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Creativity is intelligence having fun – Albert Einstein

March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955

march 2014

• Deloitte On GEELONG

• BEYOND ALCOA

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ISSUE 227

At Kings Funerals...

Memories matter

Louise, Michael & Beth King

We love revisiting old family photos. They evoke such strong memories of conversations, places and times that we spent together. Many families we work with find that including old family photos can be a wonderful way to create a personalised funeral service that reflects the life of the person who has died. Friends and family from near and far also love to share their photographic memories on the eTributes we create for each person who comes into our care.

Proudly family owned and operated in Geelong since 1847

(03) 5248 3444 kingsfunerals.com.au

news

BUSINESS 34.

CONTENTS 8/

travel

Inside Word 10/ New Appointments

BEYOND ALCOA

16/

ANGEL INVESTORS

12.

Legal

23/ Finance 26/ Time Honoured 37/ Youth Week

“It’s short term pain for long term gain. The future beckons…”

39/ Conference & Events 46/ Community 50/

48.

Tech Guy

18.

52/

ARTS

After Hours

ISSUE 227 MARCH 2014 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au

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TIME TO CREATE OUR OWN LUCK

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Anglesea Anglesea

Bannockburn Bannockburn

BarwonHeads Heads Barwon

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Portarlington Portarlington

Torquay Torquay

EDITOR

A month of loss

Allison Murphy May 3rd 1971 – February 25th 2014

here have been a few shocks in our city over the past few weeks, and the ones that relate to jobs and employment are the focus of our cover story this month as we look beyond Alcoa and Ford. Most of these were anticipated shocks, and ones that our city will recover from and go on to grow stronger, smarter and more sustainable. But for many of us in the local business community there has been a more personal shock: the tragic loss of Allison Murphy, Managing Director of Redstick Strategic Communications. Over the days that followed Alli’s sudden passing it seemed as if there were four words flying in the air in Geelong: ‘Did you know Alli?’ I can’t say it was a surprise that for almost everyone I spoke to the answer was ‘Yes, I just can’t believe it.’ It’s still hard to believe. Alli was a wonderful woman, an extraordinarily skilled and generous professional, and a funny, warm and highly intelligent friend – she was truly one of the good ones. But she was also a political animal and she made filthy politics (her words) central to her work. Through that great passion of hers and the sheer force of her personality she built her business here in Geelong. Former Committee for Geelong Executive Director, Peter Dorling, who worked closely with Alli for a number of years, credits her with putting the Committee for Geelong on the map with her political expertise, saying, ‘She taught us how to influence politics in the right way.’ Before Alli, like most regional cities in the country, we would go to state or federal governments with cap in hand. After Alli, the cap was replaced with a slick, detailed business case and followed up with a series of polished arguments and a targeted publicity campaign.

She didn’t stop and she never seemed to sit still. She was always looking for the next project, for what needed to be done and then getting it done behind the scenes. Projects like the ring road, development of a regional growth plan, the redevelopment of the footy ground, Northern Futures, Vision 2 for Central Geelong and the headquarters for the NDIS were all pushed along the political highway and through the halls of Spring Street and Parliament House by Alli. She not only knew how to work within the system, she showed how it could be done with professionalism, with respect, and with the ability to have a laugh after any stoush. She made so many friends, charming us all with her fantastic smile and wicked humour. But there was nothing more central to Alli’s life than her beloved husband, stepson and five year-old twins and they were never far from her thoughts. The ups and downs of being mad working mothers was something we talked about many times. I’ll never forget speaking to Alli soon after the birth of her twins, Charlie and Lucy, and laughing uncontrollably as she explained that she had called all of her staff in for a meeting in the maternity ward. Only Alli… Not so long ago, and typically over a cuppa, Alli was talking about how she looked back and laughed at herself back then, that she’d been so sure that having small children wouldn’t change the way she worked. But of course it does, and it did. It made her even more caring, more understanding and more determined to make this city a better place to work and live. And she did… Thank you Alli, for everything.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS NEWS | 4

BIZ NEWS

The $1.6 Trillion Question

here and how are retired Australians spending their super? That is the question researchers from CSIRO and Monash University are seeking an answer to as they put the spending habits of retirees under the microscope.

“We’re looking to understand what retirees need, how long their super lasts and what investment options and financial products might best suit them throughout their retirement so we can figure out how their super could work smarter,” CSIRO Research Leader Alan Dormer said.

we need to do now and into the future to re-engineer super to best suit members and inform decision making at an Industry and Government level,” Mr Dormer said. Research Leader of the CSIRO-Monash Superannuation Research Cluster and Executive Director at the Australian Centre for Financial Studies, Deborah Ralston, said the Centre was continuing to strengthen its ties with industry. “We’ve seen very positive engagement from the Super industry since we launched in September last year with several industry bodies and funds coming on board including Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees, Financial Services Council and Challenger, BT and CBUS.”

“For example, what levels of confidence and security does superannuation provide to retirees, and how does it affect their spending behaviour throughout their retirement? The way you spend your super Australia’s ageing population in retirement makes a big difference to the type of risk you take when selecting your and growing pool of $1.6 investment options.”   trillion in Superannuation Australia’s ageing population and growing pool of $1.6 trillion in Superannuation is a national challenge and impacts anyone who has ever worked or employed anyone.

David Cox of Challenger Financial Services applauded the independence, objectivity and real world problem solving focus of the Monash CSIRO research collaboration.

is a national challenge and impacts anyone who has ever worked or employed anyone.

Michael O’Neill, chief executive of over-50s lobby, National Seniors, said he expected the research to debunk some of the super spending myths associated with older Australians. “We expect claims that baby boomers are spending their super on living the high life, and then falling onto the pension, will prove unfounded,” Mr O’Neill said. The Melbourne-based researchers will use big data analytics, social science, risk and economic modelling to answer questions such as how superannuation will affect the economy as it grows ever bigger, and how we provide security in retirement for all Australians. “The super system is maturing and changing and we need to start using an evidence based approach to understand what

“CSIRO’s big data capability provides the opportunity to shift superannuation research from assumptions based modelling to empirical analysis of relevant population cohorts so researchers, the industry and policy makers can gain new insight into what the superannuation system is actually delivering to retirees.” Research over the next year will include: •

Retirees lifecycle expenditure patterns

•

Managing liquidity risk for superannuation investment

•

New and innovative superannuation products

•

Behaviour economics in superannuation

The CSIRO-Monash Superannuation Research Cluster is a $9m research initiative bringing together researchers from CSIRO, Monash and Griffith Universities, the University of Western Australia and the University of Warwick in the UK.

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BIZ NEWS

A couple of long-awaited moves BEDDING DOWN SOME FACTS

he most comprehensive seabed investigation of Corio Bay’s shipping channels is underway as the Geelong Port prepares for a projected doubling of trade by 2030.

t’s been a source of frustration and eye rolling for years, but a six-month trial that will restrict trucks in Central Geelong just might herald the end of the rumbling parade of big trucks down Malop and Mercer Streets.

The trial is underway, having started on March 3, after the through truck restriction trial was endorsed by Council in October and approved by the Truck Operations Committee in November last year.

Divers from Drysdale-based Elstone Diving Services and a team from South Western Drilling in South Geelong have started collecting sedimentary samples along the channels’ seabed for analysis. They will collect almost 240 sedimentary samples during about eight weeks of fieldwork. The drilling crew will also carry out a geotechnical survey as part of the Victorian Regional Channels Authoritycommissioned work.

Chair of the Central Geelong Taskforce and Brownbill Ward Councillor, Michelle Heagney, said the simple message to trucks is unless you are making deliveries to Central Geelong avoid Mercer Street and Malop Street and take alternative east-west routes to the south of the city centre. Trucks making deliveries in the central city are exempt from the restrictions, which will be enforced by both Victoria Police and VicRoads.

``This project will give us an accurate picture of what’s at the bottom of the bay’s channel network,’’ said Authority chief executive officer, Captain Peter McGovern.

The community has long called for fewer trucks in the city centre and we worked hard to get this trial approved

``We will be able to draw on this database over coming years as we work to ensure Geelong port’s shipping lanes remain safe and accessible for the next generation of bigger ships.’’ The VRCA selected Melbourne-based engineering consultants URS Australia to carry out the project. An independent, accredited laboratory will analyse all samples collected from nine key sections along the channels before the consultants hand over a final report mid-year. ``It’s pleasing to see that URS Australia recognises the skills base available in the region and has subcontracted out its field work to local talent,’’ Captain McGovern said. The VRCA expects more than 650 ships will visit Geelong’s busy port this year. A record 13.2 million tonnes of cargo valued at about $7.6 billion passed through the port last year. Above: A diver from Elstone Diving Services holding a newly collected sedimentary sample

“The community has long called for fewer trucks in the city centre and we worked hard to get this trial approved by the Truck Operations Committee,” Cr Heagney said. Got something to say about it? Send your feedback on the trial to contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au In another welcome move, public transport is back on the agenda across Geelong, with residents invited to have their say on a long-term 20-year strategy and a short-term four-year action plan as part of the G21 Region Public Transport Strategy before March 28. Amongst the actions suggested in the strategy are: • Supporting the trial of a flexible bus service that uses a smaller vehicle for the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast. • Encouraging the building of transport hubs, particularly the urban interchange at North Shore Station. • Advocating to Public Transport Victoria to provide a high quality connection between Werribee and the G21region when Regional Rail Link opens. • Supporting simplification of the bus network, beginning in Grovedale. • Supporting initiatives to improve the operation of a Central Geelong interchange. • Supporting an increase in urban bus frequencies to 20-minute services. The G21 Public Transport Strategy can be viewed online at www.geelongaustralia.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 6

BIZ NEWS

Flu season rolls around again

t’s autumn – days are shorter, nights are longer, the air is crisp, the leaves are turning from green to gold and flu season is about to begin…

Although we all know people who claim to have “the flu” at the slightest sign of a sniffle, real flu is much more serious than that and can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia. Caused by the influenza viruses, a group of viruses that infect the respiratory tract and bring on symptoms like fever, aches, fatigue and coughing, the flu is common, debilitating and highly preventable. It is time to plan your business or organisation’s flu vaccination program now.

flu vaccinations to workplaces, and a are win-win solution to flu season for businesses and employees. “A vaccination program that can be booked at a time that suits your business and staff provides the opportunity to reduce absenteeism due to flu and is a low cost employee health initiative, at an average of $24 per staff member, that businesses on tight budgets can afford,” Dr Baulch says. Because vaccination is a medical procedure, businesses considering offering workplace vaccination programs need to choose their provider carefully and know what to look for.

“Flu vaccinations should be performed by a medically qualified Flu season is an actual thing, occurring in the cold half of the team, usually immunisation nurses with doctors supporting year in each hemisphere for a variety of reasons, including colder them behind the scenes and providing medical advice prior to weather lowering our resistance to the viruses, the make-up of and after the vaccination,” Dr Baulch says. the viruses themselves (they’re better “Businesses should look for a provider who able to survive in cold weather and may is qualified, organised and offers a good Some studies show that vaccination stay alive longer on exposed surfaces value service. For employer-initiated health like doorknobs and keyboards in colder is 70 to 90 per cent effective in programs, no Medicare rebate is payable, temperatures) and that we spend more preventing the flu and reducing regardless of where the vaccination is time inside with other people when performed, so it is important not to allow absenteeism in the workplace. it’s cool. In most parts of Australia, flu providers or employees to claim all or part of outbreaks occur between late autumn the cost from Medicare.” and early spring, with the peak season for infection in June, July and August. A vaccine is available, Even if business owners are convinced of the need for flu which must be administered annually to combat changes in the vaccinations, employees can’t be coerced into having one flu viruses from year to year. through a workplace program. “Flu vaccination is always offered on a voluntary basis,” Dr Baulch says. “Employees need to be While many business owners see value in vaccinating themselves able to decide whether the vaccine is right for them. Usually against flu, or providing vaccinations for key staff members, 30 to 60 per cent of employees choose to have the vaccination recognition of the cost of flu season to businesses has seen when it is offered at no cost in the workplace setting, but some the rise in recent years of companies offering flu vaccination businesses do achieve nearly 100 percent uptake. However, even programs for the whole workplace, with some studies showing at 30 per cent uptake, we see a reduced rate of absenteeism and that vaccination is 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing the flu it helps protect those who are unvaccinated because there is less and reducing absenteeism in the workplace. These programs, flu circulating in the office.” which involve an immunisation nurse visiting the workplace to administer vaccinations during business hours, are best carried out between March and May, ahead of winter, according to Dr Kirsten Baulch, director of Medimobile, a national provider of

For more tips and advice on preventing flu in your workplace, download FluApp for Apple or Android.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 7

THE INSIDE WORD

A new business finance partnership

Above: Pat Murnane, Regional Manager Geelong Region at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Morris Finance Managing Director, Nathan Murray, and Darren Mounsey, Business Banking Manager at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Photo by Elisha Lindsay, El Photography

here’s been a buzz running through the corridors of 237 Ryrie Street, with Morris Finance Ltd, who occupy offices on the building’s second floor, signing a new business banking and finance deal with the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Geelong business banking team, who operate just downstairs. With both finance businesses expanding their client base within the local business market, it is a move that seems to make sense as much for reasons of business symmetry as well as for proximity. These neighbouring lenders and financiers share much more than a street address. After many years of operating a National business based in Geelong, Morris Finance have developed a new range of services incorporating finance, leasing and risk management and have steadily gained both profile and valuable clients locally.

had received from NAB as the business’ banker and funder over the past 10 years, saying, “they served and supported us extremely well and we will continue to liaise with them on a regular basis.” “Throughout 2013 we had fielded a number of approaches and subsequent letters of offer from two major competitors, the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank being one of them,” he said. Pat Murnane, Regional Manager Geelong Region at the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, said the bank was very pleased to have the Morris Finance Group join their growing stable of business banking clients.

