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.
The battle begins! AFL 2025 is here!
By Gen Alcampor
The 2025 Australian Football League (AFL) season is set to commence on Thursday, March 6, 2025, featuring an Opening Round that continues the tradition of starting the season in the northern states. The inaugural match will see the Brisbane Lions hosting Geelong at The Gabba.
The 2025 Victorian Football League (VFL) season is set to commence on the weekend of March 22-23, 2025, featuring 21 teams from Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The season will conclude with the Grand Final on Sunday, September 21, 2025, aligning with the weekend before the AFL Grand Final.
In a significant scheduling update, the AFL has announced a record 23 Thursday night games for the 2025 season, a
move driven by strong demand from fans and broadcasters. These matches will be spread across various venues nationwide, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Marvel Stadium, The Gabba, Perth Stadium, Adelaide Oval, GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, and TIO Stadium in Darwin.
For Victorian teams, the season's fixture offers both challenges and advantages. Carlton and Hawthorn are among the big winners, with Carlton facing only two finalists twice across the 24-round campaign, and Hawthorn securing seven Thursday or Friday night timeslots over the first 16 rounds. Conversely, Collingwood faces a demanding start, playing against seven finalists from the previous season in its opening eight games.
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has released its schedule for the 2025
AFL Premiership Season at the MCG, detailing match dates and ticketing information for Rounds 1 to 15. Members and fans are encouraged to check the MCC's official website for updates and on-sale dates.
In the Victorian Football League (VFL), the 2025 Smithy's VFL season is set to begin on the weekend of March 22-23, aligning with Round 2 of the AFL Premiership Season. The rebel VFLW competition will commence on the weekend of April 19-20, with the season running through August, providing greater alignment with the NAB AFLW competition.
These developments highlight the AFL's commitment to enhancing the fan experience through strategic scheduling and expanded broadcast coverage, ensuring supporters have ample opportunities to engage with the sport throughout the 2025 season.
Why Australian Tax Clients Need to Provide Receipts and Documentation for Accountants to Verify Information
ACCOUNTANT
By Warren Strybosch
When I first became an accountant and my mentor was mentoring me, I was told to stop acting like an auditor and checking everything the clients wanted to claim. Fast forward to now and, as accountants, we are now required to be like auditors and verify as much of the information that is provided to us.
For many clients who have never had to provide proof of purchase or receipts of expenses they wished to claim in the past, this new requirement placed on them by their accountant has been a hard pill for some to swallow. This is not because they have something to hide but because it has led to increased work for the client and subsequently the accountant.
Unfortunately, this is the new world of tax returns. As such, it is important for clients to understand these new requirements and do some preparation before the end of financial year comes around.
As the end of the financial year approaches (I know…March is already upon us and next thing you know June will be here), it’s crucial for individuals and businesses to gather their financial records and ensure their tax returns are accurate. For accountants to complete the process effectively, clients need to provide detailed receipts and supporting documentation. These documents are necessary not only to substantiate income, deductions, and credits but also to ensure compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations. In this article, we will explore why providing receipts and documentation is essential for both Australian taxpayers and accountants and how it ensures a smooth tax filing process.
The Importance of Documentation in Tax Filing
The ATO requires taxpayers to keep records to substantiate the information reported in their tax returns. Accountants
rely on this documentation to verify income, deductions, and other financial claims. Without the proper supporting documentation, there is a risk of errors, missed deductions, or incorrect reporting.
Here’s why it’s important to provide receipts and documentation:
1. Verification of Income
Australian taxpayers often receive income from multiple sources, including wages, business income, dividends, rental income, and more. To ensure that income is accurately reported on tax returns, accountants need appropriate supporting documentation. For example, clients should provide:
º PAYG summaries (or Group Certificates) from employers
º Bank statements showing interest income
º Income statements from rental properties or investments
º 1099 or similar forms for freelance or contract work
Without these documents, accountants may not be able to confirm the accuracy of the income, leading to possible underreporting or overreporting of earnings.
2. Supporting Deductions and Claims
Many Australians are eligible to claim deductions for work-related expenses, medical costs, charitable donations, and more. However, these claims must be substantiated with receipts or documentation. Common deductions include:
º Work-related expenses such as uniforms, tools, home office costs, and travel expenses
º Donations to charity, which must be supported by receipts or acknowledgment letters from the charity
º Self-education expenses, including course fees, textbooks, and travel
º Investment expenses such as interest on investment loans and property maintenance costs
Without the relevant receipts, clients may lose the opportunity to claim these deductions, which can result in a higher tax bill.
3. Avoiding Tax Penalties
The ATO enforces strict compliance requirements when it comes to tax reporting. If a taxpayer cannot provide sufficient documentation to back up their claims, they may be subject to penalties or an audit. The ATO can disallow deductions and potentially apply fines or interest charges for misreporting. By providing accurate and thorough records, clients can help avoid these risks.
4. Maximising Tax Refunds
By providing all the necessary receipts and documentation, clients give their accountants the best chance to identify all possible deductions and tax credits. This maximisation process ensures that clients are not overpaying taxes and that they receive the highest possible refund or lowest possible tax liability.
