Business news 228

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BUSINESS BUSINESS

april 2014 ISSUE 228

“They have a society that is prosperous, well ordered, and instinctively The ““They have a society that is prosperous, well ordered, egalitarian. and food beer is good.

The beer is cold. instinctively egalitarian. The food is good. The is cold.

The nearly always shines.

The sun nearly always shines. There is coffee onsun every corner. is coffee on every corner.

Rupert Murdoch no longer lives there. LifeThere doesn’t get much Rupert Murdoch no longer better than this.” lives there. Life doesn’t get – Bill Bryson on Australia (In a Sunburnt Country)much better than this.”

– Bill Bryson on Australia

(In a Sunburnt Country)

april 2014

• Deloitte • THE TOURISM BOOMOn GEELONG APPROACHES

• • BEYOND OUR APPETITE ALCOA FOR APPS

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ISSUE 228

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THE TOURISM BOOM APPROACHES

37.

16.

CONTENTS 10/

VECCI

New Appointments 11/ Inside Word 19/ Accounting 22/ Women in Business 28/

12.

Time Honoured 38/

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Volunteers Week

“Growth in the tourism sector is set to soar over the coming decade.”

40/ Small Biz 42/ Community 46/

44.

Tech Guy

30.

48/

ARTS

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EDITOR

The right calls or the calls for right now?

W

ith budget day now a matter of weeks away, all eyes are on the Treasurer – wondering if he’ll make the right calls or just the calls for right now.

We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of the 2014-15 budget announcements. As the first budget for the Abbott Government, not only will it set the direction for the government’s fiscal management direction, but it’s also the budget that provides an opportunity for serious reforms, and in particular, tax reforms.

The simple fact is that just going along as we have been is no longer a viable option in Australia. Structural shifts in the economy and the impending cost avalanche of an evergrowing healthcare system, aged care, aged pension and disability care mean that we need to rethink the tax system… but, of course, we’ve had that conversation before.

In 2010 – not very long ago - former Treasury Secretary, Ken Henry, set out his recommendation for taxation reform on behalf of the then Rudd Government. The Henry Review set out a comprehensive, wide scale (with the glaring omission of the GST, which was excluded because the GST was too politically sensitive) and well-resolved reform agenda that was then all-but shelved because many of the reforms would not be popular, or not popular in time to benefit the sitting government. It makes you wonder, why are we having yet another tax review?

Now, the Abbott Government has an opportunity to define itself by making those tough calls so that Australia can afford the forward costs of an ageing population without sending the deficit into orbit. So, again Mr Hockey, the right calls or the calls for right now?

Basically, for Australia to fully capitalise on the past decade of strong economic management, we need to widen the tax base, support business growth, be careful how we spend and invest in long-term infrastructure. We need to set the focus on

the provision of infrastructure and services – most importantly health and education – in a way the nation can afford. And that includes ending the ridiculous reverse Robin Hood we are seeing, where the most vulnerable people in society are targeted in government cost-saving measures, while at the same time, those that least need it are given handouts. I’m not going to start on the proposed paid parental leave scheme, because I may never stop…

As Dr Henry has shown, the measures needed are simple to understand: save where you can, spend where you have to, distribute the tax burden fairly. There is no infinite pool of money; there is just the money taxpayers contribute to keep the country running.

Should we be looking to raise the GST? I don’t know, I really don’t, but I do know we shouldn’t ignore the possible benefits or the possible impacts on low-income and fixed-income households.

Superannuation is the piggy bank in the room, with speculation mounting that the government is looking to redress some of the inequities of the system that have been thrown up as the first Boomers retire.

The other sacred bull is negative gearing – another great idea that has served the country well, but one that isn’t sustainable in its current form. But it’s hard to imagine who will have the stomach to tackle this one.

The issue of boosting productivity and creating jobs will have particular significance in Geelong. The Prime Minister is right when he says no nation taxed itself into growth. Governments have to invest, and all signs are that Geelong will be on the receiving end of funding… May 13, it’s lucky for some.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS NEWS | 4

BIZ NEWS

from 4,000 wheels to 50,000 wheels.

The Mayor encouraged businesses to apply for the second round of funding through the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund.

GRIIF funding fast-tracks carbon manufacturing

Picking Joinery’s GRIIF boon

C

arbon Revolution became the first recipient of funding under the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) with the announcement of a $5 million grant in March.

The grant will facilitate a $23.8 million carbon wheel manufacture project to supply the global automotive industry.

The state’s employer peak body, VECCI, welcomed the news, with chief executive Mark Stone saying, “Building Victoria’s international competitiveness must be a pillar of our state’s longer term growth strategy, so it’s positive to see support for industries with demonstrated growth potential that can take advantage of global opportunities.”

Mr Stone’s comments come as Federal Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine, Victorian Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett and Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson announced the first grant from the program to support Geelong business. The fund is a joint agreement between the commonwealth and state governments, and Ford motor company.

Small family business, Pickering Joinery, was the other GRIIF funding announcement of the month, receiving a $230,000 contribution towards the company’s expansion.

The Belmont manufacturing facility will undergo a $560,000 expansion that will create eight full-time jobs, including the employment and training of joiners and apprentices, and delivery, sales and administrative staff.

The project will allow Pickering Joinery to increase production so it can meet increased customer demand for its custom-made heritage and architectural timber windows and doors. The project includes installing hightech computer numerically controlled (CNC) woodworking machinery, and re-designing the production process flow.

The Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) and the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund are competitive, merit-based grants programmes. The funds are based on a tripartite agreement between the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and Ford Australia.

Geelong Mayor, Darryn Lyons, also welcomed the funding announcement that will create up to 150 new manufacturing jobs in Geelong.

The Australian Government will contribute $30 million; the Victorian Government $9 million; and Ford Australia $10 million. Of the total $49 million in funding, $24.5 million will be made available to the GRIIF and $24.5 million will be made available to the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund.

“Carbon fibre wheels are an emerging high tech product and car, aerospace and truck manufacturers are all wanting to use the wheels on their latest products,” he said.

The second round of GRIIF is currently open, and information sessions for potential applicants are being held on 1-2 April in Geelong.

The funding will allow Carbon Revolution to produce carbon fibre wheels at a much faster pace, and increase production

For more information, visit: www.ausindustry.gov.au/ programs/regional-innovation/GRIIF

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BIZ NEWS

Here be Pirates

Joining the race to feed China

P

remier Denis Napthine has to a $35.4 million Food to Asia Action Plan for Victoria, aimed to boosting the state’s food production and exports to Asia. The rapid rise in demand for fresh, healthy food has been a significant contributor to the booming New Zealand economy, and Geelong is particularly well placed to join the race to feed China.

The plan includes the channel-widening work recently announced for Corio Bay; seeking federal funding contributions to upgrade the Mildura-Geelong and Murtoa-Hopetoun rail lines, which Member for South Barwon, Andrew Katos, said are crucial to enabling the efficient movement of Victorian produce from farm to port; an increased focus on research and development investments on food that meets Asian consumer preferences; and the development of a Food to Asia Trade Program.

T

he sprawling archipelago of Indonesia is fast overtaking the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia as the world’s most dangerous waters. Piracy is on the rise in Indonesia, and while the increasing incidents of piracy are considered far less organised and smaller in scale than those that attracted the attention of Hollywood in Somalia, concerns are mounting that the rapid increase in incidents in Indonesian waters may be flagging a threat to global shipping around Australia and New Zealand.

The Safety and Shipping Review 2014 report, produced by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, highlights the shift of in the number of piracy incidents from the Gulf of Aden to Indonesia and West Africa, with piracy attacks in Indonesian waters up by of some 700% in the past 5 years.

Ron Johnson, Regional Marine Manager for the Pacific at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, said “the shift of the piracy focus from the Gulf of Aden to a new hotspot in Indonesia should be of concern to all businesses in the Pacific region involved in international trade as all shipping between the region and Asia has to transverse these waters.”

Mr Johnson noted that mega ships in particular may be vulnerable to piracy, as these enormous vessels have few ports of refuge available to them.

Last year marked the arrival of the largest container vessel on record, which is over 400 metres long with the capacity to carry in excess of 18,000 shipping containers (teu).

“Victoria’s food and fibre exports increased 5 per cent last financial year. There can be no doubt that Victoria is Australia’s premier food state, it is our largest export sector and the Government’s investment will ensure this remains so well into the future,” Dr Napthine said.

“Given Australia’s large coastline, and limited ports of refuge and repair facilities to handle such vessels, the arrival of these mega ships could heighten the risk to cargo owners. And there are even larger vessels capable of up to 24,000 teu on the horizon and which are expected to come into service in 2018,” Mr Johnson said.

SME annual growth on the up

A

s we approach the second quarter of 2014 the SME sector is already showing significant improvements in economic sentiment and business conditions, according to accounting software producers, MYOB.

The March 2014 MYOB Business Monitor Report reveals a rising proportion of businesses reporting annual revenue growth when compared with recent years - reaching a level unseen since March 2011, and a declining proportion reporting a fall in revenue.

MYOB CEO Tim Reed says, “In line with our predictions in our trans-Tasman report earlier this year, I’m pleased to see the strong improvement in performance and expectations among Australia’s small and medium business operators, who are major contributors to Australia’s economy.

“Their financial confidence strongly influences the health of our GDP and MYOB’s new research findings tell a clearly positive story. Buoyed by record-low interest rates and a lower Australian dollar, local SMEs’ hard work and resilience is now bearing fruit.

Victoria recorded the highest I’m delighted to see more than one in five result as the state most likely reporting increased revenue and an even higher proportion – one in three – expecting a to expect revenue gain better year ahead.”

Although less than one quarter (22%) reported rising revenue when asked to look back over the year to February 2014, this was an improvement on the previous five consecutive surveys. One third (34%) reported a revenue decline, however this too was the best result reported since March 2011. Further, a significant increase was seen in the proportion of SMEs anticipating a revenue rise in the next 12 months (34%, up from 25% in the prior report). 22% expected revenue to fall (on par with the prior report).

The industries most likely to see a revenue rise were finance and insurance (33%, up three points), followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing (26%). Operators in construction and trades were hit hardest, with 44% experiencing a revenue fall, closely followed by operators in manufacturing and wholesale (43%).

The positive expectations are in line with those for the domestic economy, with 26% of respondents expected economic improvement within 12 months, up on 23% in the prior report.

Victoria recorded the highest result as the state most likely to expect revenue gain, at 40%, followed by South Australia, at 34%.

BUSINESS NEWS | 6

BIZ NEWS

The G21 State Election Wish List

G

21 has released a list of priority projects it will advocate for on behalf of the region during the state election year 2014, with the board deciding on two projects with equal top priority for the November state election: the Geelong Future Cities Project, including the redevelopment of the GPAC and planning for the upgrade of the Geelong Gallery; and the Yarra Street Pier Redevelopment, to build a new cruise liner facility to accommodate visiting cruise ships, naval vessels and tall ships.

Central Geelong Revitalisation

In addition to this, the G21 Board has recognised 13 other key projects to seek funding for. These are:

G21 Regional Trails Network - development of a major network of foot, bike and horse trails across the region, including the Great Ocean Walk, Bellarine Rail Trail and Barwon River Parklands.

Addressing Disadvantage - with a range of projects including complete the regeneration of Northern Bay College and support for a Northern Health Hub.

Convention and Exhibition Centre Geelong Ring Road Connections - links from the Ring Road across to the Portarlington Road, upgrading freight connections to the Port of Geelong and the duplication of the Midland Highway to Bannockburn.

Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP)

Land 400 Portarlington Safe Harbour

Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct

Regional Rail Connections

Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area

Transport Links to Melbourne

Avalon Airport - support for the retention of Jetstar and the expansion of domestic services, a rail link to the airport, support with the introduction of new businesses into the hanger heavy maintenance facility and in attracting an international carrier.

G21 CEO Elaine Carbines said that all of the projects identified will plan for the region’s future needs and directions; growing jobs, accommodating future growth and adding to the prosperity of our communities.

///////////// ///////////// ///////////// /////////////// s the election campaigning picks up momentum, Victorian Labor has again committed to fund the $12 million Stage 1 upgrade of Geelong High School. Geelong High School had lobbied to receive funding for much/////////////// needed new classrooms, upgrades of hospitality and arts facilities, administration buildings and toilet blocks //////////////// for the ageing central Geelong school – one of only three public high schools on the eastern side of the region. //////////////// //////////////// Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Andrews, made the announcement alongside Shadow Minister for Education, James /////////////// Merlino, Labor Candidate for Geelong, Christine Couzens, Bellarine MP Lisa Neville and Geelong MP Ian Trezise. //////////////// Ms Couzens highlighted that local companies would be prioritised if the project were to go ahead, to ensure the //////////////// creation of local jobs.

A

Labor commits to $12m Geelong High upgrade

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Premium Events Space Conferences & seminars Product launches Private functions Cocktail parties Major events Exhibitions

“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.”

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We can assist you in planning, execution and follow up. If you have an upcoming event that you want to be memorable for your guests, then call us today. Our friendly staff can assist you too.

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COMMENT

Australian Business at Serious Risk of Being Held to Ransom

J

ust in case business wasn’t challenging enough, now there is a new and very real threat facing Australian companies.

Its goes by the name of Cryptolocker and its potential to inflict serious damage should send a shudder down the spine of every business owner in this country.

In the simplest terms, Cryptolocker is a virus that can penetrate your entire computer network lock you out of being able to access any of your files. That is, unless you pay the criminals who created this virus a hefty ransom.

WSO TV reported that the criminals behind Cryptolocker have made more than $30 million from this ransomware. The first time most people become aware of the virus is with a message such as, “To decrypt files, you need the private key. The single copy of the private key is on a secret server. The server will destroy the key after the time specified. After that, nobody will be able to restore the files.”

While the majority of cases have been reported in the US and UK, ESET LiveGrid® detection statistics reveal around 5% of these ransom requests have been to Australian businesses, with that number likely to continue to climb.

Here are 3 tips that will help keep you safe and prevent cyber criminals ruining your day: 1. Back up your data Without doubt, the single biggest reason people fall victim to ransomware is because they fail to have a regularly updated backup. It’s worth noting that Cryptolocker will also encrypt files on drives such as a USB thumb drive, as well as any network or cloud file stores that you have assigned a drive letter. So it’s a must to have a regular backup regimen to an external drive or backup service.

