Business News 243

August 2015

GEELONG REFINERY’S PLACE IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY RACE ISSUE 243

BUSINESS NEWS | 2

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 5 Biz News 10 New Appointments 14 Giving 20 Business 22 Employment

12. FEATURE

16. COVER STORY “Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.”

– J. Paul Getty

23 Finance 24 Business Advice 28 Governance 30 Elevator 32 National Skills Week 36 Tech Guy

38. ARTS ISSUE 243 AUGUST 2015 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au

4=40 Crush 44 After Hours

41. COMMUNITY

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EDITOR

THE LYON AND THE LAMBIE

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ometimes these sorts of thought pieces just write themselves... When viewed from a certain angle, politics can be a movable feast of comedy and there were a couple of shining examples last month.

One was the joint proposal by Senator Jacqui Lambie and Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons for a high-speed catamaran service from Burnie to Geelong.

It was an evocative meeting of the minds that attracted headlines around the country and more than a bit of local chatter. But was Australia’s most colourful local politician really meeting with the equally attention-grabbing Tasmanian Senator to discuss a ferry service across the treacherous waters of Bass Strait with no established business plan and no pier?

Whether what appeared to have all the hallmarks of a political recruiting exercise actually becomes a full-blown run at federal politics as a member of the Jacquie Lambie Network for Cr Lyons or whether that’s pure media speculation over nothing more than a coming together of ‘kindred souls’ over-flowing with big ideas remains to be seen. But with both local council and a federal election coming up in 2016, we can expect to see plenty of interest in who is putting their hand up for what, and why.

Our current Mayor has an undeniable talent for attracting attention and, when on form and on topic, can deliver a simple message with all the force of a cruise missile. How well could he work within the federal parliamentary system, engage in informed debate and negotiate outcomes to big, complex issues? That’s a question voters should consider of every one of their elected representatives.

Well meaning wackiness is one thing, a wild disconnect from the reality of life for most Australians is another. Which brings us to the second example of satirically rich behaviour so outrageous that only another sex and drugs scandal involving a British peer of the realm could take its place as the headline act in PollieFest 2015, the revolving comedy festival appearing at a town near you practically all the time.

Choppergate, or the saga of Bronwyn Bishop’s travel expense claims, really is destined to become a classic. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had a chuckle over it; but then, I don’t know Tony Abbott. Yes, yes; I know, there is a Finance Department process to be worked through, but anyone with any shred of interest in politics in Australia already knew that Ms Bishop had substantially added to the circus-like hilarity of the federal parliamentary chamber in her role as Speaker, long before the unsavoury sniff of dubious travel expenses came to light.

But then again, without the benefit of the findings of that Finance Department investigation, perhaps we shouldn’t judge Ms Bishop prematurely. Perhaps there really were highly secret committee meetings just down the road from not one but two weddings of party colleagues just prior to those weddings.

Perhaps the details of those conveniently scheduled clandestine committee meetings – meetings about balancing work and family life, and illicit drugs policy, which were not attended by any other committee members - were simply too sensitive to be revealed. And perhaps those who have spent far too long being insulated from reality by the luxurious padding of bureaucratic entitlements can’t hear their own hypocrisy over the thudding of the helicopter rotors overhead.

You really do have to laugh. But when the tears have been wiped away it really is long past time that we have a serious and considered look at who is entitled to what and whether it’s nothing more than a free grab. The Labor Party is talking about The Buffett Rule - and it’s a good idea to tackle unfair tax minimisation amongst the wealthy by setting a minimum tax rate of 35 per cent on the gross, not the post-deduction earnings, of the nation’s highest earners.

I would suggest the same treatment could be much more broadly applied, when you have many six-figure salary earners enjoying effective tax rate in the single digits we all have a problem. And it all comes down to the sense of entitlement that high earning, entitlement grabbing politicians love to tell us about. There is far too much of grabbing what you can, while you can, and far too little thought of who you’re grabbing from.

Just because you mean, doesn’t mean you should.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BUSINESS NEWS | 4

BIZ NEWS

GMHBA NATIONAL GROWTH CONTINUES

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he Geelong-based health insurer, GMHBA Limited, is continuing its push into the national health insurance market with the acquisition of online fund, health.com.au.

The acquisition of the niche online health fund adds a further 40,000 policies covering over 85,000 Australians under the GMHBA umbrella and, having previously launched Australia’s first online health insurance fund, Frank Health Insurance, helps to cement the local insurer firmly into the online insurance space.

GMHBA CEO, Mark Valena, said the acquisition was consistent with GMHBA’s strategy to continue to grow and play a critical role in the region’s future economic prosperity as well as to contribute to the insurer’s increasing profile in the national health landscape.

“As health services continue to play a larger role in Geelong’s transitioning economy, GMHBA will not be standing still,” Mark said.

“While the health.com.au staff will remain in Melbourne, this deal will unlock job growth across all of our brands, including here in Geelong.”

He said the health.com.au business was a good fit for GMHBA and its members, as GMHBA’s successful establishment of Frankhealthinsurance.com.au as the nation’s first online health fund put the member-based fund in a unique position to deliver health.com.au’s full potential.

“We are very well placed to deliver strong returns from the health.com.au business, and as we do, GMHBA’s members will be the beneficiaries of that success.”

GMHBA continues to build a diverse investment portfolio that includes the announcement last year that it will build a bestpractice health facility in Armstrong Creek.

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BIZ NEWS

MUSTANG WHEELS ARE ROLLING AT CARBON REVOLUTION Revolution and Australian advanced manufacturing. Funding from the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) has been very important in helping Carbon Revolution to develop products for the global automotive market.

“This is a significant achievement and demonstrates that Australia is continuing to play a very important role in supplying the global auto market,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“I want to congratulate everyone at Carbon Revolution, including CEO Jake Dingle and Chair James Douglas, on this great home grown success story. Geelong’s shared history with Ford makes this announcement particularly significant.”

Round 1 of the GRIIF, announced in March 2014, provided $5 million in competitive funding to Carbon Revolution towards construction of its $24 million purpose built manufacturing facility, creating 108 new jobs. When at full capacity, this facility will have capacity for commercial scale production of 50,000 carbon fibre wheels a year for supply to the automotive industry.

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t was big news at Geelong-based Carbon Revolution when they were chosen by Ford USA to supply carbon fibre wheels to the new Shelby Mustang GT350R vehicle.

Minister for Industry and Science the Hon Ian Macfarlane said that supply of cutting-edge one piece carbon fibre wheels to a global automotive manufacturer was a glowing endorsement for the Geelong-based company.

Celebrating the announcement, the Minister for Industry and Science, Ian Macfarlane, said, “This is a great day for Carbon

“With 500 manufacturers employing some 12,000 people, our region continues to be a leading centre of manufacturing,” said Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson.

“This contract with Ford is an absolute game changer. With hopes that this contract and the others that will follow from the global automotive industry will support more jobs growth at Carbon Revolution - from 150 to 300 employees – this global deal is also very important for local jobs. Already the company has taken on a number of ex-Ford and Alcoa employees.”

RISING COSTS HAMPERING BUSINESS GROWTH BUT SALES AND EXPORTS EXPECTED TO LIFT

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he quarterly VECCI – Bank of Melbourne Survey of Business Trends and Prospects, released last month, suggested rising employment costs hampered business trading performance over the June quarter.

Wages growth was a driver of this rise, as it remained widespread in the June quarter 2015 with a net balance of 18 per cent of respondents reporting an increase. Wages growth is forecast to accelerate in the September quarter 2015, with a net balance of 30 per cent of respondents expecting a rise.

With little change in selling prices and higher operating costs, business profitability was under pressure with a visible weakening in profits over the quarter. A net balance of 18 per cent of businesses reported declines - a 10 per cent deterioration compared to the previous quarter’s result.

Not surprisingly, survey also found that employment levels were adversely affected by the general weakness in profits and rising

cost pressures. Over the June quarter, a net balance of six per cent of surveyed firms reported a decline in employment.

Exports, which had performed strongly in the previous quarter, eased in the current quarter, as did trends in buildings and structures investment. However, a rebound in export activity is forecast over the next three months.

Sales, which were relatively flat during the June quarter, are also expected to recover over coming months.

Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive, Scott Tanner, said, “While businesses are still uncertain about conditions in the Victorian economy, there were some encouraging signs for the outlook with confidence emerging.

“Stronger household and business balance sheets, coupled with low interest rates and a weaker Australian dollar, should put growth and investment plans back on the agenda for businesses when the right opportunities arise.”

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BIZ NEWS

UPGRADED PORTARLINGTON PIER A BOOST FOR LOCAL AQUACULTURE

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he new 175-metre pier section was opened last month and is the first of the upgrades to be completed under the $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour development.

The works, which started in February, improve access and vehicle load limits for mussel and aquaculture businesses and their workers.

Officially opening the new pier section, Environment Minister, Lisa Neville, also announced the next step in the $15 million project, which is set to transform the harbour over the next two and a half years.

Parks Victoria are currently working through consultation on the detailed design of the next stage of the works to commence this year aimed at developing better facilities to grow the local aquaculture industry and provide the infrastructure for a future ferry.

Ms Neville said, “Parks Victoria has done a great job delivering these works for the Bellarine Peninsula – on time and on budget. A priority for the project is to ensure the harbour can continue to operate throughout the works.”

IT’S A GOOD TIME TO BE IN OFFICE SUPPORT

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ustralia’s office support jobs market has seen a significant increase in the number of permanent and temporary roles on offer, with demand being particularly high for candidates with like-for-like industry experience, according to Hays Office Support.

Sales Administrators, Customer Service Administrators and Personal Assistants are topping the list of skills in demand in the latest Hays Quarterly Report for July to September 2015.

“Most organisations are confident and going through a period of growth,” says Alex Jones, Senior Regional Director of Hays Office Support. “Today, they are focusing more on sales and business development rather than restructuring and consolidating roles. Therefore, we are seeing more jobs in office support functions to help businesses through peak busy periods, projects and maternity leave cover.”

Adding to jobs growth is the continued focus on systems upgrades and information technology projects, says the recruiter.

“Given all this vacancy activity, the market has shifted and is now candidate short. It is very common for good candidates with relevant experience to receive two or three permanent job offers. Likewise, the temporary candidate pool is shrinking as individuals secure permanent positions.

“We have also seen an increase in the number of temporaryto-permanent job opportunities. The challenge for employers offering such roles is that they need a candidate prepared to take a temporary role initially, however top talent usually receive an immediate permanent offer elsewhere.

“Soft skills are also now a big factor, especially for team administration and sales administration jobs. Organisations are less keen to train people into these roles and therefore candidates with previous experience are required.

“We have also seen an increase in demand for Customer Service Administrators who want to remain in customer service.”

