Find Maroondah - March 2025 Edition by Find

COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS

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JODIE

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.

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.

We value your support,

The Find Maroondah Team.

Maroondah

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

PUBLISHER: Issuu Pty Ltd

POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findmaroondah.com.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30

EMAIL SPORT: editor@findmaroondah.com.au

WEBSITE: www.findmaroondah.com.au

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

The battle begins! AFL 2025 is here!

New season, new legends, same passion! Who's taking home the trophy this year?

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.

Water, Soil and Fatbergs

By Liz Sanzaro

All the water we have and are ever going to get is held within our Earths atmosphere, in oceans, rivers, streams and dams. It is amazing to see such huge downpours becoming more common events. This extra air borne water is the result of evaporation from warmer land and oceans.

It is important to treat water with respect, right though the cycle from out of our tap, to sewage ponds to returning to the sea and back to us again as rain.

In Maroondah, where we still have mature canopy trees, the need for water to be absorbed by land, to keep soil moist is critical to tree survival. On the hottest of our summer days when the temp is closing in on 40°C, we often see our much-loved gardens beginning to wilt, plants loose leaves and often get scorched. Many other exotic plants also need shade to survive, hydrangeas are very good indicator of soil moisture.

We traditionally spend serious amounts on high quality drinking water, watering our gardens every summer, however in some new estates there is water saved from showering, bathing and washing which has been recycled partially cleaned then is delivered to the home in purple pipes so as to be obvious that it is not for drinking.

The use of recycled water is available in some new estates. Recycled water comes from treatment of waste water sent through pipes from storm water, which is why it is really important not to allow animal faeces like dog poo to be washed down our gutters.

This water is then treated to be clean enough to use on gardens and exterior house cleaning of pavement or walls, but definitely not suitable for drinking. It makes good sense to use recycled water before it is then discharged to our streams and rivers.

Likewise, the Mullum Mullum creek drains into the Yarra River which also empties into the bay

Recently there is good news for Maroondah sports grounds and playing fields.

In Maroondah the new recycled water main just laid through Croydon will see the community benefit from the 300m water main delivering high quality recycled water to green spaces, including the Barngeong Reserve sporting oval. It’s expected to save the council approximately 3 million litres of drinking water each year.

In partnership with the Level Crossing Removal Project, this new infrastructure was built by Yarra Valley Water to connect the reserve to its recycled water network. This initiative will offset 15.5 million litres of drinking water used during the construction of four level crossing removal projects over five years – equivalent to more than 6 Olympicsized swimming pools.

Other more contaminated water goes into sewage, this is where FATBERGS occur. When frying, roasting baking meats in particular, the fat is liquid while hot, but if washed down the sink into sewage it is likely to attach to fine material like our hair, or flushed baby wipes and set in the cold underground into a drain clogging fatberg. If there is only a little waste fat, as in the fry pan below, it is easily accommodated by paper towel then into the Organic waste.

Larger quantities should be wrapped in newspaper and put in general rubbish, it should never be washed down the sink.

Wet or Dry Soil?

Where rain has access to open land, generally we can expect the soil to contain about 65% water. But when we build, pave, create pools, pave entertaining areas it drops to 26%, because it falls onto roofs and paved areas, where it then goes into storm water drains or street drains and is delivered by our system of mini waterways like Tarralla Creek, shown below and then to join with Bungalook creek before joining Dandenong Creek, then out to Port Philip Bay.

Fatbergs can cause blockages and have to be removed by some lucky employee prepared to do this filthy work. As always, think about the environment, it protects us so we should return the same.

Pres: Wayne Makin

V/Pres: Ian Young

The Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival is back on Sunday 23 March 2025 from 9am to 5pm at Eastfield Park, 119 Eastfield rd, Croydon,Victoria. For tickets and details see: www.melbournehighlandgames.org.au

The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival has hosted this event in Melbourne for over fifty years. It is one of the highlights of the Scottish Australian calendar and is considered the number one multicultural festival in the City of Maroondah and greater Melbourne.

This day-long celebration of Scottish/Celtic culture and heritage, held annually at Eastfield Park, Eastfield Rd in Croydon Victoria, echoes the original games that took place centuries ago in Scotland during the reign of King Malcolm III.

This multicultural inclusive event that includes wonderful music and competitions in dancing and pipe bands and world-class athletic competitions is a must-see outing for everyone. We strive to provide the best of Celtic culture on public display.

