Business Resource & Lifestyle Magazine - Issue #61 by Norwest Advertising - Archive

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SYDNEY - Issue 61 | December 2013

M a g a z i n e

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‘Deeds not Words’ – the Abbott Approach to Good Government Page 18

Is Your Business Ready for 2014? Page 26

Publisher’s Guest: Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Michelle Byrne T o b e c o m e a c o n t r i b u t i n g w r i t e r i n B u s i n e s s R e s o u r c e & L i f e s t y l e c a ll 1 3 0 0 8 8 9 1 3 2 Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

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Editor and Publisher: Dmitry Greku Cover Story: Adrian Payne Images for the cover story are from State Library of NSW Contributing Writers: Charlie Lynn Angry Anderson Darryn Fellowes John Watters Fiona Gillic Erin Adams Daniel Moisyeyev Art Director: Svetlana Greku Executive Officer: Daniel Moisyeyev Director of Public Relations: Angry Anderson Cover Design and Cover Story Layout Xabier Goñi, XDesigns Photography: Francesca Surace, Stilz Fotografika Printing: Pegasus Print Group Business Resource & Lifestyle Magazine® is published by GWP Media® and GWP Magazines® ABN: 82 096 352 064 www.gwpmagazine.com.au Office Address: Unit 31, 7 Hoyle Avenue, Castle Hill, NSW 2154 International Standard Serial Number ISSN 1837-199X Advertising Enquiries p | 1300 889 132 e | info@gwpmagazine.com.au To Subscribe w | www.gwpmagazine.com.au

Annangrove Business Park Fresh and Simple Caterers Copyright GWP Media® and GWP Magazines® 2011. The opinions expressed in this journal do not necessarily reflect and are not to be regarded as the official opinion of the editor, publisher or their agents.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

All information contained within this journal is provided for general information purposes only and on the understanding that none of the content herein constitutes professional advice. The editor, publisher or their agents accept no responsibility for any claim, loss or damages arising out of or in connection with any materials contained in this journal. Readers should not rely on the publications in the journal and seek appropriate professional advice in respect of their own circumstances.

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 20 16 Cover Story 10 James Ruse – Convict

Saving the Colony Adrian Payne

leadership

Business Advice

18 ‘Deeds not Words’ – the

30 Online Business Models:

Abbott Approach to Good Government Charlie Lynn

Myths vs Reality – Part II Daniel Moisyeyev

Society & Life

Publisher’s Guest

16 Michelle Byrne

Mayor of The Hills Shire

Regulars Editor’s Letter

All Work and No Play … would Make Dmitry a Dull Boy! Dmitry Greku

Local Government

20 The Sydney Hills Homes of

The Hills Shire Council

24 3 Strategies to Reduce

Angry Anderson

Features

22 Programs Provide a

Double-Edged Solution Fiona Gillic

Key Person Reliance Darryn Fellowes

26 Is Your Business Ready for

Responsibility

the Future

Business Advice

The Sleeping Giant

John Watters

2014? It is Time for Your Business Health Check! Erin Adams

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

editor’s letter

All Work and No Play … would Make Dmitry a Dull Boy! Dmitry Greku, M. Sc. - Editor and Publisher - GWP Magazines®

My family and I spent last weekend in the Hunter Valley, naturally we had promised ourselves a ‘happy’ time, but I have to say that our happiness didn’t all come from the great wineries in the district but also from traditional Australian hospitality and some fine examples of customer care.

from finishing Amanda’s own shiraz and a couple of ports in front of this stunning landscape. Next stop was The Irish Pub. A visit to this place was part of the plan and as always it was very exciting, busy and noisy. Great beer, great Australian live music and people dancing on tables, it was all part of the fun as usual.

It wasn’t our first visit to the Hunter of course; we are quite familiar with the area and always feel confident to get around and find the best places to visit. Each time we learn something new, so each time we do it better than before. The weather was not great that weekend and we didn’t have many opportunities to walk around in the great outdoors. But plenty of entertainment was available under cover – shops and wineries in particular, which was not too bad I have to admit, this scenario was well balanced, according to today’s politically correctness code, shopping for the girls and wineries mostly for for the grown up boys. But I can’t help myself, I still closely observe the businesses I see at work around me, even on a weekend off! Most of the owners of businesses we visited know us from previous years and are happy to see us come back. We always have a dinner at least once in Amanda’s on the Edge restaurant. Amanda is a wonderful lady who takes great care of her winery and the restaurant, her staff pay close attention to all customers’ requests and are there to help should you need any assistance to make the right choice. For example, we decided to have our dinner inside and have dessert out on a deck with beautiful valley views where we could also enjoy the sunset. They carefully organised a table outside, brought a blanket for our knees and put on a heater, this weekend was pretty cold and wet. But not even the bad weather could stop me

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

The next day began with a visit to a cookie shop, a hard to miss wine store and several other small and very friendly enterprises like a glassware business and one selling Christmas, lama products … and many other shops. Wine tasting for the day began with a glass of Shiraz in true country-style and with country hospitality at the ‘Taste of The Country’ Café where we couldn’t resist buying a toy cow which was smiling at us from one of the shelves. One of the ladies introduced us to her “lovely grandson” who had just started working in the business. It was truly a country experience. It’s great to come back to people who remember you as a regular, loyal customer. We usually spend about an hour in each place talking about wines, some social updates and generally

enjoying each others company. Last year one of our hospitable hosts was rather too kind … accidentally charging our bill to their own bank account instead of ours. Nice gift but it was one we couldn’t accept of course. This year we were probably the most welcome guests of all! This time, due to the rainy weather our plans for peaceful walks and enjoying spectacular Hunter Valley views were crossed off the list. So, with extra time on our hands we decided to take a different route home. From Pokolbin via Wollombi and on to Wisemans Ferry using the Wollombi Road. It took us about four hours to get to the Hills District. This included our light lunch and several stops at the most scenic spots on the way to the ferry. There was also an unexpected, compulsory stop for a breath-test on the road somewhere north of Maroota. A police lady asked if I had had a drink in the last fifteen minutes, but I said that I had not, unfortunately, because of my need to drive home and my responsibility as a good citizen. Back in the office, looking back on our Hunter weekend it was another great experience with people who care for their customers in their day to day dealings. They care about their business and you as their customer. They want to see you next time. If you haven’t visited The Hunter Valley recently I strongly recommend you do it. Whether for the first time or as a repeat visit. Go and enjoy your own great romantic wine-port-beer drinking, tasty food eating and fun-stuff buying spree and take the trip back through Wiseman’s Ferry, it’s tiring, but most enjoyable to get out and change the scenery occasionally. Have a great day. Take care of yourselves and your clients. G

e | editor@gwpmagazine.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Proudly ProudlyPresented Presentedby by

The Founding of Australia.By Capt. Arthur Phillip R.N. Sydney Cove, Jan. 26th 1788

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Business BusinessResource Resource&&Lifestyle Lifestyle | | Issue Issue60 61 | | November December2013 2013

Legendary Australians

by Adrian Payne

With the exception of the day and date, before he died convict/settler James Ruse carved his own headstone. It read:

“Sacred to the memory of James Ruse” (who departed this life September 5 in the year of Houre Lord 1837). “Natef of Cornwell and arived in this coleny by the Forst Fleet. My mother reread me tenderly With me she took much paines And when I arrived in this colony I sowed the forst grains And now with my hevnly father I hope for ever to remain”