2. Patch or Update your software Cryptolocker, like most malware threats, relies largely on people running outdated software with known vulnerabilities which can be exploited. Make it a habit to regularly update your software.

3. Use a reputable security suite It is highly recommended to have both anti-malware software and a software firewall to help you identify threats. It’s common for malware authors to continuously vary their ransomware to try to avoid detection, so you need layers of protection. If you discover ransomware, you should seek immediate expert support from a trusted IT specialist.

Protection options While ransomware can be frightening, there is also an array of benign problems that can cause just as much disaster for a business. The fact remains that the best way to protect your business against data loss is with regular backups. That way, no matter what happens, you will be able to restart your digital life swiftly.

Rod Deacon Managing Director, Evongo

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

APPOINTMENTS

new

Director of Emergency Medicine - Dr Michael Ragg Michael has an outstanding background in Emergency Medicine and is currently the Deputy Director, Emergency Medicine at Barwon Health. His appointment to St John of God Geelong Hospital is another step in the collaborative approach taken between both hospitals to provide the Geelong and surrounding community with a choice in Emergency Care.

Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager - Noel Ryan Noel joins St John of God Geelong Hospital as the next step in a 20 year nursing career, the majority of this time spent in emergency nursing at Barwon Health. Noel’s most recent position

was with Alcoa Australia as Occupational Health Nurse and Emergency Response Officer. His area of interest has been the professional development of emergency nurses in Geelong and the Barwon-South West region while working as a Clinical Nurse Educator with Barwon Health.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

OPTOMETRY

OPTOMETRY

MENTAL HEALTH

Emily Campbell joins Eyewear on Pako as a therapeutically qualified optometrist. She studied the Bachelor of Optometry at the University of Melbourne and has worked at a number of rural practices in Victoria. Emily is up to date with the latest evidence-based eye care practises.

Jodi Beckworth is a qualified Optical Dispenser and with over 13 years of experience in the optical industry. A Geelong local, Jodi’s forte is fashion in eyewear. Jodi is excited to join the eyewear on pako family so that she can say “I wear eyewear from Eyewear on Pako”.

Pathways welcomes Phil Dunn as Director Service Delivery & Development / Deputy CEO. He has held previous senior roles within Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol, Barwon Health and Mercy Health Mental Health Program, having worked closely with Pathways for many years.

TOURISM

IT

ACCOUNTING

Mark Day has been appointed Convention Bureau Manager at Business Events Geelong.

Having worked for a number of large international hotel groups, Mark has extensive experience in the sectort. The role will see him promoting the region to Conference and Event Organisers as a premier Business Events destination.

Geelong’s IT support company EVONGO is delighted to welcome Tim Clifton. Tim’s proven track record of outstanding technical support and customer service will enable Evongo to continue to deliver the world class support they are known for.

Jason Smith has commenced a new role as Manager in the Business Advisory division at Davidsons Accountants.

Jason has provided audit and accounting advice 13 years’ and is well placed to provide a range of advice to assist businesses maximise their value and plan for the future.

BUSINESS NEWS | 10

INSIDE WORD

Tribal Group Buys Sky Software

S

ky Software, a leading light of Geelong’s emerging IT industry has been bought for $21 million by UK-based Tribal Group plc. through an issued share capital exercise.

The acquisition will see Sky Software retaining its presence in Geelong, while it expands its global operations through leveraging Tribal’s international footprint.

Established in 2011, Sky Software employs over 40 staff and most recently established a Global Support Centre in Geelong to support the company’s international expansion in Southeast Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East.

As a combined entity, Tribal and Sky Software will have over 500 customers in 60 countries and 1,400 staff in 17 offices across five continents.

Keith Evans, Chief Executive of Tribal Group said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Sky Software into Tribal as this will strengthen our market presence in the higher and vocational education markets. This acquisition will allow Tribal to increase its presence and domain expertise in Asia Pacific through our combined customer base.”

In other news: City CEO Announces Resignation

Stephen Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of the City of Greater Geelong since 2009, has announced his resignation to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the State As our company expanded, it became Emergency Services.

clear that we needed to be part of a larger organisation to accelerate our growth. This will allow Sky Software to retain Geelong as our global head office... as we continue to expand in Australia.

Clive Mayhew, outgoing Chairman of Sky Software said, “Our combined entity is a great outcome for Sky Software’s shareholders, staff and customers. As our company expanded, it became clear that we needed to be part of a larger organisation to accelerate our growth. The Tribal Group is a publicly listed UK company that aligns with our global aspirations to be a market leader. This will allow Sky Software to retain Geelong as our global head office, Research and Development Centre and Global Support Centre as we continue to expand in Australia.”

Nick Stanley, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of

Mr Griffin said he was “honoured to be appointed as the City’s Chief Executive Officer and was very proud of the organisational achievements over this time”.

“To have the National Disability Insurance Agency headquarters located in Geelong was a proud achievement for the organisation and the various advocates in the community,” he said.

Mr Griffin also noted the $45 million Library and Heritage Centre, as well as the first tranche of sales on the Geelong Ring Road Employment precinct, the WorkCover Authority announcement, and support for the establishment of the Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease is significant milestones in his time at the City. He also thanked the current and previous mayors and councillors, as well as CoGG staff, for their support.

The Council will appoint a temporary CEO before undertaking the recruitment process for a new chief executive.

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Sky Software said, “Sky Software has proven that Geelong is emerging as Australia’s Silicon Valley. We have the right skills, infrastructure and people for an IT software company to compete and expand globally. We continue to remain committed to Geelong and our global expansion, with Tribal, will allow us to continue creating and maintaining jobs in Victoria over the coming years.”

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FEATURE

There’s an app for that

N

ot that many years ago, App wasn’t even a word, merely an abbreviation of ‘mobile application’ software designed to run on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. Now the term is as ubiquitous as the devices we use to access that software in order to keep track of our appointments and contacts, compare prices simply by scanning a barcode, check the weather or our bank account and communicate with friends and colleagues.

Clearly, apps are not a passing fad and they have become serious business tools, from streamlining logistics and internal communications, to stocktaking and sales tracking. They can be used to market to an increasingly mobile customer base and help that customer base to more easily find information about your business and services.

“Mobile apps extend the reach and productivity of your business,” writes Anita Campbell, founder of Small Business Trends, an online publication at smallbiztrends.com. “Once you equip your mobile device and/or your employees’ mobile devices with apps, then you and they can perform all sorts of business functions while out of the office travelling, on sales calls, making service calls, etc.”

There are so many apps available that a whole new industry has evolved around ‘app discovery’ – blogs, magazines and dedicated online app discovery services, which review, recommend and curate all the apps out there. At www. appolicious.com, for example, you can learn about apps that let you track how well search engine optimisation is working for your website, more efficiently organise your calendar and to do list, keep track of timesheets and a range of other apps to help make running a business just that little bit easier or faster.

The Best iPhone Apps for Business Finance at bizfinance.about. com reviews a range of apps to help you keep track of your business finances while on the go, and www.businessnewsdaily. com lists ten of the best Android business apps.

But does the popularity and availability of apps necessarily mean your business should have one? While most businesses probably are making use of apps that allow them to check email and sales figures while out of the office, does every business need an app to reach customers or track deliveries?

“Apps have certainly become the new craze for businesses, but it’s much more than a case of wanting an app, it’s about what effect it will have upon your business. My first question is always the same: ‘What do you need the app to do?’ says Scott

BUSINESS NEWS | 12

FEATURE FEATURe

FEATURE NEWS

Robinson, director of WA-based marketing company, Jack in the Box. “I encourage businesses to consider: What benefit can be gained from the development of an app?

Will it drive you more business? Will it increase internal or general efficiencies? Will it gain you higher levels of recognition and brand awareness?” (www.startupsmart. com.au/mentor/scott-robinson/does-my-business-need-amobile-app.html) If, after all your research, you decide that yes, your business could make use of any number of apps, what do you do if you find there isn’t an app for that after all? Or that the apps that are available are not quite what your business needs? If off the shelf apps don’t fit, is a custom app the answer?

All Guns Blazing on Land 400

Anthony Wing Kosner, a contributor to Forbes.com, describes an app as “the visible evidence of some data and/or content… one of many possible ‘front-ends’ to the information on the ‘back-end.’” According to Anthony, the first question is not “do I need an app?” but “what data do I want to display, transform and/or collect through a mobile device?” (www.forbes.com) Jonathan Harris, CEO of Geelong’s JNH Software, says his clients have already searched for existing similar apps before they come to him looking for a custom app and “are very much return on investment (ROI) based”.

“If an app allows them to work more efficiently and save money, then the decision to proceed is a no-brainer,” he says. “Having said that, we sometimes develop apps because a business wants to be seen as modern and up to date, and their apps to be engaging. It might also be an opportunity for a business to get closer in their relationship with their customers, to show their worth and loyalty to their customers and add value to the services that they provide.”

He suggests that developing an app is perhaps more appropriate for well-established businesses, as one of the problems with the take up of a new app is spreading the word to customers and this may be harder for a start-up company. “If the app is for a large company, to be used by an extensive mobile sales force, then the ROI is easier to justify, because the time savings is multiplied by the number of users.”

Once you’ve decided that a custom app will benefit your business, and you’re clear about what you want the app to do and what information you want to convey or capture, what’s the next step? Do you develop it in house or find an app developer? How much will it cost?

“When you’re looking for a developer, ask what they have developed before and if they have developed anything similar to what you’re looking for. Then ask to see those apps, download them and find out how intuitive they are,” Jonathan says. “Tie down the costs as far as possible. You should have ideas about the flow of screens, if possible, or at the very least a colour scheme, name and logo.”

As for your budget… “How long is that piece of string?”

Jonathan says. “Based on complexity, I would suggest $4000 to $20,000. One of the biggest determinants of cost is where the information comes from. For example, is the app self-contained, collecting and giving information to the user? Or does it retrieve up-to-the-minute results or fresh information from a server? The second option is generally more expensive, because you are developing two sets of software, the app, and the software on the server.”

Remember that apps, while incredibly useful business tools, are just that - one of many tools in a range of products and strategies to help you run your business. Do your homework, ask the right questions and make the decision that’s right for your business.

Judy Baulch

Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, and Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert (left), with Marand General Manager, Rohan Stocker.

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he fight is well and truly on for Geelong to secure the Land 400 defence manufacturing and maintenance base. Last month, Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson MP, took Assistant Defence Minister, Stuart Robert, and officers from the Department of Defence on a tour to highlight the city’s proven capability, skills and facilities to deliver the project.

The tour was an important move in the lobbying process, as Mr Stuart’s parliamentary responsibilities include managing defence procurement. The Minister conducted an industry briefing with the head of the LAND 400 project, Major General Paul McLachlan - the first time this has occurred so far in this project. Representatives from many of the big international defence manufacturers travelled to Geelong to hear the latest on this project.

The tour took in the potential manufacturing site for the project at the Ford manufacturing site in North Geelong, as well as the defence procurement work underway at the Geelong Innovation Precinct at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus. While the decision on the home of the Land 400 project is still some years away, Ms Henderson concluded, “We must continue to do the hard work now and ensure we go from strength to strength in this bid.”

Also last month, a G21 delegation, including Geelong Mayor, Darryn Lyons, travelled to Canberra to meet with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and senior Ministers about Geelong’s bid for the Land 400 project.

The G21 delegation also met with the Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane to discuss job creating industry assistance for Geelong.

And work has begun on establishing a local office to manage Geelong’s Land 400 bid, with the office to serve as a central contact point for all business, community and government engagement relating to the bid.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 13

EDITOR

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No. 1 Regional Tennis Facility in Victoria | Venue of 2012 Davis Cup Over 100,000 visits per year | 900 Members Host Venue Victorian Grass Court Championships (Platinum Tournament) 28 Tennis Courts | Gymnasium | Squash Courts | Function Room

Ph: (03) 5243 2819 BUSINESS NEWS | 14

BLOKE’S WORLD

Above: (L-R) Mick O’Malley (O’Malley Fitness), Brendan Parker (General Manager), Andrew Franke (Physiotherapist-Corio Bay Health Group), Brad Tresidder (President), Simon Keeble (A-Game Academy). Photo by Elisha Lindsay, El Photography

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here is much more than meets the eye at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.

The Club may be steeped in history – founded in 1882, it is Australia’s oldest provincial tennis club and was formed just 2 years after the nation’s first grass tennis club was founded in Sydney – its outlook and operation is absolutely modern.

With 28 tennis courts, as well as 3 squash / racquetball courts, a fully equipped fitness studio, meeting and function space and Member’s bar overlooking the courts, it is a first-class facility and one of the hidden sporting gems of Geelong.

The club has 900 members, with the youngest player at just 4 years old and the oldest is over 80, and while there may be a perception of exclusivity around membership, the reality is precisely the opposite. In fact, Geelong Lawn Tennis Club isn’t a member-only club. Everyone and anyone can walk in and hire a court up to three times as a casual visitor.

The club’s general manager, Brendan Parker, explains Geelong Lawn Tennis Club’s open door policy: “We want to be local and state leaders in community inclusiveness and promoting active lifestyles.

“There is an increasing push for people to stay active throughout their lives, and tennis is a great fun way to do that and it’s a great social game.”

The club’s membership fees also reflect the open door policy. Including access to all the courts, with 13 grass courts, 8 floodlit porous courts, 6 flood lit Plexicushion courts and 1 synthetic multi-purpose court, as well as squash courts, and the fitness studio, which offers group

fitness classes and boxing circuit classes with O’Malley Fitness, along with other club facilities, membership represents very good value – particularly when compared with standard gym membership fees.

There is a range of tennis programs provided by A-Game Academy, including Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis, elite coaching, group coaching and private lessons. The Corio Bay Medical Group also offers onsite physiotherapy on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

There are summer and winter competitions, club championships, Tennis Victoria sanctioned tournaments, pennant squash and in-house squash and tennis competitions.

The club also offers superb value for corporate sponsors.

With over 100,000 visitations each year, sponsors are highly visible to a large audience.

“We want anyone to be able to come here, to enjoy the fantastic facilities, to enjoy being active and to make the most of what we have to offer,” Brendan says.

The superb facilities have attracted some elite events in recent years, including being the host venue for the 2012 Davis Cup Australia vs. China, host venue for the Australian Masters Games in 2009 and 2013 and is the current host to the Platinum tournament Victorian Grass Court Championships and the Victorian Junior Grass Court Championships, with these events attracting international and nationwide entrants, as well as Victorian and local entrants.