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BIZ NEWS

UPSKILLING FOR SMALL BUSINESS Geelong Chamber of Commerce was very pleased to welcome 19 new members at our July After 5 at the Pier and Hosted

by TAC. Allstaff Airconditioning Pty Ltd Bellarine First Aid chilliup Chris Walsh Pharmacy Cocoa Pantry Ducere Farmers Daughter Produce Store Geelong Mums On the Go Safety Workwear Ricard Securities Pty Ltd Sphinx Hotel The Business Marketing Centre The Farmer’s Place UNLIMITED Recruitment Wendy Maddock Marketing & Communications Strategist Wine Domaine Wisewould Mahony Lawyers WorkSafe Victoria

Upcoming events: ANNUAL WESTPAC ECONOMIC BREAKFAST 7 August 2015 The Pier Geelong Hosted by Westpac

AUGUST AFTER 5 12 August 2015 Waterfront Kitchen Hosted by Deakin University

POWERCOR GEELONG BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER 20 August 2015 The Geelong Arena Hosted by Geelong Chamber of Commerce

SEPTEMBER AFTER 5 24 September 2015 @ Cotton On Hosted by United Water

BEFORE 9 3 September 2015 The Pier Geelong Hosted by Australia Post

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he Geelong Small Business Festival is on with free and low-cost seminars and workshops being held across the region for locals interested in starting, shaping and developing new or existing small business enterprises.

The festival is part of the successful and long-running Small Business Festival Victoria, and this year’s festival boasts the biggest program yet, with more than 350 business events to run throughout the state during August – with 49 of those forming the Geelong Small Business Festival.

Looking to update your skills or learn some new ones from those in the know? The festival is one of the most accessible, most comprehensive opportunities to learn how to do things better in your business or organisation.

The full list of events supported by Enterprise Geelong as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival is available at enterprisegeelong.com.au/gsbf But if August is already getting away from you – and this year really does seem to rocketing along at an extraordinary pace – there is support for local small to medium businesses available all year round through the government-funded Small Business Smart Business program.

Driven by the understanding that innovate or die isn’t just a glib business saying, Small Business Smart Business provides low-cost mentoring for businesses to help them address the challenges facing their business and to grow with confidence.

According to Small Business Smart Business, “Technologies and human behaviours are changing faster than ever before in history. Businesses that put their heads in the sand face a very real threat of becoming irrelevant to their customers or industry.

“Changing trends affect all aspects of every business including what and how your customers buy, how you do business and what your business model will look like in the future. If you don’t make a commitment to innovate you will get left behind.

“Smart small businesses are watching the ‘megatrends’ and working out ways to capitalise on the opportunities they bring, as well as safeguarding themselves from the threats.

“One of the ways to explore the impact of emerging trends on your business is via scenario planning. Looking at the ‘what ifs’ allows you to create an adaptable plan for and an agile business.”

Phillip Lang Consulting is running a two-day seminar starting on 13 August around strategic renewal and how to continuously evolve your business by reframing your thinking by using scenarios (such as megatrends) and innovative systems. You can find out more at smallbusinesssmartbusiness.com.au Small Business Smart Business can put you in touch with innovation experts as well as mentors, who can help you evolve with the times.’

Free one-on-one mentoring sessions with a small business mentoring service mentor are 45-minute sessions hosted by experienced business people as part of the Greater Geelong Small Business Clinics program. Longer mentoring sessions covering all areas of business, including innovation, marketing, managing finances, recruiting and managing staff, contracts and getting your business online, are also available under the Small Business Smart Business program at a heavily subsidised cost $50.

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BIZ NEWS

UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY LINKS CAN’T BE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

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he Chief Executive of Universities Australia, Belinda Robinson, has hit back at suggestions that the nation’s universities aren’t doing enough to engage with Australian industry with a widely distributed opinion piece, first published in The Australian, saying businesses need to more proactive in seeking collaboration with universities.

“Indeed. The federal government, particularly Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane, has long expressed concern about the disconnect between industry and university research. He has a point. There is no escaping the fact Australia’s industry and university sectors don’t work particularly well together compared with the situation in other nations.

“Education Minister Christopher Pyne recently announced a review of university research funding and policy. It’s designed to go hand in glove with the government’s Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research strategy,” Ms Robinson wrote.

“In 2011, Australia ranked 33 out of 33 OECD countries for the level of large companies collaborating with higher education or public research agencies, and 32 out of 33 for small and medium-sized company collaboration. For those unfamiliar with the OECD list, we sit well below South Korea (10 out of 33/6 out of 33), Spain (18/21), Estonia (22/26) and Turkey (27/28).

“The emphasis in the terms of reference on the responsibility of universities to strengthen industry linkages and engagement makes the silence on the role of industry in this two-way enterprise all the more deafening.

“At the Universities Australia conference this year, Business Council of Australia president Catherine Livingstone said: “None of the new-era opportunities can be realised without far more effective collaboration between the university sector and industry.”

“Having squarely pointed the finger at universities, she went on: “We in business are equally accountable for driving a mindset shift around collaboration, and how we facilitate and exercise it.”

“Only 3.5 per cent of Australia’s large firms work with universities and public research agencies. This compares with 43.2 per cent in Germany, 39.8 per cent for South Korea, 31.3 per cent in Britain and 22.5 per cent in New Zealand.

“There is little point in universities reaching out if industry is unreceptive or the policy signals to encourage active engagement by all parties are missing.

“This new era demands a committed three-pronged a ­ pproach by government, universities and industry, where responsibility is shared and good policy drives the convergence of entrepreneurship, good research and industrial diversification and innovation.”

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

Geelong region and across a number of industry sectors.

She also has expertise in marketing and event management and is an experienced presenter and Master of Ceremonies.

GEELONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JODY KEATING - MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER Jody Keating has been appointed to the role of Membership Services Manager at The Geelong Chamber of Commerce.

Jody has an extensive background in sales, account management and business development within the

As the ‘voice of business’ in Geelong, the Chamber provides a key platform for business networking, strategic partnerships and advocacy for businesses of all sizes. With nearly 850 members and 35 corporate partners, the Chamber is one of the largest and oldest business groups in Australia. Chamber programs include the Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards, ‘After 5’ networking events that attract over 300 business people every month, ‘Before 9’ breakfast networking events and ‘Small Business Smart Business’ offering small business advisory services and support. The Chamber advocates on behalf of business and plays a key role in political advocacy to support the interests of business both big and small.

In her role as Membership Services Manager, Jody looks forward to working with members and corporate partners to further the strategic objectives of the Chamber and to support the growth of business in Geelong.

DEBT COLLECTION

LEGAL

TAX ADVISORY

Gavin Smith has joined the region¹s largest debt collection and credit management specialists, Great Southern Credit Management, in an Account Manager/Business Development role.

Tara Paatsch has been promoted to Senior Lawyer at Coulter Roache and will continue to work in the Family Law department.

Roberta De Stefano joined Crowe Horwath in July to work in the financial services firm’s expanding Tax Advisory team in Western Victoria.

Gavin joins the growing team at Great Southern Credit Management having spent the past two years process serving, and prior to that 15 years in collections for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, including two years as Call Centre Manager.

Tara specialises in advising on all aspects of family law and de facto relationships including divorce, property settlements and children’s issues.

Tara started working at Coulter Roache in 2012 and completed her Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University after having also completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of New South Wales.

She holds an LLB, MCom and is completing a Masters of Tax. Roberta has five years of experience in providing tax advice on complex tax issues, such as family group restructures, foreign ownership and international tax, tax consolidation for corporate groups, FBT, CGT, GST and managing tax audits.

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ACCOUNTING Stephen Reynolds joined the team at Jovic Accounting in July 2015.

Possessing a strong technical knowledge over a variety of areas, Steve is looking to expand his knowledge in the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund space, as this is a real “hot topic” area.

He has experience in relation to the preparation of Tax Returns for individuals, as well as superannuation and various structures for both companies and investments.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

ACCOUNTING Danielle Zampatti joined the team at Jovic Accounting in July 2015.

She brings with her over 17 years experience in taxation and general accounting services. Danielle has gained considerable experience over a vast range of areas.

Danielle provides advice in all aspects of business including taxation, GST, Capital Gains Tax and business structuring.

She also offers advice and support to her clients across a broad range of businesses and industries.

Danielle looks forward to assisting clients and developing long professional relationships with Jovic Accounting clients.

BANKING Nic Cameron is the new Senior Business Banking Manager at the National Australia Bank office In Geelong, having relocated from Hobart. He currently manages clients from Colac, to Derrimut, down to Torquay.

Having enjoyed 5 years in Tasmania with NAB, developing and honing his skills in areas such as property development, investment & cash flow solutions within the business community, Nic is excited to join a strong NAB team.

Outside of work, Nic enjoys an active lifestyle through a variety of sports and as an avid supporter of Essendon. He is also completing his Masters of Commerce at Deakin University.

HARWOOD ANDREWS VITTORIA DE STEFANO - PRINCIPAL LAWYER Harwood Andrews Lawyers are paying much more than lip service to gender equity with the naming of Principal Lawyer, Vittoria De Stefano, who will soon be taking maternity leave, as Partner. Ms De Stefano practices in both Business Law and Property Law and holds a Masters of Business Administration and has an interest in licenced businesses, regularly advising clients on the acquisition of businesses with liquor licences and ongoing compliance matters. Vittoria joined Harwood Andrews in 2004 and was admitted to Practice in 2005; she is a Member of the Law Institute of Victoria, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Board member of Karingal Inc.

clients, government leaders and the community. Rod Payne, Chair of the Karingal Board of Directors, said the Board was delighted with the appointment. “Mike has been a successful business leader for many years, and his wide experience is of great value as Karingal enters a new phase of growth and opportunity,” Mr Payne said.

In a 35-year career spanning Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA, Mr McKinstry has held a number of significant management positions within large organisations including Hills, Amcor, Alcoa and Rover; and has most recently worked across sectors as a strategic business advisor.

“I am excited to be joining the Karingal team at such an important time. With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the emphasis is on individual choice. I will draw on my experience in this area to help the Karingal team to continue to be the organisation of choice,” Mr McKinstry said.

KARINGAL - MIKE MCKINSTRY - CEO International business leader and former Geelong resident Mike McKinstry has been appointed Karingal’s next Chief Executive Officer, and will officially take over the role on August 17 when current CEO Daryl Starkey retires.

Mike joined the organisation from 1 July allowing for a period of overlap for both Daryl and Mike. During this time Mike has familiarised himself with the diverse range of services that Karingal delivers and met with and listened to staff,

Current CEO Daryl Starkey announced his impending retirement in February, after 15 years at the helm. “In welcoming Mike to Karingal, I also wish to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of our outgoing CEO, Daryl Starkey,” Mr Payne said. “Under Daryl’s stewardship, we have grown significantly, including expanding interstate. As a result, we have supported an increasing number of people with a disability, and their families, to live the lives they choose.”

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FEATURE

Photo by Drew Ryan Photography

BELLARINE’S DARK HORSE RISES

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here is no more influential voice in the Australian wine industry than that of James Halliday. The announcement of Terindah Estate on the Bellarine Peninsula as Halliday’s Dark Horse Winery of the Year on July 28 has shone a spotlight not only on the picturesque bayside winery, but also on the growing sophistication of Geelong as a wine region.

The Dark Horse Winery of the Year award was one of six awards bestowed at the 2015 Qantas epiQure Halliday Wine Companion Awards, presented by James Halliday at a gala degustation and wine event at Melbourne Museum.

Terindah Estate is the retirement project of Peter and Cate Slattery. It was, Cate explains, supposed to be a quiet lifestyle project… at least, that was her plan. Husband Peter had quite a different plan in mind.

“It was exciting,” Peter said of the award. “It was more that we were quite small and new at it, and part of the enjoyment of [running the winery] is that you get toemploy other people. It makes you feel quite useful.”

“It’s true, we have a great team and they really do work hard,” Cate added.