We have some of Australia’s most experienced bankers working here in Geelong, who are assisting local businesses to grow opportunities within their business and create jobs and prosperity for the region.

Likewise, over the past five years, the Bendigo Bank has grown its business banking portfolio in the city, developing a highly experienced business banking team and strategically growing its business lending over the GFC years at a time when many businesses, particularly SMEs, found it difficult to access finance. Managing Director of Morris Finance, Nathan Murray, said the switch to the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group presents extensive opportunities to drive the business forward with a focus on sustainable growth over the coming decade. Mr Murray praised the service and support Morris Finance

“We’re really excited about it, because they’re a finance-related business we see them in the marketplace all the time and we really admire the work that they’ve done in supporting Geelong as well as running their business. That’s very much the Bendigo Bank way of doing things, so there’s a synergy there,” he said.

Having made considerable inroads into the local banking market, the Bendigo Bank now has around 85,000 clients across the Geelong region – close to one-third of the population – with hundreds of large business clients such as Harwood Andrews Lawyers and the Geelong Football Club. “We have some of Australia’s most experienced bankers working here in Geelong, who are assisting local businesses to grow opportunities within their business and create jobs and prosperity for the region including many large businesses such as Harwood Andrews Lawyers and the Geelong Football Club,” Mr Murnane said.

BUSINESS NEWS | 8

COMMENT Discussions with the investor group peak body, the Australian Association of Angel Investors (the AAAI), revealed that the success of investor groups depends on both deal flow and on members with sufficient time available for both screening of investments and involvement in investee companies.

Angel investors a blessing for start-ups

OUR NEW GROUP IN GEELONG A small start-up team from Redstick Strategic Communications, Enterprise Geelong, Deakin, Committee for Geelong, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Geelong Manufacturing Council, ICT Geelong and private firms worked for over 18 months to bring together a Geelong Angel group. Towards the end of 2013, a select group of successful key influencers from Geelong’s business, investment and philanthropic community met at Deakin Waterfront campus with the start-up team, the President of Melbourne Angels, Jordan Green, and successful investors and investees. This led to the formation of the Geelong Angel Investors Network in December 2013.

HAT IS AN ANGEL INVESTOR?

Angel Investors are individuals who actively invest in start-up and growing companies. They are often experienced entrepreneurs or business people who not only provide capital, but can bring key strategic and operational expertise to the enterprises they connect with. Individual investors often join with others through groups and syndicates, increasing the total deal size for companies seeking early stage funding. They also achieve a spread of their personal risk through a portfolio investment approach. Individual investments can vary widely, typically from $5,000 to $50,000 per deal, which can aggregate into $50,000 to $500,000 total investment per deal. This would not be an individual’s primary investment strategy (as a guide, no more than 5 to 10% of their investment portfolio). WHY ARE ANGEL INVESTORS NEEDED? Angel Investors are an important source of funding for early stage businesses that – since the global financial crisis – have found it increasingly difficult to fund formation or expansion in traditional ways. Banks have to consider the likelihood of cash flows to repay borrowing and this can be difficult to predict with any certainty in a start-up. Providers of equity funding such as private equity and venture capital funds tend to focus on larger, more established business that they can grow and exit within 3 to 5 years. Hence a gap exists at the start-up and early growth stage. ANGEL INVESTOR GROUPS

The network has appointed local consultant Philippa Bakes Business Advisory to administer its early stage set-up and initial screening of applications. It is looking for both additional Angel members and for entrepreneurs with investment opportunities. ATTRACTING PROJECTS FOR INVESTMENT As these types of investments are by nature high risk, the investors have to see the prospect of potential high returns. They are typically: •

Projects with high growth prospects

•

Proof of concept complete and close to market testing

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Scalable, e.g. into export markets or via licensing

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Leading edge technology and/or niche markets

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Wanting mentoring as well as funding

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With a clear exit strategy

Deakin University, through its Research Commercial arm and other connections, has a flow of projects coming up for investors to consider. Other pools of opportunity include the ICT Geelong and Australian Sports Technology groups. The Geelong Angel Investor Network would also like to see applications from independent entrepreneurs in the Geelong region. Applications or enquiries can be made to Philippa Bakes Business Advisory at www.philippabakes.com.au

Philippa Bakes

There are a number of established Angel Groups across Australia, including Brisbane, Melbourne and smaller centres such as the Gold Coast and Hunter Valley. A new group called Scale Investors recently launched in Melbourne and is a female-focused group.

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

APPOINTMENTS

new

The Chair & Directors of Pathways Board are pleased to advise that Adrian Buckley has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer, Pathways. Adrian was appointed the Acting CEO role in April 2013 and during this time the Board was impressed with Adrian’s leadership accomplishments, and is confident in his skills to direct the organisation into the challenges ahead. Pathways strong reputation for provision of quality psychiatric disability services; along with our skilled workforce and Adrian’s dynamic leadership approach, will see Pathways emerge as a key player in the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

SUPPORT SERVICES

The Board would like to congratulate Adrian, and the Pathways team, on their achievements and feel confident placing the leadership of Pathways in Adrian’s capable hands.

SUPPORT SERVICES

RECRUITMENT

Philippa Bakes is the new Chairperson of Pathways. After a career in accounting and M&A in the UK, Hong Kong and Melbourne, she now runs her own business advisory firm in Geelong. Philippa was also recently appointed a member to the Enterprise Geelong Advisory Board.

CVGT Geelong welcomes Chris Nicholls as a Business Development Representative. Chris has worked in local employment services for over 17 years and has gained vast industry experience with local Group Training Companies, RTOs and Australian Apprentice Centres.

Brenda Owens joins CVGT, bringing 7 years experience in employment services. Brenda has an extensive knowledge of employment programs and services available in the Geelong region and takes great pride in helping CVGT’s clients achieve their desired employment goals.

PROPERTY

Accounting

A seasoned property manager with the proven ability to successfully manage a sizable portfolio, Annaliese Davy has joined the award winning Release Property Management as a Senior Property Manager. Annaliese brings a wealth of property management knowledge and experience.

Joining Release Property Management as the Receptionist at our Geelong office is Lyndsey Manning. Lyndsey has pursued a career in administration in training and employment, however her passion for real estate has led her to her current role within this specialist property management agency.

S.J. Canny would like to offer a warm welcome to Ros Duffin who has recently joined their team as Receptionist. Ros comes with extensive experience working in the public service and private sector. Her friendly personality doesn’t only make her a great addition to the team but a wonderful new face of the firm.

BUSINESS NEWS | 10

ACCOUNTING Trust Deeds and Constitutions cannot simply be replaced and we work with our clients to ensure the appropriate process is followed to resolve the issue of lost documents. A Business Health Check focuses on the following: • Overview of the legal structures from both a private and business prospective;

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR BUSINESS?

• Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the various structures from a commercial, taxation and private perspective; • Overview of registered business names, trademarks and other intellectual property; • Confirmation of the businesses current accounting framework and reporting requirements; • Overview of the key assets and liabilities held within the structures;

perating a business is becoming more complex and dynamic in an ever changing environment. It is important that business owners and their finance team take a step back from the day to day operations and consider the overall picture.

• Compilation of an aggregated financial position; • Overview of finance facilities, securities and financial encumbrances, including key tax considerations; • Summary of current insurances;

A critical first step in considering the bigger picture is to understand the current legal structure, accounting framework, taxation obligations and financing agreements. We have assisted a number of businesses in refer to this as a Business Health Check.

The ultimate aim of a Business Health Check is to move away from the day-to-day numbers and So what is a Business Health Check process? focus on the business structures. It is a three-phase process, being: Phase 1 – Compile Information Compile information to support the current legal structure, accounting framework, taxation obligations and financing agreements. Phase 2 – Review and analysis Review and analyse your legal structure, accounting framework, taxation obligations and financing agreements. Phase 3 – Recommendations Provide a list of considerations that detail the issue identified, potential implications and our recommended actions.

• Overview of estate planning, asset protection, personal guarantees and other contingent liabilities. The ultimate aim of a Business Health Check is to move away from the day-to-day numbers and focus on the business structures (legal, accounting, tax and finance). This provides a fresh pair of eyes to identify any issues or opportunities and provide peace of mind to the business owners.

Regular Business Health Checks help keep your business on track and to take it to the next level and are valuable for both Private Business and the not-for-profit sector. This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

When compiling information, we commonly find key documents may be misplaced or destroyed. Some documents such as

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 11

Paul Robson

Principal, Business Advisory

BEYOND

ALCOA

t was the bad news we knew was coming at some point soon, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a tough time for Geelong in recent weeks.

Alcoa, Ford, Qantas and others are all part of Geelong’s history – part of the fabric of our city. But the world has changed and so must we, so as much as we worry about and feel for the workers, their families and those in the supply chain, this really is a case of short term pain for long term gain. Traditional manufacturing helped build this city into what it is today, but it will have a limited role in its future. That doesn’t mean that advanced manufacturing across a range of sectors won’t play an integral part in the city’s productive future, and it is because of our traditional manufacturing past that we are so well placed to move into advanced manufacturing. These closures have sharpened the focus on industry in Geelong, but it is up to us to capitalise on the moment. The future beckons…

BUSINESS NEWS | 12

“Alcoa has been a part of the identity of Geelong.”

he news rolled out that Alcoa Australia’s review period was over, that it would be closing its Point Henry smelter in August, and the rolling mill at the same site at the end of the year, and the Anglesea power station was up for sale. Around 1000 well-paid jobs would go.

“I’ve made the point that I first visited that plant on a school excursion in primary school. I would have been one of thousands of Geelong kids who did that and so it is a part of us. So apart from anything else, there is something that is just very sad about it going and it will mean our identity changes.”

For half a century Alcoa has been a central part of the Geelong business community. It has been an extraordinarily good corporate citizen, a very good employer over many, many years and has donated significant amounts of both time and money into the local community.

On the day I spoke to Andrew Katos, the Member for South Barwon, he had been out at Alcoa in the morning with the Premier and the Minister for Manufacturing talking to the workers there about the assistance available to them. That assistance includes assistance with financial planning, career advice and the government is assisting with retraining and formal recognition of skills.

As for the site itself, positioned on a spectacular north-facing waterfront site, it presents a significant opportunity in itself. An Alcoa spokesperson said Alcoa has a well-established decommissioning process, and that the company will be working through the details over the coming months. The news followed the announcement that Ford was scaling down production sooner than expected and well before 2016, with 300 of its remaining 510 workers in Geelong to lose their jobs in June. But of course it’s not just Alcoa and Ford, there was the announcement of 5000 jobs to be cut across the country by Qantas, which is a cruel blow to those Qantas workers made redundant at Avalon and who travelled to Melbourne, many taking the unpopular shifts just to secure a job, only to now have those jobs under threat as well. And one that you won’t hear the Prime Minister talking about is the loss of around 12,000 public sector jobs in Australia. Tim Gooden, President of the Geelong Trades Hall Council, said Trades Hall has a role to play in coordinating unions, government and the various agencies to ensure workers are supported through the process. “I’ve been focusing on trying to get jobs in the heavier end of manufacturing, the higher end of manufacturing, squarely in the centre as opposed to just ‘any job’. I guess when you’re in the situation, a job’s a job; but from an economic point of view, we’ve got about 5000 members in heavy manufacturing each spending $1000 to $1500 a week in the region,” Mr Gooden said. “But I’m still focused and I’m very confident that this is a great opportunity, because it has sharpened our defences.” Member for Corio, Richard Marles, said his thoughts are with the workers. “For me, it’s hard to imagine Geelong without Alcoa, just like it’s hard to imagine Geelong without Ford. The principal impact that those decisions have is, of course, on the people who work there, and then upon the many, many more people who’s livelihood depends on them. But it’s more than that. They are part of the identity of Geelong, and particularly with Alcoa it has been a part of the physical identity of Geelong, it’s right there in the middle of the bay.

