“A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!” - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
December/January 2015
• THE TRAINING CHALLENGE
• BIG PICTURE PLANNING
ISSUE 236
SCHOLARSHIPS
2016
Academic, Music and Boarding Scholarships for entry into Years 6 to 11 in 2016.
Applications close:
Friday 6 February 2015 Scholarship test and tours:
Saturday 14 February 2015 Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think. Ralph Waldo Emerson
SHAPING THE FUTURE Find out more at www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au
CONTENTS
22. COVER STORY CONTENTS 6/ Biz News 11 / Inside Word 14 /
“Stop texting me saying you’re having a city planning emergency. There’s no such thing as a city planning emergency.”
New Appointments 16 / Time Honoured 28 /
- Mark Brendanawicz, Parks and Recreation
Governance
18. FEATURE
32 / Accounting
44. TRAVEL
54 / Elevator
46. ARTS
56 / After Hours 60 / Tech Guy 62 / Stuff
ISSUE 236 DEC/JAN 2015 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au
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EDITOR
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EDITOR
MY CHRISTMAS WISH
When it comes to elections, most of us fall into one of two main categories: the political animals who fire up the barbecue and then settle in for the night as the results unfold, with the occasional call of ‘Rubbish!’ or similar at the TV; or the politically apathetic, who couldn’t think of anything worse than watching election results, who have done their bit by numbering the little paper and putting a 1 above the line on the ridiculously big one and washing their hands of the whole sorry business. I fall in the first category, while the rest of my family fall into the second, which left me to enjoy my barbecue chops and imaginary verbal stoushes in peace, interrupted only by the occasional passerby rolling their eyes and shaking their head. I do love an election, and I particularly enjoy one where there is a result at the end of the night. Elections, to me, are democracy in action. I love that in Australia you don’t have to care about politics, you don’t have to align with any political party (a quick play with the ABC Vote Compass in the lead up to the election told me that my personal views fall dead centre and progressive, an option not presented on my ballot papers), but you do have to participate. I love the sense of community at the polling stations, where you run into people you haven’t seen in ages and where the sausage sizzle and cake stall mean that if nothing else you can do some good on election day by contributing to the local school.
distributed in time to be counted with the booths. The Twittersphere was alive with similar lines of thought. But the big disappointment, the really big disappointment, came from the Legislative Council results, where a convoluted and unacceptably shadowed play of preference exchanges will see candidates who garnered tiny percentages of the primary vote take their seat in the state’s upper house. This is an abject failure of democracy, one that has played out for far too long in elections at all levels of government. The question is, who will stand up and not only call it for the farce that it is, but actually do something to change this broken preferential voting system, particularly in upper house elections. The string pullers and so-called vote whisperers behind the scenes who negotiate these deals behind the scenes are a boil on the face of democracy in this country. So, here is my Christmas wish: please let this be the last time we treat our democracy with such disdain. Please end the upper house preferencing system and let people just vote for whomever they want and the votes fall where they may. If nothing else, it just might put an end to the ridiculous upper house voting forms that are so large they physically don’t fit in the booth, because of some of us really do number every box.
And while I watched with interest as the polling results flowed in, the winner I was backing wasn’t having the hoped for result. No, I wasn’t crying into my blue pyjamas, or doing a happy dance in my red ones, I was disappointed that democracy was not having the shining day I had been looking forward to.
With the election over, the end of the year is almost here, and it has been a year that has flown unlike any other we can remember. While that comes with its challenges, it’s also a sign that things are changing. Here at Business News, we believe this city of ours has so much to offer, and so much more to come – and we know many of you feel the same way.
It began with the continual reminder that while results were steadily flowing in from polling booths, over a million pre-poll and postal votes were sitting there, waiting to be distributed for counting and left out of the election-day excitement. The unprecedented number of votes, I am sure, took the Victorian Electoral Commission by surprise, but I simply can’t see why these votes couldn’t have been
It’s the people of Geelong who make this city such a great place to live and work, and the community spirit here is alive and well. But it hasn’t been an easy year for everyone and it is particularly for those who are doing it tough that we have to continue to work together to build a city that’s better for everyone who calls it home in 2015.
DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 5
BIZ NEWS
INNOVATION THE FOCUS OF HIGHLEVEL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
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usiness and industry leaders from across the region provided feedback to senior Federal Government representatives at the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda Stakeholder Roundtable, held at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds last month. Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson (centre), was joined by Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb (far left), Deakin VC Professor Jane den Hollander (second left), Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, Jennifer Westacott (second right) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Josh Frydenberg (far right), in one of eight roundtables held across Australia. During the roundtable, business leaders raised issues including the cost of regulation, accreditation, licensing, taxes, training, energy costs and employment flexibility. Ms Henderson said the roundtable focusing on innovation and competitiveness was an
important part of the Federal Government’s Economic Action Strategy. “The roundtable was a wonderful opportunity for our region’s business leaders to provide ideas directly to the government’s decision makers,” Ms Henderson said. “The businesses represented employ a significant number of people across our region. We wanted to hear their ideas on how to ensure the right settings are in place to drive even more jobs growth.” “This is all about tapping into the wealth of experience of our region’s business leaders to help create an environment which encourages businesses to flourish and in particular job creation.” Ms Henderson said it is significant that Geelong was one of eight locations around the country chosen by the Prime Minister to host one of the roundtables that were also held in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Central Coast, Launceston and Rockhampton.
ATHLETES HONOURED AT CITY HALL
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eelong Mayor Darryn Lyons has honoured athletes from the Geelong region who represented Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as celebrating the Melbourne Vixen’s ANZ Championship win. The athletes who represented the Geelong region at this year’s Commonwealth Games were Richard Colman AM, Russell Mark OAM, Damien Birkenhead, Jess Gulli, Jake Bensted, Mark Anthony, Kristy Harris, Lauryn Mark and Ivo Dos Santos (who was selected but was injured and as a result didn’t compete).
sent athletes to every Commonwealth Games since,” the Mayor said. He noted that the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was the largest Games of all time, with over 6500 athletes and officials attending.
“Australia competed in the first Commonwealth Games, then titled the British Empire Games, and is one of only six countries to have
Australia has hosted the Games on four occasions and will be hosting for a fifth time in 2018 on the Gold Coast.
“Continuing our proud tradition of competitive spirit here in Geelong, we also congratulated the Melbourne Vixens for their achievements on taking out the 2014 ANZ Championships. The team of netballers beat Queensland by 11 goals.”
BUSINESS NEWS | 6
BIZ NEWS
WORK/LIFE BALANCE WORSENS UNDER BURDEN OF UNPAID OVERTIME
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initiative we have not seen a more remarkable improvement in people’s circumstances, especially with regard to unpaid overtime. We might yet be having the same conversation in another six years.”
The Australia Institute’s ‘Walking the tightrope: Have Australians achieved work/life balance?’ report has found that the answer is ‘no’ for 4.9 million workers.
The vast majority (77%) of people believe that employers have more power than employees in negotiating work/life balance, more than one-third of people (35%) believe achieving work/life balance would harm their career, and a significant number (62%) believe that laws are necessary to ensure that everyone can achieve work/ life balance.
f you didn’t catch the news that it was national Go Home on Time Day on November 19th you were probably stuck at the office, putting in a bit of overtime. It’s something most of us do at some time or other, however concerns are rising that millions of Australian workers are losing the battle for better work/life balance due to excessive unpaid overtime and feel they have little control over how to change the situation.
While 3.4 million workers have seen an improvement in their work/ life balance over the past five years, a further 3.3 million saw no change in their circumstances. Go Home on Time Day was initiated by The Australia Institute six years ago to promotes conversations about the significant physical and mental health consequences of poor work/life balance and the impact this can also have on workplace productivity. On average, full-time workers reported working six hours unpaid overtime each week and part-timers, three hours. This ‘donated’ contribution adds up to the equivalent of $109.6 billion worth of unpaid overtime across the workforce. “Australian policy-makers have failed dismally at finding solutions for what has become an enduring issue for workers. Finding ways to improve work/life balance shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of individual workers,” Dr Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, said. “It is disappointing that over the life of the Go Home on Time Day
“For many Australian workers rocking the boat appears to be a genuine concern. If seeking better balance is perceived to be a threat to career prospects, people are unlikely to freely raise the issue with their boss,” David Baker, Director of Research, said. Of those who reported an improvement in their work/life balance over the past five years, the key reason given was a change in job (51%) and reduced working hours (42%). Five tips to help you go home on time: Decide what time you’re going home before you go to work. Identify early any tasks that might prevent you from going home on time and speak to your manager about their expectations. Take a lunch break – it can clear the head and boost productivity. Schedule activities for after work e.g. meet a friend at the gym, take the kids to the park. Make a commitment to go home on time once a week or once a month; it’s easier to do something if it is seen as routine.
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BIZ NEWS
COULD LAZY EMPLOYEES HOLD A KEY TO SUCCESS?
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t’s hardly at the top of the list of desirable employee attributes, however behavioural strategists, Dan Gregory and Kieran Flanagan, believe that a ‘lazy employee’ can be used to turn a struggling workplace into a hub of success. It’s an interesting perspective, and one explored in a new book written by the pair, “Selfish, Scared & Stupid”, that it’s the lazy employee who looks for the quickest and easiest way to get a job done with the least amount of effort, bringing with them more flexible thinking, faster responses and ever-evolving approaches; they question, agitate and in turn innovate. “Technology itself is driven by smart and lazy people; people who were too lazy to get a stamp and wondered whether they could
make letters electronic. It is these people who change our world,” the pair says. Dan, a Gruen Planet regular, and Kieran explain that to keep up in the digital age, businesses need to consistently evolve and the best types of people to do this are those who will look for the easiest, quickest solution to a task. Instead of following protocol, lazy employees tend to question the norm, which can often bring unsolved issues to the surface quicker. So next time you see your employee with their feet up on their desk, engrossed in their weekly newspaper, take a moment to question their laziness; maybe they’ve completed their day’s tasks or found a shortcut through that mound of paperwork.
AI GROUP WELCOMES THE CHINA-AUSTRALIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
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i Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, welcomed the signing of the Australia-China Free Trade Agreement, saying it will provide Australian business with more export and investment opportunities through opening up access to the large Chinese market, while seeking to ensure that appropriate safeguards have been included for local industry. “Notably, we are pleased that phase-in periods have been included for some of the reductions in tariffs applying to manufactured goods imported from China (with phase-out periods granted for tariffs applying to some products in the automotive, steel, aluminium, plastics, canned fruit, carpets, clothing and footwear sectors). Importantly, this will allow much-needed time for these domestic businesses to adjust to more intense competition. We remain concerned that similar phase-in periods may not have been secured for a range of other manufactured goods and we will seek clarification of this over the coming weeks,” Mr Willox said. “We welcome the preservation of Australian industry’s rights under anti-dumping and countervailing duties provisions. Unfair import price competition undermines the community’s confidence in the benefits of free trade, and the anti-dumping system is an important protection against predatory and injurious import pricing behaviour. Processed food manufacturers, many of whom are already taking advantage of China’s changing consumption habits, welcome the elimination of tariffs, particularly in dairy, chocolates and other high value foods. We note that non-food manufacturers have not been forgotten, and we appreciate the opportunity to increase market share in pharmaceutical, medical and industrial products.
business in. However, the specific agreement on improving the transparency of Non-Tariff Measures will be an important element in helping to give Australian companies, particularly SMEs, improved access to the booming market,” he said. “We welcome the very substantial increase in the threshold for private Chinese investment in non sensitive sectors in Australia before they are required to undergo Foreign Investment Review Board consideration. However, we are concerned that there appears to be a considerable asymmetry in relation to concrete advances in freeing access to Australian investment into China. Further, the relaxation of FIRB constraints on inbound investment underlines the importance of having provisions in Australia that require clear policies and plans to ensure that Australian producers are given full and fair opportunities to supply major projects. “There remain unknowns around the announcement and their implications for broader trade and investment relations with China. For example, this includes the protection around intellectual property. “The Government now needs to remain focused on the implementation of the China FTA, as well as the Korea and Japan agreements announced earlier this year, to assist Australian SMEs to benefit from the agreement. All studies, along with feedback from our members, indicate there is very low take up of advantages under Australia’s FTAs and this should be addressed to reap the full benefit of these agreements,” Mr Willox said.
“China is not an easy market for Australian companies to do
BUSINESS NEWS | 8
BIZ NEWS
COFFEE APP CREATING A BUZZ James Crawford & Al Ramsay from Beanhunter
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here really is no end to great business ideas, and when this one came across the editorial desk it just made us smile. From the joyously coffee-addicted minds that created Beanhunter – the Australian café and great coffee discovery app – comes Beanbuy.com, a marketplace that connects roasters to drinkers, and soon farmers to roasters. The idea, Beanhunter CEO, James Crawford, came from wanting to open up new direct trade relationships that would not only bring transparency from farm to cup. “It’s always been a focus for us with Beanhunter to help people find great coffee at cafes around the world, but what about people who want to find the best coffee beans for their home, office or cafe? Or for roasters who want access to the best green beans? Or farmers who want a fairer price and are normally shut off from valuable consumer and roaster feedback? We believe that a transparent community-driven marketplace, that connects coffee lovers together, to trade and share experiences, is the best way to solve many of these problems.”
customers around Australia thanks to the large network of passionate Beanhunter users.” Beanhunter, if it hasn’t already won a place on your smartphone, is an Australian built app that coffee lovers around the country have jumped on. Users share their coffee experiences, rating cafes for the quality of their coffee and writing reviews. Whether as a tourist, business traveller, or just as a curious local (and don’t we all check our own city first?), and want to find the city’s coffee gem, you do a quick search and there they are. Many of a city’s best cafes are tucked away down little streets around the globe and, unless you are in the know, are hard to find. The creators of Beanhunter have found themselves amongst a worldwide coffee loving community, who share their favourite cafes and coffee experiences with the rest of the world, and along the way are making independent cafes easier to find and supporting the specialty coffee industry.
And the idea is already gaining fans, with Nathan from Geelong’s Cartel Coffee Roasters amongst those who have jumped on board.
Beanhunter also recently acquired CoffeeJobs.com, the leading coffee and hospitality job board in Australia, and James said the addition of a jobs board was a natural extension for Beanhunter, as the company already have a network of coffee lovers, many of whom are café owners, baristas, wait staff, chefs and roasters.
“Beanbuy.com has been fantastic for us! We are selling some of our rarest and most expensive specialty coffees to new
And fuelled up on all that coffee, the next great business idea could be yours…
Thank You. There is no time more fitting than the holiday season to say thank you to all of our clients and associates for their continued support. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. From the Principals and staff at Coulter Roache
Tom White
Kevin Roache
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Vaughan Lamb
Anne O’Loughlin
Our office will be open during the Christmas and New Year period except on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December and Thursday 1 and Friday 2 January
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BIZ NEWS
SMOOTH SAILING AHEAD FOR AUSTRALIAN SEAFOOD SECTOR
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he world’s rapidly growing appetite for seafood is good news for Australia, with the local industry set to ride the surging wave of global demand, according to a new industry report.
The report, Smooth sailing for Australian Seafood, by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, says global consumption of seafood has grown by 26 per cent over the past 15 years, driven by increasing populations and the popularity of seafood in diets. Seafood is the most consumed animal protein in the world – surpassing other meats including poultry, pork and beef – and consumption is expected to continue to surge, with forecasts suggesting the growth rate is not likely to slow down over the next 10 years. “Rapid demand growth is outstripping supply, with an estimated 30 to 40 million tonnes of additional seafood required globally to meet consumer demand by 2030,” the report finds. And Australia is in a box seat to take advantage of this growing demand at the high-value premium end of the global market. Co-authored by Rabobank senior analyst Gorjan Nikolik, a specialist in the global seafood sector, and Australian animal proteins analyst Matt Costello, the report says that although the Australian seafood industry accounts for only a small proportion of world seafood production and trade, it plays an important role globally, given the wide range of premium aquaculture and wildcatch products produced in this country. Australia’s seafood sector is forecast to have a value of AU$2.5 billion in 2014/15, and with one of the strongest reputations globally for producing high-value, world-class, sustainable and environmentally-friendly seafood products, Mr Costello said the Australian seafood industry is very well positioned to supply seafood hungry consumers internationally and domestically. With global consumption of seafood forecast to average just under 20 kilograms a head annually in 2014, rising consumption of seafood is a worldwide trend, but particularly pronounced in developing countries, including in Asia. “Of particular note has been the rapid increase in demand from China, playing a significant role in global consumption and trade flows, while at the same becoming a crucial export destination for Australian seafood,” Mr Costello said. In 2014, Chinese per capita annual consumption of seafood is forecast to reach 37.7 kilograms per head, a rise of 57 per cent since 2000. “Currently, most of the Chinese seafood consumption is still based on low-value domestically-raised product. But more significant is the expected growth in demand from Chinese consumers for higher-end seafood products, many of which will need to be imported. This is a key opportunity for export-oriented aquaculture and fisheries, such as in Australia, which can supply premium
items,” Mr Costello said. Globally, the major consumers of seafood include Korea, Norway and Japan with per capita per annum consumption in 2014 expected to reach 57.7 kilograms, 57.65 kilograms and 52.6 kilograms respectively. The Rabobank report says global growth in seafood consumption is being driven by a number of factors. “Among western consumers there is growing demand due to the perceived health and well-being benefits of fish and other seafood, while there has also been a rapid rise in the popularity of Asian cuisine, which is seafood-rich,” Mr Costello said. “For developing countries, increased consumption has primarily been driven by population growth, while overall the diverse range of seafood items offers options for different income groups.” The rise of aquaculture – farmed cultivation of seafood – is also playing a significant role in driving global growth in seafood consumption, the report says, powered by its ability to sustainably and efficiently convert feed to protein and keeping prices affordable. “The ability to produce more with less is going to be the challenge to the future of food production and the aquaculture sector is the most efficient converter of feed in comparison to all animal proteins,” Mr Costello said. Farmed salmon, for example, requires approximately 1.2 kilograms of feed to produce one kilogram of protein, while an estimated eight kilograms of feed are required to produce one kilogram of beef. “With wild-catch seafood production growth remaining close to stagnant over the past 15 years, global seafood production is growing through increased aquaculture,” Mr Costello said. “Between 1990 and 2012, wild-catch seafood production increased just eight percent. And with rising environmental and sustainability pressures coming from all participants along the supply chain – including consumers, companies and governments – it is likely there will be no growth in wild-catch production in the future. Assuming that wild-catch remains at current levels, it is estimated that the extra 30 to 40 million tonnes of additional seafood will be required from aquaculture to meet global demand by 2030.” Globally, aquaculture now accounts for more than 50 per cent of seafood produced for human consumption, surpassing wild-catch in 2012, the report says. Here in Australia, seafood production is still dominated by wildcatch, accounting for 87 per cent of production in 2012, with aquaculture making up a relatively small, yet increasing, share of production.