Common Documentation Australian Taxpayers Should Provide
The documentation required for tax returns can vary depending on the individual’s financial situation, but here are some of the most common records Australian tax clients need to provide to their accountants:
1. Income Records
º PAYG (Pay As You Go) summaries or income statements from employers
º Bank statements showing interest income
º Dividend statements from shares and investments
º Rental income statements for property investors
º Freelance or contract income documentation (e.g., invoices, 1099 forms)
º Business income for sole traders, including profit and loss statements
2. Expense Receipts for Deductions
º Work-related expenses: Receipts for tools, uniforms, phone bills, and other costs directly related to employment
º Self-education expenses: Proof of course fees, textbooks, and travel related to your job
º Charitable donations: Receipts or letters of acknowledgment from registered charities
º Home office expenses: Receipts for electricity, internet, and office supplies used for work from home
º Investment-related expenses: Documentation for interest on loans, repairs, and maintenance for rental properties
3. Proof of Tax Payments
º Evidence of any tax paid throughout the year, including PAYG instalments, GST, or any quarterly BAS (Business Activity Statements) submitted by businesses
º Medicare Levy Surcharge records, if applicable, for
earners
4. Other Supporting Documentation
º Capital gains records for the sale of property or investments (e.g., purchase and sale contracts)
º Private health insurance statement for the Private Health Insurance Rebate
º Spouse and dependent details to claim family-related tax offsets
º Superannuation contributions: Statements showing contributions made during the year
How to Organise and Submit Documentation
To make the tax filing process easier for both clients and accountants, Australians should adopt an organised approach to gathering and submitting their documents. Here are some tips to help streamline the process:
• Keep Records Throughout the Year: Instead of scrambling to collect receipts at the last minute, taxpayers should maintain an organised record-keeping system throughout the year. It’s much easier to track expenses and income regularly than to wait until tax time. Clients can use both physical and digital tools, such as keeping paper receipts in an envelope or using apps to scan and store receipts digitally.
• Use Accounting Software: Many accounting programs are available to track income and expenses. These programs often allow clients to upload receipts directly from their smartphones or scan invoices into a system that categorises them for tax reporting purposes. Cloudbased software can help ensure that documents are readily accessible and securely stored.
• Ask for a Checklist: Accountants often provide clients with a checklist of documents required for tax filing. By getting this checklist early, clients can gather everything needed in advance and avoid last-minute stress.
• Submit Documents Early: Providing your accountant with documents ahead of time gives them ample opportunity to review everything and ask questions if needed. This early submission can help prevent lastminute issues and delays, especially if any discrepancies or missing items are found.
Providing receipts and documentation is an essential part of the Australian tax filing process. Not only do these documents allow accountants to verify income and deductions, but they also help clients avoid costly mistakes, penalties, and audits. By keeping accurate records and submitting them on time, Australian taxpayers can ensure their tax returns are complete and compliant with the ATO’s regulations. This not only makes tax time easier for both clients and accountants but also ensures that taxpayers receive all the benefits available to them under Australian tax law.
Understanding the Difference Between PAYG Withholding Tax and PAYG Instalment Tax
By Jodie Moore
In Australia, the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) system is designed to ensure that taxes are collected and paid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) throughout the financial year. There are two key components of the PAYG system: PAYG Withholding Tax and PAYG Instalment Tax. Though they both fall under the broader PAYG umbrella, they serve different purposes, apply to different entities, and are managed in different ways.
1. PAYG Withholding Tax
Definition and Purpose: PAYG
Withholding Tax is where employers, businesses, or other entities withhold tax from payments they make to employees, contractors, or other payees. The amount withheld is then forwarded to the ATO on behalf of the individual or entity receiving the payment. This ensures that
employees or contractors meet their tax obligations progressively throughout the year, rather than paying one large sum at the end.
The purpose of PAYG Withholding is to help both employees and businesses manage tax obligations more easily. For employees, this system ensures that tax is deducted directly from their wages, removing the need for them to set aside money for tax at the end of the year. For businesses, it simplifies the tax collection process, ensuring that taxes are remitted to the ATO regularly, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Who Does it
Apply To?
PAYG Withholding applies primarily to:
- Employers withholding tax from the salaries or wages of employees.
- Businesses that withhold tax from payments to contractors, particularly if they do not quote an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Entities that make certain other payments, such as to directors, or from superannuation payments.
How is PAYG Withholding Calculated?
The amount of tax withheld is based on the employee or contractor’s income level, with reference to the tax rates set by the ATO. The ATO provides withholding schedules, which businesses must use to calculate the correct amount to withhold from each payment. These schedules vary based on factors such as income level, whether the individual has provided a tax file number (TFN), and other considerations, such as any exemptions or rebates that apply.