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Proudly Presented by

James Ruse’s Experiment Farm Cottage James Ruse

Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales

He was buried at St Johns Catholic Cemetery in Campbelltown, where his headstone still stands. That was the final stop on his seventy-seven year journey which began when he was born in Launceston, County Cornwall, South West England in 1760. When he was twenty-two years of age, at the Cornwall Assizes (in 1782), he was convicted of ‘burglarious breaking and entering’ He was sentenced to be transported to Africa for seven years. However at the time there had been difficulties in transporting convicts and for the next five years while the government was searching for ways of solving the convict problem, Ruse spent much of his time in the hulk Dunkirk at Plymouth. When it was finally decided to establish a penal settlement in New South Wales he was sent out with the First Fleet in 1787, on the convict ship Scarborough. The first fleet consisted of two naval ships Sirius and Supply, there were six convict ships and three carrying supplies. Between them they transported fifteen hundred and thirty people, seven hundred and thirty-six convicts, seventeen convicts’ children, two hundred and eleven marines, twenty-seven marines’ wives, fourteen marines’ children and about three hundred officers and others. There was a Naval officer aboard the Scraborough who claimed to be the first to set foot on the shore at the end of that historic journey. However, to keep his boots dry, he was carried ashore on the back of a convict, not realising he might miss out on a place in the history books, the naval officer unwittingly bestowed his convict ‘porter’ with the honour of ‘first footing’ in the new colony. So James Ruse, that very convict, was in fact the first to step ashore and was later known to be quite proud of that moment. They first landed at Botany Bay where Cook had made his landing, but a survey of the coast to the north discovered Port Jackson, a harbour Phillip

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Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Scarborough

Legendary Australians

famously described as “being without exception the finest harbour in the world. Here a thousand Sail of the Line may ride in the most perfect security”. So Phillip established the first colony on the shores of what later became known as Sydney Harbour. In the early years of settlement Governor Phillip was having difficulty managing a population largely made up of people who were generally inclined to be uncooperative. Nevertheless he was doing his best to develop the colony which also included a settlement on Norfolk Island. One of the problems he faced was that no one had much understanding of the Australian climate, the seasons and the soils, so with little or no experience the Port Jackson Settlement wasn’t having much success growing crops and being self-sufficient. Sirius and Supply had been employed plying between Port Jackson and Norfolk Island where convict labour was having more success growing food than they were on the mainland. However there was insufficient production to feed both settlements. From the first of April 1770, rations were restricted at Port Jackson to four pounds of flour, two pounds and a half of salt pork, and one pound and a half of rice, per week per adult person. Sirius had been despatched to China to purchase

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

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Proudly Presented by

Captain James Cook, portrait by Nathaniel Dance-Holland, c. 1775, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

pleaded such loss of strength, as to find themselves unable to perform their accustomed tasks. The hours of public work were accordingly shortened or, rather, every man was ordered to do as much as his strength would permit, and every other possible indulgence was granted”.

compost, he burned the cleared timber and dug the ashes into the soil. He also fashioned what was probably an ‘ard’ or scratch plough as he didn’t have a suitable clod plough capable of handling the conditions and turning the soil. With what he had, he just worked the soil as best he could.

In July 1789 convict James Ruse claimed that his sentence had expired and asked for a land grant, inspired by the desire to take up farming for himself, an occupation to which he had been bred. While he had been working on the Government farms, one suspects that as a convict, he may not only have been weakened by poor nutrition but was also subservient to the instructions of the military and didn’t get the opportunity, or have the enthusiasm to share his farming knowledge.

During the month of June 1790 the ships that made up the second fleet of convicts being sent to Australia arrived in Port Jackson. The majority of the convicts that hadn’t died on the voyage (one ship alone had a death rate of 33%) were so ill that they couldn’t walk. Many were carried onto the beach others were barely strong enough to crawl ashore. A small town of tents was set up nearby as a temporary hospital - the colony was barely two years old and on the verge of starvation. Suddenly after waiting in hope for relief supplies they now had to care for hundreds of starved, abused and near to death individuals. One thousand and seventeen able bodied convicts had been despatched from Portsmouth ... seven hundred and fifty-nine arrived! Their poor health and the death of so many was blamed on the greed of the shipping contractors.

While lacking evidence that Ruse was entitled to his freedom, Governor Arthur Phillip did not give him a grant right away, but decided to see if he could indeed succeed in some agricultural endeavour where other arrangements had so far failed. a cargo of supplies but she was not destined to complete that journey. Watkins Tench was one of the two hundred and eleven marines serving in the colony, he kept a detailed journal which he later published in England; he wrote In April that year:... “to our unspeakable consternation we learned, that the ‘Sirius’ had been wrecked on Norfolk Island, on the 19th of February. Dismay was painted on every countenance, when the tidings were proclaimed at Sydney. The most distracting apprehensions were entertained All hopes were now concentred in the little ‘Supply” Tench went on to say “Our bosoms consequently became less perturbed; and all our labour and attention were turned on one object — the procuring of food. Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war were no more.” Government farms had been set up but with inexperienced convict labour working in unaccustomed heat, the results were disappointing. When the output of the government farms was reported in December 1789, Sydney had produced a meagre twenty-five bushels of barley, Rose Hill had produced two hundred of wheat, thirty-five of barley, and small amounts of oats and corn, most of which was put aside for seed grain. The colony was still having to rely on what was shipped from Norfolk Island or on animals that could be shot and prepared locally. But the Rose Hill area was certainly the most productive so far and showed the most promise for future agricultural enterprise. By May 1790 the long awaited second fleet had still not arrived, and with so little success growing crops in Port Jackson’s poor soil, the colony was in poor shape ... facing starvation in fact! Watkins Tench reported “If a lucky man, who had knocked down a dinner with his gun, or caught a fish by angling from the rocks, invited a neighbour to dine with him, the invitation always ran, “bring your own bread.” Even at the governor’s table, this custom was constantly observed. Every man when he sat down pulled his bread out of his pocket, and laid it by his plate. The insufficiency of our ration soon diminished our execution of labour. Both soldiers and convicts

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

In November, Governor Phillip permitted James Ruse to occupy an allotment near Parramatta, withholding the title of it from him, until his capacity as a farmer and his right to freedom had been proved. The Governor made this concession partly because he thought Ruse would be industrious and partly because he was keen to discover how long it would take a free-man to become self-sufficient. Besides, one suspects that he was willing to try anything to improve the local food supply. Ruse was set up on one and a half acres which were cleared next to Clay Cliff Creek, he was given provisions, seed-grain of wheat, barley, oats and corn, tools, and had a rough hut built for him to live in. Ruse prepared the land for planting. Seeing the soil better than at the Sydney settlement but still poor, he made up compost instead of manure which would have been a better fertilising agent to improve the soil, but it wasn’t available due to so few domestic animals being in the colony. As well as making The Ships of the First Fleet anchored in Port Jackson

The convict ship Lady Juliana was the first to arrive ... on the 3rd June. She had sailed before the main fleet at the end of July 1789, and had taken three hundred and nine days to complete the voyage. On board was 19 year-old Elizabeth Perry from Middlesex in England. She had been sentenced to serve 7 years for stealing thirtynine shillings-worth of clothing. She was sent to Rose Hill Government farm to work, where she met James Ruse who was then 29 years of age and technically a free man. By then he also had land. They were married on Sunday the 5th of September 1790 by the Reverend Richard Johnson. On the 16th of July, 1792 Elizabeth was emancipated, one the first female convicts to be granted freedom by the Governor. Ruse’s ingenuity and hard work was showing some success, so Phillip allowed him the use of additional land and by March 1791 Ruse ceased all claim to the government stores for food. He was now self-sufficient for his wife and himself.