BUSINESS NEWS | 10
INSIDE WORD
NAVIGATING A FUTURE COURSE COMMITTEE FOR GEELONG CONCERNED OVER PORT’S FUTURE In the week’s leading up to the election, the Committee for Geelong (CfG) approached both Denis Napthine and Daniel Andrews to express concerns over the future efficient use and navigational safety of the Port of Geelong. Committee Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Casson, said CfG was worried about the impact on Geelong of the privatisation of the Port of Melbourne.
BIG NEWS FOR ANAM CARA BOARD Frank Costa OAM, patron of Anam Cara House Geelong, announced the appointment of Diana Taylor to the role of Chair of the Anam Cara Geelong Foundation Board.
“The new Port of Melbourne owner must not be allowed to control access to the Heads of Port Phillip Bay,” Ms Casson said. “It is conceivable a private operator would prioritise access to the Port of Melbourne over the Port of Geelong.
“Diana is a Geelong business leader, lawyer and has been a Director of the Geelong Football Club since 2010. Her leadership, governance and business acumen will be a wonderful addition to the already highly skilled Foundation Board,” Mr Costa said.
“From our research, it is clear that users of the Port of Geelong broadly support the privatisation of the Port of Melbourne and expect shared channel access and fee setting to be conducted transparently, fairly and with clear guidelines. We believe control and revenue from Geelong channels must remain with a Geelong-based entity, while ready access to the shared channel remains a priority.”
Ms Taylor said it was an honour to have been appointed Chair by the Board of Directors, saying, “Anam Cara House provides a unique and critically important respite service for people with a chronic or terminal illness and their dedicated family members and support networks. The role of the Foundation is to help ensure that the capacity of Anam Cara House to deliver these vital services is assured both now and into the future.”
Ms Casson said research into port privatisation in Queensland, NSW and South Australia emphasised that port users believe strongly that pricing, as well as safety and navigational matters are best managed by the state.
Anam Cara House Geelong provides respite for carers of people with a life-limiting illness in the Greater Geelong and South West Victoria regions. It is the only facility of its type in Geelong, and offers professional and personalised palliative care in a “home like” environment. The Anam Cara Geelong Foundation was established in 2013 to help raise vital funds for this solely community-funded service.
“Interstate there is a strong view that services have suffered as a result of channel management being privatised and that healthy competition has suffered,” she said. “Private control of channels may also jeopardise the development of a new port – either Bay West or Hastings – as a private operator may seek to suppress competition.” The Committee has sought a commitment to the principles of transparency, safety, fairness and competiveness in regard to management and fee setting for the use of the shared channel, which would be managed by either the Department of Transport or a statutory authority established by the Department.
“I am delighted that Diana Taylor has put her hand up for the important role of Anam Cara Geelong Foundation Chair,” Mr Costa said. Diana Taylor joins Deputy Chair Stan Corner, newly appointed Director Keith Fagg and current Foundation Directors Fr Kevin Dillon AM, Lloyd Gosling AM, Kevin Roache, Christine Heath, Allan Schmidt and Andrew Wierzbowski.
at Clyde Park
Building a Better Geelong
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 11
Building a B
SATURDAY 21 ST FEB gabf.com.au GEE LONG RACECOUR SE
t c e f Per t Gif ! a e Id
GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEER FESTIVAL RETURNS TO GEELONG RACECOURSE IN 2015 WITH OVER 200 CRAFT BEER AND CIDERS
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n Saturday February 21, 2015 the ultimate Great Australian Beer Festival returns to Geelong Racecourse for its third consecutive year, bigger and better than ever before. As Australia’s biggest alfresco craft beer and cider garden – it attracts people from all over Australia. It is designed so that patrons can wander through pop-up bars, lounge in the cider garden or stroll alleyways to discover surprising happenings, with music, art and irresistible entertainment around each and every turn. Festival co-founders and Australian Beer Ambassadors’ Directors Michael Ward and Kieran Blood said the event had grown considerably and exceeded their expectations in just a few short years. “The aim was to create an event that would educate people about craft beers and ciders, somewhere they could sample all styles of beer and learn from the brewers themselves,” Michael said. The festival has evolved in such a short time with February’s event set to feature over 200 beers & ciders, a designated cider garden, three stages, 15 live acts, free seminars and competitions ranging from keg rolling and homebrewing, through to a national BEERtography competition.
“For GABF ’15 we want more colour!” Michael said, encouraging patrons to come along dressed in colour, maybe something Hawaiian or perhaps wearing a sombrero. The music line-up is diverse. Reggae and Calypso with Nicky Bomba & Friends, the Pierce Brothers’ indie folk, to a variety of jazz, funk, folk, blue grass & country. Food stalls will be found throughout the course and include more restaurants added to the Tastes of the Region section, together with a variety of renowned food trucks serving a range of gourmet & international foods. Children have their own kid’s zone with activities taking place throughout the day. The idea is to drink, eat, socialise and be merry with plenty of opportunity to kick back and taste incredible beers and ciders. This beer lover’s paradise and quirky summer festival is a must attend. The festival runs from 11am through to 7pm and has a direct shuttle bus service running from South Geelong railway station during the event. Tickets make an ideal gift and are on sale now! For more information visit: www.gabf.com.au
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 13
NEW APPOINTMENTS
HOSPITALITY Ross Ebbels has been appointed as General Manager of the new Flying Brick Cider House in Wallington. A stellar hospitality and wine industry professional, Ross is well known for his years at Harry’s in Queenscliff, Athelstane House and Scotchman’s Hill backed up by substantial contribution to the local tourism industry.
HOSPITALITY Colourful culinary personality, Dwayne Bourke has joined the new Flying Brick Cider House team in Wallington. Dwayne’s outstanding career has included hatted restaurants such as Sunnybrae, Pettavel, The Mansion at Werribee and The Argo. Prior to Flying Brick Cider House, Dwayne’s most recent charge was the ever popular Denny’s Kitchen in Geelong.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
JEWELLER
Aus Pits are proud to announce the appointment of Ashley Goldstraw as Quality Assurance Manager. Ashley has over 20 years of experience in a variety of roles within the forestry industry including Forest Planner, Harvesting Supervisor, Plantation Establishment Manager, Planning and Information Manager and Compliance Manager.
Jake Coughlan moved from Queensland to join the dynamic team at Artworks Jewellers in July. He has been in the jewellery industry for 13 years and a jeweller for 10 years. Jake’s passion for the jewellery industry along with his dedication and skill has made him a very valuable member of the Artworks team.
FINANCE
BUILDING & DESIGN
BUSINESS NEWS | 14
Dale Williamson is proud to introduce his new Financial Planning business – One Life Financial Services Pty Ltd. Dale brings a simple philosophy to financial planning, built on customer service and strong client relationships. He specialises in personal Protection Packages and Superannuation structured to suit each client’s needs and goals.
Peter Derbyshire has joined award-winning, boutique building company Derbyshire as General Manager. Peter returns to Geelong with a wealth of experience having worked as an accountant both in Melbourne and London for many years and more recently has been involved in marketing roles. Peter is extremely excited and passionate about his new role with Derbyshire.
INSIGHT
RULES EAT UP $250 BILLION IN LOST PRODUCTIVITY The fourth Building the Lucky Country report from Deloitte Access Economics has found that Australia’s productivity is being choked by red tape, with the combined cost of administering and complying with public and private sector bureaucracy costing the nation $250 billion every year.
gains in productivity, as well as our living standards.” •
The small taxi fares that have to await approval from the weekly executive team meeting
Strikingly, the ‘Get out of your own way: Unleashing productivity’ report found the cost of complying with self-imposed rules created by the private sector is double that associated with government regulations. The self-imposed rules of the private sector cost $155 billion a year: $21 billion to develop and administer, and a staggering $134 billion a year in compliance costs. Middle managers and senior executives chalk up 8.9 hours a week complying with the rules that firms set for themselves, with other staff spending 6.4 hours.
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The firm that rejects application forms from potential customers if they are completed in blue ink
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The firm that made engineers sign off on new parts at a fixed location, making them walk 15 kms a day
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The rules that made staff record every guest coffee made, but let them order as much alcohol as they like
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The firm that made staff do an ergonomic checklist when moving desks, then introduced ‘hot desking’
According to report co-author and Deloitte Access Economics partner, Chris Richardson, “Unless and until we address this choking cost, it will be hard for Australia to be truly ‘open for business.’ “To be clear, rules and regulations are vitally necessary. They cement the key foundations of our society, protecting the rule of law and a wealth of standards in everything from health to safety and the environment. And they can help businesses to reduce risk and plan for the future. However, a decade of prosperity has seen Australia’s policymakers ‘reach for a rule’, often without weighing the costs and benefits of doing so, and the cost of government rules has risen since the last time the Productivity Commission added them up.”
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The global HQ that told a newly acquired Australian subsidiary that it couldn’t put an Excel spreadsheet on its website, even though the new subsidiary’s line of business was selling data in Excel format to its clients
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The public servant who needed two approvals to spend $20 on marshmallows for a workshop
Deloitte estimates that Federal, State and local government rules and regulations now cost $27 billion a year to administer, plus a huge $67 billion a year to comply with. Gerhard Vorster, Deloitte’s Chief Strategy Officer and Building the Lucky Country series co-author, observed that, “Bureaucracy isn’t solely something that governments can do better – we all can. Remember when you actually used to be able to do work when you were at work? The pay offs to better rules have the potential to be a big driver of
Here’s just a few examples of dumb rules in Australia:
Australian businesses have bulked up, employing many people whose role is to create and then enforce a whole bunch of rules and regulations. That doesn’t just mean lawyers and accountants. It also includes people in finance and IT and HR functions, as well as in fast-growing governance and security roles. As a result, there are already more ‘compliance workers’ across Australia than there are people working in construction, manufacturing or education roles. In fact, one in every 11 employed Australians now works in the compliance sector. “There is a huge payoff to the profits of Australian businesses and the incomes of our workers if we simply get out of our own way. Doing so won’t just unleash business productivity – it will unleash Australia.”
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BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 15
TIME HONOURED
JUST DREAM a little...
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heirs are the windows that make you slow down, to lean in for a closer look and to smile at a memory or just dream a little.
When I walked into the store, quite early, there was an appraisal underway. A Mum or Nan had passed away and, as part of the long and draining process of executing the will, the jewellery was being assessed for its monetary value. There were stories being told, and some gentle laughter
and a shared understanding that the real value had nothing to do with money. And I found myself thinking back on all my family’s jewellery stories – so many stories and so many memories centred on, really, such small things. But that is the joy of this business for Brett and Linda Wood. The unique pieces created at the back of the shop will all become part of a family’s stories. They are the special occasion presents, the family heirloom that has been restored or remade. There, on Brett’s desk, was an extraordinarily detailed design of a filigree brooch, being created as an anniversary gift. Attached to the drawing was a small scrap of fabric from the dress the wife was having made for the party. Everything about it was beautiful. This small family business is driven on quality and on genuine customer service – the kind where you don’t just want to do a good job to build a good reputation, but you want to do a good job for that customer because you understand what it means to them. It’s also the sort of thing that brings people back time and again over the years, and Brett is now making engagement and wedding rings for the daughters of women he had also made engagement and wedding rings for. Along the way are gifts when babies are born, birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries. There are Nan’s rings resized or redesigned to fit a daughter or granddaughter, the special necklace that they always wanted but couldn’t afford when they were younger, and then there is the question of what to do with the engagement ring post-divorce.
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..................................................................................................... Please call .............................. Today to book in your Free clean, check and polish to make sure everything is looking great!
(03) 5223 2800
AT
135 Pakington Street, Geelong West Phone 5223 2800 135 Pakington Street, www.artworksjewellers.com.au www.facebook.com/artworksjewellers
Geelong West
52 232 800
www.artworksjewellers.com.au
Being able to design and create jewellery is where the business came from. For Brett, once a kid who knew he wasn’t an academic, or a sports star, but enjoyed making things and decided he decided he wanted to make jewellery. While the decision initially left his parents gob smacked, Mum got on the phone, as mums do, which led to a job with a Melbourne jeweller, Impala. Over seven years he learnt the craft in a business that made everything by hand, from very intricate, very valuable custom jewellery commissions to antique restorations like the flintlock on an old pistol or a sextant, through to one memorable day when the boss walked in with a 1.5 metre-long model ship that needed some work done on it. What he walked away with was an invaluable understanding of very high standard jewellery, innovative, diversity and the joy of creating. And it’s still fun for Brett; you can see it when he talks about it. Returning to Geelong, he spent a couple of years with Thomas’ before convincing Duff’s that they needed a jeweller within the company. But the drive was there to run his own business, and so Brett’s Artworks, later Artworks Jewellers, came to be in 1989. And little by little, piece by piece and job by job the business grew. Now, it’s just part of the fabric of Pakington Street – you grab a coffee, some lunch if you have time, do some shopping and slow down to have a look when you go past Artworks Jewellers.
jewellery, and the sense of luxury that we get from a beautiful piece of bespoke jewellery. As the business grew, new jewellery lines were introduced, always heavily researched to make sure they met Brett’s incredibly high standards for quality, design and materials. First there was Pandora, then Karen Walker, Uber Kate and now, just new in and something that’s had all the girls in our office oohing and aahing, is Julie Sandlau. Today, the business is thriving. Linda, wife, mother and driving force, keeps everything running smoothly, while one of the couple’s sons, George, who is learning the business as a second-year apprentice is quick to ask if he can help or get you a cup of coffee or tea, while his brother Fabian is out the back doing something clever with the computer system. In the background comes the gentle tap of metal on metal and all around are beautiful, enticing, envy-inducing, dream-inspiring pieces of jewellery.
Artistry, family and customer service are at the heart of this business. And, as in so many family businesses, it’s the little things that make the difference. It’s not just the smile and hello when you walk in, it’s things like being able to take a ring that you’ve had made maybe decades ago back to that jeweller and have it cleaned and polished for free, so it keeps it in good condition and looking like new. And every week, Brett does one job for free. It’s become a store tradition, every week, when a customer comes in to pick up a piece that has been repaired, that they will be told there is nothing to pay. It’s a way of acknowledging that this business is built on emotion – the emotion people connect with their and or their family’s
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 17
FEATURE
CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE - AUSTRALIA’S TRAINING CHALLENGE
As we move further into the digital age, there is a constant push and pull between what an employer is looking for training to provide and what skills students are gaining from training. The training and adult education sector isn’t an easy one to write about at the moment. The changes have come thick and fast for RTOs in recent years; to such an extent that it feels like the sector is in a constant state of flux. A quick visit to the government’s VET Reform website (vetreform. industry.gov.au) reveals a head-spinning list of reviews and new program announcements, consisting of the closure of some programs, rolling others into new or existing programs under the Department of Industry, a lot of focus on lifting training standards and making the sector more responsive to the needs of business and industry and, of course, a raft of consultations and industry discussion papers.
And when you add an unprecedented public and media interest in the quality of education providers and the picture that emerges is one of a sector undergoing enormous change. But it is a vital sector if Australia is to continue to prosper. The pace of change across the wider business and industry sector is showing no signs of slowing down. Meeting the challenges this widespread change brings, and preparing to take best advantage of them, more and more requires some form of training. Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) chief executive officer, Rod Camm, said there have been so many proposed changes to this sector, both in the higher education and vocational education and training, that it can be hard to focus on what the key issues really are.
There are the highly contentious higher education reforms to come before the Senate, and who knows what will happen there, then we have the Senate enquiry into vocational education providers and the big public policy statements announced by Industry Minister Ian McFarlane around training packages – the basic infrastructure of the system.