This year’s event on Sunday, 23rd of March 2025 will be our first truly international Games, in partnership with Events Victoria, the International Highland Games Federation (IHGF) and hosted by Australia’s Highland Muscle bringing up to sixty Athletes and officials from Australia, North America, United Kingdom, Europe and Japan to compete in a traditional Scottish Heavy Games Competition.

Sec: Alistair McInnes

Tres: Dianne Cowling

Another addition to this Grassroots event will be in the Opening Ceremony with a Traditional “Scottish Clan Role Call” and a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Wandin followed by the Smoking Ceremony drawing strength from the Land for our Scots Warriors, spectators and indigenous peoples in attendance.

Making this an amazing event, not to be missed, showcasing the best of Scottish/Celtic Culture and Heritage, providing a history of the Clan's family-based values and the diversity of Australian society.

With an expected 7,000 attendees the festival plays a pivotal role in preserving Scottish and Celtic traditions among the Victorian diaspora and fostering connections to ancestral roots for younger generations.

After nearly 60 consecutive years of staging these Games, we are very excited about this year which will be a truly international event. It will include, for the first time an international film crew targeting overseas audiences. The Film Crew will be here for the week leading up to the Games filming Maroondah, the Yarra Valley, the surrounding districts and places of interest.

Our Festival is supported by locals and travellers from all over Australia and the world, with International athletes and their entourage attending to compete in the IHGF Championship Competition in the World Hammer Throwing & World Weight for Distance Championships, sponsored by and including the Australian contingent of the Highland Muscle Organisation whose members come from all over Australia.

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

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.

Saturated fats – friend or foe?

NATUROPATHY

By Kathryn Messenger

When I was young, the messaging was that butter hardens your arteries leading to cardiovascular disease, and it also makes you fat. I found an interesting research article that explains where that information came from and why it’s faulty.

If you’ve been around a while, like me, you will remember the song from the ‘Life be in it’ TV ads, “Eat more breads and cereals…” At the time, we were told to fill up on the carbs and to limit our fat intake. Interestingly since then, we have seen an increase in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The 2014 research article titled “The Questionable Benefits of Exchanging Saturated Fat With Polyunsaturated Fat” explains where much of this began. Research from 1970 looked at 16 groups of people from 7 countries and examined a relationship between their saturated fat content and heart disease. In this study, foods that contained saturated fats, like

butter, counted as fat intake, which makes sense in theory. But what actually happened was that biscuits, cakes, pastries, and savoury snacks also counted as fats, when their main ingredients were carbohydrates (and white refined carbohydrates at that). It also found that countries which had significantly increased risk or cardiovascular disease, sometimes had the same fat intake as those with a low risk.

The article goes on to cite other studies that have shown either no correlation between saturated fats and cardiovascular disease or even an improvement!

Since the 1970’s many people have exchanged their intake of saturated fats for polyunsaturated omega 6 fats, which have been shown to have worse health outcomes. Part of this may be due to the essential fatty acids found in food like butter, such as vitamin E and vitamin A. The other problem is that people are substituting butter for heat extracted or hydrogenated vegetable oils which have a higher risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.

It can be really hard to go against what we’ve been told is best for us, however it can be a lot easier if you know why the recommendation was made and what it was based on.

I encourage you to do your own reading, there is a link below to the article here, but there are many others. If you’re not used to reading research articles, go to ‘google scholar’ and search for things like benefits of butter or benefits of coconut oil and see what you find.

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings. org/article/S0025-6196(13)01004-5/fulltext

Maroondah Council News MARCH 2025

Intergenerational Music Program (Estia Health Ringwood)

Big Little Buddies are now taking enrolments for our Term 1 program at Estia Health Ringwood Aged Care Community.

Our intergenerational music programs are designed to foster meaningful connections and bridge the gap between young and old for their mutual benefi t. They aim to help children develop social skills, confi dence, and empathy, while providing older adults with a sense of purpose, as well as positive social, physical, and mental health outcomes.

Led by a facilitator, the fun and relaxed programs include singing, movement, and simple activities to encourage social interaction, physical activity, and enjoyment for all.

Frankly Sinatra

This new production will not only tell the story and sing the hits of “O’l Blue Eyes” but will also feature songs and stories of two of the greatest females, and friends of Frank Sinatra, to ever grace the stage: Judy Garland and Liza Minelli.

“Fly Me To The Moon”, “My Way”, “Mack The Knife” and “Over The Rainbow” are just some of this 20 song musical cavalcade as well as wonderful Garland and Minelli Hits.