Legendary Australians Governor Phillip granted him 30 acres and had a stone house built for him, calling the property, ‘Experiment Farm’. This was the first grant of land made in the colony. Besides justifying the faith shown in him by Governor Phillip, Ruse had also proved wrong the ‘nay-sayers’ who asserted that a smallholder could never be self-sufficient in New South Wales. However, despite this, in October 1793 he became disappointed in the quality of the land in the Parramatta area and sold his ‘Experiment Farm’ to surgeon John Harris for forty pounds. He originally intended to undertake a trip back to England, but the money soon dwindled and he sought a fresh grant instead. In January 1794 he became one of twentytwo settlers and their families to open up the Hawkesbury River area. Together they demonstrated the agricultural superiority of the region. In June 1797 he received title to an extra forty-acre grant. Nine months later when poverty was acute among smallholders, he sold his original grant for three hundred pounds, which suggests that it must have been well developed. Before 1800 he had bought an additional twenty acres but he mortgaged them in March 1801. As a point of interest, in 1797 James Ruse was brought to court on charges of running a gambling school on his premises, but there are no records of the trial so no details are available. We don’t know to what extent he enjoyed the beginnings of that great Australian pastime, but wonder if his future fortunes might provide a clue?

Old Government House, Parramatta

After 1801 James never seemed to settle for long. He or his wife were granted or had purchased eleven parcels of land, and had cleared four hundred acres. At times Elizabeth, who by then had raised a large family, ran the farms while husband James was away as a hand on the newly introduced coastal ships. There are also records of an agreement dated May 1801 which apprenticed his son James as a mariner to the firm of Kable & Underwood. On several occasions the Sydney Gazette listed a James Ruse among the crew members of such ships, but these references are likely to have been to his son. Ruse successfully requested a grant of land at Bankstown in 1809. The Hawkesbury floods caused him heavy losses but he retained contact with the Hawkesbury region throughout the term of Governor Macquarie and in 1819 received a one hundred acre grant of land at Riverstone. Yet later that year he owned only 45 acres in the Windsor district of which twenty were cleared and nineteen under crop. In addition to that he owned three horses, two cows and seven hogs. Subsequently his fortunes seem to have declined as in 1825 he was recorded as owning a mere ten acres, all in the Windsor district.

background and lived a very ordinary life that scarcely distinguished him from other farmer settlers of the time. Nevertheless, his early endeavours west of old Sydney Town did much to show how the colony could become self-sufficient and laid agricultural foundations that are still evident in the Parramatta area today. The Experimental Farm Cottage still stands on the site of James Ruse’s original land grant. The Indian-style bungalow is thought to be one of Australia’s oldest standing properties, and features in an 1837 sketch and subsequent watercolour by Conrad Martens. The house is now furnished to reflect the home of surgeon John Harris, with simple but elegant pieces from the National Trust’s collection of early colonial furniture. It houses stories and displays drawn from its own rich history, and that of the district. In 2000 the Parramatta City Council acquired and demolished suburban dwellings that ‘crowded’ the cottage, thereby restoring some long-lost views. The National Trust landscaped and planted the immediate grounds, using evidence from early paintings, plant catalogues and photographs to recreate, as far as possible, an authentic setting for the cottage. G

This small property could hardly have sustained him, as in 1828 he worked as an overseer for Captain Brooks at Lower Minto. In 1834 he was living at Macquarie Fields. Two years later he was received into the Roman Catholic Church, though there is no evidence that his wife or seven children followed his example. His death in 1837 brought to a close the career of one whose importance in New South Wales history has perhaps been unduly exaggerated and romanticised. But it should be remembered that his early achievements were noteworthy, yet sadly as life went on, he soon faded into the James Ruse’s Experiment Farm Cottage dining room

Scarborough Transport ship, the First Fleet, marine artist Frank Allen Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

PUBLISHER’S GUEST

Publisher’s Guest

Mayor of The Hills Shire Councillor Michelle Byrne with Dmitry Greku, Publisher/Editor, GWP Magazines

r Michelle Byrne was elected to The Hills Shire Council at the 2008 Local Government elections and served as Deputy Mayor in 2011. She was elected as Mayor of The Hills Shire in September 2012, at the age of 32, and re-elected for a second term in September 2013.

Local Government Review Panel acknowledged Local Government as an industry must change to remain viable, and I support that view. To me reform is needed – Local Government as an industry has not changed significantly in the last hundred years, and it’s time we looked at how we can create efficiencies in the way we work and how we can better serve residents. If we can get past the parochialism that crops up during these discussions and focus on how

Dr Byrne grew up locally and was educated at William Clarke College, Kellyville. She has a background in medical research and holds a doctorate in cancer research. Michelle is an active community advocate and passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues. As Mayor, she enjoys connecting with the community, and her vision is to create an excellent quality of life for residents of The Sydney Hills.

MB: Thank you - it’s a great honour to be reelected as Mayor of The Hills Shire and I’m looking forward to my second year in the role. Since I became Mayor, I have been overwhelmed and truly grateful for the support the community has given me.

MB: I recently spoke at a Dural and Round Corner Chamber of Commerce event about this very important topic. Earlier this year, the Independent

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Businesses also want a Council that supports economic growth, and both residents and businesses want to know that their rates are being well spent. They want their Council to be a strong voice with State and Federal Governments and support plans that improve their ability to do business effectively.

If we had a magic wand and could wave it over this part of Sydney, what would we all identify as the logical ‘community of interest’? Would we continue to allow a situation where businesses on opposite sides of the same road deal with separate Councils? Where there could be one standard for one side of the road and a different standard for another? I don’t think so.

For me, the past 12 months have been very rewarding. Council has achieved a great deal for our community and this is not the result of one person, but the efforts of many.

DG: There’s been much discussion about Local Government reform, following the State Government’s appointment of the Review Panel. What’s your vision for the future of Local Government?

MB: Simply bolting two or three Councils together may not be in the best interest of residents, but I believe residents can adjust to a Council with a different name as long as key services are delivered well.

For as long as I’ve been a Councillor, the question has been raised ‘what is the right number of Councils for NSW?’ Our Council takes the approach – ‘what makes up a logical community of interest?’ ‘Which area in this part of Sydney makes up a community that has similar work and lifestyle interests?’

DG: Congratulations on being re-elected. What are your plans for the next year?

Over the next year, I will continue to ensure we reach our goals of looking after the assets we have, embarking on refreshing our town centres, maintaining our existing infrastructure and working towards the targets in our four-year plan.

DG: Do you agree that Council boundaries need to change in the future?

Mayor Byrne Castle Hill library Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne encourages children to read at The Hills Shire Library Service

we can best deliver services, then residents and businesses will be the winners. This is about finding the best solution for our region that sets our industry up for the future – to most effectively meet the needs of businesses and residents.