“Training is incredibly important for the future prosperity of the country, for people’s employability and for employers when it comes to productivity, but I think the current complexity rests more in the policy space than for students. Students are out there engaging with the sector and are largely reporting a high satisfaction rate.
The Abbott Government’s VET Reform program is a sweeping reform agenda that, ultimately, leads to one question: what difference will it make?
“We need to keep getting better and making sure everything works, but I think the one pleasing element is that I think students and parents are probably okay. That’s not to say that we can’t
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FEATURE improve the information that’s available to them, because that’s an issue,” Mr Camm said. That there are poor quality providers in the sector is irrefutable, but it seems to be getting harder for these operators to hide, and that can only be good for everyone involved in the sector. And, of course, everyone has an opinion on the effectiveness of the training sector, how responsive it is to student and industry needs, and more than anything else that interest reflects the importance of training as a driver of productivity and innovation. As we move further into the digital age, there is a constant push and pull between what an employer is looking for training to provide and what skills students are gaining from training. But when it comes to workplace skills, there is no one-size fits all answer. “There is a lot of work happening around the training and education frameworks, and, at the end of the day, a quality system needs to be underpinned by student choice. Students need a broad range of choices to be able to pick which course, and which provider and delivery mode suits them. The key to that is ensuring that the qualifications that we produce are portable in the economy and not just confined to one job,” Mr Camm said. “The evidence shows that only 42 per cent of people who study in our sector go on to study in the industry they studied in. So you can’t just prepare them for one industry, we have to be broader than that.” It’s a telling statistic, and is yet another reminder that it can be tough trying to break into the job market or to reenter it. The inner cynic also questions how much of that statistic is due to box-ticking training – the training that people are told they must undertake to continue to qualify for unemployment benefits while they are looking for work or after being retrenched, for instance. “All of the evidence is that a qualification really makes a difference to people’s future prosperity, and we need to make sure that qualification is a valuable one,” Mr Camm said. The Federal Government released a discussion paper on the future of industry advisory arrangements and the structure of qualifications in training packages on November 9 as part of its Vocational Education and Training Reform agenda. Mr Camm said this was the next opportunity to look at ensuring that qualifications are fit to purpose. Other elements of the VET Reform package are also underway, including a tender process for the provision of future apprenticeship support services, with current contracts for delivery of support services have been extended to 30 June 2015. Completion rates of apprenticeships is a significant issue, and the aim of the government’s Apprenticeship Support Services is to work with apprentices, employers and trainers to ensure apprentices are undertaking the right apprenticeship for them, that the training is valuable for them and their employer, and that the apprentice will complete the apprenticeship. But again, the only question worth asking about this change is, will it work? At the end of the day, we want young people, people who have retrained or who are looking to reenter the workforce to get a job, and I talked to Mr Camm about his thoughts on reversing the
current training to employment model, where a person looking for work can identify industries with skill shortages, undergo training to gain those skills, only to find there is no job at the end of it all, to a model that would see a person apply, be interviewed and gain a job, then do the appropriate training. “I think there’s merit in both of them,” he said. “The apprenticeship system has been around since the start of any economy and it’s still there, employers love it and apprentices love it as well. That model works. The challenge is that employers today want people to be productive almost from the time they start in the workplace. And telling someone to find a job and then we’ll train you may not give them the portable skills they need, because people don’t have the one career anymore, they have three or four of them,” he said. “I think it’s great when people go into the workplace market with a qualification behind them, but it’s at that point that things like internships and more specific training can add more value to the generic stuff they have learnt. I don’t think there is a one-size fits all model.” But one of the biggest changes to the sector has nothing to do with policy or funding, it has come from digitization. From online courses, to video tutorials, workshops and classes, to the delivery of training into workplaces, technology has had a huge impact on the sector and will continue to shape its future. “The fact that smartphones and tablets now outsell PCs is proof enough that everyone is mobile now,” Mr Camm said. “Whether it’s how a provider communicates with students or how a student learns, it all has to be done using smart technology. That takes a big investment and a big change in thinking in terms of our education paradigms; and the pace of digitization shows no signs of relenting. I think it’s changed everything.” With so much change in the sector, and a growing need for flexible, affordable, accessible training options, training providers are looking for a clear path forward from the government so they can focus on meeting the challenges of training the students of today for the jobs of tomorrow. “We have to get away from these constant debates about policy changes. What I would like to see in 2015 is a very coherent, national skills strategy that clearly identifies the key drivers and the key outcomes from the sector, and that results in a national approach. That would mean that all systems, be they funded by the State or by the Commonwealth, would be working towards the same end, and so students can study with the provider of their choice across the nation rather than negotiating eight different contestable systems, and one that works with regulators to produce high quality outcomes and ensure that qualifications have integrity.” But more than anything else, what Mr Camm said he would like to see for his sector, is certainty. “We understand the democracy, but with education, you really don’t want politics involved, you want consistency. It’s difficult for educators to gear up to a system and then, every three years, be questioning whether or not that system is going to change,” Mr Camm said. And that, at least, is easy to understand.
DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 19
TIME HONOURED
IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE
P
restige Jayco offers everything you need to make a caravan and camping holiday great. From the latest campers, caravans, pop tops, expandas and motorhomes, to madeto-order canvas products to complete camping solutions. ‘We’re in the business of making dreams come true,’ says Prestige Jayco owners, John and Joan Spence. For over 26 years, the Spence family have shared their passion for the great outdoors through their business and cannot imagine it any other way. ‘We are a family business established in 1988. With humble, hard-working origins in a caravan service repair business, we soon noticed what great quality caravan products Jayco had. It was an exciting day in 1990 when we became an accredited Jayco dealer’, says John. Prestige Jayco now operate two Jayco dealerships in Geelong and Bendigo, fully equipped with new and used vans, service and warranty facilities, parts and accessories stores, and an onsite canvas manufacturing centre in Geelong. Prestige Jayco’s range covers quality used vans from as little as
$10,000 up to luxurious new motorhomes with a $200,000 price tag. John fondly remembers family summer holidays in a van at Lorne. And he feels great seeing happy customers drive out of the yard to forge their own holiday memories. ‘This is such a fun business to be in, we really do love it,’ he says. Quality is a key word in the Prestige Jayco approach. That’s quality customer service, quality products and quality aftercare service. The progressive company employs over 50 people including three generations of the Spence family, reinvests in its business, values staff and their input. ‘Our people are great, they make the business what it is,’ says John. ‘We’ve got a great reputation and a great name in the market place,’ he says. ‘We live and die by what we sell and we pride ourselves in our people and our service.’ Building on the success of taking out this year’s Retail Business Award at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, Prestige Jayco are always looking forward and enjoy being a part of the greater community. They’re proud supporters of local business and getting behind
BUSINESS NEWS | 20
Prestige Jayco 182 Bellarine Highway Newcomb Geelong VIC 3219 Phone 5248 6655 WEBSITE www.prestigejayco.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/PrestigeJayco TWITTER www.twitter.com/PrestigeJayco YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/PrestigeJayco PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/PrestigeJayco
local community and sport groups including the Geelong Baycats and Prestige Jayco Youth Lady Stingrays. ‘We love promoting not only our business, but the Geelong region as a great holiday destination. We just want our customers to enjoy the lifestyle a van has to offer, and what better place to do it,’ says John. ‘We’re obsessed with “getting away from it all” on camping trips. Our favourite things are waking up in nature - whether that’s free camping by a river or in the luxury of a well-run caravan park - and the friends they make along the way.’ ‘That’s exactly why we love what we do here at Prestige’, says John. If it’s a holiday lifestyle you’re looking for, the team at Prestige Jayco have got you covered. They can offer you the expert advice you need to make your time away memorable. ‘If you have a dream of seeing Australia, come on in and visit our team at Geelong and Bendigo. We’ll help you to make some memories of your own…’
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 21
COVER STORY
T
he City of Greater Geelong is currently home to around 225,000 people and the City of Greater Geelong’s forecast i.d. population estimates suggest we will grow to around 297,000 by 2031 - a 32 per cent increase in population in just 15 years. It is an undeniable population boom, but with the neighbouring Wyndham region growing at 7 per cent per annum, Geelong’s forecast figures may yet prove conservative. Big population growth comes with big opportunities and equally big challenges and good planning is critical to managing this growth. But when it comes to planning and planning process, our city has, well… let’s call it an unedifying past. The City’s first directly-elected Mayor, Keith Fagg, acknowledged the city’s poor planning reputation, and set about establishing Enterprise Geelong to help attract private investment into Geelong and steer potential investors through the Council process. The current Mayor, Darryn Lyons, has been vocal about his experiences with and views on the past planning performance of the City and vowed to make changes. From within the City and without, there have been moves to address some of the challenges around planning, but there is still work to be done. “We talk about the loss of jobs in Geelong, we talk about the loss of Alcoa and Ford and the uncertainty; what we don’t ever talk about in Geelong is the importance of the construction industry to our economy,” said Kirsten Kilpatrick, Chair of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Geelong Chapter, the peak body for urban developers in Australia. “When you look at the investment that is happening around developments in Lara, the Bellarine and Torquay, you can see there is significant investment that is both creating jobs and driving economic growth right across the region.
“The response is often that these are short-term jobs, but what we are building are sustainable jobs. The people working in construction are working on job after job, and when they build things like the new town centre in the Gen Fyansford development, that will bring specialty retail jobs, business services jobs and all the other long-term jobs that come with that. It’s an important point that is often lost in Geelong. It’s also not just about those jobs; it’s also about the economic spin-offs that come with those jobs.” Ms Kilpatrick works for Tract Consultants as an Associate Town Planner, working on projects including Gen Fyansford, the Northern Arc project for the redevelopment of the Waterworld site in Norlane, encompassing Barwon Health’s new Northern Hospital, the relocation of the pool and a new library and community centre, and then there is the Lovely Banks urban growth area. The Lovely Banks growth area incorporates some 1,100 hectares of land to the north of the city, and the area will join Armstrong Creek and Lara as the city’s key growth areas, with 10,000 new homes housing 30,000 residents, a new town centre, neighbourhood activity centres and schools. Interestingly, Lovely Banks was originally considered to be the site of the region’s next growth area, but as the years passed the plan shifted to Armstrong Creek. Gen Fyansford is another new development project in Geelong, and another that the idea for has been around for some time. It occupies the former 115-hectare former site of Geelong Cement in Fyansford. The land has been earmarked for development almost from the time of the closure of the cement works and quarry. However, Moltoni Group’s $300 million Fyansford Green project that would have seen a residential development of around 2000 homes was scrapped after the division of the company behind the project went into receivership in 2011. The land was put up for sale and was snapped up by ICD Property.
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E R U T C I P G I B
g n i n n pla ICD is a new entrant into local land development and the company’s projects include the sold-out Eq. Tower in Melbourne CBD, the YOU AND I apartment complex on Smith Street, Collingwood, and another architectural apartment building in Hawthorn. At the official groundbreaking ceremony last month, Managing Director Michael Mai celebrated the development’s strong sales and spoke of the drive to create exceptional projects, offering a high-end residential environment with strong architectural values. The Lifestyle Communities development in Bell Park is another in a new generation of residential development projects underway in Geelong. Managing Director of Lifestyle Communities, James Kelly, said the company had been looking for land in Geelong since the company was founded around ten years ago. “Not only does the area boast fantastic amenities and a great lifestyle but there is a real gap in the market providing quality affordable accommodation for over 50’s. The number of people aged between 50 and 80 in the City of Greater Geelong is forecast to grow by approximately 20,000 by 2031,” he said. Mr Kelly described the planning team at the Geelong Council as ‘one of the best we have dealt with.’ “From the get go they have understood the project requirement and have really helped facilitate obtaining the permit,” he said. The Lifestyle Geelong project is a $45 million project that is expected to take between three and four years to complete. Local firm, Wellam Constructions, was awarded the main civil contract in November, and Wellam Constructions Director, Mr Nick Cullen, said the contract is a major boost for the business and local civil works subcontractors. Mr Kelly said the company has a policy of investing in the communities in which they are building, and will also be employing local trades to construct the $20 million worth
on housing. On completion, the community will have 165 homes with a $2.5 million clubhouse, tennis court, bowling green, gym, indoor pool, business centre and a homeowners share boat. But more than any other, it is Armstrong Creek that has seen a new model for the way development and planning works in Geelong. The Armstrong Creek growth area is the largest contiguous growth area in Victoria, consisting of 2,500 hectares of developable land, and is one of the largest growth fronts in the country. When complete, Armstrong Creek will be home to between 55,000 and 65,000 people, with approximately 22,000 homes. The original plan for the super suburb dates back almost 30 years to the late 1980s. Armstrong Creek Development Corporation’s Warralily project was launched in 2010. This growing community development currently has 2350 residents, with 20 new families moving into their new home at Warralily every month. When complete, Warralily will comprise approximately 5,000 homes with an estimated population of 15,000 and will host an array of community facilities to support residents, including sports and recreation, community centres, schools, shopping centres and dining precincts. Woolworths was announced as the anchor tenant for the new Warralily Village in late October, with the first phase of The Village alone representing a $100 million investment. Newland, the development arm of Metricon, are project managers of Warralily Estate for the Armstrong Creek Development Corporation. Matt Fleischmann, Senior Development Manager of Warralily for Newland, said eight years of planning led to the Precinct Structure Plan being Gazetted in 2010, as Precinct Structure Plans require legislative change to the Planning Scheme. As the first master planned community in Geelong, there has been an obvious desire from all parties to make development at Armstrong Creek run as smoothly as possible. It was an approach
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COVER STORY to residential development that we haven’t seen in the city before and has set a new benchmark for how planning process and urban planning can work here. The process is one thing, but something that has to be seen to truly comprehend it is the sheer scale of the development. Stretching from Lower Mount Duneed Road to Barwon Heads Road and through to the Surf Coast Highway, Warralily stretches four kilometres from end to end. There are 30kms of walking and cycling paths, more than 82 hectares of public open space and public art, with the centerpiece being a meandering green spine, taking in remnant vegetation conservation areas, including Stewart’s reserve, the last known campsite of the Wathaurong, that was used up to around 1850. And it’s so quiet, which came as a surprise. People walk a lot here, there are kids playing on the playgrounds and you can see trees from everywhere in the development. On a map it looks plonked somewhere between Grovedale and Torquay, but on the ground it all just works. It is the
the remaining 6 per cent being withdrawn or lapsing. The time taken to grant permits has been dramatically reduced, with 84 per cent of applications, on average, now being processed within the 60-day statutory period. This is an improvement from 53 per cent from 12 months ago and stacks up well with the regional average of 78 per cent, metropolitan average of 63 per cent and the state’s growth areas average of 64 per cent. Mayor of Geelong, Darryn Lyons, said UDIA figures for Geelong show 11 per cent growth in new house approvals for 2013, with Geelong the only regional area to improve its total house approvals. “When I was campaigning for Mayor, I heard a lot of stories from people frustrated with the planning process. One of the first things I did once I was elected was to sit down with Peter Bettess, Council’s General Manager responsible for planning, and outline what I had been told and how I wanted things to change. Peter and the planning team were up to the challenge and I’m very pleased to say that in 12 months Geelong is now leading the State
“We should be looking at what is happening around the world and be open to the conversation about what we can achieve here: rather than say no, say how.” – Kirsten Kilpatrick, UDIA Geelong. number one selling residential development in the state, a fact that says more about the appeal of Geelong as a place to live than any politician’s speech could come close to. Jeremy Minter, Warralily Project Manager Urban Design, described the relationship with the City of Greater Geelong as ‘absolutely fantastic’. “We work really closely with them, it’s very much a continual, integrated kind of approach. That makes a huge difference, having almost a spirit of partnership rather than that typical push and pull between developers and planning departments.” And, with a development of this size and complexity, there is a lot to be worked through. In a perfect world, all development applications would have the same positive working relationship with the planning authority, but this is not a perfect world and planning is an ever fraught issue. “Certainly, there are some issues with the City of Greater Geelong,” Ms Kilpatrick said. “The UDIA held developer forums in May and November, where we talked about some of these issues and how we could work together to speed some of these things up. There were some opportunities identified out of that process around improved communication between the City and planning applicants, and also with internal communication between the various units within Council so there is more internal coordination. “Now, if there’s blockages within Council, there are mechanisms to intervene and keep things moving,” Ms Kilpatrick said, adding that the November forum turned the focus on addressing blockages with external agencies such as Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Water and VicRoads. “There are a lot of things that are out there, but what we are keen to do as the Geelong Region Chapter of the UDIA is to continue to be that industry association driving for change. Because as an industry and as applicants, we can’t complain about the timelines of applications if we don’t do the right thing from the outset.” The City of Greater Geelong is the region’s planning authority, dealing with over 1800 applications per year, the third highest rate of applications for any Council in the state. There has been a significant focus on improving planning processes and practices in recent years, with current performance figures showing 93 per cent of applications receiving a permit, 1 per cent are refused and
in planning permit decision times and is cutting red tape with the new VicSmart process.” VicSmart is a State Government initiative launched in September this year by then Planning Minister, Matthew Guy. Under VicSmart, simple planning permits that meet a set of clear cut rules can have a permit fast-tracked to within ten working days, on the condition that no further information is required by Council. The system is designed for permits for things like fences, signs and garages. The Mayor said the Geelong Council have embraced VicSmart, and have gone further than any other council in including straightforward development in the 10 business day turnaround. “We’ve also streamlined the planning controls in Central Geelong allowing permits for major office developments to be issued in record times,” the Mayor said. For those who can hark back to the period of the Geelong Regional Commission, before the establishment of the City of Greater Geelong, is remembered fondly as a time when planning operated at a remove from politics. With the scale and scope of development underway or planned for the region, the idea of taking planning out of the political cycle and putting it in the hands of a statutory body is a beguiling one - although that sounds a little like the mandate of Infrastructure Australia, and we know how much attention the decision makers pay to them. The City’s General Manager for Planning and Tourism, Peter Bettess, said it is too easy to look back at the past with rose coloured glasses. “Although the Geelong Regional Commission (GRC) had the vision to focus Geelong on the waterfront, it was the Greater Geelong Council, in partnership with the State Government, who delivered the project through the Steampacket Place Board, which was a special committee of the Council. The main reason for the GRC was to co-ordinate planning and economic development of Geelong across nine municipalities. With the establishment of the City of Greater Geelong, the urban area of Geelong is largely within one municipality. “Council has demonstrated its capability in urban and development planning in Armstrong Creek, Jetty Road, Leopold, Lara West, Ocean Grove and the other growth areas. A statutory body brings another level of bureaucracy and red tape that is unnecessary.