For employees, the withholding amounts are calculated based on a progressive tax scale, with higher earners paying a higher rate of tax. If an employee claims the tax-free threshold, the employer will reduce the amount of tax withheld each pay cycle to allow for not paying tax on the first $18,200 of the employee’s salary. This puts more money in the pockets of the employee each pay cycle but runs the risk of receiving a tax debt at tax time, depending on any other income they may have earned throughout the year such as bank interest, dividends and rental income.
Reporting and Payment: Employers and businesses must report the amounts they’ve withheld to the ATO on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the business’s size and frequency of transactions. The withheld amounts are then paid to the ATO by the due date. At the end of the financial year, employees can see in their MyGov account details of how much tax has been withheld from their wages. For more on reporting, see my article next month where I look at BAS and IAS reporting.
2. PAYG Instalment Tax
Definition and Purpose: PAYG Instalment Tax refers to the system under which taxpayers (mainly businesses, individuals with significant income, and those operating as sole traders or partners in a business) pay instalments towards their anticipated tax liability for the year. These instalments are based on their income, profits, or other criteria specified by the ATO.
Rather than paying tax in one lump sum at the end of the financial year, taxpayers pay regular instalments throughout the year. These payments help ensure that the tax burden is spread across the year, easing the financial impact on the taxpayer and providing the ATO with a steady stream of income. If you are just an employee and don’t have any investments such as shares and rental income, you should find your PAYG Withholding amount covers your tax requirements, potentially resulting in a small refund depending on your deductions. However, if you own any form of investment, including receiving interest on bank savings, you will likely find yourself with a tax debt when you complete your tax return. Depending on how large that debt is will determine whether you are put onto an instalment plan.
Who Does it Apply To? PAYG Instalment Tax typically applies to:
- Businesses or individuals who earn income from sources such as selfemployment, investments, or other taxable activities.
- Taxpayers whose annual tax liability exceeds a certain threshold, as specified by the ATO.
- Taxpayers who have been notified by the ATO that they need to pay PAYG instalments based on previous tax assessments.
Generally, if a taxpayer has received an assessment of $500 or more in tax liability in the prior year, they may be required to pay PAYG instalments in the current year.
How is PAYG Instalment Tax Calculated?
The ATO calculates the instalment amount based on the taxpayer’s previous year’s income or a predetermined percentage. Taxpayers will typically receive an instalment notice from the ATO, indicating how much they need to pay, and this amount is generally due quarterly. For businesses, PAYG Instalments are calculated based on the business’s income (or the amount the business expects to earn) during the current year, with instalment amounts often adjusted for any variations in income.
The calculation of the instalments is typically an estimate of what the taxpayer will owe at the end of the financial year, helping them avoid a large tax bill when they file their tax return. If income or profits exceed expectations, additional instalments may be required.
Reporting and Payment: Businesses or individuals required to pay PAYG Instalments must report their income and pay the tax to the ATO periodically,
Special Tax Return Offer
usually quarterly. If a taxpayer’s financial situation changes during the year, they may be able to vary their instalment amount with the ATO to better match their expected final tax liability.
At the end of the financial year, taxpayers will file their tax returns, where their final tax liability is calculated. If they have overpaid through instalments, they may receive a refund; if they underpaid, they will need to pay the difference.
If you received a large tax liability in your last tax return, you may also have put yourself onto a payment plan.
If this is the case, you could find yourself paying off your payment plan as well as being put onto an Instalment plan.
Conclusion
Both PAYG Withholding Tax and PAYG Instalment Tax are essential parts of Australia’s tax system, designed to ensure taxes are paid throughout the year and reduce the burden of a large lump sum tax payment. While PAYG Withholding primarily affects employees and contractors, PAYG Instalment Tax is relevant for businesses and individuals whose income is more variable. Understanding how each works and their respective requirements can help taxpayers stay compliant and manage their financial obligations more efficiently.
Debt recovery is a necessary part of running a business, however it shouldn’t be a part of the business that costs you money.
LEGAL
By Dean Bosman
If you have terms and conditions properly in place, every step of what we do should be for fees that are recoverable from your clients and debtors.
Primarily, the best way to ensure you get paid is to have strict credit protocols in place, so that your clients understand that if your invoices or accounts are not paid within the time frames you allow, there will be a follow up. It doesn’t have to be rude or aggressive, in fact the follow up can be a tool to show your clients that you actually care about them.
Here is what we suggest is the best protocol for ensuring you get paid when you want to be paid.
1. After carrying out the work or rendering an invoice that is not immediately payable (and then paid), ensure that the invoice has a date for payment, clearly stated.
2. Immediately after the date for payment has passed, some action must be taken. We suggest a generic email from your accounting package eg Xero or MYOB to the effect that the payment has not been received, and could they contact you if payment is not going to be made in the next three days (or whatever time frame works for you). If you don’t have an accounting package, then it is a good idea to set up an email address for accounts eg. accounts@yourdomain.com. au from which you can send this generic email yourself eg We have not received your payment in the amount of $[insert amount], which was due on [insert date]. If you have made payment, please ignore this email.
