MGA Independent Retailer - March 2023

Metcash and Goodman break ground on largest wholesale distribution centre in Australia | PAGE 10

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lincoln Wymer (President): Victoria & New South Wales

Grant Hinchcliffe (Vice President): Tasmania

Ross Anile: Western Australia

Graeme Gough: New South Wales

Jeff Harper: Victoria

Ripple Parekh: New South Wales

Chris dos Santos: South Australia

Terry Slaughter: Queensland

Debbie Smith: Queensland

CHIEF

David Inall

03 9824 4111

E: david.inall@mga.asn.au

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP & MEDIA SALES

Mark Paladino 0417 264 331

E: mark.paladino@mga.asn.au

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Cindi Damian 03 9842 4111

E: communications@mga.asn.au

MGA Corporate Partners

WAREHOUSE AND BRAND PARTNERS

CEO Welcome

I wish to open this edition of the Independent Retailer by welcoming Lincoln Wymer as the new MGA President following his election in February. Lincoln is the Chief Operating Officer of multi store ownership members, the Reddrop Group, who operate 24 independent licensed supermarkets (IGA, FoodWorks, GO Grocers and Cellarbrations) in Victoria and New South Wales.

Lincoln has replaced Debbie Smith who was MGA President since 2019. I would like to thank Debbie for her dedication through a range of challenging issues, including COVID-19.

Under Lincoln’s leadership the Board has met to commence planning and preparations for 2023 and beyond, including early consideration and mapping for a new MGA Strategic Plan. With the ‘galaxy’ of issues that circulate around and through the independent grocery, liquor and timber and hardware sectors, it is imperative MGA targets and harnesses resources to those priorities that deliver greatest value and return for members. We will communicate directly with members

through the course of this year to seek your input to identify those issues that truly matter to your businesses.

I have endeavoured to meet as many members and stakeholders as possible as I navigate the first few months in this role. Through these meetings and phone calls, several key themes have been consistently raised.

First, we recognise that industrial relations is a significant issue for members, particularly with the introduction of new laws following the significantly amended Fair Work Act 2009 late last year. Our Employment Law team are in demand with ever increasing complex and varied member matters. MGA’s in-house service is rather unique and something we are proud. However, I recognise that this is a dynamic landscape, and as such we must ensure the service is well-resourced and agile in this everchanging environment.

Second, the growth in illicit tobacco continues to place significant downward pressure on our sector. While considerable focus has been in Queensland as their State Government plans to strengthen penalties as well as other related measures, this is a growing national problem.

MGA will need to navigate state-bystate solutions as each state considers different measures to deal with this

scourge. There is no doubt that a national solution is required. MGA will continue to work through a range of advocacy levers that raise awareness of this issue and seek to reduce the impact on members.

While the future will hold challenges to navigate together, MGA has not lost sight of opportunities ahead.

The MGA team looks forward to exploring these with the Board and members throughout the year and beyond.

David Inall CEO MGA Independent Retailers

There is no doubt that 2023 has started at pace with MGA continuing to navigate the many and varied issues on behalf members.

Lincoln Wymer

Industrial Relations Reform

Late 2022, the Australian Parliament passed laws which significantly amended the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) and introduced new rights for employees and obligations on employers.

In late 2022, the Australian Parliament passed laws which significantly amended the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) and introduced new rights for employees and obligations on employers.

The Australian Government has indicated these amendments are the first package of several reforms to the industrial relations landscape across Australia. Later this year, the Government is expected to propose amendments to existing laws and create new laws altering the way casual employees and independent contractors are engaged and regulated.

MGA believes the first package of reform, outlined below, was expedited through the Australian Parliament with an inadequate period of consultation. Despite this, MGA met with senior government officials to advocate the interests of members, making a strong submission to the Australian Parliament Senate’s inquiry into the reforms.

Read a copy of our submission here MGA has stated on several occasions the expectation for the Australian Government to engage in extensive meaningful consultation with key stakeholders when considering future industrial relations reform.

The first package of reforms passed into

law late last year, has several elements commencing operation in stages. MGA will advise members as key elements commence.

In summary, the key changes likely to affect members are:

» Objects of the Fair Work Act

The object or purpose of the Fair Work Act has been updated to include the promotion of “job security and gender equity”. As the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is guided by the objects in the FW Act, this new provision will have a bearing on the decisions made by the FWC. MGA expects this will be particularly relevant when the FWC makes decisions with respect to Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements.

» Flexible Working Arrangements

If an employer declines an employee’s request for flexible working arrangements, the employee will have the option of applying to the FWC to have the decision reviewed and potentially overturned.

Multi-employer bargaining

A new system of enterprise agreement bargaining will come into effect that will

allow for enterprise agreements and bargaining across multiple employers which have a common interest and are reasonably comparable. Employers with 20 or more employees (by headcount) may be required to engage in multiemployer bargaining if a majority of employees in a workplace vote to commence this process. Employers with less than 50 employees will be able to make an application to the FWC to opt out of multi-employer bargaining. MGA is currently assisting the FWC, in its consultation with stakeholder groups, to implement the administrative processes necessary for the consideration of enterprise agreement applications within its jurisdiction.