Peter is a retired Quantity Surveyor and founder of Slattery, a leading Australian quantity surveying and cost engineering firm with a portfolio of large-scale architectural, government, commercial, industrial and residential projects around the country. When the couple retired to the Bellarine in 2000, Peter saw the need for more tourism businesses in the region.

At the time it was a farming property, located at the end of McAdams Lane half way between Drysdale and Portarlington and, while Cate loved it, as the keeper of the purse strings, she was sure they couldn’t afford it.

Peter went to the auction anyway and Cate laughed as she recounts calling her son in a panic and telling him to get to the auction quickly before his father did something silly.

The phone call came with the news that not only had Peter bought the property but that their son, having seen what he knew was a very special property, had helped his father to win the bidding.

“Peter’s head was always tourism and mine was farming and relaxing – to get here in Friday night and just look at the water,” Cate said.

Needless to say Cate lost the battle of ideas. “I still love sitting at home and looking at the water and the You Yangs and the city. Unfortunately we don’t get to do that very much.

“Peter,” she says with obvious pride, “is a successful man. He’s a visionary. He never envisioned sitting and looking at the water. He envisioned making the property work. This is Peter’s dream.”

“If you want to sell good wine you have to have good food, and vice versa”

That they would turn part of the hundred-acre property into a vineyard and winery business was not part of the original plan, and as is so often the case, it was the serendipitous melding of chance and opportunity that planted the first tendrils of Terindah Estate.

Cate grew up in Geelong, moving to Melbourne at 17 to go to university. She met Peter soon after moving to the city and that was that. Peter worked hard, growing the business. The couple had six children and now 14 grandchildren and life happened.

On a visit to her father, who was living in a retirement village in Geelong, Cate saw a For Sale ad for the property and decided to have a look. She rang Peter and left a message saying, “I have just seen the most beautiful property.”

The previous owners of the property, the Downie family, named it ‘Terindah’, an Indonesian translation for ‘most beautiful’, and with its rolling hills and sweeping bay views the name is a good one.

What had all the promise of an ideal retirement retreat changed dramatically just two days after the couple took possession of the property. Peter wanted to prove to Cate that the trip to her work in Melbourne could be a manageably short boat road. But while testing the trip the boat he was on was involved in an accident that left Peter with serious injuries.

“While he was sitting in his wheelchair, Rod from next door [what was then Kilgour Estate, now operating as Jack Rabbit]came in and sat and talked to Peter about the wine region. That’s how it all happened; Peter was a captive audience,” Cate said. “He read for months, everything he could get his hands on, and came up with all of these ideas.”

Inspired, Peter went along to a Geelong Wine Growers Association meeting and, without having planted the estate’s first vines, came home having been voted the President.

BUSINESS NEWS | 12

FEATURE

Ph “It was the best way to learn,” he pointed out, and Cate explained that a big part of the thrill of the Halliday Dark Horse award was the recognition and attention it would be bring to the Bellarine as a wine and food destination.

“It’s the same with Jack Rabbit and Oakdene and all the others, we might be rivals in a sense but we also love the fact that they’re doing well too. We all flow off each other,” Cate said.

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The Shed @ Terindah, now an award-winning café and events space, started its life as the property’s hay shed. Peter cleaned it out, laid a concrete floor and the Slatterys used it to hold parties for their children in it. Then the neighbours wanted to hold a wedding in it, and more friends began asking to use it for weddings and parties and the demand kept growing.

“Then Scotchman’s stopped doing weddings and Peter knew how many people wanted to get married with that view,” Cate said.

While Cate admitted to being dubious about the market for weddings, Peter insisted that the weddings, and later the restaurant, would create the market for the wine. And he was right.

“If you want to sell good wine you have to have good food, and vice versa,” Peter said. “Most of the brides that I’ve come across want the best food for their friends and family.”

The couple is still working through a model that will be ultimately viable for the winery. The focus until now has been on getting the property and the site to meet Peter’s vision and they have invested heavily to do that.

“The easiest way of saying it is that we may as well spend it rather than the kids,” Peter said. “You have to think that on this side of the bay, as distinct from the Mornington, we have a few very good competitors. On the other side there would be forty others that are better than us.”

It was the opportunity of being an early adopter.

At Terindah, the first vines were planted in 2001, with typical local varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The couple extended into less traditional varietals of Zinfandel, Picolit (a sweet varietal normally associated with high quality wines from Northern Italy), and Shiraz went in as well.

The winery produced its first vintage in 2006, with McAdams Lane labeled Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rose. Terindah opened to the public in 2012 and, having won the Dark Horse award just three years after opening the gates meant the excitement was palpable.

“I wanted to produce Pinot because I enjoy drinking Pinot,” Peter said.

“The Zinfandel I had tasted and we’ve had enormous success with it.”

Cate suggested growing Shiraz, because that is the only wine she drinks.

“From the word go, James Halliday gave us an honourable mention the first time he tried it and said that it was going to be a beautiful wine,” Cate said.

“I saw an ad in the Weekly Times,” Peter explained. “There was an Italian growing the vines under the power lines in Croydon. From the first crop it was beautiful.”

Terindah Estate picked up the trophy for Shiraz of the Show at the 2012 National Wine Show - the first time a cool climate Shiraz had won the coveted trophy. Leura Park won the trophy the following year for their single vineyard Estate Shiraz.

Terindah produces between 2500 and 3000 cases of wine each year. With all wines produced on the estate, visitors can see the winemaking production, eat at the restaurant, buy at the cellar door and take in the beauty around them.

Peter and Cate Slattery The building itself, designed and built by a long time friend of Peter and Cate, Max May, is quite extraordinary, and speaks of Peter’s intense attention to detail. There is nothing twee in the building, nothing extraneous. There are stories in the timbers. There are Blackbutt wharf deck supports and Jarrah stair treads that were reprocessed from Melbourne’s Station Pier. Pathways are paved with recycled wooden tram blocks and Douglas Fir boards were used to create the Sawtooth Lining ceiling.

But the aria is the breathtaking view, framed by walls of glass and stainless steel.

The property has 15 acres of vines, as well as quince, fig and citrus orchards, rotating wheat and barley crops and an organic herb and vegetable garden.

The produce of the property, including seaweed harvested from the property’s private beach and saltbush from the native garden, is featured on the award-winning menu created by chefs Lyndon Betts (Mietta’s of Queenscliff, Pettavel, The Vue Grand) and 22 year-old William Moyle (Donovans, St Kilda).

All Terindah Estate wines are estate grown, hand picked, produced and bottled on site using state of the art equipment.

Peter and Cate said the Halliday award credited the skill and dedication of winemaker, Chris Sargeant, who made the list of 10 Dark Horse Wineries in 2013 while at Brown Magpie Wines; and vineyard manager, Tim Byrne, and the 35 members of staff who have contributed the growth of the winery so far.

In the same way that Peter and Cate so evidently balance each other in their 50-year relationship, this is a business in balance with what it does and what it’s there for and it’s a pleasure to see.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

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GIVING

JOIN THE RED 25 MOVEMENT

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any Geelong businesses have joined the Red 25 movement, a lifesaving social responsibility program that everyone’s proud to be part of.

It is a donation more powerful than money, because saving a life is something you can’t put a price on.

It’s a bold new movement called Red 25 – a unique giving program which rallies groups and organisations around the country to achieve 25 percent of all blood donations needed.

Australia needs about 1.3 million blood donations each year and currently 16 percent comes from group donations. The Red 25 program aims to increase that benchmark to 25 per cent.

Blood Service spokesperson Stephanie Reynolds commended the efforts of local organisations such as City of Greater Geelong and TAC, along with all current supporting businesses for joining together to build camaraderie and do something special for those in need.

“One in three people will need blood in their lifetime; chances are they could be your workmate, neighbour or family member.

“Donating blood takes only one hour and is an easy way to help cancer patients, burns, surgical and trauma patients, people with immune disorders and many others,” she said.

Transport Accident Commission (TAC) employees in Geelong have united to lead the charge in a national effort to save lives.

Red 25’s TAC Coordinator, Rebecca Ciavarella said the 25 percent figure was achievable and the organisation’s contribution will be one step towards that worthy goal, with this year already helping to save 222 lives “We know that thousands of people need blood every day and we want to raise awareness in the community about the importance of saving lives through blood donation,” she said.

Ph: 5224 7413

TAC has been an active and regular supporter of the Blood Service in Geelong since their offices opened here in 2009.

Giving blood only takes around one hour and can help save three lives.

City of Greater Geelong is another dedicated Red 25 participant, with over 260 blood donations made this year, helping to save nearly 800 lives.

If you are aged between 16-70 years old, feeling healthy and well you may be able to give blood. Find out today by calling 13 14 95 or visiting donateblood.com.au

You can donate blood in Geelong at the Geelong Blood Donor Centre, 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong.

Any business or group can donate as part of Red 25.

Donations are tracked online, allowing groups to track how many lives they have saved.

The Geelong Donor Centre is now open six days per week, including Sundays, making it easier for you to donate at a time that suits you.

For details on Red 25, visit donateblood.com.au/red25 or call (03) 5224 7413.

BUSINESS NEWS | 14

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 15

COVER STORY

GEELONG REFINERY’S PLACE IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY RACE

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ugust 13 will mark one year since Viva Energy Australia acquired Shell’s Australian downstream business for $2.9 billion. When the 60 year-old Geelong refinery was included in the sale the news was met with local jubilation and broader industry curiosity.

Heyns walked away from a 28-year career with BP to take up the role with Viva Energy, moving to Geelong with his wife Debbie and he laughed when saying he doesn’t know how many times he’s been told that the refinery would be closing and converted into a terminal since arriving in Geelong.

I sat down with the General Manager of the refinery, Thys Heyns, to talk about how the refinery is performing under its new owners and how a facility of that age and capacity can compete in an industry dominated by the new breed of mega refineries.

Given that the fundamentals that brought about the closures of automotive and aluminium production in Australia aren’t that different to what is happening in the global oil and petroleum industry, perhaps that initial scepticism is understandable.

In February 2014, when it was announced that Swiss oil trader, Vitol, would be purchasing Shell’s retail, bulk storage and refining assets business in Australia it was widely known that the Geelong refinery was operating at a loss and speculation was rife as to what Vitol really had in mind for the Geelong refinery.

When Shell put the refinery on the market in April 2013, the threat of the refinery being downgraded to a fuel import terminal if a buyer could not be found, a move that would have meant the loss of 80 to 90 per cent of jobs at the site, was very real. The refinery workers and the city took a collective breath in anticipation of bad news.

Refineries across the country were being shut down or converted to fuel import terminals as they struggled to compete with cheaper fuel imports flowing in from South East Asia. Shell closed the Clyde refinery in 2012 and the converted terminal became part of the asset pool transferred in the sale to Viva Energy. Caltex restructured its supply chain 2012, shutting down its Kurnell refinery in Sydney and converting it to a fuel import terminal. BP shut down production at its Brisbane refinery at Bulwer Island this year in JuneTwelve months on, Vitol’s Australian investment has bucked the trend, going from being a good deal in February 2014 to a very good deal in August 2015.

The Australian dollar that was sitting at around 90 cents to the US dollar in February 2014 has fallen to around 73 cents. The price of crude oil has plummeted from the soaring heights of around $100 a barrel in February 2014 to about $50 dollars a barrel and the notoriously fickle refinery margins have strengthened. In June, the Geelong refinery posted record production figures.