3. At the end of that second time period, someone must call or attempt to call the client or debtor. Ideally it will be a bookkeeper or someone other than
the owner, and that communication should essentially be “Hi, I am from the accounts section for [Your business name] and I have a reminder from our system that your payment, which was due on [insert date], has not been received. Is there a problem with payment? Was there something wrong with our service/product?”Usually, the debtor will say something like they are sorry and they’ll get to payment at some vague time in the future eg “I’ll pay it next week.” It is very important that whomever is speaking to them pins down an actual date, by saying “So that means you will make payment by [insert date]?”. The client or debtor will realise at this point that if he confirms a date, and the payment is not made by that date, he or she will be contacted after the next date again for payment. This is often all that is needed, and payment will be made.
4. If payment is not made by the next date, that is the time that the owner or manager should call the debtor personally. That call should not be a demand for payment, but rather an enquiry as to whether something is wrong!! The point of the call becomes “I just wanted to check that everything is OK with your business? You haven’t made payment, even though our accounts people contacted you, so I thought maybe there was a problem that I could help with? The fact that you are making the call personally, and enquiring about their business rather than demanding money, will often predispose the client or debtor to make payment. It’s also an easy way to leave a message, assuming the debtor does not answer the phone. The message should say something like “Hi [client or debtor name], it’s [your name], from [your business name], I was just calling to check that everything is OK. I haven’t heard from you and payment hasn’t been made so I am concerned there
$
might be some problem. Can you let me know if everything is OK?”. Of course, put it in your own words to make it more genuine.
5. If that still elicits no response, then it may be time to take the next step. The next step is an email in which you warn that legal proceedings may follow, and that the matter may be potentially referred to your solicitor. An example email is as follows:
6. Mr/Mrs [Insert client surname]We have issued you with invoices for payment of [the products]/[the services] we have provided. We have not received payment of the amounts due under the invoices, and despite numerous attempts at contacting you to find out why, there has been no reasonable response.If you do not make payment within seven days, we will have no choice but to refer the matter to our solicitor, Mr Dean Bosman, for the commencement of legal proceedings. Please note that Mr Bosman has been cc’d to this email.
Please also note that the commencement of Court proceedings will incur and may make you liable for costs in certain circumstances. Those costs include the scale legal costs of the statement claim, together with interest, pursuant to Section 100(7) of the Magistrates Court Act 1989 (VIC) (as amended) and the rate is fixed by the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983 (as amended), and also to Section 100 of the Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW). No further warning or notice will be given. End the email with your signature.
7. The above email is all that is required to warn your client or debtor that legal proceedings may follow. If you issue this demand, we can go straight
6. to legal proceedings without the cost of a demand. The costs for issuing legal proceedings are covered by scale fees, which means that the fee we charge is fully recoverable from your client or debtor.
7. If you want to use my email address, please send a request through our contact page – we can’t put the email address here because it then attracts spam and phishing emails from bots that crawl the web. There is no fee for using this template.
Something you should note is that the older a debt is, the more difficult it is to recover, so you should have a set process in place, and follow it. The above should help you to recover debt without offending your clients. There is a six year statute of limitations which means that if your debt is older than six years, you can’t recover it, but you can for anything under six years.
If you have any questions about the above, or any questions about the legal process, please feel free to call us, there is no charge for the call. For issuing legal proceedings we charge set scale fees that are recoverable from the debtor, and we set out those fees before we commence so that you know how much it will cost, and what will happen.
Further Services Include:
Demands
A letter of demand is required to clearly state the details of the debt owed to the creditor. The demands shall notify the debtor about the debt that is due and payable. The terms for settling the debt must also be clearly outlined.
Litigation
Our lawyers will carefully explain every step of the debt recovery litigation process, from the preparation stage to court proceedings and what comes after, in order to secure your financial future.
Enforcement
After successful court proceedings, the court will issue a decree so that an enforcement action can be taken in order to recover the debt. Our team will be happy to assist you in enforcing the decree and getting the due payment.
Insolvency
Insolvency proceedings commence when the debtor has not made their payments after 21 days. Our solicitors will help you navigate this process and aid you in issuing petitions at the Court.
Statutory Demands
A statutory demand is served to the debtor when the debt is not disputed. This
is a written demand for the payment of the debt.
Security Enforcement
Provided that the court proceedings are successful, the court will then issue a decree that allows an enforcement action to be taken in order to get the due payment and recover the debt.
Advice
For large claims, it is highly recommended that an experienced solicitor advices you. Here at Mercantile Legal, we provide honest legal advice before, during, and after the proceedings since the trial can be a long, tedious, and expensive process.
Securities
Proper securities will be put in place to in order to allow the payment dispute to be decided. We will help you prepare your claim, making sure that your documents and evidence are well-presented.
Security of Payments
The Security of Payment Act is a statebased legislation that helps streamline a court judgment specifically for the building and construction industry.
Costs Assessment
A client may apply for cost assessment in which any and all information shall be clearly and succinctly set out.
DIGITAL MEDIA
By Ethan Strybosch
What if your next fundraising campaign didn’t just meet expectations—but shattered them?