While the Panel did not recommend significant boundary changes for The Hills Shire Council, it did suggest a merger between Hornsby Shire Council and Ku-Ring-Gai Council – and possibly down the track, The Hills and Hawkesbury. So we had a good think about what could be the best solution for residents and businesses. The Hills Shire Council is proposing significant boundary changes with our neighbours in

PUBLISHER’S GUEST Hornsby, Hawkesbury and Parramatta Council areas. The proposal, which was unanimously supported by Hills Shire Councillors, outlines a natural divide that probably follows the Galston Gorge, and looks at including whole suburbs like Maraylya, Glenorie, Dural, Northmead and Winston Hills in one LGA. It aims at creating fewer yet larger Councils in Sydney and enables better regional planning to occur in places like Dural and Round Corner where we know we need better transport linkages and zoning certainties. There’s no point sitting around and waiting for changes to be forced upon us. We need to look at what’s the best fit for the region. I look forward to reading the Independent Review Panel’s final report due to be released shortly. DG: It must be great to witness The North West Rail Link construction finally underway. MB: Wow – what a great piece of infrastructure for our community. This is a project that will transform the way we work and live for the next century. Businesses will benefit from better connectivity to the CBD and other areas of Sydney, and our young people will be able to use

DG: What is the future of performing arts in the Hills, now that the Hills Centre has been demolished to make way for Showground Station? MB: We’ve begun a study into the cultural activities that residents, students and groups participate in throughout the Hills. Our goal is to create a vibrant cultural future for residents and, to help get an accurate picture of the cultural demands of the Shire, we are talking to as many people as possible to see how we can help. The North West Rail Link is something we’ve all wanted for a very long time and the fact that Showground Station needed the land on which the Hills Centre was built disappointed some in the community. We are listening, and our goal is to find the best possible solution to support cultural life in the area. DG: How would you describe your relationship with local businesses? MB: We know we’re lucky to have such an active, engaged and valuable business community, and this is reflected by the fantastic work of the Sydney Hills Business Chamber.

We’ve also been overwhelmed by the response to Council’s business programs, especially our Smart Start and Smart Biz programs, that empower business owners to make informed decisions with the help of a range of business statistics and data. They find this type of information really useful at the grass roots level. DG: You’re widely known as a person who supports community causes. What is your latest initiative? MB: I’ve launched a new way to promote local charity and community-based initiatives on Facebook, and I’m encouraging as many people as possible to ‘like’ The Hills Shire Mayor Community Care page. And I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who gets involved in our community events, particularly our fantastic volunteers. Currently we have more than 1,000 residents who generously assist with our events, facilities and aged care and disability services and we value our volunteers at The Hills Shire Council. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to put on the great events that we do, or run the facilities that we have. DG: Tourism is a growing industry in our region. How has the State Government’s recent changes in focus for tourism impacted The Sydney Hills? MB: The NSW Government’s changes to their plans for NSW’s visitor economy means a greater focus on providing experiences for people that include overnight stays. For us, it means visitors not only get a better ‘feel’ for The Sydney Hills, the local economy benefits from people staying longer, spending more, and sampling local products and services.

Our local Hills, Hawkesbury and Riverlands Tourism Industry has prepared a new Destination Management Mayor Byrne and Economic Development Officer Stephen Garrard Small Biz Bus Plan, and this aims to double Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne supporting the Small Biz Bus with Council’s Economic Development Officer, Stephen Garrard our region’s growth of short breaks out of Sydney. The plan also seeks to explore this option for work and study. Council and the Sydney Hills Business Chamber the potential in our local conference and events have long enjoyed a strong relationship and this market, attracting more business visitors, which During the construction phase, business owners has led to many successful events that benefit is great news for our local economy. may have to rethink how they work and come the business community. I’d particularly like up with ways to get around the impact of to note the Chamber’s efforts in organising the I would like to congratulate the people construction on their businesses. Brookhollow Greater Western Sydney Small Business Summit involved in putting the plan together, and I Ave, and the area around Celebration Drive earlier this year, attracting hundreds of business look forward to seeing it implemented in the in Norwest Business Park will be areas of high people and community leaders to come together near future and I also encourage everyone to activity, and I encourage businesses to start to tackle a range of topics including Sydney’s explore our region for themselves, and planning now. The short-term pain will be well second airport, the NBN rollout and regional encourage friends and relatives to visit, explore worth the long-term gain. infrastructure. and stay. G

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Leadership

‘Deeds not Words’ – the Abbott Approach to Good Government The Hon. Charlie Lynn - Member of the Legislative Council

Tony Abbott’s approach to his Prime Ministership is reminiscent of the 39th Infantry Battalion’s motto – ‘Deeds not Words’.

The deeds of the heroic 39th during the crucial battle of Isurava on the Kokoda Trail have been compared to the battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece. Their commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Honner MC, was a distinguished soldier, scholar and statesman. Honner’s life has many parallels with Tony Abbott. He was a devout catholic and a devoted husband and father who dedicated his life to the service of his country. He served as State President of the NSW Liberal Party at the time a young John Howard was State President of the NSW youth wing. Howard’s inclusive leadership style and his own emergence as a statesman would have been influenced in no small part by Ralph Honner’s mentorship. Honner later served as Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland. Tony Abbott’s style since his election as Prime Minister indicates that he has learned much from his relationship with Ralph Honner and his ‘apprenticeship’ as one of John Howard’s most trusted and talented lieutenants. Labor has always been aware of Abbott’s political potential. That is why Labor legend and strict catholic devotee, Johhno Johnson, tried so hard to recruit him. That is why the Gillard-Rudd government, their ‘hand-bag hit squad’ and their media acolytes tried so hard to destroy him. These fears are being realised by the day since Tony Abbott’s election as Prime Minister. His generous invitation to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to accompany him to Afghanistan was in sharp contrast to the political bastardry of former Labor leaders who ignored their political opponents on such missions. His genuine interest in the plight of our indigenous people has earned the respect of leaders such as Noel Pearson and Warren Mundine. His gracious speech on the occasion of Kevin Rudd’s retirement was the hallmark of a statesman.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Abbott haters will be frustrated because Abbott himself is not a hater. His desire to lower our national stress levels by taking politics out of our personal space is no surprise. This obviously doesn’t suit the commentariat’s insatiable diet for news on a 24/7 basis.

a political train wreck and the post-mortem into its demise is still being played out before ICAC. Around the time Carr departed NSW politics another egomediac appeared at the helm of Federal Labor. Unfortunately for Labor KRudd didn’t have Carr’s wit or charm. He was soon exposed as a political Jekyll and Hyde – a boyish

His desire to lower our national stress levels by taking politics out of our personal space is no surprise. But Tony Abbott appreciates that he wasn’t elected Prime Minister to ‘feed the chooks’ as the late Queensland premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen once described the ritual. He was elected to govern the country. In a previous life Abbott, along with former NSW Premier, Bob Carr, was a journalist with The Bulletin magazine. In this capacity they didn’t report news – they wrote informed essays on a wide range of contemporary topics. The national status of the magazine demanded the highest standards of professional journalism. Bob Carr’s elevation to Premier coincided with the advent of the information era. Dedicated news channels, CNN and Foxtel, together with 24 hour radio talkback programs created an insatiable demand for news. Carr quickly proved to be a master of the cycle. Major announcements were carefully planned to coincide with peak viewing or listening times. Complex topics were reduced to 30 second doorstops or10 second sound bites. And if there was ever a slack news period he would he would dress it up and re-announce it. Voters eventually tuned out. None of the bells and whistles surrounding Carr’s announcements and re-announcements eased their traffic jams, shortened hospital queues or made them feel safer. Bob Carr, the greatest spinmeister of our time, was exposed as an emperor without clothes and moved onto that great working-class citadel, the Macquarie Bank. The Labor Party he led for so long finished up as

nerd in front of TV cameras and a tyrannical megalomaniac behind them! Then we inherited Julia – then the real Julia - then KRudd again! The cycle had become a circus and the public tuned out. News as we once knew it has been transformed by social media. The Twittersphere has reduced stories to 140 characters. Pretty young things dominate television news outlets. Those with a good face for radio are in radio. Print media is now online and anybody with a mobile phone in the right place at the right time is guaranteed 15 seconds of fame. Yesterdays ‘fish and chip’ analogy has been replaced by the ‘delete’ button. The record indicates that one cannot be a leader of substance and a media tart at the same time. Tony Abbott was a successful journalist. Now he wants to be a successful Prime Minister. His decision to abstain from a ritual ‘feeding of the chooks’ and be judged by his deeds rather than his words is a wise one. G

For more topics and to contact Charlie Lynn, please visit www.charlielynn.com.au/blog.