For long-term employees approaching retirement age – and Alcoa particularly has a number of workers that would fall into that category – they will walk away with substantial redundancy packages. It seems like a crass point to make of people who have been told they’ll soon be out of a job that they may never need to work again. But the simple fact is that many people who lose their job don’t get that. Of course, not all workers at Alcoa and Ford have been there long-term or are nearing retirement age, and those people will be doing it tough and will need all the help we can give them. Then there are the businesses and workers in the supply chains. Many of these are SME businesses and most have been reading the aluminium prices and new car sales figures on the wall and have since worked to structure their business away from Ford and Alcoa. Not all will have managed it. Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, said she is feeling very much for the workers, for their families and also for those in the supply chain, because many hundreds of families rely on supplying to what is Victoria’s largest exporter. “Alcoa has been a very important part of the Geelong community. It’s been a wonderful employer in so many respects and this has come as a major blow to Geelong. However, at this time it is so incredibly important to remember that this does not define us. “We are a great city, we are a great region, we have got so much potential and I have got no doubt that we will go from strength to strength. But we do need the right government policies in place, we do need to boost productivity, we’ve got to take the cost pressures off business… we are very focused on the work we need to do to bring new industries and new opportunities to the Geelong and Corangamite regions.” Ms Henderson is a member of the Industry and Manufacturing Review Panel chaired by Industry Minister MacFarlane, and said the panel has taken a range of submissions and convened a number of panel hearings in its review of both the Victorian and the South Australian economies.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 13

“The important job for us as a government now is to identify how best to invest our $100 million growth fund and what other initiatives government needs to take to ensure that we can prosper and grow jobs.” It has been a long time since Ford, Alcoa and Shell were the biggest employers in Geelong. Well before these decisions were made, it was Barwon Health leading the employment pool, followed by Deakin University, followed in turn by the City of Greater Geelong. But we also need manufacturing to support GDP growth. Andrew Katos says there are plenty of opportunities in manufacturing in Geelong. “There are approximately 10,500-11,000 manufacturing jobs here and approximately 8500 to 9000 are in small to medium enterprises that aren’t Ford or Alcoa. That is where the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund can target investment in companies looking to expand and provide new manufacturing jobs for co-investment.” Ms Henderson noted that we have a substantial number of Ford workers now working in design and innovation. “I think we’ve got an incredible opportunity to focus on us being a smart 21st century city and nurturing those skills in engineering, in design, in innovation, in science. My aspirations are that the Geelong region has the potential to be the leading scientific and research hub in Australia.” Ms Henderson referred to the Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases as a driver of opportunities, and also to the development of an intensive agriculture precinct in the Golden Plains, with an investment of over $4 million to deliver water that will allow for the intensive production of eggs, pigs and other domestic and export foods. And agriculture is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, with massive growth in markets such as China, Indonesia and Korea, with the first two of particular significance to Australia. “We’ve got an unbelievable reputation globally in terms of our agricultural produce. Things like the signing of the Korean Free Trade Agreement are particularly significant, because we realise that we’ve got to get the framework right to deliver these opportunities,” Ms Henderson said. South Korea is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is an important market for the Australian meat industry. According to Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian exports of red meat to Korea reached an all-time high in 2013. Dairy is another booming export market globally, with the rising middle classes of China and Indonesia literally lapping up imported milk. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Australia is a small producer of milk but also the world’s third largest dairy exporter, with half of production being exported. Governments of all levels are heavily focused on Geelong right now. The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, will be in Geelong on Friday March 7th to tour prospective sites that could be utilised for the Land 400 project. While it is Defence Minister David Johnston who will sign off on the location of the project, it is Assistant Minister Robert that runs the procurement portfolio, and as such, he is the one we need to convince. On February 21st, the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, Shadow Industry Minister Kym Carr, Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen, and Shadow Justice Minister David Feeney, who’s portfolio area includes Defence procurement, were all in Geelong along with many of the state Opposition to build a state and federal Labor strategy to meet the challenges facing Geelong. There are a lot of ifs, but if Geelong were to be the home of the $20 billion Land 400 project, the Ford site that will cease

manufacturing in 2016, if not earlier, would be the likely location. “We are going to have very vigorous competition from South Australia, because they have a dedicated procurement office. I think that’s one thing that is important and we need to look at getting a procurement office and a dedicated department of State Government that is looking at defence procurement. I think that’s very important,” Mr Katos said. Tony Abbott has spoken of wanting to be known as the infrastructure Prime Minister and almost all pundits are advising that Australia needs to invest heavily in much-needed infrastructure to drive economic growth in the wake of the slow down in mining investment. We also all know that’s got to be funded somehow and I don’t think anyone’s anticipating a friendly budget to be handed down in May, but there are some big ticket projects happening now or soon to commence within and around our region. Ms Henderson pointed to the Princess Highway duplication from Waurn Ponds to Colac, with an investment of almost $750 million, the $50 million upgrade to the Great Ocean Road and the $1.5 billion Melbourne East West Link commitment. “The other one is the Regional Rail Link. That’s a $4.8 billion project from Geelong through to Melbourne and through the regions. That is an incredibly important project for our region as well. And another important project is the NBN, and we will be giving priority to rural and regional areas and that presents my electorate with some great opportunities as well.” And there were, of course, a few good news stories last month as well. There was the announcement of the creation of a new Energy Australia call centre at Steampacket House, creating 300 jobs. And then there was the big one, the sale of Shell Australia assets to the world’s largest oil trader, Vitol. There were very real concerns that without a buyer, and potentially even with one, the Geelong Refinery would be downgraded to a terminal that would employ only around ten per cent of the current 450 refinery workers. But Shell, Alcoa and Ford were always very different stories. Alcoa’s Point Henry smelter and mill is a 50 year-old site producing a product that has seen its trading price drop significantly in recent years at a time when much newer, and much more cost-effective smelters were coming online in China, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Canada. It was a dinosaur that had had its day. Ford is manufacturing cars in Australia at high cost when the auto market is being flooded with cheap imported models. It was never going to be a self-sustaining industry and it was always going to lose market share hand over fist. The Shell Geelong Refinery, however, had continually been upgraded, reduced emissions and become more sustainable and more efficient over the past fifteen years or so. While in its heyday of the 1960s and 70s, oil fuelled 50 per cent of global primary energy production, today that figure is closer to 35 per cent, with estimates suggesting that by 2035 it will be a battle of three between oil, coal and gas. Peak Oil, as BP’s general manager of global energy markets and US economics, Mark Finley quipped, has peaked. But a projected 30 per cent market share by 2035 is still a big chunk of business, and when bundled with Shell Australia’s retail fuel stations in Australia, made the refinery highly saleable - and helped to deliver the good news we really needed to hear that week.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS NEWS | 14

MANUFACTURING

A booming boost to manufacturing productivity

team through a period of change and develop a culture where mprove productivity, control costs, reduce waste and people are continually innovating?” become more sustainable, these are goals that just about every business in Australia is working towards, and when One of the key benefits of the program is the opportunity to it comes to manufacturing are uttered with such repetition network and learn from other participants, with Boomaroo that they have become almost meaningless. I say almost Nurseries being a great example. With 130 staff and producing because when these goals are realised, the results can be 300 million seedlings per year, Boomaroo Nurseries is a very very meaningful. The Geelong Manufacturing Council’s 2014 busy SME business. Within the business were two divisions Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence Program (GMC LfME) performing very differently: Vegetable Seedlings, which was launched in February, and will commence this month. The accounted for 90% of the total business and which was a past two years of the program, has seen fully mechanised and efficient operation, some very positive results, including over and Greenlife, which at 10% of the business, 50% in sales growth from new products I’ve experienced a lot of leadership very manual and inefficient with low margins launched, $250k saved per annum by and increasing competition was simply programs in my time, and the reducing turnaround from 11 weeks to 7 unsustainable. Business Development Manager, weeks, 50% increase in production output best ones I’ve found are those Andrew Burgess, and Finance Manager, Phil with no increase to labour cost, and a Demark, took part in the 2013 GMC LfME ones where people actually have staggering 90% reduction in accounts program with a challenge to unlock the potential processing times. to practice a new skill, or use a in the Greenlife business. The pair put a team new tool or technique. together and led a diagnostic review of the So, what is it about this program that it business, including thorough market research has been so successful in delivering on into market trends and consumer buying those much sought-after productivity behaviours. Out of this the new BOOM brand and product lines improvements? were developed, and by increasing automation, the division is Geelong Manufacturing Council Project Manager, Jenny Perks, looking at a 20% increase in labour productivity. said that one of the great advantages of the program, which The new BOOM range, with an exclusive stockists deal with is funded through the Victorian Government’s Manufacturing Bunnings, has seen a 50% increase in sales and further Productivity Networks Program, is that the work and the reductions in waste, water and fertiliser. At Boomaroo, more outcomes are very specific to each participant’s workplace. products can now be grown and delivered to customers faster. “I’ve experienced a lot of leadership programs in my time, and The programis delivered by business consultancy Roaring the best ones I’ve found are those ones where people actually Success, lean manufacturing consulting company TXM and have to practice a new skill, or use a new tool or technique.” business facilitator at Crowe Horwath, Craig Biddiscombe. It “We wanted to package something together that would allow operates as a series of nine workshops held between March businesses to focus on the strategic side of their business, using and October. Registrations close on 13th March but as only a innovation, thinking of new business models and how they can limited number of companies can be accepted, you are advised become more competitive, but also focusing on being more to register early. Visit www.geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com. holistic, reducing their waste and being more sustainable and au or email admin@geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com.au for profitable. It’s all very well knowing the tools and techniques, but more information. how do you actually develop your leadership skills to lead your

Geelong Quarries supplies hard rock products to customers throughout the Geelong region including the Surfcoast, Golden Plains and Colac/Otway Shires Geelong Quarries supplies hard rock products to customers throughout the Geelong region including the City of Greater Geelong Surfcoast, Golden Plains and Colac/Otway Shires. Family owned and run, Geelong Quarries aims to forge strong and long-term partnerships with customers – based on quality products, and a commitment to provide excellent customer service. The products extracted and delivered from Geelong Quarries’ Hamilton Highway, Stonehaven site include: • •

Crushed Rock Drainage Aggregate

Our crushed rock product range includes 20mm and 40mm Classes 2, 3, 4, NDCR and has Vic Roads accreditation.

www.geelongquarries.com.au www.biznewsmag.com.au | 15

LEGAL

without conducting the trade mark search, your activities may have constituted trade mark infringement. You decide to pick an alternate name, at no cost. 2. Discussing your idea openly

5 Tips from an IP lawyer to protect your start-up business

‘E

ntrepreneur’ is no longer a dirty word. Once considered a term self-claimed by unemployed middle-aged men, entrepreneurism has hit the limelight. With increased accessibility to cost effective business models, passionate individuals are now pursuing their start-up ventures at a rate not seen before.

It’s natural to seek validation of your business idea – but be careful about who you discuss it with. Avoid the temptation to drop a few details at a friend’s BBQ or at the races. Doing so is high risk (someone could steal your idea) for no reward (what can you accomplish in that setting). There will come a time when you will spread the word and promote every aspect of your business. That time is after you have the necessary protection in place. Disclosure may mean you cannot get IP protection at all at a later date. When you need to approach third parties in relation to your idea, there are certain steps you can take. This may include obtaining a confidentiality agreement. Your inclination might be to have a handshake agreement to get the deal done, but any reputable business with legitimate intentions will not be against maintaining your confidentiality – it’s often in their interests too! Case Study

You have an idea with potential to transform your industry. Unable to implement the idea yourself, you approach an established company for assistance. You decide to adopt a ‘commercial’ approach, trust the company and not request a confidentiality agreement. Discussions drag on and six months later the company takes the same idea, but implements it in a different way. Without an obligation of confidentiality or restraints, you have also lost the window to seek patent or design There will come a time when you protection for your idea, and there is no will spread the word and promote way to pursue the company.

But one thing hasn’t (and won’t) change. Start-ups are cashstrapped and often look to cut corners. Some legal corners, however, can be costly or devastating to the development of a start-up. Here are our top 5 lessons you don’t want to learn the hard way. 1. Freedom to operate You’ve got it. A unique product idea you’ve been working on for months; a business name that will capture the market and branding like no other. It was 100% your thoughts, your creation, so how could someone else have something similar?

every aspect of your business. That time is after you have t he necessary protection in place. Disclosure may mean you cannot get IP protection at all at a later date.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the same idea to be conceived independently – even the theory of evolution was advanced independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace. So, before money and effort are spent, conduct some searches to see if the market is clear. This should include: •

Trade marks

•

Patents

•

Designs

•

Business names

•

Domain names

•

Google searches

•

Yellow Pages/business directories

3. The right IP owner As businesses grow, it’s very easy to postpone the seemingly unimportant. Often we see businesses poorly structured, IP assets registered in the names of individuals and inappropriate entities contracting with third parties. All these can result in the misplaced ownership of IP.

For asset protection purposes, a well-structured business may have a number of interrelated companies, including a trading entity, an employer entity and an IP holding entity. There may also be trusts involved. Setting the right structure up from the beginning is straight forward and can be done without great expense. Modifying later may not be as simple. As your business grows, its IP assets will develop and increase in value – whether it’s the trade marks/brand name, a patent, software, copyright materials or confidential information. If ownership does not reside with the correct entity, any subsequent transfer may trigger tax liabilities. Assets registered in an individual’s name can also expose you personally to unwanted litigation.

Whilst you can do many of these searches yourself, a trade mark, patent or design search can be complex. An experienced intellectual property lawyer will offer value with this, and may also be able to help you work around existing products, so yours doesn’t infringe any IP rights. Case Study You are looking to launch a new business and have picked a catchy name. A trade mark search reveals that someone has registered a very similar trade mark in relation to similar products. The name is not in use, so you didn’t notice it in your other searches of the market. Had you developed the business

Case Study Realising the importance of a trade mark, you decide to file one for your start-up business. You apply in your own name and registration is granted. Years go by without issue, and the reputation of the trade mark develops – as does its value. One day you receive a letter claiming your trade mark infringes the rights of a competitor’s trade mark. As the registered owner, the allegations are against you personally, rather than your company. Transferring the trade mark out of your name is simple, but the transfer will trigger a capital gains event for which a value will need to be attributed to the trade mark.

BUSINESS NEWS | 16

4. Using contractors A lot of start-ups engage contractors to develop IP for them, including: •

websites

•

software

•

business logos

•

marketing materials

These agreements may either not clarify which party is to own any IP created, or may in fact specify that ownership remains with the contractor. This may leave you paying for something you do not own. Also, often an author’s moral rights are not addressed, which can lead to difficulties if you want to modify the materials. Case Study Your business engages an IT company to create your website. There is no written agreement around how the website should be developed or ownership of content. The developer registers a domain name on your behalf and constructs a poorly presented website. A minor dispute ensues, but ownership (and therefore control) of the domain name remains with the website developer. Years later, you have not yet regained control of your website. 5. Use of someone else’s contracts We regularly see businesses use a document that has been created by another company or has been purchased from the internet. Whilst sometimes there may be no problem with this, it is fraught with danger. The big issue with using someone else’s document is that you don’t know where it has come from. You don’t know the competency of the drafter, their intention or the purpose for which the document was prepared. If the document is from previous dealings with a third party, it is likely to be favourable to them, not you, and therefore won’t afford you sufficient protection.