If you’re aiming to boost donations, expand your reach, or build lasting donor relationships, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
These five powerful campaigns aren’t just ideas—they’re proven strategies that inspire action and deliver real, measurable results.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Empower your Supporters
Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising isn’t just a trend—it’s one of the most effective ways to organically grow your NFP’s donor base. It empowers your supporters to fundraise on your behalf as individuals reach out to friends, family and colleagues, tapping into personal networks to spread your non-for-profit’s message. 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising (Nielsen), making P2P fundraising a fantastic avenue for successful NFP campaigns. Plus, peerto-peer campaigns typically raise twice as much as traditional fundraising efforts because they reach wider audiences.
The key to success is equipping your fundraisers with the right tools, such as social media templates, email scripts, and easy-to-use donation pages, to make the process accessible and enjoyable. Recognising top fundraisers with shoutouts or small rewards can also keep motivation high.
5 Fundraising Campaigns That Actually Work
(And How to Make them Thrive)
Success Story:
“Movember’s global campaign is a great example,raising over $1 billion worldwide by turning personal stories into powerful fundraising tools. The combination of humour, personal connection,andglobalparticipation makes it one of the most effective peer-to-peer campaigns ever.”
Seasonal Giving Campaigns: Capitalise on Key Moments
Seasonal giving campaigns align with key dates like Giving Tuesday, EOFY appeals, and the holiday season are times when people are naturally more inclined to give. Giving Tuesday alone raised over $3.1 billion in the U.S. in 2022, and 30% of all annual donations happen in December, with 10% occurring in the final three days of the year. By leaning into seasonal giving campaigns, your NFP can use these giving trends to increase fundraising throughout the year.
Creating urgency through countdowns, limited-time donation matches, or highlighting specific goals can significantly boost results.
Success Story:
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaignisaseasonalstaple,raising over $100 million annually during the holidays through both physical donation kettles and online giving platforms. Its recognisable branding and community engagement make it a model for successful seasonal giving.
Social Media Campaigns: Use the Power of Storytelling
As we discussed in our January Newsletter, social media is a powerful tool for non-profits, especially when it’s used to tell compelling stories. Story-driven campaigns can humanise your NFP’s cause which in turn creates emotional connections that inspire action. Focusing on real people and authentic stories that reflect the heart of your non-forprofit’s mission engages audiences. Short, emotional videos perform extremely well on social media such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You can further engagement with your fundraising campaign by encouraging followers to share their own stories and use dedicated hashtags to spread your NFP’s reach.
Success Story:
“Charity:Water’s#WhyWatercampaign is a perfect example, using personal stories from communities impacted by clean water projects to create a global movement that has helped over 15 million people. Their simple, powerful storytelling approach turns donors into passionate advocates.”
Recurring Giving Campaigns: Build Long-Term Support
While one-time donations are important, recurring giving campaigns create a steady, reliable stream of income. Over one year, monthly donors give 42% more than one-time donors and have a retention rate of 90%, compared to 46% for one-time contributors.
Highlighting the convenience and longterm impact of monthly donations can turn casual supporters into lifelong advocates of your non-for-profit. Offering exclusive updates or behind-the-scenes content on projects occurring within your NFP helps keep these donors engaged.
Success Story:
World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program is a shining example of a successful recurring giving campaign. Donors receive regular updates, photos, and personal stories about the child they’re sponsoring, creating an emotional connection that fosters long-term support—often lasting for years.
Event-Based Fundraising: Create Memorable Experiences
Events, whether in-person or virtual, are another fantastic way to raise funds for your NFP and strengthen community ties. Fundraising events can account for up to 35% of annual donations for many organisations, including NFP’s and 84% of attendees say they’re more likely to donate after participating. The rise of virtual events has expanded reach even further, increasing participation by 30% in many cases.
Combining ticket sales with activities like raffles, auctions, or donation challenges for projects or a mission in your NFP can maximise revenue while fostering a sense of belonging among supporters.
Success Story:
The Global Citizen Festival blends entertainment with activism, attracting millions of participants worldwide. By leveraging celebrity influence, live music, and powerful advocacy messages, it drives not just donations but also policy changes and global awareness for critical causes.
Key Takeaways for Campaign Success in Your Non-for-profit
• Personal Connections Matter: Authentic, emotional stories resonate more than generic appeals.
• Urgency Drives Action: Campaigns with time-sensitive goals or donation matches perform better.
• Diversify Your Channels: Combine email, social media, events, and paid ads for maximum reach.
• Consistency Builds Trust: Regular communication with your audience keeps your cause top of mind and strengthens donor relationships over time.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Fundraising Campaign?
If you’re looking to launch campaigns that drive donations and build lasting donor relationships, we’re here to help.
Why Having a Budget is Important When Setting Up a Financial Plan
FINANCIAL PLANNER
By Warren Strybosch
When it comes to managing your finances and achieving long-term financial goals, having a clear financial plan is essential. However, creating a financial plan without a budget is like trying to navigate a new city without a map—you may get somewhere, but it will be far harder to reach your destination and more likely that you’ll get lost along the way. A budget is the foundation of any successful financial plan because it helps you manage your income, control your spending, and prioritise savings and investments.