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com Warralily public
munity spaces
The Mayor with Micha e
The current Central Geelong Task Force is another example of the Council using a special committee which can harness external expertise to deliver projects.” But it doesn’t always work and there are the cases where the system just breaks down. In the case of the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct, the City is not just the planning authority, but also the developer. It is a situation that raises numerous questions, and for at least one local development company, has caused more than a few headaches. Bisinella Developments celebrated 50 years in the business of industrial and residential development in November. The company has constructed fifteen of the city’s big factories and still owns and leases factories with a total area of more than 100,000 square metres. There are also six Bisinella residential estates currently selling in the region: Baywater Estate and Bellaview Estate in Curlewis, and Lara Central Estate, Grand Lakes Estate and Museum Estate in Lara. From the Corio Shire, to the Geelong Regional Commission, to the Geelong Council, the company has built both industrial and residential developments across the region and company founder, Lino Bisinella, and Corporate Affairs Manager, David Withington, said the process has worked in almost all developments. The exception as been in the Bisinella’s industrial land at the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct in Lara, where the company’s land sits in the same area as land the City of Greater Geelong has for sale. That the City is both the planning authority and a developer, in an area where other developers are also trying to sell land, raises some fairly obvious issues. Mr Withington said planning approvals for his company’s land have taken over five years - with a protracted dispute over one aspect of the permit leading to Bisinella Developments seeking an outcome at VCAT. The issue centred on a $2.8 million drainage charge issued by the City to Bisinella; while Bisinella argued that the drainage scheme overwhelmingly benefited the City’s land. The matter was settled just hours before it was due to be heard by the planning tribunal. Mr Withington said Council is now applying a new method of calculating drainage charges based on the method used by Melbourne Water for developments in Werribee and Laverton, and this has resulted in a significantly lower, and in his words fairer, proposed charge on the Bisinella subdivision.
l Mai - Fern e Millen Ph
otography
any kind come with inevitable costs – as well as the costs of trying to work through, or challenge, the causes of the hold up. Lengthy processes have in the past seen developers walk away from projects in Geelong, and, in the case of the GREP, seen the interest of potential investors lost, and while RPC Technologies have had a factory built for them on Bisinella’s land in the GREP, it remains the only factory in the precinct and had to be built on a compromise arrangement to allow RPC to take advantage of Federal funding made available in the context of the GFC. “We’ve had a number of other serious expressions of interest from various firms, but we couldn’t proceed with them for two reasons: we didn’t have the subdivided land to give them and we had the uncertainty hanging over us of what we were going to be charged for this drainage scheme, and we couldn’t price the land without knowing what that charge would be,” Mr Withington said. Over the past twelve months Council have sold a number of lots in the Council-owned GREP land and Mr Withington said Bisinella welcomed these sales. “When it comes to our residential developments, I think most approvals have taken around six to nine months, which is normal. So that’s all fine,” Mr Bisinella said. Having seen the continual rise in land prices in the state from inside the industry, Mr Bisinella said the introduction of structure plans – designating future growth areas – has unnecessarily driven up the price of land, and therefore the price of homes, across the state. Ms Kilpatrick said that just seven years ago, the zoned land supply in Geelong had declined to just five years of available land. “When everyone sees now this explosion of development across the region, it’s primarily due to the lack of supply that Geelong had for such a long time. There are a lot of arguments about supply-led demand. On one side is the view that if you increase the supply of land in the market the people will come, the other side says that you should only release more supply when there is the demand. I’m in the school of supply-led demand and I think Fyansford is a good example of that and Armstrong Creek is a good example of that,” she said. “We need to think differently. We should be looking at what is happening around the world and be open to the conversation about what we can achieve here: rather than say no, say how.”
Time is money in development, with land and development costs unable to be made back until the land can be sold. Hold ups of
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 25
DAVINA MONTGOMERY
TIME HONOURED
ino Bisinella is proud to have created thousands of jobs in the Geelong region over the past 50 years. A plasterer by trade, Lino was working for himself by the age of 19 and took on his first full time employee in October 1964. A decade later, the enterprising post-war migrant was employing a workforce of more than 40 at his plasterboard factory in Heales Road, Corio. So began the family business that has grown and diversified into Bisinella Developments as we know it today - the region’s largest local land development company. Lino Bisinella was a pioneer developer in the Heales Road Industrial Estate (now known as the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct). He has developed and constructed factories and warehouses for companies such as Air Radiators, Incitec Pivot, Hi Fert (now Impact Fertilisers) and RPC Technologies. Bisinella Developments owns, leases and manages industrial facilities in Corio and North Shore totalling more than 100,000 square metres and is developing a new 40-hectare industrial estate in the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct. Lino moved into residential land development in the early 1990s and has since developed a total of 27 housing estates around Lara, Geelong and the Bellarine Pensinsula. The company is currently working on six residential estates in Lara and Curlewis with a total of more than 1600 lots.
Lino and Marina Bisinella’s four children – Richard (right), Michelle, Matthew (back centre) and Bernard – work in the business along with Lino’s nephew Mick (back left).
“We set high standards for our residential communities,” says Development Manager Richard Bisinella.
BUSINESS NEWS | 26
Local contractors and their workers celebrate the jobs generated by Lino Bisinella (front centre) over the past 50 years.
“We take special pride in the quality of the family-friendly community infrastructure we provide.” Lara’s Grand Lakes Estate, for example, features 18 hectares of lakes and parkland laced by a network of boardwalks and walking and cycling trails, two state-of-the-art playgrounds, a rotunda, a barbecue area, a community centre, a restaurant and a site reserved for a future childcare facility. The other hallmark of the company’s success is a second-tonone reputation for exceptional customer service. “My father Lino places great importance on maintaining good
Lino Bisinella
relationships with people,” Richard Bisinella says. “If you buy a block of land and build your new home in one of our estates, we like to think of ourselves as the key that opened the door to your new community.” Lino Bisinella has always strongly supported Geelong-based contractors and their workers, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs over the years. Fifty years on, Lino remains at the helm of a family business focused on investing in the Geelong region, employing local people and contributing to his community.
Bisinella Developments’ prestigious 800-lot Grand Lakes Estate in Lara.
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 27
GOVERNANCE
THE MANY FACES OF NON-PROFIT ACCOUNTABILITY
C
alls for greater accountability in the non-profit sector has been an ongoing discussion amongst politicians, regulators, industry bodies and the sector itself for some time now. The current federal government has wound back the previous government’s attempt to introduce greater accountability through ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission) legislation and what we have now is a mixture of regulations/ legislation with an aim of inducing greater accountability within the $70b+ sector. Whether this works or not, or is the best approach or not, is a subject for another time, however, what is clear is that non-profit organisations have many faces of accountability. Accountability to whom? Accountability relationships are complicated by the fact that nonprofits are expected to be accountable to multiple stakeholders: upwards to their funding bodies, sponsors and volunteers; downwards to clients and communities; and horizontally to themselves (staff), the board itself and their mission The complexity of these relationships and the degree of accountability is dependent upon a number of factors, including the industry in which the business is operating, the size of the organisation - which in turn relates to revenue streams (number and size) - and the corresponding number of staff and clients. There are no set formulae for how an organisation determines the level of accountability to each stakeholder, that is dependent upon individual assessment and agreement; however, what is not an option is that any are ignored.
• Finances: this includes disclosure, transparency and creating a business model that meets both short and long-term financial and organisational obligations, whilst delivering the required outcomes. • Governance: the board is the nexus of care, culture and values. Board members are responsible for seeking and considering adequate information to make the best decision for the organisation it governs, whilst always acting in good faith and the highest standards of ethical behaviour. Accountability how? Given the “for whom and for what” as noted, “the how” is very much going to be user-driven. Examples of this include: • Disclosure statements, reports and acquittals based on funding agreements; • Evaluations and performance assessment of results achieved by the organisation or the programs; • Self-regulation and internal review based on agreed standards and benchmarks of performance; • Stakeholder engagement and feedback – formal and informal processes to assess the success of the business activities from a broader perspective than just the client; • Peer review – is performance consistent with the mission and values of the organisation at all levels – the board, management and staff? The “how “of accountability can be the minimum to meet required outcomes or the best it can be to meet self-determined standards – the choice is yours.
Accountability for what? The board of a non-profit organisation is accountable for the following aspects of the business: • Performance: the board is accountable for the performance of the organisation in alignment with the vision, mission, values and long-term goals as articulated in the strategic plan and by the relevant stakeholders. This includes establishing outcomes that are measurable and clearly provide a snap shot of how the organisation is performing against expectations.
The general conclusion is that accountability is not simply about compliance with laws or industry standards but is, more deeply, connected to your organisation’s purpose and stakeholder trust. Leaders, therefore, should pay greater attention to strategy-driven forms of accountability that can assist their organisations achieve their mission and long-term goals; but choices have to be made, Non-profit leaders need to focus their attention on accountabilities that really matter, not just tick the box.
MARK C SCHULTZ, PRINCIPAL, GOVERNANCE TODAY WWW.GOVERNANCETODAY.COM BUSINESS NEWS | 28
LEGAL
TO REGISTER OR NOT TO REGISTER THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISUNDERSTANDING THE PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES ACT
T
he Personal Property Securities Act 2009 has imposed upon businesses a new and complex regime that is laden with very technical terms and concepts that can be difficult to fully understand.
JOANNE D’ANDREA, PRINCIPAL AND NICOLE WHELAN, LAWYER
sometime after DEQMO registered its interest.
The PPSA does not discriminate between large and small businesses and failure to adopt the regime can be fatal to an otherwise thriving business. Therefore, if you are a business owner, in order to properly protect your commercial interests, it is essential that you have an understanding of the PPSA regime and an appreciation of when it should be used and how. While the PPSA impacts on most Australian businesses, a security interest in personal property may not always be registrable under the PPSA regime. We have seen a number of cases that shed light on the operation of the PPSA and provide businesses with guidance on what not to do and why businesses should exercise caution when deciding whether or not to register a security interest. Take the case of Macquarie Leasing Pty Ltd v DEQMO Pty Ltd (2014). In this case, the court considered competing registered security interests over a truck worth several thousands of dollars. Details of the security interests were as follows: a security interest registered in September 2014 by DEQMO as the secured party, naming DEQMO as the grantor of the security interest; and a registered security interest held by Macquarie as the secured party financier against another party with an interest in the truck. This registration had lapsed for a period of approximately 2 years, but was re-registered
The court concluded that the re-registration of Macquarie’s security interest took priority, even though it was registered after DEQMO’s registration. Importantly, the court stated that for a registered security interest to be enforceable, the secured party must either be a party to a security agreement that relates to the goods; or possess or control the goods. DEQMO’s security interest was not valid as neither of the above criteria was met. Even people who deal with the PPSA every day, for example liquidators, find the regime difficult to navigate. In the case of Re Renovation Boys Pty Ltd (administrators appointed) (2014), the administrator sought direction from the court in relation to how it should deal with certain goods that were subject to registered security interests. This is not an isolated case. Liquidators and administrators appear inclined to look to the court for guidance and clarity regarding the practical effect of the PPSA. This is indicative of the complexity of the regime and the difficulties faced by professionals and businesses alike. As demonstrated by the above cases, it is clear that the PPSA remains a complex beast. The unenforceability of a registered security interest can have a dramatic effect on a business. It is, therefore, crucial for businesses to properly understand the PPSA regime to ensure that their use of the Register is not in vain.
Harwood Andrews is launching possibilities
We work in a collaborative partnership with our clients, to understand their business and bring to bear our expert judgement, to ensure the advice and service we provide is specific and tailored to their needs.
Geelong Melbourne Ballarat Bendigo harwoodandrews.com.au
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 29
Farm Foods Since partnering with Gforce to recruit production staff, our retention rates have increased and recruitment costs lowered. Daniel West, Operations Manager
Davidsons Accountants The ongoing support and regular workplace monitoring of all trainees is an indication of the high level of professionalism, service and personal commitment from Gforce. We look forward to continuing our close association with Gforce in the future! Davidsons Accountants and Business Consultants
Sacred Heart College If you want to get the right people in your workplace talk to People @ Work. The company’s professional, no nonsense approach to finding and helping select appropriate candidates is excellent. Kath Walsh, Director of Development
Kardinia Health The recruitment outcome was very satisfying and allowed us to move on with a great candidate who has proven her worth as our new CEO. Tim Denton – Chair Kardinia Health Board
Demystifying Recruitment: Tips to help you find the right people Finding the right staff match for your business's needs is a constant challenge and can significantly impact your business from reaching its full potential. Here are some pointers that will help: 1. Plan your approach A thorough recruitment campaign involves a number of key steps to achieve the best outcome. Does your organisation have a Recruitment Action Plan? Whether you are advertising a position online or in local media, accepting word of mouth referrals or head hunting, you should have an action plan for the recruitment of staff that is followed for each position. 2. Don't rely on gut instinct alone Have you ever hired a new employee who said all the right things and had the ability to talk the talk, only to find they couldn't walk the walk? How detrimental was this to your business? According to a survey by The Australian, a bad hire can cost a business 2.5 times the employee's salary. Ensuring you have a thorough interview process for candidates including behavioural interview questions will assist in gaining as much information as possible to support your gut instinct. City of Greater Geelong’s Coordinator Remuneration, Chris Treble agrees. In his experience hiring individuals with the correct skills and experience is critical to the success of the role yet equally important is the attitude. “Employees with a positive attitude contribute enormously to the department and the overall goal of the organisation”. Jeanne Mackenzie, Human Resource Manager at Geelong, Surfcoast and Bellarine’s leading law firm Coulter Roache Lawyers states their recruitment principle is simple… ‘Character first’. “If you have the right attitude, we will teach you the rest! This has proven to be incredibly successful in recruiting the right talent and culture for our organization”. 3. Allow Time Running a recruitment campaign is time-consuming and demanding, and quite often there is a tendency to cut corners.
What additional support can you bring into the business to ease the pressure of rushing through the recruitment campaign and ending up with an unsuitable employee? Could a temporary staff member assist? Can you outsource some or all of the recruitment process? Considering most positions advertised will receive close to, or in excess of 100 applications, the total time taken for a recruitment campaign will well exceed 30 hours. But you need to spend this time to assess the skill level, communication style, cultural fit and values of potential suitable employees for your business. 4. Skill testing, background and reference check Skill testing against key selection criteria is imperative in hiring key employees for your business. If you don't have the facilities to complete this in house you can outsource to ensure the candidates skills are up to the standard required. Background and reference checks are also essential to confirm that the people you hire can do the job, contribute positively to your organisation, are a cultural fit and have no past history that might endanger your current workforce. 5. Probationary Period Unfortunately, even the best manager or business owner can make mistakes. Protect your business from hiring mistakes by using a probation period for all new employees. A probation period is best used with a performance goal setting and review process to ensure the expected levels of performance is crystal clear on both sides. That way, if the new employee does fail to meet the goals to pass probation, performance discussions will be based on fact, rather than emotion.
Let Gforce and People @ Work match your business with the best people. Call us on 5229 9144.
ACCOUNTING
THE COUNT DOWN IS ON FOR BABY BOOMER BUSINESSES
I BARRY KITTELTY, PRINCIPAL, BUSINESS ADVISORY, CROWE HORWATH
f you think the months and years are flying by quickly now, consider this: the baby boomer generation (1946-1964) is set to exit active management and ownership of their businesses by 2020! Many are running out of time to effectively hand over their business to the next generation or to get the best sale price for their business. This provides great risk and opportunity for family businesses in Geelong. There are great opportunities for those baby boomer business owners who have made decisions early and planned ahead for their succession effectively, as well as for the new generation of owners in seizing the opportunity to acquire the best and build great businesses for the next generation. The next ten years may also provide opportunities for those wishing to expand to buy up businesses and assets from those looking to exit. The risk is that about 75% of business owners have no exit strategy in place. A succession plan can take 3 to 5 years to put into place depending on circumstances, family relationships, and the amount of work that needs to be done to prepare the business for sale. If many baby boomers put their businesses up for sale around the same time, there could be a flood of businesses for sale on the market, which could lead to lower sale prices.
