anningham The
We are looking for business owners who like to join the
Manningham Network Group and Community Paper.
• Accounting Services
• Acupuncture
• Architect
• Architectural Interior Design
• Attorney- Family
• Auctions- Real Estate
• 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
CLUB SPONSORS
• 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
COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS
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.
EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 warren@findnetwork.com.au
PUBLISHER: Issuu Pty Ltd
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
The
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
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.
By Mary Barnes
The phrase "Buy Local, Support Local" has become more than just a slogan; it's a powerful movement that fosters economic growth, community cohesion, and environmental sustainability. When you choose to spend your money within your community, you're injecting lifeblood into the economy.
These purchases create a ripple effect, supporting jobs, local businesses, and ultimately, the overall well-being of your neighbourhood.
Beyond the economic benefits, buying local contributes to the unique character of your community. Local businesses often reflect the area's culture and values, creating a sense of place. Additionally, supporting local businesses often means supporting sustainable practices, as shorter transportation distances reduce carbon emissions.
Moreover, building relationships with local business owners strengthens community bonds, Engaging with those who live and work in your area fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. When you know the people behind the
businesses, you're more invested in their success and the community's overall prosperity.
Choosing to buy local is a powerful way to make a positive impact on your community. By supporting local
BUY LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL
businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a brighter future for everyone. Let's come together and embrace the "Buy Local, Support Local" movement, creating thriving communities where people and businesses flourish.
Bookkeeping - Back to basics
Budgets. A task no one likes doing but without which you could easily find your business
BOOKKEEPING
By Jodie Moore
Regardless of the size of your business a budget is a really important tool to assist you in achieving your future goals. Most businesses know what their goals are. If not then that is the first priority. Once you have determined your goals, you need to work out how you are going to achieve them, and that is where a budget comes in.
A budget allows you to decide where money and resources are best used or spent, and this is determined by your
goals. Generally, you will be setting goals for a new financial year. Perhaps you have spent the past year getting set up, training staff, and devising systems and processes. Now you are ready to ramp up and grow your business by getting more customers. What is your budget going to look like?
To get more customers you will generally spend more money on marketing. If you spend more on marketing though, you will likely have to spend less somewhere else so you will need to have a look at your expenses and decide what is not relevant anymore, perhaps training.
A budget should not be a set and forget though, never to look at again. You can refer to it over the course of the year, perhaps make a few tweaks along the way.
At the end of the time period, you can then look back on your budget to see whether you were on track or if therewere any variances, both good and bad. If there were variances, it is helpful to determine what caused the variance.
If the variance was good, what happened. Was it something you did or just something that happened in the local economy that you were able to benefit from? Can you repeat it?
If the variance had a negative impact on your business, what could you change next time?
As tedious as doing a budget may seem, a little planning can go a long way. Spending enough time on working on your budget can save countless hours, money and heartache and should not be ignored.
Life as we knew it
NATURE & CONSERVATION
By Liz Sanzaro
For those of us the other side of 50 who chose to live inconveniently (to the city) in the outer east, to enjoy space, backyards, birds a plenty and frogs, yabbies, and so much more, we are now faced with a world we never could have imagined with Melbourne now expected to accommodate more than 6 million people anytime soon and 8 million by 2050.
These new residents will have to live everywhere, including the outer east, so building is running overtime to try to catch up with demand. We all know this, as this is what is driving up house costs and rent. The State Government is now pushing ahead with Plan Melbourne.
Quote“Plan Melbourne is a metropolitan planning strategy that defines the future shape of the city and state over the next 35 years. Integrating long-term land use, infrastructure and transport planning, Plan Melbourne sets out the strategy for supporting jobs and growth, while building on Melbourne's legacy of distinctiveness, liveability and sustainability.”
Part of this is the big build, to allow for easier transport options to ease congestion on the roads. Another part is that some planning applications will be fast tracked and one of these is early childhood care facilities. It makes sense that to increase productivity and to enable mothers to return to work (to afford the mortgage) early child care is essential.
There are a plethora of investors wanting to back these enterprises, as soon as they are built, so we were told by the developer. Recently in Maroondah a company that applies for the planning permit as a first step, found a spot in Waters Grove Heathmont. This backs onto Dandenong creek and the old house which has been there for over 50 years is no longer interesting to anyone but a developer. Sold for $3million in 2023, it is now before Maroondah Council with a view to it becoming a child care centre.