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1300 889 132 Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

LOCAL Government

The Sydney Hills Homes of the Future The Great Australian Dream is changing and The Sydney Hills is changing along with it. Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts, has recently proposed changes to the NSW Strata Act stating that “within 20 years, half the State’s population is expected to be living in strata and community schemes”.

Bella Vista Station will be another site of significant activity and growth. The Totally Home Centre will be demolished to create the station and the corridor around it will house around 6,000 new homes – with around 3,200 apartments. According to the strategy, the existing business park is expected to expand to the north along the rail corridor, creating 20,000 new jobs. Kellyville is already a growing community and more growth is expected here as the rail is constructed. Kellyville Station will see 6,400 new homes line the rail corridor. More than half of these will be high density, giving direct access to the bus and rail interchange. An additional 900 jobs are expected here – mainly in retail.

He states that more than a quarter of the State now owns, lives or works in one of more than 70,000 strata or community schemes worth an estimated $350 billion, and the rules must become more flexible to accommodate more people’s needs.

Rouse Hill Town Centre is a thriving hub that includes shopping, dining, commercial businesses, community facilities and homes. The new Rouse Hill Station will sit next to the town centre, and almost 3,000 new homes will be built along the rail corridor here. Around 700 of these homes will be apartments. It is expected that more than 7,500 new jobs will be created in the commercial, retail and bulky good sectors, in the vicinity of Commercial Road and the rail corridor.

How will this forecast affect The Sydney Hills into the future? With the arrival of The North West Rail Link will come the arrival of more homes close to this new public transport option – and this will mostly take the form of apartments and townhouses. The North West Rail Link Corridor Strategy details the changes that will accompany the arrival of the rail proposing 27,000 new homes and 46,500 new jobs in centres around the stations. The strategy discusses how the land around the new stations will be used, referring to them as ‘Transport Oriented Developments’. These areas will be planned as mixed use communities within walking distance of the new station, that provide a range of residential, commercial, open space and public facilities in a way that makes it convenient and attractive to walk, cycle or use public transport for the majority of trips. Cherrybrook Station will see the smallest amount of growth. As an already established area, it is expected that around 100 new homes will be added near the new station, most of them townhouse style. In contrast, Castle Hill is expected to have 6,100 new homes added by 2036 and around 5,400 of these will be apartments, rising from 3 to 20 storeys. The plan estimates around 16,000 new commercial and retail jobs will be created here. The Hills Shire Council has completed stage one of the upgrade of the Castle Hill Town Centre, and will consider further upgrades once the new station is complete. Showground Station will be located near the

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

The Hills Shire Council has an active role in planning for the arrival of high density housing by ensuring those areas earmarked to accommodate growth are well planned, and that high and medium density housing is supported by access to shops, parks, services and transport options. G

intersection of Carrington and Middleton Roads, Castle Hill and this is an area that will see significant change. The Hills Centre has been demolished to make way for the station, and a new community will grow around it. More than 4,500 new homes are expected to emerge here, with around 3,400 being apartments from three to 12 storeys. The area is expected to add more than 15,000 jobs, with bulky goods and industrial expanding in the Castle Hill Industrial Precinct. Council is planning carefully to ensure facilities in this area can accommodate existing residents and the new community. Norwest is already changing. More than 3,000 apartments in blocks up to 12 storeys are predicted to be built, and an additional 26,200 jobs will be created in the business park following the arrival of the rail. On the south side of the Norwest Station, McKillop Drive will become home to a large number of new houses, townhouses and apartments within a short walk of the rail.

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au for more information.

The Hills Shire Council p | 02 9762 1108 e | enquiries@sydneyhills.com.au w | www.sydneyhills.com.au

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT www.sportforjove.com.au “What I love about Sport for Jove is their sense of community. There is no divide between the actors and the audience like you see in some theatre. The actors are actually glad the audience is there so they can play to them.” —Adam Cook, Director

“Shakespeare in the Park is a fantastic community event that attracts people from all over Sydney to experience first-class theatre. And all set in our community’s beautiful historic Bella Vista Farm Park – what a way to end the year.” —Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle byrne Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Feature

Programs Provide a Double-Edged Solution Fiona Gillic - Business Development Coordinator, TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute

At first glance, it seems a paradox that there should be high unemployment and unfilled vacancies.

With around 17% of young people currently unemployed and many employers noting a difficulty in filling job vacancies, there would appear to be a disconnect. But this is more than a communication problem. The vacancies often require certain skills which may not necessarily be possessed by the people who are unemployed. Often unemployed young people face a number of hurdles to finding work. Job seekers are expected to impress their future employers with a level of attainment in terms of communication, presentation and skill. The vicious cycle of needing experience to gain work but not being able to gain experience because of lack of work also makes it difficult for unemployed people to make their way into the workforce. Even prospective apprentices need to demonstrate an affinity with their chosen vocation – before they have commenced training or work. And with high apprenticeship non-completion rates, it is no wonder that employers can be reluctant to take on apprentices who have nothing to show for their commitment to their work. This is where training before commencing apprenticeships and traineeships can make a real difference for employment success. ‘Pre-apprenticeship’ programs have been around for a while and show excellent outcomes for participants and employers. Participants are given a chance to trial a vocation before signing up for what is generally a four-year commitment to structured training and work. They are given foundation skills and experience which help them to gain and succeed in employment. Employers are then able to link up with apprentices who are experienced, have a referee and who have had their employability skills boosted. This year I have had the privilege of being involved in a few such programs which have been funded under the Australian Apprenticeship

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Access Program. This program allows us to have contact with participants over a very important period – from recruitment into our training programs, through the job seeking process and into their employment. It is different to other pre-apprenticeship and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) programs in that it allows us to have direct input into employment outcomes and to continue to support participants in their first months of employment. We work closely with employment service providers, Centrelink, employers, group training companies and industry to make participants completely work ready. We are also able to adapt programs to suit the specific apprenticeship needs of businesses. What is front of mind for all stakeholders involved in this training is the needs of an employer. Once we have an understanding of what an employer is looking for to fill skill gaps, we design programs to give participants actual skills sets for the positions available. Programs are advertised for a minimum of six weeks on the Employment Services System which allows all Centrelink offices and Job Service Agencies to refer suitable candidates. Candidates then go through a screening process, and interview sessions take place in the weeks leading up to course commencement. Successful participants are then enrolled free of charge. In addition to gaining skills and competencies, participants also benefit from help with their presentation through a free Western Sydney Institute (WSI) clothing and grooming service for job applicants. This can remove a significant barrier to gaining employment for some participants. We all know that first impressions are often the lasting ones. Often a barrier to gaining employment starts with something a lot of us take for granted – appropriate clothing. Clothing is therefore provided for interviews and the first weeks of employment through WSI’s ClothesPond, to make it easier for participants to pick up work. Often one of the failings of short programs is that the cycle gets broken and then there is no follow through, which in turn may set the participants up for failure. The beauty of the Australian Apprenticeship Access Program is that after