This information is provided under Crowe Horwath Financial Advice Pty Ltd AFSL 238244 and does not in any way constitute advice as each individual investors situation is different. Advice should be tailored and sought from professionally qualified, experienced financial experts before any action is taken.
Succession planning is often thought of as the transfer of business ownership within a family. However, in today’s market, succession takes many forms, such as the
BUSINESS NEWS | 32
outright sale of a business to third parties, merging a business with others, the sale of a business to the management team and employees, the closure of a business and sale of assets or, in some cases, doing nothing and facing the gradual decline of the business. Business owners need to approach succession as a long-term process of stepping away from the business over time and not as immediate retirement. A good succession plan is an investment in your future to gain a maximum financial outcome for you and a successful future for family members. What you are transferring over is an asset that will allow wealth to be generated. The smoothness of this transfer is a critical challenge that will affect the prosperity of the owner/s and their future retirement and lifestyle. For family businesses, discussions need to take into account the different levels of involvement family members might have in the business, and their expectations in terms of realising the value of the assets in the business (that is, getting cash out). If you focus on compounding wealth through the next generation, keeping the business in the family might not be the best strategy. And family members may not even be interested in joining the family business. So, start the discussions and succession planning process now.
LEGAL
AN UPDATE ON THE NEW FRANCHISING CODE
T TOM WHITE, MANAGING PRINCIPAL ALICIA CARROLL, SENIOR LAWYER
he Commonwealth Government recently released the new Franchising Code of Conduct contained in the Competition and Consumer (Industry Code – Franchising) Regulation 2014. The New Code commences on 1 January 2015 and requires Franchisors to update their Franchise Agreements and Disclosure Documents in order to comply with the new provisions. The New Code contains a transitional period allowing Franchisors to use their current form of Disclosure Document until 31 October 2015. Franchisors are obliged to comply with all other requirements of the New Code as of 1 January 2015. The New Code makes a number of other changes to Franchisor’s obligations, including: 1. An obligation to act in good faith in relation to any matter arising in the Franchise Agreement and the New Code, including dealing with any dispute. Any provisions in a Franchise Agreement that attempt to limit this obligation will be of no effect. 2. Post term restraints of trade will now be unenforceable against a Franchisee
where the Franchisor refused to renew the Franchise Agreement. This will apply where the Franchisee proposed to extend the Agreement on the same or similar terms, the Franchisee was not in breach of the Agreement and where no compensation (or only nominal compensation) was paid to a Franchisee for goodwill upon termination, including where the Agreement provides that no compensation is payable. 3. Restricting a Franchisee’s obligation to undertake significant capital expenditure to the limited circumstances set out in the New Code. These circumstances include where the expenditure was disclosed to a Franchisee when entering into the Agreement or where the expenditure is considered necessary and justified by a written statement in accordance with the New Code. It is paramount that Franchisors and Franchisees are aware of their obligations pursuant to the New Code. Franchisors will be required to update their Franchise Agreements and comply with the New Code or risk fines and penalties.
Franchise advice for your business We can advise franchisors and franchisees of their rights and obligations arising under this new code. Franchise agreements and disclosure documents must be updated to comply with the new Franchising Code of Conduct.
Coulter Roache. Understanding you.
Talk to us today.
T 03 5273 5273 coulterroache.com.au BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 33
REWARDS YOU
AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY LTD
APS Tax & Accounting
Richard Ferraro at APS Tax, Accounting and Business Services is an experienced CPA taxation accountant. Whether it is setting up a business, managing your superannuation fund or just obtaining quality service, Richard can help you.
APS Financial Planning
Timothy Foster provides access to advice and information on the important financial decisions we all face, whether it be superannuation, investments, pre and post retirement planning, life insurance, gearing, disability and trauma insurance, managed funds or savings plans.
APS Mortgage Broking
Sam Athans treats every mortgage as if it were his own. He has access to 20 mortgage lenders and has over 40 years experience in banking. Let us do the leg work for you.
APS Insurance (General Insurance Broking)
APS Benevolent Foundation donations $467,652
Danielle Rowe heads up our insurance broking team and is a salaried employee of APS Benefits. With over 15 years experience in the industry, Danielle has access to products that include home and contents, motor vehicle, boat/caravan, landlord, public liability, income protection, life, disability & trauma insurance. The next time you receive your insurance renewal notice or want insurance for the first time, call Danielle on 1300 131 809.
APS Personal Loans
The APS Benefits personal loans team can assist members to obtain an unsecured loan, or they can apply online at www.apsbs.com.au. Either way, loans can be approved within 24 hours.
APS Funeral Cover. Adult & Child Cover Available.
APS Benefits Membership Coordinator Jesse Clarke can assist members to gain immediate funeral cover up to $20,000 for adults and $7,000 for dependent children (aged 2 to 15 next birthday). Do you have cover in the greatest time of need? Call us on 1300 131 809.
APS Savings
Target $500,000 WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! For more information call 1300 131 809 or visit www.apsbs.com.au
APS Savings Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of APS Benefits and offers a Fixed Term Investment product. Ask Sam Athans about the interest rate on offer and you will be pleasantly suprised. The term can be 30 days, 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. Call us on 1300 131 809.
APS Wills & Estates
Phil Lambourne from APS Wills & Estates has over 25 years experience as a lawyer. Phil can help you with wills, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration. Is your will up-to-date? Have you reviewed your will recently? It affects more than just you!
APS Benevolent Foundation
Recently launched, the Foundation is a registered charity and a deductible gift recipient. Donations above $2 are tax deductible. The Foundation will enable the Society to expand our level of benevolence. Need to know more? Call us on 1300 131 809. Further to this, APS is owned by its members, so any profits are channelled back to members. Help spread the word by introducing new members and APS will send you, your nominated charity or your staff social club $50 for each new member you nominate. Membership of APS Benefits automatically entitles you to a funeral benefit issued by APS Benefits. You should consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement & Financial Services Guide (available from APS Benefits or our website on www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS Benefits or buy any products offered by APS Benefits. 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 Patron Financial Advice (“Patron”). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Patron’s AFSL No. 307379. 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.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club On the shores of the bay
It’s always a bit blowy around the front of the yacht club, and the yellow weatherboards and glimpses into the shipyard don’t give a lot away. But when you walk through the doors of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, what this place is really all about becomes clear. The walls are lined with photos of yacht races and people on the shore watching the sailing on the bay dating back to the 1800s and glass cabinets are brimming with trophies that cover the history of the club. On the large digital screen are the dynamic images of the big keelboat races of recent regattas. But it’s through the sunny front windows that the real story is told. The sun is shining on the bay and the masts are swaying gently, the breeze ruffles the surface of the water in the way you might ruffle the hair of a child and you feel yourself relax. Even if you’ve never been on a boat in your life, that view would be enough to make you want to take up sailing.
From the kids of yachties running around the club, to kids at school getting their first taste of the sheet in their hand at the sailing school, through to recreational and competitive sailors, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club is steeped in not only the history of the city, but also in the history of many local families.
One of those families is the Neilsons. Andrew Neilson from Power Drive Marine was the previous Commodore, with Ian Murray from Morris Finance the current Club Commodore. Andrew’s grandfather Percy became Club Secretary at a time when a firm hand at the rudder was needed, as, apparently, there was some funny goings on at the “The Festival of club. Percy steered the club back on to Sails event is a steady course, and years later his son older than the and Andrew’s father, John, a dentist by profession, set the courses for the regatta. Ashes and
older than the Melbourne Cup”
The Festival of Sails event is older than the Ashes and older than the Melbourne Cup, and what was known as the Geelong Annual Regatta is the oldest ocean race in Australia. The regatta began 15 years before the club started in 1844. The running of the regatta and the beginnings of the club are intertwined. The regatta has evolved over the years to become not only the largest annual keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere but a spectacular community event that spans the Waterfront. So much of Geelong’s history is tied to the water and having a north-facing bay on the doorstep of the city remains one of the great advantages of our region.
Like all long-standing clubs, the public history is what is told, but it’s the history of the people and the families involved that make the club what it is. And this club is steeped in wonderful stories.
While the club didn’t add the Royal to its name until 1924 – and there is a story of club rivalry woven into that as well – the club has had its share of right royal visitors. On December 2nd, 1876, Prince Albert officially started the regatta from the Yarra Street Pier. Queen Victoria’s consort was supposed to be visiting Melbourne, but had, quite firmly from the reports, said that he wanted to go rabbiting in the Western Districts, so came to Geelong instead. When the Queen visited Geelong on her 1988 royal tour of Australia the Waterfront had a very different outlook. It was
Sailing is a great way to relax, make new friends, increase fitness and even compete individually or as part of a team. Give it a go and see for yourself!
For more information, please call 03 5229 3705 or email membership@rgyc.com.au Royal Geelong Yacht Club. 25 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong www.rgyc.com.au
BUSINESS NEWS | 36
TIME HONOURED
an industrial port area, with the rail line still running down the pier, and wool stores and shipping businesses running along Eastern Beach Road – including marine manufacturing business owned by Ruth Plummer, Total Tough Marine Manufacturing, on the site where Pier Point is located now. Ruth got the call that the royal car was coming down the road. She told the staff to find a window or go out upstairs where they could see and dashed down the stairs to the street. To her surprise, the car slowed down and stopped, halted by the procession ahead, and Prince Philip rolled down the window so that Her Majesty could have a chat. Ruth grew up around the yacht club; sailing as a child with her family and boats became her life. She went on to become
the club’s only female Secretary, Rear Commodore then Vice Commodore, and is now compiling the history of the club that has been such a big part of her own story. In 1987, Prince Henrik of Denmark, husband of Queen Margrethe II and father to Crown Prince Frederik, was at the club to enjoy the racing at the World Dragon title and was photographed with RGYC veteran yachtsman, David English. Now, it is a new generation who are making the club their own and the changing times have seen the development of women’s sailing programs, the opening up of the club for café meals and functions. But while the view is spectacular, it is out on the water where the heart of the club remains.
This free event is proud ly bough t to Geelo ng by
’t Don at ’s h w e miss up to b r g e t n i a p ST W sh a E G ! et BIG the g at ta y ts Re a y ch
0 er 10 k ed - Ov dy boo c ted a e pe x e a lr 0 0 ta l 4 ce day ! o t -A e ra com
2015
WATERFRONT GEELONG AUSTR ALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND More than 90 street stalls displaying local produce, services & products Activities, festivities & live music Bay FM outdoor Broadcast Geelong Cats players & Half Cat to meet the kids! Over all Major Sponsor:
Shore Based Festivities Sponsor:
The Festival of Sails officially kicks off on Friday the 23rd of January with the tr aditional, massive passage r ace from Williamstown, across Port Philiip Bay and through Geelong. The winning boat takes honours and the title of 2015 line honours winner! All yachts will compete in more than 25 classes with what promises to be 4 days of amazing yacht r acing!
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 37
VECCI
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS PRESENT EXCITING PROSPECTS FOR GEELONG
T
he Federal Government recently announced the conclusion of negotiations on Australia’s most recent and widely anticipated Free Trade Agreement with China.
This is the third commitment this year to increase market access with some of our largest trading partners in Asia, with Korea and Japan signing similar commitments earlier in the year. The ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) has been estimated to be worth over $18 billion to the Australian economy over the next decade, with specific benefits for the agribusiness and services sectors. As Geelong continues to diversify its industry base, building capabilities and capacity in world class education, health and tourism sectors, the region is well placed to take advantage of the benefits of this most recent Free Trade Agreement. The following examples show that the prospects for new trade and investment extend not only to Geelong-based agriculture businesses, but also to a range of services based industries in the region: Dairy: Dairy farmers in the region will benefit from the removal of tariffs on their dairy products entering China, including infant formula, liquid milk, cheese, butter and yogurt. This puts their businesses in a much stronger position when competing against New Zealand dairy farmers who already benefit from their FTA with China. Fruit and vegetables: The elimination of Chinese tariffs on vegetables, fruit and nuts will open up even more opportunities for farmers and other agribusinesses. Education and training: Private higher education providers
in the region will stand to benefit from increased promotion and improved recognition in the Chinese student market with a Chinese Ministry of Education website listing all registered providers. Health and aged-care: Hospitals and aged-care providers in Geelong will now be allowed to wholly own hospitals and agedcare facilities in China. Tourism and travel: Geelong’s tourism operators can now construct, renovate and operate wholly Australian-owned hotels and restaurants in China. Geelong-based travel agencies/tour operators will also be able to establish wholly Australian-owned subsidiaries in China for tours within China for both domestic and foreign travellers. While the ChAFTA has not come into force yet, once it does, the timeframe for the reduction in tariffs will vary for each industry and for each product; some are immediate, while others will take over a decade. Now is the time to prepare for changes in the trading and operating environment. Before the Free Trade Agreements come into force, Geelong businesses need to position themselves to leverage opportunities and mitigate the potential risks associated with the increased exposure to competition that the agreements also present. For more information on how you can leverage the ChAFTA in your day-today operations, please call VECCI Global on 03 8662 5333.
JAMES GULLI, VECCI REGIONAL MANAGER BUSINESS NEWS | 38
FINANCE
THE BIGGEST P WORD
H
aving held numerous candidate interviews for a range of expansionary positions over the past few months, I found what rang true and prompted me to christen this month’s article as the biggest P word was the varying degree of preparation that candidates conducted prior to being interviewed, not to mention responses during and follow up post the interviews.
MARTIN CARTER, BUSINESS MANAGER, MORRIS FINANCE
If you are in the job market or just like to keep your interview technique up to date, here are a few tips to preparing well.
Prepare notes with examples of what you want to draw upon when required, and try pausing before answering difficult questions in order to give yourself time to think.
The preliminary work and preparation should, where possible, involve analysing the job description and requirements to determine whether or not you have the necessary skills and competencies required to fulfil the role. Match the job with your strengths and experiences, whilst recognising that most employers will also ask what your areas for improvement are, albeit of a business or personal nature Research the company and the industry via internet, website or through acquaintances. Practice your interview etiquette and techniques and remember to dress for success. A job may not be secured by the way you dress but it can most assuredly discount you for further progress. Bring something to the interview, such as your application letter and CV, your portfolio, examples of your work, an iPad for notes or displays and get to the interview ahead of time, leaving time to relax and be fully
Q: If your business is planning to expand in 2015, who can assist you with tailored finance solutions? A: Talk to our New Business Specialists, Abby, Fiona and Stephanie.
coherent. Listening and asking relevant questions rather than stereotyping responses and answers help make a good impression, and following up with a thank you email reiterating what you learnt about the job and company and highlighting what you have to offer in terms of adding value can all pay off. And speaking of paying, pay attention to the way you communicate with body language, audibility, tone and eye contact being critical to success. Prepare an answer to the “Tell me about yourself” question, summarise who you are in a few words, or briefly talk about your personal philosophy or passions. Prepare notes with cues to highlight examples of what you want to draw upon when required, and try pausing before answering difficult questions in order to give yourself time to think. If you are unsure what a question means, ask for clarification. And, above all, be natural. Whilst we have only touched upon preparation for new stages in your business life it is true that preparation perfects performance in every aspect of life and, as Colin Powell said, “there are no secrets to success, it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” Until next month, onwards and upwards in your quest in preparing for the challenges life sometimes throws our way.
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. Call Abby, Fiona or Stephanie on (03) 5223 3453 now or go to our website for more information.
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HEALTH
MATCHING HEALTH WORKERS WITH HEALTH JOBS Jason Cartwright
W
ith over 42 years of proud history, Healthcare Australia (HCA) is Australia’s leading provider of recruitment, staffing and HR solutions to Australia’s Healthcare industry. HCA has grown into a $200 million business, operating with 260 staff and employing over 7,000 healthcare professionals. Each day across Australia, HCA sends 1200 nurses, over 100 allied staff and 350 doctors to work, touching the lives of over 35,000 Australians. The ageing population and the rise of healthcare costs have led to a myriad of jobs for healthcare professionals in both regional and metro areas. The healthcare industry is booming and has become Australia’s largest employer, with one in eight people working in this sector, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Right now, nearly 1.2 million Australians work in the health and social care sector. On current rates of growth, it is expected that one in seven will be in this sector before the end of the decade. With 10 offices across Australia, HCA CEO Jason Cartwright was eager to ensure Geelong was HCA’s first office outside a capital city. Jason, a born and bred local Geelong boy, is delighted to bring the HCA footprint to Geelong to help create jobs and opportunities for the local community. With three major expansions taking place there are exciting times ahead for Geelong’s healthcare industry. The newly completed St John of God Health Care, which features 64 new beds, an accident and emergency facility as well as a state of the art rehabilitation service, will deliver significant benefits to the communities of Geelong and South West Victoria. The $56.3
million project - which is part of the hospital’s five-year master plan – is the most exciting project ever undertaken by the Geelong health care provider. Also in the pipeline is the development of an urgent care centre at Barwon Health. A service plan, prepared by the Department of Health in conjunction with Barwon Health, has identified Geelong’s northern suburbs as an area of high health service need. Currently, around a third of the non-urgent Category 4 and 5 patients who attend the Geelong Hospital’s emergency department are from the northern suburbs. The care centre will provide local access to expanded services and minimise avoidable emergency department presentations and admissions at Geelong Hospital. The services at the existing Corio Community Health Centre will be incorporated into Barwon Health North in order to provide a wider suite of services. Lastly, a new comprehensive acute and rehabilitation private hospital - Epworth Hospital - will open in mid-2016 and will integrate clinical practice with teaching and research. It will provide an emergency department, inpatient beds, surgery, medical consulting suites, rehabilitation facility, a complex care unit, a maternity ward and a clinical education and simulation precinct. As a contracted supplier to all these providers, Jason Cartwright is very keen to tap into local talent. As a market leader, HCA has an unparalleled ability to match talent with opportunities and with these exciting developments taking place, the future of the local healthcare industry is looking bright.
