Find Maroondah 2024 April Edition

COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS

FOUNDER | ACCOUNTANT

WARREN STRYBOSCH

LACTATION CONSULTANT JOANNA STRYBOSCH

LIFE COACH | FACILITATOR

LESLEY-ANNE BANTON

GENERAL INSURANCE CRAIG ANDERSON

MORTGAGE BROKER

REECE DROSCHER

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MARK FELTON

FINANCIAL PLANNING ERRYN LANGLEY

DIGITAL MARKETING MARKETING CONSULTANT

BOOKKEEPING

ETHAN STRYBOSCH

COPYWRITER / ACRREDITED EDITOR

Are you our next Copywriter? ?

JODIE MOORE

Are you our next Life Coach? ?

HEATHERDALE COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP NATURE & CONSERVATION

LIZ SANZARO

ELWYNNE KIFT

LEGAL DEAN BOSMAN

BOOKKEEPING

Are you our next Bookkeeper? ?

NATUROPATH

KATHRYN MESSENGER

CLUB SPONSORS

About the Find Maroondah

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Maroondah is a community paper that aims to support all things Maroondah. 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 Maroondah 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:

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

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

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

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

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

We value your support,

The Find Maroondah Team.

Maroondah The

Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 editor@findmaroondah.com.au

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POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

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OUR NEWSPAPER

The Find Maroondah was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with a core focus of helping other Not-For-Profits, 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 Maroondah has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

ALL THINGS MAROONDAH

The City of Maroondah is a local government area in Victoria, Australia in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Maroondah had a population of approximately 118,000 as at the 2019 Report which includes 9000 business and close to 46,000 households. The City of Maroondah was created through the amalgation the former Cities of Ringwood and Croydon in December 1994.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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

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May 2, 2024. Advertising and Editorial copy closes Thursday April 25, 2024.

By Mary Barnes

Anzac Day stands as a solemn tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACS). Observed annually on April 25th, this day holds profound significance as it commemorates the service and sacrifice of those who fought and died for their countries, particularly during World War I. At the heart of Anzac Day lies the poignant phrase, “Lest We Forget,” serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the ANZACS.

Anzac Day traces its origins to the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, where ANZAC forces made their mark on history with their courage and resilience amidst unimaginable hardships. Despite facing formidable challenges, including harsh terrain and determined enemy opposition, the ANZACS demonstrated unparalleled bravery, forging an indelible legacy that continues to resonate a century later.

While Gallipoli remains a defining moment in ANZAC history, the contributions of these brave men and women extended far beyond the shores of Turkey. From the trenches of the Western Front to the deserts of the Middle East, the ANZACS fought with distinction in battles that tested their mettle and resolve. Their selflessness and sacrifice are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Australian and New Zealand identities.

Lest We Forget: The phrase “Lest We Forget” serves as a solemn vow to remember and honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS,

ensuring that their memory endures for generations to come. It reminds us of the human cost of war and the importance of cherishing the freedoms we enjoy today—freedoms that were secured through the ultimate sacrifice of so many.

Each year, on April 25th, Australians and New Zealanders gather in solemn remembrance to pay tribute to the ANZACS. From dawn services to marches and memorial ceremonies, the day is marked by a sense of reverence and gratitude for those who served. Through these acts of commemoration,

we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the memory of the ANZACS and the values for which they fought

Anzac Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZACS in service of their countries. Through the phrase “Lest We Forget,” we honour their memory and pledge to uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and mateship for which they stood. As we reflect on their legacy, let us ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten, and that their spirit continues to inspire future generations to strive for peace and unity.

EMPLOYERS FINED MORE THAN $16 MILLION FOR SAFETY BREACHES IN 2024

By Mark Felton OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

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.

Hundreds of construction workers suffered workplace harm last year after falling from height on the job. In late February 2024 WorkSafe launched a statewide blitz to tackle fall risks such as unsafe or incomplete scaffolds, inappropriate ladder use, steps, stairs and voids or falling from or through roofs on building sites across Victoria.

Tragically, nine Victorian workers died in 2023 as a result of a fall from height, including four in the construction industry. The number of accepted claims from construction workers injured in falls from heights increased to 441, up from 421 in 2022, and 404 the year before.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said inspectors would be out in force with an extra emphasis on ensuring employers are doing everything they can to prevent falls. "As a leading cause of injury in the construction industry, falls from height is always a priority for our inspectors – but they will be making this a particular focus as they visit building sites over the coming weeks," Dr Beer said.

"The safest way to prevent falls is to work on the ground. Where that's not possible, employers should use the highest level of safety protection possible, such as complete scaffolding, guard railing and void covers."

Construction continues to be the highest-risk industry for falls from heights, making up a third of the 1,352 total falls from height claims accepted last year. Of the construction workers injured, 160 fell from ladders, 46 from steps and stairways, 31 from buildings or structures, 27 from scaffolding, and 13 from openings in floors, walls or ceilings.

Dr Beer said WorkSafe can and will take action against employers who fail to ensure the highest level of risk control measures are in place to protect workers from falls. "A fall can happen in just seconds and it can turn your world upside down – so there's no excuse for taking shortcuts when working at heights."

The statewide blitz will be supported by falls prevention messaging across social media, newsletters and online, reminding employers and workers that falls can be fatal or cause life changing injuries.

To prevent falls from height WorkSafe Victoria suggests that employers implement the highest possible 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

As a business owner, are you confident that you do not have shortfalls 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, Mark Felton, at Beaumont Advisory on 0411 951 372 or mfelton@beaumontlawyers.com. au for an obligation and cost-free initial discussion.

IS YOUR LOW FIXED RATE ABOUT TO EXPIRE? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MINIMISE THE FINANCIAL IMPACT?

By Reece Droscher MORTGAGE BROKERING

In the current economic climate Mortgage Brokers are spending a lot of time engaged with their existing clients, discussing what will happen when the current fixed rate on their Home Loan

expires. When rates were at their lowest a lot of borrowers, quite smartly, took advantage of this and locked in their rate for anywhere between 1 and 5 years. Most took a fixed rate of 2-3 years at rates as low as 1.79%. As all good things must come to an end, some of these fixed rate contracts will be coming up to their expiry dates, and some borrowers could

see their mortgage rates increase by almost 5% when their fixed rate expires.

If you are in this situation there is one important thing you should do to plan for this eventuality and to try and mitigate, as much as possible, the inevitable impact on your cashflow that you will be about to experience.