The concept of childcare in any community, is that it needs to be spread across areas so as to be easily available to parents. Nearby in Maroondah there are 8 other child care centres.
• Chocklits at 319 Canterbury Rd
• Cuddly bear at 74 Canterbury rd
• Heathmont Erly learning at 13 Armstrong Rd
• Grow Early Learning Heathmont at 203 Canterbury Rd
• Community kids Haethmont at 40 Marlborough rd
• Little angels Family day care at 1 Heathmont Rd
• Kids quarter Family Day care
• Montessori facility at 39 Vivianni Crescent
It seems there is an oversupply of child care centres close by. A meeting of objectors at Council had over 30 people in the room, some very emotionally distressed at the proposed removal of 40% of the trees, with one objector saying they had counted trees adjacent to the site so it seems a lower percentage.
Quote from Parliament of Australia
“The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is critically short of appropriately qualified staff. United Voice, the union which represents ECEC workers, claims that about 180 educators leave the sector each week because of low wages and poor conditions.” News from around the State budget, a while ago, is that building new facilities should be put on hold, as there is currently thousands of people staff shortage in this area.
It was evident that most people who reside in the vicinity enjoy the ambience of the creek-line and all the wildlife that the reserve supports, and these birds mostly visit their properties as well bringing enjoyment to the residents. Council has declined this application as it must abide by its own planning scheme that has a SLO 3 over this area, meaning it is viewed as significant landscape including the vegetation.
Now the developer is taking MCC to VCAT at great expense for Council. The Hearing set for September, but with a compulsory conference held on July
17th. We should be grateful that our Council will take a firm stand over their ability to defend their own Planning Scheme.
The developer was quite unfamiliar with the area, as it was said that staff could ride share and or walk from public transport, if this were to be a train, it is a long walk from Heathmont station. It was sloppy work on their part too, as it was pointed out that the document available had it as the Shire of Macedon, not Maroondah that the application was for. They admitted they had another application in Gisborne and said the public was not anti that one, so why is it different in Maroondah?
Croydon Conservation Society was an objector to this development, on environmental grounds.
At this time Council is looking at engaging with the people of Maroondah to see how they can communicate better. This is a great opportunity for people to tell Council why they do not seem to participate in responding to strategies, or future planning and how can Council do a better job of getting messages out to the community.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G8VwBemtA will take you to Councils you tube video explaining why their communication strategy is important
https://yoursay.maroondah.vic.gov.au/ communications-and-customer-service/ surveys/have-your-say will take you to a short survey.
People often bag out Council for small inconvenient issues, like missed rubbish collection, or dead street trees that have been newly planted. If you have a new tree out the front, take some ownership for your community and don’t let it die for lack of water. Maroondah Council has some really great programs for us all, and it is worth signing up for what interests you for example their Nature Havens program, which provides assistance to make your garden wildlife friendly.
What’s New
FINANCIAL PLANNER
By Warren Strybosch
Social security measures become law
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (More Support in the Safety Net) Bill 2024 has now passed both houses of Parliament and will become law.
This Bill implements three measures announced in the 2024 Federal Budget.
10% increase in Rent Assistance
From 20 September 2024, the maximum rate of Rent Assistance will increase by 10%. Regular indexation will also be applied in September on top of the 10% increase.
Increased flexibility for Carer Payment
Currently, to be eligible for a Carer Payment, a carer has a participation limit of 25 hours per week which includes employment, study, volunteering activities and travel time to and from work.
From 20 March 2025, Carer Payment recipients will have increased flexibility to undertake work, study, and volunteering activities whereby recipient’s participation limit will be amended to 100 hours over four weeks and will only apply to employment.
Additionally, if the participation limit is exceeded, payments will be suspended for up to six months, rather than being cancelled.
JobSeeker rate increase for some
From 20 September 2024, the higher rate of JobSeeker Payment will be extended to single clients who have a partial capacity to work up to 14 hours per week.
This measure will provide an additional $54.90 per fortnight income support to these recipients on top of the standard indexation.
Warren Strybosch
1300 88 38 30 | warren@findwealth.com.au www.findwealth.com.au
Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd
Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth PtyLtdABN93161647007(AFSLNo.449221).PartoftheCentrepointAlliancegroup https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/
Warren Strybosch is Authorised representative (No. 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd. Services offered are superannuation, retirement planning and aged care advice.
