liver is one of the main organs involved in detoxification, if it’s not functioning efficiently, it can struggle to process the drugs, hormones, and other toxins.

To help with liver function, foods such as green leafy vegetables and berries are high in antioxidants and which can help with detoxification.

If you wake at any time during the night:

• Limit alcohol to just one drink

• Exercise during the day

• If you wake with a ‘busy mind’, spend some time journalling about your stressors the next day

• If it’s 3-4 am, come and see me for some liver herbs

Along with herbs for the liver, nervous system tonics, adrenal tonics, and sedative herbs may be really helpful and these as discussed in a naturopathic appointment.

If you are experiencing high stress, magnesium glycinate can really calm the nervous system. I have also seen great results with homeopathy which is prescribed depending on individual symptoms: with sleeplessness from joint pain, to restless leg syndrome, and a busy mind.

Here at Whole Naturopathy we have a range of effective treatments for both sleep, we spend time to understand how all of your health issues affect each other and treat the cause as well as the symptoms.

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

Suite 1 53/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd

Mountain Gate Shopping Centre

Ferntree Gully, Victoria

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

Claiming a tax deduction for clients 67 to 75 and what happens after 75?

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

The ATO has released the 2023 individual tax return format and instructions, including the instructions for the tax return supplement which is the area of the return that deals with tax deductible super contributions.

As the 2023 financial year is the first year where eligibility to claim a tax deduction for personal contributions made by those between the ages of 67 and 75 relies on meeting the work test or work test exemption, we were uncertain how this declaration was going to be administered by the ATO.

There is no stand-alone declaration in the income tax return that must be made by clients 67-75 stating that the work test (or exemption) has been met.

The same self-assessment principals that apply to the other areas of the Australian tax system also apply to the work test requirement. The responsibility to ensure the tax return and other tax forms comply with tax laws is placed on the individual and the ATO may review a return and increase or decrease the amount of tax payable via their auditing processes.

The instructions to the tax return supplement provide some information

‘in the fine print’ on the restrictions placed on those 67 to 75 claiming a tax deduction however for most, it will be important to seek assistance from an accountant to ensure the tax return is completed accurately.

What is crucial is that those wishing to claim a deduction for personal contributions placed into super, are to make sure they have submitted an Intent to Claim form to the relevant super fund and a letter of acknowledged has been received from the same super fund accepting the personal contribution as a concessional contribution. It is important that the Intent to Claim is made prior to the return being lodged or before the end of the next financial year in which the contributions were made otherwise the super fund will not accept the Intent to Claim request and potential tax deductions will be denied.

For those over the age of 75 who might still be working, there is a restriction on what contributions can be placed into superannuation as follows:

1. Concessional Contributions

(Before-Tax Contributions): If you are 75 years or older, the super fund cannot accept any voluntary (concessional and nonconcessional) contributions from you apart from mandated (super guarantee) employer contributions which can be contributed at any time regardless of age.

2. Non-Concessional Contributions (After-Tax Contributions): Individuals aged 75 and older were allowed to make non-concessional (after-tax) contributions to their super up until the 28th day of the month following the month in which they turned 75. After that point, non-concessional contributions are not allowed.

If you are unsure as to whether you can claim a deduction for personal contributions and how much you can place into your super in any given year, simply ask your accountant to provide you with a concessional contribution report. This can be obtained from the ATO portal within minutes and it can provide useful information to you before the end of the financial year and help you determine if you should contribute additional funds to your superannuation.

By Dr. Joanna Strybosch

For the majority of breastfeeding mothers, there comes a time when she has to return to work, and many of these women are still breastfeeding when that time comes. This should not herald the end of her breastfeeding journey. If a women wishes to continue providing exclusive breastmilk for her baby, as is recommended by the World Health Organisation, this is possible with the right supportive structures in place.

Combining work and continued breastfeeding requires commitment, organisation and planning as well as support attitudes from all sides. In Australia, breastfeeding in the workplace is protected under the Fair Work Act 2009. The Act includes provisions that require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to breastfeeding mothers to facilitate their ability to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

Breastfeeding is a protected ground of discrimination. Making an employee feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding, or not providing adequate facilities or breaks, may constitute discrimination. It may also be a breach of work health and safety laws.