Even agreements obtained from Australian sites will only be in template form – meaning there is no consideration of your industry or your business’ particular IP. Case Study Your new business operates in the professional services industry, where your internal processes and training materials give you the competitive edge. An industry player offers to work collaboratively to expand the services you offer and the territory you operate in. Jumping at the business opportunity, you purchase an online pro forma confidentiality agreement. As the project develops, the other party starts approaching your clients. You terminate the arrangement, but they refuse to return the materials and continue to prosper through use of them. The template confidentiality agreement was not appropriate for your circumstances as it fails to address the misuse of client lists, the collaborative use of IP and the consequences of termination. Every start-up business will have different priorities and you will need to make some tough commercial decisions. Each case study is based on events we have seen unfold. So, before rushing ahead, you need to weigh the cost of doing it right with the risk of getting it wrong.

A new craze seems to be purchasing documents online. Laws vary enormously between countries, particularly Australia and the US. You should steer well clear of US style agreements.

Jeremy Weeks

Lawyer, Business Law

Confused by Workplace Laws? Get specialist advice you can rely on Redundancy and termination Employment agreements Occupational health & safety Discrimination Workplace policies and procedures

70 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220

5225 5225

www.harwoodandrews.com.au

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 17

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FEATURE

TIME TO CREATE OUR OWN LUCK

eelong has been put through the jobs ringer over the past 18 months with workers in manufacturing and other areas having to rethink their futures. The region has had a massive shock, and many of us are still reeling. The question is, can we pull out our resources, adapt to change and create a region that will continue to prosper? At a recent presentation organised by the Committee for Geelong, the international professional services firm, Deloitte, identified five future areas of strong jobs growth for Australia, with Geelong well placed in three of these sectors. “Fifty years ago, we were able to call ourselves ‘the lucky country’,” said Deloitte’s Stuart Rodger. “We have been a country that has relied on booms. From the 1840s and on the UK and Europe wanted our wool. Then, at the time of the gold rush, from the 1850s, they wanted our gold. More recently, from the 1960s, we have had mining.” “Australia has been without a recession for the past 22 years. No other developed country has been able to achieve this. We were lucky to have the resources boom. Chief Financial Officers are doing much worse in the US and UK, but we can’t continue to take this for granted.” Australia faces a more uncertain future, he said, and how it plays out will not be about luck. “It is about having something else that others want, where Australian opportunity meets global advantage. We will have to be ready to grab the opportunities,” he said. Mr Rodger emphasised the need to recognise our strengths and find out what the world wants by identifying the seats of future world growth. Much of this growth is expected to flow from the urbanisation of China, India and other Asian countries and the rise of their middle classes. Environmental issues and the consequences of aging populations in countries such as Japan, China and Australia will also play a role. The Deloitte report “Positioning for Prosperity, Catching the Next Wave” identifies growth in Asia as having significant potential for the Geelong region. The growing middle classes will have

BUSINESS NEWS | 18

FEATURE FEATURe

housing needs, travel needs, education needs and they will want cleaner air.

about having the policy in place for private investment, and understanding how the industry sectors are positioned.

Natural gas is predicted to be Australia’s biggest growth area over the next 10 years, while the next five strongest areas will be tourism, agribusiness, health, international education, and wealth management. All these sectors are predicted to grow faster than 10 per cent above GDP.

“Capability building, targeted education and training, skilled migration, bilateral and unilateral agreements - all this can improve Australia’s competitiveness, accompanied by rigorous cost assessment,” Mr D’Souza said.

Geelong is well placed in terms of tourism, agribusiness and international education, particularly through Deakin (Victoria is currently experiencing seven per cent growth per annum in international student numbers.) The region’s coastal areas are particularly popular with tourists and the coast gives us shipping opportunities and access to Bass Strait, which has a good supply of natural gas. Mr Rodger said that businesses would have to think laterally to make the most of these opportunities. Considering crosssectoral strategies for instance, such as promoting tourism to international students and their families, will be a key to our future success. In terms of the third biggest growth area, agribusiness, the Asian markets will have growing food needs that should increase opportunities for Australian agribusiness, including in the new field of algae production.

He emphasised Victoria’s strong track record, including its AAA rating, and its regional support, with the TAC being the largest and most successful relocation to a regional area in Australia, and the strong likelihood that WorkCover will make the move to Geelong. Hints of the future can also be seen in developments at Deakin, particularly through public and private entities coming together in projects such as the new Epworth hospital, to be located at Waurn Ponds, and the Deakin Carbon Nexus plant.

In agribusiness, developments such as those in the Golden Plains Shire also point to the future. An $11.78 million investment in the Golden Plains Food Production precinct, which It is about having something that other brought potable water to the Meredith and Lethbridge areas, is set to result in want, where Australian opportunity significant increases in output.

meets global advantage. We will have to Golden Plains Mayor Jenny Blake said be ready to grab the opportunities.

“Asia’s middle classes are likely to have a significant boost to their protein intake, as has happened all over the world with the rise of the middle classes,” said Mr Rodger. Sectors with average growth are expected to include: water and waste; retail; banking; public administration (such as business and property services); construction; and some parts of mining. Slower growth will occur in areas such as ICT and media, which are highly competitive, although still important enablers of global growth.

that the investment would see spin offs in Geelong. “The Golden Plains Shire has 3000 hectares around Lethbridge and Meredith that can be used for intensive agriculture,” she said. “The Golden Plains Shire currently releases to market 28,000 litres of goats milk (as dairy product), 600,000 poultry birds, over 4 million eggs and more than 1000 pigs each week.” “If we had access to an international terminal at Avalon,” Ms Blake added. “In 32 hours we could take food from the farm and have it on a plate in Asia.”

Delloite emphasised Australia’s advantages, in areas such as: resources, in terms of land, minerals and energy; wellunderstood and transparent regulatory and tax regimes; a temperate climate; our language is English, the world’s business language; and proximity to the fastest growing markets in the world, such as China. The Australian exchange rate is also expected to move in a favourable direction for most industries.

This also highlights our need for infrastructure investment in assets such as Avalon, an important issue that the region’s Mayors and others are working on.

While the Deloitte report found it unlikely that Australia would have another boom sector like mining or wool, it does identify opportunities and offer a ‘prosperity map’ for Australia. It is one thing to see the opportunities, however, and another to grab them.

A more detailed Deloitte report is due later in March; the Federal Minister for Industry is undertaking economic and industry reviews for Victoria and South Australia and Enterprise Geelong will release an economic development strategy in mid-2014.

Deloitte’s Selwyn D’Souza argues that Australia - and our region - needs a mechanism or framework for thinking about opportunity, to drive the conversation and build our ‘opportunity radar’.

While we are still in a phase of great uncertainty, it appears that all levels of government, business and the broader community have been jolted into action. This must be a good sign for our future.

“As a business or economy, we need to spot opportunities earlier, and to create an operating advantage, such as quality or talent, through establishing processes to achieve this. It is also a matter of resource allocation and deciding where to put the dollars,” said Mr D’Souza. Deloitte’s National Government Leader for Financial Advisory Services, Colin Radford, added that Australians should expect governments to provide the policy backdrop and be a catalyst for business growth. “Business will have the job of focusing on the doing, while all three levels of government will need to focus on enabling,” he said. “It is not about picking winners, but

The Deloitte presentation emphasised the importance of not being at the mercy of any boom, but instead, the need to “get ahead of the curve, and have a Plan B” as a way of ensuring a more secure future.

CLAIRE WHITELEY

Manager, Reach PR Claire Whiteley is a writer and PR specialist with over 15 years experience. She has managed communications in sectors ranging from tertiary education, finance and transport, to government bodies and UNESCO. Claire currently manages Reach PR - a Geelong-based PR consultancy - helping businesses and government agencies be heard in the right places.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 19

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LEGAL

Some big changes to THE Franchising Code

he 2013 Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct proposed a number of changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct. The majority of the proposed amendments have in principal support of the government.

Whilst many of the proposed amendments relate to the form of Disclosure Documents and a franchisor’s disclosure obligations, the Review also recommended including a specific obligation ‘to act in good faith’ in the Code, as well as extending the powers of the ACCC, including allowing pecuniary penalties to be imposed for breaches of the Code.

the Franchisor has not extended a franchise agreement and where the franchisor has terminated the Franchise agreement ‘without cause’. This recommendation, if put into effect, could have significant implications for both franchisors and franchisees. A franchisee may be able set up a similar business in close proximity and in competition with the franchise business in circumstances where there was no obligation upon the franchisor to grant a renewal of the franchise.

Franchisor’s may need to consider including a provision for some form of compensation to franchisees in the event of non-renewal to ensure the franchisor is then able to enforce their restraint of trade clause in A key recommendation of the review is these circumstances. Even if such restraint of that a restraint of trade clause preventing trade clauses are unenforceable, franchisees the franchisee from carrying on a similar This recommendation, if put would need to ensure that they do not infringe business in competition with the franchisor the franchisor’s intellectual property rights would be unenforceable where: into effect, could have significant implications for both or breach any confidentiality obligations 1. The franchisee wishes to renew the contained in the franchise agreement. Franchise Agreement in substantially the franchisors and franchisees. Before these recommendations are same terms; implemented, legislation will need to be 2. The franchisee is not in breach of the passed by parliament, and until that time the Agreement; specific details of the changes will not be known. Franchisors and franchisees should however be 3. There is no provision in the Agreement for compensation aware of the changes which may impact their franchises in to be paid to the franchisee in the event the franchise is not the future. renewed; 4. The franchisee abides by the confidentiality clauses in the Agreement and does not infringe upon any intellectual property rights of the franchisor; and

For further information please contact Tom White, Principal or Alicia Carroll, Senior Lawyer on 5273 5271.

5. The franchisor has not renewed the Franchise Agreement. The government’s strong support of this recommendation went further than the initial recommendation, suggesting a restraint of trade clause also not be enforceable where

BUSINESS NEWS | 20

GOVERNANCE

An advisory board – getting it right

trend is emerging amongst small to medium sized enterprises to establish Advisory Boards as a means to gain access to high level advice and put in place an appropriate structure to support the practice of good governance in this sector. Such a development is a good idea, however there are some basic tips that can assist in making such a structure effective and a valuable part of the business strategy. These include: • Timing… is the time right? Is the organisation mature enough and ready to take on external advice at this level? There is no point in making this investment if you are not prepared and willing to do what is required to make this work.

and open and frank discussion. This is the place where business owners can access non binding strategic advice from independent people and discuss all sorts of matters in a non threatening or judgemental environment – however, it has to be worked on, because it generally does not come naturally for this sector. A shared commitment to the business direction is also a reasonable expectation • Keep board members informed. The more information participants have about specific matters, the more likely better discussion is held and a better result is achieved. Do expect board members to do their own research and apply themselves to more than just participating in a meeting.

• Seek feedback. Review the performance of the board on an ongoing basis. After each meeting reflect on the meeting itself and, each year, undertake a formal review process. Both these activities will assist you and the external board members improve their performance and deliver better results for the organisation. Communication and feedback is important to making this work for both An advisory board is not a way to parties.

• Determine the objective of the advisory board. For example, would it be general in nature or for a specific purpose only? What is the experience and knowledge required? Create some terms of reference that will be beneficial to both your organisation and the external members. • Choose the right people. What skills are you looking for, for example, marketing, financial, IT or general business? Generally, the best result is achieved when you can access advice at this level that you do not have within your own organisation. Make sure that those people you choose also have the time and motivation to contribute to your business at this level – you do not need seat warmers in this role.

access cheap advice; it is, however, a very effective way to put in place a governance structure that will assist you in realising your individual and business goals.

• Start smaller rather than bigger. At start up phase, appoint 2 external members only. Remember that creating an advisory board will also create more work for you before, during and after the meetings, so a smaller number to start with allows you and your business partners to grow into the new structure. • Set expectations. A term of reference will assist here – you need to cover responsibilities, areas that you are looking for help in, confidentiality agreements, meeting frequency and term of office. • Compensation. Be prepared to fairly compensate for these services. The level of remuneration may vary depending on your expectations and you may need to take some advice on this matter. • Get the most out of the meetings. Prepare, set an agenda, send out relevant information before the meeting to enable external members to prepare, appoint a chairperson (preferably one of the external members), run the meeting like a normal board meeting, take minutes/notes, encourage discussion and expect input from all members. • Create the right culture. Expect honesty, trust, respect

• If it’s not working – if you made a wrong choice, get rid of the board member. Build the process into the terms of reference, i.e. “a board member can be terminated, without cause by the company, by providing the advice in writing and the payment of one meeting’s fees in lieu.” Do not procrastinate, terminate the relationship, review the process and start again. An independent advisory board can deliver many benefits to the strategic management of a business. However, like all good ideas, to make this effective, the more time you think about what you are trying to achieve and how you will do this, the better result you are likely to generate. An advisory board is not a way to access cheap advice; it is, however, a very effective way to put in place a governance structure that will assist you in realising your individual and business goals. In the initial phase, it will take additional resources to deliver the benefits, nevertheless, when the organisation is ready for such a new approach, an advisory board with external participants will become a valuable part of your strategic and operational management processes.

Mark C Schultz For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 21

SHIPPING ``There are all the people on shore that rely on the ships for their trade too and most of Geelong’s main industries rely on shipping.’’ Mr Popovski’s job is part of the broad spectrum of careers that keep the busy shipping hub running efficiently. His contact with individual ships starts up to two weeks before their Corio Bay arrival. Once appointed by the ship owners as agent, his team works to ensure that visit runs smoothly.

Port power

Paperwork for organisations including customs, quarantine and port officials must be in place when the ship reaches port and the authorities descend. The agent also books the Port Phillip Sea Pilots, tugs, linesmen and stevedores and advises them of arrival times. He oversees a myriad of details including wharf hire and port fees and handles crew needs including doctor and dentist visits, restocking water and food “We calculate all the port provisions and information about on-shore activities. costs for the ships and

hipping agent Peter Popovski knows Geelong’s port is a jobs generator.

It helps keep the bay side city’s economic heart beating. It’s a major gateway to the world for Victoria’s varied businesses and its influence flows far beyond Geelong’s city limits.

it might be $150,000 to bring a big ship in.”