Jirsch Sutherland is an established firm, close in size to the largest practices in its industry with a network of offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
Our Geelong office (formally Jenkins Peake) is at 200 Malop Street, phone 03 5223 1000.
We specialise in:
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Corporate and Personal Insolvency Management Business Restructure and Turnaround Manangment Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support
Call Phil McGibbon, Geoff Ridgeway (Partners) or Ben ti Wierik (recently appointed Senior Manager).
We have built lasting relationships with financiers, accounting and legal firms of all sizes and in all corners of the country. These businesses know that we will deliver results, whatever the issue, whatever the size of the project and whatever the circumstances. www.jirschsutherland.com.au
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 41
PORT NEWS
VRCA FOCUSES ON REFINERY PIER
T
he Victorian Regional Channels Authority has begun planning its next wave of shipping lane improvements in Corio Bay and this time it has the waters around Refinery Pier and Lascelles Wharf in the spotlight.
``This next round of improvements will mean they can berth safely in Geelong too, at Refinery 4. It’ll boost efficiency and productivity at the berth and help the refinery to remain a strong competitor.’’
Authority chief executive officer Captain Peter McGovern said the proposed channel network upgrade focused on giving bigger ships set to visit Geelong’s port in the next few years more room to move around the pier’s four berths. ``It’s our job to stay on top of changes in the shipping industry to ensure our channels network and the port continually adapt to any new trends, including the next generation of larger ships heading our way,’’ Captain McGovern said. ``If we don’t, we get left behind and that’s simply not a healthy economic option for Geelong’s port, its users and the region. ``The Refinery Pier/Lascelles Wharf plans are a key part of the VRCA’s ongoing commitment to improve the safety and capacity of the channels. They’ll also play a major role in helping the port remain competitive in today’s tough economic climate.’’ The VRCA’s latest proposal follows closely on the heels of its successful $9-million 2014 Geelong Dredging Program. The dredging proposal includes • Small-scale dredging to extend the berth pockets at Refinery 1, 2 and 3. • Dredging on the western flank of Refinery 4, used by crude oil tankers servicing Geelong oil refinery, and along the line of a potential new berth at Lascelles 4. This will pave the way for the forecast arrival of larger tankers including Suezmax vessels over the next five years. Suezmax ships are up to 300 metres long and 50 metres wide. • The removal of about 430,000 cubic metres of dredged material from around Refinery Pier’s berths. ``They’ve had one or two Suezmax tankers in Melbourne so far,’’ Captain McGovern said.
VRCA research including sophisticated computer modelling shows a Lascelles 4 extension to expand the wharf’s facilities will assist the port to capitalise on the increasing number of ships visiting Geelong. Captain McGovern said the proposal was still at a preliminary planning stage. ``We’ve already carried out geotech and sediment contamination investigations for localised dredging at Refinery 1,2 and 3 and adjacent to Refinery 4/Lascelles 4,’’ he said. ``We expect to get final results on potential contamination levels by early 2015. Once that’s through we’ll begin preparing engineering designs and necessary applications for government approval, which could take several months.’’ Renowned marine biologist Dr Jan Watson of Clifton Springs is consulting with the authority on the project. The authority’s 2014 dredging program, which began in late July, widened the shipping lanes at City Bend and deepened Corio Quay North No 4 Berth. Contractors will complete minor seabed levelling and reinstate four navigation beacons at City Bend before Christmas, bringing the successful project to an end. The 2014 work has won praise from port users, with Midway Limited’s Stephen Roffey saying the Corio Quay dredging had immediately boosted the woodchip exporter’s competitive edge by allowing ships to load to capacity. The authority will also begin a comprehensive maintenance program for its navigation beacons early in the new year. The 78 beacons, installed in 2007 at a cost of $7 million, define the shipping lanes in Corio Bay and play a crucial role in safe navigation along the channel network.
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Level 22,Level 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong | | www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Level 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong |www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Level 2,235 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au 2, Ryrie Street, Geelong | | www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Level Level 235 2,2,235 Ryrie Ryrie Street, Street, Geelong Geelong | www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au BUSINESS NEWS | 42
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EXPERTS IN EVERYWHERE
For a holiday you will want to tell everyone about, come in and speak to our travel experts. Combined, our experts have 214 years of travel experience, have travelled to 70 countries and across all 7 continents.
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Shop G064 Corio Shopping Centre, Corio VIC 3214 (03) 5274 2511 corio@helloworld.com.au
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Shop 6 / 8 Gilbert Street, Torquay VIC 3228 (03) 5261 9333 torquay@helloworld.com.au
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TRAVEL
E H T F O E ID R THE P PLAINS I
t is impossible to capture the magic that is Africa in a few short paragraphs. There are no words to describe the way this land reaches into your soul, grips your heart and transforms you so that you are never quite the same again. It is an intensely personal, almost spiritual experience. On any holiday there are always magic moments; special standout experiences that leave you tingling and breathless and make you realize just how fortunate you are to live in this moment in time. We have the opportunity to travel anywhere on Earth, but there are few places on this planet that bear no scar of human intervention, even fewer where we can stand in silently and look down upon a scene that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. I will never forget the chill of excitement, wonder and awe of my standout moments in a treasure of wonderful memories of my African Safari. I admit it, I love cats, all cats. I have four of my own and they rule my house taking over chairs and beds and having a dietary menu worthy of the best kitchens of Master Chef. So Africa has always been at the top of my bucket list and I relished the prospect of seeing the beautiful big cats in their natural environment. What I discovered was that lions are just like our housecats. They are shockingly lethargic during the day – well, I suppose after a
feast of fresh impala, all one wants to do is sleep – so to come upon them, en famille, and to have the opportunity to sit in an open vehicle barely four metres away from a huge lioness is an experience I will never forget. Our little convoy of five vehicles had followed the big lioness as she walked apace with us across the savannah. She was not bothered by the vehicles but kept her path, guided by her sense of smell. Her huge paws were the size of dinner plates and the muscles rippled under her wheat coloured coat that was crisscrossed with the scars of old injuries suffered in previous hunting forays. Our driver stopped the car and warned us to be quiet. The lioness stopped still and then we heard it, the guttural growl of the big male lion calling her home. She climbed up the hill towards a rocky outcrop. “Hold on! We were told as our Masaii driver took our 4WD offroad around the lip of the hill and we inched forward until, just like that, we came upon them. A pride of six massive lionesses flanked by their Lion King lay dozing, and huddled within their protective circle were four lion cubs about three weeks old. We were very close to the pride; so close we could watch the rise and fall of their chests as they slept. But they paid no attention to us, accustomed as they are to the noisy vehicles. We sat in
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“ON ANY HOLIDAY
THERE ARE ALWAYS MAGIC MOMENTS; SPECIAL STANDOUT EXPERIENCES THAT LEAVE YOU TINGLING AND BREATHLESS. our open vehicle, taking photos and watching these magnificent creatures for a more than half an hour. In a reminder that infants of all species behave - and all mothers react - in similar ways, one adventurous cub was determined not to sleep. He wandered off and his mother followed him, picking him up gently in her big jaws and depositing him back in the circle of the pride. No sooner had his mother settled down to sleep again when he was off again in the other direction. This time his mother caught him around the back haunches and despite his howls of protest she dropped him back in the circle. This cub, however, seemed destined to become a delinquent teenager as he bolted again and, before his mother could catch him, the little bundle of protest rolled onto his back and put on a cub-sized tantrum. His little fur coat stood on end and he was the picture of offended felinity. By this time mum had had enough! Picking him up by his little round belly she dropped him unceremoniously beside the other cubs and called for help from Dad. The big male, grumbling his displeasure, promptly put his big paw on the recalcitrant cub’s head as if to say “Junior. Behave!” We felt an overwhelming sense of privilege in observing these majestic and powerful animals interacting like any other family group, in their natural setting and without fences and barbed wire. The lions of East Africa are critically endangered and it may not be too many years before they are all gone. Of course, to witness the magnificent spectacle of the Great Migration of East Africa is to accept the mystery of an ancient rhythm of the seasons that choreographs the movement of thousands of wild animals across hundreds of miles of the vast Serengeti Plains of Kenya and Tanzania in search of food
and water. Some writers have called it a ‘symphony of orchestrated processions, harmonized births, predator-provoked allegros and grand crescendos at the rivers’. The zebra set the pace and the direction. Their keen noses pick up the scent of rain from a great distance and they begin to move in twos and threes in a steady path towards the promise of sweet luscious grass at their destination. The shortsighted wildebeest follow, nose to tail, in blind trust of their equine leaders. The Masaii call the wildebeest the “spare-parts animal” in reference to their strange grasshopper shaped faces to their funny little piggy tails. Long lines of animals appear, spreading in formation across the savannah like battalions of a great army of advancing soldiers. The sentinel zebra trot along, their tails companionably twitching to keep flies from the eyes of the following trekkers. Herds of female impala graze peacefully, each herd jealously guarded by a dominant male. As the ‘winner’ in this eternal battle the male must be constantly vigilant of the omnipresent ‘losers’, the bachelor groups of males that are always looking for an opportunity to overthrow the leaders and steal their harems. While, in the distance camouflaged by the savannah, the big cats wait. In a land where the strongest survive, where nature can be cruel and unyielding, where one animal must die for another to live, the vast panorama that is the Serengeti is a canvas where one of the greatest mysteries of our planet is brought to life.
WORDS BY DIANE READ, HELLOWORLD
helloworld Highton 5243 9311
helloworld Torquay 5261 9333
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BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 45
helloworld Newtown 5221 9888
ARTS THE ART OF BRADMAN: ‘THE DON’ FINALLY PLAYS GEELONG
GEELONG ICONS BARWON RIVER
1 DECEMBER 2014 – 15 FEBRUARY 2015
For the last four years, art@wintergarden has introduced the idea of artists painting a local view and titling it under ‘Geelong Iconic views’.
5 DECEMBER THROUGH JANUARY 2015
An exhibition experience like no other, The Art of Bradman: ‘The Don’ Finally Plays Geelong at the National Wool Museum features over 50 selected original works by renowned artist Brian Clinton alongside rare Bradman objects, memorabilia and images – some never before seen on public display – and artifacts from Geelong’s cricket tradition. The Art of Bradman is described as “the ultimate display of Bradman art” capturing the moments that Bradman himself considered the most poignant in his 23 season career. Journey with the boy from Bowral from his first cap and test century to his 100th first class century, the Invincibles and his final farewell.
This year’s theme is more open than ever before with the Barwon River being the only proviso. The number of artists and works is open ended. Geelong Icons Barwon River will continue through January, in order to display local content to Geelong’s summer visitors, showcasing not only the region’s talented artists but also our picturesque asset - the Barwon River. art@wintergarden.com.au
nwm.vic.gov.au
BUSINESS NEWS | 46
ARTS
‘HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SWING’ 14 DECEMBER Presented by Jazz Australia, ‘Hark The Herald Angels Swing’ features one of Australia’s leading jazz clarinetists, David Gardner, and his all-star jazz quartet performing a mixture of traditional Christmas music with a jazz flavour, some old chestnuts from the 20th Century and a selection of 21st Century Christmas songs performed and composed by Harry Connick Jnr that are steeped in the traditions of New Orleans, Connick Jnr’s home town. The two-hour concert at Queenscliff’s Uniting Church also features vocalist Shannon Busch, now based in Melbourne, and a recent graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts. Shannon is a regular in the jazz clubs around Melbourne and is looking forward to coming back to her home town of Geelong for this concert at Queenscliff.
‘OFF THE WALL’, a “wonderful eclectic mix of work” from the Geelong Region’s talented, new and emerging artists – a perfect opportunity to see what work local artists have been making and to collect a beautiful original piece of artwork for yourself or as a Christmas gift. The exhibition, as the title suggests, is an off the wall show meaning that when one of the artworks is purchased it can be wrapped and taken home straight off the wall without having to wait until the end of the exhibition. The artwork that is sold is then replaced with another by the same artist, creating an ever-changing exhibition. www.etchgalleryandstudios.com
For bookings and enquiries call 5258 3936 or email Diana@ jazzaustralia-vic.com
‘OFF THE WALL’ ETCH GALLERY AND STUDIOS FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EXHIBITION 3 – 23 DECEMBER ETCH Gallery and Studios celebrates its first birthday with
Top left: watercolour by Pat McKenzie Below: pastel by Julie Armstrong Right: The Art of Bradman
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 47
GIVE TO SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU Christmas is here again and so the is annual Bethany BayFM Giving Tree Appeal. It’s been a tough year for many in our region and Christmas will be tougher because of it. The Bethany Bay FM Giving Tree Appeal has been successfully coordinating some local Christmas Cheer for the past 14 years, collecting presents from generous individuals, businesses and community groups and distributing them to those in need via nine local welfare agencies across Geelong, including Bethany Community Support, Barwon Youth, Glastonbury Community Services, MacKillop Family Services, St Laurence, SalvoConnect Women’s Service, Time for Youth, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative and Minerva Community Services. The Giving Tree Appeal invites donors to leave new, unwrapped gifts for children and families in need under Giving Trees in eighty locations around the Geelong Region from Bannockburn to Apollo Bay, Winchelsea and Portarlington. According to Bethany, since the launch of the Appeal 14 years ago, the generosity of individuals and businesses has allowed the distribution of over 21,000 gifts and each year sees the need grow, with more and more families struggling in the lead up to Christmas. This year’s appeal runs until 12 December and people are encouraged to leave their presents early so agencies can distribute them to families in need before Christmas. For a full list of Giving Tree locations, visit bethany.org.au.
INAUGURAL GEELONG AWARDS FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY Karingal has partnered with the City of Greater Geelong to help strengthen the region’s status as a disability leader through the introduction of the Geelong Awards for People with Disability 2015. The inaugural awards celebrate people with a disability and acknowledge the valuable contributions they are making to our community. “People with a disability are making valuable contributions to our community and it is important we recognise their efforts and achievements,” says Karingal Chief Executive Officer Daryl Starkey. “Hopefully, sharing these inspiring stories will help build a more inclusive community.” The awards are supported by VALID (Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability) and BDRC (Barwon Disability Resource Council) and have six categories - Volunteering, Achievement, Sport and Recreation, Outstanding Employee and Leadership and Advocacy. After the selection of three finalists in each category, the winners will be announced at the Geelong Awards for People with Disability 2015 presentation, to be held 3 February 2015 as part of the VALID ‘Having Your Say’ conference in Geelong. City of Greater Geelong Councillor Kylie Fisher, portfolio holder for Community Development, says the awards are a great way to celebrate and acknowledge individuals who are living with a disability. “These pioneering awards really reinforce that Geelong is fast becoming the centre for innovation and service
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delivery in disability right across Australia. This city has quickly achieved the status as a disability leader and I for one love that Geelong constantly aims to provide recognition to individuals where and when deserved. The Geelong Awards for People with a Disability 2015 are no different!” Nominations for the awards close 15 December at 5pm and can be submitted online (www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ disabilityawards), by email (disabilityawards@karingal.org.au) or post (Geelong Awards for People with a Disability 2015, Karingal, 1 Riverview Tce. Belmont VIC 3216). For further information and/or assistance with completing a nomination, call Karingal on 1300 558 368.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Did you know that an estimated 368,732 meals per year are provided through the Geelong Emergency Food Relief System? Or that the volunteers working for the 53 providers in Geelong who distribute food contribute the equivalent of $2.1 million in labour? These are just some of the findings in Give Where You Live’s ground-breaking Food for Thought research report into Geelong’s emergency food relief system, released in November. Other findings reveal that 64 per cent of provider organisations reported increases in clients seeking food assistance in the past year and that 72 per cent find some foods are constantly in short supply, such as dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables and cooking oils. Fifty-nine per cent have to refuse food donations due to a lack of storage capacity. They are also facing the challenges of an aging volunteer base and rising costs. Of those seeking food assistance, 49 per cent are under the age of 30 and 26 per cent are families. Sixty three per cent of those families are single parent families and 72 per cent of food assistance providers identified that 50 per cent of their clients are considered long term – that is they have required assistance for more than six months. One of the report’s recommendations is the establishment of a centralised system to distribute food to those most in need. In line with this, Give Where You Live has announced a $250,000 founding grant to establish a central warehouse to distribute food to thousands of people in need within the Geelong region. The organisation hopes the central facility will provide long term benefit, combine strengths and cut duplications in the existing emergency food supply system. Give Where You Live would also like to thank all those involved in the 2014 Feed Geelong Appeal, which raised close to $100,000.