The Geelong Lawn Tennis Club offers one of the best value and most enjoyable ways to improve your fitness or simply stay fit for life.

www.geelonglawntc.com.au www.biznewsmag.com.au | 15

simple charms Almost everywhere you look on the Bellarine you can see evidence of tourism growth. And when the sun comes out, the cafes, restaurants, wineries, beaches and just about every nook and cranny of the peninsula is buzzing with a mix of Geelong locals and tourists.

BUSINESS NEWS | 16

“The Bellarine still has that country charm and real integrity.”

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ourism isn’t just on the rise on the Bellarine, the industry is beginning to boom globally, and Deloitte’s Positioning for Prosperity: Catching the Next Wave report projects international tourism in Australia to grow at 4.1% in real terms over the next two decades - that’s more than 20% faster than global GDP growth. Tourism sits with gas, agribusiness, international education and wealth management as one of five sectors the international professional services firm is forecasting will define Australia’s economic prosperity over the coming decades.

When Lyndsay talks about the tangible growth in the Bellarine you can see how excited she is that her and David are a part of it.

A self-confessed grubby publicist, Lyndsay started reeling off examples of local ventures that together are creating the growing reputation of the Bellarine as a haven for foodies and families on getaways.

Tourism is a labour intensive industry, and across the Bellarine and Queenscliff, tourism generated almost twice as many jobs as any other industry in 2013. Across Great Geelong, tourism related employment is estimated at 3,992 jobs, and the industry is worth almost $637 million.

“You’ve got Lance Wiffen with his mussels and the new Angasi oysters, which will be a signature new business for the Bellarine. There’s Otway Pork, Barwon Lamb, truffles and mushrooms and Drysdale Cheese, which was started by a former pharmacist who has her beloved goats and experimented with goats cheese.

And behind the tourism growth in the Bellarine has been the innovation and vision of local businesses, almost all of which are family businesses.

----In 2006/07, when Leura Park was put up for sale, it was Lyndsay and David Sharp who saw the potential behind all those pines and bought the 150 acre property with its 40 acres of vines. When I spoke to Lyndsay she explained that David, who was raised in the western districts and an accountant by trade, was looking for a business and the family was looking to do a tree change from Barwon Heads.

Lyndsay had spent years in marketing and PR, doing a lot of work around food and wine and the couple shared a passion for wine – they had even honeymooned in the Hunter Valley on a driving, dining and drinking holiday.

It took a lot of work, but out from behind those old pines (and there are still more than a few left), a serious business began to take shape. While the grapes from the old vines had previously been sent to De Bortoli, which returned a few hundred cases, the Sharps have turned Leura Park in a producer of premium cool climate wines. The winery has gone from producing 350 cases of wine per annum in 2010 to 5000 cases in 2013.

The cellar door quickly become a weekend and holiday destination, packed with thirsty travellers who lapped up the acoustic music and simple local food. It was a winning combination and allowed the couple to invest in a new venture. Lyndsay and David leveraged off the success of Leura and bought Kilgour Estate on the windswept hills between Portarlington and Drysdale. With its stunning waterfront views, they knew they could make something special of the estate, and so Jack Rabbit was born. With the House of Jack Rabbit providing casual café dining, wine tastings and sales, and the newly built Jack Rabbit Restaurant, this venture too is attracting plenty of attention.

In the background, wine maker for the estates, Nyall Condon, started brewing ciders, and now Lyndsay and David are on to project number three, a brand new Flying Brick cider house and restaurant opposite Adventure Park in Wallington.

“Elkhorn Roadhouse in Wallington is fantastic and Wildings Pantry Essentials in St Leonards have the most beautiful chutneys and relishes, and there are some fabulous olive growers as well. People from outside of Geelong are discovering this hidden jewel. The Bellarine still has that country charm and real integrity. And it’s all about fresh air tourism – just look at the seal and dolphin swims.” You can take the girl out of the PR agency…

That sense of community pride was one that was repeated with all the Bellarine tourism-related businesses that I spoke to and I didn’t talk to one that didn’t talk up the others.

----Leanne Salmon runs Adventure Park as joint General Manager with her sister Carla, and dad and CEO Ron, who started the Wallington business with his wife in 1996. The girls’ younger sister Bree was also heavily involved in the business until she scaled back her work to start a family.

Trout fishing fairly soon gave way to things like mini golf and archery, with more attractions added each off-season. Then came the water park in 2007, and Adventure Park became Victoria’s biggest theme park. The water park was a dramatic development. It was a brilliant idea. With the coastal caravan parks full of families on holiday, and local families looking for things to do with the kids, here was an alternative to the beach.

The word got around and people starting coming down for the day from all over the state, with ‘where can we stay’ a common question put to staff around 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

The park has naturally established a strong relationship with the Big 4 Bellarine tourist park a few kilometers down the road.

“We’re very grateful for them and I think they’re grateful for us.

It’s all about supporting each other in tourism,” Leanne said.

The last two summers were challenging for the business with cooler than usual weather, and the abnormally cool first two weeks of January this year were particularly tough, with these weeks normally the busiest weeks of the summer. But the Salmons aren’t ones to sit around moping, and frankly, they don’t have time to.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 17

In this business, tickets sales and growth equals investment, and stage 3 of the park’s development is set to go ahead with four new waterslides and the park has two large parcels of adjacent land currently being rezoned to allow for future expansion.

----A fourth-generation farmer, Lance Wiffen has been farming mussels in the cool, clean waters of Port Phillip Bay for over 25 years. His business, Sea Bounty, was one of the few survivors of the recent industry downturn that saw the number of mussel farmers in the bay drop from 25 to just 6.

But those that survived have gone on to reinvigorate the industry, and Portarlington is again the undisputed mussel farming capital of Australia. And Lance’s fleet of Sea Bounty boats harvest up to 10 tonnes of certified organic mussels per day. They are washed and hand sorted on the boats, then packed and shipped around Australia and overseas.

“Mussels harvested today are in Melbourne this afternoon and in Hong Kong and Thailand tomorrow morning, still live and fresh,” Lance said. And it is the bay’s water quality, which Lance points out is unbelievably good by global standards, which makes the native Portarlington mussels such a premium product. Eating them in view of the mussel boats on the bay is a serious pleasure.

oyster, or Angasi oyster, with the second harvest almost due.

You can hear in his voice how proud Lance is about regenerating a native species that was all but wiped out by overfishing 100 years ago. The Bellarine Angasi has received some serious attention from many leading Australian chefs, including Ben Shewry from Attica and Paul Wilson from Melbourne Pub Group, Matt Moran, as well as Masterchef’s George Colombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, all who raved about the oyster’s clean ocean flavour.

----Farming is a tough industry, and it doesn’t work out for everyone. Robbie Main was running a scallop boat when the Kennett government shut down the bay’s scallop industry in 1997 over concerns about depletion of stocks.

On the boat, he would often see the Bay’s native dolphins come up to surf the wake of the boat and seals basking and cavorting in the water and a new business idea took form.

Robbie started Sea All Dolphin Swims with the help of his sister and her husband, Gayle and Hank Renzenbrink, taking out visitors for bay tours and snorkeling with seals and (depending on whether they can be spotted) dolphins.

Like every other outdoor activity business in the region, 2014 was not the best summer Sea All Dolphin Swims has had, but operations manager, Nick Bouma, said the business is still growing and has continued to develop what they offer. As well as the half day seal and dolphin swims Sea All also offer a a guided walk through the old WWII South Channel Fort military base, as well as surfing lessons at Ocean Grove Main Beach, with all of these activities are open to schools. Sea All is also accredited through Life Saving Victoria to run CPR and First Aid programs, and holds TDISDI Accreditation to operate training for snorkel instructors.

“Portarlington is the undisputed mussel farming capital of Australia.”

One of the cheapest seafoods available, Australian blue mussels really are a super food, being high in protein and omega 3 fatty acids and low in fat. The colour of the flesh varies according to gender, with female meat being orange and the male being white or cream.

Need a tip to cleaning the shells of barnacles etc.? The shells are sharp edged, use a mussel shell to scrub your mussels, it’s much easier than a brush or scourer. There are a myriad ways of cooking mussels, just Google ‘mussel recipe’ and you’ll find a veritable flood of them and mussels only take 3 to 5 minutes to cook (eat your heart out, Jamie Oliver).

And here’s the big one, a mussel isn’t bad if it doesn’t open during cooking. DO NOT discard the unopened mussels just smell them. If it smells good (and you’ll know if it doesn’t), it’s absolutely fine to prize open and eat.

Lance is one of three Portarlington mussel farmers who have joined together to regenerate the native Bellarine

The business employs 21 people, with most working across the peak season of October to May. Sophie Noss, who has worked in administration for the business for over ten years, has seen the steady expansion that allowed the business to move out of the original offices in the backyard sheds of the owners into the new marina development in Queenscliff, with the boat docked outside the front door.

Swimming with wild seals and dolphins is a unique experience and one that is particularly popular with international visitors.

Nick said while they take out visitors from all over the world, they see many visitors from Germany, in particular, as well as a mix of Canadians, New Zealanders, and increasing numbers of visitors from India.

----Brett Ince, Deputy Executive Director at Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine, said the established market on the Great Ocean Road and the potential of the Bellarine was behind the rebranding of Geelong Otway Tourism as Tourism Greater Geelong & the Bellarine.

Melbourne remains Geelong and the Bellarine’s biggest tourism market, but international visitors are also on the rise and a lot of that has been driven by international enrolments at Deakin University, with the families and friends of students coming for a holiday.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS NEWS | 18

ACCOUNTING applicable taxes will depend on your age and the various components that comprise the ETP. 2. How long will your redundancy payout last and how to cope with ongoing financial commitments?

As part of the advice process, your Advisor can help you sort out your budget and income requirements; consider your current debt position, if any; and take into account all of your needs and objectives, before making recommendations that will suit your lifestyle and financial goals and reduce any financial stress to a minimum.

What are your financial options if you are made redundant?

3. What should you do with your superannuation benefits?

Generally, your superannuation is preserved and cannot be accessed until you reach your preservation age and meet a condition of release.

The most common age-based conditions of superannuation release are: •

Retirement after age 55 with the intention of not seeking gainful employment of more than 10 hours per week.

•

Reaching preservation age and starting a transition to retirement income stream without the need to retire.

•

Ceasing an employment arrangement after reaching age 60.

If made redundant you will need to decide:

•

Reaching age 65.

• What is your payout comprised of?

4. Can I access unemployment benefits?

• How long will your redundancy payout last and how to cope with ongoing financial commitments such as your mortgage and credit card repayments?

You may wish to apply for Centrelink unemployment benefits (Newstart Allowance). Provided that you are eligible for such an allowance, you will be required to serve one or more waiting periods before receiving a first payment. The Centrelink Newstart Allowance is also subject to an income and assets test, but we will work with you to consider your various options to ensure an outcome that will meet your needs.

I

n the current business environment, being made redundant or being offered an early retirement package can occur unexpectedly. It’s an emotional issue, but one that needs to be dealt with carefully to avoid future problems. And timing can be crucial.

• What should you do with your superannuation benefits?

• Can you access unemployment benefits?

1. What is your payout comprised of?

You would receive a number of different employer payments.

The most common ones include an employer payment on account of termination of employment due to redundancy or early retirement scheme; any unused leave, including annual leave plus loading, if applicable; and any unused long service leave.

You may also qualify for a tax-free payment based on your years of service. This is calculated as a flat dollar amount plus an additional amount for each full year of completed service.

Any payment received above this tax-free amount is referred to as an “Employment Termination Payment” (ETP) and

This document is for general information only. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material. While all reasonable care is taken in the preparation of this document, to the extent allowed by legislation, Crowe Horwath Financial Advice Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238 244 accepts no liability whatsoever for reliance on it.

Andrew Conlan

Principal, Financial Advice, Representative, Crowe Horwath

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 19

APS EDITORIAL TOP LAYER.pdf

1

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

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.

e

1300 131 809

www.apsbs.com.au

Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd

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P: (03) 5222 88

MELINDA MAHON

PO Box 368, Bannockburn W: www.money-maven.com E: melinda@money-maven.com P: 0422 482 067

Melinda Mahon is on a mission – to revolutionise the way people manage money. She’s cherry-picked the know-how of more than two decades in the finance industry, then diced and spliced it into no-nonsense money coaching products that work. “I help people change their relationship with money, reduce debt, increase cashflow, create wealth,” explains Melinda.

“It’s not rocket science and it’s not taboo; it’s about down-to-earth, do-able strategies.” And Melinda should know. She’s propelled by her own story of rising from the shackles of debt.

“I’ve experienced being financially broke and managed to pull myself out of that financial hole.

I help others do the same,” she says. “You don’t have to be held hostage by money.”

Melinda offers one-on-one money planning sessions and group coaching programs for people of all ages and stages. In the pipeline: webinars, e-courses and all manner of inspired money maven-ry. “For business owners, money coaching is a super-practical way to reward your team, individually or as a group. Sessions can be fully-funded, part subsidised, even remitted through payroll deductions.” Melinda’s credentials are enviable: Diplomas in Mortgage Broking and Financial Planning, advanced studies in Mortgage Planning, full membership of MFAA and licensed with ASIC. Whether your heart races at the thought of property investing, building your portfolio or growing your finances, Melinda has a targeted program and shiploads of gimmick-free tricks and tips to set you up for “happy dancing”.

Why not hit-up Money Maven’s FREE 30-minute Money Breakthrough session as a starter?