» Legacy enterprise agreements

Enterprise agreements which came into operation prior to the FW Act in 2009 will automatically terminate on 7 December 2023, unless the FWC grants an extension to their operation. Members may find their employees become automatically covered by a Modern Award if a legacy agreement is terminated. MGA is currently planning a program of support to assist members who will need to make this transition and will be sending further information shortly.

» Sexual harassment

Employers will be liable for sexual harassment in their workplaces which is perpetrated by non-employee workers and contractors. Employers will be liable for sexual harassment which occurs in their workplaces unless they can demonstrate they took “all reasonable steps” to prevent it. The FWC will now have the power to order compensation to be payable to victims of sexual harassment.

» Fixed term contracts

Unless a limited set of exceptions apply, employers will be prohibited from engaging employees on fixed-term contracts for more than two years, or consecutive contracts adding up to more than two years. A new “Fixed Term

Contract Information Statement” will need to be provided to any employees engaged on fixed-term contracts, regardless of their duration.

» Pay secrecy

Terms in contracts of employment and enterprise agreements which prohibit an employee from disclosing their remuneration to another person will be unlawful and unenforceable.

Reforms will impact some members more than others. MGA’s Employment Law team is monitoring the implementation of these reforms and will provide further updates explaining any compliance action required.

Please contact our Employment Law team on 1800 888 479 or legal@mga.asn.au to discuss your business’ particular circumstances.

Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave

MGA has held the position that family and domestic violence, as with all acts of violence, is an objectionable afflict on our society, creating lasting damage to individuals and communities.

In recent times the media and governments across Australia have shone a spotlight on this societal problem and debated solutions to assist those exposed.

In addition to strengthening the criminal justice system, governments have progressively implemented reforms which address the social disadvantage victims face, including consequences which flow from interruptions to being able to engage in work.

In recent years, employees gained the right to take unpaid family and domestic violence leave. Shortly after, the Australian Government began consultation regarding creating a paid entitlement to this form of leave. MGA made a submission to the Education and

Employment Legislation Committee on this matter, available at the following link, here

In accordance with member feedback, MGA agreed with the principle that workers require support when addressing family and domestic violence. MGA voiced concern relating to the financial burden that paid family and domestic violence leave would have on members, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, if required to fund this leave themselves. MGA observed the Australian Government currently funds paid parental leave and a new form of paid leave should also be funded by the government.

Despite our concerns, the Australian Parliament proceeded to create the new

paid family and domestic violence leave entitlement, to be funded by employers. This entitlement is now law and has commenced operation for businesses which employ 15 or more employees. Businesses which employ 14 or fewer employees will be required to provide this leave to employees later this year.

MGA recently advised members of these changes and how they will operate, including new obligations and rights. For further information click here

Please contact our Employment Law team on 1800 888 479 or legal@mga. asn.au to discuss this new entitlement and obligations for your particular circumstances.

Construction of the nation’s largest wholesale distribution centre has begun

Metcash and Goodman break ground on the largest wholesale distribution centre in Australia.

Start of construction of Metcash’s new Victorian distribution centre was marked with a smoking ceremony and soil turning event.

The new mega distribution centre at Goodman Group’s RBR Hub in Truganina will support close to 4,000 stores and premises across Metcash’s independent retail network in Victoria.

The size of 16 football fields, and almost 115,000 square metres, it will be the

largest wholesale distribution centre in the country and 25,000 square metres larger than Metcash’s current facilities at Laverton.

To celebrate ground being broken at the site, a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country was performed by Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. In attendance were local politicians including City of Melton Mayor Lara Carli, Ministers Sarah Connolly and Luba Grigorovitch, key

state retailers, and representatives from Metcash and Goodman Group.

Metcash Group CEO, Doug Jones said the commencement of construction was a huge milestone for Metcash and its network of independent retailers in Victoria.

“We believe independent familyowned businesses are the backbone of Australia and that ‘independents are worth fighting for’. Our network already

Office view artists render

includes some of the best stores in the world, and this investment represents our long-term commitment to continue supporting them and their local communities in Victoria.

“The larger centre will enable Metcash to carry a wider range of products for retailers. The new distribution centre will also house new fit for purpose facilities and amenities, and utilise updated Warehouse Technology such as semiautomated Goods-to-Person and Layer Picking Solutions, which will deliver great efficiencies compared to the current centre at Laverton.

“Our purpose at Metcash is to Champion Successful Independents, and this new distribution centre further strengthens their competitiveness so they can be the best store in their town.

“Our Victorian retailers have performed outstandingly in recent years, and this new DC ultimately helps them better support the local communities in which they operate. Our retailers are the heart and soul of their local communities,” Mr Jones said.