``I’m in a job I love because of Geelong port, and it’s a job that’s playing an important role in bringing dollars to our region,’’ Mr Popovski says. He is one of more than 7000 people across the region that relies on the port and its related businesses for employment. The work rides in on 650-plus vessels that nudge along the Victorian Regional Channels Authority-managed shipping lanes each year. It’s created at businesses including GrainCorp, Incitec Pivot and Shell and it ripples for hundreds of kilometres across sectors including agriculture, transport and manufacturing. Mr Popovski, a shipping agent for 23 years, heads the Geelong office of Gulf Agency Company (Australia). He’s dealt with thousands of ship owners and masters over the past two decades and knows these vessels ferry more than cargo to Corio Bay. ``It’s mind-boggling really, the flow-on effect from shipping,’’ Mr Popovski says.

``We calculate all the port costs for the ships and it might be $150,000 to bring a big ship in,’’ Mr Popovski says.

``The owner will pay us that money, we hold it for them and pay all the bills that come through from that. And our agency handles about 20 or 22 ships like that a month.’’ VRCA chief executive officer, Captain Peter McGovern, believes shipping agents play a vital role in keeping Geelong’s port - the second biggest in Victoria and the state’s most important bulk cargo port - working efficiently. ``The agents do a massive job, co-ordinating ship arrival and departures, providing information and keeping everyone communicating clearly on the water and on-shore,’’ Captain McGovern says. ``Geelong’s shipping hub supports thousands of jobs and generates a total impact of about $400 million to the region’s economy each year. Shipping agents including GAC, Inchcape Shipping Services, Monson Agencies Australia and Wilhelmsen Ships Service are critical to the port’s continued success.’’

When Boating on the Bay When Boating on the Bay When Boating on the Bay When When Boating Boating onon the the Bay Bay Ships have Right ofof Way Ships have Right of Way Ships have Right Way Ships Ships have have Right Right ofof Way Way

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Level 22,Level 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong | | www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Level Level 235 2,235 235 Ryrie Ryrie Street, Street, Geelong Geelong |www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au 2, Ryrie Street, Geelong | |www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Level Level 235 2,2,235 Ryrie Ryrie Street, Street, Geelong Geelong | www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au BUSINESS NEWS | 22

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``We’re a bit like a travel agency really,’’ Mr Popovski says. ``The ship’s owner walks in and we set it all up for them.’’

FINANCE

That Big P Word

rofessionalism is not judged by the business you conduct, but the way you conduct your business.

I’m sure we all consider our businesses to be professional by their very nature, but how closely do we as leaders: 1. Document the minute details that actually define our level of professionalism? 2. Research companies we want to strive to emulate as best practice? 3. Communicate to all staff what we need to do to reach desired levels? 4. Measure our performance at regular intervals? 5. Celebrate when we reach milestones during our journey? One could say that by implementing these five steps we have embarked on a strategic plan, with recognition of where we are, where we want to be and analysing how we actually get there quite often the most difficult part of any plan. At Morris Finance we have a saying: “Professionalism is not an option, it is a must” and we recognise that our journey is one of Kaizen or continuous improvement, with each and every member of our team, from top down to bottom up striving to better ourselves on both the business and personal front. Interestingly, l have been fortunate enough to make face-toface contact with many differing sized companies of late and the observations l have taken from our meetings have given me a better understanding of how we are tracking in our journey down the road to professional success, one that really has no finishing line, merely signposts and pit stops along the way. On these visits l have noticed areas that warrant consideration in terms of the little one percenters that can truly make a difference in perceptions of professionalism, and a couple of those important “P” words are as follows:

• Punctuality - by visitors and hosts alike, a sale is not won in the first minutes but it can be lost. • Passion and pride – initially displayed by the “directors of first impressions” at reception. • Proper introductions – formal greetings are appreciated and expected. • Professionalism in dress code - company uniforms, suits, polos, shirts, etc. worn if available and provided. • Pens, pads and diaries - company pens, pads, diaries, iPads utilised. • Pen a response - where possible, send a return email thanking participants for their time and denoting points to be followed up.

On a final note, we had a recent experience where a major do our I grow you’re competitorQ: hadHow copied catchmy cry business of “we help you toWhether grow your business to to the level”. While not ideal, my response thenext next level? motor is vehicles, that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and what we need vehicles, equipm to do is to find another form of creativity or drive innovation to the Morris Finance or capital raising forward to A: newTalk levels.

Specialists intelligent struct It comes downteam to theof fact that companies can copy your slogans, they can copy your products, they can even copy your strategies, but the reason they may yet fail in business is because they can’t copy your professionalism. Call Abby, Mega

Onwards and upwards in your quest to strive for your chosen now or go to our level of that big P word! TM

Martin Carter

• Preparation - prior to the meeting with discussions on agenda, roles and outcomes.

Q: How do I grow my business to the next level? A: Talk to the Morris Finance team of Specialists

Business Manager

Whether you’re requiring business finance for motor vehicles, light & heavy commercial vehicles, equipment & machinery, properties or capital raising contact the experts in intelligent structuring of debt.

Abby Davis

Call Abby, Megan or Fiona on (03) 5223 3453 now or go to our website for more information. Megan Clarke

1300 4 MORRIS www.morrisfinance.com.au

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 23

Fiona Trotter

APS EDITORIAL TOP LAYER.pdf

16/10/13

4:41 PM

INFORMATION ABOUT PROBATE AND DECEASED ESTATES (will with an appointed executor)

What is probate? Probate is the term used throughout Australia for the process by which a person named as executor in the last valid will of a deceased person becomes entitled to stand in the shoes of the deceased for the purposes of distributing the deceased’s assets in accordance with the deceased’s will. The executor must apply for a Supreme Court order for a grant of probate according to the rules which apply in the state or territory in which the deceased lived. In some cases, the Court’s power to grant probate (in uncontested matters) is delegated to the Registrar of Probates who functions separately to the Court via the Probate Office. As part of the application process the executor must prove the will, in other words, the executor must produce and lodge the original of the will and swear on affidavit that it is the last known will of the deceased. In most cases this is just a formal process which goes smoothly, but occasionally the Probate Office will have some questions or require more information and, even more rarely, there may be some challenge to the validity of the will. Probate has nothing to do with probate duty which was a state based tax applying to deceased estates throughout Australia and abolished many years ago.

Do you need probate? The executor is not legally obliged to obtain probate, however there are a number of scenarios where, practically speaking, the executor will need to obtain probate, namely: · If the deceased owned real estate either solely or as a tenant in common, and · If the deceased held significant bank account balances solely (banks vary as to their requirements but anything over around $10,000 is likely to require probate) So for an estate with a jointly owned home and minimal other assets, there may be no need to obtain probate, and the executor could simply administer the will using a copy of the will and copy of the death certificate to satisfy all necessary authorities.

Some important facts about probate in Australia •

A grant of probate once made in a state or territory can be registered or resealed in any other state or territory without the need to reswear affidavits or prove the will again.

•

Some states and territories have a simplified regime for small estates (estates worth less than a prescribed maximum figure varying between $10,000 and $50,000)

•

In all states and territories (apart from SA) you must give at least 14 days notice of your intention to apply for probate by publishing a notice to that effect.

•

All states and territories allow claims to be made against an estate by persons who may have been inadequately provided for in the will (testator’s family maintenance or TFM claims)

The contents of this information sheet is intended as general advice only and should not be relied upon for any specific circumstances. If you require specific advice on your own personal circumstances then please contact us. If you require financial and/or accounting advice you should contact a qualified APS EDITORIAL FOOTER.pdf 1 17/10/13 1:09 PM accountant and/or financial adviser.

D I S C L O S U R E I N F O R M AT I O N

Membership of APS Bene ts automatically entitles you to a funeral bene t issued by APS Bene ts. You should consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement & Financial Services Guide (available from APS Bene ts or our web site on www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS Bene ts or buy any products offered by APS Bene ts. Financial services provided by Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd are provided under its AFSL No. 244115. APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 305923 of Futuro Financial Services Pty Ltd (‘Futuro’). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Futuro’s AFSL No. 238478. APS Savings Disclaimer: *This is not a bank product, it is an unlisted APS Note. No independent assessment has been made about the risk to investors losing any of their principal investment. Applications for APS Notes can only be made on the Investment Application Form which accompanies the prospectus issued by APS Savings Ltd. Please read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to make an investment. APS Wills & Estates: Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

D I S C L O S U R E I N F O R M AT I O N

1300 131 809

www.apsbs.com.au

Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd

For Phil Dillon, being given a design brief for an office redesign of “All I want when I walk in on a Monday morning is a welcome work environment” was the spark of a business idea. It was the early 1990s, and having built a 15-year career in the furniture industry first in England and then in Australia, Phil was about to receive the push that every startup business needs… He was downsized in the recession we had to have from his position at a national furniture company, and decided to go out on his own. After all, he already had the name: Welcome Work Environments. “Well, I thought, that’s exactly what I’m trying to provide for people, so that gave us the title and it all went from there… I can’t provide them with their staff that they can’t get on with and change them to new staff, but I can give them something nice to work in.” Specialising in office ergonomics and occupational health and safety, Phil really knows how to design workspaces and furniture that do the job you need them to do. And as soon as he starts to talk about his work, you can tell just how much he enjoys what he does. “At the moment, this is still very much my hobby as well as my job,” he says. “I’m enjoying creating new products, new lines and working on new ideas.” The business was established by servicing large national, multinational and government clients – the offices of major banks, universities and the like. Because it was an industry he knew and understood, Phil saw the clients who were

asking for advice on ergonomics and occupational health and safety regulation. Even then, in those early days of OH&S, people wanted the office to be designed and they didn’t want to just buy furniture out of a catalogue. And while there were some specialist companies around that were doing it, they were all rather expensive. After more than twenty years of working with ergonomists (yep, that’s a real job, and one that most big companies take rather seriously) and OH&S regulations, Phil has become quite an expert in his field, and while Welcome Work Environments was built on servicing big clients with hundreds of employees in each office, Phil and now daughter Laura – who joined the business five years ago and, according to Phil, now pretty much runs the show – are expanding their products and services into the small business market. “Small businesses are a new market for us and obviously they don’t have ergonomists, and many do their own OH&S. We’re a small business as well, so we understand that, and it’s great to be able to offer them the same advice that say the big banks get,” Phil said. We all know about ergonomic desk chairs, just as we all know that all desk chairs aren’t equal, but have you heard that standing is the new sitting when it comes to desks? This back-saving, health-improving trend in ergonomics is nothing new to Phil and Laura, who have been specialising in electric, height-adjustable desks for quite some time. And, like all new technology, once they become popular they also become much more affordable. These days, you

Ph: (03) 5243 3141 Fax: (03) 5243 3541 Email: accounts@welcome.com.au Web: www.welcome.com.au

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can have a height-adjustable desk for pretty much the same price as a regular old top and legs version, with a huge range of sizes, colours and lode-bearing capacity available (just think of all those building samples, or weighty reference texts). More than half of the business is supplying custom-designed office spaces and furniture. Anyone who has experienced the dubious pleasure of sharing a work space with amateur vocal projectionists, or have struggled through a crucial phone call with a cacophony of ringtones providing a jangling, hooting and shrilling background score would understand the need for good office acoustics, and Phil says cutting down on background noise is a popular request in workspace redesigns.

Above, Left to right: Laura Dillon - Office Manager, Philip Dillon - Proprietor, Christopher Taylor - Installer, Julie Millard -Secretary,

We all know about ergonomic desk chairs, just as we all know that all desk chairs aren’t equal, but have you heard that standing is the new sitting when it comes to desks?

“You have to design a space to suit the client, and then design the furniture to suit the space,” Phil says. “When you have a number of people in an office and you need a refit, you don’t have to go to an architect, we can do all of that.” It was a surprise, given Phil’s history of working in the European furniture industry, to learn that 80 to 90 per cent of the product sold at Welcome Work Environments is not only Australian made but made here in Victoria, including Australian-made, fully ergonomic seating. He says it was a conscious decision to back our own local industry, but one that was made with his clients in mind, as locally made furniture comes with the kinds of quality standards and warranties that you just don’t get from cheaper imports. But then again, Phil is passionate about his adopted country. “Australia is a beautiful place and [in 1988 when he immigrated] it was rather like the England that I used to know when I was a kid, but I also had a lot of relatives out here. My parents were here, I had a couple of brothers and most of my nieces and nephews out here, so we came for a visit and we liked the place so much we bought it,” he said with a laugh.

We supply to Geelong, Melbourne and Surrounds and will visit the customer for a no obligation free measure and quote so that they don’t have to leave the office.

Barwon Youth Ambassador- Dr June Kane AM, recipient of Albert Schweitzer Medal for Humanitarian Action. Internationally respected expert in human rights, in the fields of violence against children and women, child labour, sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and human trafficking

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Right: Barwon Youth Chairperson William Mathers and CEO John Townsend

Barwon Youth From its humble beginnings as a youth hostel, Barwon Youth has grown over the past 33 years to become Geelong’s largest, not-for-profit, youth specific service providing innovative and flexible service responses to some of the most marginalised and at risk young people in the community. Since 1981, our innovative services and programs have enabled and celebrated the achievements of the young people. Over the years we have reviewed and expanded our services and partnerships, and extended our scope to ensure that the needs of our clients and the broader community are at the forefront of everything we do. The agency now employs over 60 qualified staff and auspices more than 20 programs assisting

disadvantaged young people in the areas of Homelessness, Youth Justice and Support, Education, Training and Employment and Drug and Alcohol support services. The agency manages a range of services that provide a holistic and diverse approach to service delivery with an infrastructure that enables a high level of accountability, support and supervision, to ensure effective services for young people. Whilst our range of services and programs is extensive, our approach is simple. Our young people are the future; we trust, respect, celebrate and value young people. We are inclusive; we respect the beliefs and rights of all young people we work with inclusive of their background, ability, sexual diversity, complexity of need, socio-economic status or culture.