It is vitally important to get a real understanding of your options, and discussing your situation with a mortgage broker will be the best course of action to ensuring you get the best deal and minimise the financial impact of a significant increase to your interest rate. We can talk to your current lender to see what they can offer as an incentive to remain with them, or see what else is available in the market that may be a better option and more suitable to your current requirements.

A potential new lender may also be negotiable on the interest rate to ensure they win your business. Your mortgage broker is in the perfect position to help with these negotiations by presenting a case to the lenders, then seeing who is offering the most suitable deal.

Mortgage Brokers can also negotiate with your current lender if you provide them permission to do so, without the

need for you to refinance your loan. I have personally re-negotiated rates for new clients who were placed on the standard variable rate by their current lender once their fixed rate expired. We managed to negotiate a significant discount on the variable rate to ensure they retained the business. It costs Banks more money to attract a new client than to keep their existing customers, so they are being a lot more aggressive, using their business retention teams to offer existing clients better deals.

It is also important to note that a mortgage broker is required to act in the best interest of their client, which is not a requirement of the Banks or other lenders When you engage a broker to review your loan we are required to provide our clients with the most suitable option to meet their needs, even if the best option is for the client to remain with their current lender and the broker receives no remuneration by

recommending this option. This ensures that you are receiving the best advice available at the time of the review.

Every client’s requirements are different, and dealing with a Mortgage Broker will provide you with a much wider range of options than just dealing with your current lender. At SHL Finance we are helping our clients save thousands by reviewing their loans and ensuring they are getting the best deal to meet their needs. We would love the opportunity to help you too. Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 to arrange a review.

Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 to book in a review and discuss your options. reece@shlfinance.com.au www.shlfinance.com.au

Why CCS is asking for a review of a State Environmental Law.

By Liz Sanzaro

Recently we have focussed on the disastrous issue of trees being removed illegally from the area. We know for a fact, that some people poison trees a year or so before they decide to sell to a developer, as the unencumbered block is easier for the developer, who benefits from starting with a moon scape.

Even if the developer purchases a treed block the fine for removing trees is maximum $2,000 per tree, which they pay to Council and add that into the final cost, making the new owners who move in pay for that, it is just the cost of doing business.

It is very evident that the cleared block in this photo probably had some trees of similar size to those on adjacent properties. Also looking at the left of this block, where there are now 3 units, it is clear that there is no room for sizable tree replacement. Off set planting, where the Council allows money to be exchanged so that the tree can be replanted in parks or street tree planting will not help improve the life of residents who buy into these new units.

Sadly, as we face climate change and severe weather into the future this behaviour has an impact on us all.

Heat sinks are created, which is where hard building materials like concrete,

brick and black roofs as well as roads and footpaths absorb heat during the day then radiate it back at night, never giving our environment a chance to cool down, so our trees are not just beautiful, and habitat for birds, but now essential for our own human survival. CCS believes like first Nations people, that we do not “own” our environment, we simply live with it and appreciate it and care for it for the next generation. Our well being is very dependent on sufficient tree cover in our living environment.

This past year in 2023, CCS has been sending out messages to 7 Climate Change Alliances across Victoria, each of these alliances encompasses a considerable number of Council areas, for example EAGA covers, Booroondara, Glen Eira, Knox, Maroondah, Stonington, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges. EAGA stands for Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action.

Below is just one example of the 12 messages we have sent in the last 24 months.

Let’s look at creative solutions to habitat destruction.

Yes this is how the birds think we should live. Interesting perspective!

Ignorant people often remove trees that they think might be dangerous. They might appear to be old or have recently dropped limbs. Often, they do this illegally, since it is very easy to get a tree lopper to agree that the tree is dangerous, this means exemption from a permit application.

These old mature trees are habitat for our wildlife, who need nesting hollows, to breed. We are at grave risk of losing not only vegetation and trees but whole species from our suburban biodiversity.

Birds are smarter than we give them credit for.

We are counting on you as our representative to ensure the State mandates a fine large enough to be a deterrent, and that Councils can enforce on those who illegally remove trees.

Lets put an end to the talk. Start again with enthusiasm, to devise a method of fines that is workable and transparent, to protect our mature urban trees.

Created by CCS and signed by 28 environmentally concious groups and 7 climate action groups Council across the State of Victoria.

Liz Sanzaro

NATURE & CONSERVATION

A SPORT FOR ALL AGES

The perception has been for a long time that lawn bowls is a sport for‘older’people.

Let’s blow that perception sky high. It is a sport for people of ALL ages – young, old, male, female – no matter what age category you fit into, lawn bowls is a sport that has its doors open for you to walk through.

Lawn Bowls is a sport that takes you outdoors 52 weeks of the year and it also provides great exercise with plenty of walking on offer. It’s the perfect combination – playing outdoors in the fresh air and plenty of exercise.

And there is another important ingredient to playing lawn bowls – you get to mix with other people. Make new friends whilst enjoying a game of bowls. That is on offer to people of all

ages – why sit at home on your own when you can be meeting new people and developing new friendships.

Call into your nearest Bowls Club and find out how you can become a member. Most people start out as social members and then progress via coaching to playing lawn bowls at a higher level.

During summer many bowls clubs run ‘barefoot bowls’ – this is potentially another starting point to your lawn bowls career. And it’s another way for people of all ages to ‘have a go’. Why not get a group together, call your local bowls club, find out when you can play and book in.

Many people think it’s just a case of rolling the bowl from one end of the green to the other

It’s a lot more complex than that. There is a high level of skill associated with lawn bowls and with the support of an authorised coach you will soon find out what is required to elevate you from playing social bowls to playing pennant bowls or competing in tournaments held at bowls clubs around Australia.

It doesn’t matter how old you are once you get started you will want to get better and better at it and test out your bowling expertise against other bowlers. The decision to take up lawn bowls rests with you. Don’t just think about it – do something about it.

No matter what Bowls Club you contact you will be welcomed and provided with every opportunity for lawn bowls to become your number one active sport – NO MATTER YOUR AGE.

Carrying forward the unused concessional contribution cap

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Does a person need to fully use their current year’s concessional contribution cap before they can access their unused concessional contribution cap from earlier financial year?

For the 2023-24 financial year, the unused concessional contribution cap can be carried forward when a person had a total superannuation balance on 30 June 2023 of less than $500,000.

Then, once they have fully used their 2023-24 concessional contribution cap of $27,500, they are able to carry forward their unused cap, starting with any unused cap from 2018-19.