This Production will be led by Music Theatre Star Ian Stenlake, who recently won best actor in a Musical for his role as Colonel Parker in the Elvis Revolution. Ian will be joined on stage by the stunning Michelle Fitzmaurice, with Musical Director and Composer from Geelong Kym Dillon.

Online Community Grant information sessions

Each year, Council provides fi nancial assistance to community groups, organisations and artists to deliver projects that support and enrich the Maroondah community.

Join Council Grant Offi cers at one of our free Online Grant Information Sessions to discover more about the 2025-26 Maroondah Council Community Grants Program.

These information sessions will cover everything you need to know about the available grants including Community Development Grants, Arts and Cultural Grants, Small Equipment Grants and Emergency Relief Grants.

Both sessions cover the same topics. The sessions will include information on:

• key dates

• grant criteria

• compiling your budget

• hints and tips on writing a strong application, and

• Council requirements such as Child Safety and Public Liability Insurance.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT of the month CANDLEBARK COMMUNITY NURSERY INC.

YOUR COMMUNITY NURSERY

One year ago, Candlebark Community Nursery Incorporated was facing certain closure. Twelve months later, after a mammoth sustained effort from many volunteers and supporters, we are confident that Candlebark will be serving our community and the local environment for many years to come.

While the past year was one of the most challenging in Candlebark’s 30-year history, it was also one of the most rewarding. Generous donations through our fundraising campaign https://gofund.me/de2966e6 enabled us to continue our core business of growing native plants for biodiversity conservation. We also carried out essential upgrades to some of our nursery infrastructure, including refurbishing our volunteer facilities, office, and propagation areas.

We were also delighted to receive a grant from Community Bank Mooroolbark. This substantial financial contribution will be put towards updating our pot washing, plumbing and cleaning facilities, and is much appreciated.

RECOGNISING OUR VOLUNTEERS

Every year the Yarra Ranges Shire Council recognises locals whose enthusiastic commitment to a cause has benefitted and enriched our community. As a not-for-profit community organisation, Candlebark relies on its volunteers to do the important environmental work that is our passion and core business. We were therefore delighted to attend a council ceremony on Australia Day, which saw two of our valued volunteers recognised for their work: Debbie Shaw as Environmental Achiever of the Year and Jarvis Lewis-James as Young Citizen of the Year. We are so proud of them!

A founding member, returning after 30 years, Debbie Shaw joined the committee at the start of 2024. Her expertise in environmental governance, business administration, propagating native plants, and managing staff and volunteers has been instrumental in Candlebark’s recovery. Her ability and willingness to deal efficiently and effectively with every aspect of the nursery’s management, from BAS statements to weed infestations and everything in between, has been inspirational!

With Candlebark facing financial difficulties last year, Jarvis was one of the first volunteers to collaborate with the new management committee to get Candlebark back on the right track. In 2024, he combined studying for a Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management with volunteering at Candlebark Community Nursery every day that the nursery was open. He is passionate about exploring the Yarra Ranges, locating, recording, and identifying rare and threatened plant species. These tasks are essential to ensure the genetic diversity and survival of threatened species. Jarvis also participated in Council bushland planting days and supported his neighbour in the rehabilitation of a local waterway. We are so appreciative of Jarvis’ commitment to Candlebark and his ability to share his knowledge and skills with others.

We are looking forward to another amazing year of volunteering in 2025!

WHILE STOCKS LAST - MARCH SALE!

We need to clear our retail benches to make room for new stock. We have ready-to-plant eucalyptus, wattles and other large tube stock for only $2 each! With the right site preparation and care through the warm weather, these plants will establish quickly. Make sure you aerate any compacted earth to a depth of at least 30cm, water in well and add a thick layer of eucalypt mulch. Deep water as needed. Once established, no more watering!

Plants include Golden Wattle, Hedge Wattle, Prickly Moses, Cinnamon Wattle, Gold Dust Wattle, Candlebark Gum, Red Box, Yellow Box, Common Cassinia, Musk Daisy-bush, Rough Bush-pea and Plum-leaf Pomaderris. All other wattles and eucalypts are also on sale until sold out.

FUTURE PROJECTS

The coming year will be an especially exciting time as we undertake several large projects.

The first of these projects is our application for charity status. Being recognised as a charity would improve our financial situation as our operations would be GST-exempt. Information about Candlebark Community Nursery Incorporated would be hosted for free on the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) website, giving us greater visibility

to potential donors and interested parties. We might also be eligible for DGR status meaning that donations to our organisation could be claimed as tax deductions. In 2024, successful grant applications constituted nearly 15% of our total income. Charity status would give us access to a broader range of philanthropic grants, enabling us to continue our environmental and educational work in the local community.