In this article, we’ll explore why having a budget is so important when setting up a financial plan and how it can help you achieve your financial goals.
1. Provides a Clear Picture of Your Finances
A budget helps you understand exactly where your money is going each month. By tracking your income, expenses, and savings, you get a clear overview of your financial situation. This visibility is essential for making informed decisions about your spending and savings. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend or mismanage funds, as you might not be fully aware of how much money is coming in and how much is going out.
With a budget, you can see:
• Your income: How much money you earn after taxes and other deductions.
• Fixed and variable expenses: How much you spend on essentials like rent, utilities, groceries, and discretionary items like entertainment.
• Your savings rate: How much money you’re setting aside for future goals or emergency funds.
2. Helps Control Spending
A budget is a powerful tool for curbing impulse purchases and unnecessary spending. When you allocate a specific amount for different categories of your budget (such as groceries, entertainment, and transportation), you make conscious decisions about where to spend. This helps prevent overspending and ensures that your money is being directed toward the things that matter most.
By setting limits for various expense categories, you can:
• Avoid spending beyond your means.
• Keep track of your discretionary spending to ensure it doesn’t exceed your planned budget.
• Identify areas where you may be able to cut back and reallocate funds toward savings or investment goals.
3. Enables You to Prioritise Financial Goals
Having a budget is essential for setting and achieving financial goals, whether short-term (like paying off debt or saving for a vacation) or long-term (like buying a home or retirement). A budget allows you to prioritise your financial goals by directing your money toward these objectives.
For instance, if your goal is to save for an emergency fund, you can allocate a portion of your income to this fund each month. Similarly, if you’re working toward paying off high-interest debt, a budget will help you plan your debt repayments, ensuring you stay on track. A budget gives you a clear framework for how to achieve your goals and ensures you’re not sacrificing one priority for another.
4. Improves Debt Management
If you’re carrying debt, having a budget is essential for managing and paying it off efficiently. A budget helps you allocate a portion of your income specifically for debt repayments, ensuring that you avoid missing payments and accruing late fees. Additionally, it can help you determine the most efficient strategy for paying off debt, such as the debt avalanche method (paying off highinterest debt first) or the debt snowball method (paying off smaller debts first for quick wins).
By tracking your debt and repayment progress, you can:
• Stay on top of due dates and avoid penalties.
• Make informed decisions about how to allocate extra funds toward paying down debt faster.
• Create a clear path for becoming debt-free.
5. Helps Save for Emergencies and Future Needs
One of the most important aspects of any financial plan is building a safety net for emergencies, such as unexpected medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. A
budget helps you allocate a portion of your income toward building an emergency fund, ensuring that you’re prepared for unforeseen circumstances without relying on credit cards or loans.
In addition to emergencies, a budget also allows you to plan for future needs like retirement, education expenses, or major life events. By identifying areas where you can cut back on non-essential spending, you can increase the amount you set aside for long-term goals.
6. Offers Better Control Over Taxes
When you create a budget, you’ll have a clearer picture of your total income, which can help you estimate your tax liabilities. This knowledge is essential for effective tax planning. By allocating money for taxes and tracking tax deductions or credits, you can avoid surprises at tax time. A budget also helps ensure that you’re saving for tax obligations if you’re selfemployed or if your income is variable.
By monitoring your tax situation, you can:
• Set aside enough money to pay taxes throughout the year.
• Adjust your withholding or quarterly payments if needed.
• Ensure that you’re taking advantage of potential tax-saving strategies, like contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
7. Helps Track Progress and Stay on Course
A budget isn’t a one-time task—it’s a living document that needs to be regularly updated and reviewed. Having a budget
helps you track your progress toward financial goals and ensures that you’re staying on course. By reviewing your budget monthly or quarterly, you can assess whether you’re meeting your savings targets, sticking to spending limits, and making progress in debt repayment.
Regularly monitoring your budget also allows you to make adjustments if needed. If you’re overspending in one category or your income changes, you can modify your budget to reflect those changes and stay aligned with your financial goals.
8. Encourages Financial Discipline and Responsibility
A budget instils discipline and encourages a responsible approach to money management. It forces you to take an honest look at your financial situation and make intentional decisions about how you spend and save. Financial discipline is key to achieving long-term financial security and having a budget helps develop the habits necessary to build wealth over time.
A budget is the cornerstone of any sound financial plan. It helps you understand your financial situation, control your spending, prioritise your goals, and prepare for the future. By creating and sticking to a budget, you ensure that your money is working for you and that you’re on track to achieve both your short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, paying down debt, or planning for retirement, a budget is the tool that makes all of it possible.
Warren Strybosch
1300 88 38 30 |warren@findwealth.com.au www.findwealth.com.au
Warren Strybosch Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant
Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth & Find Retirement.
FindWealthisaCorporateAuthorisedRepresentative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221).Part of the Centrepoint Alliancegroup 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.