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.
Capital Gains Tax – Individual Taxpayers
By Erryn Langley
Most investments (assets) generally provide you with income on a regular basis. But some investments, like shares and property, can also increase in value. This increase is called growth or capital gain.
If you sell your investment for more than you paid for it then you realise a capital gain and you may have to pay tax on this gain. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is payable on the taxable portion of a capital gain if you acquired the investment
Pre-CGT Assets
If you bought or acquired an asset before 20 September 1985, the CGT rules do not apply. Any capital gain can be received by you tax-free.
Acquisition and Disposal
You are deemed to acquire an asset if you:
• Buy it
• Inherit it
• Build it, or
• Receive it as a gift
• You are deemed to dispose of an asset if you:
• Sell it
• Give it away, or
• It is lost or destroyed
• If the transaction is done at a price lower than the asset’s market value, the market value will be deemed to be the acquisition or disposal price, even though this is not the amount of cash you received.
Example
Horace purchased a parcel of shares for $10,000 in May 2004. The shares increased in value and were worth $24,000 in November 2009 when he decided to gift the shares to his son.
Horace did not receive any payment for the shares, but for CGT purposes the shares are deemed to have been sold for $24,000. This means he has realised a capital gain of $14,000 and needs to calculate how much tax is payable on this gain.
Gains on the following assets acquired on or after 20 September 1985 are likely to be subject to CGT:
• Shares
• Managed funds
• Property investments
CGT Exemptions
Not all assets which increase in value will be subject to CGT. Two main assets that are exempt from CGT are:
• Your principal home, and
• Assets purchased before 20 September 1985 (pre-CGT assets)
Your home can continue to be exempt from CGT for up to six years after you move out, provided you do not buy another home that you elect to claim the exemption on.
Taxation of a Capital Gain
The taxation of a capital gain depends on how long you have owned the asset.
If you have held the asset for less than 12 months the full amount of the gain less any capital losses (from current year or carried forward from previous years) is added to your assessable income in your tax return. This amount is taxed at your marginal tax rate.
you have held the asset for 12 months or more, capital losses (from current year or carried forward from previous years) are deducted from the capital gain, then only 50% of the net gain is added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.
Note: if your asset was purchased before 21 September 1999 you could choose to calculate the taxable portion of the gain using an indexation method, but tax advice should be sought.
Example
Horace (in example above) had held the shares for more than 12 months. So his taxable capital gain is reduced by 50% to $7,000. This amount is added to his other assessable income and is taxed at his marginal tax rate.
If Horace had only owned the shares for less than 12 months, tax would be payable on the full $14,000.
If the asset is owned in the name of a company, the 50% exemption does not apply. Further tax concessions may apply if it is a business asset.
Capital Losses
If you sell an asset for less than you paid for it, you may realise a capital loss. A capital loss can reduce your taxable capital gains on other assets (as explained above) but cannot be used to reduce tax on other income sources. The reduction is done before you claim the 50% exemption.
Example
Last year Horace sold an asset which realised a capital loss of $2,000. This can be used to reduce his taxable capital gain as follows:
Taxable capital gain = ($14,000 - $2,000) x 50% = $6,000
Horace will only add $6,000 to his assessable income and pay tax at his marginal tax rate on this amount.
If you cannot use the loss in the year that it is realised, the loss can be carried forward to reduce taxable capital gains in future years. However, it is better to use losses as quickly as possible because the value of the loss diminishes over time with inflation.
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 Alliance Wealth 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 authorisedadviserforthemostup-to-dateinformation.Nowarrantyisgivenin 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.
Understanding your policy endorsements
GENERAL INSURANCE
By Craig Anderson
Most Public Liability policies will have a similar insuring clause, which rather vaguely tells you they will insure your described activities and pay amounts for which you become liable in the course of doing business. The following 50 plus pages then sets about defining what is and is not considered covered by defining the meaning of all the important words and excluding the events they wish not to cover.
Then there are the policy exclusion clauses which tell you what won’t be covered, unless another requirement is first met. These are quite often confusing to the insured and if read without first reading the definitions and preceding sections, and policy schedule, the wrong conclusion will be drawn. They can sound like “double negative” statements, and often operate that way.