After only a few minutes of talking to Thys [pronounced Tace], who has had time to settle into the role of refinery manager that he took up in February this year, I got the strong sense that he is a very practical person with a straightforward approach to an industry that he knows inside and out.

As it turned out, 2013 was to bring plenty of bad news for Geelong. The long-anticipated closure of Ford’s automotive plant was announced, Target Australia shed 260 jobs at its Geelong head office and Alcoa announced that the Point Henry Smelter and Rolling Mill were under review. The dark clouds were massing.

When the news spread that Swiss energy and commodities trader, Vitol, had struck a $2.9 billion deal with Shell to purchase its downstream assets (excluding Aviation), with plans to continue operating the Geelong refinery, the collective sigh of relief was almost palpable.

In many ways, the Geelong refinery is a microcosm of Australian manufacturing. The oil refinery was opened by Shell Australia in 1954, and over the next sixty years added bitumen production, Avgas and solvents, as well as a pipeline to its Melbourne storage facility. Business boomed and the workers were amongst the highest paid in the region. Australia’s low cost operating environment and high productivity made local operations valuable to global companies.

Then the worldwide economy went through a seismic shift. The Australian dollar skyrocketed and wages that soared above those

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COVER STORY of competitor nations brought body blows to export sales and production costs. The oil price took off, adding to already high unit costs and competition came hard and fast as mega refineries in South East Asia particularly began to pummel the Australian industry.

Vitol was amongst a number of investors interested in the Shell downstream business, and the Swiss hydrocarbon trader led the purchase that resulted in the creation of Viva Energy Australia.

It was a move that was largely against the flow of what was happening in the global industry. But this isn’t the first time Vitol has successfully purchased and made profitable an aging, comparatively small refinery in a high cost country, with the trader having previously bought older refineries in Germanyand Switzerland.

The global oil and gas industry is undergoing a period of structural change. Big players in the industry are all attempting to see around corners, to anticipate what the world will want from its energy suppliers in the years to come. Because, while public sentiment and government policy can shift relatively quickly, lifecycle of large-scale energy assets are measured in decades.

For Thys, who has spent almost three decades in the industry, he sees some reliable certainties even in these uncertain times.

“At the end of the day, it’s an industry that continues to grow because of population growth and GDP growth. Energy is a driver of growth; the world works on energy and on the back of that the industry continues to grow.

“There is obviously a shift in the nature of the industry with shifts in the mix of gas, coal and oil, and frankly they’re becoming a little more balanced, which to some extent I think is not a bad thing. Diversity of supply gives you security.

“Then there is the move to renewables as well, which I think is inevitable and will continue, I just don’t think it’s going to happen as fast as people think because the technology, while it’s advancing all the time, isn’t advancing as fast as people think it will.

“Within that whole mix I think you will see an improvement in efficiency and we are seeing that already. Europe uses a fraction of the energy for its GDP that the US does, and China has been very energy-intense in its really fast developmental curve, but it is also now becoming more energy efficient,” Thys said.

Refining General Manager for Viva Energy in Geelong, Thys Heyns

purchase and sale opportunities and that gives you access to more of those,” Thys explained. “When you really look at the structure of the trading markets globally, a lot of it these days is not only physical but paper instruments that are proxies for the physical. It means that something like a refinery margin, which is how we make money, is a tradeable commodity. For example, as a trader you could be quite active in trading the margin and then you have a physical position to back up the paper trading position.

“...it’s a good thing for the refinery and a good thing for Geelong, Vitol saw this as an opportunity and I think they were right”

In an industry where every company is seeking an edge, ways to improve profit margins and shield against future shocks, Vitol’s move into Australia is an intriguing one.

The sale of Shell’s downstream assets also included the 870site retail business (sites are operated in an alliance withColes Express or owned by independent dealers) , a bulk fuels, bitumen andchemicals business as well as and an exclusive Australian distributor arrangement for Shell Lubricants. Viva Energy is the exclusive licensee to the Shell brand in Australia.

While other companies are focused on global export sales and higher margin production, Vitol’s relatively small acquisitions in the refining sector are aimed at strengthening domestic sales across a broad range of bulk fuels and hydrocarbon products.

They are making money on the smaller margins.

“What you get in a manufacturing facility is, in trading terminology, both shorts and longs; in other words, you get both

“I think traders, by definition, are a bit opportunistic; they buy and sell whatever they see as a good opportunity to buy and sell. In this particular case, and it’s a good thing for the refinery and a good thing for Geelong, Vitol saw this as an opportunity and I think they were right,” Thys said.

“A big piece of the refinery story here is the strengthening of refinery margins. Refinery margins are notoriously volatile, and while we’ve had a period now of quite reasonable margins, that’s probably not going to last.

“We are in one of those industries where capacity expansion comes in blocks. There is a little bit of an increase on an ongoing basis, but when you are building a new refinery you are adding a whole bunch of capacity. The minute that margins begin looking really good, people will add capacity and that will put pressure on margins.

“Personally, what I think we need to confront is the probability that refining margins won’t stay where they are now and we have to continue to be efficient because this is fundamentally a commodity business. And, as I said, we are confronted with those manufacturing challenges in Australia where you have high costs and small scale.”

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 17

COVER STORY For Geelong Refinery, the challenges are obvious, how do you get a 60 year-old refinery to perform efficiently enough to ensure its sustainability? That was the challenge that brought Thys Heyns from a 28-year career with BP. “Sixty years-old is certainly part of the challenge because over a sixty year period eventually you are having to start replacing all of your equipment. We all corrode and certainly pipes and vessels corrode as well, so that ongoing maintenance and sustaining cost grows over the lifespan of a refinery. I always say that manufacturing, or at least refining, is conceptually quite simple.

You have to make sure that the margin that is given to you – because you don’t set it, you’re a price taker – is captured. The biggest thing that we need to do to capture the margin is that we need to be reliable, so the plant needs to run well.

“That’s one of the big opportunities that I see going forward is that we have the opportunity to do a lot better job in terms of reliability. We’ve left quite a lot of money uncaptured over recent years because of reliability issues and I think that’s a really important part of the equation. The other part of the equation is costs. Like with all commodity businesses you have to be as efficient as you can, so some of the things that we are going to work on is energy efficiency – and energy is a big cost impost for us; labour cost efficiency and making sure that we’re getting the kind of productivity that we ought to get, because we pay people well.

Arguably, the people here are almost the best remunerated in the industry on the global scale. I don’t mind paying people the best in the world, but if I’m paying them the best then I also want the best.

So we’ve really got to drive energy efficiency, labour productivity and then just general lean manufacturing concepts and making sure that we remove all of the waste out of the business.”

In April, the Viva Energy board approved funding to investigate crude storage at the Geelong site and in June announced a $23 million project to construct a fuel pumping station on its existing pipeline between the Geelong Refinery and the company’s Newport Terminal in Melbourne. The project would see more than a 25 per cent increase in the volume of fuel that can be transferred via pipeline to Melbourne.

And while it is a small volume product, Viva Energy launched a new product in December 2014 of which the company is understandably proud. Shell Unleaded 91 Low Aromatic Fuel was created at the Geelong refinery, in a four-year partnership deal with the Australian Government to make the fuel available to service station across the northern half Australia. The low aromatic fuel was specifically developed to help minimise the harm caused by petrol sniffing across the northern parts of the country.

“We’re going to have to make some tough decisions and we’re going to have to make some moves to make the business sustainable”

Thys said there is still quite a bit of scope for improvement across those key areas.

Another clear area of improvement for the refinery is the unutilised capacity. Lacking the scale over which to amortise its fixed production costs, the Geelong Refinery needs to use as much of its capacity as possible over which to spread its operating costs.

“We’ve got a bitumen manufacturing complex and we arethe only bitumen manufacturer in Australia,” Thys said. “We have capacity for about 180,000 tonnes of bitumen per year and we’re only selling 100,000 tonnes annually, so we could sell more bitumen. We’ve also got capacity for hydrocarbon solvents production, which we’re probably only using 50 per cent of as well.”

BP Kwinana, where Thys used to work, has ceased production of Avgas in recent weeks, the fuel used by propeller planes, and the Geelong Refinery has the capacity to produce the fuel both for the domestic and export market.

But the key market for the refinery’s products is Victoria. The refinery produces around half of Victoria’s fuel and Viva Energy is intent on on selling its products within the State.. As of January this year, the Geelong refinery is now placing almost all of its production into the Victorian market. Viva Energy purchased a non-controlling stake in Liberty Oil in December, with Liberty to sell Geelong-produced fuels throughout regional Victoria, and the company signed a long-term diesel supply contract with Riordan Fuels last month, with Riordan saying their customers will value that the fuel is produced in Victoria.

Another area of potential operating efficiencies at the refinery would include bringing down the cost of feed stocks. At present, crude oil is brought to the refinery on 70,000 tonne vessels, as these are the largest ships that can navigate the channels of the bay. On the world scale, the big refineries transport their crude on what are known as VLCCs – literally ‘very large crude carriers’ – of around 220,000 tonnes.

“We could never bring in 220,000 tonne ships here because we don’t have the draught or the facilities, but in the same way that we have been talking about amortising costs over more units of production, if you are amortising your freight costs over a higher volume of freight, you can bring the cost of your feedstock down quite a bit,” Thys explained.

The Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) announced in June that it would be adopting the Dynamic Under Keel Clearance system that allows ships to pinpoint maximum draught, anticipating an increase of maximum cargo by between 1350 tonnes and 3000 tonnes. Even small increases in maximum draught can add to sizeable dollar-figures when you are talking about bulk transport. For Viva Energy, each additional 10cm in vessel draught saves the business over $1 million per annum.

In part, Vitol’s trading and refinery experience will assist the refinery’s ongoing viability. The company website reveals that while Vitol has had interests in or owned refineries since its formation in 1966, the Swiss oil trader has been making moves to acquire shares in or fully acquire refineries since 2007, when it acquired a majority stake in a refinery and storage facility in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The 2010 purchase of a refinery in Antwerp that included a large-scale bitumen plant added to its production portfolio. In 2012 the company created Varo Energy and purchased a gasoline and diesel refinery in Cressier, Switzerland, and added to Varo’s refining capability with the addition of a 45 per cent share in the Bayernoil refinery in Bavaria, Germany. The purchase of Shell’s downstream business in August 2014 took the group’s refining capability up to 350,000 barrels a day and its purchase strategy seems to be geared towards supplying into domestic markets, rather then exports.

Despite an obvious step up in investing in refinery capability, refining remains a smaller arm of Vitol’s global investments and this, says Thys, brings the advantage of having quite a lot of the company’s attention focused on the Geelong refinery.

BUSINESS NEWS | 18

COVER STORY

“With Shell, we were a small refinery in a company that has lots of refineries all over the world, whereas for Vitol, this is a priority and we’ve already seen that.

“The Cat Cracker [catalytic cracker, a chemical reactor that converts oils with high boiling points into fuels with lower boiling points] that we have here is one of our key upgrading units. Our cat cracker is bigger than what we can produce feedstock for, so if we run crude, for example, we don’t have enough feed for the cat cracker. Since we’ve become Viva Energy, we have run three or four different types of feed. This is just an example of them being able to open up a suite of options to us from the crude and feedstock side that we haven’t seen before.”