Another substantial project is already underway with plans drawn up and ditches dug, ready to upgrade our pot-washing station and undercover work area. This is a huge undertaking, so we are fortunate indeed to have plumbers, engineers and electricians volunteering their time, expertise and labour to ensure this project meets our needs and complies with the relevant codes.

And, the biggest project of all, is our 2025 goal to grow 120,000 plants to meet the ever-increasing demand for healthy, local native plants. We are well on our way to reaching this goal! We supply councils, bush-care groups, landscapers, school communities and members of the public. Our work contributes directly to enhancing biodiversity, protecting threatened species and restoring habitat. We welcome advance orders so we can grow exactly what is needed for specific sites. We are on hand to offer free advice and recommendations to ensure that the plants you buy flourish in their new homes.

GET INVOLVED!

Candlebark is managed and run by a group of dedicated volunteers…people just like you!

The Candlebark team is made up of a nine-member Management Committee, two casual staff, over 70 volunteers, and 191 financial members. Our nursery relies on its volunteers to carry out a wide range of nursery operations. This includes seed collection, plant propagation, infrastructure maintenance, and administration activities. We are always looking for people passionate about our environment to lend a hand, especially if you have skills or experiences that will help us develop and grow.

Currently, we are looking for help with website design and management, and administration/bookkeeping, people with plumbing or electrical skills and qualifications, and those interested in developing our on-site indigenous stock gardens. And, if you’re handy with the tongs, we are always looking for more volunteers to staff our once-a-month Saturday Bunnings BBQ fundraisers at the Lilydale store.

Volunteering at Candlebark is an excellent way to gain indigenous horticulture experience and a comfortable, relaxing way to develop your local native plant skills and make new friends. No experience is required, just an enthusiasm to learn. Volunteer hours range from 8:30 am to 4:30pm, and our volunteers are free to choose the days and times they attend. To apply to become a volunteer at Candlebark, give us a call and make an appointment for a tour and chat, or simply download the application form on our website: https://candlebark.org.au

If you would like to help but can’t spare the time, please consider donating to our online fundraising campaign which will run until the end of 2025: https://gofund.me/de2966e6.

By helping Candlebark Community Nursery you are directly helping to conserve and enhance our local native flora and wildlife habitat!

Candlebark Community Nursery Incorporated 308 Hull Road, Mooroolbark 3138

Open to the public for retail sales: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm

Email: info@candlebark.org.au

Phone: (03) 9727 0594 or 0494 088 804 https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61557484754633

Photographs: Christine Listopad ©

WHILE STOCKS LAST!

MARCH SALE at Candlebark Community Nursery

We need to clear our retail benches to make room for new stock!

We have ready-to-plant eucalyptus, wattles and other large tube stock for only $2 each!

Plants include Golden Wattle, Hedge Wattle, Black Wattle, Hop Wattle, Myrtle Wattle, Varnish Wattle, Prickly Moses, Cinnamon Wattle, Gold Dust Wattle, Candlebark Gum, Red Box, Yellow Box, Green Scentbark, White Stringybark, Messmate, Swamp Gum Common Cassinia, Shiny Cassinia, Rough Bush-pea, Plum-leaf Pomaderris, Woolly Pomaderris, Clustered Pomaderris, Swamp Daisy-busy and Musk Daisy-bush. All other wattles and eucalypts are also on sale until sold out.

Candlebark Community Nursery Incorporated 308 Hull Road, Mooroolbark 3138

Open to the public: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Email: info@candlebark.org.au Phone: (03) 9727 0594 or 0494 088 804

Learn Scottish Country dances

• Fun, sociable & welcoming

• Make new friends.

• No special gear required(We don’t dance with swords! You don’t need a kilt, Scottish accent or a partner.)

• No previous experience necessary.

Beginner’s Course

Commencing: Monday 17th March - 7th April 8.00pm - 10.00pm

Come along and learn basic steps and formations of the social dancing of Scotland. Learn and dance some easy dances to lively jig and reel time music.

Croydon Senior Citizens Hall Unit 7 Civic Square, Croydon

Kilsyth Scottish Country Dance Group Inc

Contact: Ruth 0414 752 432 Lori 0407 501 089

Layering of Income for Retirement: A Strategic Approach to Securing Your Future

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

When planning for retirement, it’s essential to consider not just how much money you will need, but also how to structure the sources of income that will support your lifestyle in your later years. The concept of “layering” retirement income is a strategy that involves diversifying and creating multiple streams of income to ensure a stable, reliable, and sustainable financial future. This approach provides flexibility, minimises risk, and enhances the ability to weather financial uncertainties in retirement.