The distribution centre at Truganina will also benefit local suppliers by providing an efficient route to market and better access to Metcash’s extensive distribution network.

The new distribution centre is expected to be completed in mid 2024.

Travis Hardman, General Manager - Southern States, Goodman, local MP Luba Grigorovitch, City of Melton Mayor Lara Carli, MP Sarah Connolly & Doug Jones, CEO Metcash

Travis Hardman, General Manager - Southern States, Goodman & Doug Jones, CEO Metcash

Metcash Leadership Team & Retailers. L-R: Alistair Bell - CFO Metcash, Tony Ingpen MGA Liquor Committee, Scott Marshall - CEO Metcash Supermarkets, Jeff Harper MGA Board Director, Doug Jones - CEO Metcash and Neal Morgan

Small Businesses unprepared for Cyber Attacks despite prevention

Younger Australians are the least safe cyber generation

Small business owners should not assume young social media-savvy family members or employees have the know-how to defend their businesses from a cyber-attack.

Australia’s first generation of digital natives are among the least aware of common cyber security threats such as identity theft and ransomware, according to a new survey of more than 2000 small business owners and employees by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s Cyber Wardens program.

The survey findings signal a warning for small business owners who regularly rely on younger family members or employees to manage their technology and business social media.

Four in five Australian small business owners and employees are not confident in their ability to prepare for, fight and recover from a cyberthreat.

The survey, which examined generational approaches to cyber security, found two-thirds (67 per cent) of Australian small business owners believe tech-savviness equates to cyber safety skills. While Gen Z employees - those born after1997 - may have grown up with Tiktok and Minecraft, the research suggests our first generation of digital natives are among the least cyber safe, lacking the awareness and key competencies of cyber security compared to their older colleagues.

The safest pair of hands in the small business community appear to be

GenXers and upper Millennials in their 30s, who are the most likely to take cyber security seriously. Despite the lower awareness of incoming threats compared to their older counterparts, Gen Z rate their skills to prepare for, fight and respond to cyberthreats as on par to all other generations, suggesting inflated levels of confidence.

In good news, Gen Z is the generation most keen to learn more and help build a culture of cyber safety, with one in two Gen Z employees (55%) interested in participating in the Cyber Wardens program.

The Cyber Wardens program, developed in partnership with the CommonwealthBank (CBA) and Telstra will be rolled out this year to help

safeguard Australia’s 2.3 million small businesses and lock the digital front doors of businesses across the country.

“A good first step is taking stock of who is responsible for your business’ cyber protection,” COSBOA Chairman Matthew Addison said. “Don’t just assume your kids or younger employees are the safest pair of hands when it comes to online activity.”

CBA Chief Information Security Office, Keith Howard, said the Cyber Wardens program will give small business owners and their employees simple information and tools to stay safe online. “With a focus on practical behavioural change rather than technical jargon, Cyber Wardens will arm small business

employees and owners with simple steps to protect their personal and professional lives online. It’s great to be working closely with COSBOA and Telstra to help create a frontline defence against cyberthreats with Australia’s 5 millionstrong small business workforce, “ Mr Howard said.

Telstra Small and Medium Business Executive, Anne Da Cunha said the findings demonstrate the importance of a co-operative approach to cyber security across generations, industries and businesses both big and small. “Australian small business owners have done it tough the past few years, emerging from COVID, navigating global supply chain issues and for some the impacts of natural disasters, the last

THE HEART OF QUALITY

thing they need is a cyber-attack or scam to contend with,” Ms Da Cunha said The Cyber Wardens pilot program will launch in early 2023.

To be one of the first people to complete this training and better equip your small business against cyber risks, visit www. cyberwardens.com.au For more tips and tricks to keep your small business safe follow @cyberwardens

Click here for the full release

Source:cosboa.org.au

@jcsqualityfoodsau@jcsqualityfoods

Good food is the source of good health, happiness and vitality, and we believe that quality ingredients are at the heart.

IGA Victorian State Conference 2023

The IGA Victorian State Conference was held 27 February to 3 March 2023 at the Sofitel Noosa Hotel on the Sunshine Coast and attended by over 160 delegates.

Day one started with a visit to the Noosa Heads Distillery where a Gin Tasting and Distillery tour was conducted, followed by a cabanas and poolside welcome dinner. Day two opened with Metcash Victorian GM, Rob Pistritto, setting out the business sessions and events.

Keynote speaker, Mark McCrindle, a social researcher and futurist with an international following who is recognised as a leader in tracking emerging issues

and researching social trends, opened the meeting with a comprehensive presentation on “Fuelling Growth in an Inflammatory Environment”. This was followed by store visits to IGA Peregian Beach, IGA Mooloolah and Seasons IGA Noosa.

Day three comprised of presentations outlining future strategic plans, including Channel update, Networking of the Future and Ask Ross and Logistics and Project Arrow updates.