There may also be endorsements added by the underwriters to the policy schedule which can cause an important
clause to be deleted and replaced, modified, or sub-limited. These must be read in conjunction with the policy, so as to correctly understand the extent of cover.
An example of this would be a recent Public Liability quote received for a service company working on plant and equipment repairs and refits to multi storey buildings. The insuring clause looked good, the definitions and exclusions were acceptable, but when it came to the endorsements imposed on the quote schedule, the proposed cover became unacceptable. The underwriter had imposed a crane load condition, whereby the client would not have been covered if crane lifting plant and equipment if a boom larger than 20m was used, and a claim occurred. As using 20m plus crane booms was a regular occurrence, the quote was deemed unacceptable, so another insurer with appropriate policy wording and schedule was selected and cover bound.
If the policy wording alone had been examined, and the endorsements on the schedule had been ignored, this could have led to a massive uninsured loss.
Hopefully, this example helps to illustrate that policies may look similar or even the same at a glance, but can be entirely changed by the addition of a few words on the schedule which follows the quote.
An insurance broker will take the guesswork out of the insurance process, and give you the certainty you need to effectively, and confidently, do business. There’s no time like the present to check if your policy is right for you.
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).
$40,000 fine after worker injured due to lack of fall protection
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
By Mark Felton
As a business owner and employer, it is your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your employees within your workplace. This includes providing your team with a safe work environment and protection from hazards. You can achieve this by understanding your obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws and by complying with them.
WorkSafe Victoria recently reported that a steel fabrication and installation company has been convicted and fined $40,000 after continuing to put workers at risk on a Geelong construction site, even after a worker was seriously injured.
NJ Steel Fabrications Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Geelong Magistrates' Court on Thursday 27 June 2024, after pleading guilty to three charges of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and one charge of failing to provide information, instruction or training.The company was also ordered to pay $8,375 in costs.
The court heard NJ Steel Fabrications had been engaged to provide structural steel works for an alfresco dining area at a retail premises in Geelong, including the installation of steel and plastic roof sheeting.
In January 2022, two workers were on top of the steel structure installing roof sheets when one of them fell through a gap approximately 3.85 metres to the ground below. He sustained serious injuries including bleeding on the brain, a fractured pelvis, several fractured ribs, lacerations to his liver and kidney and bleeding associated with his adrenal gland.
WorkSafe inspectors attended and found there was no safe work method statement (SWMS) on site and one that had been prepared for the installation was not reviewed and revised to address the high risk construction work being performed. There were also no fall prevention measures being used and none of the workers on site were experienced or trained in working at heights.
It was reasonably practicable for NJ Steel Fabrications to install passive fall prevention devices such as guard railing and safety mesh, and to have provided training to workers on the hazards and risks of working at heights, the need for passive fall prevention devices and their implementation.
In February 2022, inspectors returned to the site and found the company's director and another worker on the roof without internal fall prevention measures in place. Within an hour of WorkSafe leaving the site, the director was again observed working on the roof without adequate fall protection.
The court found NJ Steel Fabrication had failed to control the risk of a fall from height by affixing safety mesh to the entire roof area of the steel structure.
WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said the company's blatant disregard for the safety of workers was inexcusable. "It is no secret that there is simply no safe way to work from heights without the appropriate training and fall prevention measures in place," Mr Jenkin said. Mr Jenkin went on to say "It beggars belief that this company still failed to install adequate controls to ensure the site was safe even after the risk had eventuated and a worker had suffered serious injuries."
To prevent falls from height employers should implement the highest possible measures from the five levels in the hierarchy of controls: measures from the five levels in the hierarchy of controls:
• Level 1 - Eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction.
• Level 2 - Use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms.
• Level 3 - Use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area.
• Level 4 - Use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall.
• Level 5 - Use a fixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.
When undertaking High Risk Construction Work (HRCW), duty holders must:
• Ensure HRCW is not performed unless a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is prepared.
• Ensure that once a SWMS has been developed, all HRCW work is undertaken in accordance with that SWMS.
• Stop work immediately, or as soon as it is safe to do so, once they become aware a SWMS is not being followed.
• Review the SWMS whenever there is a change in the work being undertaken or if there is an indication that control measures are not adequate.