Whilst what is “reasonable” is open to interpretation, many employers have taken steps to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding employees, making it more feasible for them to continue breastfeeding when they return to work. A best practice employer can support employees who are breastfeeding by making sure they have suitable facilities available - such as a private room for breastfeeding, somewhere where they can store a breast pump, and a fridge where they can store any breast milk. Employees should also be given appropriate breaks so that they can breastfeed or express.

Best practice may look like the following:

• Breastfeeding Breaks: Many employers have become more understanding and accommodating when it comes to providing breastfeeding breaks. These breaks allow mothers to express breast milk or breastfeed their infants during working hours. The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates that employers offer reasonable unpaid breaks for this purpose.

Let’s Make Breastfeeding and Work, Work!

• Private Spaces: Employers are increasingly providing private, clean and safe spaces for breastfeeding mothers to express milk or breastfeed, shielded from view and free from intrusion. These spaces are essential to ensuring a comfortable and suitable environment for mothers to carry out these activities.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Employers are becoming more open to offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate breastfeeding mothers. This may include options for part-time work, adjusted schedules, or the ability to work remotely.

• Supportive Policies: Some companies have implemented supportive policies specifically addressing the needs of breastfeeding employees. These policies may include guidelines on breastfeeding breaks, space availability, and support for pumping or expressing milk.

• Positive Attitudes: There is a growing awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding in the workplace. Colleagues and supervisors are generally more understanding and supportive of the needs of breastfeeding mothers.

• Breastfeeding-friendly Employers: Certain companies have been recognized as "breastfeedingfriendly" employers, going above and beyond legal requirements to support their breastfeeding employees.

Despite the positive developments, challenges still exist for some breastfeeding mothers in the Australian workplace. Some potential challenges may include:

• Lack of Awareness: Not all employers may be aware of their obligations

under the Fair Work Act or the benefits of supporting breastfeeding mothers.

• Lack of Facilities: Some workplaces may not have suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers, making it difficult for them to express milk or breastfeed comfortably.

• Workload Pressures: In certain industries or high-pressure job roles, finding time for breastfeeding breaks can be challenging.

• Stigma: While societal attitudes towards breastfeeding have improved, some women may still encounter stigma or discomfort when breastfeeding in public or in the workplace.

• Work-life Balance: Balancing work responsibilities and breastfeeding can be demanding and stressful for some mothers.

To continue improving the experience of breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, it's essential for employers to stay informed about their legal obligations and to create supportive environments that prioritize the well-being of their employees, including those who are breastfeeding. Public awareness campaigns and ongoing education can also contribute to reducing stigma and promoting a breastfeeding-friendly culture in Australia.

GENERAL INSURANCE

By Craig Anderson

Working from home was unexpectedly thrust upon many employees and employers due to COVID – 19 and due to the unplanned nature of the circumstances, both parties have had to rapidly adjust their thinking. Employers are still responsible, from a duty of care perspective, for staff safety while working from their own home, which is to put it mildly, “challenging”.

If you try to imagine a standard office space, you probably don’t consider the lighting level, the testing and tagging of equipment, the ergonomic furniture, the ambient temperature, the hands free phone head set, and a host of other things like the boiling water tap with safety features. You probably won’t imagine the planning it took to eliminate trip hazards, eye and ear strain, back strain, mental stress and fatigue and other stressors. Now look at a home work environment. Possibly no ergonomic furniture, trip hazards galore, cords

Employers Responsibility – Staff Working From Home

everywhere, low lighting, no testing and tagging, noisy pre-schoolers interrupting, dogs barking and a whole host of other potential issues. Having said that, how employees spend their free time is up to them, however the environment in which they spend work hours is really important for their wellbeing, and the employer is still responsible for any injuries they suffer, even when they work from home.

The connection to insurance is straightforward. Following a serious injury “at work” like an electrocution, slip and fall, serious burn, or laceration for example, an employer may be prosecuted by WorkSafe after an investigation if they have contributed due to lack of care or failure of due dilligence. However; if the employer has audited the home work environment and made every attempt to eliminate wherever possible all of the hazards, and if the employer has Management Liability Insurance including Statutory Liability, the insurer may legally defend the claim or pay fines where appropriate and avert a possible conviction where unwaranted.

If this is a situation currently causing you concern, and you’d like to explore. Management Liability Insurance to protect you and your assets, please contact us for a preliminary no obligation discussion. Please also consider engaging an OH&S Consultant to ensure all due diligence is exercised, as this may help insurers to view your business as a “good risk”.