On Day four the group attended the Australian Zoo, where a comprehensive session on Sustainability with GM Marketing, Fiona Johnston, detailing the projects being undertaken by Metcash to secure their future sustainability.

The conference concluded with a farewell Gala Dinner by the Noosa River.

The Monacella Family serves Gippsland, Victoria

Founded in 1991 by the Monacella Family, Monacellars started as a small retail store in Gippsland’s premier industrial town, Morwell where they identified an opportunity in the liquor wholesaling market.

Now supplying most of Gippsland, the business continues to look for retail opportunities, and eighteen months ago opened a new Cellarbrations Superstore in Warragul, joining their Korumburra, Newborough and Morwell stores in Victoria.

The Warragul store covers 850 square meters incorporating a self-serve cool room of 250 square meters giving consumers easy access to their favourite chilled products.

Monacellars prides itself on delivering the best customer service and range with a range of over 6000 + products.

Guided by CEO Mario Monacella, the Monacella family is celebrating over 30 years of business, serving the people throughout the Gippsland region and looks forward to an exciting future of expansion in their retailing and wholesaling businesses.

Monacellars Cellarbrations Superstore Warragul

Queensland Small Business Commissioner congratulations and farewells

Congratulations to Dominique Lamb, on her recent appointment as Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner. MGA TMA looks forward to connecting with Dominique in this role on behalf of small business in Queensland.

Thank you to the outgoing Commissioner, Maree Adshead for her many achievements over the past couple of years, especially through the challenging times of COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Outgoing Commissioner Maree Adshead is to be congratulated on the significant work delivered during her tenure to establish the office and provide assistance to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

During 2021–22, the QSBC assisted small businesses, commercial landlords and small business stakeholders on more than 2,700 occasions. This included closing 251 disputes, 138 of which received free or low-cost mediation. The QSBC resolved 64% of disputes via informal resolution or mediation, with an average processing time of 51 days – keeping small businesses out of lengthy and costly court processes.

Dominique Lamb has been appointed as Queensland’s permanent Small Business Commissioner.

Ms Lamb brings to the Commissioner role extensive experience working with the small business sector across a wide range of policy areas, including economic recovery and industrial relations.

As Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Ms Lamb and the office will continue to expand the Small Business Friendly Councils program and provide small businesses with a dedicated, central point of contact to access information, support and advice, including assistance with disputes involving a retail tenancy, small business lease or small business franchise.

Source: cosboa.org.au

Outgoing Commissioner Maree Adshead addresses the room.

QUEENSLAND

From little things, big things grow -

How the Sunshine Coast’s annual Meet the Makers

food

and beverage showcase is opening doors for local producers.

From tasty treats, delicious dairy, farm grown goodness, plant based alternatives, baked goods, organic goodness, spirit makers and refreshing beers, there is something for everyone at the annual Meet the Makers (MTM) event that is set to return to the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday 4th May.

Now in its fifth year, MTM has grown to become the Food and Agribusiness Network’s (FAN) signature event and has earned a stellar reputation for attracting quality growers, manufacturers and producers who offer high quality, innovative products, that consumers and buyers cannot get enough of.

Attracting buyers and industry members from all over Australia, producers from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond will unveil their latest food and beverage offerings with many making important trade connections in the process.

Acting FAN CEO, Nicole McNaughton said as the region’s only dedicated food and beverage trade event, the opportunities and connections MTM creates cannot be underestimated.

“Meet the Makers provides valuable commercial connections and opportunities for our members and allows them to connect with members from the wider food and beverage industry which is important in terms of being able to benchmark their own growth journey and potentially look at future collaborations.

“Being able to showcase a product at this event makes it easier for buyers

to see what the region is doing and to assess if any of the products are a fit for them.

“The value of this kind of exposure cannot be underestimated and we have seen many of our exhibitors products picked up by major retailers as a result.

Local retailer, Roz White who, together with husband Michael White, own six White’s IGA’s stores across the Sunshine Coast is an Official Event Ambassador who is passionate about championing local producers through her ‘Locavore’ program.

“It is smart business to support local producers,” Ms White said.

“Our customers love buying local produce and products because the trust the quality and they feel like they are supporting the region. And as we have such incredible products available right across SEQ it makes it an easy thing to do.

“Importantly, consumers love the stories behind the products and so do we. The story-telling component is what connects the consumer to the product and ignites an important bond to raise awareness how supporting local can create value right across the community,” Ms White said.

The Queensland food and agribusiness sector make up one third of Australia’s primary produce and demand for local produce and products continues to grow.

“It comes as no surprise that the demand for Queensland food and drink products continues to grow and supporting our members to build capability to scale and leverage new distribution opportunities is an important role of FAN. Ms McNaughton said.

“FAN, together with key stakeholders, has a strong focus on making our region an epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing by creating a ecosystem that drives collaboration and innovation.

“Through it’s collaborative efforts FAN has helped many small food and beverage providers scale up and be in a position to work with some of the larger retailers and it is wonderful to be able to facilitate these connections and see really incredible products end up on the shelves of retailers who truly understand the importance of supporting local producers”.