Community Support Beneficial Based in Geelong West and with staff co-located in Warrnambool, we partner with young people, families, volunteers, communities, agencies, charities, all levels of government and innovators from the public and private sectors to support young people across the Barwon South West Region of Victoria. Barwon Youth knows that building the long-term capacity of young people and our community is a shared responsibility and it is only together that we can provide outcomes which will continue to be of benefit long into the future. The local business sector, through commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability practices, plays a vital role in ensuring this outcome is achieved, and we welcome the support of local businesses in partnering with us.

“We have a shared focus and common purpose committed to add value and inspire our young people towards a fulfilling and meaningful life. Our approach is based upon ‘living’ our agency values; Human Rights, Leadership, Inclusiveness, Innovation, Collaboration.” “We are committed to continually improving the quality of our service to fully realise our goals and strategic outcomes, and be inclusive and responsive to clients, staff, volunteers. stake holders and the wider community.” Head Office 12-14 Halstead Place Geelong West Ph: 03 5221 4466

www.barwonyouth.org.au

The perfect mix has arrived.

Copiers. Computers. Connectivity 16 Mercer Street, Geelong VIC 3220 | Ph. 03 5229 6677 | Fax. 03 5229 4367 accounts@xtremetechnology.com.au | www.xtremetechnology.com.au

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Unprecedented 4th time winner Buyers Lab Inc. A3MFP Line of the Year

With a massive 75 years of collective experience behind us, Xtreme Technology is Geelong’s most trusted supplier of copiers, computers and connectivity. Xtreme Technology was formed in 2012 through the merger of three respected local companies. Coopers Copiers had been operating for 26 years; Jennings Computers for 28 years; and Computer XS for 26 years. Together, these companies had seen remarkable change in the IT industry – and gathered invaluable experience and knowledge.

Now, Xtreme Technology brings this knowledge and experience under the one roof to give our clients one reliable point of contact; and to ensure that your business thrives. Our clients hail from Camperdown to Queenscliff, Little River to the Surf Coast – and of course, Geelong. We provide exceptional service and proven solutions to large corporate clients, schools, small businesses and home users.

Onwards and upwards for legal firm

Frank Gargan, solicitor, was a sole practitioner for 35 years until in 1969 he took on a young articled clerk, Kevin Roache, current Chairman of the firm now known as Coulter Roache Lawyers. “He had tremendous integrity and a great reputation,” Kevin says. “He also set the pattern this firm has continued of community involvement, being vice president and president of Geelong Hospital, (as it was then), for about 30 years and chairman of both the Geelong Racing Club and the Geelong Eastern Cemeteries Trust.” Kevin followed in Frank’s footsteps in more ways than one, also being a one-time president of Barwon Health (as it is now known) and currently holding positions on the boards of various community organisations including Committee for Geelong. He also took on an articled clerk, Tom White, who is now Coulter Roache’s Managing Principal.

Founding Principal Frank Gargan

The firm that Frank began in three rooms in the National Bank Building on the corner of Moorabool and Malop Streets has developed over the years by natural growth and through mergers and acquisitions. It now occupies the entire floor at Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street. With branch offices located in Anglesea, Barwon Heads, Portarlington, Bannockburn and Torquay and over 55 employees, including 20 lawyers, Coulter Roache Lawyers offers legal services in all areas such as Commercial, Property, Wills & Estates, Family Law and Litigation. The Principals have also continued Frank’s legacy of community involvement, with Coulter Roache Lawyers sponsoring Cotton On Foundation’s Run Geelong since it began, and supporting a number of other not for profit community events and organisations such as BacLinks,

Geelong • Anglesea • Bannockburn • Barwon Heads Portarlington • Torquay

TIME HONOURED For more than 70 years, Coulter Roache Lawyers has provided quality legal services and community support to the people of Geelong and the surrounding region. Now, the company established by Frank Gargan in 1935 is looking forward to the future. Give Where You Live, Samaritan House, Anam Cara and Bethany. “Community involvement is ingrained in our corporate culture and is driven from the top,” Kevin says. “We encourage all our lawyers to be on the boards of community organisations for something that’s of interest to them and close to them in some way.” “It’s important to give something back to the community of which you are part of,” says Tom. “It’s about providing our services to organisations that can be a benefit, there is also self-satisfaction for the individuals involved as well.” The firm is also proud of its longstanding association with Geelong Football Club, acting as the Club’s lawyers for more than 50 years. Fifty is something of a magic number for Coulter Roache Lawyers – Frank Gargan retired after over 50 years of practice and the end of this month will see a new merger with Ocean Grove solicitor Richard Dwyer, who celebrated 50 years of legal practice on March 7. The firm also enjoys a close association with Bendigo Bank with Kevin having been a Director for 17 years, Vaughan Lamb is currently the Chairman of the Winchelsea Anglesea Community Bank and Tom is the Chairman of Barwon Heads Bendigo Bank Community Bank. Martin Reid has a broad association with the Torquay Jan Juc community and Anne O’Loughlin is currently the Deputy Chairperson of McKillop Family Services and President of the Geelong Law Association. Although proud of its long history, Coulter Roache Lawyers is also looking to the future – its own and Geelong’s. “Our vision is to be the legal firm of choice in the region based on our values of integrity, commitment and communication at work and in our community,” Tom says.

Original Gargan & Roache offices at the corner of Moorabool and Malop Streets

Back row, left to right: Tom White - Managing Principal, Martin Reid - Principal, Vaughan Lamb - Principal Front row, left to right: Kevin Roache - Chairman and Principal, Anne O’Laughlin - Principal “We’re focused on developing partnerships with our clients – understanding their circumstances and objectives to deliver practical, cost effective solutions. We also spend a lot of time developing our younger lawyers through in-house training and mentoring so they can continue to provide the same high quality service and advice to our clients.” As for the future of Geelong, this is not the first time the city has faced challenges since Frank Gargan set up practice all those years ago and the current Coulter Roache Lawyers Principals are confident it will overcome the issues facing it today. Kevin says “Geelong is a resilient community which historically has focused on providing assistance to those in need. That attitude will prevail over the current challenges and Geelong will move on to continue its growth and prosperity.”

Current Ryrie Street Offices

Principal Kevin Roache with Barwon Health Foundation Patron Peter Hitchener

Cotton On Foundation Run Geelong 2013 Team

T: 5273 5273 www.coulterroache.com.au

TRAVEL

A stranger in a One of the best moments for me on any trip is when I wake up and look out a hotel window and I am greeted by a scene that I just don’t understand. It’s as invigorating as a splash of cold water. When I look out the window of my hotel on La Trobe Street in Melbourne, I pretty much get it. The young blokes with the perma-press trousers and open necked business shirts – lowrank public servants scowling as they head to their offices at the Spring Street end of town; the bloke with the akubra hat and camera – parking inspector. I get why he looks miserable. And so on.

As always, when travelling overseas, the less time actually spent travelling the better. Across the entire European continent, but especially in Britain, road distances play tricks on unsuspecting Australians. The problem is that we’re used to travelling huge distances – and think it will make sense to do the same in Britain. The rough equivalent of driving from Geelong to Sydney is London to John O’Groats, Britain’s most northerly town. With modern motorways you can do both in a day. But why on earth would you want to? You miss rather a lot in between. It’s not like bypassing Tarcutta on the Hume.

When I look out the window of my hotel on Sudder Street in Calcutta, I pretty much don’t get it. The giggling girls (how many?) as bright as parrots perched in the rickshaw – are who, what, going where? The skinny porter with the flashing smile and enormous pile of plastic buckets slung on a pole across his shoulders – is who, what, going where? And this is even more confusing: What right do they all have to look so happy? I love that jolt.

Do some homework, find a base and explore from there. There are vast numbers of cottages for rent, and even Bed and Breakfasts are worth considering. The Landmark Trust (www.landmarktrust.org.uk) is a charity that restores significant buildings – everything from castles to cottages, from lighthouses to follies – and then rents them for short-term holidays. My dream is to stay in The Pineapple (please go ahead and search).

One destination where many (especially Anglo) Australians expect to be at home is England. And when you do look at your hotel window in cosmopolitan London, the expectation is pretty much fulfilled (once you’re over momentary confusion at the number of black and brown skins). You get it. But any complacency is a trap.

There are dozens of counties and regions where you could find a picturesque village to stay: the Cotswolds, the Peak District, the Lake District, Cambridgeshire, Sussex, Yorkshire, Devon to name just a few. As long as you are not too close to a big city, and apart from some uninspiring parts of the midlands, and perhaps the southeast coastline facing the channel, you really can’t go wrong. Almost any village will have weeks of possible day trips in its vicinity.

Things may look familiar – even the taxi drivers look and sound familiar – but just beneath the surface you are dealing with a very different breed. And once you get out of London, there’s no doubt about it: the English are foreigners, and you are a foreigner in a strange land.

Influenced strongly by the offer of free board with friends, we stayed in Eastbourne in East Sussex. Eastbourne is a grand, but fading resort, on the south coast. It adjoins the famous...

BUSINESS NEWS | 34

a strange land

TRAVEL ...Seven Sisters, and Beachy Head, where the beautiful South Downs come to an abrupt end at spectacular 160-metre high chalk cliffs. The grass – better than most Australian lawns - runs right to the top of the cliff. The edge is so sharp and clean it is as if the island has been ripped in two, like paper, with one half hurled out of sight into the Atlantic. It was June, so we anticipated we would have a chance to enjoy the beach, and have a swim or two, if not at Eastbourne itself, at Hastings, or maybe funky Brighton. But the weather was awful. Only one of us - an eight year-old, easily influenced and too young to know better - actually ventured into the water, where she was almost instantly bitten by a jellyfish. That didn’t stop us spending several enjoyable days wandering around, gaping in wonder and incomprehension at the behaviour of the locals. They huddled in deck chairs as cold southerlies whipped in from the ocean. They washed down gallons of bitter tea and ale. They ate bales of fairy floss. They whirled around on rusty fairground attractions. They promenaded on piers. They congregated in ‘fun’ parlours where the din, the flashing lights and oddly misshapen attendants gave a frightening taste of what an epileptic must suffer. But then, like Alice popping through a rabbit hole, we would emerge into something completely different, but equally strange: a cliché come to life. We visited the summer fair at the ancient village of Alfriston. There was a cricket match. Portly men with hats and moustaches inspected vintage cars. The ladies’ auxiliary from the parish church turned on a Devonshire tea. An oompah-oompah band played. We visited the atmospheric Battle Abbey and peaceful fields on the beautiful High Weald where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II to become William I in 1066. This is the spot where the history of the world turned on a dime (or penny). That evening we sat in the washy sunlight on the village green in front of The Tiger Inn drinking beautiful warm beer by the pint. I struggled to understand the barmaid. I wasn’t sure whether it was my accent, her accent, or the noise, but it turns out she was from New Zealand. I found myself, unaccountably (given the temperature of the beer), feeling quite at home. But then I remembered the long queue for jellied eels and whelks on the waterfront at Hastings. I didn’t understand. I was a foreigner in a strange land.

Richard Everist Richard Everist has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet and was the CEO of Peregrine Adventures. He recently founded Around The Sun, a travel company, with his partner Lucrezia Migliore. Around The Sun organises small groups tours and private trips to selected destinations. Lucrezia is leading a trip to Italy in May 2014. See www.aroundthesun.com for full details or call 5264 8667.

BUSINESS NEWS | 36

BLOKE’S YOUTH WEEK WORLD

A big trek forward

ach year in April, the spotlight turns on young Australians during National Youth Week. Held this year from April 4 – 13, the week is an opportunity for teens to have their say about the issues that are important to them. But for Acting Inspector Michael Reid of Victoria Police, every week is youth week. Each year, a group of local teens that are doing it tough are put through an intensive training program before walking the Kokoda Track as part of a life-changing program run by Victoria Police in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, local businesses and community groups. “Through the partnership we are able to identify ‘at risk’ youth at schools in the Geelong area and give them the opportunity to take part in a life-changing experience through positive interaction with role models within our local community and learning about the struggles that soldiers from this campaign experienced during World War Two,” explained Acting Inspector Reid, who is the program coordinator. “The experience encourages re-engagement with school, employment, family and the community and brings out leadership skills in students, encouraging them to be leaders within the community in the future.” Participants in the program are committed to an intensive 20week training program to ensure they are able to successfully complete the 105-kilometre trek over eight days on the Kokoda Track and also attend presentations from local Kokoda veteran George Copps. The youth also raise money for Isurava, a disadvantaged school located along the Track.

school had a full-time teacher for the next 12 to 18 months,” Acting Inspector Reid says. “The idea behind this is that police, teachers and business mentors are doing something positive for the young people, so they pay it forward and do something positive for someone else. Through staying in the local villages along the track they also experience the local culture, which is vastly different to our lives in Geelong.” Acting Inspector Reid, who was previously involved in a similar program in Moonee Valley, says this is the second year the program has been run in Geelong and preliminary results from an evaluation of the 2013 program suggest the students now have the ability to rebound or persevere in the face of stressful events and that they are adaptive and can handle stressful situations in spite of obstacles around them. “They have developed coping skills, confidence, and selfesteem, and are more able to make positive contributions to society,” Acting Inspector Reid says. “The program also breaks down any existing barriers between young people and police by experiencing police members in a positive, encouraging environment and promotes positive interaction with local businesses and government agencies who are also taking part as mentors to the young people.” For more information, contact Acting Inspector Reid at michael.w.reid@police.vic.gov.au

Judy Baulch

Principal, Business Advisory

“Last year the students raised enough money to ensure the

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Members of

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“I would like to pass on a big thank you to you and your team at The Pier. The reception ran smoothly, the food and drinks were of high quality, and the staff were super attentive. We have had excellent feedback from the conference participants about the venue and how well the reception ran. Once again, many thanks for making a fantastic night.” Kirsten, Senior Lecturer, Deakin University. “For the launch of the new MINI Coupé and Roadster, The Pier Geelong offered MINI the perfect mix of location, flexible events space, access to great driving roads and a great standard of accommodation right near-by. Through the flexibility of the training spaces and dinner venue mixed with an excellent rooftop style bar, we were able to reveal new experiences right throughout our event at a level befitting our premium brand.“Matt Schmidt, Brand Communications Manager – MINI “Everything went off to perfection thanks to the staff at The Pier Geelong. The attendees were delighted with The Pier. Over the years I have been involved in running conferences, the biggest was for 800 at the World Angus Forum at Sydney's Darling Harbour, and I must say The Pier is as good as any venue.” Geoff Phillips, Marketing & Communications, Australian Wagyu Association

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CONFERENCE AND EVENTS

Conference & Events

High quality venue in the heart of the city In the heart of Geelong’s arts and cultural precinct, Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) is the region’s premier venue for concerts, conferences, theatre productions, performances and community events. A popular destination for artists and audiences alike, GPAC caters for all your meeting and conference requirements, from a board meeting for 10 to a conference for 1500.