There have been some real positives in how Viva Energy have tackled the challenge of shaping the refinery into a sustainable business asset, but not all the changes may be initially viewed positive. Commercial realities, labour efficiencies, all of these suggest that at some point Viva Energy will be looking at labour costs. While the refinery workers and contractors have avoided the threat of large-scale job losses like those seen when the Clyde refinery was downgraded to a terminal, Viva Energy has made determined moves to drive sustainability into the refinery’s operations. It is hard to see that long-term sustainability could be achieved without any restructuring of the workforce, any loss of jobs.

The $150 million investment in maintenance is the price tag of two major maintenance shutdowns, known as turnarounds, to be undertaken this year and next year. The turnarounds involve half the plant being shut down at a time, cleaned, inspected, and repaired or upgrade projects completed. The cycle is then repeated in around five years time.

“To be competitive, we are going to need to make some changes to the business,” Thys said. “When you look at the business impacts of these turnaround events, they are huge from a cash perspective. In refining, it’s logical that if you are ever going to make key business decisions, you would tend to make them associated with a turnaround cycle. So that’s why some people think that we’ve made the investment now, but then five years down the track it’s going to be the same old story.

“That’s not going to be the case as far as I’m concerned. What we’re going to be about is making the business sustainable so that we don’t, every five years, have those questions of whether we’re going to survive or not, and I believe we can do it.

“We’re going to have to make some tough decisions and we’re going to have to make some moves to make the business sustainable, otherwise you will end up in a place where you have to keep facing the same uncertainty again.

“Having said that, I’m convinced that we can make the business sustainable and that’s what we’re about. Part of the Viva Energy strategy is that we want to sustain and keep an integrated manufacturing capability, so we absolutely intend to keep the refinery going.”

For Thys personally, the decision to leave BP after 28 years to join the newly created Viva Energy Australia wasn’t an easy one.

Born in South Africa, Thys’ career with BP led to management and leadership roles based around BP refineries in the USA, the United Kingdom and Africa. He was the General Manager at the BP Kwinana Refinery in Western Australia from 2005 and 2010.

Before taking up the role of Refining General Manager for Viva Energy in Geelong he was the Business Unit Leader (General Manager) at BP’s Rotterdam Refinery in the Netherlands. He said the decision to leave BP and take up the Geelong role came down to a combination of factors.

“We had done the international merry-go-round for something like 23 years and my next job at BP was going to be yet another international assignment and both my wife and I were a little bit weary of it.

“We had decided, when we got our Australian citizenship about ten years ago, that we saw Australia as our long-term home and we wanted at some point to come home. The opportunity came up that gave me the opportunity to be in a business that I’m very experienced in and know quite a bit about, and where I thought I could add value, and it would get us back to Australia; so it served both purposes and that’s why we are here.

“I think there are always opportunities, but of course the challenge actually lies in capturing those opportunities. I would say there are ample opportunities, and I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t see a way that we can make this business long-term sustainable. The challenge is can we turn those opportunities into reality? Do I have enough experience to work with the team here, both staff and award, to be able to work together to make sure that those opportunities become reality? That’s my commitment and intent.”

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 19

BUSINESS

GOOD NEWS FOR SMALL BUSINESS There have been three recent developments in the small business sector, which should be welcomed as wins for small business operators.

Unfair contract terms to extend to small business On 24 June 2015, the Minister for Small Business, the Hon. Bruce Billson MP, introduced a new Bill into parliament to reform the Australian Consumer Law by extending the “unfair contract term” protections to small businesses.

Currently, the protections are only available to consumers. The reform will prohibit the inclusion of unfair terms in Standard Form Contracts with a small business and will allow a court to strike a term from a Standard Form Contract if that term is deemed to be unfair.

Only “Standard Form Contracts” will be subject to the reformed law.

While there is no definition of what a Standard Form Contract is, it is generally understood to be a contract that is applied in a “one-size-fitsall” or “take-it-or-leave-it” manner, with no ability to amend the terms.

A contract is presumed to be a Standard Form Contract, with the onus being on the “big” business that has produced the contract to prove otherwise.

The reformed law will apply to contracts where the upfront price payable under the contract is: 1. If the contract is for less than 12 months, less than $100,000; or 2. If the contract is for greater than 12 months, less than $250,000.

From the time the reformed law comes into operation, there will be a sixmonth transitional period to allow for businesses to revise their Standard Form Contracts.

So far as pre-existing Standard Form Contracts are concerned, small businesses will only be afforded the protection of the reformed law upon those contracts being renewed or varied after the end of the transitional period.

Following the transitional period, the reformed law will apply to Standard Form Contracts where at least one of the parties to the contract employs less than 20 people.

If a business enters into a Standard Form Contract while it employs less than 20 people, but subsequently expands to have more than 20 employees, the unfair contract terms protections afforded under the reformed law will still apply to that contract. The protections of the reformed law will not apply to it in relation to any Standard Form Contracts it enters into after its expansion.

Businesses now have a window of opportunity to revisit and revise their terms of trade so as to be ready for the operation of the reform.

A fairer go for rural and regional industries and small business The Federal Government has released its Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper and it includes significant news for rural and regional industries, and small businesses alike. The White Paper lists five priority areas that the Government intends to focus on to help farmers, regional consumers and small businesses in their day-to-day operations.

The first priority area, entitled “A fairer go for farm businesses” includes an allocation of $11.4 million over four years to establish an Agricultural Enforcement and Engagement Unit. The Unit will conduct investigations and increase engagement in rural and regional areas to help ensure that farmers, regional consumers generally, and small businesses, are being

properly protected by the provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act (2010).

While there is no suggestion in the White Paper that the ACCC will obtain any new powers, the Government is likely to appoint a new ACCC commissioner with specific responsibility for agricultural issues.

Simplification of PPSA Laws relating to serialised goods Since the inception of the Personal Property Securities (PPS) Act, leases or bailments of serialised goods for a period of more than 90 days were deemed to give rise to a PPS Lease, thereby creating a registrable security interest in the goods in favour of the lessor or the bailor. This meant that if a lessor or bailor wanted to properly protect their interest in their serialised goods, they would be required to register that interest on the Personal Property Securities Register.

On 25 June 2015, an amendment to the PPS Act was passed and that will come into effect before the end of 2015.

The amendments, which are aimed at reducing costs to small business, have the effect that a PPS Lease will not automatically arise unless the lease or bailment is, or could be, for a period of more than 12 months.

As a consequence, it will not be necessary to register an interest in any leased or bailed goods (whether serialised or not) on the Register unless the 12-month threshold is passed.

The amendments will not operate retrospectively. Accordingly, any lease or bailment of serialised goods for more than 90 days that is entered into before the amendments take effect will need to be registered on the Register in order to properly protect the security interest created.

So, all things considered, things are looking up for small business and, with the announcement of an upcoming review of the Australian Consumer Law, further positive changes may arise. Watch this space.

JOANNE D’ANDREA, PRINCIPAL, AND ALASDAIR WOODFORD, LAWYER

BUSINESS NEWS | 20

COMMENT

TOURISM BOARD A CRUCIAL STEP TOWARDS VISITOR GROWTH The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes the State Government’s announced funding for Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine and its establishment as an official Regional Tourism Board (RTB).

The announcement was made by the Hon. John Eren MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, at the Victorian Tourism Conference 2015 (20 – 21 July), attended by over 400 tourism leaders at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

VTIC has been calling on the government to recognise and provide funding for this vital organisation and we applaud this announcement.

This is recognition of the organisation’s significance and the resultant funding will allow it to expand its efforts to grow tourism in the area.

Greater Geelong and the Bellarine is a strong tourism destination and we will continue to support this organisation and local operators to grow our industry in the region.

The Victorian Tourism Conference 2015 followed 2014’s inaugural Geelong conference and was proudly presented by VTIC in partnership with Tourism Victoria.

The highly successful conference brought business and government leaders together to explore this dynamic new chapter for Victorian tourism that is now emerging.

This is a time of transformation for global tourism and we must challenge the status quo in Victoria and work together to reach our potential through 2015 and beyond.

I opened the conference with a presentation on the need for industry and governments to identify and embrace opportunities for growth in the everchanging tourism sector.

The themes, and some key discussion points throughout the conference included: • I mproved “hero” products and attractions: Product operators, RTBs and local governments must work together to provide innovative, bespoke experiences. ompetitive positioning and smart marketing: The retelling of experiences •C that highlight unique and emotive aspects of Victoria’s attractions must be encouraged. We must trigger story-telling experiences for customers.

•F ocus on the visitor “experience”: The previous focus of the “4 Ps” (Product, Price, Place and Promotion) has changed to the new focus on the “4 Es” (Experience, Exchange, Everyplace and Evangelism).

•G reater accessibility and visitability: A disability does not mean an inability to travel. A seamless journey for all in terms of getting around, visitor information and communication channels will encourage people to stay longer and spend more in our destinations. upport for innovative businesses: Tourism businesses need to be very •S fast, consistent and personal in their responses to customers in this new technological landscape where customers are empowered and expectations are high.

The discussion presented an opportunity to get a glimpse of what the future may look like for our industry in Geelong and throughout our state, through exploring global and local business stories, challenges and triumphs.

We look forward to continuing to work with operators in the Greater Geelong region to capitalise on the significant tourism opportunities on offer.

DIANNE SMITH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, VICTORIA TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL

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EMPLOYMENT

GETTING IT RIGHT ON EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

W

Policies are an excellent tool for planning compliance. For example, a harassment policy may state that the employer will not tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace and specify a process for dealing with any complaints.

Policies can assist employers with the sometimes seemingly insurmountable task of running their business. Although most employees know their role and take instructions from their manager, often even straightforward matters such as how to apply for leave or what an employee should do if they feel they have been mistreated can become an issue.

Providing employees with a clear procedure for raising a complaint is a substantial step toward fulfilling the employer’s legal duty. It also provides the employer with the comfort that unless a complaint has been raised in accordance with the policy, there is probably no issue to address (though an employer should never be complacent). Of course, such policies also create standards for employers, which they should be familiar with and adhere to.

hat are employment policies and why does your business need them? Employment policies have broadly two purposes: to manage employees, and to protect the employer.

Management of employees

The best way to inform employees how the business deals with such issues is to have well drafted policies. As well as establishing clear and consistent procedures, policies form instructions that employees must follow.

All employees are required by law to follow lawful and reasonable directions given by their employer, which includes directions contained within policies. Employment contracts may also include a term confirming that the employee is to comply with the employer’s policies (though employers should be careful to avoid binding themselves).

As indicated above, policies can address a wide range of issues.

Employers should consider implementing policies relating to acceptable IT use, including social media, alcohol and drug use, confidentiality, discipline, discrimination, dress code, grievance resolution, harassment and bullying, illness and injury and return to work, redundancy and any other matters that are particularly important in their workplace.

As a result, failure to comply with a policy may form grounds for disciplinary action against the employee. An employee’s failure to follow a lawful and reasonable direction contained in an employer’s policy can be a valid reason for that employee’s dismissal.

Protection of the employer It is not only employees who have obligations; employers also have legal duties, including in relation to occupational health and safety, discrimination, harassment and bullying. Employers are responsible for implementing practical measures to ensure compliance with their (and their employees’) duties.

Martin Reid

(Principal & Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution)

BUSINESS NEWS | 22

Benjamin Capill

(Lawyer - Litigation and Dispute Resolution)

FINANCE

THAT BIG L WORD

I

’d like a dollar for every time I’ve heard someone say that they were “just lucky” in business or life in general.