In this article, we will explore what layering of income for retirement is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can create your own layered income strategy.

What is Layering of Income for Retirement?

Layering of income refers to building a combination of different income sources that collectively provide the financial support needed in retirement. Instead of relying on a single income stream, such as Social Security or a pension, retirees use multiple income sources, each coming into play at different stages or circumstances of retirement.

The layers often include a mix of guaranteed income (like pensions or annuities), investment income (such as dividends or interest), and income from personal savings or assets (like rental properties or side businesses). The idea is to spread risk, reduce dependency on any one source of income, and provide flexibility as your financial needs evolve throughout retirement.

Why is Layering Important?

1. Diversification of Risk

Relying on just one income source can be risky. For example, if you depend heavily on the stock market for retirement income, you may experience income fluctuations due to market volatility. Similarly, relying solely on government benefits or pensions might leave you vulnerable to changes in public policy. Layering income sources helps diversify this risk by spreading it across different, often less correlated, financial instruments.

2. Flexibility to Adjust to Life Changes

As you age,your needs and circumstances will change. The type and amount of income you need may vary based on health care costs, lifestyle choices, and inflation. A layered approach allows you to adjust each income source according to your evolving needs, helping you maintain financial security even as unexpected events occur.

3. Maximising Retirement Savings

Layering helps optimise the use of different financial tools, such as tax-deferred accounts, taxable investments, and taxefficient income sources. This can help you minimise taxes over the long term and increase the overall efficiency of your retirement portfolio.

4. Stable Income Throughout Retirement

By layering guaranteed income (like pensions or annuities) with more variable income sources (such as dividends or rental income), you create a balance between predictable cash flow and potentially higher returns. This stability is crucial to ensure that you can maintain your desired lifestyle even during market downturns.

Key Layers of Income for Retirement

Here’s a breakdown of common income layers and how they work together to provide a stable retirement:

1. Government Benefits (e.g., Age Pension in Australia)

Government benefits are often considered a foundational layer of retirement income. While these benefits may not fully cover all living expenses, they provide a guaranteed income stream to help with essential costs. The amount you receive will depend on your work history and age, but it’s usually stable and inflationadjusted, making it a reliable baseline for retirement income.

• Pros: Stable and predictable income.

• Cons: Limited amount; may not cover all living expenses.

2. Annuities

Annuities are a financial product where you pay a lump sum upfront in exchange for a guaranteed income stream for a specified period or for life. Annuities are particularly beneficial for creating a predictable income stream that can last for as long as you live.

• Pros: Guaranteed income, which can help prevent the risk of outliving your savings.

• Cons: Irreversible once purchased, and they may not be the best option if you have other income sources.

3. Rental Income

If you own rental properties, this can be an excellent source of steady income throughout retirement. Rental income can provide consistent cash flow with the added benefit of potential property appreciation over time.

• Pros: Regular, reliable cash flow.

• Cons: Maintenance costs, potential vacancies, and property management concerns

4. Side Business or Freelance Work

Many retirees choose to supplement their income with part-time work, consulting, or freelance activities. This can not only provide a source of income but also keep you engaged and active in retirement.

• Pros: Flexibility and the opportunity to stay mentally and socially engaged.

• Cons: May not provide a reliable or steady income if not consistent.

Creating Your Layered Retirement Income Strategy

1. Start Early The earlier you begin saving and investing for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. Take advantage of tax-deferred accounts and employer matching contributions where available.

2. Diversify Your Sources A diversified approach is key to reducing risk. Relying solely on any one source of income (such as the stock market) may expose you to greater financial risk, so aim to mix stable, guaranteed sources of income with more volatile investment options.

3. Plan for Longevity As life expectancies increase, it’s important to plan for a longer retirement. Make sure your income layers are structured in a way that supports you throughout retirement, with a focus on sustainability rather than short-term gains.

4. Consult a Financial Advisor Creating an optimal layered income strategy requires careful planning and expertise. A financial advisor can help tailor your retirement income strategy to your unique goals and circumstances, ensuring you have a balanced, flexible plan for the future.