For a health check of your business insurance, contact Small Business Insurance Brokers via email sales@ smallbusinessinsurancebrokers.com.au

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

www. heightsafetyinsurancebrokers.com.au

0418 300 096

Uni body warns $7b at risk without more graduates

By Andrew Brown

(Australian Associated Press)

Universities have warned the national economy could be billions of dollars worse off if the rate of tertiary degrees remains stagnant.

New modelling shows a cost to the economy of $7 billion by 2026 if university attainment levels don’t rise.

Universities Australia chair David Lloyd told the National Press Club on Wednesday more tertiary degrees were essential to address skills shortages.

“The National Skills Commission’s employment projections show that in the next few years, more than half of all new jobs will be highly skilled – meaning they will require a university qualification,” he said.

“The looming iceberg of skills shortage requires a much shorter turning circle than the provision of traditional threeyear degree programs if it is to be avoided.”

Professor Lloyd said a rethink was needed to meet future demand.

“The ways in which we educate for attainment – our very definition of attainment – must now be reconsidered,” he said.

“Addressing this challenge for our national benefit will require us to rethink how we upskill, reskill, and deliver units of education to learners in a manner commensurate with life-long learning.”

The calls to boost university investment come as the first round of reforms were introduced to parliament following the Universities Accord interim report. The final report, due to be handed down by the end of the year, will look to overhaul the university sector in a bid to help more students to graduate.

The first reforms include abolishing the 50 per cent pass rule, which was previously introduced as part of the Job-Ready Graduate scheme.

Under the rule, students who failed more than half their subjects would no longer be eligible for Commonwealth funding.

Prof Lloyd said the scheme was hurting students.

“Universities cannot continue to do more and more for the nation with less and less,” he said.

“But that’s exactly what we were compelled to do under the Job-Ready Graduates package – itself positioned as ‘a reform’.”

The Universities Australia chair said the accord had the potential to shape the future of higher education.

Prof Lloyd said unity was needed from federal politics in order to fund future university graduates.

“The job of government is to act in the national interest and the provision of human capital for this nation, and the educational attainment of this nation is in the national interest,” he said.

“It behoves both sides of government to act in a bipartisan way to commit to the delivery of the highest outcomes for the nation’s people.” As parliament debates laws stemming from the accord recommendations, the coalition has hit out at the removal of the 50 per cent pass rule.

The opposition has argued students would be put at risk of not completing their course and would suffer financial hardship as a result.

It has also urged the government to explain how it would hold universities to account for Indigenous completion levels, should Commonwealth-supported places be uncapped.

Prof Lloyd said participation for Indigenous students at university was not the only outcome.

“Having people come in the doors is one thing, we need people to have successful graduates and learners and leave skills that will translate into their benefit,” he said.

Prof Lloyd also used his address to call for a greater investment in research.

Australia’s spend on development and research sits at 1.8 per cent of GDP, while the figure for the OECD is 2.7 per cent.

“This is not good enough for a nation of Australia’s standing. I don’t think any Australian believes we should lag behind like this – it seems to me to be, well, unAustralian,” Prof Lloyd said.

Manningham

Older Adults in Manningham on the Move with New Community Transport Provider

Older adults in Manningham will soon enjoy an expanded community transport service with the appointment of a new specialist operator.

Manningham Council will partner with EV Community Transport (EVCT, previously known as Eastern Volunteers), to provide its community transport service from Monday 31 July 2023.

EVCT will provide existing transport schedules and offer an expanded service to clients from October.

This will include things like additional regular transport destinations, group outings and one-on-one services (e.g., for medical appointments).

Manningham Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante said Council was pleased to partner with EVCT, which is a respected and reliable operator.

“EVCT are an experienced and quality operator who will deliver a good level of care in the transport they will offer,” Cr Diamante said.

“There will be minimal interruption to our clients’ existing

regular transport services over the transition period.”

Cr Diamante said clients will benefit from the expanded service “This is great news for older adults in Manningham as it will significantly improve their access to community transport and connection to the community.”

Manningham has a high proportion of older residents. In 2021, nearly a third (28.3%) of our residents were over 60 years old.

Cr Diamante said Council is committed to offering services to our residents that support healthy and positive ageing.