This can be a very useful strategy to reduce tax in the current year for people able to maximise their salary sacrifice contributions, or to make personal tax deductible contributions.

The unused cap can be carried forward for a period of up to five years.

Therefore, from 1 July 2024, any unused cap remaining from 2018-19 will no longer be available.

However, from 1 July 2024, even though any unused cap from 2018-19 will drop off, the maximum concessional contributions available to a person who has not made any concessional contributions since 1 July 2019 will be:

Cautionary notes:

1. Reportable superannuation contributions are added back for the purpose of determining liability to pay Division 293 tax. When maximising concessional contributions, it is important to consider if all, or a part of the contributions will be subject to the additional 15% Division 293 tax.

2. If aged between 67 and 75, a contributor will need to have met the work test (or be eligible for the work test exemption) in the current financial year to be able to claim a tax deduction for their personal superannuation contributions.

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.

Changes to phase 3 tax cuts accepted in parliament.

On 27 February 2024 the Albanese government’s proposed changes to the previously legislated stage 3 tax cuts passed both Houses of Parliament. The Bill received Royal Assent on 5 March 2024.

As a result, the tax rates that will apply to Australian resident taxpayers from 1 July 2024 are:

Being able to carry forward the unused concessional contribution cap can be very useful for, amongst other things, people wishing to manage a capital gains tax liability following the disposal of assets such as an investment property.

The changes will result in a tax cut for all Australians with a taxable income exceeding $22,575 however, for higher income earners (those with taxable income of more than ~$146,000), the tax cuts will be less than originally legislated.

Google Reviews

DIGITAL MEDIA

By Ethan Strybosch

In today’s digital landscape, the influence of online reviews on businesses cannot be overstated. Among the plethora of review platforms available, Google Reviews stand out as a crucial factor in shaping a company’s online reputation. Positive Google Reviews not only boost visibility but also foster trust among potential customers. The significance of Positive Google Reviews lies in several key aspects.

Firstly, they play a pivotal role in enhancing visibility and credibility for a business. Google’s algorithm prioritises businesses with higher ratings, making them more likely to appear in local search queries. Positive reviews contribute significantly to a company’s credibility, establishing trust among prospective customers.

In the modern consumer landscape, online reviews heavily influence purchasing decisions. Studies have shown that a staggering 93% of consumers rely on Google Reviews to assess the quality of a business, and 72% won’t take action until they’ve read reviews. Positive Google Reviews serve as social proof, reassuring potential customers

that they are making a sound choice by opting for a particular product or service.

Positive Google Reviews also provide a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. A higher star rating and positive testimonials can be the differentiating factor that influences a customer to choose one business over another.

One effective approach for gaining Google reviews is implementing automated review requests. Utilising automated systems to request reviews can streamline the process. After a customer completes a purchase or service, an automated email or text message can be sent, politely requesting feedback. This ensures that satisfied customers are prompted to leave a review without significant effort on their part.

Another strategy involves incentivising positive reviews. While it’s crucial to remain ethical and compliant with review platform policies, offering small incentives can motivate customers to share their positive experiences. Consider providing discounts, loyalty points, or exclusive access to promotions as tokens of appreciation for leaving a positive review.

Timing and personalisation also play crucial roles in soliciting positive reviews. It’s essential to send review requests when the positive experience is fresh in the customer’s mind. Personalising the request by addressing the customer by name and referencing specific details of their interaction with the business demonstrates that their feedback is valued.

Lastly, actively engaging with existing reviews, both positive and negative, can further enhance a business’s reputation. Responding to reviews, expressing gratitude for positive feedback, and addressing concerns in a constructive manner not only demonstrate excellent customer service but also encourage others to leave reviews.

Ethan Strybosch

The other kind of Liver Disease

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is on the rise and is caused by poor dietary choices. But just like anything that is caused by a poor diet, it can be improved with a good one. If you would like to know more about Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), see my article from last month, but for NAFLD, read on.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Unlike AFLD, NAFLD isn't primarily linked to alcohol consumption. Instead, it results from factors such as poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, and insulin resistance. The liver, faced with an influx of refined sugars and unhealthy fats, undergoes a process where excess glucose is converted into fat, leading to the accumulation observed in NAFLD.

Diagnosis

NAFLD is diagnosed the same as AFLD, by a blood test, and if you’re someone who doesn’t drink much, the elevated liver enzymes will be determined as nonalcoholic liver disease. However, there are signs and symptoms that give us some good clues on the health of your liver.

Firstly, waist to hip ratio. If the measurement around your waist is larger than that of your hips, it’s likely that fat has accumulated around your digestive organs. This places stress on both your liver and your pancreas, two organs that

work closely together in metabolism. If you need help with how to lose this weight around your abdominal organs, I have a 6 week Nutritional weight loss course that can help you here.

Other signs of poor liver function include poor recovery after drinking, an energy slump in the early afternoon, and a host of other conditions such as headaches and dry skin.

Fatty liver and fatigue

Because the liver is involved in metabolism (how your body uses and stores energy from food), it’s not a surprise that poor liver function can have you feeling exhausted. You may find that your energy is particularly bad after eating processed food compared to when you eat wholefoods. By following the dietary ideas below, your energy levels will start to improve.

How to improve liver function

It makes sense that if this disease was caused by too much sugar, white flour products, and deep-fried foods, that reducing or eliminating these would be a great place to start.

Some foods that are good for your liver include:

- Leafy green vegetables: spinach, kale, roquette, cabbage, broccoli.

- Healthy fats: oily fish, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds

- Protein: Unprocessed meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts & seeds.

- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, wholegrain bread and crackers.

Once you have fatty liver disease, you will need to make long term changes to your diet. The good news is that the foods that will help you to heal are foods you should be eating anyway for optimal health. It can be a long road, but there are many natural medicines to help repair the liver. I see such good results in my clinic with people’s energy levels in a short time after taking liver herbs, and there are some great herbal and nutritional products to improve metabolism and turn this disease around.

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

Suite 1 53/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd

Mountain Gate Shopping Centre

Ferntree Gully, Victoria

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

Indexation of contribution caps

FINANCIAL

PLANNER

By Erryn Langley

As expected, the concessional contribution cap will be indexed by $2,500 and will increase to $30,000 from 1 July 2024.

The non-concessional contribution cap will also increase to $120,000, and to $360,000 under the three-year bring forward arrangement.