As a business owner, are you confident that you do not have gaps in your efforts to keep your workers healthy and safe? Do you have an understanding of your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees? Are you confident that you can provide a safe work environment and comply with OHS laws? Do you believe that you are effective in carrying out risk assessments, employee consultation and providing training? Do you regularly review these measures to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and keep you and your employees healthy and safe? Why not make a New Year’s resolution to get your house in order?
At Beaumont Advisory we assist business owners clarify what they currently have in place, as well as where there are shortfalls. We then assist in developing effective systems and documentation, working with businesses to ensure effective implementation. Checks are put in place to monitor ongoing effectiveness, to ensure that going forward, they are sound and comply with the Act, and most importantly keep you and your employees informed, and healthy and safe. Please feel free to contact me for an obligation and cost-free initial discussion.
Mark Felton
Occupational Health & Safety 0411 951 372
www.thebeaumontgroup.com.au mfelton@beaumontlawyers.com.au
Centrelink assessment of income generated from your home
ACCOUNTANT
By Warren Strybosch
You may recall that a self-contained area of your home is assessed under both the income and assets tests if a near relative lived there for Centrelink purposes.
In summary, where a self-contained area of the home is vacant or let to a near relative (a parent, child or sibling), then the area is considered part of the principal residence and is not an assessable asset.
Where the area is let to someone other than a near relative, the area is not a part of the principal residence and is an assessable asset.
From an income test perspective, rent received from a near relative is not assessable under the income test.
In this month’s edition of TechniView, we wish to expand on this concept and address two frequently asked questions, namely:
1. If I rent out a room/s in my home to a third party to generate additional income, how will this impact my Age Pension?
2. If I plan to travel for an extended period of time and wish to rent out my home while travelling, how will my home be assessed?
Renting out room/s - boarders and lodgers
Income generated from your principal home where a room, multiple rooms or even a self-contained area is rented out to someone that is not a near relative
(definition above) is assessable under the Income Test.
How much is assessed depends on whether the person pays rent solely for accommodation or if meals are included as follows:
Note: If more than 5 rooms are let, Centrelink will treat the operation as a commercial venture and the actual netprofit from the operation is assessable for social security purposes.
A client can request a reassessment of income for a lower amount than the percentages indicated in the table below If they can provide evidence of actual expenses associated with boarders and lodgers being more than allowed for.
Extended periods of travel – temporarily vacating the home
Whether clients are gradually making their way around Australia in a van or travelling to overseas destinations, with the current cost of living pressures, we are fielding an increasing number of questions relating to renting out the principal home while away.
From a social security perspective, does renting impact the asset test treatment of the home?
If a client intends to vacate their home permanently, the home value is an assessable asset immediately and the non-homeowner asset test thresholds apply.
If the client intends to return to the home at some stage in the future, this will result in Centrelink treating the absence as temporary.
Under these circumstances, the home will retain its principal residence status (asset
test exempt) and the client continues to be defined as a homeowner, for up to 12 months.
This 12 month exemption applies even when the client plans to be away for more than 12 months, provided there is the intention to return home at some stage.
If the absence extends beyond 12 months, the home is no longer the client’s principal residence and the market value of the property is assessable.
Under special circumstances, the 12 month period may be extended. For example, if a client is unable to return from an overseas holiday due to circumstances beyond their control.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au / www.findaccountant.com.au
Important Information
This information is of a general nature only. It does not take into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. You should obtain professional financial advice if you have not already done so before acting on this information. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision to buy or sell a financial product. Any case studies,graphs or examples are for illustrative purposes only and are based on specific assumptions and calculations.Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Superannuation, tax, Centrelink and other relevant information is current as at the date of this document. This information contained does not constitute legal or tax advice.
3 foods to avoid for diabetes
NATUROPATH
By Kathryn Messenger
Did you know that some foods can be keeping your blood sugars in the diabetic range, and contributing to the disease, whilst there are others that can help to balance your blood sugar?
Here is an explanation of what each of the foods are and why they make a difference to your diabetes. The principles here are aimed at type 2 diabetes, but should also be helpful in type 1, and gestational diabetes.
Before I get into the details, make sure that your diabetes is being monitored by a doctor and if you do make changes to your diet, be sure to monitor your glucose levels, so that your blood sugars stay within the safe range.
Firstly, we need to start with an understanding of diabetes. Food from carbohydrates is broken down into glucose, meanwhile, your pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is required for the cells of your body to use the glucose for energy. Diabetes is generally understood to be a lack of insulin which means that your blood is left with too much glucose as it can’t move into your cells.