GROW PROJECT SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD The G21 Region’s innovative Geelong Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) project is one of 11 projects in the running for $1 million of assistance as part of The Search, an initiative of the Centre for Social Impact. GROW is a Geelong region joint initiative of G21 and Give Where You Live in response to growing employment challenges facing the region and is funding a business plan
specifically to focus on increasing employment through procurement processes, fostering small-to-medium sized businesses and helping people from areas of high unemployment across the G21 region. “This is really important recognition of the work being done as part of GROW, and the prospect of further financial support for our work is a powerful incentive to go to the next stage,” says G21 CEO Elaine Carbines. “GROW’s origins go back to 2011 when the G21 Board commissioned its Addressing Disadvantage Taskforce to examine models for tackling disadvantage across the region.” Give Where You Live CEO Bill Mithen said Give Where You Live had also been looking to do work in this field. “Given our common objectives it seemed logical for our organisations to combine efforts and resources to benefit the wider regional community,” he said. “GROW is not about replacing existing projects. To a large extent it’s designed to complement and enhance work that is already underway, or planned, to assist employment within Geelong region.” GROW now has to complete the next stage in the phased application process by lodging more detailed material to The Search by March next year. If successful, GROW could receive up to $1 million of resourcing over three years from the Centre for Social Impact. The Search program is the first of its kind in Australia to help develop the capacity of communities in the early stages of tacking social challenges such as multi-generational unemployment, homelessness, crime and poverty.
GET NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS OFF TO AN EARLY START. Kick start your New Year’s celebrations while raising money for Give Where You Live by watching the sun come up over the Waterfront while running the five kilometre Dawnbusters Fun Run. The race starts at 7am sharp on 31 December at the Carousel and bookings can be made online at https:// givewhereyoulive.com.au/events/event/dawnbusters-funrun-2014
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COMMUNITY GMHBA EMPLOYEES SPENT A DAY ABSEILING AND BUSHWALKING ALONGSIDE PARTICIPANTS FROM KARINGAL’S ADVENTURE BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES PROGRAM.
THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE YEAR As the year draws to a close, Karingal BacLinks thanks all the businesses across the Geelong region that have generously contributed to the community via Karingal BacLinks events and projects throughout 2014. Karingal BacLinks Manager, Joanne Forssman, said it has been wonderful to see so many local businesses digging deep to help community organisations achieve their goals. “As we reflect on a huge year we feel incredibly grateful to have had the support from 69 businesses across the region that have enabled us to make real, tangible improvements to the lives of so many people and not-for-profit organisations across Geelong,” said Joanne. “Collectively, our business partners have contributed donations and in-kind services well in excess of $300,000. Equally as important, they have donated countless volunteer hours and shared their expert knowledge and resources with those in need. These resources have been put to excellent use, with projects ranging from helping prepare disadvantaged job seekers to enter the workforce, to funding working bees at schools and community centres.
Narana Aboriginal Creations; mentoring and building friendships with marginalised children at Cottage by the Sea; helping paint a community mural at Geelong East Primary; and abseiling and bushwalking alongside Karingal participants at the You Yangs. “Ford employees were also involved in four fantastic volunteer projects as part of their Global Week of Caring: maintenance and gardening at Jirrahlinga and the Geelong Animal Welfare centre; a working bee at Northern Bay College and preparing lunch for those in need at the Salvation Army. “Furthermore, with assistance from MatchWorks and Target, we were able to run eight successful Destination Work events across the Geelong and greater Melbourne area. These inspirational 10-day events offered unemployed participants facing a range of barriers to employment tailored support and training to help them re-enter the workforce. “All of these incredible projects, plus many more, would not have been possible without the support of our premier partners and supporters and indeed all our business members. Thank you to each and every member and we look forward to working with you again in 2015.”
“In particular, I thank our premier partners GMHBA and Target, our premier supporters GPAC and BayFM / K Rock and our other major contributors MatchWorks and Ford. We were also delighted to have Business Technology Specialists (BTS) come on board in the second half of the year as our new funding partner and look forward to working closely with them in 2015. “During 2014 we also bid a sad farewell to long-time partner Alcoa, one of the greatest supporters of our program since its establishment. As a member for over 13 years and a premier partner for 11 years, Alcoa was involved in countless Karingal BacLinks community projects and its employee volunteers had a well-deserved reputation for their hard work and strong sense of community.
PATRICK ROWAN & ASSOCIATES’ BELINDA LYLE AND KARINGAL PARTICIPANT CASS AT ONE OF THE DESTINATION WORK PROJECTS.
“As a final demonstration of Alcoa’s true community spirit, their departing gift of US$50,000 will play an essential role in supporting our programs into the future and will ensure their legacy continues to live on. “A highlight of 2014 were the five wonderful volunteer projects GMHBA employees took part in this year: a free evening of pampering for 250 women touched by cancer, their family and friends at Project Pamper; gardening and maintenance work at
KARINGAL BACLINKS FACILITATED A CLEAN-UP DAY AT JIRRAHLINGA WITH THE HELP OF VOLUNTEERS FROM ALCOA.
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Local business and golfing communities chip in for Karingal Appeal Adroit Insurance Group raises $86,000 for Eastern Geelong Community Centre On Thursday 18 November the 13th Annual Adroit Insurance Group Charity Golf Day was held at 13th Beach Golf Links raising $86,000 for Karingal’s Eastern Geelong Community Centre (EGCC) Appeal. Earlier this year Adroit Insurance Group recognised Karingal’s call to action for the EGCC Appeal and Adroit Insurance Group Managing Director Andrew Locke, with the support of their community partner the Geelong Community Foundation, chose to allocate the proceeds from their Annual Charity Golf Day to the building of the Life Long Learning and Education facilities that will be a feature of the EGCC. “The opportunity to learn and have access to educational resources at all ages underpins a vital and vibrant community,” said Mr Locke. “We are extremely proud to support the Life Long Learning and Education facilities which will be a feature of this outstanding new centre.” Karingal CEO, Daryl Starkey said he is delighted that the Adroit Insurance Group, with the support of the Geelong Community Foundation, recognised the significance of the EGCC, and is genuinely humbled by their contribution. “We launched our Appeal in June of this year and were delighted with the support we have received from the community for what the EGCC will achieve, and that is to nurture a community and set a precedent for what it means to be truly inclusive,” said Daryl. 100 reasons to get involved in annual hike Golfers will again take to the greens at 13th Beach Golf Links on January 23, 2015 for the Karingal Hundred Hole Hike (HHH); an event that challenges people to play 100 holes of golf in one day without using carts.
Karingal CEO Da ryl Starkey, Gee long Commun Executive Office ity Foundation r Andrew Lawso n and Adroit In Director Andrew surance Manag Locke. ing
Apart from a love of golf and an appetite for a challenge, the players are undertaking this incredible feat to help raise funds for the Eastern Geelong Community Centre Appeal, which will be home to Karingal’s acquired brain injury (ABI) Clubhouse programs. There are many ways the community can support this event: Register to play: Registrations are now open for individuals and teams of four to play in the 2015 HHH. Visit our website for more information. Sponsor a golfer: You can support the HHH by making a single donation to any of the players or take part in the Adopt-a-Golfer program which offers a variety of benefits including opportunities to advertise your business at the event. Book a ticket to Music to a Tee: Music to a Tee (MTAT) is a series of concerts held at 13th Beach Golf Links to support the HHH. Funds raised from ticket sales also contribute to Karingal’s EGCC Appeal and ABI programs. Upcoming events include MTAT featuring Russell Morris (Fri Jan 9, 2015) and MTAT featuring Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows (Fri Jan 23, 2015). For further information on the HHH or MTAT concerts visit karingal.org.au/foundation or call 5277 8803.
Partnering with Geelong Business • Food services
• Employment services
• Business solutions
• Employee volunteering
• Environmental solutions • Business networking • Training
• Donations
For more information call 1300 558 368 or visit karingal.org.au Karingal Inc. (Vic) Limited Liability Reg. Assoc. A0038261E ARBN 158 375 903 ABN 97 468 305 401
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 51
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CRUSH
2013 LEURA PARK ESTATE SHIRAZ
2012 JACK RABBIT MOSCATO
There’s a reason this wine has just been awarded the Trophy for Best Shiraz of Show at the 2014 National Wine Show of Australia. An elegant wine of impeccable balance, it has beautiful hue and bouquet of vibrant bright aromatic fruit of red and blue berries. A rich palate of blackberries and ripe cherry with some classic Bellarine spice and pepper and balanced acidity makes for memorable drinking. The wine lingers on the palate finishing with silky tannins.
Fresh and vivacious, this funky bambino-bottled Moscato will seduce with lifted floral and rose petal aromas, which pirouette alongside crisp apple and citrus notes throughout. Delight in the enchanting balance of sweet nectar, delicate acidity and spritz. The perfect choice for a bright summer day, relaxed lunches and lazy afternoons spent soaking in the glory of brilliant blue skies and the company of your very favourite people.
Bringing you the pick of the latest offerings from our region’s wineries
CLYDE PARK LOCALE 2014 SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON Fruit for this wine was sourced from the Parklands Vineyard, four kilometres to the east of Clyde Park, on the other side of the Moorabool River. Both varieties were fermented separately in stainless steel. The Sauvignon Blanc provides aromatics and primary fruit character, while the Semillon gives subtle complexity and texture to the palate. The result is an elegant and restrained wine.
CLYDE PARK LOCALE 2013 PINOT NOIR The Locale range of wines are made from fruit sourced from local regions of Geelong, and in most cases, from the subregion of the Moorabool Valley. They offer exceptional value for money, being made with the same hands on approach and attention to detail as our estate wines. The Pinot is bright red, showing cherry and spice characters, fine tannins and bright, refreshing acidity. It is great with game, duck, lamb and past dishes.
Leura Park Estate has firmly established itself as a renowned producer of award-winning premium cool maritime climate wines. The Estate has a brilliant stable of sparklings that will entice this holiday season. The Cellar Door boasts a funky, rustic chic ambience, perfect for relaxing with friends and sharing stunning stone based pizzas and seasonal homemade al fresco grazing platters. A great place for a party, Leura Park can help plan a special event that everyone will remember. Halliday
Clyde Park is a Premium winery located in Geelong’s Moorabool wine region. Originally established in 1979, the award-winning winery is now home to a bustling Bistro hosting many functions and events in particular weddings. Sourcing their produce from a local market expanding no more than a 200km radius, Clyde Park has firmly cemented itself and its product as consistent and exemplary.
Leura Park Estate Cellar Door & Vineyard 1400 Portarlington Road, Curlewis VIC 3222 Phone 03 5253 3180 www.leuraparkestate.com.au
Clyde Park 2490 Midland Highway, Bannockburn 3331 Phone: 03 5281 7274 www.clydepark.com.au
*****
A must visit this Summer!
BUSINESS NEWS | 52
Halliday
*****
THE CRUSH
DON’T MISS THIS ONE! Thanks to the fabulous people of Clyde Park we have a $200 lunch voucher to giveaway.
TERINDAH ESTATE 2012 BELLARINE PENINSULA METHODE TRADITIONELLE The 2012 vintage is widely regarded as one of Geelong’s finest, with consistently moderate temperatures and rainfall at optimum times. This sparkling has a light delicate bead. On the nose there are hints of citrus and brioche. The palate is clean and light with a creamy finish with hints of vanilla. The Pinot Gris adds a velvet plush mouth feel. The wine will mature and age for years to come.
To win, just tell us who you would share this great prize with and why.
It was celebrations all round at boutique Bellarine winery, Leura Park Estate, when the word was passed around that their 2013 single vineyard Estate Shiraz had been awarded one of the most prestigious trophies in the Australian wine industry - Best Shiraz at the 2014 National Wine Show. This award follows on from the same wine winning the Trophy for Best Shiraz of Show at the recent Geelong Wine Show.
Email entries to abbey@ adcellgroup.com.au (subject line Clyde Park)
At 1.7 acres, the Shiraz is the smallest block on the 150-acre Leura Park property, which has 40 acres planted to vines. The trophy was presented to Leura Park Estate Winemaker, Darren Burke, at a gala awards dinner in Canberra in late November. Darren said the award was a career highlight and represented the ultimate in 3rd party endorsement.
or via Facebook www.facebook. com/biznewsmag (comp pinned to page feed) Drawn January 12, 2015
The deceptive entrance to Terindah Estate cheekily hides the stunning venue and views that await. Boasting panoramic views across the vineyards and the bay, award winning wines, a floor to ceiling glass walled restaurant plus additional indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, meetings, corporate functions and special occasions, it’s easy to see why Terindah Estate is one of Victoria’s most beautiful and exciting venues. Halliday Terindah Estate 90 McAdams Lane, Bellarine, Victoria, 3223 Phone: 03 5251 5536 www.terindahestate.com
BEST SHIRAZ IN AUSTRALIA, JUST DOWN THE ROAD
*****
“The achievement of a wine show award of any stature is that the wine speaks. There are no labels influencing or prejudicing the taster, it just comes down to that particular wine at that one moment in time. To win a trophy at the National Wine Show, which has only the best of the Best wines entered is awesome and incredibly humbling. It endorses what we are doing in the vineyard and the winery,” he said.
“ELLYSE” WINS WINE OF THE SHOW The Austins & Co. 2013 Ellyse Chardonnay won the Best Wine of Show Trophy at the Williams and Jackson 2014 Geelong Wine Show. 199 Geelong wines competed with 15 gold, 26 silver and 48 bronze medals being awarded. GWS Judging Panel Chair, Corrina Wright, commented that “there was wonderful winemaking going on across the board, and the Chardonnay classes in particular showed great richness and complexity.” There was plenty of discussion among the judges for the Best Wine in show and the tightly contested Chardonnay class was won by the Austins & Co. Ellyse Chardonnay, which went on to win Best Wine of Show. The Ellyse Chardonnay is only made in exceptional vintages and is a barrel selection by winemaker Scott Ireland. The 2013 vintage of Ellyse has been produced in a very limited 54 cases. Along with winning best wine of show, Austins & Co. also won Chardonnay Trophy - 2013 Ellyse Chardonnay, Gold - 2013 Ellyse Chardonnay, Gold - 2013 Greenbanks Pinot Noir, Bronze - 2013 6Ft6 Shiraz and Bronze - 2012 Kyberd Pinot Noir. The Ellyse Chardonnay will be available early next year. Join the Austins & Co. mailing list to be notified of its release.
BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 53
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ELEVATOR
The ELEVATOR is a fresh section in Business News and biznewsmag.com.au allowing businesses the opportunity to give their ‘Elevator Pitch’ to the rest of the regional business community free of charge. For details see www.biznewsmag.com.au
Have you ever lost an hour of work on your computer? Now, imagine if you lost days or weeks of work – or imagine losing your client database, financial records and all of the work files your company has ever produced or complied. Or what if a major storm, fire, theft or virus wiped out your server? How devastating would that be? If you do not have a rock-solid backup and disaster recovery plan in place, you are quite literally playing Russian roulette with your business. With the number of threats constantly growing, it’s not a matter of IF you will have a problem, but rather a matter of WHEN.
Ground Floor, 284 Bellerine St, South Geelong, VIC, 3220 Ph: 1300 551 310 | (03) 5223 3884 sales@hewstone.com.au www.hewstoneit.com.au
Patrick Rowan & Associates 24 Moorabool Street, Geelong T: 52 217655 www.patrickrowan.com.au
Hewstone I.T. have been providing Information Technology solutions for over 25 years. We are making it our personal mission to educate as many Geelong business owners as possible about the dangers of not having a rock solid offsite backup and disaster recovery plan for their data and critical IT systems. All too often we get a call from business owners saying “Hewstone, we have a problem!” They never got around to thinking about this issue until it was too late.
We are offering all new clients a FREE network audit of their current backup system. To request this service, simply call us at 1300 551 310 or email us at sales@hewstone.com.au
What is the number one thing people want from their accountant? To be proactive. At Patrick Rowan & Associates, we look at the big picture, what you really need to achieve your goals and tailor a solution for your success. Our business clients value us becoming a part of your team, helping you plan for the future by setting targets and goals and expressing the outcome in terms of financial rewards. As well as accounting and taxation services, we have built a reputation in areas including retirement planning, (it’s never too early to start), self-managed superannuation funds, medical accounting and the set up and administration of special disability trusts. Is your business reaching its full potential? We can help you put a plan in place for your future with our Strategic Planning process. ‘Outside the box’ ideas to promote your business including social media are offered through our Marketing in Action Service. And, if you are purchasing or selling property, we help you make informed decisions to ensure you are getting the best deal possible through our unique Property service.