The increase in the non-concessional contribution cap will also see a small change in the total super balance cut-off thresholds for the three-year bring forward cap when triggered on or after 1 July 2024.

2023-24 financial year

2024-25 financial year

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.

Thisinformationhasbeenprovidedasgeneraladvice.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.

Where the three-year bring forward was triggered in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, indexation of the non-concessional contribution cap will not apply until the end of the current three-year period.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatoryrequirementsandlawsatthepublicationdate. 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.

Bookkeeping – Back to Basics Cash flow Statement

BOOKKEEPING

By Jodie Moore

So far, we have looked at a Trial Balance, Profit and Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet. The final report commonly prepared for use by management and other stakeholders is the Statement of Cash Flow or Cash Flow Statement.

The Cash Flow Statement looks at how money comes into and out of your business, and where there is the biggest activity both incoming and outgoing. It can show you what areas of your business are making you the most money, where you are losing money and why. This comes in handy when your Profit and Loss report says you have made a profit, but you have no money in the bank account.

There are three types of cash flow –Operating Activities – This includes the

income producing activities and their associated expenses.

Investing Activities – the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets.

Financing Activities – Capital contributed by the owner and from loans, and dividends paid and repayment of loans.

According to these three categories, money coming into your business is either from revenue from sales or services (Operations), sale of non-current assets (Investing), and money from loans (Financing). This means that you really want the majority of your money to come in through the Operations group. Money coming solely from the sale of noncurrent assets is finite, you only have so much to sell. And money coming solely from loans is also not a long term plan, lenders will very quickly stop lending to you and you’ll need to pay it back anyway. A Cash Flow Statement will show this so you can then make any necessary changes to your business to rectify it.

For money going out of your business, you need to ensure enough is being spent as expenses to maintain the money coming in through operations. In other words, if you sell product, you need to ensure you have enough money to spend on inventory, otherwise you will run out of stock and your Operations money coming in will dry up. You also need to be covering other day-to-day expenses such as rent and electricity as that will also influence being able to bring in Operations money. For the longevity of your business though, you also want to be investing in noncurrent assets (Investing) and paying down debt (Financial) but only after you have your Operations sorted.

By understanding all four financial reports and adapting and adjusting based on the results, your business has the best chance of success. Without this understanding you will be like trying to sail around the world without understanding how to use a compass or the stars to guide you.

2024 TAX UPDATES

R&D tax incentive claims - ATO flags questionable arrangements

The ATO has released 2 taxpayer alerts flagging incorrect R&D tax offset claims where expenditure is incurred by associated entities or activities are conducted overseas for foreign related entities.Taxpayer Alerts TA 2023/4 and TA 2023/5 warn taxpayers about using such arrangements and how they might be subjected to increased scrutiny and possible penalties.

The ATO is currently reviewing claims made by R&D entities under the R&D tax incentive for expenditure incurred using the arrangements specified in these taxpayer alerts.

The ATO has urged entities that have entered, or are contemplating entering, into arrangements of concern to promptly engage with them.

Announcement(14-Dec-2023)

Consultation period

Released(14-Dec-2023)

Changes proposed for DGR status and charitable giving rules

The Federal Government released a draft report that proposes policy reforms to incentivise philanthropy and increase outcomes for donors, charities and taxpayers.

Several reforms to the administration and oversight of organisations with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status also came into effect on 1 January 2024.

The proposed and enacted reforms aim to facilitate firm foundations for the future of philanthropy, enabling greater donor choice and ensuring that regulation continues to support trust and confidence in charities.

The areas of focus include, but are not limited to, the tax deductibility of donations, regulatory framework and public information on charities and giving.

Announced: 21-Dec-2023

Updated: 16-Jan-2024

Tax deductions to be denied for interest charged by the ATO

After 1 July 2025, a proposed amendment to the tax law will mean that deductions will be denied for ATO interest charges, specifically the general interest charge (GIC) and shortfall interest charge (SIC).

GIC is incurred when tax debts have not been paid on time and SIC is incurred when a tax liability has been incorrectly self-assessed and resulted in a shortfall of tax paid.

Both GIC and SIC are currently tax-deductible for all entities. Removing the deduction is intended to encourage entities to correctly self-assess their tax liabilities and pay on time.

The ATO also imposes a late payment interest, which is not tax-deductible and excluded for the purposes of this measure.

Announced: 21-Dec-2023

Updated: 23-Jan-2024

Electric vehicle home charging expenses – guidance finalised

The ATO has finalised the practical compliance guideline which will assist taxpayers with calculating electricity costs relating to charging electric vehicles at home. In response to the surge in use of electric vehicles in Australia, provision of electric vehicles to employees or associates was recently made exempt from FBT (conditions applied)

From 1 April 2022 and 1 July 2022 for FBT and income tax purposes respectively, a cents per kilometer rate of 4.20 cents can be used to calculate electricity costs of charging an electric vehicle at residential premises. This guideline does not apply to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles which have internal combustion engines or are not considered low-emission vehicles.

This guideline also does not apply to electric motorcycles and electric scooters.

Announcement(31-Mar-2023)

Consultation period

Released(1-Feb-2024)

2024 TAX UPDATES

Incentivising pensioners back into the workforce – updates

Pensioners and those on Veterans' entitlements will be enticed back into the workforce with an increase to their work bonus concession balance. This measure is being supplemented with an increase to the time limit for the suspension of pension entitlement from 12 weeks to 2 years. This means if a pensioner earns too much income over a period of time, their pension will be suspended instead of cancelled.

Effective from 1 January 2024, all pensioners over pension age and eligible Veterans now have a maximum work bonus balance limit of $11,800 up from $7,800 and all new age pension recipients have a maximum work bonus income balance of $4,000 (previously nil). Also effective from 1 July 2024, employment income nil rate will be doubled to 24 weeks (previously 12 weeks) for income support recipients.

Guidance finalised for depreciation of composite items

The ATO has finalised guidance on whether an asset that is made up of a number of components (a composite item) is itself a depreciating asset, or whether one or more of its components are separate depreciating assets.

The Taxation Ruling TR 2024/1 provides the Commissioner’s view on identifying the relevant depreciating asset and hence its effective life and depreciation rate for the purposes of Div 40 of ITAA 1997.

Guiding principles have also been provided to help ascertain the level of “interest in the underlying asset” and apply the decline in value provisions for the purposes of s 40-35.

This Ruling does not address Div 43, which provides deductions for certain capital works expenditure.