MICHELLE SYNOT

Geelong. ablish Optus Business Geelong in 2005 to est of ir n the tow on me te ho ntra her to nce d ners can now co Michelle returne Business traders and company ow tus Op ent at s end ert ep ind exp rs, the me to tems Consu ir telecommunications sys whether it is their businesses and leave the a location of their choice at nt clie ng. e ctiv spe pro any our office in central Geelo Geelong. We will meet can come into see us at you or p sho fee cof a , business, home and Medium business solutions for local Small ion cat uni mm co tele ent mbers and locations We design and implem associations that have me and ons rati rpo ns. From mobiles co e larg customers thru to nsumer plans and solutio one systems; co h wit t ou you p hel o als , ph across Australia. We can t and mobile data, tablets lex voice systems, interne and fixed lines to comp al, qualified advice. we can provide practic st advances. There is a and keep up with the late y log hno ustry. We tec t ou ab te constantly changing ind We are passiona ions, it’s a very dynamic, ra mile to ext cat uni the mm go co ays tele alw in ed and lot involv of our customers are ds nee the ant ort imp understand how e find the best solution. e clients’ current servic tus rates with prospectiv e Op vid are pro mp to e co to her ’re red we offe Free bill analysis is e people money and sav to nt wa and We s s. ion ing est sav r of qu and provide an estimated to dealing with all manne long-term. We are used or call in and ask for up l cal t Jus T: +61 3 5215 5300 es. ess a quality service for the sin utions for all types of bu VIC 3220 can offer competitive sol Suite 3, 13-15 Fenwick St als. de and the latest solutions helle@optusgeelong.com.au

mic www.optu sgeelong.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 22

BLOKE’S WORLD

SUE KELLY

Level 1, 77 Yarra Street, Geelong Website: www.hr4business.com.au Email: info@hr4business.com.au Phone: 03 5222 6695

After years of working as a human resource management professional, I decided to establish a business focusing on the deliv ery of professional human resource man agement consulting and training services across Geelong and Regional Victoria. In 2009 HR4Business evolved after I researched the availability of HR Consulting services in Geelong – I soon saw an opportunity. Sinc e setting up HR4Business I haven’t looke d back and often pinch myself as I feel so very lucky to be working in a field which I am extremely passionate about. Actually, HR4Business doesn’t even feel like work to me! The deci sion to establish HR4Business has been very rewa rding. In less than 2 years the team has grown to 5 employees who have contributed to the expansion of services as well as our ability to respond to clients’ needs quickly and effec tively. We offer a flexible service approach which includes one off advice to businesses with a HR team and ongoing support to busin esses without a dedicated HR practitioner. Addi tional services include HR compliance audit ing, mediations, investigations and industrial relation support.

In 2009, I established HRColleagues Profe ssional Network Geelong which meets quar terly over breakfast. HR4Business organises informative guest speakers such as a repre sentative from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Offic e who attended our recent first gathering for 2014.

We’re excited our networking events are expanding to Colac, Ballarat and Warrnam bool.

HR4Business is committed to Corporate Responsibility and proudly support the local community including volunteering our time.

At present I am a Member of the Barwon Network of Neighbourhood Centres (BNN C) Executive and the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Geelong Chap ter.

Jean PAUL

reer ssion of mine. My ca nt s always been a pa me ha lop ity ve un De mm hip co ers the Lead and e Management and Developing people taken. und Human Resourc tion my career has has been based aro goes hand in hand with the new direc tory ally high and this recent his are of an exception for, as their values a full range rk th wo wi to ts t en en cli r itm ou cru s itment provide I chose Direct Re cru Re t also t en rec itm Di cru 95 19 Re d in on for standard. Establishe and with ISO 90 01:20 08 accreditati and s se of our proces ces ge and assurance of recruitment servi led ow kn the th wi mers providing our custo high performing service provision. history of providing d ou pr d an g region; being the on str has a ent in the Geelong rnm ve go Direct Recruitment nt al loc d AV) and Procureme businesses an ciation of Victoria (M are currently working candidates to local so As l ipa nic Mu we for the preferred supplier cements, in addition cal Government pla Australia (PA) for Lo t their head office staff. rui meeting the

with the NDIS to rec Recruitment team, specialised Direct recruitment the of th ge wi ran ng l rki ful a wo our clients with ng I am excited to be idi ov staffing, pr y d an rar s po ed ities ne s such as tem business commun ese include service rsonality Th pe s. g, ion tin lut tes l so na rce tio elong West and Human resou t process, occupa 14/111 Pakington St Ge y advice. nts, bulk recruitmen permanent placeme rces and occupational health and safet (behind Tulip) ou res nt.com.au profiling, human W: www.directrecruitme

ent.com.au E: jpaul@directrecruitm 80 38 21 P: 03 52

Anne O’Loughlin

Level 1, 235 Ryr ie Street, Geelong W: www.coulterr oache.com.au E: aoloughlin@ coulterroache.co m.au P: 03 5273 5273

Anne O’Lough lin Lawyers. She LLB (Hons), BA, Dip Soc Sc heads the succ ie essful Family La nce (Justice) is a Principal of as the first fem ale Principal in w Coulter Roach th e years. e history of Cou Department and was appoin te lter Roache La wyers which ex d in May 2013 tends some 75 Family Law is a complex area which requires Department at empathy for th C e clie and confident oulter Roache is committed ial manner. Th to meeting the ne nts it serves. The Family La ey aim to work a conciliatory w eds of our clie with approach. Prov iding a concilia their clients to resolve mat nts in a sensitive and more cost te tory rs af effective proces s to resolve issu approach for clients often re ter adopting sults in a quicke es.

Prior to being admitted to pr r actice as a La where she spen wyer, Anne wor t a number of ked with the D years prosecut Courts. Anne epartment of Ju is a ing stice responsibilities mother of three adult childre for the Department in loca l Magistrates’ . She is comm n an d no longer has itted to ensurin environment in to juggle career g th w and family service to client hich staff enjoy a healthy wor at Coulter Roache Lawyers pr k life balance s. It is imperativ while providing ovides a work extracurricular e that staff can ex activities with work requirem combine outside family resp cellent legal ents. onsibilities or Anne is Deput yC Coulter Roach hair of the Board of MacKillo e Lawyers’ prac p Family Servic tic Boards. “It is im es portant that la e of encouraging its Lawyers , and strongly endorses wyers give ba community or to undertake ck ganisations th eir particular sk to the community and mak roles on local e available to ou ills,” Anne says . r

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 23

WOMENBUSINESS IN

a and starting four children y involved in an d an d an sb nsivel her hu in 2002 with ing been exte ts to promoting your d to Australia changing decision. Hav te efi ra en ig b l m ca im si l Gai life aphy a challenging, ed her to explore the met orkshops. new life was w low p al ou is gr th meals as ss se ne si good, basic Astrology bu Gail arranged several over e benefits of to avoid the th ed . dg th le or ow aged s ackn own selfw ing to y life and man ild Gail alway of her first ch offer her children a health es of background in striv eating rth bi e th ce ad y to Sin th ec ts d al en o he m tw a le e s. Her l supp romot and nutritiona tics during their childhood wed her to explore and p that the ed is al re e sh lo io d need for antib y mind, body and soul al discovery an hysical performance. p f on a path of alth promote a he n health issues set her of viduals daily mental and e di ow in y er er H . ev s given Gail th le to ty l lifes cise is vita vironment ha ic er en ex hn s et d tic nt an ua re q et A ffe di the m di correct d Educator in ith people fro althy r, Presenter an unicate at all levels and w how to prepare easy, he he ac Te a ng ing, e m pl ok m Bei eo co co p to h cs y si ac ilit d ab k to ba es to te confidence an ail now offers her servic at work. Gail teaches Bac Additive, preservative G , but also y needs, backgrounds. eir own homes catering for Special dietar th in ly on t n, tio ra meals no pa re kly meal p est possible Bulk and wee wheat free cooking. creating the b by f af st d r an ei r th ga st in free, su on how to inve s businesses work environment. se vi ad healthier and so al l Gai within the e and enjoy a liv cs hi to et e g pl tin eo p ea ating 00 healthy ing and educ P: 0405 346 2 te about help na u io .a ss om pa .c is lth l Gai nhea W: www.golde happier life. om.au .c th al he en ld go

Gail Mortimer

E: gail@

Renée Jovic Renée Jovic B Com CPA MAICD is the Director and Managing Accountant of Jovic Accounting in Geelong West. Jovic Accounting is celebrating 10 years this year and has grown to a well established practice that continues to grow and deliver exceptional service both nationally and internationally, working with 100’s of amazing individuals and businesses.

In 2009 the practice opened a Melbourne office in St Kilda Road Towers and joined the National BAN TACS Accountants Group – a group which has the experience and resources of a large firm with the care and attention of an independent practitioner. In December 2012 they moved into newly renovated premises in Geelong West, sharing the offices with Chapman Welsh Financial Services. In February this year the two practices appointed their own in-house home loan specialist, Renée believes this ability to sit with clients and their loan specialist is a perfect addition to the practice.

80 Pakington Street, Geelong West W: www.jovicaccounting.com.au E: admin@jovicaccounting.com.au P: 03 5222 6962

Jovic Accounting’s goal is to provide Accounting, Taxation and Business Solutions for clients in many business fields as well as taking a special interest in property developers and investors.

They help to capitalise on opportunities, and when necessary minimise problems; both through the good and the not so good times.

As a local business woman and married mother of two, Renée understands the challenges of the work/life balance, which supports the personal approach Renée and her team takes with every individual client and Renée with her practice team. Renée also commits her time to a charity board position, local sporting clubs and supporting businesses in Geelong.

MANDY LOVETT

ton 89 Barrabool Road, High P: (03) 5243 5600 inf E: o@eyegallery.net.au

an 18 years experience as Optical Stylist with over d self as a ine her tra ed hly lish hig ab a is est ett has Mandy Lov hion design, who fas in nce Gallery. erie Eye exp of of e ner and is the ow Optician and a lifetim list in Highton, Geelong Gucci, cia ci, spe Ric a ar we Nin as eye h ner suc sig ar unique de and luxury eyewe le nab e hio fas som e o, vid zar pro Az to Bide, Paul Taylor, Her commitment is Charlie Brown, Sass & ir own the hy, e enc iev Giv ach , uer nts He clie Tag our Porsche, aim is to help designer brands. “My of which are Australian s. say she ar” we eye ner individual style with desig between French the glasses are displayed ere wh nt has me iron env iful aut e boutique atmosphere Mandy has created a be i crystal chandeliers. Th vsk . aro tes Sw tas all and of gs n hin me nis wo les for men and Provincial style fur classics with colourful sty a strong focus on the new el of personal rs an unprecedented lev stylish environment offe le by appointment and ilab ava xed is rela ting y’s Tes ller Ga Eye ecially Highton. Eye esp and with you. A ng on elo ipti Ge scr to e pre customer servic t bring your latest jus can you or are your “New dic on Me get you started and bulk billed through tain your prescription to ob to to your health de ctly ma be dire e can l ctic quick phone cal nically from our pra ctro ele sed ces ortant pro imp be st can be the mo Look”. Hicaps claims can ng yourself. “Spectacles imi time you cla the of to sle g has rnin the mo fund to save you t you wake up in the tha e tim the ndy m Ma Fro so s. s say without their glasse part of your life” Mandy . Some people cannot function ies me enc So erg ht. em nig at for t me ligh switch off the ir somewhere at ho pa re spa a e hav ays recommends that you alw tch their mood or outfit of the day. to ma clients have a few pairs

BUSINESS NEWS | 24

Maree Herath

5/131 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights

W: www.harvesthr.com.au E: maree.herath@harvesthr.com.au

Tamara Bolger

www.tuckers.com.au west@tuckers.com.au 03 5221 4788

79 Barrabool

Rd. Highton 3216 Ph: 5241 148 8 Mobile: 0416 117 978 www.hayesw inckle.com.au

Daughter of 80’s politician, Hayden Shel l, it is no wonder Maree has wasted no time in making her mark since returning to Geel ong in 2009. She is wife, mother of three and Director of Harvest Recruitment and Harv estHR - a national firm she launched out of Geelong after 15 years in recruitment acro ss Melbourne, Perth and Hong Kong.

Maree knows the Human Resources indu stry really well. She is an internationally reco gnised and awarded recruiter with a successfu l track record in undertaking recruitmen t, selection and executive search assignments to succ essfully source candidates for difficult to fill roles for clients ranging from boutique manufact urers to top shelf oil and gas consultancies.

Maree is known for creating great recru itment outcomes with, through and for peop le and her clients are ecstatic with the results Mare e and her team deliver.

In addition to her local business members hips, Maree holds the Regional Portfolio on the Vic/Tas Council for the peak body in her industry, The Recruitment Consultan ts and Services Association, Australia/Asia. A newly published author, Maree launched her book “Bodysnatchers – Unlocking the Secr ets of the Recruitment Industry” last mon th on Geelong’s Waterfront aimed at assisting proactive managers find and select the right people for their organisation. So, whether it be a networking event, her monthly HR brea kfasts, training with The Geelong Chamber of Com merce or Small Business Festival, interv iewing the region’s leaders on her podcast show , answering FAQs on YouTube, running careers programs, or being featured in the med ia, you will find Maree.

move back to Geelong Tamara was excited to , 04 20 ce sin es rol rketing Service in 2009.

Working in various ma ral and Bereavement ne Fu rs cke Tu at rk Geelong and commence wo work closely with local rvice that had the opportunity to se s a ha ra ting ma rke Ta Ma . ars nd ye 5 bra For the past growing the Tuckers ile creating a link t wh ou ity ab un ate mm on co out, Tamara is passi businesses and the ab talk to nt sita he ny are local community. everyone needs but ma Tuckers provide and the s ce rvi se the mplated. I am very en twe be g that I had ever conte thin rs.” me so t no s wa try Indus with the team at Tucke “Working in the Funeral and love the work I do, especially working y nit ch business su grateful for the opportu ry approaches to the developing 21st centu be part of a in to ed rld olv wo inv the en d be un o als Tamara has and friends from aro ily fam g win allo ls, as webcasting of funera financial burden associated with travel. the get involved with the funeral service without is finding more ways to gram 2013-2015. After ra ma Ta ng elo Ge of art Pro Now residing in the he Leaders for Geelong ntly participating in the gues, Tamara is enjoying the leadership community and is curre llea co r hin the region. program through he challenges present wit d an being exposed to this es niti rtu with po op osure to the to create relationships challenge and the exp are great – I am able rk two ne to ion .” reg es ng this alle “The opportunities in common workplace ch nals and discuss our like-minded professio

MICHELLE WINCKLE Living life a s a child. De a single mother of 2 c termined to hildren was be never what I decided to I imagined pick myself self sufficient and to g fo going to re scue myse up and instead of wa ive my children the b r my life as est start in lf. iti ng for som career.