MARTIN CARTER, BUSINESS MANAGER, MORRIS FINANCE

“My life and business experiences have led me to believe that so called “lucky people”... have a resilient attitude that assists them in turning perceived bad luck into good .”

Recent studies and surveys into the nature of luck shows that most people, in large part through their attitude and behaviour, make their own good and bad luck. Ask entrepreneurs how they built their businesses and they’ll likely credit talent and hard work. When 3000 entrepreneurs were asked to rank the relative importance of six components of success, not surprisingly, 78 per cent put luck last.

My life and business experiences have led me to believe that so called “lucky people” share four traits that help them make their own luck; namely, they are good at spotting chances, they listen to intuition when making decisions, they have extremely positive expectations and they have a resilient attitude that assists them in turning perceived bad luck into good.

These are my five helpful hints to help you to make your own luck: • Show up more often: Contrary to the popular adage that opportunity will come knocking, you have to get out and seek it.

You can increase your odds of encountering chance opportunities by networking, online and in person. Keep in touch with a large group of people: friends, former colleagues, acquaintances and family members. You never know where an opportunity lurks.

• Be sociable: Like it or not, our body language can make or break our chances of connecting with others. We cannot maximize our chance opportunities without first connecting with those around us. Whenever you go to a gathering or attend a meeting, do strangers

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initiate conversations with you? Research has revealed that lucky people seem to be able to draw others to them by exhibiting body language and facial expressions that other people find inviting.

• Loosen up: Extensive research shows that lucky people tend to be more relaxed than most and more likely to notice chance opportunities, even when they’re not expecting them. Anxious people, on the other hand, tend to have a very narrow focus of attention. This causes them to miss noticing the opportunities that surround them.

• Get a high return on luck (ROL): ROL is a phrase coined in explaining and linking corporate success. Research shows that great companies didn’t have any more luck than average companies during times of uncertainty. But great companies capitalized on their luck, both good and bad. So, it’s not the luck you encounter that counts, but what you do with it—your return on luck. Successful companies increased their ROL through a combination of fanatic discipline by staying focused on core values and processes, verifiable and confirmed creativity, productivity paranoia and aspirational ambition.

• Cultivate generosity: A lucky network is built on a genuine interest in other people. Instead of looking for what you can get out of a new relationship, generosity moves you to see how you can help the other person instead.

In conclusion, success is not just a matter of luck, ask any failure, and until next month onwards and upwards in your quest for more luck, something that only happens when preparation meets opportunity!

BUSINESS ADVICE

SET A VISION FOR A PROFITABLE NEW YEAR

T

he 2015/16 financial year has begun. To ensure your business will generate a healthy profit, your investments are meeting your needs, your mortgage/debt is at the best rate and you have enough insurance to minimise all risk - commit to undergoing a Financial Health Check with your Advisor.

Crowe Horwath’s top resolutions for a profitable financial year are: Set achievable goals. Start with what you want to achieve by the end of the year. Then adjust your budget or behaviour accordingly in order to meet that goal. For example, your goal may be to reduce your debtors to improve cashflow so that you can expand your business or buy that new piece of equipment that would enhance production. To achieve this, put in place new processes to reduce 90-day debtors to 60-day debtors. Make lists and break tasks down so you can tick them off as you complete them.

Share your goals. We find that people who talk about their goals and resolutions are more likely to achieve them. Share your key resolutions with someone you trust and respect and check in with them regularly throughout the year to let them know how you’re going.

Check your financial health. Review your spending patterns to see where you can save more money; make sure you pay your bills on time, keep an eye on your cashflow, run projections or get your accountant to run them regularly (accessing your financials through Cloud Accounting), get a broker to check your loan repayments and interest rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal; and review your personal and business insurance to be confident you and your family have enough cover in case things go wrong. Consider making an appointment with a Financial Advisor to really put your finances through their paces.

Save more in your superannuation. Commit to contributing a little extra to your superannuation in 2015/16 so you continually build your nest egg. Through compound interest, adding extra dollars to

your superannuation now will mean having so much more to fund your lifestyle when you retire. The New Financial Year is also a good opportunity to review your investment options so that you have the appropriate mix of growth and defensive assets in your portfolio for your stage in life and in line with your goals.

Don’t do it all yourself. Bring in the professionals to do such things as sales, bookkeeping and information technology (IT). Concentrate on running the business not working in the business. Use your time the most effective and efficient way and focus on continual improvement in all aspects of the business. Your Accountant or Business Advisor can assess your financial position and the affordability of employing staff. It may help increase profits and grow the business.

Increase your financial savvy. Financial education is becoming more accessible and investing in yourself, even if it’s just making time to learn more, is one of the best ways to help you achieve your financial goals. There is a lot of valuable information available online (often for free), newsletters and free seminars for your benefit. Most Financial Advisors/Planners provide free first interviews. So make the most of these opportunities to stay informed about changes and ways to improve your financial position.

Don’t leave it too late. Don’t put off what you can start today.

The sooner you start preparing for your financial future, the better the outcome. For example, if you want to retire at a certain age, your resolutions should include determining how much you need to contribute to superannuation and then understanding what investment strategy you should have in place. Seeking the assistance of a Financial Advisor may be appropriate.

Live your vision. If your vision is specific, meaningful, attainable, realistic, and timely (SMART) then you are more likely to succeed.

HELEN BUTTERISS, PRINCIPAL, BUSINESS ADVISORY Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees.

Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd ABN 84 006 466 351

BUSINESS NEWS | 24

OFFICE

OFFICE DOCUMENTS: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DUMP ‌

D

espite the hype of the paperless office, in today’s modern office environment with desktop and network printers accessible from every computer, it has never been easier to produce paper-based records. This is evidenced by the constant growth in office paper usage to feed printers and copiers.

medical offices failed to destroy patient information. NAID also reported that 30 per cent of organisations were unaware of their obligations with regards to destroying personal information.

Interestingly though, many paper-based documents only have a short life cycle. People print-off copies of documents to edit and review them, but once completed, the paper documents are redundant, and it is the digital version that gets distributed and retained.

Notwithstanding the legal implications to company officers, with the accelerating and amplifying effect of digital and social media, the result can be disastrous reputational and business damage.

In the wrong hands, confidential documents can be used for identity theft, a problem - according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics - that affects more than a million Australians a year and costs more than $1 billion annually.

Many of these casually generated paper documents contain confidential, personal or business-sensitive data, and if not properly disposed of, can end up in the general office waste.

In the office environment, it is unreasonable to expect every employee to make appropriate and well-informed decisions about every document they produce, and it is much easier to have a blanket policy to cover the secure and confidential destruction of all office documents.

People looking for recyclables or boxes consider the contents of bins and dumpsters fair game. When they find personal information they often report it to the police and local media.

A good place to start is a company policy stating that ALL office documents are to be placed in confidential destruction containers, and to ensure facilities are available to make it easy for staff to comply. The rubbish bin is strictly for banana skins, apple cores, sandwich wrappers and the like.

Some news organizations routinely dig through garbage in search of an easy story, and corporate spies or people looking to publicly damage a company will always start with the rubbish.

A NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) investigation of curbside bins in Sydney found 40 per cent of bank branches failed to carefully dispose of confidential information and 25 per cent of

Destruction containers come in many forms, from large wheelie-bins or small under-desk collection bins, and scheduled pick-up and destruction of confidential waste is available from many contractors.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 26

Who are we and what do we stand for?

We are an accounting, taxation, advisory and wealth creation business, so we look after the tax affairs of everyone from Individuals, companies, trusts and self-managed super funds, including how best to structure your financial affairs.

At APS Tax, Accounting & Business Services we are so much more than that. We work with clients to have your tax returns and financial statements completed each year – we schedule your work, quote up front, guarantee you a completion date and hold an AGM with you to talk about how you and your business could perform better.

rd Standa ax al T u d i v i d in hen w 9 9 $ Return te this o you qu umber nt n discou 05 9 1 S P *A

We know you need more than just tax returns.

That’s because we have worked with hundreds of businesses and individuals over the years, so we know what it takes to build and grow a great business. We specialise in working with businesses to improve their financial position and to create a successful, profitable business, that is sustainable into the future and to make your money really work for you.

If you would like to know more we can catch up virtually or in person.

That is really what APS Tax, Accounting & Business Services stand for – you, your business and your growth.

Contact Richard Ferraro at APS Tax, Accounting & Business Services on 1300 131 809 or (03) 9322 2000 and you will notice the difference. *Available to NEW customers for their first tax return. This is a 50% discount off our normal tax return fee of $198

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GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE – A MODEL FOR SUCCESS Creating a sustainable business model is a fundamental requirement of good governance, irrespective of sector, size or business activities.

Whilst in the past four articles we have discussed the foundations of good governance (strategic planning, risk management and performance management) and organisational culture, this month we introduce our Governance Excellence model. This will demonstrate how we bring together these governance practices to create a sustainable business.

It will also re confirm that good governance is an iterative process, not a “set and forget” program and that board members are accountable for this component of business continuity.

Aligning Value, Capability and Support Understanding the inputs required to create a sustainable business is a fundamental requirement of good governance, and understanding how those inputs fit together is a prerequisite to making the model work. The Governance Excellence model identifies three inputs that boards and senior management should strive to align to maximise performance and generate sustainable results for all stakeholders. These inputs are Value, Capability and Support and represent the following areas of the business and organisation: Value: What is the organisation’s value proposition? What makes the products/service it provides unique? What would happen if your business, for some reason, was not able to provide its services next month – would your clients simply be able to access those same services from another provider? Are the services provided by your organisation valued by your client base to the exclusion of other providers? If the organisation does not provide a unique service/product, the other factors, both tangible (price, location, availability) and intangible (perceptions, marketing,) come into play.

The board should have in place an annual process to test their value proposition to ensure that the value is recognised by the client, not just perceived by the organisation – self-praise does not contribute to sustainability!

Capability: Does the organisation have the capacity and capability to implement the strategies and deliver the value proposition? Are the right people, with the right skills, in the right job, at the right time to get the job done?

In non-profit and SME organisations, it can be particularly challenging to attract and retain good people. Having the right culture as mentioned in a previous article, is one way to enhance capability, however aligning capability with strategy is something both the board and senior management must be cognisant of at all times. Furthermore, are the board, management and staff committed to the Vision of the organisation and prepared to do what is required to achieve success (that is, within the values and business framework, not at “any cost”)?

Without capability, burn out and frustration will develop and results will be diminished.

Support: This component of the model refers to the resources the organisation has access to (funds, infrastructure and assets), the client base it services (size of market, market share, opportunity to grow) and its relationship with that base and the stakeholders connected to the organisation. Without this support, the organisation is not able to deliver its Mission.

In addition, where does the business sit in relation to its competitors, as perceived by the market and your clients, not a self-assessment?

An understanding of all these matters enables the organisation to

determine if the creation of its value proposition and the development if its capability will deliver a result worthy of the personal and financial investment proposed by the business.

How then does an organisation go about aligning Value, Capability and Support? Here are a few suggestions: et aside sufficient time on an annual basis to stress test the -S organisation, based on realistic scenario planning relative to the size and position of the business.

- I nvolve key management and staff in the development process – a more widespread involvement and contribution strategy generally delivers greater ownership and commitment in the implementation phase.