But what if the problem is not a lack of insulin, but too much glucose?
I am fully aware that there are genetic components to diabetes, and that some people are more susceptible to it, but
what if it was your diet contributing to the disease, or at worst has caused the disease?
3 foods to avoid for diabetes
Sugar
Sugar is often seen as a normal part of a balanced diet, but since it has had the vitamins, minerals and fibre stripped from it, it lacks any goodness that the original sugar cane has. Sugar is converted to glucose very quickly and requires a large amount of insulin to metabolise it. Look for all of the places where you might consume sugar, from lollies and hot drinks, to biscuits, cakes and pastries.
But be aware of chemical sweeteners as a sugar replacement as they are sometimes worse for you than the sugar. So if you crave something sweet, eat a piece of fruit or use a little honey instead.
White flour products
In a very similar way to sugar, white flour products are quickly converted to glucose, and once again are not in their natural form having had the wheatgerm and fibre removed. White flour is not only in bread and baked goods, but also foods like pasta and couscous. Swap to a wholemeal option where you can.
Fruit juice
Being a liquid, this is absorbed quickly and can also cause a sudden high amount of glucose in the blood stream. If you eat the whole fruit with the fibre, this slows down the uptake of the glucose.
Foods that will improve diabetes
To some extent, the foods to include are the opposite of those to avoid, for example: wholegrains instead of white
refined grains, and a piece of fruit, rather than just the juice. But there are a couple of others that are helpful in their own right.
Bitters
Bitter green leafy vegetables are particularly helpful, they not only regulate insulin, but can help to change your palate to desire less sweet foods. These include roquette, kale, cabbage, and broccoli. Aim to eat some of these each day.
Fats
Healthy fats will keep you full and help prevent the sugar cravings, so be sure to add some to every meal.
If you would like further support with diabetes, either with a new diagnosis, or alongside medications, there are many additional herbal and nutritional products that can help support your body back to health. Please let me know if you would like to work with me to improve your insulin resistance or diabetes.
BHSc (Naturopathy)
kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au
Suite 1 53/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd Mountain Gate Shopping Centre Ferntree Gully, Victoria
Kathryn Messenger
& RETIREMENT & AGED CARE
RETIREMENT
By Warren Strybosch
The time you’ll spend in retirement and the lifestyle you’re planning both make a difference to the savings and income you’ll need. Being realistic and getting clear about plans for your future can help you figure out the cost of your ideal retirement.
“I’ve always lived on a budget and live comfortably... I still believe in budgeting, wise spending, but I don’t feel restricted. People who are retired re-evaluate priorities and where you are willing to spend the money”. Donna, aged 66, retired for two years.
Start with a ballpark estimate
Retirement Standard figures from The Association of Super Funds of Australia (ASFA) make a good starting point for estimating the income you might want or need. By comparing these calculations with your own spending plans, you’ll get a rough idea of how your overall spending in retirement could add up.
The Retirement Standard estimates the total annual budget for either a comfortable or modest lifestyle for retired singles and couples. Figures are updated each quarter in line with the changing costs of living in retirement and include detailed budget breakdowns for all sorts of living costs. What they don’t include is rent or home loan payments. Each estimate assumes an individual or couple live in their own home, mortgage free.
How much will you need in retirement?
spending planners ASFA Retirement Standard figures
The retirement you’ll be planning for will be as unique as you are. Maybe dining out isn’t your thing but you couldn’t bear to give up overseas travel. The things you need to make life more comfortable could be quite different from assumptions made for these estimates.
Online retirement spending planners such as Challenger’s for singles and couples can help you figure out how much you may ‘need’ in retirement (essential spending) and how much you ‘want’ (discretionary spending).
How much can you safely spend?
Figuring out how much you’ll need to spend in retirement is a good start for your retirement planning. Knowing what you can afford to spend based on the savings you have will also help you by identifying any gaps between your expectations and reality.
Retirement income model
Challenger have a comprehensive retirement income model that they use in their research, tools and calculators.
This model calculates safe spending rates, taking into account the means tested Age Pension, as well as the three major risks to your retirement income (inflation, market and longevity).
By testing 2,000 simulations, they can calculate the degree of confidence that your savings balance could support a specific level of spending.