I decided to life, e o ne take the risk and put eve to rescue me, I was ry thing into b From day o uilding a ne it’s been about deve testimonial loping one leads to the good relatio next sale, th agency and nsh e b internationa ecame the top female rest follows. I started ip after another, each lly. The next with a large agent in the forces in 20 fr 11 and form step was owning our o state and also in the to anchise ed hayesw wn brand. we were cu p inc Daniel Haye 10 rrently tradin sa and take a g successfu kle AGENT. It was a b risk, we wo lly old move, p nd I joined as a franch uld always its stand ou articularly w is e a g e have wond t pink brand he n ered “what ncy. If we didn’t give ing, has so it a go if? ” ld H o ayeswinckl ver 10 0 0 ho Our aim is eA mes in its fir to st 3 years. GENT, with Being a bo be real people workin utique agen g with our ve cy we have and help o ndors to ove ut be r deliver with so lucky to with various fundraisin en able to give back our results. to local sch wake up eve g. Now a m o exciting to know that w ry day and go to work other of 3 and happily ols, charities ea to d ma honoured to be involved re a part of an importa o something I love eve rried, I am nt time in V in every sa ry day. It’s e le when ch osen as a ve ndors lives and I am ndor’s agen t.

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LEGAL

A meeting of legal minds

C

oulter Roache Lawyers are pleased to announce a merger with Richard Dwyer, Lawyer, on 31 March 2014. Richard, who celebrated fifty years of law practice on March 7 and was the 2006 Regional Lawyer of the Year, will add his specialist expertise in Farm Succession, Estate, Superannuation and Age Pension planning to Coulter Roache’s already extensive legal services in Commercial, Property, Wills and Estates, Family Law and Litigation.

“Richard is well known and highly respected and has years of considerable experience in his area of expertise,” says Coulter Roache Chairman Kevin Roache.

“His experience will enhance our existing superannuation practice and bring a new His experience dimension in farm planning.”

Conference in Dubbo in 2006.

“Farm businesses present unique challenges in succession planning, being bound up with land values and often strong emotions,” Richard says. “With years of experience in working with Victorian farmers, and with my own farming family background, I believe I bring significant legal skills and an understanding of farming matters to my clients’ affairs, which has been greatly appreciated by the vast number of farming families who have worked with me over the years.”

In Coulter Roache, Richard joins a firm with over 70 years’ experience in providing quality legal services and community support to the people of Geelong and the surrounding region in a move that will allow him to continue working will enhance with clients in his areas of expertise.

our existing superannuation

Born into a Riverina farming family, “We are looking forward to having Richard on practice and bring a new Richard completed his law degree at board and the experience and reputation he Melbourne University and moved to Swan dimension in farm planning. adds to our firm,” Kevin says.

Hill in 1961 where he was admitted to This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. practice in 1964. After almost 30 years Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal in Swan Hill, he moved to Bendigo and circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for in 2001 relocated to Ocean Grove. Over the years, Richard the acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania. has developed a specialised knowledge of the complex Above: Richard Dwyer legal areas affecting farm succession planning and has developed many strategies of great benefit to farming Below: Coulter Roache offices families. He has also established a reputation for the quality of the Farm Succession Planning seminars and workshops to farmers and regional lawyers all over Victoria and was a speaker at the first National Farm Succession Planning

BUSINESS NEWS | 26

AWARDS

Time to celebrate business excellence

E

ach year, the business community gathers to celebrate excellence within the business sector through the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. Nominations are now being sought for the 2014 Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

Established in 1986, the Awards are the oldest continuously running business awards programs in Australia and are very highly valued throughout our city – the Awards are the local business community’s Oscars.

For the second year running, the Awards are being organised and presented by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, and supported as naming rights sponsor by Powercor Australia.

Having grown exponentially over the years, the Awards simply could not happen without the support of the many sponsors and the judging panel, with judges being drawn from throughout the local business community and include past winners. In 2014, more than 20 business sponsors are supporting the Awards – with some sponsors having been involved in the Awards for more than 20 years.

The Awards program culminates with one of the biggest Presentation Dinner Ceremony nights on the Geelong calendar.

This event, on Thursday July 17th, is an opportunity to celebrate ‘the best of the best’ in the Geelong region.

Entrants have access to advice on preparation of submissions, presentations and how to recognise the strengths of their business. The Awards process provides an opportunity to undertake a cost effective, insightful and thorough form of business development; so in a sense, every entrant wins.

Some of last year’s winners include: Thomas Jewellers, who were recognised with the RACV Retail Award, with the stunning redevelopment putting a sparkle in the eyes of the judges.

The fostering of creativity and innovation amongst staff, and how engaged in and passionate about the business employees were, saw Select Group recognised with the Deakin Business and Law Customer Service Award.

Leopold Swim School,a family business built around a belief that all children should know how to swim, scooped the Bunnings Judges’ Award, South of the Barwon River.

Glastonbury Community Services took out the 2013 Barwon Health Health and Wellbeing Award. Having undergone a period of significant change in management, the family and child community service provider’s dedicated employees were applauded for their clear commitment to their work.

Taking out the prestigious Business of the Year Award for 2013 was Dow Chemicals, with the Point Henry business also scooping the Manufacturing & Export Award. With a client base including Dulux, Haymes, Wattyl and Selleys, the chemical company has continued to innovate, creating new products that have been exported around the globe, while integrating leading sustainability practices.

Importantly, the Awards don’t just acknowledge the big end of town, but also recognise the efforts and achievements of some of the city’s start-ups as well, like brother and sister team, Daniel and Annette from Cheese Photobooths and Candy Buffets, who won the 2013 Best Emerging Business award.

The Awards are open to all businesses that meet the following criteria: • The business/organisation must operate on a local, regional, state, national or international level, with a significant base in the Geelong, Bellarine, Queenscliff, Surfcoast or Golden Plains regions.

• The business must have been registered and operating in the region before April 1, 2013.

• The business will be judged on its operations during the period April 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014, while any achievements dated from April 1, 2011 onwards will be recognised at the discretion of the judging panel.

Entrants are required to submit one entry only to be eligible for all applicable categories; simply nominate the categories you are eligible to enter. *Please note that the judging panel may decide to add your entry into additional categories for consideration.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 27

Developing opportunities, encouraging support and growth for over 30 years

“We plan on expanding the services we provide, increasing employment opportunities and to continue collaboration with likeminded businesses, supporting Geelong.”

The AGB Group of Companies began in 1984 as a single company on the Alsop family kitchen table with both Tony and Christine working on projects. 30 years on, The AGB Group now consists of AGB Engineering, AGB Human Resources (AGBHR), Safety Zone, Elementary Employment Services and Community Veracity, employing over 85 staff member who the Companies consider as family. As with any family, AGB Group has been through the good and the not so good. Partners and employees have come and gone and in 1995, AGB Engineering survived the floods having to clear out computers, equipment and files with the assistance of a boat and family members. The AGB Group of Companies has grown alongside the Alsop family, with a number of family members building and working for companies within the group.

AGB Group of Companies CEO Adam Alsop

Adam Alsop was first to join the company in 2001 as reception/debt recovery, working through business roles developing business relationships growing the company to become CEO in 2011. Matthew Alsop came aboard in 2002 bringing with him valuable drafting skills learning through education and mentoring from senior drafts persons Matthew worked his way in developing a successful drafting team and is now Drafting Department Manager. Together with Managing Director and Principle Engineer Tony Alsop and other management, they worked hard to establish AGB as a reputable Engineering Consulting company developing the building blocks for future expansion.

During the early 2000’s AGB Engineering saw a period of growth opening offices in Melbourne and Colac with daughter Katherine Dejanovic joining the administrative team and eldest son Ben Alsop becoming a part of the engineering team in 2005, increasing the engineering services.

TIME HONOURED AGB Engineering benefits clients by been solution driven and providing a large number of consulting engineering disciplines in the one company, AGB Engineering works with the client throughout the life of the project, to ensure they are satisfied with their project and its outcomes.

In 2006, the addition of son in Law Robert Dejanovic saw AGB’s expansion into the Training Industry. Robert brought with him the capabilities, and the drive to establish, and mange AGB Human Resources a privately owned Registered Training Organisation now capable of training over 2000 students per year. AGBHR consists of Mitcham and Geelong classroom based training centres as well as Moolap, Werribee, and Nunawading Transport and Logistics Training Centres. AGBHR delivers Nationally Accredited Training and is both Vic Roads and Work Safe Accredited and places a great emphasis on attracting and rewarding the most competent industry qualified training.

In 2009 AGB established Community Veracity a not for profit organisation focused on reducing barriers to training and employment. This was the family’s and Group of Companies way of giving back to the Geelong Community. Christine, Adam and Robert have been working through Community Veracity to support and join with a number of volunteer programs and charity organisations assisting Geelong. Community Veracity’s debuted into not for profit fundraising with ‘2012 Op shop Formal - Fashion show and Silent Auction’ followed by ‘2013 Denim Daze Fashion show and Silent Auction’. Each event was successfully organised and managed by daughter in law Ineke Alsop, collaborating with local businesses who donated items for the auctions as well as educators and students who designed, constructed and presented garments in the fashion show.

Founded in 2012, Safety Zone has quickly grown to be a prominent consulting firm within the Geelong and Melbourne regions of Victoria. Safety Zone consultants work in the fields of Occupational Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental compliance. Their work encompasses documentation system development, submission development, procedure development (i.e. SWMS/SOPS) site and plant risk assessment, management of contractor compliance as well as workplace training. The team works within a diverse range of industries including earthmoving, manufacturing as well as building and construction. The team is highly qualified and experienced with a combined 100 years as OH&S, Quality or Environmental Managers and in addition are each Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) members.

Elementary Employment Services is the newest member of the AGB Group of Companies developed in 2013. Elementary offers both recruitment and candidate services working closely with AGB Human Resources assisting students with employment opportunities and finding suitable candidates for employers.

Through AGB Groups 30 years of operation Tony, Christine, the Alsop family members and staff have worked tirelessly within the many companies, growing the AGB Group of Companies with their skills and knowledge. The AGB Group of companies and the Alsop family are committed to developing opportunities, encouraging growth and supporting Geelong and the surrounding areas.

TRAVEL

The timeless pleasures T he idea of summer holidays by the beach is a surprisingly old idea. The ruins of the ancient Romans’ holiday villas, which you can still see in many places along the coast in southern Italy, literally stand alongside modern holiday villas.

The reason for this is that southern Italy’s Mediterranean coast is a very good place for a holiday – and it has been for quite a while!

There are some that claim that along with many other things, roads and bikinis included, the Romans actually invented tourism, even though it was probably the Greeks. It is fortunate that neither culture invented the jumbo jet, although no doubt Nero and Caligula would have been quite at home at the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan…

A man by the name of Pausanius wrote the world’s first tourist guidebook, Description of Greece, in about 175. (At its peak, Magna Graecia, or Great Greece, encompassed colonies across southern Italy and Sicily.)

An Australian writer, Tony Perrottet, followed Pausanius’ footsteps nearly 2000 years later and told the story in his own 2003 book, Pagan Holiday. He found the ancient guide more useful than many modern guides. While he may be covering old ground, Tony’s book includes this pearl of wisdom all travellers would do well to abide by: ‘Always check your room and the bathrooms before you sign in.’

As Bali is to Australians in 2014, so the Bay of Naples was to Romans two thousand years ago. In Perrottet’s words: ‘Romans of all classes came to let down their hair. Caressed by cool sea breezes, citizens could get down to prodigious

bouts of eating, drinking and fornication… The exclusive world of patricians was infiltrated by nouveaux riches, and spiced up by raunchy pockets of ancient low-life.’

It was a beach getaway within ready reach of a collection of spectacular Greek temples that were built when Rome was still a village and much of southern Italy was made up of Greek colonies. The Greek temples at Paestum, for instance, rival any that can be seen in modern Greece.

Even closer to the outskirts of Naples itself are the remains of Pompeii, which was a popular holiday spot in its heyday. The massive eruption of Vesuvius in 79 and the death of 15,000 people only disrupted holiday plans for a year or so, and the Romans were soon back, partying in the surrounding towns and villas that had survived. There would have been some bargain holiday packages to Sorrento in the year 80.

Today, the Bay of Naples still attracts Romans (and others) of all classes. The bay is a spectacular sight, with Vesuvius looming over it, the tangled suburbs of Naples that are starting to climb the volcano itself, the mountainous Amalfi Peninsula with famous resorts like Sorrento to the east and, lastly, the magical island of Capri to the south.

Modern visitors are advised to follow the ancient Romans’ plan of action and, wherever possible, infiltrate the world of the patricians: enjoy the weather, the beach, the food, and the bars and throw in a modest dose of ‘edifying attractions’.

Unfortunately, or fortunately - depending on your perspective - today there is little obvious evidence of serious debauchery.

The mega-yachts of the mega-wealthy, complete with their helicopters, are commonplace, but difficult to infiltrate.

Perhaps this is where the real action is…

BUSINESS NEWS | 30

s of the Bay of Naples

TRAVEL Nonetheless, on islands like Capri even normal people can splash out and get a small taste of how the other half live. All you have to do is stay clear of the gorgeous little designer boutiques. (Not that the sales staff will talk to you anyway.) The weather is magical from May to September, the water is warm and crystal clear, and the food is absolutely brilliant.

little pebble beach once favoured by the Emperor Tiberius, whose ruined palace lies nearby. A huge mountain flies into the sun immediately behind the beach. At its foot there’s a freshly painted wooden platform with sun beds and cabins. Nine euros secures a sun-bed (don’t think about it, just pay it with a mattress and a clean towel.

Of course there’s a bar and sun-bed service. Think like an emperor. Try the beautiful Italian aperitivo (Aperol with white wine and soda is perfect), and snacks like panini with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Every now and again when you get too warm, dive into the crystal-clear water with a mask and snorkel, then rinse off under a shower before collapsing on your bed again. For lunch, the restaurant serves incredible seafood, bought straight from the fishermen who pull up at the jetty in front with their morning’s catch.

It seems some things never change, and certainly the joys of warm sun on your back, blue water, a gentle sea breeze, a glass of wine, and delicious fresh food haven’t. Even on Capri these things don’t have to cost an emperor’s ransom.

Naples will inevitably be your starting point. It was a small village at the beginning of the first millennium, but it is now a massive metropolis with about four million people. Whether you arrive by air, rail or road, the first impression of this teeming, energetic city is of bright sunlight, colour and chaos. It is intimidating.

From your sun bed you can gawp at the mega-yachts – owned by our modern emperors. These boats are clearly built for people for who too much is not enough. And this, it would seem, hasn’t changed either.

But take a deep breath, find somewhere to have a coffee and sfogliatella (a favourite Neapolitan sweet pastry), check the $50 note you’ve got stuffed down your sock, and decompress.