FBT record-keeping simplification - upcoming changes

The Commissioner of Taxation now has the power to allow companies to reduce their FBT compliance costs by utilising other corporate tax records.

This measure reduces the complexity of FBT compliance obligations as employers can rely on other substantiation documents to finalise FBT returns.

Employers may still choose to use approved forms such as employee declarations and the prescribed forms detailing the fringe benefits provided to employees and associates if they wish. In some instances, it may benefit an employer to continue using standard FBT measures.

The effective start date for the change will be 1 April 2024 (commencement date of the 2025 FBT year).

Revised stage 3 tax cuts now law

The Labor government announced changes to personal tax rates that will provide a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer commencing from 1 July 2024.

Changing the original course of action, as announced by the previous Coalition government, the new tax changes aim to focus on the low and middle income earners and provide cost-of-living relief.

The Medicare levy low-income thresholds for 2023-24 have also been increased, reducing or eliminating the amount of Medicare levy paid by Australians on lower incomes.

The bills amending income tax rate thresholds, tax rates for individuals and Medicare levy low-income thresholds, have now received Parliamentary approval to become law.

Announced: 25-Oct-2022

Updated: 6-Feb-2024

Announcement(3-Oct-2023)

Consultation period

Released(31-Jan-2024)4

Announcement(9-Sep-2022)

Consultation(9-Sep-2022)

Introduced(23-Nov-2022)

Passed(21-Jun-2023)

Royal Assent(23-Jun-2023)

Date of effect(1-Apr-2024)

Announcement(25-Jan-2024)

Consultation(6-Feb-2024)

Introduced(6-Feb-2024)

Passed(27-Feb-2024)

Royal Assent(5-Mar-2024)

Date of effect(1-Jul-2024)

Resident appointed Honorary Member of the Order of Australia

A Maroondah resident was appointed as an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia as part of the Australia Day 2024 Honours List.

Mr Colin Hiscoe was appointed in the General Division for significant service to people with a disability through a number of advocacy roles.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears, congratulated Mr Hiscoe on his appointment.

“On behalf of Council, I am delighted to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr Colin Hiscoe for this wonderful honour, and to thank him for his commitment and service to the community over many years,” Cr Spears said.

Mr Hiscoe was recognised for his work with Reinforce Self Advocacy, an organisation run for and by people with an intellectual disability.

He has been a founding member of the organisation since 1982, a former training officer, treasurer and secretary, as well as serving as Vice President from 2010 to 2022 and as President since 2022.

The award also acknowledges Mr Hiscoe’s current membership with organisations such as the Office of the Public Advocate on their Healthy Discussions Steering Committee; as a Foundation Member of the Independent Advocacy South Australia; and STAR Victoria Inc and AMIDA (Action for More Independence and Dignity in Accommodation) Inc, among others.

All of these organisations and groups help to support and empower people with a disability. Mr Hiscoe is an advocate for ensuring that people with a disability are supported and recognised for their achievements.

“I feel very, very proud and very, very honoured to receive this award.

“I believe it is so important for people with a disability to be recognised and to be given acknowledgement,” Mr Hiscoe said.

“There are people out there with a disability who may have the same skills as what I have, maybe in some cases even more, but they have no recognition.

“How can we make sure that more people with a disability are getting the awards

that they and their peers believe they deserve and need?”

Mr Hiscoe said he enjoyed being a member of councils - particularly the Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC) from 2016 to 2022 and working on developing the Victorian Government’s Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan (2022-2026).

“I’ve been on councils, and they have been a really big highlight for me, because I’ve been able to get my voice across and the voice of other people with a disability,” Mr Hiscoe said.

“I think my main achievement would have to be being on the Victorian Disability Advisory Council and looking at the implementation of the new Disability Act.”

Other highlights for Mr Hiscoe included speaking at conferences in America, Canada and England, and Reinforce’s recent project to upskill people with an intellectual disability and empower them to run peer training for other people with a disability. Mr Hiscoe hopes the program can continue and be expanded to regional Victoria with further funding from the Australian Government.

Maroondah Council News

Inspirational citizens honoured

Maroondah’s most remarkable community members were celebrated at an Australia Day event held at Ringwood Lake Park on Friday 26 January.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears, announced the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year during a special awards ceremony, where 60 people also received their Australian citizenship. “The annual Maroondah Australia Day Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge outstanding individuals in our community who, through their dedication and passion, have made positive contributions to our community and to the lives of others,” Cr Spears said.

“Through these awards, we are able to celebrate those who generously give their time and energy to our community, yet seek no recognition for their work. I sincerely thank and congratulate all of our award recipients and nominees for their extraordinary achievements.”

Each year, our community is invited to nominate an individual or community group for the Maroondah Australia Day Awards, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community. This year’s recipients have been honoured for their remarkable impact on Maroondah and the wider community.

Citizen of the Year

Catherine Gordon was named 2024 Citizen of the Year. She has been a dedicated and tireless volunteer for the Maroondah Volleyball Association and wider community for many years. Catherine is a driving force in the growth of participation at all levels within Maroondah Volleyball and has also been involved in many programs, activities and fundraisers. Catherine is passionate about inclusiveness and has been instrumental in ensuring

the sport is equally accessible for all and promoting community engagement and social inclusion. She has coordinated regular sitting volleyball activities, increased cultural participation, held LGBTQIA+ events and is actively looking to develop wheelchair volleyball.

“I started our first-ever VolleyAll program, a full inclusion program for volleyball that can be played at the grassroots, everyday level for a child who has a disability, whether it’s physical or mental. That’s been a great program. I’m very passionate about getting all kids in our community involved,” Catherine said.

Young Citizen of the Year

Satria Arbai received the Young Citizen of the Year award for his passion and dedication towards advocating for disability rights. He has worked hard to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by young people with a disability within the school community at Ringwood Secondary College.

Satria’s active involvement in the student-led Ringwood Activists for Disability (RAD) group and presentations delivered to students have challenged misconceptions about people with a disability and promoted the importance of inclusiveness. This advocacy has helped to improve the visibility of people with a disability within the school community and has made Ringwood Secondary College a more inclusive and supportive environment.

“At school, I had the opportunity to run a workshop on how to interact with someone with a disability and I also ran a project with the Ringwood Activists for Disability there. It made me feel really happy that I got to do something for the community,” Satria said. “I’m proud of our social media account educating people about disability and how to become a better ally for people with disability. It’s really great.”