participants complete their 150 hours of training, which is generally delivered over a five week period, they are then supported for a minimum of 13 weeks. This regular contact allows us to address any issues that may arise in obtaining or maintaining employment. In October we commenced a program for the electrical trade which has been a great success. Participants travelled from all over Sydney and the central coast to take part in this training which was delivered at Mount Druitt. Employment outcomes have been very strong. For this program we partnered with a specialist group training company which had a vested interest in both the calibre of participants and the outcomes they achieved. We designed the training to cover skills included in the first six months of the electrical trade qualification, including a WHS Induction (White Card) and CPR training. Graduates of this course are now in high demand with employers to fill electrical trade apprenticeships. In February 2014 we will be commencing another electrical trade course as well as a program for working in aged care. Other programs are also in the pipeline and we are also interested in adapting the program to suit other industries where there is a market need. We hope that this program will continue to provide a solution to local skill shortages and local unemployment. G

TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute (WSI) p | 0427 517 444 e | fiona.gillic1@tafensw.edu.au w | wsi.tafensw.edu.au

The

Apprentice a worthy investment in our modern economy

With apprenticeships and traineeships in over 500 occupations, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance an apprentice or trainee may be a worthwhile investment for your business. We can provide valuable advice on how to find the right solution as well as assistance to access any funding and incentives that are available.

Scan with a QR reader to view a case study on Penrith City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traineeship program.

For more information (02) 9208 9991 Stephen.B.Ryan@tafensw.nsw.edu.au www.workforcedevelopment.edu.au Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Business Advice

3 Strategies to Reduce Key Person Reliance –

Enjoy Yourself and Grow Your Business Value at the Same Time Darryn Fellowes, Wealth Adviser - Skeggs Goldstien

Remember the movie Wild Hogs? - 4 middle aged men, ‘Doug’ the dentist, ‘Dudley’ the IT Specialist, ‘Woody’ the Entrepreneur and ‘Bobby’ the Cleaner – disheartened with life and all suffering their own ‘Mid Life Crisis’ leave everything for an adventure of a lifetime, well why wait for the crisis.

Last month I was fortunate enough to take a week away from the office and spend time with five mates riding our motorcycles around Tasmania. After six months of meticulous planning by our tour leader Adam Goldstien, we rode the scenic Snowy Mountains and Victorian High Country, then sailed the Spirit of Tasmania across Bass Strait and into Davenport to begin our Tasmanian Adventure. We covered many kilometers, and apart from the rain the trip was a huge success. Tasmanian roads are undoubtedly the best roads to ride a motorcycle in Australia, so much so I doubt that Tasmanians know how to use a ruler as there was not a straight road on the island. This left me wondering why we hadn’t heard about or undertaken this trip earlier, was it being kept a secret, poorly marketed or was it in fact the case that not enough people can afford the time away from their everyday life or business to do this? During our ride I reflected on how fortunate we were as a group to be able to take time away from our respective businesses and not worry about checking in every five minutes. Being in this position doesn’t come easy, and in our business specifically, a lot of time has been spent getting it ready to function without us.

Minimising reliance on a key person can significantly improve the value of your business. The following valuation scenario of the same business illustrates the benefit when key person reliance is reduced or minimised.

Business Key Person Reliant

Same Business not Key Person Reliant

Business Profit

$200,00

$200,000

Business Capitalization Rate

3.05

3.5

Business Value

$610,000

$700,000

Value Improvement

$90,000

Improvement %

14.75%

(Sourced from Bstar Pty Ltd 2013)

Ask yourself…How would your business fare without you?

Whilst this is a very simple illustration, what it is showing is a business with less key person reliance could be worth $90,000 more if sold today.

When working with business clients a significant proportion of our time is spent discussing this theme called Key Person reliance. This is the reliance your business has on you coming to the office every day, your knowledge of products & services and your relationships with clients. We believe that reducing this level of reliance should be a strategic priority for many businesses.

Buyers are happy to pay a premium for a business that can be easily integrated into their current business and/or be smoothly transitioned to a new principal. They will be comforted that the business’ key customers and staff will stay with the business once the current owner departs.

Reducing Key Person reliance has two distinct

benefits. Firstly it allows you as the business owner to be able to work on the business and have the flexibility to take time away when needed. Secondly, a business that has a low level of keyperson reliance is generally worth more money. A business that relies heavily on its owner is not as valuable as a business that can function independently of its key individuals.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

To make yourself the least important person in your business, here are a few examples of strategies you can implement: 1. Staff - introduce your key staff to your clients. Your team is one of your greatest assets, make sure they are not your businesses best kept secret. 2. Business Systems - implement procedures and systems into your business to reduce reliance on your knowledge of your product or service. 3. Succession - manage your succession by investing in the development and growth of your key staff, locking them in through equity, profit share and/or management - eventually they may become your exit strategy. My trip around Tasmania brought to realisation how great our business is today because of the systems and processes we have implemented to reduce the reliance on us. I can also confidently say that a lot of our business clients are also benefiting from that advice over the years. G Have you had any moments where you wish you could escape from your business for a week to do something you really enjoy and not worry? We’d love to hear your ideas with reducing key person reliance. Feel free to call Skeggs Goldstien on 1300 753 447 to find out how we can assist you to reduce your key person reliance and release you to live the life you want! Skeggs Goldstien Associates

What can you do to reduce or minimise the risks of key person reliance?

p | 1300 753 447 e | admin@sgapl.com.au w | www.sgapl.com.au

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1300 889 132 Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Business Advice

Is Your Business Ready for 2014? It is Time for Your Business Health Check! Erin Adams, Business Development and Marketing Specialist – The HR Department

It is that time of year again. Christmas decorations are in the shops, present lists and shopping lists are being prepared and your staff are probably starting to wind down for their (hopefully) well-earned Christmas break. Generally, for those of you who are business owners this is the time of the year that you play catch up. The HR Department was born out of the realisation that there are hundreds and thousands of small, medium and even large Australian businesses without dedicated human resource professionals to help.

Ask yourself: • Do I spend too much time on staff problems? • Would I like to reduce costs? • Do I go home each day feeling like I will never catch up? • Do I want to concentrate more on my core business? I find it very interesting working with small businesses; I look at people who are incredibly knowledgeable in their area of expertise; for example IT or Nursing, trying to manage their HR issues themselves. I was recently at a conference and a Husband and Wife team who run their business mentioned they have the accounting and technical component of their business under control, however when it came to managing their 80 employees they found it can be difficult. “Jane” had spent 10 hours, over two days trying to find the answer to a staff member’s question about leave entitlements. After 10 hours as well as consulting her lawyer, accountant and the internet she had three different answers. What is the main issue here? There are several: • 10 hours has been taken away from Jane’s task of running the backend of the business - her core role and area of expertise; • Jane does not actually have an answer; and • The staff member does not feel supported or have the answer they need. Outsourcing can be an effective solution. Outsourcing offers your business access to

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

extensively trained and experienced professionals at a fraction of the cost of employing one comparable trained staff member. This can be true across each area of your organisation. “Your people are your business and performance is everything.” How do you work out if outsourcing your people management will benefit your business?