You’ll quickly see that the people of Naples, like people everywhere, are essentially decent. But you’ll also quickly see that life in Naples is harsh. There’s very real poverty and endemic corruption – a combination that, whenever you find it, means that it’s wise to have to have your wits about you.

There are plenty of people who will be happy to separate you from your money. From the street market vendors of pirate DVDs that will only ever be useful as Christmas decorations, to the transport police who try to shake you down for having the wrong ticket, there are people looking for a chance to win at your expense.

The piles of rubbish are no joke; they represent the tip of a corrupt iceberg. The Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, have knitted themselves into the fabric of everyday life by investing their dirty money in everyday businesses and services. This means you don’t necessarily get what you pay for – including rubbish removal. It also means you are unwise to complain.

But then there’s the pulsating street life, the exuberant people, the twisting alleys hung with washing lines, the sensational street food, including the best pizzas in the world, the astonishing museums, the mind-blowing baroque architecture of the churches, the light and the amazing blue-blue of the harbour.

Easily accessible by public transport from Naples is the extraordinary Herculaneum, the remarkable streets of Pompeii, the Greek temples at Paestum, the resort towns on the Amalfi Peninsula and, of course, the island of Capri – where nothing is for free.

It’s not easy for an Australian to cough up money in order to swim at a beach. It runs against the grain. But do you know what? I could get used to it. And for those amongst us who are not big lovers of sand, it is even easier.

Try Bagno di Tiberio on Capri (www.bagnitiberio.com/en/), which can be reached by boat from Capri’s Marina Grande, where the ferries from Naples and Sorrento arrive. This is a

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 group tours and private trips to selected destinations. See www.aroundthesun.com for full details or call 5264 8667.

BUSINESS NEWS | 32

BLOKE’S INSURANCE WORLD

Cyber Liability – beware the emerging risk

W

hen we deal with clients on marine exports and imports, we know we are dealing with a very old insurance product stemming back to the 16th century, when countries were trading in goods like ivory & spices. Even these types of policies are still governed by the Marine Insurance Act 1909. Yet, whilst the exposures of marine losses are largely the same as they have been for over 100 years, new risks are emerging that threaten most businesses of today, and the newest risk of today is cyber crime.

In early March 2014, a number of amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 came in to effect, designed to toughen the Act and significantly increase the obligations on organisations that collect or deal with personal information. This comes as a response to the growing global trend that is cyber crime. Consider your own business and its reliance on computer software, electronic data storage, internet sales processing, website & social media operations as well as email correspondence. Then consider the impact of a cyber crime event such as server hacking, corruption or theft of important data and information, manipulation or ransom of stolen data or corrupted servers. How would your business respond?

Risks of old still revolve around fire, explosion, storm, physical theft and malicious damage. Insurance cover for these risks is readily available, but risks associated with cyber crime, despite it being around since mainstream computers were relied upon by business, has not had insurance readily available, until now. There are a number of extensions of cover under a Cyber Liability policy, and depending on the specific policy, these can include: • Forensic investigation costs following a suspected data breach

a data breach • Costs to restore data, services and programs after a hacking event • Payment for ransom monies following extortion and ransom demands • Business Interruption – cover for lost revenue and downtime as a result of a hacking event or data breach • Protection for civil penalties and compensatory awards levied by regulators • Liability arising from online multimedia content, transmission of viruses etc.

Notification and monitoring costs can be up to $180 per record – i.e, a database of 1,000 people that requires notification and monitoring services due to hacking can cost you up to $180,000. Add to this forensic investigation costs (typically $50,000 - $100,000), civil fines and penalties – and this can quickly become a business crippling event!

The amendments to the Privacy Act, including mandatory notification laws for data breaches, means that businesses are not only exposed to the hacking event and downtime, but also to regulators and the significant costs associated with rectification, notification and monitoring services after a hacking event.

Every business that deals with customer information, or has an online presence, or uses email services will have various cyber risk exposures – an effective risk management program ought to at least consider incorporating a Cyber Liability insurance policy to protect against some of these exposures.

• Costs for notifying individuals potentially affected by a suspected data breach

Brad Tresidder & Luke Chrzanowski

• Credit monitoring services for individuals who are affected by

Brad Tresidder is Managing Director of Tresidder Insurance Group, President of Geelong Lawn Tennis Club and board member of the Barwon Sports Academy.

Corporate Authorised Representative of Roderick Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd. AFS Licence No. 246613 Car No. 366697

Tresidder Insurance Group Pty Ltd 116 Yarra Street Geelong Vic 3220 P: (03) 5226 5999 E: info@tresidders.com.au

www.tresidders.com.au

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 33

Members of

LEGAL

The Fair Work Commission found the employer was justified in seeking to have the worker undertake independent medical assessments before allowing him to return to the mine site to perform “potentially dangerous work, in an inherently dangerous workplace”.

Are employee medical assessments making you queasy?

E

mployers who feel queasy at the thought of arranging medical assessments for their long term injured or ill employees may have been given a tonic by a recent decision of the Fair Work Commission. However, a 2013 decision of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission highlights how difficult such matters are for employers.

The fear of most employers is that they may unwittingly trigger an adverse action or unfair dismissal claim where disciplinary action is taken against an employee who refuses to undertake a medical assessment.

In addition, because of the safety risks inherent in mining operations, it was beneficial to have the worker’s medical assessment performed by a doctor with knowledge of mining and the company’s operations.

The above case can be contrasted with the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales decision in September 2013, where a public servant was reinstated after being unfairly dismissed for misconduct when she refused to comply with directions to attend a medical assessment.

The employee had been absent due to stress and psychological injury. She later provided medical certificates to explain that she was only fit for restricted duties due to tendonitis caused by repetitive typing; she also refused to work in the crime prevention division due to “unresolved interpersonal issues”. The employer directed the employee to undergo The fear of most employers is that they a psychiatric assessment in order to assist may unwittingly trigger an adverse in identifying suitable duties. She was later action or unfair dismissal claim where dismissed on grounds of misconduct by refusing to comply with the directions.

disciplinary action is taken against an In a recent decision, the Fair Work The Commission found there was “no Commission upheld the right of an employee who refuses to undertake a functional requirement” to see a psychiatrist, employer to dismiss an employee as the directions were given when the medical assessment. for refusing to attend a companyemployee was on restricted duties because organised medical assessment, of a wrist injury. Because of this, the when the employee sought to return employee did not refuse a lawful direction, as the request was to work on the basis of “quite insufficient and generic medical beyond the power of the employer and unreasonable. information”.

Accordingly, the circumstances of a direction by an employer The employee left his position as a boilermaker at a mine to undertake a medical assessment will need to be carefully worksite in July 2012 because of a shoulder injury; he then considered to avoid triggering successful claims for adverse sought to return to work in April 2013 after general medical action or unfair dismissal. clearance by his doctor. His employer was dissatisfied with the medical information provided and to determine if the employee

had any restrictions on his ability to work, arranged medical Jim Rutherford & Sonia McCabe appointments for the employee. The employee refused to attend the appointments despite being warned it could lead to Principal, Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations, disciplinary action.

Lawyer

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

BUSINESS NEWS | 34

FINANCE

The Confusion Conundrum of Culture

F

or many years I’ve heard senior executives of large corporates tell us that the culture from within their company is extremely good.

Some basic tips l can give when creating an admired business culture would be: •

Recognise that there are only four stages of the of cultural change ladder: creating or building a culture from scratch, adding to an existing culture, merging cultures or changing a culture.

•

A ladder is only as strong as its weakest rung, so make sure you recognise the straining, wearing or breaking points and provide remedial support.

•

Attract top talent and make sure they are engaged, fulfilled and working hard.

•

Adopt an attitude of “in order to I must…”

•

Encourage every staff member to get involved, thinking and acting like being an owner and helping others.

•

Often, companies both big and small produce impressive mission statements, vision statements and guiding principles that are lost in translation or pushed aside due to day-to-day business pressures and priorities. The fatal flaw is to allow deviations of the aspirational culture to occur, as it can erode the very fabric of a business in the long run.

Q: How I growasmy business Implement smalldo changes they will bring about Whether you’re significantto results; notice everything, ignore a lot and the next level? motor vehicles, change a little.

•

The health insurances the business can be such A: Talk to the of Morris Finance orminor capital raising value adds as free fruit, bottled water, breakout rooms and team of Specialists intelligent struct table tennis tables.

We’ve all heard the age old adage in sport that 90% of the game is played above the shoulders, and this applies to our business culture as well, as what we think will normally lead to what we say and in turn what we do, ultimately determining how we perform.

•

We all need to change the way we manage and lead to match the way that we actually work and live.

•

Cultivating a company’s culture is a never-ending task, so now or go to our spend quality time focussing on your culture at least once a week.

When questioned further as to what their definition of culture is and how it drives the business, the confusion conundrum sets in, with words such as values, principles, ethics, morals, language, characteristics, actions, experiences, beliefs, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles and opinions all coming to the fore, but alas leaving one none the wiser as to what culture actually is.

When l give a clear and concise definition of what l believe culture to be l usually get deathly silence and then an acknowledgment that it’s probably an apt definition that resonates as a feeling or belief. The meaning of culture within groups, whether they be business, sporting or personal organisations, is in my eyes, somewhat simplistically, what we “Think, Say and Do”.

It is true that even the best products and services can fall victim to a lapse in attention to company culture. The sure sign of a progressive company is one where the leaders readily admit that they don’t have the good ideas and that the best they can do is build a culture where those ideas are likely to filter up.

vehicles, equipm

TM

Martin Carter

Until next month, onwards and upwards in your quest to live and breathe your chosen culture.

Q: Are you looking for flexible finance solutions?

Call Abby, Mega

A: Talk to the Morris Finance team of Specialists

ww

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

TM

1300 4 MORRIS www.morrisfinance.com.au

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 35

13

Fiona Trotter

GOVERNANCE

the seven big issues Boards should be thinking about in 2014

B

oard members of both not for profit and commercial organisations generally have no shortage of issues to occupy their minds and consume their time during the ordinary course of business. The measure of success however, is not how hard you have worked or how many hours you have attended meetings, but what has been achieved and have these achievements contributed to the success of the organisation? This month’s article on good governance practices identifies 7 key areas that a board should focus on in the undertaking of its duties and responsibilities.

Sustainability: what is the board doing to ensure the long term viability of the organisation from an economic, financial, social and environmental perspective? What does the board have in place to understand, assess, resource, implement and monitor strategies to address each of these components of sustainability? Who takes responsibility for this aspect of governance – the whole board, the chairman or a subcommittee?

Compliance: does the board have a compliance register that it can refer to, update and review to provide some degree of comfort that the organisation’s compliance obligations are being met on an ongoing basis? Does the board engage external resources if internal capability is not sufficient to deliver the required outcomes in this area? Is compliance undertaken as part of organisation culture or because it “has to be done” ie a cost or an investment?

Succession planning: is there a plan in place for the orderly succession of the CEO, the chairman and individual board members? Any contingency plans in place for potential succession emergencies? Does the CEO have a succession plan in place for key management within the business? Is succession an agenda item on at least one board meeting each year?

It is not a matter of selecting which

Board effectiveness: Does the board allocate appropriate time and resources to both its stewardship and strategic responsibilities? Is the right governance structure in place to support the organisation? Is an annual review undertaken and professional development program developed to assist board members evaluate their individual and collective performance?

Does the board have the right skills and attitude to lead the organisation in its

Strategy: what is the board’s role in matters to address; all must be given developing and evaluating strategy? due care and attention How does the board manage the challenge of advice v control? Does the CEO and management team have a clear understanding of the board’s expectations in relation to goals, quest for success? objectives and performance in general? What process has the board in place to develop the strategy that will deliver In summary, even reduced to just seven issues, the long term results and is this process appropriately resourced? responsibilities of the board and individual board members, How often and when is this key function undertaken? particularly in a volunteer situation, are onerous to say the least. However, it is not a matter of selecting which matters Risk oversight: how does the board manage its to address; all must be given due care and attention if the responsibilities in relation to risk? Does the board understand principles and practice of good governance are to be applied and clearly articulate its appetite for risk? Have individual in your organisation. Organisational sustainability depends board members participated in the development of the risk on the board providing leadership and taking responsibility management plan? Is risk an agenda item on every board for these seven key issues – start your next board meeting by meeting? How is risk management balanced against the developing a plan to govern your organisation for success. ongoing need for innovation and business development?

Resources: does the organisation have the right people in the right job at the right time to deliver the organisation’s strategy? Is the infrastructure appropriate to support the staff and the business? Is a master plan and capital expenditure plan in place? Are these plans and resources reviewed at board level on an ongoing basis?

Mark C Schultz

For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

BUSINESS NEWS | 36

VECCI

Build on our strengths

‘S

tate budget must lower business costs, stimulate investment and employment for the Geelong region.’

That’s the message from Victorian employer peak body, VECCI, as we approach the May state budget.

Victoria’s solid economic and fiscal position provides a platform for business growth, further investment and job creation in the Geelong region, but must be supported by growth-friendly policies in the 2014-2015 state budget.

As the Geelong, and more broadly the Victorian, economy continues to adapt in the face of its current challenges and strong international competition, we must capitalise on our strengths in established industries and accelerate prospects for new ones by lowering the cost of doing business and supporting employment growth.

We recently released our VECCI 2014-15 State Budget Submission: Accelerating Growth and Building Business Success that included many recommendations inkeeping with this.

VECCI’s priority recommendations are: Creating a Smarter State • Continue to assist the Victorian automotive industry and its workforce as it undergoes significant structural adjustment.

Building International Competitiveness • Establish an Aviation Industry Strategy that leverages off our aviation education, training, R&D commercialisation and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

• Conduct a VCEC inquiry into the potential for increasing exports of Victoria’s healthcare services, including training, medical R&D and ICT healthcare management.

• Provide funding to attract more business events and conferences aligned to Victoria’s priority sectors (medicine, science, technology, engineering and education), as well as the prioritisation of funding for the expansion of existing exhibition space in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, ensuring project completion by 2017.

Enhancing Victoria’s Liveability

We must capitalise on our strengths in established industries and accelerate prospects for new ones

• Develop a revised funding model to support and expand existing VET in schools arrangements, which restores funding that has recently been removed from the Victorian Training Guarantee.

• Accelerate the existing Victorian Food Plan and create a new Food Innovation Hub to fast-track the development of quality, innovative food products to Asia by linking agrifood research, processing, packaging and distribution.