Manningham
Inspired Living Series coming to Manningham
The Inspired Living Series kicks off in March with something for everyone across a diverse range of activities and events focusing on sustainable living.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange is excited about the range of activities and events offered throughout the year.
“From toy and clothing swaps, webinars on solar and batteries, growing vegetables and much more, I encourage everyone to register and get involved. These activities and events are for free (registration is essential). It’s a great opportunity to discover new ways to help our local environment and make positive lifestyle choices.
Date
Thursday 14 March
Thursday 23 May
Thursday 25 July
Thursday 12 September
Thursday 14 November
Topic
“The keynote speaker events are a highlight of the Series. We have a fantastic line up of five local and international speakers sharing their knowledge and stories on sustainability.
“It will be fantastic to hear about their personal sustainability journeys and practical tips to help make a difference at home and in our community,” Cr Lange said.
The Inspired Living Series supports community efforts towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035 as stated in Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan.
This One Wild and Precious Life
Manningham’s Weather and Changing Climate
Sustainable Building Design and Tiny Homes
Permaculture and Waterwise Gardens
National Recycling Week: Sustainable Fashion in a Circular Economy
Keynote speakers
Sarah Wilson
Nate Byrne, Professor David Karoly and Greg Moore
Jesse Glascott and Elle Paton
Hannah Maloney
Nina Gbor and the panel
Council
Super Summer clean in March
March is now the perfect time to declutter our homes and clean up our parks with our Waste Drop Off Day and National Clean Up Australia Day events being held on the first weekend in March.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange is looking forward to participating and help keep Manningham clean and tidy.
“Its great to have these events available. The Waste Drop Off Day on Saturday 2 March is an opportunity to dispose of a range of materials that cannot be placed into household bins (bookings essential).
“National Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 3 March is a chance for all of us to make a difference to the health of our outdoor spaces. This year’s event will be held on the banks of the Yarra River in Warrandyte. Come along, join in and enjoy a free barbeque lunch afterwards.
“We also have a third event, Detox Your Home on Saturday 16 March where toxic household chemicals such as cleaning products, pool chemicals and pesticides can be safely disposed of (bookings essential).
“By taking part in these events, we are helping to keep our home environment and precious green spaces safe and healthy now and into the future,” Cr Lange said.
These events support community efforts towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035 as stated in Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan.
Register for Saturday 2 March, Waste Drop Off Day
Register for Sunday 3 March, Clean Up Australia Day
Register for Saturday 16 March, Detox Your Home
Manningham calls on Federal Government to advocate for North East Link project concerns
Manningham Council is calling on the Federal Government to advocate to the State Government to install filters within the Southern Portal Ventilation Stack to monitor air quality at the entrance of the North East Link tunnels on Bulleen Road. This request for Federal Government advocacy was endorsed by Council at its February Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 February.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said Council has repeatedly expressed concerns about the lack of transparency about the need for filters and potential environmental issues the community could be exposed to.
“At Manningham, we have been advocating for filters to be installed within the ventilation stack on Bulleen Road since 2019, through the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) Hearings,” Cr Diamante said.
“While North East Link propose that air quality will be much improved around the ventilation stack, we are concerned and continuing to advocate that filters are installed in case their modelling is not correct.
The filter is meant to stop pollution before it happens instead of waiting until pollution is a problem that then needs to be dealt with.”
North East Link have released data stating that the air quality along Bulleen Road will improve as trucks are diverted off residential streets and onto North East Link, however, Council would like precautions in place now and not at the onset of an environmental issue.
Should filters not be installed, Council is seeking greater transparency for the Manningham community on what the triggers are for filters being required.
“If the filters are not installed, we want greater transparency around when filters will be installed and also that there is regular monitoring and reporting of the air quality within the area,” Cr Diamante said.
Council continues to work closely with North East Link Project and advocated for the interests of our community throughout the project.
Manningham Council is also asking the Federal Government for its support on an improved Transit Oriented Development with the redevelopment of the Doncaster Park and Ride facility, and improved access and transparency to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality data reports.
For more information, visit manningham. vic.gov.au/advocacy
Reduced housing targets a win for Manningham, but questions remain
Manningham’s housing growth projections have been reduced by more than 25 per cent, following the State Government’s decision to scale back its proposed targets.
The revised housing target for Manningham is 28,500 new dwellings by 2051, down 10,500 from the proposed figure released in June 2024.
However, the target is still significantly higher than what Council had been planning for (8,000 dwellings by 2036), increasing Manningham’s existing housing stock by more than 50 per cent.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “While the reduced target is positive, we’re still concerned about the impact this will have on Manningham’s character and liveability, particularly without detailed information and meaningful consultation.”
“We’re eager to better understand the thinking and data behind the targets, as well as how the state and federal governments will support the market to provide this additional housing.
“We’ve raised concerns about how the necessary infrastructure and community services will be funded to support these housing targets.
“Our ongoing efforts to engage with the state government, specifically on our draft target number, have been met with silence.
“The state’s decisions have progressed without transparent consultation and adequate consideration of their potential impact, and we have no visibility of how the targets will be enacted,” Cr Diamante said.