The tables on the next page show the ‘safety’ of different spending rates for couples and singles of different levels of wealth, retiring at age 67 today.
A spending level is considered to be ‘safe’ if the household has a high degree of confidence that they can continue spending their desired amount for at least as long as both spouses are expected to live (their life expectancy). You may have a different idea of the amount you can safely spend and still have confidence that your savings will last.
Stay connected, stay healthy this Loneliness Awareness Week
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, is encouraging the community to take part in ‘random acts of connection’ to mark Loneliness Awareness Week.
Loneliness Awareness Week commences on 5 August. It is about recognising the importance of meaningful social connection, and the ways this can be created with small actions every day.
This year’s theme is ‘random acts of connection’ — encourages people to reach out to others to help combat loneliness.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing, leading to poor physical and mental health, greater psychological distress and a lower quality of life.
“We all want to feel connected with others, but our modern lifestyles have a way of keeping us apart, and the pandemic only made this more noticeable,” Cr Lange said.
“The issue relates not only to how often we have social contact with others but to the quality of that contact. Many of us wish, not only for a more active social life but for more meaningful and lasting relationships,” Cr Lange added.
A random act of connection could include:
• Calling a friend to see how they are doing or suggesting a catch up over coffee.
• Finding others with shared interests by exploring a new hobby.
• Volunteering with a local community group or charity.
• Reaching out to someone you know who might be struggling.
Fortunately, Manningham offers plenty of opportunities for residents to meet new people or catch up with old friends. From Manningham Art Studios to our various seniors’ clubs; Active Manningham to local neighbourhood houses, there are many community activities — making it easy to meet others and have fun, all while learning something new.
“If you’re feeling alone, it can be hard to know where to start but reconnecting with others can be as simple as sending someone a text asking how they are or taking 30 minutes in your day for a quick catch up over coffee,” Cr Lange said. “I also encourage everyone to take advantage of the many Council-run programs, events and services available to support our community.”
To find an opportunity to connect, visit manningham.vic.gov.au or follow @ ManninghamCouncil.
Have your say on upgrades for Burgundy Reserve Manningham
Manningham Council is planning an upgrade at Burgundy Reserve in Doncaster and is seeking community feedback until 12 August.
The proposal includes, an upgraded playspace and shelter, a new public toilet as well as a series of improvements to enhance the reserve for dogs and their owners.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Burgundy Reserve is a popular spot for our local community. “We want to ensure Burgundy Reserve continues to be a space for families and local community members to enjoy and look forward to hearing your feedback on our proposed upgrade,” Cr Lange said.
The concept plan includes:
• a relocated and upgraded fenced playspace
• an upgraded shelter
• a new two cubicle public toilet
• new shared path to connect Cellar Way to Burgundy Drive new path lighting
• new chainmesh fencing along Burgundy Drive
• new seats around the oval
• a new drinking fountain with dog bowl
• path realignment and upgrade for more passive recreation opportunities
• additional landscaping and trees across the site.
The playspace and shelter upgrade, as well as the new public toilet, are planned as part of Council’s capital works program, scheduled to be completed over the next two years.
“We know many residents use this wellloved space to spend time with their dogs and as part of the upgrade, we are proposing some dog-friendly improvements, including a new path, shelter and drinking fountain,” Cr Lange said.
The dog-friendly upgrades are supported by the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.
“I encourage everyone to find out more, view the concept plan and have your say on what’s proposed for Burgundy Reserve in Doncaster,” Cr Lange said. You can find out more and have your say by visiting yoursay.manningham.vic. gov.au/burgundy-reserve-upgrade Consultation closes on Monday 12 August 2024.
Council
Have your say to help develop a masterplan for Stintons Reserve
Manningham Council is seeking community ideas and input to help develop a masterplan for the future of Stintons Reserve in Park Orchards.
The masterplan will guide the future use, development and upgrade of facilities within the reserve over the next 20 years.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Stintons Reserve is an important local reserve for sport, recreation and dog exercise activities in Park Orchards.
“This is a much-loved local reserve and we want to hear your ideas as we plan for its future,” Cr Lange said.
“We understand there are a wide variety of user groups and community members that use Stintons Reserve and want to make sure it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.
“The masterplan will look at how our community currently uses the reserve along with future uses and potential improvements.”
they would like to see at the reserve via a community survey, closing on Monday 29 July.