Making Victoria More Competitive • Raise the payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $850,000.

Alternatively, reduce the payroll tax rate from 4.90 per cent to 4.70 per cent, to achieve the lowest rate of any Australian state.

• Investigate the scope to further decentralise key state government departments and/or agencies to regional locations in order to improve regional stakeholder access to these agencies and support regional employment. Implement a 5 to 10 year reform timetable.

• Support infrastructure development in interface areas by creating a dedicated fund, similar to the Regional Growth Fund.

• Identify reforms to assist Victoria’s small towns to adapt to industry restructuring and changes in agricultural practices and technologies and generate new business opportunities.

The priority for government must be to help business succeed by making Victoria more competitive, leveraging more from our human resources to create a smarter state, ensuring we are truly international in our focus and activities, and ultimately creating a more liveable state.

View VECCI’s full budget submission at: http://www.vecci.org. au/policy-and-advocacy/state-budget-summary

• Take on additional debt within a range that does not risk Victoria’s AAA credit rating to fund infrastructure projects.

JAMES GULLI

VECCI Regional Manager

Photo by Elekhh, Wikimedia Commons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Parliament_House_Melbourne_2010.jpg#filelinks

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 37

National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of vounteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6.4 million Australians who volunteer.

Bite-Size Volunteering I could see how short term, flexible volunteering roles provided skills and knowledge to overcome the barriers we were facing.”

Bite-Size Volunteering was designed to accommodate the needs of volunteers who don’t have time for long term commitments.

By developing projects that offer short term flexible roles Bite-Size Volunteering offers community organisations access to a different cohort of people. The benefit is that they obtain access to skills and knowledge that do not exist in their organisation.

Sara Gillies from the National Wool Museum attended a Bite-Size Volunteering workshop with Volunteering Geelong. This led to the development of the Reminiscence project requiring short term volunteer involvement.

“We wanted to create an exhibition space to engage people suffering dementia but realised that we didn’t have the knowledge to connect to the target audience,” Sara explained. “After attending the workshop

Jacqui Connor and Wendy Gersh learnt about the Reminiscence project from Volunteering Geelong. There were several reasons why the short term volunteer role appealed to Jacqui: negotiable flexible hours, opportunities to use her workplace skills and knowledge and the benefits of working within an inclusive team finding creative solutions. “The flexibility means that I am free to work on other projects. It is so rewarding to give something back to the community and a topic which completely engages me.” For Wendy it was her ‘transition to retirement project’. “As a recently retired nurse educator I was keen to utilize my skills in a voluntary capacity and within a flexible working environment.

The Reminiscence project ticked all the boxes.” The Reminiscence cottage is always open; free workshops are offered each month to the public on request for nursing and aged care facilities.

Being involved in a Bite-Size project has changed their view of volunteering. Wendy describes it as a “stimulating and exciting project to work on. We have completed the original ‘bite size project’ and enjoyed

BUSINESS NEWS | 38

it immensely. Jacqui says that “If you want to share your lifeskills with others but do not want to work behind a counter or drive a delivery vehicle, Bite-Size Projects are for you.” Asked whether she would encourage other community organisations to try Bite-Size volunteering, Sara commented, “The advantages offered by this type of volunteering are varied; the bite-size approach allowed us to engage with a new audience of skilled volunteers who were attracted to a specific project”. The irony is that despite both Jacqui and Wendy embarking on a short term volunteer role with the Museum, they have both decided to continue on. “It’s a wonderful bonus that I wasn’t expecting from the project but one that we really value” says Sara.

For more information about Bite-Size Volunteering or volunteering in general, please contact: Gail Rodgers, Volunteering Geelong, ph 5221 1377 or manager@ volunteeringgeelong.org.au or visit www.volunteeringgeelong.org.au

Be Part Of Something Big Changing perspectives. Changing lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Geelong helps young people who face serious adversity – those who have little opportunity to develop positive and supportive relationships with adults. Many who are hungry for friendship, guidance and acceptance.

We know that by positively changing the course of a young person’s life we can build resilience and a sense of self-worth in young people, helping them to stay at school, improve their relationships with families and their community which in turn can lead to long-term community benefits like an increase in school retention; school and community safety and greater employment opportunities.

By connecting a disadvantaged young person to a positive role model we can break the cycle of disadvantage.

Anisha’s motivation to become part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a volunteer mentor was indeed to make a difference in a young person’s life. She committed to the screening and training process and has demonstrated great dedication in her role as a ‘Big Sister’ to 15 year old Yana.

After a recent public engagement which involved telling her story, Yana said “I wouldn’t have been able to do this a year ago due to my shyness”. She cites her mentoring relationship with Anisha as having a huge impact on the way she feels about herself.

with local business we could enhance and expand our program, and together make a valuable contribution to the community.

“If I didn’t have Anisha as my friend, then I would have dropped out of school and be unhappy in my life. She has made all the difference - I feel very lucky to have her in my life”.

So valuable were the roles of mentors in his own life, AFL commentator Cameron Ling has been happy to throw his support behind BBBS, becoming both the Geelong and National patron of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cameron urges both men and women to consider volunteering. “BBBS is a fantastic community program. If you would like to make a difference to a young person’s life then consider becoming a Big!” Barwon Youth requires more community volunteers to take up the challenge of becoming a Big….especially men!

Local business can also get involved in supporting the program. By establishing long-term, sustainable partnerships

www.barwonyouth.org.au

Head Office 12-14 Halstead Place Geelong West Ph: 03 5221 4466

Businesses to the rescue partners and coordinating and reporting on activities to make a positive difference in our community.

Karingal BacLinks (Business and Community Links) supports the community by educating, supporting and creating opportunities for business and community to engage with each other for mutual benefit.

Since the program’s establishment in 2002, Karingal BacLinks has worked with businesses to facilitate a contribution of more than $2.6 million worth of support to the community and over 40,900 invaluable employee volunteer hours. These contributions also include donations of goods and services and the sharing of resources and knowledge.

The service inspires business and community agencies to work together, identifying needs, matching appropriate

In 2014 62 businesses have committed themselves to supporting the local community through membership to the Karingal BacLinks program. By joining this community-minded group, members are regularly informed of volunteer and support opportunities. They also have the opportunity to attend the Karingal BacLinks 730 Breakfasts; a series of networking events with like-minded businesses.

Karingal BacLinks thanks every one of its current members for their commitment and support: PRD Nationwide, Commonwealth Bank (South West Vic Area), SC technology Group, Whyte Just & Moore, Barwon Water, K Rock/Bay FM, Karingal Training, Powercor, Deakin University, Stratel Pty Ltd (TA: Telstra store Waurn Ponds & Geelong), GPAC, Select Architects, Planwell, Technology One, Coulter Roache Lawyers, Associated Cold Tread Tyres, LBW Chartered Accountants, BTS: Business Technology Specialists, Alcoa, Morris Finance Ltd, Geelong Advertiser, Adventure Park, Tuckers Funeral Services, St John of God Pathology, VicWest Community Telco, MatchWorks, Wightons Lawyers, L.Bisinella Development P/L,

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 39

Kingman Consulting, Ryrie Centre Property Pty Ltd, Adroit Insurance Group, Harwood Andrews Lawyers, Telstra Country Wide, Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC), Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club Highton, Barefoot Media, Adcell Print Media, Patrick Rowan & Associates, Dimmick Charitable Trust, Victoria Police, Morton Dunn Architects, GMHBA, Mercure Hotel, Blood Toyota, Bendigo Bank, Ford, Bell Potter Securities, CSIRO - Australian Animal Health Laboratory, FUSO Trucks, Apco Foundation, Geelong & Surfcoast Living Magazine, Armstrong Creek Developments , Nagle & Co, Prestige jayco, Illingworth David, JT Dixon, Ray White, Crowe Howarth, Kings Funerals, NAB and The Centre of Excellence.

For more information on becoming a member or to see what volunteer opportunities are available this year please visit www.baclinks.org.au. The Karingal BacLinks team can also be contacted on 5249 8989 or via email: baclinksadmin@karingal.org.au

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SMALL BIZ

Who’s doing it better?

Images courtesy www.kiwiwise.co.nz

N

ot so long ago, I decided to do a senior citizen tour of Auckland; and found that it is thriving. House prices are exceeding Melbourne and I read that unemployment is running at 2% (some would say that is because most of their unemployed are living in Sydney, but that is just being cruel).

Auckland is bigger than our regional cities, but it is tiny compared to Melbourne.

I took a Captain Cook at two industries: the tourism and the marine segments. Wow! Are they good! Twenty-four storeys of excellent hotels on every corner and top quality service, boutique resorts doing relaxing mud baths - all 5-star stuff - and so many amazing activities available that are linked like clockwork by buses and taxis. All the staff I came across were trained to a T and multilingual to boot. They have a huge cruise ship in port every day and sitting in a 54-storey restaurant planning the next day’s activities, we were able to point to the Aquarium and Museum and other facilities visible from the sky tower. Thousands of people are employed in this vital section of their economy and I couldn’t help but think of what we can’t have back here because of our restrictions in investment, building height limits, lack of training and service coordination – it’s sad really, we are doing it to ourselves.

The marine segment in Auckland is derived from innovative thinking, as there are no natural resources required. In their harbour was millions of dollars of luxury yachts from all over the

BUSINESS NEWS | 40

FEATURE SMALL BIZ

world waiting to get refurbished and updated, with owners dropping a lazy mill or two in the process. For example, Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko’s superyacht ‘A’ was in port for maintenance. The marina fees are minimal and the amenities are huge, and when coupled with open cruising permits the place is very attractive for the rich dudes to bring their mega-toys to town. Chandlers, and marine supply businesses and engineering works and providores spread over two suburbs – too many to count.

Just bloody fantastic!

Finally, as I travelled around, I got my ear chewed by a host of young people. We were in chatting mode and I took the opportunity to outline the economic woes we are facing in Oz and these young people just looked at me and said, “What do you expect?” According to them, and they argued cogently, the world had moved on from `stuff’. Less people want cars, and definitely don’t want big cars. Most young people are not so interested in buying houses because they live with the `olds’; they don’t buy books, they download most everything, they don’t want large TVs because they have smart phones, they don’t look at advertising because Facebook is filtered. And on the story went…

Another interesting point that one of these phone wielding young people made that struck me as an unexpected insight was that each of our industries that is in trouble in Australia is dominated by patriarchal management. They thought that this was dinosaur management, because

males tend to build big efficient empire businesses that are socially out of touch and in danger of being obsolete.

About 20 years ago the market was poised, having been built on the market that served baby boomers and half of that served the younger generation. Now the balance is clearly biased towards this well-educated, travelled, tattooed and fast moving generation. (I was never that young.) They want experiences and values and aren’t all that interested in the things that our factories pump out.

There is a huge untapped market sitting there; it is nascent and fresh and poised to explode, but do we let ourselves see it, with our Boomer glasses on? There will be no requirement for smoke stacks or mega factories; they will be gone into a chapter of history like the brick wool stores and the English cottage industries.

Just one more thing, before I am past my use by date.

How much does the Lord of the Rings bring to the Kiwi economy? Hundreds of millions and growing every day as international travellers visit Hobbiton and movie locations.

What a vision - it changed the fortunes of the localities over night.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 41

CLINT JENNINGS

Big thinker on small business

community

A is for Autism Awareness…

April is the month to celebrate and raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition estimated to affect 1 in 100 Australians, according to Autism Awareness Australia. World Autism Awareness Day falls on 2 April and kicks off a month of events around the world to raise awareness of the condition and its impact on families and those who have the condition.

The Autism Awareness Walk Geelong will be held on Sunday 6 April at 1.30pm. It’s a free event and there is no need to register, just meet fellow walkers at the Wharf Shed end of Steam Packet Gardens on the Waterfront.

Visit www.facebook.com/autismwalkgeelong for more information.

…and M is for MAYDAY Appeal – Geelong people helping Geelong people in need Can you donate $1 a day in May? It will cost you less than your daily cup of coffee and if everyone in Geelong donated just $1 we could raise $220,000.

Imagine if we all donated more!

You can make a donation to the Give Where You Live MAYDAY Appeal anytime during May either online or in person at Give Where You Live Myers Street, at GMHBA and at Bendigo Bank, NAB and Westpac bank branches, at City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres or via MAYDAY donation tins in hundreds of Geelong cafes, shops and businesses.

If you would like a donation tin for your business, please contact Give Where You Live on 5229 4364 or mayday@givewhereyoulive.com.au

Think BIG with Give Where You Live Over the last 60 years, corporate support for Give Where You Live has been spearheaded by Alcoa, Ford and Shell and, more recently, Fagg’s Mitre 10 and TAC. However, as we all know, times are changing and now we all need to work together to keep Geelong moving forward. Give Where You Live believes NOW is the time for Geelong’s smaller sized businesses to take the baton and lead Geelong businesses in supporting those most vulnerable in their community.

But how can my small business make an impact, you ask? It’s not about giving a lot - it’s about a lot giving something. By committing to a regular monthly donation, your business, regardless of its size, can partner with Give Where You Live as it strives to help those most in need in our region and Build a Better Geelong.

According to Give Where You Live, there are over 6,000 small to medium businesses in Geelong employing over 70% of Geelong’s workforce. Working together, small business can have a huge social impact on Geelong’s most disadvantaged people.

By joining together under the BIG Program with each partner making a small manageable monthly donation (as little as $50 per month), Geelong’s small to medium

BUSINESS NEWS | 42

COMMUNITY businesses can really make a BIG difference. It is simple, it is strategic, it is impacting - it’s painless but it is effective!

Interested? Email Leigh Johnston at leigh@givewhereyoulive.com.au or phone 5229 4364.

Get rid of your old batteries for free and save the environment New collection points mean we can now drop off old household batteries free of charge throughout Greater Geelong.

Australians buy more than 350 million batteries every year and the majority of these purchases end up as hazardous waste in landfill. However, thanks to local Rotary Clubs and the City of Greater Geelong, we now have an environmentally responsible solution to the problem of how to dispose of unwanted and unused batteries such as button, rechargeable and single-use alkaline batteries, including batteries from old mobile phones, remote control toys, cameras, laptops and power tools.

The program is run in partnership with Rotary, Barwon Regional Management Group, Sustainability Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong.