KEY EVENT DETAILS FOR BUYERS

2.00 pm - 5.30 pm

Buyer Session, welcomes:

Food & beverage retailers / distributors / wholesalers & procurement / restaurants / cafes / caterers / tourism operators / accommodation providers / event companies are invited to learn about the latest food and beverage products made in our regions.

FOR SUPPORTERS

5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Networking Session, welcomes:

FAN members and partners, industry supporters, media and passionate foodies - come join us at this Networking Session and celebrate our regions’ growers and makers. Find out more here

Meet the Makers 2023 is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Noosa Council MGA Independent Retailers and Whites IGA.

MGA partners with energy group Choice Energy

MGA is pleased to welcome Choice Energy as a new Corporate Partner, helping members lower energy costs, reduce exposure to the volatile electricity grid and create their own power through quality solar solutions.

Australian owned and operated, and more than 8,000 clients nationally, Choice Energy has achieved significant success in the grocery, liquor and timber retail sectors supporting hundreds of businesses across the country to better manage their energy costs.

Some example of savings include:

» IGA Rainbow: Avoided a $90,000 network upgrade cost by installing solar and reducing their reliance on the energy grid

» Total Tools Braeside: By making the switch to solar, Total Tools Braeside saved $12,804 annually by making the switch to solar

» IGA Woorim Beach: Reduced their energy bills by 38% thanks to expert energy procurement.

How can you get involved?

Choice Energy can use their expertise to assess your energy usage and bill to identify a strategy that makes sense for your business, exploring a range of core solutions including:

» Commercial Energy Procurement (Small and Large businesses, Electricity and Gas)

» Network Tariff and Demand Analysis

» Metering and Monitoring of your bills

» Commercial Solar

» Solar Battery Storage

» Power Factor Correction

» Commercial LED lighting

Request your health check now

As a proud supporter of MGA, Choice Energy is pleased to provide MGA members with a complimentary energy health check of your business energy bills.

1. Send your recent energy bill to MGA’s dedicated account manager Alex Townsend.

2. Alex will run a health check for the business, exploring the usage and

Live Payments is helping members save big with Merchant Choice Routing

MGA TMA members can save thousands of dollars a year on transaction fees with Merchant Choice Routing, a feature that is enabled on all Live Payments Terminals, free of charge.

The Merchant Choice Routing feature works by automatically re-routing multi-network debit cards to the network that has lower transaction fees, resulting in businesses saving big in the long run. Without Merchant Choice Routing enabled, multinetwork card type transactions may be routed to the less cost-effective option.

Merchant Choice Routing (MCR) can benefit businesses in various ways:

• Cost savings: MCR can help businesses save money on transaction fees by rerouting to payment networks, reducing overall expenses.

• Increased flexibility: MCR can help businesses adapt to changing market conditions with the ability to switch between payment networks as needed.

The savings generated by Merchant Choice Routing can make it a valuable feature for many businesses and is available through a range of

Live Payments solutions including Standalone and Integrated terminals. Allowing businesses to take payments their way, all while reducing transaction fees.

To learn more about Merchant Choice Routing or to enquire about your options with Live Payments, email paul. bynion@livepayments.com or vasco. stojanoski@livepayments.com.

Introducing Natalie Cleghorn, S enior Winemaker, Nagambie Estate

In a major coup, Halliday-rated 5-star Victorian winery Mitchelton, has appointed highly regarded winemaker Natalie Cleghorn as Senior Winemaker of its Nagambie Estate.

The former Katnook Estate Senior Winemaker/Site manager takes up her new position, bringing over 23 years of experience as a winemaker/ wine show judge and a passion for winemaking to Nagambie’s iconic Mitchelton Estate.

“I am a history buff and I adore telling stories about the wines I make, so the opportunity to be part of a historic Australian brand is a great honour. As the custodian of this iconic brand, I am excited to be given the opportunity to continue the Mitchelton story and make great wines that speak of the vineyards and place.” Says the two-time finalist for Australian Women in Wine, and Winemaker of the year awards. Since its first vines were planted in 1969 Mitchelton has grown to become Central Victoria’s most iconic producer of wine. Today, Mitchelton produces several wine brands including Preece, Mitchelton Estate, Blackwood Park, and the newly introduced Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi Collection.

Mitchelton aims to elevate its reputation as a maker of wines displaying the unique regional characteristics of its award-winning estate-grown varieties capturing the heritage, landscape, and people of the region.

Natalie Cleghorn, Senior Winemaker Mitchelton’s, Nagambie Estate

19 Crimes hosts Snoop Dogg in Melbourne

Hip

icon

collaboration.

Leading wine brand 19 Crimes today welcomed US Hip Hop icon Snoop Dogg to the company’s Melbourne headquarters on Collins Street. The appearance comes ahead of the Melbourne leg of Snoop’s ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ Tour, of which 19 Crimes is a proud presenting partner.