In mid-2024 Council undertook extensive community consultation on both its Residential Discussion Paper and Activity Centre Design Concepts.
“We understand the need for housing development in Manningham and are reviewing our Residential Strategy in response to this need with input from our local community.”
The initial phases of engagement aimed to help Council better understand the community’s needs and aspirations for the future of housing and managing growth in Manningham.
As part of the Residential Discussion Paper consultation, more than 70 per cent of respondents said the ‘look and feel of their suburb’ was their main reason for living there.
The community expressed similar values and preferences in their feedback on the Activity Centre Design Concepts. Around half of the survey participants urged the importance of protecting areas in Manningham’s green wedge from development because of the sensitive environment, valued character and amenity, and lack of public transport.
These community’s insights are now helping inform the preparation of the draft Manningham Residential Strategy and draft Activity Centre Design Guidelines, which will both open for community consultation later this year and will now also consider the final housing target.
“Planning needs to ensure that the housing delivered is diverse and provides for a range of incomes, lifestyles and life stages. It should also consider the impact on core infrastructure, the environment, public transport, traffic and more,” Cr Diamante said.
“We’re committed to ensuring that our community’s values are reflected in the plans for Manningham’s housing future, while aligning with the state’s requirements.”
Planning for the provision of infrastructure and community services is a joint responsibility of both levels of government, with each level of government responsible for different infrastructure and community services.
“Like many councils, Manningham also faces significant challenges to long-term financial sustainability due to cost shifting by the state government, rate capping, rising costs, increasing population and rising community expectations.
“To address this, we need to engage with and seek support from other government levels to find sustainable solutions. Rate capping and funding gaps hinder our ability to meet increasing demands and provide essential services and infrastructure.
“We’ve reached out to the state government with the goal of collaborative understanding and planning as we plan ahead for housing in Manningham. “We want to achieve best outcomes for our community and will await their response with anticipation,” the Mayor added.
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee open for expression of interest
Young people who live, work, study, and play in Manningham are invited to express their interest in joining Manningham’s Youth Advisory Committee.
Expressions of interest open on Wednesday 26 February 2025, with appointments available for a one-year term.
Manningham Mayor Councillor Deirdre Diamante encourages young people in Manningham to help shape Council’s knowledge and contribute to the decision-making process.
“Young people are the future of Manningham, and we want to ensure they have a voice in shaping their community,” Cr Diamante said.
“Manningham’s Youth Advisory Committee is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, influence Council decisions, and make a real impact.”
Now moving into its second term, the Manningham Youth Advisory Committee has been restructured, following a Council decision in February this year.
The age of membership has been lowered to 15 years old with young people between 15 and 25 years now eligible to apply.
The size of the committee has also been expanded from 15 to 20 members, to allow for more representatives of Manningham Youth Services, and one representative from each of Manningham’s secondary schools.
“We’re ensuring that more young people can contribute their ideas. With representatives from each secondary school and more opportunities to be involved, this committee is a stronger, more representative platform for youth leadership in Manningham.” Cr Diamante said.
Former committee member Niosha Khademideljou said it is important for young people to get involved and share their perspectives.
“There isn’t enough input from youth in our community, and so this committee creates a safe space for youth to give their voice, which is very valuable,” Niosha said.
“I contributed to discussions around the opening of Manningham’s new youth hub. I also participated in the principals’ breakfast where I had the opportunity to learn from industry and community leaders.”
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee is an opportunity for young people in the community to gain valuable experience in leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration.
Expressions of interest close on Wednesday 19 March 2025. To express your interest in the Manningham Youth Advisory Committee, visit manningham. vic.gov.au/make-your-mark
Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee open for expressions of interest
Manningham residents with a current or previous involvement in sport or recreation are invited to express their interest in joining Manningham’s Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee.
This may be through a local sporting club or recreation group, as an individual athlete, or simply a keen walker or bike rider.
Expressions of interest open on Wednesday 26 February 2025, with appointments serving a two-year term. Manningham Mayor Councillor Deirdre Diamante encourages the local sporting and recreation community to lend their expertise.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate community members to help get Manningham moving,” Cr Diamante said.
“Council values the insights and experience of this committee in tackling
the emerging recreation and sport issues for our community.”
The Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee provides a platform for locals to share ideas and influence key decisions.
Throughout 2024 the committee provided Council with valuable feedback on issues like volunteering, feedback on sports reserve Master Plans and on campaigns like This Girl Can.
Former committee member Jonathan Ng, Senior Lecturer (Physical Education) at Victoria University, said it’s important for the community to get involved.
“Sharing experiences from community members will allow the Council to appreciate the systems’ strengths and weaknesses and make informed decisions about realising Manningham’s health and wellbeing strategy’s vision and goals.” Jonathan said.
“As a member of the committee, I was pleased to be able to share contemporary research and make suggestions for Manningham.”
To get involved with the Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee, express your interest on our website by Wednesday 19 March 2025, visit manningham.vic.gov. au/make-your-mark.