“This expanded community transport service will enable people to keep socially connected and have more transport options for things like attending medical appointments.”

The decision to expand the Community Transport Service followed a trial Council ran in 2022 to assess the future transport needs of our older residents.

It showed there was an ongoing need for an expanded community transport service in Manningham that included more destinations and improved access for more users.

Council News

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries is pleased to announce that the Warrandyte Open Library self-service hours will commence from August 2023. Authorised library members will be able to enjoy the library’s resources and facilities during these extended periods, best suited to their needs.

With the introduction of Open Library self-service hours, Warrandyte Library will be accessible seven days a week, 8.00am-10.00pm, with no changes to regular staffed hours.

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries CEO Sally Both said, “This new model will be a first for the library service and complement the existing services delivered at Warrandyte Library”.

Manningham Mayor, Deirdre Diamante added, “We understand that our members have busy schedule so we want to make sure the library is accessible and convenient for everyone”.

To qualify for access to the Open Library, members of Warrandyte Library are required to attend an induction session. How to access the services, safety measures in place, and guidelines on acceptable use will be covered at the session.

Services available during self-service hours will include access to borrowing library collections, public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, photocopying, reading and study spaces. Contact the library during regular staffed hours to book a simple induction session

Whitehorse Manningham Libraries encourages all members to take advantage of the Open Library self-service hours. The extended self-service hours will provide more opportunities for members to visit the library, engage with its resources and connect with their community.

This initiative is funded by a State Government of Victoria Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant with matched funding from Manningham Council.

An official launch event is planned for later in the year.

For more information contact 9895 4250 or visit wml.vic.gov. au/Warrandyte-Open-Library

Warrandyte Library Now has Extended Access to Resources and Services July Council Meeting Wrap Up

At our July Council meeting, we had an update on North East Link and Transport Advocacy. This included a summary of Council’s input into the North East Link Program so far, as well as our anticipated input for the rest of the current Council term. We reviewed the draft Economic Development Strategy 2023-2026 and provided feedback.

The new strategy will focus on reinvigorating and supporting existing businesses, together with the development of opportunities to attract new new industries and investments. Have your say on the Draft Economic Development Strategy between now and Friday 18 August.

Manningham Council has been advocating to the State and Commonwealth governments for Poker machine reform and we welcome this important reform (Landmark Reforms To Reduce Gambling Related Harm) announced by the Victorian Government.

We hope you can make it to the August Council meeting. If not, you can watch the livestream on Facebook.

A video recording of the July Council Meeting is available on our website, which also includes time stamps so you can forward to the agenda items of most interest to you.

Speaking up key to success: Manningham Business Owner Seizes Economic Development Opportunity

Local business owner, Chris Martini has jumped at the opportunity to have his say on the Manningham Council Draft Economic Development Strategy (EDS).

Chris and his wife Leah own Doncaster-based content production company, Ottico Lab.

Chris contributed feedback throughout the EDS consultation, including that he is keen to see a permanent co-working space established in Manningham.

“If you’re going to be active in a community as a business, and have an idea or want to see change, you can’t sit silently and expect it to magically come about… Nine out of ten times, you’ll have success if you speak up!”

Chris said Council officers had been supportive of his business since he launched it over five years ago.

“When I was starting out, I saw the Small Business Bus in Council’s newsletter and I signed up because I was looking for initial support to start my business. That’s where I kicked off.

“Then I registered a listing on the Manningham Business website as a base to start from and direct some traffic back to our website. Joining the Manningham Business Network was the next big step to having a footprint in Manningham and being involved in the business community.

“I met people from Council there and started establishing relationships. I got a lot of support through those relationships and then when the pandemic hit, Council offered heaps of ideas, grants, programs you could do remotely and even short courses, so I took advantage of those.

We’ve taken part in some great opportunities and initiatives through Manningham Council.”

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said the purpose of the EDS was to provide even better support to local businesses, promote employment opportunities, and attract economic investment.

“If you own a business in Manningham, or are thinking about starting a business here, you should have your say on this Strategy. If our objectives match your business goals, it will lead to better outcomes for your business and our economy,” Cr Diamante said.

Council endorsed the Draft Economic Development Strategy for public consultation at its meeting on Tuesday 26 July. By having your say between now and Friday 18 August you’ll ensure your feedback is considered for the final Strategy before it goes back to Council on Tuesday 26 September:

yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/economic-developmentstrategy

Our environment wins when we reduce FOGO contamination

Our Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service is now in action!