Snoop Dogg and 19 Crimes are collaborators on a range of wines that have taken the industry by storm. Today’s visit marked a preview of the duo’s newest release, Snoop Cali Gold, a sparkling debut which will be available from leading liquor stores later this year. In celebration of Snoop’s visit, a mural was commissioned on Melbourne’s famed Hosier Lane by world-renowned street artist, @MattyBro_Art

Showcasing Snoop set against a classic Cali backdrop, an image also showcased on the wine label, the mural pays tribute to the American superstar and takes pride of place on the famous laneway. Born and raised in Long Beach, CA and a renowned Californian Icon; Snoop Dogg first joined forces with 19 Crimes in 2021 creating a unique red blend that continues to see significant success in-market. In 2022 Snoop Cali Rosé was launched, with consumers also having access to an exclusive Snoop Dogg AR experience – by visiting askthedoggfather.com they can ask questions and hear Snoop’s responses and sage advice.

Snoop Dogg’s ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ Tour hits Rod Laver Arena March 4th & 5th, before heading to Brisbane and then Adelaide.

Hop

graces Australia’s most liveable city, raising a glass to mark a special

Max Gawn pairs footy and wine in a new partnership with Pepperjack

Melbourne Captain, Max Gawn announced as the official ambassador for Pepperjack - Australia’s No.1 Game pairs with Australia’s No.1 Shiraz for the second year in-a-row

With the commencement of the 2023 AFL season in March, Pepperjack is thrilled to announce Melbourne Captain, Max Gawn, as the official ambassador for Pepperjack’s partnership with the 2023 Toyota AFL season.

Pepperjack is proudly pairing Australia’s #1 game with Australia’s #1 Shiraz for a second year-in-a-row as the Official Wine of the AFL. With a passion for the wine industry, Melbourne Captain, Max Gawn, said he is looking forward to working with Pepperjack for the 2023 season.

“I’m so excited to be pairing two of my favourite things, footy and wine, thanks to Pepperjack. Bold and honest just like the Dees, it is my guest of choice for any occasion. It’s a well-known crowd favourite and always goes down well with footy, friends or a night in with my family. My favourite varietal would have to be the Barossa Shiraz,” said Gawn.

Aligning with Pepperjack’s commitment to crafting quality wines and an overall philosophy of ‘When Character Counts’, the partnership with Max for the first time as well as Australia’s national game for the second year in a row, provides exciting opportunities to continue to showcase Pepperjack’s portfolio of great wines to AFL fans across the country. Whilst the label leads with its

signature Barossa Shiraz, Pepperjack’s portfolio has evolved over the years and now features an array of dynamic wines including a Sparkling, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Malbec and Rosé – just to name a few.

Treasury Premium Brands’ Director Marketing & Category, Ben Culligan, says it’s an exciting time for Pepperjack – a brand that celebrates bringing people together to enjoy wines known for their quality, character and style.

“As makers of Australia’s leading Shiraz, Pepperjack is excited to launch its partnership with Max, who is a true character of Australia’s national game, as well as continue to be the official wine of a game that brings people together. Max is one of the standout characters of the AFL. His warm and relaxed nature mixed with his honest and courageous leadership abilities encompasses the Pepperjack brand, making him the perfect ambassador.

Pepperjack is also proud to partner with Australia’s national game for the second

year in a row, as the official wine of the AFL. Pepperjack is centred around creating quality wine to be enjoyed with others and we are looking forward to sharing this once again with footy fans across the country in the 2023 Toyota AFL season and beyond”, added Culligan.

Building on from last year, the AFL will continue the popular content series ‘Friday Night Knock Offs’ brought to you by Pepperjack. Hosted by former AFL player, Dylan Buckley, the second edition of the series will commence in-line with Round 1, airing 4:30pm every Friday across the AFL’s channels. Buckley will continue to knock off with a new guest of character each week, chatting about footy and life.

“The weekly content series perfectly aligns to Pepperjack whilst also providing footy fans with an engaging series to celebrate the week that was over a glass of wine and anticipate the weekend of footy ahead,” concluded Culligan.

We build ovens, we build success

UNOX is a leading manufacturer of professional ovens, a dynamic and growing company since the year of its foundation in 1990. Today we are progressively becoming the benchmark in the industry because of our ability to combine Quality, Competitiveness and Simplicity within every product and service we offer.

At UNOX, we see success as a very personal thing, and we believe that success comes in many different forms. Building success means setting yourself short-term and long-term goals, and then making choices and taking action to achieve them. Goals could be anything, from selfrealisation to creating a great team, a great family, or a great business, from leaving your mark in the history books to attaining personal wealth, from living free to becoming an example for others. At UNOX, we want to give you the tools, support and ideas to help you rise to the challenge of building success.