We recognise that organisations operate in increasingly challenging times, with many aspects of the business requiring review and new capabilities. People are integral to creating the right operating environment; we will deliver a competitive advantage as well as future sustainability. With our understanding of people in organisations, our innovative approach and frameworks we focus on identifying contextspecific needs and building unique outcomes

“Your people are your business and performance is everything” Most business owners would really love to be able to understand if their businesses are realising their full potential or not. The problem is that they cannot see the wood for the trees. They get so close to the business they can no longer be objective about what works and what does not work. Let The HR Department conduct an Audit or a “Health Check” of your HR system. We will review: • Each staff member, their role and function within the organisation • What the business’ needs are • Awards and agreements • Budget • Training requirements • Organisational culture • HR Policies and procedures • Job descriptions • Performance management systems • Induction and orientation • Recruitment and selection process • Organisational communication structure • WH&S Getting your HR strategy and management right is critical to your bottom line. We provide a proven successful strategy to maximise effectiveness. This can improve both the quality and cost of the HR function in your business. The HR Department can teach you the skills to develop these areas more efficiently; we can assist you to ensure your business has the right tools. The money you save can then be invested back into your business.

which maximise employers’ investments in their people. Consulting to private and public sector organisations, we have developed and implemented practical services based on our clients’ identified requirements. Our people also continue to benchmark optimal processes, techniques and systems. These approaches are equally applicable to small, medium and large enterprises seeking specific improvements to their work environment and new approaches to develop their business. G If you’d like to hear more about how the team at the HR Department could assist you, and your business, give us a call today to schedule a meeting and the coffee’s on us! From the whole team at The HR Department, we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a successful (and efficient) 2014!

The HR Department p | 02 8850 6124 e | erin@theHRdepartment.com.au w | www.theHRdepartment.com.au

You can focus on your core business HR SUPPORT AND ADVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

· HR Framework · HR Helpline · HR Consultants · HR Education

BENEFITS: access to skills and expertise when you need it

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The HR Department was born out of the realisation that there are thousands of small to medium business without dedicated human resources professionals to help. Statements kept arising which made it clear businesses needed help. “I spend so much time on staff problems I don’t seem to have any time for my own work” “I go home every day feeling like I’ll never catch up” “I need to reduce my costs but I can’t see how” “ I want to go back to my core business”

The answer was not to put on a permanent staff member for many reasons · fear of increasing risks in employing permanent staff · not getting the broad experience needed in the budget you can afford to employ a permanent employee

OUTSOURCING IS A PROVEN STRATEGY TO MAXIMISE BUSINESS EFFECTIVENESS

It helps: save money improve process limit exposure to risk access high level expertise ensure compliance with employment legislation

Feature

The Sleeping Giant John Watters, Executive Officer – AusSIP

Unemployment rates in Australia have remained relatively low by international standards. When we look to many European countries such as Spain and Greece, the youth unemployment rate is horrifying with rates hovering around and exceeding 50%. Such figures are personified in social unrest dotted by flashpoints such as street riots. These events appear somewhat alien to us here, however, there is a sleeping giant.

In the past decade, the national school retention rate has steadily increased from figures ranging from sixty and mid-seventy per cent, to a more respectable low and mid eighty per-cent figure. This has been a result of both Commonwealth and State initiatives, both responding to OECD standards and the economic circumstances of the GFC. At the same time, the NEET (Not in Employment, Education and Training) rate has been steadily increasing in the post GFC period. The NEET rate hovers around 25% nationally. In Western Sydney, there are pockets where the rate is closer to international worst standards. Despite these figures, the almost absolute obsession with 457 Visas is a band-aid solution at very best. It is simply not good enough. Managing to get through to the end of Year 12 is not sufficient enough any more. Whilst this may have almost been an end in itself twenty years ago, current global trends mark this as a milestone. As I have written about before, the real challenge is where young people are in Year 13 and how well they have transitioned from school to further education, training and employment. According to latest data, one-quarter of all young people are not making a successful transition at all. As we approach Christmas breaks, many of us will spend time with family, eat too much, sleep late and sleep in. The daily routine will change and we will all find it hard to ‘get back into gear’ in January sometime. We will complain that our time off should have been longer and we’ll be searching through calendars to see when the next public holiday is scheduled. However, imagine how difficult that process is for someone who has been disengaged from education or the workforce for an extended period of time.

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

The transition from school to further education, training and employment must be smoother, more purposeful and without delay. This process does not start after post-school celebrations or the receipt of HSC marks. The process starts early in high school and even more arguably, primary school. Young people need to be exposed to the world of work much earlier than many are presently.

potential to silently creep towards pockets of international worst examples if not kept in check. Schools cannot do it all, neither can businesses or governments. We all have a vital role to play in managing this giant. G

The NEET (Not in Employment, Education and Training) rate has been steadily increasing in the post GFC period. The NEET rate hovers around 25% nationally. In Western Sydney, there are pockets where the rate is closer to international worst standards. Children should be encouraged to spend a day with parents or family relatives in their respective workplaces. Employers should encourage this. From an early stage, children should be made aware that completing school is not the end goal; it is a milestone in the greater scheme of life. Upon returning to school, students should be given the time to reflect on their observations made in the workplace and how this assists in their career planning. As students become older, they need to be encouraged to become more active participants in work experience and placement programs, being expected to undertake tasks expected of an entrylevel employee. These actions can be undertaken by almost every member of the community. It is not impossible nor complicated. However, the results can be life-changing and improve the chances of young people making the transition from school much easier and productive for everyone. Whilst some readers may think that children do not think about careers, I challenge you – ask your kids what they don’t want to do. I bet they tell you at least ten jobs! The sleeping giant in the room is amongst us. It has the potential to undermine our economy and prosperity. Most importantly, a culture of poor transition manifests itself in future poor transitioning as communities become accustomed to accepting mediocrity. National NEET figures have the

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Business Advice

Online Business Models: Myths vs Reality – Part II Daniel Moisyeyev, B. IT – GWP Media

In my previous article, I started a discussion on online business models and surrounding topics. Some of the points covered included the free culture mentality that affects online businesses, traditional website monetisation practices and the popular “freemium” business model. This article will dive into further online business paradigms.

platforms with the largest of user bases somehow managed to bypass the need to develop a working business model that generated a profit by providing genuine services. Recent developments have shown that there is sufficient interest from the public to purchase shares in social media companies – with nothing more required than just promises that the owners some day will figure out a formula to successfully monetise their platforms. However, ask yourself – is buying the shares of a social media venture simply speculation on a bubble or a genuine investment into a sound business?

development is carried out by a software developer and there is virtually no upper limit as to what a website may end up costing by the time all the features are implemented to customer satisfaction.

Social Media Platforms Social media platforms rely on popularity that is derived from member participation. The difference between social media projects and other online projects is that social media platforms allow members to engage in some sort of communication – social media websites are, effectively, the next logical step in communications.

Group Buying Platforms Group buying is a recently developed concept. It involves a large number of buyers taking up a particular offer at a heavily discounted price.

After your website is complete and your venture is in operational mode, you will likely need to come back to your developer to change and adjust things to improve experience for your customers. This will become an ongoing practice if your business takes off – a working website is a living, breathing and complicated thing that needs constant attention and pampering to keep it going.