Layering income for retirement is a strategic way to ensure financial stability

Warren Strybosch

and flexibility in your later years. By diversifying your income sources, you can minimise risk, maximise returns, and adjust to changing needs throughout retirement. Whether through government benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans, annuities, investments, or side businesses, a well-layered approach gives you a better chance of enjoying a comfortable, worry-free retirement.

Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant

Part of the Find Group of Companies

Financial Planning, SMSF, Super, Insurance, Pre-Retirement & Retirement Planning (Financial Planning) are offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth, Find Insurance and Find Retirement. Find Wealth Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221). Part of the (www.centrepointalliance.com.au/fsg/aw).

Warren Strybosch

Authorised Representative (No. 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd. Centrepoint Alliance group.

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• Caravan

• eBikes

work with only the most reputable insurers to bring you a range of insurance options for you to choose from:

HELPING TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

At Find we can help you find the ‘right’ personal insurance. Our aim is to help you obtain and retain the personal insurances that are appropriate for you and at cost that you can afford.

• Income Protection (IP)

• Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Personal Insurances Include:

When your insurance are in place, our services do not stop there. We will provide you with an after care service that includes policy notifications, insurance report, help desk, reviews and help at claim time. We provide ourselves in providing honest advice that you can rely on.

warren@findinsurance.com.au

www.findinsurance.com.au

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Melbourne’s Best Kept Parenting Secret

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DR JOANNA STRYBOSCH

OSTEOPATHY

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 health and well-being.

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

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LACTATION CONSULTING

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

• Help increase or decrease milk supply

Mountain to Melbourne Festivities

Help our local kids in our local hospitals – Fundraising Event

Join us at the finish line celebration at Eastland as we cheer on Emma-Rose and the incredible team running to raise vital funds for children's care at Eastern Health.

Buy any 2 shirts or pants and save 25% off.

Refresh your style this season with our exclusive offer—buy any 2 shirts or pants and enjoy 25% off!

Whether you're looking to update your workwear or add versatile layers for autumn, now is the perfect time to invest in quality essentials.

From crisp button-downs to tailored trousers, our collection is designed for effortless style and comfort. Elevate your everyday look with pieces that transition seamlessly from office to weekend.

Discover more

Free trivia nights where burgers are brain fuel.

Wednesdays at 6.30pm are your new midweek ritual.

Free trivia comes to Grill’d Eastland, hosted by Quiz Meisters. With great prizes up for grabs, you’ll get to eat burgers and show just how clever you are. Bun pun team names are encouraged. Mark your calendars and text your smartest mates.

25% off Diamond Sale

Shop a minimum of 25% off all full price diamonds & HALF PRICE off of a selection of stunning diamond rings!

Add some sparkle to your week with Hoskings Diamond Sale! For a limited time, shop a minimum of 25% off full price diamonds, plus HALF PRICE off a selection of amazing diamond rings!

But hurry—unlike sparkling diamonds, these offers won’t last forever!

Offer available in-store & online now. T&Cs Apply.

In-Kind Sponsorship with Find Maroondah Community Paper

We invite a representative from each sporting club to submit team selections, results and any interesting stories relating to your club/sports.

For more information contact: Warren on 1300 88 38 30 or Email: editor@findmaroondah.com.au

2025 Leadership Group

The Norwood FNC is excited to announce the senior men's leadership group for 2025.

Captain - Hayden Paterson

Vice captain - Hayden Kemp

Other members of leadership Group

Jackson Winter

Lincoln Wright

Liam Callaghan

The future is bright for Norwood being led by these impressive young men.

Upcoming Men's Footy Dates

Get excited, the footy is almost here. A few dates to note. We are playing Mulgrave out at Mt Lilydale (not the school ovals) on 15th March.

Then our big season launch on the 27th at the club, followed by Lilydale at Lilydale on the Saturday in our second pratice match.

Then its on to round one on 5th April at Mooroolbark.

Footy Camp

The lads are back from a great weekend away at @thesummitcamp in Trafalgar. 40 players were in attendance and were put through the wringer. Great time had by all. Here are a few pics, with more to come later in the week. A big thank you to the norsemen and wooders groups who's contributions allowed this camp to happen.

Join us for the Junior Presentaion Night at Benson oval on the 25th March.

BBQ Dinner and bring down the whole family for a great night of celebrating the season we have had.

Ringwood Bowls Club Inc.

Our final senior game for the season this weekend bringing the season to a close.

Eastfield Cricket Club

Simply upload your ad at www.findmaroondah.com.au/nfp-free-advertising or you can email the ad to the editor@findmaroondah.com.au and we will do the rest for you.