Community Event of the Year

The Language of Friendship event was awarded Community Event of the Year. The sold out ‘Language of Friendship’ workshop was held at Eastland in February 2023 with over 700 bookings.

Presented in partnership with URSTRONG, Maroondah Positive Education Network and Communities of Wellbeing, the event showed parents how to support children to create healthy, feel-good social connections while using the ‘language of friendship’, including friendship tools such as a friend-ometer to rate friendships as healthy or unhealthy, friendship facts, friendship values and skills to talk through ‘friendship fires’ and disagreements.

URSTRONG’s whole-school friendship strategy was also recognised for improving the social climate in schools across the world by connecting over one million children, parents and teachers with the common language of friendship. Edwina Ricci accepted the award and said “The event was inspired by some research we did in 2019 … and was the extension of the ‘language of friendship’. The language of friendship is simple and easy to implement, and is a really important way for students to manage their own relationships, to be self-determined and have the language and skills to understand that friendships change and that’s okay.

“It’s four or five years down the track now and [the need] is still there, so that’s a sign of something that is sustainable and having a great impact,” Edwina said Congratulations to our deserving recipients and nominees.

Maroondah Planning Scheme Review endorsed

Council has endorsed a range of recommendations following a review of the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears, said some of these recommendations are proposed to form new Amendments to the Maroondah Planning Scheme.

“Council is pleased to endorse the Maroondah Planning Scheme Review.

“The review made a total of 219 recommendations, including a number of amendments that should be made to the Maroondah Planning Scheme. These range from minor administrative changes to updates on planning policy and altered

zone and overlay provisions, with the changes proposed to form two new Maroondah Planning Scheme amendments, Amendments C153maro and C155maro,” Cr Spears said.

“We look forward to working with the Minister for Planning and our community to implement important changes.”

The Maroondah Planning Scheme is a key strategic document that supports many of the future outcomes sought by the Council Plan. It is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to align with the Council Plan and relevant regulations.

The recent review recommends a range of changes to the Maroondah

Planning Scheme, along with future strategic work, advocacy and process improvement actions.

Recurring themes in these actions include:

• Setting the vision, to ensure planning reflects Council’s strategic directions and policies

• Planning for local places, to support activity and employment centres

• Ensuring heritage assets are identified and protected

• Planning for the environment and environmental risks

• Planning for the residential framework

• Planning for current and future transport needs.

Maroondah Planning Scheme Review endorsed

Maroondah’s Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service is helping to turn truckloads of food and garden organic waste into quality compost, all thanks to your daily FOGO habits.

Between May 2023 and January 2024, the first nine months of the service, Maroondah residents collected an average of 200 additional tonnes of

organic waste in their FOGO bins each month.

In that same period, the FOGO service collected 1,640 tonnes more organic waste, or the equivalent of 205 additional truck loads, when compared to the same time in 2022.

The amount of organic waste going to landfill went down as well. In those same nine months, 1,530 tonnes (97 garbage trucks’ worth) of waste did not go to landfill.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears, thanked residents for their efforts.

“Thank you to everyone who has embraced the Food Organics and Garden Organics service in Maroondah.”

“The small actions we are all making at home are making a big difference for our environment and contributing to the success of the FOGO service,” Cr Spears said.

“I encourage you to continue using the service regularly and correctly.”

Need more FOGO kitchen caddy liners?

An annual supply of FOGO kitchen caddy liners is being delivered from Wednesday 13 March to Wednesday 17 April to Maroondah households that didn’t previously decline to receive them. Each household will receive a roll of 150 liners, so keep an eye on your letterbox.

If you run out of liners before then, you can collect a top-up pack from Council’s Realm and Croydon Customer Service Centres for free.

Maroondah Council News

50 years of Ringwood Golf

Ringwood Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday this month! Today, Ringwood Golf is known as a busy and stunning 18-hole course with a well-stocked pro shop and fully licensed café, Mister Fox. The site, however, was home to just nine holes when the course first opened on 30 March 1974.

Ever since it opened its doors, the course has been popular with locals, with players even playing a round and then lining up to play again! Expanding to 18 holes two years after opening, the course has continued to grow in popularity ever since.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears, said the milestone is well-deserved for Ringwood Golf, which is one of two Council-owned 18-hole golf courses in Maroondah.

“Council is proud of Ringwood Golf’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest public golf courses.

“Its 50-year legacy and continued success are a testament to the course’s popularity within the golf community, both here in Maroondah and wider Melbourne,” Cr Spears said.

“The milestone also celebrates the passion and dedication of Ringwood Golf’s members and employees over the years.

“We look forward to celebrating many more years of Ringwood Golf.”

Source:

Ringwood Golf Club member Bruce Smith is a Ringwood Golf regular who has been hitting rounds at the course for 48 years.

Though Bruce began life as a football player, he is now a Life Member of Ringwood Golf Club, has captained pennants for over 30 years and has had an invaluable impact on golf at Ringwood.

Bruce recently reflected on Ringwood Golf through the years.

Five decades of golf at Ringwood

Bruce Smith was just a casual golfer when he was introduced to Ringwood Golf course by three Club members in 1976.

“We got along quite well during the game. At the completion of the round, they talked me into joining the Ringwood Golf Club. That was the start of a very long relationship,” Bruce said.

Bruce went on to serve on the Ringwood Golf Club committee for over 20 years, including two six-year stints as Club President. During his Presidency, Bruce was instrumental in developing the annual Ringwood Pro Am tournaments for professionals and amateurs to compete.

Various celebrities were invited over time to help attract crowds.

“We had some of the Melbourne Tiger boys out, Wilbur Wilde, and of course all your Pros. We started off with $5,000 prize money and ended up at about $18,000, so it just grew and grew.”

Thousands of new players were introduced to the course during the 10 years that the Pro Am event ran. The tournaments also supported the community, as some of the money raised each year was distributed to local charities.

An ever-popular course

Ringwood Golf offers something for players of all skill levels. The wide, open fairways and large greens provide beginners with an enjoyable round while strategically placed bunkers challenge players with lower handicaps.

Bruce said he continues to see the game, and the beautiful Ringwood Golf course attract more and more people. “People come from everywhere to play here. The main reason golfers play at a particular course is primarily the way it is presented, maintained and whether it is easy or hard to play a reasonable game of golf.”

Bruce commends the Ringwood Golf team for their “expert care” of the course and all the improvements he has seen over the years. When he began playing at Ringwood Golf, the second nine holes had only been open for a short time.