Business events can be a valuable business multiplier, but getting everything from the setting to the seating right can make or break your big event. When it comes to hosting great business events, turning to the professionals is a very good place to start...

GPAC boasts two theatres, four conference and event spaces and a café. Among these are: Deakin’s Costa Hall, Geelong Waterfront This grand 1500-seat space located at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus provides Geelong with a venue capable of housing large-scale concerts, conferences, meetings and lectures. The Playhouse Recently refurbished, this 750-seat proscenium arch theatre provides a first-class stage for major local, Australian and international performers. Drama Theatre A studio-style theatre with a capacity of 325, this is an ideal space for intimate theatre performances, acoustic concerts, comedy, public lectures and seminars. Our state-of-the-art facilities include projection equipment plus a range of portable gear for your conference break-out needs. Close to all amenities including Geelong CBD and waterfront, cafés, bars, and vibrant nightlife, GPAC is also within easy walking distance of major accommodation providers and only a short drive to major attractions including the Bellarine Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and award-winning wineries. GPAC provides full in-house catering services, with friendly, professional staff to ensure your conference or event runs smoothly from the first phone call to the last cup of coffee.

www.gpac.org.au

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 39

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newsletters, advertisements, posters, display design and conference merchandise. Let Eagle Creative enhance your conference attendee’s experience with branded conference info packs including branded stress balls, Lanyards, I.D.’s, pens, notepads, USB’s, to name a few. All customised with your brand. All are sure to add additional excitement to your conference.

Eagle Creative also provides a variety of in-house finishing that includes laminating up to 1.5m wide, document binding, mounting prints to various substrates and more. Eagle Creative can provide the resources you are looking for to help make the process of design and print as easy as possible.

At Eagle Creative our aim is to put your brand into Eagle Creative will also enhance your customer’s hands. your conference venue branding with pullup banner displays, What makes us different? posters, table runners or table cloths to name a few. They will • An innovative team help get maximim exposure of creative minds. for your brand at the venue. • Excellent in-house facilities. If innovation, exciting designs Eagle Creative also specialises and delivery on time are • Always accessible. essential to your business, then in large format printing, up to 1.5metres wide and many • Provide advice as to the latest Eagle Creative fits the criteria. lengths – perfect for posters, developments in production Since 1996, Eagle Creative point of sale, banners, flags, and display to enable clients has operated a professional trade show exhibitions and to stay ahead of the field. design and print studio that conference branding. • Fostering a climate manages all your design and Eagle Creative has excellent of mutual respect. print needs from conception in-house facilities and uses the to finished products. latest technology and software • Develop a sense of the client being part Their talented design team will to enable them to produce the of our extended ‘family’. turn your ideas into reality. finished article to the highest possible creative and technical Their team has over 50 years To visually maximise your standards, and on time. combined creative experience, business brand at your both in design and print. Eagle Creative can provide conference, call Linda, Stephen displays for all your associate or Sam on 5229 2022, drop into Get the visual edge for conference sponsors. their office conveniently located your flyers, brochures, at 9 Pakington St, Geelong West or visit: eaglecreative.com.au

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BUSINESS NEWS | 39

pure conferencing

Deakin Management Centre is a purposebuilt residential conference venue dedicated to the art and science of conferencing. We consistently deliver superior conference outcomes because that’s all we do. It’s our pure discipline, our pure focus. Located on 200 acres of Deakin University’s Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, Deakin Management Centre is a haven from external distractions. Approximately a one hour drive from Melbourne and 30 minutes drive from Avalon Airport. We are within easy reach.

Premium Facilities > Meeting capacity: 180 (max) > Total Meeting Rooms: 8 > Accommodation Rooms: 57 (total capacity of 114 guests) > Fixed data projection in every conference room and syndicate rooms > Free wireless network throughout the centre > Free video conferencing available > Free onsite parking > Superb cuisine and an intuitive service team dedicated to ensuring your conference is a success

Please call or email to organise a site inspection and complimentary lunch. P. 03 5227 3000 E: conference.planning@deakin.edu.au

Deakin Management Centre is customdesigned with conferences in mind. Everything here has a purpose and is geared towards achieving the outcomes you have set for your conference delegates.

Pure Purpose Choice of learning environment is crucial to successful conferencing. The ambience, the flow, the comfort, the sights and the sounds are intrinsic elements of the conference experience. Our meeting rooms have controllable lighting and individual climate control as well as natural light and direct external access. All accommodation rooms are complete with ensuite bathroom. Recreational facilities include a gym, heated pool and spa, tennis courts and walking tracks.

Pure Confidence At Deakin Management Centre, we focus on taking the worry out of the conference planning process, guiding you gently and effortlessly through the journey. We understand conference planning can be daunting, but it’s what we do every day. It is all we do. So we know what works … and what doesn’t.

Pure Hospitality Our clients come back time and time again to experience the outstanding dedication of our team and the intuitive, proactive service it fosters. We lead and encourage every one of our team to be performance-orientated and to focus on far exceeding our clients’ expectations at every opportunity.

Pure Value Not everyone likes surprises and we are yet to meet an organiser that enjoys unexpected costs that appear on the invoice postconference. We understand that your conference is a commercial event with an allocated budget. You need to know what it will cost, exactly what is included and be able to comprehend the quote. Our Complete Meeting Package (CMP) delivers you just that – firm upfront per-person costing, many free inclusions (which are clearly detailed) and great value for money. Call or email to arrange a time to meet our friendly staff, take a tour of our outstanding facilities, experience our culinary delights and take in our wonderful surroundings. Exclusivity, privacy and style call 03 5227 3000 or email conference.planning@deakin.edu.au

community

Celebrating our blokes Join in the celebrations of all things boys and men during Blokes Week (from 24 March), culminating in The Blokes Day Out Festival from 10am – 3pm on Sunday 30 March at Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong Waterfront. Proudly supported by Barwon Health, City of Greater Geelong, GMHBA Health Insurance, Bendigo Bank, Court House Arts, St John of God Geelong Hospital, 94.7 The Pulse, Geelong Print Solutions, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Undercover Marquees, Barwon Water and Barwon Medicare Local, Blokes Day Out is unique to the Barwon region; a community initiative that promotes and celebrates the positive involvement of blokes with their families, friends and the community and builds awareness of men’s health and wellbeing.

Many of the players’ family members and friends turned out to support them as they played their final holes.

Activities around Geelong and the region during the Blokes Week include a footy night, a variety of workshops and free health checks. The Blokes Day Out Festival is a free, all ages celebration with entertainment, music, food stalls and displays. For more information, visit www. barwonhealth.org.au or find Blokes Day Out on Facebook or Twitter.

Days for Girls Founded in 2008 to address the sad fact that simple biology – namely menstruating – means girls in some parts of the world miss up to eight months of schooling in three years because of a lack of sanitary supplies, Days for Girls International organises groups of women (and men) around the world to provide sustainable, reusable, discreet sanitary kits to help keep girls in school and therefore provide a way out of poverty. The Geelong chapter of Days for Girls, Geelong Coast Days for Girls, began last July in response to a newspaper article and has since provided kits, sewn by women all over Victoria, for girls in Nepal and East Timor. “We intend to send as many kits as we can to girls all around the world,” says co-organiser Karen Harding. “It’s a big task, but we think of it as one kit will last a girl for three years and that inspires us to make more kits.

Some of Australia’s most iconic performers took to the stage at Music to a Tee including Reg Mombassa and Pete O’Doherty’s Dog Trumpet.

“Our kits are all delivered by people we know who are travelling to the area, so we know they do get to the girls who need them.” The group has begun to hold local workshops to create the bags, shields and liners that make up part of the sanitary kits, but those who can’t sew can still help with donations of brightly coloured quilters cotton fabric and quilters cotton flannelette fabric, brightly coloured face washers and underpants, small hotel sized soap and large zip lock bags. Geelong Coast Days for Girls workshops are held at the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre in Drysdale on the second Wednesday of each month from 9am – 12pm, with the next one on 12 March. The first workshop in Geelong was held on 25 February from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and this will also be a monthly event. All are welcome; if you can trace around a pattern or use a pair of scissors, you can help.

Karingal Chief Executive Officer Daryl Starkey with Australian HHH event founder and participant Brett Morrissy.

For more information, phone Diane on 0400712829 or Karen on 0439332819, email geelongcoast@daysforgirls. org, find Geelong Coast Days For Girls on Facebook or visit www.daysforgirls.org

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COMMUNITY

Karingal Hundred Hole Hike a world record breaker When day dawned on Thursday 23 January, 22 golfers teed off for the Karingal Hundred Hole Hike (HHH) Down Under to raise funds for Karingal’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) programs, making it the largest official event of its kind in the world. When they returned to the 13th Beach Clubhouse at Barwon Heads 14 hours later to be greeted by supporters and entertainment provided by the Music to a Tee concert, the players had walked 100 holes of golf - with many completing their sixth full round and bringing their total to 108 holes. Collectively, the team played 10,892 shots, with the impressive scorecard including 11 eagles and 189 birdies and many holes played under par. Karingal Chief Executive Officer, Daryl Starkey, says the commitment shown by each player was nothing short of inspirational. “I am absolutely blown away by the determination and character of the 22 golfers who took part in the event. Watching them persevering in the heat and playing through their injuries, with their families gathered around in support, was quite moving. “I am genuinely in awe of their achievement.” He described the inaugural Music to a Tee concert as a fantastic initiative. “This year was the first time we added in the element of a live concert and it turned out to be a beautiful way to complement the Hundred Hole Hike by transforming the venue into a cheering gallery as the players finished the event,” he said. “We’re looking forward to growing the event to be even bigger and better in 2015.” While pledges to players for completing the challenge are still rolling in, Karingal Foundation Executive Officer Caroline Moore said the day was a great success. “We will be able to report on figures raised over the coming weeks, but I am already thrilled with the result, which was only possible thanks to the efforts of so many people,” she said. “In particular I’d like to thank Australian HHH event founder and player Brett Morrissy who has been an absolute driving force behind the HHH concept. His enthusiasm and willingness to support Karingal and the ABI community is truly amazing. I also thank all the Karingal volunteers, the players’ family members and our incredible caddies who all played an important role in making the event possible.”

Keeping profits in Geelong rewards every Geelong resident

The Geelong Connected Communities Ltd board of directors, which is made up of local community representatives, decides how the money is allocated through grant applications from local organisations in the areas of arts and culture, community projects, disability, environment, events, health and wellbeing, not-for-profit, community sponsorships, sport and youth. Geelong Connected Communities is also looking to identify and complete one major project each year, and is seeking input from the broader Geelong community about possible projects. To contribute to the discussion please send your ideas to info@ geelongconnectedcommunities.com.au

A big appeal for hospital’s tiniest patients The 2014 Geelong Hospital Appeal was officially launched in February with a gala appeal launch off the second year of fundraising for the Special Care Nursery. Held at Waterfront Kitchen, the evening also launched the 2014 Face of the Appeal, little Sully Eddy. Sully spent 119 days in hospital after his birth and the event celebrated his fighting spirit and saw him and his family take the reins to help promote the 2014 Geelong Hospital Appeal. Guest speaker on the night was champion marathon swimmer Tammy Van Wisse, who gave guests an insight into her life, goal setting and the importance of good health. Her inspirational talk also featured on the importance of community. The Barwon Health Foundation (Geelong Hospital Appeal) and Cotton On Foundation are working together again with a common goal, to redevelop the Special Care Nursery at Barwon Health’s Geelong Hospital. The Special Care Nursery redevelopment will be totally community funded and it will only be possible with strong community support. The target is to raise approximately $3.8 million, which will contribute to the refurbishment and the purchase of new equipment. The current nursery has outgrown the needs of the community with comfortable space for only 13 cribs. The aim is to provide additional space for more cribs and storage, plus a separate treatment room and parent’s room. Last year 540 babies were cared for in the nursery and 25% of babies born at Geelong Hospital were admitted. Sometimes babies are transferred to Geelong Hospital from other areas if a hospital exceeds their Special Care Nursery capacity. The community can help to get this project started by donating on the Queen’s Birthday Giving Weekend or by donating to the Geelong Hospital Appeal at any local Bendigo Bank branch. For more information see the website www.geelonghospitalappeal.org.au

Geelong Connected Communities is a community company established as a vehicle for all of Geelong to work together. Whether it’s support for our local sporting organisations, notfor-profit organisations, events, the arts, disability, youth, aged, the environment and major projects, Geelong Connected Communities can help. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank pay a commission to Geelong Connected Communities for the business of customers who have nominated to support Geelong Connected Communities. Local individuals and businesses can nominate Geelong Connected Communities as their community beneficiary when they bank with their local Bendigo Bank branches at Highton, Belmont, Waurn Ponds, Newcomb, Corio, Geelong West and the three Geelong CBD branches. Tammy Van Wisse

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Daniel Menzel Dawson Simpson and Sully Eddy

ARTS Bethany Arthouse Film Festival 2014

Portraits and Landscapes

from 25 March 2014

1 -15 March

The Bethany Arthouse Film Festival celebrates 17 years in Geelong this year and also returns to Warrnambool for a second year, with a stellar line-up of five films.