The value of social media is, in fact, only the user base. If the user base moves somewhere else, the platforms must revitalise immediately or it will fade away into obscurity. Social media has actually been around for a long time – it only appears that it is a recent development due to the hype that it received during the last few years. If you backtrack a little, you can see that social media has been the result of a steady evolution of online services. Internet chat applications have been in use since the days of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) protocol – when it was created back in 1988! And has any self-proclaimed social media expert had the chance to use Myspace, back in the days when it was a growing out-of-control experiment and the user base comprised of only high school kids with profiles full of lime green fonts on black backgrounds? It is simply convenience and good design and usability that led social media into mainstream. And then the hype started. How does social media make money? The short answer is – it technically doesn’t. Most social media platforms operate on the same old principle of website monetisation by running payper-click or pay-per-impression advertisements in the background or they run on a “freemium” business model where a large user base is accumulated and premium accounts are offered with additional services. Social media platforms generate huge expenses due to running, servicing and developments costs – and the larger the user base, the more astronomical the expenses will be. However, the most developed social media

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

If the group buying offer is well balanced, it becomes an “everybody wins” scenario. However, the vendor must offer their product for a heavily discounted price – the profit margin may be severely squeesed and the offer may actually not be commercially viable. However, it can additionally serve as a tool to attract new clients to businesses. Group buying tends to suit low priced mainstream consumer products and services. I have had enquiries about development of a group buying platform. These require steep investment into development, marketing and operations. Additionally, the popularity of individual group buying sites waned as more competitors entered the market. Today, it is a very tough going business model that may actually existed partly or entirely due to novelty. Operating an Online Business – Real Costs What attracts start-up business owners to “making money online” is the premise that they will do so with minimal investment. Nothing could be further from the truth. The running costs of running a genuine online business can be substantial, and that is if your business gets to the stage where your products or services are actually being purchased. Web Development and Software Engineering Costs For most start-ups, this is the real eye-opener. There is a big difference between a DIY Wordpress blog and a custom built database driven website that carries out bank transactions. Custom web development is essentially software engineering - it follows the Software Development Lifecycle (SLDC) concept. The behind-the-scenes

If you have a great online business idea, your next step after talking to a web developer will probably be at a bank filling out an application for a business loan – if you decide to go through with your project. As the idea of an “online business” usually attracts start-ups with no previous business experience, it can be a bit of a shock.

Fixed Running Costs Websites have specific expenses that increase with the overall utilisation of a website. For example, your website may function quite well on a $30 per month shared web hosting package – or it could require dedicated hosting at $1000+ per month. Offline Marketing This expense is one of the least expected – marketing online is actually not as effective as it’s cracked up to be. A large percentage of online startups expect website to simply draw visitors on its own. This is rarely the case – it is applicable only to some niche industries that have little competition or have an odd competitive advantage that allows them to grow their business by referrals. It is very common to see online businesses make use of traditional marketing tools such as television, radio and print media to recruit new customers. G Are you an ideas man with the next great business plan on how to make money online? Contact GWP Media to discuss – we offer both front end web design and back end web development. GWP Media p | 1300 889 132 e | daniel@gwpmagazine.com.au w | www.gwpmedia.com.au

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

Society & Life

Responsibility Angry Anderson

The dictionary defines responsibility as ‘a moral obligation or duty; a charge or trust’. It defines responsible as ‘having control over, capable of rational conduct, trustworthy.

I was going to write a continuation of last month’s article and I will, but events in recent weeks compel me to be spontaneously reacting to something of importance I believe we all need to address. Like most reasonable people, I was left speechless when one of our Court’s judges handed down a sentence of four years to a complete waste of space for the manslaughter of an innocent. Did this judge live up to his responsibility to best serve justice and decent people? A beautiful young man, Thomas Kelly, lost his life at the hands of a wanton and completely irresponsible dead shit. Thomas had his whole life ahead of him. He was described as someone who had a love of life so robust and healthy that he brought joy not only to his family but to all that knew him and therefore to humanity itself. This wonderful example of the Divine at work was brutally and callously slain by an intellectual Neanderthal, an emotional wasteland, a person with no responsibility, either to himself or most surely not to our society. How did it come to this? What the hell is going on? Where is the justice? Have we lost our minds? How can this happen in a supposedly civilised society? Have we lost all sense of right and wrong? These are the questions on most peoples’ lips. ‘Most peoples’ lips’ I hear you ask; surely you mean everybody’s lips? I wish I was talking about everybody but there are those among us that I cannot and will not speak for. The night Thomas lost his life, a life taken not surrendered, a life stolen by the worst of thieves, a life savagely and callously plundered for the enjoyment and entertainment of someone who does not deserve to live among us. Those of us who take the responsibility of obeying not only the laws of the land but our own internal laws of decency and humanity, that respect of the law

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

that we know we owe ourselves and therefore our fellow man, That night was the result of a lack of responsibility, on so many different levels, by those that I cannot speak for. Kings Cross, where the crime took place, has become a place of blood and lawless mayhem, so this then was the ideal arena for such an atrocity. The criminal had committed these types of crimes before and God only knows what others, previously in the streets around the Cross. The formula is familiar; a mix of alcohol, cowardice and a covert knowledge that if caught the offender will be treated as a victim themselves and in most likelihood will receive nothing more than a stern talking to, a fine or probation, or if a sentence is imposed it will be light and usually appealed. The end result is that the offender is not rightfully held accountable for their actions and the punishment will not befit the crime. All this is known and accepted as the norm these days and everyone on the streets knows it. Any work done by the police and prosecutors will be thrown to the waste. Any pain and grieving by the family and friends of the true victim will be held in contempt as if of no consequence or value. The courts will ‘befriend’ the perpetrator and value their rights above those of the rest of us. This is the way it seems to me. Am I wrong? Am I misguided in my view of the situation? I think not! The refusal by the City of Sydney’s governing body has to be held accountable for some of the responsibility. They have steadfastly refused to close venues selling alcohol at a reasonable hour. I have always wondered what is their motivation? Who are they really serving? Who are they afraid of or worse still who are they working for? Because it’s plain to see that they aren’t working for the people of Sydney! This refusal to act responsibly for the citizens of our City has helped create the atmosphere that led to the tragedy. It’s a no brainer that they have helped prepare the mix; drunken lawlessness, with their assistance has become the accepted. The Cross has been nurtured as an arena for violence. Roll into that mix the leniency of some of our courts; the judge in this case cited his concern

for the long-term welfare of the offender and his chances of being rehabilitated being hampered by a long goal term. Is it not accepted by most academics in the field of offenders that once a repeat offender has reached late teens with no sign of remorse for their crimes that they are virtually a lost cause? Even if the offender was to truly seek rehabilitation, wouldn’t a long spell behind bars be enough to promote a sincere desire to never re offend? After all when you step outside of the law shouldn’t you be expected to pay your debt and not be rewarded? Should you be allowed to think that that same law you thumbed your nose at would protect you from being justly punished? I have said in the past that there are too many young people going to prison for far too little but I am talking about early teen offenders that stand a good chance of being turned around, not hardened vandals as in this case. I have also said that the interference of politics into our policing does not always serve us, the people, but only serves those in office. So there we have it. We the people are not being served or represented by our Courts. The society we live in is being moulded, not by us but those with a political or personal interest.Our sense of justice and fair play is not being considered as important enough to guide policy. There are those who would tell us what is best for us as if we are not capable of deciding that for ourselves. There is more than a whiff of the Left in all of this, no? Find your God and be at peace, your friend, Angry. G

To view all Angry’s articles go to “My Blog/ Articles” at angryanderson.com

Business Resource & Lifestyle | Issue 61 | December 2013

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