-E ngage with the external environment (advisors, clients, suppliers, industry associations, government, and market research) as much as you can to gain access to as much information as possible to input into your planning and review process.

-D ocument your alignment plan, communicate the process and outcomes throughout the organisation – demand accountability across the organisation.

-C reate a reporting system that aligns with your strategy, a scorecard that has both lag and lead indicators and one that provides the organisation with the information necessary to assess performance and the on-going quest for alignment of the three inputs.

The Governance Excellence model detailed in this article provides a framework for the board to fulfil its responsibility of ensuring the organisation is in the best possible shape to continue to deliver its Mission in a sustainable manner. Maximising the alignment of Value, Capability and Support will make a significant contribution to maintaining market relevance and business viability.

Remember though, it is a journey not a destination.

For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

MARK SCHULTZ For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

BUSINESS NEWS | 28

MONEY

YOUR 8 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES Chris Lang, one of Australia’s most sought-after advisors on commercial property investment, has joined the Business News team to provide his insights into the other form of property investment, commercial property.

In this introductory article, Chris explores eight key objectives when approaching a commercial property investment.

In formulating your investment strategy for commercial property, you may choose to vary the order of this set of fundamental objectives, which seem to have stood the test of time; but somehow, you need to fit them within your overall strategy.

Super Growth With good consultants, you’ll occasionally come across investments that provide you with a real opportunity for growth — above and beyond what the market will normally deliver. Sometimes this comes from a clever change of use, other times from simply being able to sub-divide a larger property into smaller components.

Lending Appeal

- Enduring value

- Lending appeal

- Ongoing cash flow

- Future collateral

This includes all the vital elements — things like a secure cash flow, long leases, low maintenance requirements and a good location — that keep your financier happy. Thus, you need to start viewing each of your potential investments from a lender’s point of view.

- Steady growth

- Cost control

Future Collateral

- Super growth

- Tax benefits

Being able to borrow money at the outset is vitally important. However, you also need to look a little further ahead — to when a certain portion of your core portfolio should be viewed as being held long-term — both to give comfort to your financiers, and to underpin your future capacity to borrow.

Enduring Value A property’s enduring value - remaining attractive even after many years, and after several changes of tenant – relates to an understanding of market trends (both cyclical and emerging), how they’ll affect different types of property and over what time frame.

Therefore, Enduring Value needs to be at the top of your list of objectives.

Ongoing Cash Flow A well-located investment, but with no assurance of continuing income, will be of little help to you in meeting your ongoing mortgage payments. So, you always need to look at the property’s leasing potential well past the initial few years of ownership.

Steady Growth Although, in recent years, inflation has been under control, you still need to ensure that each investment will provide you with steady, predictable capital growth.

Cost Control Even though your rental stream may be quite secure, wherever possible you should seek properties with net leases. That is, where your tenant pays all the building outgoings.

Because, your operating costs for a given property (rates, taxes, maintenance, service contracts and so on) can suddenly start to escalate — and then quite unexpectedly, affect your overall return.

Tax Benefits Any likely tax benefits need to be viewed as a secondary (rather than as your principal) motive for making an acquisition.

There’s no doubt that you can obtain significant benefits (and shelter your income) through depreciation allowances. But if the deal is not viable before potential tax benefits are taken into account, you ought not to be making the acquisition in the first place.

CHRIS LANG Chris is a 6-time published author on Commercial Property and CEO of CommercialPropertyMadeEasy.com Important information: This content is general in nature and does not constitute formal advice. Individuals should seek appropriate professional advice that considers the individual’s objectives, financial situation and needs before making investment decisions.

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the

ELEVATOR

“Greensaver Solar is a local Geelong based electrical contracting company which has specialized in solar design and installation since 2008.

Offering first class customer service and focussing on delivering quality systems designed with the customers need being a priority Greensaver Solar has built an enviable reputation throughout Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

With soaring electricity costs for small businesses solar is a great way to reduce the fixed costs of any sized business.

Coupled with the Governments recently announced tax breaks for small business and the time has never been better to install a system. With buyback times around 5 years in most cases a 20% return on investment makes the decision very easy.

Call Simon Lodge today and receive a free, no obligation onsite quote today.”

The ELEVATOR allows 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

In this modern era of IT, most of the daily activities can be done effortlessly with the help of computers. But when they are not properly maintained, they can cause a lot of grief and it could be a very frustrating experience.

At Kalluri IT, we give utmost priority to the client and partner with them to manage their IT network. We strongly believe that there is no single solution that fits everyone. So, we tailor our services to fit our client needs. We offer different service and support options available to meet the client requirements. We are a team of certified professionals in vast areas from IT administration to web development. We do jobs in house to reduce costs so that the benefits can be propagated to our clients.

Conny Fechner is a Geelong based international author/illustrator, specialising in children’s books.

Even as a youngster, Conny had a natural flair for art.

Her vivid imagination and humour is seen in most of her work. She is self taught with over 40 years experience.

Conny enjoys working with ink, watercolour and pencil. She has exhibited, created murals and paintings, won awards. By creating books, it enables her to share this passion with many people.

Conny is the author/illustrator of 17 books.

We believe that the future of our business depends on our client’s confidence in our services.

Her latest 3 (Alphabetalicious, Jimmy Roo and 13 Days of Christmas) are self published; the books printed in Geelong. Jimmy Roo won an international award for Best Regional Fiction – Australia/NZ at the Independent Book Awards in New York (2013).

Kalluri IT

The book was also acknowledged by Prince Charles (a gift for his first grandchild).

Your partner in IT

All books can be viewed on her website and purchased from Conny (personally signed).

Light and compact, they make great gifts for posting overseas.

Conny and her husband also attend weekend markets in Melbourne and the Geelong Region.

P: 1800 NO BILLS (1800 662 455) M: 0419 879 803 E: simon@greensaversolar.com.au www.greensaversolar.com.au

For all new clients, we offer a FREE basic network audit.

To request this service, simply call us at 0430 103 769 or email phil@kalluriit.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 30

Phone: 03 52442858 email: conny@connyfechner.com.au

www.connyfechner.com.au

THE ELEVATOR

Dr Annemarie Hofedank International Business Consultancy

Kinross-Smith & Co Lawyers Pty Ltd

I am a commercially focussed and internationally experienced lawyer and business consultant.

I moved from Germany to Australia in 2013, and as a permanent resident of the Greater Geelong area, I am passionate about supporting local businesses.

Want to boost business efficiency, lighten admin and go paperless...? Then, prepare to launch your financial systems from desktop to the Cloud and get set to enjoy the significant gains which will surely follow. It’s easy once you know how.

Expert Cloud Accounts (ECA) are CPA qualified, and provide implementation and training in specialist cloud solutions for SMEs, using Xero accounting software and the Add-on solutions that are specific to your business industry. For example Job management for Builders and Creatives, or Stock systems, entryless accounts payable systems and tools to go paperless. ECA does the migration from your old system, setup of the new, customisation to suit your needs, and training for you and your staff. If you’re too busy working on your business, then ECA can help you with bookkeeping and payroll. Locum services are also available for when you or your staff are away, we can take care of everything to do with your accounts.

With Cloud software, you no longer need cumbersome hardware infrastructure such as servers, and many Xero users report a significant drop in their accounting fees once they are collaborating with their Tax accountant on the Xero business management platform.

During the last 10 years I worked for global pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture and retail companies, international law firms, governmental bodies and the World Bank (In-House Counsel LANXESS - a spin-off of BAYER CHEMICALS, consultant for NUFARM, NUSEED, COTTON ON, TRANSPACFIC INDUSTRIES, City of Greater Geelong).

I speak English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and French, and I advised business units and group functions including manufacturing, R&D, procurement, distribution, and marketing departments in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, & South Africa on risk, project and contract management, compliance, and on legal issues (contract drafting & negotiation, international trade, corporate, competition and consumer law, product liability, IP, etc.)

My services include inter alia: •N ational and international project management (manufacturing, scale-ups, marketing, supply chain, JVs, M&A, restructurings).

•M arket entry / import-export advice in particular for Europe and Latin America.

• B uilding international relationships with customers, suppliers, and authorities.

•C ontract management to ensure the compliant creation and management of contracts and the tracking of contract obligations.

• B usiness analysis; developing and implementing interdisciplinary streamlined workflows, T&C’s, templates, policies, guidelines, strategies and training materials.

Kinross – Smith & Co Lawyers Pty Ltd is a recently established commercial/business focused law firm run by Matthew Kinross – Smith, a lawyer of 17 years plus experience and a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Business Law since 2008.

Matthew has a broad range of experience in business law related areas including litigation.

His experience extends across a range of buying and selling businesses, establishing business structures such as partnership agreements, shareholders agreements and succession related documents including Wills. He has experience advising employers and employees on employment law and advises in a wide range of business related topics including consumer Law, liquor licensing, insolvency, intellectual property and franchising.

Matthew also has experience in property related matters such as adverse possession, easements, Section 173 agreements, planning disputes, property related tax including Goods and Services Tax, stamp duty (and obtaining stamp duty exemptions), mortgages and other securities, compulsory acquisition and leasing.

• Risk management, compliance & corporate governance.

Contact ECA today for a quote

Dr Annemarie Hofedank

0421 343 918 admin@expertca.com.au

International Business Consultancy

2/ 13 Ocean Boulevard Mobile: 0431 726 038 ahofedank@gmail.com https: //au.linkedin.com/in/annemariehofedank

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10 Corriedale Court, Belmont (03) 4210 9482 matthew@kinrosssmithco.com.au www.kinrosssmithco.com.au

“Learning by doing is as important as academic learning.”

Training and skilling our workforce to answer skill shortage areas and future workforce needs is central to the future growth of our local and national economy.

National Skills Week, held this year from 24 August to 30 August, is dedicated to raising the status of vocational learning, dispelling the myths and showcasing the opportunities for young and old.

Part of National Skills Week is built around the many pathways to success and enforcing the new age of vocational training we are seeing today.

Following the week-long focus on the importance of skills training, re-skilling and skills area shortages comes Adult Learners Week from 1 September to 8 September that will keep the spotlight on the importance of education and training.

As we see the pace of change not just in Australia but also around the world continue to speed up it has never been truer that learning by doing is as important as academic learning. We don’t even know what many of the jobs that will emerge over the next decade or so will be, and that means we need to instill flexible learning and practical skills to respond to the requirements of these future jobs.

Our businesses need practical learners and trainees and apprentices need businesses that actively support that practical learning. And by supporting the creation of career opportunities for Indigenous Australians, workers with disabilities, and members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, the vocational education system is helping to promote diversity across a range of industries and to address systemic disadvantage.

Now in its fifth year, National Skills Week recognises, celebrates and informs students and the wider public on the diversity and benefits of undertaking Vocational Education and Training.

This year’s National Skills Week theme ‘DISCOVER your incredible journey to a career’ is aimed at highlighting future industry trends and the opportunities to bring into focus the skills needs of industries associated with Australia’s emerging areas of opportunity.

The week will seek to mobilise, inform and inspire Australians of all ages to explore the skills that Australia needs to advance the nations competitiveness and global opportunities.

Businesses, community organisations and registered training organisations can all play a part in organising or showcasing activities and events that highlight the talents, the skills, the career pathways and the value of apprentices and trainees to our region and the wider economy.