Steve Salo: Portraits of Artists and Clive Sinclair: Landscapes launch Metropolis Gallery’s 2014 exhibition calendar.

The fundraising film festival kicks off on 25 March at GPAC’s Playhouse Theatre with the award winning “The Gilded Cage,” a feel-good French comedy about Portuguese exiles living in Paris who suddenly find they must return home. However, husband and wife Jose and Maria are indispensable to their employers who have taken the couple for granted, underpaid them and in other ways exploited them and who now must make every effort to keep them in France.

A Geelong artist, Salo found inspiration in artists throughout history. The exhibition represents a rebirth of Salo’s art practice, which came to an abrupt halt last year when his Surf Coast studio was burnt to the ground, destroying many of his paintings. However, just as the bush regenerates after fire, Steve’s very expressive paintings have flourished on fertile ground.

Tickets for “The Gilded Cage” are on sale at GPAC from 9am on 10 March. A five film package is also available.

In Sinclair’s Landscapes, atmospheric light and quiet moods typify the Melbourne artist’s minimalist and expressive paintings. The 2011 Victorian Artist’s Society Artist of the Year, Sinclair paints with attitude and an economy of gesture that evokes the essence of landscape.

www.gpac.org.au

www.metropolisgallery.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 48

ARTS Generation Art until 23 March The work of the next generation of artists is on display in Next Gen 2014 at Art Gallery of Ballarat. Showcasing the work of students from state, Catholic and independent schools in the Ballarat and Grampians region who have just completed VCE studies in Art, Studio Arts, Design and Technology, Visual Communication and Design and Media, Next Gen had its genesis in 1995 in the Len Brookman VCE Art Awards exhibition, which evolved into the Next Gen VCE Art and Design Exhibition in 2006. Now in its nineteenth year, the exhibition continues to be an important part of the Gallery’s exhibition program and its promotion of the work of young artists. artgalleryofballarat.com.au Fonofale – Meeting house 12 March – 20 April For several years, contemporary Pacific artist Fono McCarthy has been investigating how to convey the va, or ‘space’ that is more than a physical space, which embodies the Fonofale or Samoan meeting house. The Fonofale exhibition at the Wyndham Art Gallery consists of an installation of lightweight wooden vessels that fly, float and travel, a symbol of the migration of the cultural space of the fale (house).

Fono McCarthy says, like barges, they represent the core principle in which these vessels activate and transport knowledge. “This proposition activates the va of personal status, customary roles, gender relationships and hierarchy according to an aganuú faásamoa [Samoa culture/custom],”he explains. “The Fonofale exhibition pays homage to my pacific heritage and to my adopted land of residence.” “Traditionally, Fonofale was a physical space where aiga or family relationships were sanctified and communities came together in a way that elicited the best of humanity,” says Chaffey Ward Councillor Cr Gautam Gupta. “Ceremonies took place there and old laws were honoured, in which the leaders of families and communities were chosen by god with earned wisdom. It is a space of respect and true generosity in which gifts were bestowed and reciprocated. “Fono McCarthy attempts to deconstruct this space and create works that speak to the traditional house as a metaphor for Samoan culture. As a contemporary artist he draws from traditional art forms associated with Samoa and the Pacific. He produces satellites or ‘baskets of knowledge’ that encompass past, present and future. “Travelling far from his homeland, he shares his culture in a way that represents his life in the 21st century.” www.wyncc.com.au/art_gallery

Top left:

Douglas Kwarlple Abbott: Watercolour

Above:

Elton Wirri: Watercolour Centre: Clive Sinclair: Landscapes

Right:

Fonofale (meeting house) detail - by Fono McCarthy

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 49

TECH GUY

The Tech Guy Every month, our Tech Guy, Jon Mamonski, brings us the wildest, most mind-blowing gadgets he can find...

ASUS VivoBook

Notebooks this good were once the favoured weapon of road warriors but now this level of build quality and speed is within reach of we mere mortals. ASUS has reinvigorated the VivoBook V551LB as an ultrabook, meeting the 23mm thickness requirement and the now all-important touch screen. The keyboard is a well-spaced chiclet design, with an all-metal palm rest that offers a solid feel while typing. And the track pad has a cool metal surface, which is smooth and comfortable. The VivoBook is outfitted with three USB ports (two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0), an SD card slot, fullsize HDMI out, a stereo headset jack, Ethernet, a Kensington lock slot lets you tether the laptop for security and a tray loading DVD+-RW optical drive lets you read and burn to DVD.

Inside the laptop you also have 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for all of your wireless needs. A 1TB, 5400rpm hard drive offers plenty of storage space and the Ultrabook comes with Windows 8 (64-bit), along with a selection of programs and apps, like a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 365, Intel Anti-Theft, Skype, FreshPaint, and Asus Vibe 2.0 and also comes with Asus Web Storage, providing 32GB of free cloud storage for three years. Asus is also generous with its warranty, with a one-year international warranty and accidental damage protection, with 24/7 technical support and a 30-day “no-bright spot” warranty on the display. Under the hood there’s a fourth-generation 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-4500U processor, which is one of the first of Intel’s new Haswell CPUs to hit the laptop market along with Nvidia GeForce GT740 graphics (with 2GB of dedicated memory). Battery tests suggest the unit lasting an impressive 7 hours 47 minutes with its 65Wh battery and that’s a whole lot better than most notebooks on the market today. ASUS are aiming the VivoBook directly at business users because it packs a serious punch with blistering processing speed and longer battery life for around $1399.

BUSINESS NEWS | 50

We’ve heard that when Apple reveals its first smartwatch product there might also be a way to charge the wearable without plugging it in, according to a report from The New York Times. Inductive charging came in a wave of smartphones last year, including Google’s Nexus 4 and Nokia’s Lumia 920 range and Apple is looking into cramming the same technology into its iWatch, or whatever it eventually calls it.

What’s that smell? It had to happen – activating an odour from your smartphone. Now available worldwide through the company’s site, the perfume plug-in sells for $35 by itself (plus a whopping $30 in shipping), while scent packs for coffee, lavender, rose, rosemary and strawberry will cost you $5 each. That’s quite a lot to pay for smell-based notifications on your Android device or iPhone, but what a wonderful addition to your phone.

iWatch

It works like this: Electromagnetic fields are generated from a charging base, which are then picked up by metal coils and transformed into for-real electricity that charges your device. Sources also mentioned the inclusion of a solar layer beneath the device’s display but we’ll have to wait and see.

There aren’t many network-attached hard drives for small business - and those that exist aren’t always easy to use. Toshiba may just make the experience simpler with its just-shipped Canvio Home. This takes some of the guesswork out of setting up and finding your storage on your network; if you just need to drag-and-drop files, you could be up and running within minutes. The Canvio Home also introduces official Mac support and you can access the Canvio Home from anywhere (including Android and iOS apps), and it will stream media to Back up local DLNA-capable gadgets. Toshiba is those pics selling a 2TB version of the new disk for and files $299, while its 3TB sibling costs $399.

The future of video conferencing

Nappy can A flexible sensor developed at the University of Tokyo is about to discover just how bad the smell is when it’s put to work as a sort of early warning system inside nappies. It’s constructed from a printable organic circuit that detects changes in wetness, temperature and pressure, but apparently not smell (small mercies). It can charge wirelessly and transmit data wirelessly too, so that a caregiver holding a receiver can tell whether a baby or incontinent elderly person needs changing without having to unclothe them first. The device is expected to come to market as soon as its power efficiency has been improved, and we can’t wait.

HP has revealed more about the Chromebox that it’s making to support Google’s video conferencing system, and we have good news: it won’t be confined to meeting rooms. The company’s inaugural Chrome OS desktop will be available to both home and business customers when it ships sometime in the second half of the year. It should also be more powerful with a Haswell-based Core i7 processor inside. DisplayPort, HDMI and four USB 3.0 ports will come standard. There isn’t any mention of pricing at this point, although it’s safe to presume that the Core i7 Chromebox will cost more than ASUS’ $279 entry-level model.

Have you or your parents thrown out their first Sony WaterWalkman cassette player yet? How far has technology proof come – it’s all solid state now and to prove the new Sony Walkman is totally waterproof you can buy one packaged Walkman inside a full bottle of water. “The Bottled Walkman” is currently being sold from vending machines across New Zealand in places like gyms, right beside neon-blue bottles of Gatorade. The idea behind the promotion is to get the device out of electronics stores and into the places target customers actually hang out. Of course, the shock value of being encased in liquid certainly makes the Walkman a bit more enticing than if it was sitting behind the front desk. The big question is, who wants to drink a bottle of water that’s had a Walkman sitting in it for days (or weeks) on end?

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EDITOR

HOURS

after

Mixing it with the best at 13th Beach

Before the action of Golf Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 Oates Victorian Open officially teed off, the fairways and greens of Thirteenth Beach Golf Links hosted this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrity Pro-Am. He might be famous for swinging the bat, but former Australian Cricket Captain, Ricky Ponting, is also very handy with a golf club, shooting a round of 3-under to beat out his tour pro team mate, Daniel Popovic. Punter went on to caddie for the former Australian PGA Championship winner at the Open. Also on course were Cats players, politicians and business identities as the amateurs teamed up with the golfing elite for one of the most popular events on the local golfing calendar. Photos by Elisha Lindsey, EL Photography

4 BUSINESS NEWS | 52

THE E.L PHOTOGRAPHY CORPORATE STYLEGUIDE AFTER HOURS

THE E.L PHOTOGRAPHY CORPORATE BRAND

1. CMYK STACKED VERSION (ON WHITE BACKG

Elisha Lindsay (E.L Photography) is a Geelong photographer who was born to take beautiful photographs. Her love for the lens has followed a natural progression throughout each stage in her life. Elisha prides her business on being one that is multifaceted and has the ability to meet the needs of all clients. Whether it is commercial, weddings or portraits, E.L Photography can meet the needs of businesses, individuals and groups. The logo represents the E.L Photography brand and is, therefore, the essence of the E.L Photography identity. Do not attempt to redraw or rearrange it, or alter the colour in any way. It always, where possible, appears as a colour image.

2. CMYK HORIZONTAL VERSION (ON WHITE BA Commercial Photography Staff portraits Product shots Marketing shots Events & Functions Weddings & Portraits

E.L

1. Simon Brookhouse (Golf Victoria CEO) & Ricky Ponting 2. Martin Hirons, Mark Allen 3. Harry Taylor, Steve Johnson, Ricky Ponting, Jackson Thurlow, Mitch Duncan, Taylor Hunt 4. Jackson Thurlow, Taylor Hunt, Braith Cox 5. Scott Laycock, Fiona Telford, Cr, Bruce Harwood 6. Jake Higginbottom and Mitch Duncan with Morris Finance team 7. Matt Giles with his team 8. Beth Allen with CUB team 9. Mark Bain, Vikki Laing with Geelong City Motors Team 10. Matt Patne, Ross McKenzie, Stephen Day, Matt Giles

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 53

Studio - 162 Bellerine St, Geelong elisha@elphotography.com.au 0439 353 958 elphotography.com.au

Custom Lighting www.customlighting.com.au

STUFF

office

Toucan Canvas in Coral and Green Wallstudio www.Wallstudio.com.au

Jazz up your office this month with these wildy wacky but seriously functional accessories. Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dude Pint-Sized Plant (Set of 3) Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au Handmade Wooden iPhone Dock Zingness www.zingness.com.au

American Oak Desk SIA & me www.siaandme.com

Eva Solo Self Watering Flower Pot Bristol & Brooks www.bristolandbrooks.com.au

Spooled Headphone Cord Organiser Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 54

Runaway Alarm Clock Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au *Our fave: Using its two rubber wheels, the alarm clock will escape your reach and motivate you to get up and out of bed to turn it off and start your day.

BOOKS

new•

The Boy Who Could Tickle Clouds Stephen Briggs This hilarious and heartwarming debut takes readers into life as a kid in the Pilbara during a simpler time when a special occasion demanded Old Spice Soap-on-a-Rope, fondue and a cask of Fruity Lexia. The King Kader Abdolah It is the 19th century and the kingdom of Persia is at a turning point. When a young King, Shah Naser, takes to the throne he inherits a medieval, enchanted world. But colonisation and industrialisation are closing in.

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Unprofessional Jack Delosa

BUSINES

One of Australia’s most successful young entrepreneurs steps out how a new generation of entrepreneurs are doing business their way – not by being disrespectful or lazy, but by thinking unconventionally. Mrs Hemingway Naomi Wood There are some stories that need to be told from the inside to feel real. That is what Naomi Wood has created with this engrossing piece of fiction based on fact as she chronicles a world of wildfire celebrity and burning creativity as depicted through the eyes of each of Ernest Hemingway’s four wives. A Savage Garden Chris Muir When ex-Navy Seal Jack Norton agrees to fly some injured children to a hospital in the Congo, he has no idea that a year later the destiny of a whole country will rest on his shoulders. A fast-paced, action-packed read. Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening Carol Wall The true story of how a Kenyan man with a gift for gardening helps a middle-aged suburbanite to learn the lessons of grace in the face of (particularly mid) life’s challenges. What develops is an wonderful friendship, and a truly beautiful garden.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 55

S/ENTREPR

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CONTACT : XOU CRE

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.COM.AU)

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