“I encourage everyone to find out more, get involved and tell us what you would like to see at Stintons Reserve by
completing our community survey,” Cr Lange said.
“We want to continue to keep this space welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy it for their health and wellbeing.”
Community input will help inform the development of a draft Stintons Reserve Masterplan, which will be released for public consultation and community feedback next year.
For more information and to complete the survey before Monday 29 July, visit yoursaymanningham.vic.gov.au/ stintons-reserve-masterplan.
Have your say on dog friendly upgrades for Warrandyte Reserve
Manningham Council is seeking feedback on a proposed upgrade of the northern oval at Warrandyte Reserve to improve facilities for the community, as well as for dogs and their owners.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Warrandyte Reserve is a hub for the local community in Warrandyte and popular with dog owners.
“Warrandyte Reserve is enjoyed by many local sports and recreation groups, residents, dogs and their owners.
We’re proposing some dog-friendly improvements within the reserve and want to hear your feedback on our concept plan by 12 August,” Cr Lange said.
The proposed upgrades include:
• improvements to the path network between both ovals;
• a new shelter at the northern oval with seating and storage facility built in;
• a new drinking fountain with dog tap and bowl;
• improved fencing to allow easier access into the ovals; and
• improved drainage and ground condition of the northern oval for better year-round use.
The proposed improvements at Warrandyte Reserve are supported by the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.
To see what’s proposed, find out more and have your say, visit yoursay. manningham.vic.gov.au/warrandytereserve-upgrade
You can have your say on this upgrade until 12 August.
Design underway for Aquarena Outdoor redevelopment
An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of a major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
The project’s detailed design is now underway, following Council’s endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.
“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups. The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.
“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”
Manningham Council has appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life.
“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.
Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.
“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.
Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets.
“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.
The replacement of the centre’s 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.
“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.
“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added.
The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.
Project updates will be available on yoursay.manningham.vic.gov. au/aquarena-masterplan, and the community can subscribe to receive updates directly to their inbox.
Congratulations to Victorian School Crossing Supervisor of the Year, Ian Hook!
Dedicated and passionate School Crossing Supervisor, Ian Hook, was honoured as Victoria’s School Crossing Supervisor of the Year at the annual awards ceremony in July.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said: “We are incredibly proud of Ian’s achievement. His integrity, kindness and dedication have made a significant impact on the safety and wellbeing of students in our community.”
Ian was acknowledged for his excellent professional manner, knowledge of road rules relating to school crossings, presentation of uniform and equipment, and his welcoming, caring and encouraging attitude.
“I felt so excited, I was over the moon. It’s very emotional and humbling to be recognised like this,” Ian said.
Ian began his role as a School Crossing Supervisor in 2003 at Warrandyte High School. He now staffs the Yarra Street crossing in Warrandyte and has become an integral part of the school community.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and love doing this job. I love helping the kids and the people in our community,” Ian added.
The Mayor congratulated Ian for his outstanding achievement, as well as all the nominees and region winners for their well-deserved recognition.
“School Crossing Supervisors are unsung heroes – they keep pedestrians safe every school morning and night, through all kinds of weather. It’s fantastic to see their remarkable work recognised,” Cr Lange said.
New Council grant to support and empower older people in Manningham
Manningham Council is encouraging local seniors community groups and clubs to apply for a new Seniors Club Support Grants program, aimed at supporting initiatives that benefit and empower older people in Manningham.
These grants provide up to $8,000 in funding and can be used for a wide range of activities, including digital literacy programs, creative writing classes, or exercise sessions.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange invites clubs and group to apply for a grant.
“This is a chance for our dedicated seniors clubs and groups to receive support for new programs that boost the health and wellbeing of their members.”
Cr Lange said.
“It’s also an opportunity to support initiatives where our older community,
family members and carers to come together and make meaningful connections.
“A lack of social connection can really affect older individuals and their caregivers. These grants provide great opportunities to get involved in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Applications open on Monday 5 August and close on Wednesday 4 September.
Council is hosting a free grant writing workshop for existing Seniors Clubs members on Tuesday 6 August at the Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Bookings are essential and limited to two people per organisation.
To register, visit manningham.vic.gov. au/grant-writing-seniors-clubs-supportgrant.
For more information or to apply, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/communitygrants or contact the Community Grants team on 9840 9333 or grants@ manningham.vic.gov.au.