BUSINESS NEWS | 54
THE ELEVATOR My name is Janelle Johnston, I am the Founder & Director of Corporate Training & Life Coaching Institute in Geelong. I am a Human Behavioural Specialist & Leadership Educator. I am a qualified Trainer & Master NLP Practitioner (manual for your mind), Extended Disc Consultant & Trainer in Behavioural Profiling, Life Coach, Master Deep State Re-patterning, Master Hypnotherapist & a Graduate of Landmark Education. I run training courses in customer service, teamwork, Leadership skills and Public Speaking. I also conduct one on one coaching to enhance business & personal performance. Another unique service I offer is behavioural profiling utilising Extended Disc. Behavioural profiling can be utilised in helping select the right people in the recruitment stage together with enhancing team productivity. I specialise in the Retail/ FMCG sector, however will work with any business that is wanting to improve the potential of their people. Every business needs to maximise the potential of their people and may not see the learning gaps until cracks appear in their business. By developing the skills & empowering the minds your people, this will dramatically have an impact on your bottom line, staff retention, productivity and engagement within the business. My mission is to deliver exceptional service to my clients that goes over & beyond their expectations. To achieve this, I travel the world, seeking the most cutting edge knowledge that is proven to achieve accelerated results. My passion to stretch my clients & take them on a journey of discovering what they don’t know. Corporate Training & Life Coaching Institute P.O. 5041 East Geelong, Australia 3219 Mobile: 0418 187 476 enquiries@ctlci.com.au www.ctlci.com.au www.ctlci.blogspot.com Facebook: Ctlci Leadership Academy
DuxTel is a dynamic and growing data network solutions provider founded and based in Geelong. Our customers and business partners include small to mid-tier ISPs, and Wireless ISPs, Hotspot providers, systems integrators, accommodation centres, local government and more. We act as technology enabler for our customers and partners to help them offer complex data network services delivering high performance LAN, WAN, Wireless and public access internet services to their own customers. Our proprietary DuxTel Internet Commander solution is a Carrier Grade Customer administration, provisioning and billing system for ISPs, HotSpot services and public access free WiFi services. Our projects and expertise includes ISP systems including NBN, Wireless Private Data Link, public access WiFi for city and tourism, student accommodation and apartment building internet services, including the Geelong City Free WiFi project as well as Horsham Free WiFi in Victoria. We are also the premier wholesale distributor in Australasia for MikroTik and RouterOS products, a range of high performance router and switch products from Latvian company MikroTik. As the number 1 clearinghouse for MikroTik products skills, and certification training in our region, we have become first choice for MikroTik Specific products and services.
Mekari Constructions build new homes that are innovative, homes that are individual, creative and comfortable to live in and homes that are sustainable and energy efficient, using the latest in green home building strategies. Why build an energy efficient home? Smart homes reduce your impact on the environment; save you money in energy bills for years to come - the savings over time can be significant; and the cost of building a 7-star energy efficient rating home is not much more than building a standard home. At Mekari Constructions, we have a range of architecturally designed house plans available. We work closely with architects and designers who specialise in eco-living and are happy to adapt your plans. With over 25 years building experience, owner Andrew Conte, is the specialist in building ‘smarter’ homes in the Geelong region, bringing together the best possible materials (using low embodied energy to manufacture), specialist contractors and unique construction methods that have been used overseas for decades. Mekari Constructions are Geelong’s innovative green builder and together we can turn your dream home into a reality.
Mekari Constructions Geelong’s Green Builder T: 5241 8914 www.mekari.com.au BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 55
AFTER HOURS
50 YEARS OF BISINELLA A glittering celebration dinner and evening of entertainment at Lara’s historic Pirra Homestead marked Lino Bisinella’s 50 years in business. More than 300 guests heard how Lino started out as a plasterer before his family business expanded and diversified into the largest local land development company in the Geelong region, creating thousands of local jobs along the way. One of Australia’s most popular singers, Anthony Callea, headlined the night, while Channel 7’s Rebecca Maddern was MC for the evening and an entertaining after dinner speech was delivered by Father Kevin Dillon AM. But it was the personal stories of Lino and son Richard that brought guests to their feet.
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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.
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Elisha prides her business on being one that is multifaceted and has the ability to meet the needs of all clients. Whether it is commercial, weddings or portraits, E.L Photography can meet the needs of businesses, individuals and groups. The logo represents the E.L Photography brand and is, therefore, the essence of the E.L Photography identity. Do not attempt to redraw or rearrange it, or alter the colour in any way. It always, where possible, appears as a colour image.
2. CMYK HORIZONTAL VERSION (ON WHITE BAC Commercial Photography Staff portraits Product shots Marketing shots Events & Functions Weddings & Portraits
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FRIDAY AFTER 5 Geelong Young Professionals (GYP) hosted their last networking event for 2014 at the Deakin Waterfront campus Sally Walker building. Author, Performance Psychologist and founder of OM Psychology, Richard Bennett, was guest speaker. Delightful treats from Truffleduck and soothing tunes from Jack McKeon rounded off a most enjoyable event.
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Photography by Nicole Litjens, Wisdom Photography, wisdomphotography.com.au
E.L
4. Studio - 162 Bellerine St, Geelong 1. CUNNINGHAM PIER 2. NICOLE LITJENS, JULIA O’KEEFFE, BRIDGETTE KELLY, RICHARD BENNETT, PAT HOEY, JAY BURKE, JUSTIN ANDREWS, NICOLE WALTERS (FRONT)_GYP COMMITTEE 3. CALEB PLUMRIDGE, JUSTIN ANDREWS 4. DANIEL FULLERTON, BETH MALOUF, LAURA VAN STEKELENBURG
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elisha@elphotography.com.au 0439 353 958 elphotography.com.au
AFTER HOURS
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ADAPTING TO CHANGE
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There are few places on Earth that can hone your leadership skills the way a winter in Antarctica can. For Rachael Robertson, guest speaker at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce Smarter Resources Smarter Business Breakfast, the experience was lifechanging. Rachael captured the imagination and admiration of the audience, sharing stories of what it means to practice adaptable leadership in one of the world’s most extreme environments with 18 people you barely knew when you arrived, dealing with everything from plane crashes to bacon wars. 1. EDDY SOETEKOUW, HUGH BOWMAN, BARRY D’ALTERA 2. JO ANN LYONS, NARELLE PROBERT, MICHAEL HASTIE, STEVEN DIXON (ALL COMMONWEALTH BANK) 3. MICHELLE FARRELL, DEBORAH FOWLER, MICHAEL REED 4. YVONNE SHRIMPTON-BOWDLER, ROXIE BENNETT, BERNADETTE UZELAC 5. KATE ELBOROUGH, OSCAR DUNENS, RACHAEL ROBERTSON, BERNADETTE UZELAC, JAMES GULLI
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AFTER HOURS
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A HOLE LOT OF CHARITY The 13th Annual Adroit Insurance Group Charity Golf Day at 13th Beach Golf Links raised a whopping $86,000 for Karingal’s Eastern Geelong Community Centre Appeal. The event has raised in excess of $750,000 for Geelong community projects over the last 12 years.
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1. SCOTT SIMPSON, ROBERT PEARSON, BRENDAN PECK (ADROIT SALES DIRECTOR, RICHARD GRANT. TEAM CHUBB INSURANCE COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA OUT ON THE COURSE. 2. PAT CLIFFORD FROM SOVEREIGN HILL AND JOE AGOSTINO FROM ADROIT ON THEIR WAY TO THE FIRST HOLE. 3. BEN GATES, WARWICK SPALDING, DAVID YOUNG AND MICHAEL WOLFE THE GUYS OUT ON THE COURSE. 4. GLENN LAMBERT, ANDREW LOCKE (ADROIT MD), ANDREW COAD, MARK WHITE. HEADING OFF TO THE FIRST HOLE. 5. KARINGAL CEO, DARYL STARKEY AND ADROIT MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDREW LOCKE BEFORE THE GAMES BEGIN. 6. CAROLINE MOORE KARINGAL FOUNDATION, SARAH FORD ADROIT AND ANDREW LAWSON GEELONG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. ORGANISERS, BEFORE THE DAY KICKS OFF. 7. BR L-R ADROIT SALES DIRECTOR BRENDAN PECK, GEELONG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE OFFICER ANDREW LAWSON, FR L-R GEELONG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN VAL LAWRENCE, KARINGAL CEO, DARYL STARKEY AND ADROIT MANAGING DIRECTOR ANDREW LOCKE THE CHEQUE BEING HANDED OVER TO KARINGAL AT THE END OF THE NIGHT.
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THE TECH GUY
EVERY MONTH, OUR TECH GUY, JON MAMONSKI, BRINGS US THE WILDEST, MOST MIND-BLOWING GADGETS HE CAN FIND...
THE VIDEO DISC IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE NEXUS ANDROID PLAYER
GOOGLE ANSWERS IPHONE 5
Google has introduced the Nexus 6, the biggest Nexus phone that Google has released, adopting a 6-inch display - bigger than both the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy Note 4. The phone has a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front camera, a 3220 mAh battery, and two front-facing speakers. It can include either 32 or 64GB of internal storage and comes in either blue or white. The Nexus 6 comes with the stunning new Lollipop Android 5.0 OS that includes a battery saving feature that can extend a phone’s life by up to 90 minutes, plus the Nexus 6 also includes one of Motorola’s Turbo Chargers, which can charge the phone back up to six hours worth of battery life in 15 minutes. The Nexus 6 is going to be sold unlocked for $695 and that’s well under iPhone and Galaxy prices. The phablet’s AMOLED screen runs at a vast Quad HD 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and the display size is just stunning and the Nexus 6 also includes an improved 13-megapixel sensor Under the bonnet there’s a powerful Snapdragon 805 chip clocked at 2.7GHz paired with 3GB of RAM humming away inside the 6’s curvy shell. If you’ve been toying with the idea of either a new phone or tablet, this is the answer in one. The Google Nexus 6 is the new standard for mobile.
The days of physical media like CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays are numbered and its influence on technology trends is over. The Nexus Player, like Apple TV, is throwing down the gauntlet in this post-disc world. It’s a circular device that plugs into your TV via HDMI and it’s small - measuring just 120x120x20mm and it’s designed exclusively to stream and download video and music from both the internet and your own home network. The Nexus Player runs a brand new TV-optimised version of Android 5.0 (Lollipop), which means it’ll eventually be compatible with a huge assortment of Android apps in the Google Play store. So, once developers have gotten to grips with it, it could yield some very interesting applications. The key use to start with though, aside from streaming music and movies, is gaming. The box is manufactured for Google by Asus, which is also making an optional gamepad. And with 8GB of internal storage, there’s space to download games for playing on your TV. Google says that when it’s time to hop on the bus to work, you’ll be able to continue your game where you left off on your smartphone. Don’t throw away your discs just yet, they will become valuable antiques.
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THE TECH GUY
Does your lack of night vision mean that you stumble to the bathroom at 2am? The Illumibowl is here to help. It’s an LED light that sticks onto the outside of your toilet and casts a beam of coloured light into the commode - no, not a yellow one. The gizmo’s motion sensor activates the light when you walk into your toilet and turns off after
AND NOW FOR A DELICATE MATTER
about a minute of inactivity. It’s another case of why didn’t someone think of this before?
A few smartwatches will let you make calls, but that doesn’t mean they’re elegant substitutes for your smartphone. You’re going to look a little dorky bringing your wrist up to your face. The team behind the klatz smart bracelet thinks it has a more elegant solution. Their smart band flips open, turning into a makeshift handset for your phone. The device’s 384-LED display won’t come close to your phone, but the developers are promising a giant battery that will last for 10 days.
SMART LUGGAGE
Losing your luggage is a real hassle, but now a start-up is taking to crowd funders to create what it calls the world’s first smart, connected carry-on luggage. Bluesmart is a small suitcase with a host of features that makers believe frequent travellers can’t live without. Priced at $275 (or as low as $225 for early adopters), it’ll include proximity tracking to alert you if you walk away from your luggage, a TSA-approved lock that’s controlled by your smartphone and a built-in battery to charge your gadgets. There’s also a scale integrated into the handle that’ll tell you how much your bag weighs just by lifting it off the ground, and a quick-access compartment for storing your laptop.
I’M ON MY WAY
Here’s a real game changer. Say goodbye to the days of monochrome or green night vision footage. Sharp has unveiled an infrared security camera that captures video in 720p colour, even in total darkness. The technology uses an imaging sensor that’s near-infrared for illumination; so the camera doesn’t have to resort to conventional lights to get a vivid picture. The new camera will initially be limited to corporate and government customers when it goes on sale in late November, but it’s going have a big impact on your safety. Building managers will soon have an easier time identifying intruders, not just spotting them, and while the technology might not stop a burglary, it should increase the chances of catching thieves before they strike again.
It had to happen. We will all be travelling in electric vehicles one day soon, but in the meantime there’s Onewheel, made by Doeksen - the very image of its name, a single tyre flanked by two wooden platforms. It looks deceptively easy, using a combination of accelerometers and gyro sensors to balance itself, which lets you focus on moving. No, not this Christmas, your letter to Santa goes in 2015.
COLOUR VIDEO IN TOTAL DARKNESS
ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD
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STUFF
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It’s the gift giving season again! Whether it’s holidays or birthdays or because-Iwanted-to there is bound to be something here to help you in your shopping adventure!
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1. Silly Gifts Spardose Matroschka www.trendstyle-online.de 2. Silly Gifts Spiegel Barock deep purple www.trendstyle-online.de 3. Silly Gifts Wanduhr Eule blau/grau twww.trendstyle-online.de 4. PomPomKits.etsy.com Canyon Mini Needlepoint Kit www.etsy.com 5. Wooden Sea Plane Lovably Me www.lovablyme.co.uk 6. Rabbit Night Light Cloth-ears.co.uk www.cloth-ears.co.uk 7. Space Invaders Alarm Clock Navy Crockett www.navycrockett.com.au 8. Jane Austen Mug NeverMore www.nevermorestore.com 9. Jonathan Adler Pipe Match Strike Navy Crockett www.navycrockett.com.au 10. Caveman Egg Cup & Spoon Navy Crockett www.navycrockett.com.au 11. Hmong Wrap Bracelet Blue Oxfam Australia www.oxfamshop.org.au 12. Leopard Delta Mid High Top Sneakers Littleville www.littleville.com.au 13. Naif Wonder Tent Zanui www.zanui.com.au 14. Satara Scandic Bookshelf Satara Australia www.satara.com.au 15. Hand Wall Hook - Universal Zanui www.zanui.com.au
BUSINESS NEWS | 62
BOOKS
WORKING STIFF 2 years, 262 bodies and the making of a medical examiner DR JUDY MELINEK AND T.J. MITCHELL This is one for all the blood and guts crime fans, for anyone who has practiced their sexy medical examiner face in the mirror and those for whom too much detail is never enough. Away from bestselling novels and television crime dramas, medical examiners spend their working lives uncovering the secrets a body can reveal. Working Stiff lifts the sheet on the life of a young medical examiner trying to find a balance between the demands of the living and the dead. Gross and engrossing, funny and heartbreaking, and thoroughly fascinating, read it.
THE LAST PULSE ANSON CAMERON In the drought-stricken Riverland town of Bartel in South Australia, after the suicide of his wife, Merv Rossiter steals a boat. He trucks north with his eight-year-old-daughter Em into Queensland. There he blows up the dam at Waroo Station, releasing a flood through outback New South Wales into South Australia. As the authorities search for them, Merv and Em ride the flood south in their stolen boat, rescuing a Queensland Minister from the water, and then a young blackfella who fancies he sang the river to life all by himself. Meanwhile, in Canberra, the political flotsam carried by Merv’s renegade ocean brings the Federal Government to its knees.
GREAT WHITE JAMES WOODFORD Our fear of sharks is primal, ratcheted up to a new level of dread by Jaws. For wildlife author James Woodford, a close encounter with not just one but half a dozen Great White Sharks left him questioning the man-eating reputation of the ocean’s most dominant predator. “I remember thinking two things at the time. Firstly, if it had wanted to eat us we wouldn’t have stood a chance and second, it didn’t want to eat us.” Confronted by the sharks swimming at full speed, he froze in shock, but he was even more surprised when they swam right past, completely ignoring him. Interviewing world-renowned experts and joining research teams at Neptune Islands, one of the most famous shark aggregation locations in the world - and consequently one of the most dangerous dive sites - James investigates these intriguing creatures at close range and discovers their fascinating world.
F**K YOU AND GOODBYE A brilliantly dark and funny book that comes with the additional fun of contemplating the demise of other people’s careers, packed with the parting words of the rich and infamous, this is one book you can judge by its cover. It’s the survivors - the faithful servants, the insiders, the ones who stick around, who can adapt to almost any condition - who get to write the official histories. Yet theirs the official version - is never the whole story. There’s another side that we only glimpse through the cracks. The quitter’s tale offers a far more compelling, and often a more honest version of history. It’s full of self-deception, bloody knives, betrayal, honour, disgrace, disgust, thwarted ambition and shattered hopes, and sometimes a wicked sting in the tail... It includes letters from these famous resigners: Richard Nixon, Steve Jobs, Che Guevara, Wyatt Earp, George Orwell, Roy Edward Disney (Walt’s heir), King Edward VIII, Groucho Marx, All the Enron resignation letters, and Charlie Sheen.
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