The environmental impact of Unox products is considered at every point of the life cycle, both at the start and the end of production. Unox uses materials that come from sustainable production and are easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Using all resources accurately and making more than 95% of the product recyclable means producing with maximum efficiency for today and for tomorrow.

Reducing energy consumption means, first of all, reducing the environmental impact of those that use our ovens every single day. In fact, Unox ovens allow you to save up to 30% more energy with respect to traditional ovens. In addition, compared to traditional cooking methods, the reduction in energy consumption is up to 60%. Higher energy efficiency translates into economic savings for the user and a notable environmental benefit.

One of the key reasons why Unox Australia is the best choice for local businesses is the exceptional customer service. Unox offer free, no obligation Individual Cooking Experiences with our qualified Active Marketing Chefs. We come to you, testing your own food products in our ovens to ensure you get the desired consistent result you want.

UNOX offers the LONG.Life4 program, tangible proof of the quality and reliability of MIND.Maps™ ovens with the possibility of extending the guarantee on spare parts for 4 years (or 10,000 running hours) and 2 year’s labour. And at Unox we fully accept the responsibility of providing service. National solutions exist where our

nominated repairers are available to meet your needs regarding service and repair. We have a team of experts who are always ready to assist customers with their needs, whether answering questions about a product, providing technical support or helping with installation and maintenance.

Excellence in just two words: improve and simplify. We create value through simplicity, bringing those advantages that simplicity conveys to you. For you, this means maximum performance, freedom, ease of use and savings. For UNOX, Inventive Simplification.

We know you don’t want to spend your time worrying about insurance, but would your current insurance be enough to see you through?

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MGA TMA Industry Event

Under the cover of darkness we arrived at the MCG on Wednesday 22 March 2023 in preparation of the first MGA TMA Industry Event of the year.

With 60 plus MGA TMA members, industry friends and suppliers in attendance, there was a real buzz to the morning with everyone catching up on the last few months and looking out onto the hallowed turf of Melbourne’s iconic MCG.

The first guest presenter was, AFL great Kevin Sheedy. Kevin spoke of the need to grow and diversify businesses and used examples of his time with the league –when AFL moved into Sydney and also recruiting indigenous players to the league. The audience was very engaged with his presentation.

Following Kevin, was industry expert Jim Houghton. Jim was a welcomed lastminute addition to our line-up as, Kevin Peachey was unwell and unable to attend. Jim leads the consultancy group Hire Thinking and was formally with Forest and Wood Products Australia. Jim spoke of the current state of the industry with interest rate rises and the economy slowing. With timber dominant in the building industry, the housing market was covered. Jim discussed prices being down, new building approvals also down and outlined building material supply relative to local production and imports. With the formalities of the morning complete, attendees were met by official Melbourne Cricket Club guides to be taken on a tour around the ground imparting knowledge about the rich history of the MCG, including the Long Room of the Melbourne Cricket Club and navigated its way through several interesting locations including the media room, players room, as well as ground level. A great way to end the morning. Future networking events for MGA TMA are being planned.

L-R: Lara Worthington- Dahlsens, Nikita Gentle and Kersten Gentle - FTMA Australia

Jim Houghton - Hire Thinking Consultancy Group

L-R: MGA TMA CEO David Inall, Kevin Sheedy and MGA TMA Membership Manager MarieClaire McKiernan

L-R: Kimberley Blackwell - Peuker & Alexander, Mark Roach - Inotek Timber Systems,and Andrea Alexander - Peuker & Alexander

L-R: Marnie Rosenberg - Provans Timber & Hardware, Danni Reed - Britton Timber and Rosie McMillian - Provans Timber & Hardware

Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour Guide

MGA TMA attends IHG Expo

1,200 delegates representing IHG’s brands (Mitre 10 & Home Hardware) 800 suppliers and IHG staff, converged on the Gold Coast for the two day event.

Festivities kicked off with welcome drinks at The Star on Monday evening. Everyone was happy to be together again in person after COVID-19 halted the last two events.

Tuesday morning saw the group meet at the Convention Centre for a presentation from CEO of IHG, Annette Welsh, IHG’s senior executive team, and Metcash Group CEO, Doug Jones. The sector saw tremendous growth during COVID-19 and Annette and team presented on their plans to further grow and develop the business with new member growth strategies, store upgrades, growing the DIY category with a shopper led range, and meeting consumers demand for digital solutions.

Following the business session, doors opened for Expo and delegates filed in to grab a deal or two.

MGA TMA had a number of members drop in to the stand, as well as nonmember enquiries. Our business card draw winner, Barry Rosenberg from Provan’s Mitre 10, received a place at our Timber Product Knowledge training course.

MGA TMA members attending as Expo exhibitors included Davids Timber, Neville Smith Forest Products, Tilling Timber, Porta and Meyer Timber.

The 2023 IHG Expo culminated with the IHG Awards of Excellence on Wednesday night, and were entertained by Tim Campbell performing The Little River Band’s “Playing to Win”, joined by

Catriona Rowntree on stage both as MCs for the evening’s awards.