“It was muddy in a lot of places and your ball would sink six inches into the mud. The greens were grass, but they were quite rough,” he recalled.

Archival image of Ringwood Golf from the 18th hole, around the late 1990s

Source: Ringwood and District Historical Society

Archival image of the 1st tee being built at Ringwood Golf, around 1974

Ringwood and District Historical Society

Archival image of the flower garden outside Ringwood Golf pro shop

Source: Ringwood and District Historical Society

Archival image of the 9th green being built at Ringwood Golf, around 1976

Source: Ringwood and District Historical Society

NOT-FOR-PROFIT OF THE MONTH

Maroondah Winter Shelter is a Maroondah homelessness.

Since 2018, from 1 June to 31 August, overnight shelter, home cooked meals venues are 7 different churches in Maroondah

Our guests are assessed and Ringwood, an agency supporting

In 2023 we provided beds 557 times for they would like to. Some come for a night Guests appreciate the safe place to stay care and why we do what we do. Our treat them with the dignity they deserve. through contacts our volunteers have.

A local dentist has provided free dental

When Covid started in 2020 we became a meals program in 4 times per week, takeaway Some meals were also Royale in Bayswater for Once lockdown times were We still offer free meals twice

Maroondah Winter Shelter

As a volunteer, you homecooked meals

Whether you Training will be to create a supportive volunteering for Maroondah appreciated and we

Training is provided

Please see our website https://wintershelter.org.au/

https://www.facebook.com/maroondahwintershelter/

Maroondah churches and community response to local

7 nights per week, the program provides safe, and support for males over 18 years of age. The Maroondah who each host one night of the week. referred to our program by Uniting supporting those who need crisis care.

for 37 guests. Our guests can stay for as many nights as night or 2 and others stay for the duration of the program.

stay and the homecooked meals provided. Many ask us why we volunteers are not judgemental, and they care for the guests and Some guests have obtained employment during the time with us, often

services, often amounting to hundreds of dollars due to neglected teeth needing extensive treatment.

we were unable to offer our usual program. Homeless people were mostly accommodated in motels. Maroondah Winter Shelter in 2020 and 2021.

takeaway meals made by volunteers, the RACV kitchen and a local café, were given out to people needing support. delivered to motels for those who were otherwise homeless. We supplied meals for 27 staff from the Circus almost 2 years. The circus was not able to perform, and the staff were stranded without any income coming in.

were over, we started sit down dining programs instead of takeaway meals. twice per week in Ringwood and Croydon.

Shelter will commence on 1 June-31 August 2024.

you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of our guests by providing them with a safe place to stay, meals and compassionate support.

choose to drive, cook, or engage in conversations with our guests, your contribution is invaluable. provided for all new volunteers to ensure that you are well prepared to fulfil your role effectively and sensitively. Our aim is supportive environment where volunteers can thrive while making a positive impact on the community. If you are interested in Maroondah Winter Shelter, please visit our website and fill out the online application form. Your willingness to help is greatly we look forward to welcoming you to our team. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need in our community.

for new volunteers.

website and apply online. There will be training on 23 April or 1 May. https://wintershelter.org.au/ https://www.facebook.com/maroondahwintershelter/

FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON

Kilsyth Scottish Country Dance Group Inc

“Are having a Ceilidh”

Sunday 28th April 2024

Venue:

Croydon Senior Citizens Club Unit 1, 7 Civic Square, Croydon 2 pm - 4 pm

Lively Scottish Music, fun dances, Casual clothes - soft shoes

No partner necessary Prizes to be won

And You don’t have to be Scottish

Afternoon Tea provided

Donation: Adults $10.00

School Age children free

Bookings required for catering purposes

Contact Eleanor: 0409 967 701

Or email: eallan@bigpond.net.au

lest we forget

Croydon RSL, founded on 24 May 1924, has supported the veterans of Croydon and surrounding areas for 100 years. In fact, this year we are fortunate enough to celebrate our centenary, a milestone that so many people have made possible.

We are located at 1 Civic Square, Croydon & describe ourselves as a ‘Traditional RSL’ where our veterans come first and our members are at the heart of everything we do. We are 100% volunteer run Sub Branch.

We are open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1.30pm. Every fortnight we host a Meal Night where everyone is welcome to experience the hospitality of our members. Our volunteers provide a wonderful meal and raffle. We encourage our guests to join us prior to 6pm to experience the traditional ‘Stand To’ where we pay our respects to the fallen. Proceeds raised from meals & raffles go back into the Sub Branch.

We have a wonderful collection of memorabilia on display and are always on the lookout for stories and artefacts from our local residents. We welcome Schools and Community Groups to attend and learn more about the history of conflicts and hear the personal stories of those who’ve served.

April is a significant month for the Veteran community and we look forward to sharing our ANZAC events with our local community, in support of our Veterans and their service.

On Sunday 21 April, we will hold our annual Veterans March and Service. The march will step off at 10am and it travels from Mt Dandenong Rd down Civic Square to the newly relocated Croydon War Memorial where a commemoration service will be held. We will be joined by 408 Squadron Cadets, the Old Scotch Pipes & Drums, our very talented Bugler, federal politicians and local councilors, community groups, veteran organisations and of course our veterans. We look forward to seeing you there.

On Thursday 25 April our traditional Dawn Service will be held at the Croydon War Memorial. This will be our first Dawn Service held in the new location, since the move from Kent Ave roundabout. We hope you can join us for what will be a moving tribute to veterans past and present and a fitting inauguration for ANZAC services to come.

April is also the month for the ANZAC Appeal. This is an opportunity for our RSL to raise much needed funds to contribute to the care and welfare of all veterans. Keep an eye out for our hard-working volunteers’ selling badges in the local area. They can pop up in Croydon Central, Bunnings Bayswater and Main St Croydon as well as roaming sellers at local events and locations. If you have an interest in helping out with the ANZAC Appeal and would like to volunteer, please contact our Appeals Officer on appeals@croydonrsl.org.au

We welcome all past and present Service personnel and their families from the local area to join us at Croydon RSL, to experience conversation, mateship and support.

Our tutors are very much appreciated and an annual lunch is our way of thanking them for all their hard work and selfless

We have over 40 classes running every week and cover a wide range of interests including exercise, yoga, wine tasting, chess, 500, history and many more.

in two central areas

public transport nearby. We are a small and friendly group and encourage you to check out our website u3aringwood.org.au or email info@u3aringwood.org.au

Ringwood U3A Tutors enjoying a luncheon at The Ringwood Club on Wednesday.

input to running their classes.