Collection points are at City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres in the Belmont, Drysdale, Geelong West and Waurn Ponds libraries, City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres in Brougham Street Geelong and The Avenue in Ocean Grove, Lara Library and the IGA supermarkets of Barwon Heads and St Leonards.

Rechargeable lead acid batteries, typically used in cars and motorbikes or as backup power for computers, need to be separated from other batteries but can be dropped off for free at the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre, 100 Douro Street, North Geelong.

New headquarters for Diversitat Training Diversitat Training, the largest community registered training organisation in the Greater Geelong region, has new

headquarters at 7-9 Ryan Place, Geelong. The $1 million warehouse renovation was opened by Mayor Darryn Lyons in March and means Diversitat can offer a broad range of quality training services to people from all walks of life.

The Mayor said the new facility not only demonstrated the scope of the services provided by Diversitat, but also showed “the potential we have in central Geelong to re-purpose our heritage building stock and create exciting and functional spaces.”

Diversitat’s central training precinct now includes four locations - Ryan Place, Pulse Media Centre, Centrepoint Arcade and the old GPO Youth Hub - offering training rooms, as well as a television studio, community radio, production room and recording studio with up-to-date facilities.

Walk this land and discover Geelong Registrations for the M~M2014 – Geelong’s extreme arts walk to raise funds for Karingal – are now open. A walkathon with a twist, the M~M2014 will be held over Friday 9 May and Saturday 10 May with participants walking more than 85km across the municipality of Geelong from the Big Rock at the You Yangs to the mouth of the Barwon River. In their journey from the You Yangs to Barwon Heads across grasslands, industrial nightscapes, the city centre, rural landscapes and beaches, walkers will discover the region and enjoy local art and produce along the way.

This year the Karingal Foundation is delighted to announce a new partnership with the City of Greater Geelong for the walk, which is split into 12 stages, each ranging in length from two to 14 kilometres. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get involved and walk either one section or the entire length, and organisers say the walk makes an ideal workplace relay or an opportunity for competitive walkers to achieve all 80kms in 24 hours.

To register, or for more information, email foundation@karingal.org.au or call Caroline Moore on 5277 8803.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 43

ARTS Colours of country until 12 April The paintings, ceramics and animal sculpture in Colours of Country are a visual record of vast landscapes that the artists know intimately, from remote locations to iconic views of the Western MacDonnell Ranges and the flora and fauna found there, locating the artists in a continuity of ancestral connections to country. The exhibition, presented by Metropolis Gallery in association with Ngurratjuta ‘Many Hands’ Art Centre includes paintings by the current generation of Hermannsberg Watercolour Artists, unique hand-built ceramics, meticulously decorated with colourful pictorial narratives by Hermannsberg Potters and quirky, colourful animal sculptures by Tjanpi Desert Weavers that beautifully complement the Hermannsburg works.

Many of the current generation Hermannsburg Watercolour Artists are descendants of Albert Namatjira and his contemporar-

ies and include Douglas Kwarlpe Abbott, Kevin Namatjira, Lenie Namatjira, Gloria Pannka, Peter Tjutjatja Taylor, Elton Wirri and Kevin Wirri. www.metropolisgallery.com.au Home and Away – 2 5 – 30 April Aireys Inlet artist Pat McKenzie is a much loved and sought after artist who draws inspiration from the world around her, living as she does in the middle of the bush surrounded by native animals, cattle and horses and only five minutes from some of our most beautiful beaches. She also finds inspiration in her travels though Italy and other parts of the world. Home and Away – 2, her latest exhibition at Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery in Aireys Inlet, features new works from around Geelong, Great Ocean road and Great Otway National Park and imagery from her travels in Sicily. www.eaglesnestgallery.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 44

ARTS That Festivus feeling 12 April “Some people will make Art, some people will enjoy Art. This festival is for both of them.”(www.festivus.net.au) Festivus, a new annual Music and Urban Art experience on the Bellarine to be held in Ocean Grove Park from 10am until 10pm, is described by organisers as a “music festival combined with projects on show to inspire people’s imagination” and a “hands-on, interactive experience, a celebration of different kinds of art”. There will also be music, food and the opportunity to engage in various projects and “be actively involved in the art and not only look at it”.

Festivus is sponsored by City of Greater Geelong, Ocean Grove Arts Network, Ocean Grove Community Enterprise and Ocean Grove Business Association. Tickets are available from GPAC at www.gpac.org.au www.festivus.net.au Growth habits Artist in residence: 7 - 11 April, installation display: 12 April 2014 – 4 October 2015 In a major contemporary art commission, Melbourne-based artist Julia Gorman will install a major new wall drawing ‘Growth

Habits’ on the west walls of the Geelong Gallery’s permanent collection spaces. The abstract wall drawing realised in vinyl takes its inspiration from the free-flowing form of garden succulents, with Gorman’s vibrant stylised interpretation of plant stems and leaves set to take root inside the Gallery.

Well known for works completed in a bold, colourful, abstract style, Gorman’s practice encompasses a variety of media including drawing, painting, installation and sculpture. In a career spanning almost 20 years, she has completed a number of major commissions and exhibited widely throughout Australia and internationally. Her works are held in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, the Monash University Museum of Art and numerous private collections. Major public art commissions include sculptural installations at the Kensington Housing Estate (2012) and the Becton Sculpture Commission for the Esplanade Apartments in 2005.

As the Geelong Gallery’s artist in residence for April, Gorman will be available to meet visitors to the gallery from 11 – 11.30 am on Tuesday 8 April and Thursday 10 April and will present a floor talk on Tuesday 15 April at 3pm.

She will also present “Creep and Crawl,” a fun, interactive family-friendly workshop on Tuesday 15 April at 11.00am.

(Members $5 / Non-members $10. Bookings essential) www.geelonggallery.org.au

Top left: Julia Gorman installing Family business at ArcOne, Melbourne, 2011 Photography: Angela O’Connor

Above: Siracusa Sicily

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TECH GUY

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

Lugging around heavy laptops is a thing of the past, even for road warriors who demand a strong performance from their notebook.

Road warriors travel light

The ASUS Zenbook UX301 and UX302, Ultrabooks have sleek designs and lids protected by scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla Glass 3 which has three times the scratch resistance of Gorilla Glass 2 and offers a 40 per cent reduction in the number of highly visible scratches, with a 40 per cent improvement in retained strength if a deep scratch does occur.

The 13.3-inch display is available with either a 1920 x 1080 or the dazzling 2560 x 1440 resolution with wide 178-degree viewing angles, while the 10-point multi-touch gives smooth and responsive fingertip control with Windows 8.

Available in Moonstone White and Sapphire Blue (as pictured), the Zenbook UX301 features 802.11ac Wi-Fi for high-speed wireless data rates and comprehensive connectivity options include USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0.

All models feature a backlit keyboard with automatic light level control and large multi-touch touchpads with full support for Windows 8 gestures. ASUS SonicMaster audio technology is also standard on all models for rich and detailed sound with video, music and games.

The new Zenbook can be purchased from PCD International, 78 Mercer St, Geelong.

Back in March 1989, Tim Berners-Lee wrote a memo to his boss at CERN looking for a better way to manage information, proposing an interconnected network that would improve communication at the facility.

There was no way that he knew then what a vast web we would all weave.

That memo eventually spawned the World Wide Web and every social media ‘in your virtual face’ app attached to it, so it’s a very Happy 25th Birthday to the World Wide Web. Where would we be without it? Ah… I know, in each other’s real faces.

BUSINESS NEWS | 46

Happy Birthday WWW

There is no shortage of smart watches streaming onto the market.

Trouble is, they’re square, big and chunky and have no style, and unlike the svelte one you’re wearing right now.

Motorola’s designer, Jim Wicks, has chosen a circular design for the Moto 360 because nearly 80 percent of all watches sold globally are circular and he wanted to give it a “Whoa”factor.

The company believes that the Moto 360 will appeal to men and women alike.

Smartwatch with the “Whoa” factor

In addition to its circular design and the use of Motorola’s parent company Google’s new smartwatch platform called Android Wear, the 360 will feature interchangeable straps, water resistance and a special way of charging the device without USB, and although there’s precious little else revealed, Motorola indicated that it wants to eventually distribute it globally.

Down the Grand Canyon

Geelong’s car future Electric cars are the future and the rest of the auto world and the great cities therein are getting on with it. For example, London is set to become home to more than 3,000 electric hire cars and 6,000 charging points in the next two years.

It’s all part of London Mayor Boris Johnson’s goal to get 100,000 electric vehicles on the road and putting every resident within one kilometre of a charge point.

Thanks to Google Maps you can now paddle down the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park thanks to Street View, without fear of being swept away by the currents.

The new vision also means you can have an up-close look at the Grand Canyon itself and popular spots like Deer Creek Falls, North Canyon and the Nankoweap Granaries.

Google are hoping to raise awareness for the issues that plague the area.

Are you reading this Mayor Darryn Lyons?

While the charging network will be run by Transport for London, there’s also a car-sharing scheme that is purely commercial.

The electric cars can be rented using a smartphone app so, apart from building military vehicles in Geelong, let’s think seriously about electric vehicles that are a little easier to get into a supermarket car park.

Micorosoft’s Office is still pretty much everywhere, but it’s facing challenges from a number of cheaper (often free) competitors that have quite a head start in the cloud.

Office 365 Home Premium is an attempt to ward off some of those would-be usurpers by delivering 20GB of Skydrive storage and 60 minutes per-month of Skype calls along with the standard Office apps for $112 a year or $12 a month.

Office 365 woo’s you

The package gives you the ability to install the suite on up to five computers as well as access from a smartphone. The subscription has launched and is available at the Microsoft store.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 47

EDITOR

HOURS

after

6

1

A light touch on weighty topics

2

Sitting down to listen to a domestic and international economic update at 7.30 in the morning might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but BT’s Chief Economist, Dr Chris Caton, has a way of delivering the lighter side of economic speak that left the crowd at the Mercure glad to have made the effort.

Dr Caton has a rare ability to make economics come alive for his audience and he talked through the residual impacts of the GFC, how the Fed’s tapering program affects global markets, what’s really going on in Europe, forecasts for the Aussie dollar and housing prices, and how the economy will perform over the coming 12 months.

While we all know economists don’t always get it right, it was fascinating stuff and overall painted a positive picture for the year ahead, leading into stronger growth in 2015-16 and beyond.

Photos by Elisha Lindsey, EL Photography

3

5

4 1. Dr Chris Caton 2. Barbara Kitson, Robert Kitson, Andrew Kitson 3. Davina Montgomery, Rebecca Casson 4. Adam Charleston, Ken Mansfield 5. Cas Szaklel, John Nall, Sharon Reid 6. Andrew Conlan, Dr Chris Caton

BUSINESS NEWS | 48

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.

1

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.

Fun in the sun

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.

The sun came out for the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club Inaugural Corporate Challenge last month, with 100 players from across the business community representing 25 teams in the competition.

2

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

While Bendigo Bank took away the Corporate Challenge honours, the rest were content with a great afternoon of tennis, plenty of laughs, a few winning highlights and, in one memorable case, a case of grass burns after a certain Geelong Lawn Tennis Club staffer stumbled over his shorts‌ a terrific day all round.

3

Photos by Elisha Lindsey, EL Photography

E.L

4

5 1. Will and Michael Hogan 2. Jamie Stefanato, Ken Barton, Jake Dunn, Zoe Plastow 3. KROCK Nathan Quick, Melissa Morhmer, Craig Booley, Nikki Cooke 4. Bob Butlet (Galaxy Limosines) Graham Best 5. Georgina Parker, Cameron Loftus, Megan Hole, Mike Mullen, (Barwon Sports Academy)

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 49

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

STUFF

cool

STUFF

Ocean & Sun wall clock Habitots www.habitots.com.au

Fun pieces that remind us of yesteryear, guaranteed to spark memories and create conversations.

Telegram Miners Lamp Cranmore Home www.cranmorehome.com.au

Tinny Retro Tin Cooler - Ice Cold Drinks LiFE! www.lifeliveitup.com.au

Llama Wall Hanging Made From Vinyl Records Vinyl Cuts www.vinylcuts.com.au *Our fave: Becaue Llamas are awesome.

Rustic Ladder Cafe Stool Villa Inde www.villainde.com.au

Cassidy Orange Porcelain Lamp Boyd Blue www.boydblue.com

Blue Micro Brick Campervan Controlled by Smartphone The Design Gift Shop www.thedesigngiftshop.com

Set-of-4 Rustic Country Glass Bottle Herb Vase Lifestyle Home and Living www.lifestylehome andliving.com.au

Quarry Coffee Table Eco Chic www.ecochic.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 50

BOOKS

BOOKS

new•

The One Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared Jonas Jonasson After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson is moved to a nursing home to await the inevitable. But his health refuses to fail and everyone is coming to his 100th birthday, except Allan, who climbs out the window.

Charming and funny, little wonder this became a European publishing phenomenon.

Into the Heart of the Himalayas Jono Lineen When Jono Lineen’s brother died in tragic circumstances, he gave up a comfortable life, moved to the Himalayas and over eight years immersed himself in the cultures of the world’s highest mountains. This fascinating memoir traces Jono’s solo odyssey trekking from Pakistan to Nepal across the length of the Western Himalayas.

The Man Who Couldn’t Stop David Adam David has suffered from OCD for twenty years, and this is his unflinchingly honest attempt to understand the condition and his experiences. What might lead an Ethiopian schoolgirl to eat a wall of her house, piece by piece; or a pair of brothers to die beneath an avalanche of household junk that they had compulsively hoarded? This is an insider’s story of OCD, related with fierce clarity and humour – fascinating and haunting.

No Regrets, Coyote John Dufresne Wylie ‘Coyote’ Melville, professional therapist and amateur forensic consultant, thinks he’s consulting on a brutal suburban murder, but chaos follows Wylie like night follows day, and he soon finds himself on a wild ride into the dark heart of the Florida underworld in this biting satire that pulsates with black humour.

William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back Ian Doescher The tag line says it all: Something Wookiee this way comes! Return to the star-crossed galaxy far, far away as the brooding young hero, a power-mad emperor, and their jesting droids match wits, struggle for power, and soliloquize in elegant and impeccable iambic pentameter - beautifully illustrated and brilliantly funny.

www.biznewsmag.com.au | 51

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

The perfect mix has arrived.

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 Coast – and of course, Geelong. We provide exceptional service and proven solutions to large corporate clients, schools, small businesses and home users.

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