Congratulations to deserving members nominated for awards over the course of the night.

Special mention to winning members:

» 2022 Blue Blood Award: Peter Davie, Wilsons Mitre 10, Bacchus Marsh VIC

» CEO Recognition Award: David Woodman, Woodman’s Mitre 10, Beenleigh QLD

» 2022 Store of the Year Medium

Format: Pontings Mitre 10, Warrnambool VIC

» 2022 Garden Centre of the Year: McLaren Vale Mitre 10, McLaren Vale SA

» 2022 Trade Centre of the Year: Provans Mitre 10, Clifton Hill VIC

There were celebrations to be had with the face-to-face return of the IHG (Independent Hardware Group) Expo in February 2023.

Pontings Mitre 10

Business Session - Annette Welsh

David Woodman - Beenleigh Mitre 10

Provans Mitre 10

Timber Product Knowledge Course

In 2022, MGA TMA held three Timber Product Knowledge courses with each selling out.

In 2023, MGA TMA will be offering the course again through Timber Training Creswick.

Feedback from participants has been exceptional, many commenting at the level of knowledge acquired over the two days.

Dates* are currently being confirmed and will be posted on the MGA TMA website and listed in Timber and Hardware News – stay tuned. *Please note that this course is held in Melbourne.

Appointment of Metcash Food CEO

Metcash (ASX: MTS) announced on the 30 March 2023, the appointment of Grant Ramage as Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s Food pillar, with effect from 1 May 2023. The appointment follows the completion of a global search due to the resignation of Scott Marshall early this year.

Grant is currently Executive General Manager Merchandise in Metcash’s Food pillar, a position he has held for the past four years. Prior to this role he was State General Manager, Supermarkets, Western Australia, after joining Metcash in 2015. As leader of the Food merchandise team and a member of the Food leadership group, Grant has been a key contributor to the very strong performance of both the Food pillar and the IGA network in recent years.

Grant passionately believes that ‘independents are worth fighting for’ and has played a key role in supporting the significant improvement in the competitiveness of the IGA network. In addition to increased value for shoppers, including competitive prices, he helped to navigate the prolonged and severe supply chain challenges of recent years, ensuring the IGA retail

network continued to be well stocked and able to serve local communities.

In his previous State General Manager role, Grant delivered significant and sustained improvement in the state’s logistics operations and built the requisite resilience to help address increased competition, deregulation of trading hours, and recession.

Importantly, Grant is highly regarded by both Metcash’s independent retailers and suppliers and has built strong relationships and trust with these key partners.

Prior to joining Metcash, Grant had a long and successful career at Coles Liquor, where he held several roles across merchandise, marketing, operational leadership, business development, critical projects, and exclusive brands. His earlier career included 10 years with Oddbins, the UK’s then pre-eminent Wine Merchant, working in both retail stores and in buying.

Metcash Group CEO, Doug Jones said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Grant, he is uniquely positioned to take the CEO Food role into its next era. His extensive experience and strong relationships,

together with our proven structures, systems, and management team, ensure we have the right platform to continue the success of the Food pillar and its partners.”

This announcement is authorised to be given to the ASX by the Board of Directors of Metcash Limited.

Source: Metcash Ltd Corporate Communications

Grant Ramage - CEO Metcash Food

INDUSTRY NEWS

The green way to clean out your office

Victorian businesses looking to revamp their office space can turn to a Melbourne social enterprise that reuses and recycles unwanted office equipment.

Green Collect is helping businesses keep tonnes of office equipment out of landfill and providing employment for people facing challenges finding work.

The social enterprise reuses or recycles more than 100 types of office items that would otherwise be thrown out, including IT equipment, mobile phones, furniture, kitchen appliances and crockery.

Items that can be reused are prepared for sale through Green Collect’s retail stores, while those that are unusable are dismantled and the parts recycled. 42% of the items collected are reused, and 52% are recycled.

As well as contributing to the circular economy and keeping tonnes of nonbiodegradable material out of landfill, Green Collect is employing people who often face challenges finding work.

Green Collect picks up items from offices then sorts them at its warehouse in Braybrook, in Melbourne’s inner west. It reports back to offices on the quantity and outcome of all items processed for inclusion in sustainability targets.

Between 1 July and 31 October 2022, Green Collect repurposed more than 1600 tonnes of equipment from the former Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions alone.

“We see staff at Green Collect who have overcome significant challenges, whether due to disability or disadvantage, now thriving in an environment where their skills and passions are surfaced and valued.

“The transition to a circular economy not only gives us the tools to tackle climate

change but also the opportunity to create a more inclusive jobs sector that works for the wellbeing of both people and the planet.

“Through social procurement, government and business are able to generate additional value in their supply chains - and with Green Collect this means growing jobs and social resilience while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution.”

Green Collect can be contacted by emailing info@greencollect.org or call 03 9663 8843.

For more information, visit www. greencollect.org.