Shown in this photo are tutors from Armchair Travel, Card Making, Elders and the Law, Current Affairs, Line Dancing and Scrabble.

Ringwood U3A is located

with

Caring for Babies & Kids

This course is designed specifically for carers of babies and small children and teaches you how to provide first aid in a range of common childhood first aid emergencies.

The course topics include resuscitation of an infant or child, choking, poisoning and acute illness, and burns.

This course is taught by St John trainers with over 100 years of combined experience and backgrounds in Nursing, Education and Leadership. They are ready to share their experience and passion with you that creates confidence to perform first aid should you ever need to.

TIME: 10am – 2pm

DAY: Monday

DATES: 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 August, 2 September, 7 October and 4 November

Find out more about this course!

Asthma

Shop For Your School

RETIREMENT & AGED CARE APRIL 2024

Age Pension rate changes

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

For most Australians over 65, the age pension is still the most significant source of income according to Rice Warner. Roughtly 39% of Australians over Age Pension Age, receive the full pension and 24% receive a part pension.

So how much income does the Age Pension provide you?

New Age Pension Rates (from 20 March 2024)

From 20 March 2024 the maximum full Age Pension increases $19.60 per fortnight for a single person, and $14.70 per person per fortnight for a couple.

The rates for a full Age Pension for Australian residents for the period 20 March 2024 to 19 September 2024 are listed below:

• Single: $1,116.30 per fortnight (approximately $29,028 per year)

• Couple (each): $841.40 per fortnight (approximately $21,876 per year)

• Couple (combined): $1,682.80 per fortnight (approximately $43,753 per year)

• Couples separated due to illness each receive the Single rate (see above), which combined is $2,232.60 (approximately $58,048 per year)

Note: Annual amounts are approximate. The figures above include the pension and energy supplements.

The tables below provide more detail in terms of the latest increase and how the Age Pension is broken down.

Age Pension rates for a single person

Age Pension rates for a couple (living together)

Source: Services Australia. Applicable 20 March 2024 to 19 September 2024

*Annual amounts are approximate.

Next Age Pension increase may be in September.

It is unclear whether or not September will bring with it another increase in the Age Pension rates. This is because the Australian Bureau of Statistics evaluates these increases based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings, and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index. In September 2020 the Age Pension rates did not increase, although that was for the first time since 1997. If this happens again this September, then we might not see an increase. Let’s hope, for those retirees, there is a change in CPI allowing for the increase in the Age Pension. With the cost of living increasing, we know that retirees need all they can get.

If you are considering retirement or are already retired but looking for someone to provide you with sound, affordable advice, then reach out to Find Retirement on 1300 88 38 30 or email warren@findretirement.com.au

Warren Strybosch

Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant

Part of the Find Group of Companies

www.findretirement.com.au

Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd

ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth. Find Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221).Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/

Warren Strybosch is Authorised representative (No. 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

This information has been provided as general advice. We have notconsideredyourfinancialcircumstances,needsorobjectives. 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.

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Osteopathy in Australia is a government registered, allied health profession. Osteopaths focus on improving the function of the neuro-musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, nerves and connective tissues) to optimise

Joanna is highly qualified and experienced in the osteopathic assessment and treatment of babies and infants.

She can assist with the following assessments:

• Gross motor development (milestones)

• Primitive reflexes

• Tongue function and it’s relation to sucking skills

•

• Help increase or decrease milk supply ADVANCED

The Melbourne Therapy Centre

221 Wonga Road Warranwood VIC 3134 Phone: +61 3 98 76 3011 Mobile: +61 400 049 410 joanna@osteolc.com.au | www.osteolc.com.au

IBCLC lactation consultants are recognised around the world as the experts in lactation care. They provide evidencebased knowledge to assist mothers to establish and maintain breastfeeding. As professionals, they are charged with promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.

Joanna can help with a broad range of lactation consulting services, including:

• Teaching a new mum how to hold and position her baby to breastfeed

• Assess the suck, swallow and breathing of an infant

• Assess for tongue function and determine any evidence of restriction (tongue tie)

• Pre and post-frenectomy breastfeeding support

Save the date for the 2024 Past Players and Officials Day - Saturday 27th April. This will be round three against Doncaster East. All past players and officials are invited.2024 marks the 10th year anniversary of our 2014 flag, 25th anniversary of our 1999 flag and we'd also love to see our 1989 premiership players to celebrate their 35th.

Will be a huge day, so mark those calendars and get those leave passes in early. More info to follow.

We're off to North Heidelberg this weekend as we play our last practice match before round one.

u19s are kicking off at around 10am, followed by ressies at midday and seniors at 2pm(ish). See you there.

ALL past players and officials are formally invited to our 2024 Past Players and Officials Day, on Saturday 27th April 2024. This will be the round 3 match vs Doncaster East. Kick off is 11:30am and cost of $25pp covers lunch. Past players memberships also available on the day.

Always a great day - hope to see you there.

Thanks to the team at The Acorn Bar & Restaurant for having us for a Parma last February 8, 2024

Eastfield Cricket Club

Great to see more than 50 people come down to our last Barefoot Bowls night for this season including a group from Warranwood Primary and Ringwood Hawks Spirit Magic Basketball Club.

Ringwood Bowls Club Inc.

Great job by young Max today who took his first 5 for in the under 14’s. Walking away with 5/8, 3 catches and 13 with the bat!

Eastfield Cricket Club

Ringwood

Services

10 AM Sundays – main worship service Also streaming on Facebook Live

13 Bedford Rd, Ringwood VIC 3134

+61 39870 8169

www.ringwoodchurch.org.au

Services:

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0417679682

(03) 9876 2600

Our Mission

Why do we exist?

We are a church that desires to be Jesus CENTERED (Galatians 2:20), to DISCIPLE (Ephesians 4:16) each other to love God and others and deploy every follower of Jesus to be on MISSION (Acts 1:8) wherever He has placed us.

Services

9:00AM service and 10:30AM family service Night service monthly 5pm

281-283 Colchester Rd, Kilsyth South VIC 3137

+61 39720 7121

1 Tamar St, Ringwood VIC, 3136 (03) 9870 0102 Services: Sunday 10 AM

Livestreamed: myrcc.co/live Activities for all - children, youth, families, adults, senior

Maroondah

www.findmaroondah.com.au