You’ve been doing a great job recycling your food waste. As we keep using our FOGO (green lid) bins, it’s important that we only place food and garden waste in our FOGO bin. Plastics, metals and clothing cannot be composted. These items significantly reduce the quality of the finished compost and go into your red lid garbage bin. Clothing in good condition can be donated to op shops.

To assist you with deciding which items can and cannot be placed into your FOGO bin, refer to our comprehensive A to Z FOGO guide.

Better compost will mean healthier soils, improving our green spaces for Manningham residents.

Manningham’s

Backyard Biodiversity: Sugar gliders

Sugar gliders are tree-dwelling marsupials (gliding possums) found across Manningham.

They can glide up to 50 metres in one trip with their “wings” made of thin skin stretched between their forefinger and ankle. Sugar gliders primarily feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, contributing to seed dispersal and promoting vegetation growth. Additionally, these adorable animals serve as pollinators while visiting various flowers.

The Sugar glider is most active at night, sleeping by day in nests made of leaves in tree hollows.

Find out more about Manningham’s Backyard Diversity with TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey from Wild Action.

Get Bushfire Resilient - Pets and Bushfires

• Rachel Westcott, South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management Inc

You will have the opportunity to ask questions before or during the webinar.

About the Get Bushfire Resilient webinar series

Our webinars involve the best presenters and panel members in Australia and include robust audience engagement. Watch the webinars with family and friends and discuss the information and your plans.

An El Niño summer is coming. Recent rainfall has supercharged fuel loads. Dry conditions will increase fire risks next summer, especially grass fires. In this webinar, the panel will discuss pets and bushfires. Get practical, best practice information about preparing, managing and caring for your pets before, during and after a fire.

Presenters include:

• Mel Taylor, Macquarie University

• Steve Glassey, University of Portsmouth

Learn how grass fires and bushfires behave and what your family can do to reduce your risks.

Learn from eminent subject experts.

About Bushfire Resilience Inc.

Bushfire Resilience Inc. is an independent community-led organisation. We provide carefully developed webinars that provide information about bushfire preparedness. Our webinar topics are practical, helpful and relevant.

“Characters”

Photo by : Ewan Simpson

By Rob “Stormy” Fairweather

Donvale Bowls Club is indeed indebted and beholden to many of our beloved characters which define and distinguish it.

One such character at Donvale is Leanne Sullivan.

A brief insight into Leanne’s working life, her involvement at Donvale Bowls Club, and the experiences it provided.

She grew up in the seaside area, attending Brighton Primary School and Brighton Secondary College.

Upon leaving school, she pursued a career in the dental industry, filling roles in both nursing and management.

In 2018 retiring after a 42 year-long career the last three decades spent serving a single employer.

She met her husband John in the early 1980’s.

They shared a mutual love of tenpin bowling, enjoying many years of competition at the state level.

In addition, during the late 1980’s and early 1900’s participated

in numerous fun runs, including completing in a half marathon. In the mid-1980’s, Leanne relocated to Doncaster and later married John.

They had a son named Charlie.

The family held a passion for travel, enjoying and exploring both Australia and overseas.

Their last major trip together was in 2017, a six-week European adventure, it was here they bid farewell to Charlie who continued his own six month-long world tour.

Sadly in 2019 John passed away, Leanne seeking activities to fill in her spare time.

In 2020, she signed up with the University of the Third Age (U3A) at the Blackburn Bowls Club, unfortunately her involvement was short-lived due to the onset of the Covid pandemic.

With Melbourne beginning to reopen later, the only club accepting U3A members was the Donvale Bowls Club, she signed up and became a

Sullivan

fully-fledged member in August 2021.

Leanne is immensely grateful to Barry and Julie Wilkins for introducing her to the challenging sport of lawn bowls and welcoming her into such a fantastic club.

She played in the Pennant 21/22 season in the 6th division, which her team won.

Triumphed in several Club Championship events, securing victories in the 100-up and pairs in 2023.

Also managing to secure runnerup in the mixed pairs, triples, and novice singles.

How fortunate we are to have Leanne at Donvale.

A tireless worker and volunteer, involved in so many aspects at the club that may be challenging or need addressing.

Trust, you agree her enthusiasm and laughter enhances and motivates us all.

Leanne