Part of the National Skills Week celebration is the announcing of this year’s Victorian Training Awards on August 28, with local finalists highlighting the successes of local individuals and organisations from the TAFE and training system.

Among the local finalists are Diversitat, nominated for the Victorian Community Training Provider of the Year; Victorian School Based Apprentice of the Year and hairdressing student at The Gordon, Hayley Parker; and the Geelong Industry Training Centre that has been nominated for the Victorian VET in Schools Excellence Award.

Winners of individual awards each receive a $10,000 fellowship and the opportunity to represent Victoria at the 2015 Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November.

Announcing the finalists earlier this year, the Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, said the awards celebrate the best and brightest from across our TAFE and training sector.

“Each of the finalists demonstrates how quality training is supporting people from across our state to develop the skills they need for the job they want,” the Minister said.

For more information on National Skills Week 2015 visit www.nationalskillsweek.com.au

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Putting Care in your Career of my comfort zone. I hated school having left in year 11 and didn’t think I was smart. I googled aged care courses and liked the sound of Karingal. I’m glad that I did my course through them.

What did you think of the Karingal Trainers during the course?

Recent student, Alexia Cornick completed a dual certificate in Aged Care and Home and Community Care with Karingal Training which increased her confidence and changed her whole outlook on life.

The 53 year old mother of two and grandmother of three, talks about her journey of discovery, after spending 20 years of her life as a cleaner.

When did you decide a career in Aged Care was for you?

I thought about it for a while but I doubted my ability to do the course but I really wanted a challenge in doing something that was way out

When I attended day one of the course, I came home crying thinking I was incapable of continuing. I emailed the training coordinator, saying I can’t do it and I was pulling out. I am forever grateful she convinced me to come and see her that day and for the encouragement I received to continue the course. Doing the course has given me so much more confidence and has had a tremendous affect in making me believe in myself.

What advice would you give others who are thinking about a career in the community services industry?

I would encourage them to do it. I would tell them it’s a very rewarding job caring and helping people with their daily needs.

A Registered Training Organisation, Karingal Training provides education that is industry relevant and focused on employment outcomes.

Karingal Training courses are designed to help with employment skills and confidence in a supported environment, providing participants with the basic tools to develop and enhance their ability to find employment.

What’s the best thing about working in Aged Care?

I just love going in and being happy with the residents making them feel special and giving them the care that they deserve. The moment someone smiles or thanks you for something just melts my heart.

Alexia (right) with Betty Knight (resident of Mercy Place Rice Village)

“On-the-job” training specialists Diversitat Training is Geelong’s leading provider of specialist training programs.

We have been a part of the Geelong community since 1997, offering innovative programs and nationally recognised courses that aim to support and meet the needs of our learners, allowing transitions into further education and employment options. We provide courses in Community Services, Aged Care and Health, Children’s Services, English, and Disability Services.

Diversitat Training also offer employers a large range of “on-the-job” training (or traineeships) to upskill staff, improving production efficiency, ensuring quality and boosting staff morale. Traineeships through Diversitat are also a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest qualification and renew training for workers returning to the industry after an extended period of leave.

Research shows that productivity increases even while training takes place.

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Training also increases staff retention as it gives employees an incentive to stay on.

Diversitat Training prides itself on delivering quality training and is proud of its recent achievement in being chosen as one of 3 finalists for the Victorian Community Training Provider of the Year Award, sponsored by the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board. The Awards provide a benchmark of excellence that places Diversitat Training at the forefront in an increasingly competitive market.

We will continue to provide quality training and innovative opportunities through our large array of programs to ensure that we are always meeting the needs of the Geelong people and the business community.

For more information about Diversitat Training visit www.diversitat.org.au/ training. For more information about Traineeships call Lisa Trevorrow on (03) 5246 9600.

Developing workforce skills & knowledge Founded in 2006, AGB Human Resources, now AGB Training is Geelong’s largest Private Registered Training Organisation (RTO), providing training and assessment for Nationally Approved Qualifications to both international and domestic students.

AGB Training provides the Geelong community with choice for their Vocational Education and Training (VET) needs. We focus on; assisting business to develop their workforce skills and knowledge, influencing productivity, compliance and internal expansion and competitive advantage, as well as practical training that allows the individual to practice their new skills in a safe learning environment with the opportunity to provide further advancement in their vocation, preparing them for the real world of employment.

We offer over 80 qualifications for local students, which include over 30 qualifications

for international students studying in Geelong.

Our courses cater for Corporate Businesses, Adult Education, a Career Change or Upskilling for the Workforce as well as School Leavers.

We support professional development providing learning pathways working towards organisational and student career goals.

Our courses are designed in collaboration with industry professionals, allowing students to gain invaluable insight as well as the skills and knowledge they need to succeed within their chosen discipline. Continual development of our learning pathway programs, within and across our training package qualifications, ensures that our students can develop and grow as they progress through their lifelong learning journey.

AGB recognise a student’s informal learning, Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process involves taking advantage of the professional

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development opportunities the workplace provides in a more conscious way, allowing student to have this learning recognised by flexible assessment, utilising workplace or community evidence that meets qualification requirements.

At AGB Training, we recognise that it is not a case of one size fits all; each business and individual brings with them their own set of skills and knowledge, we cater for students needs through a range of delivery options including; blended learning, flexible online delivery, class room and external delivery.

The extent of our scope offers flexibility to focus on the needs and desired outcomes of both the individual student as well as industry and corporate business, For more information please visit our website www.agb.edu.au or call 1300 123 242.

BEST TABLET IN THE WORLD High praise indeed for the 8.4 inch tablet that won the hearts and minds of the judges at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show this year. The Dell Venue 8 7000 comes with a dazzling OLED display that’s a jaw-droppingly crisp 8.4-inch 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. It’s a little larger than the iPad mini and with a slightly higher pixel count at the same price. OLED displays bring deep blacks and bright colours with great viewing angles. There’s simply nothing like it and there’s no bezel – it’s a thing of beauty. This is probably the world’s thinnest tablet at 6mm and it’s also fraction lighter that the iPad Mini. Apart from the normal front and back cameras, Dell has taken advantage of Intel’s ‘Real Sense’ new stereoscopic camera infrastructure with two 720p extra cameras on the back that allow you to create 3D effects.

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

Under the bonnet there’s a quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics G6430 GPU to power those videos you will drool over on the OLED display - for up to twelve hours between charges, no less. At $499, nothing comes close to this tablet experience. By the way gents, it will fit in the inside pocket of your jacket (first test I gave it at CES). Five stars from me, highly recommended.

OUTLOOK CHAT To help ease the burden of email, Google created Inbox and now Microsoft is in the game too. With ‘Send’, you can keep it brief for those times when ‘in-and-out email’ is all that’s needed. The app provides the short conversations that text or IMs usually afford, but allows access to your email contacts and stores all of the threads in Outlook for later reference. In other words, you can quickly send a “meet me downstairs” to a colleague without having to make a phone call or send an email with a subject line, etc. There’s also a Quick Reply tool with some pre-entered responses to save you even more time, things like “on my way” or “I’ll get back to you.”

PEBBLE’S NEW SMARTWATCH

ILLUMINATED HELMET

While the new Pebble watch ‘Pebble Time’ is on its way to backers and available for pre-order, the company’s metal-clad smartwatch is also scheduled to arrive soon. Via Kickstarter update, Pebble announced that production of the Time Steel is set to begin with the goal of shipping the gadgets to backers at the end of the month. It’ll take some time to send out all of the units, but even the folks at the end of the line should receive tracking info by the end of August.

For cyclists, the road can be a dangerous place to be at night, so we’re keen for technologies that can help draw drivers’ attention in order to reduce the number of accidents. The latest is the Lumos helmet, which not only comes with turn signal indicators that can be controlled wirelessly, but also packs a brake light that comes on automatically as you slow down. This seemingly simple idea came from Euwen Ding and Jeff Chen.

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SPOILT MILK

NEW COMMODORE PHONE Commodore is back as a nostalgia brand 5.5-inch Android smartphone. The Commodore PET (yes, named after that computer) looks like a decent mid-range phone, complete with a 1.7GHz octa-core Mediatek processor, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera with a dedicated shutter button and a hefty, 3000 mAh battery.

There are a few features baked in for fans, namely a pair of customised emulators for the Commodore 64 and Amiga games. The phone will be available for about $399, which buys 16GB of storage with an included 32GB micro SD card, and a 32GB version will sell for around $90 more.

Do you hate giving ‘sus’ milk the smell test?

Well, you might soon be in luck. Researchers from the University of California at Berkley and National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have created a “smart cap” for food storage containers that can detect spoilage. Using 3D-printed electronics, the lids house circuits and passive wireless sensors are capable of determining if milk or juice has spoiled when it comes in contact with the lid. The components can detect changes in the liquid due to the presence of bacteria and transmit details wirelessly in real time. This means that you could potentially use a mobile app to check the freshness of food before you decide to buy it, for example. The group of engineers sees other uses for the technology too, including so-called smart implants that can relay pressure and drug concentrations to an external device.

PLASTIC ROADS The days of putting up with crumbling asphalt streets might just come to an end. Construction company VolkerWessels has revealed plans for recycled plastic roads that are both more sustainable and more practical than old-fashioned blacktop. Besides reusing material, they’d last about three times longer and survive greater temperature ranges (between -40F and 176F) – and, despite their fragile look, they’re less likely to crack under the strain of vehicles or the weather. You can preassemble them to lay them down faster too, and their hollow structure is handy for cabling and pipes.

SENSA MOOV

WINDOWS 10 SHOULD YOU UPGRADE? Windows 10 is a seriously tweaked version of Windows 8, with some notable additions. If you’ve used Siri or Google Now, you’ll understand how Cortana works, Cortana, the virtual assistant, debuted in Windows Phone recently, is finally making its way to the desktop.

Microsoft’s new Edge browser is also a great addition. It’s fast, stylish and has some compelling features like web page annotation. For Xbox fans, Windows 10 offers the ability to stream games from your console to any PC; but should you upgrade?

Windows 10 brings together all the things we like in Windows 7 with a few elements from Windows 8 that actually worked well, so the short answer is – yes, you should.

On the technical front, your PC will need to have a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB for the 64-bit version) and about 20GB of free space. If your computer is less than 10 years old you should be fine, just make sure you have at least 20GB of disc space.

How do I upgrade?

If you’re running Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, go to Windows Update and follow the prompts.

Your PC or laptop will reboot a few times and will then ask you for some personalisation options to get Windows 10 started. The entire upgrade process should take about 45 minutes.

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Moov made a name for itself last year with its first fitness wearable, which did a lot more than just count your steps; it actually tracked your body’s movement in three dimensions and used that data to power mobile personal trainer apps.

Now, the company is back with the MOOV NOW, a smaller and slimmer device meant to help you achieve the ultimate workout. It works pretty much the same as the original MOOV: You can strap it to your wrist, arm, or ankle and use a variety of apps to track specific workouts. You also receive advice from a virtual fitness coach based on your exact movement, for example if your running stride is too hard, or if your swimming strokes aren’t strong enough. But while the first device was practically as big as a typical watch face, MOOV NOW is much smaller.

It also relies on replaceable watch batteries for up to six months of typical usage, while its predecessor had to be charged every few days.

‘Keilor Bridge over the Maribyrnong River’ 1954. Oil on Board. 70 x 90cm

ARTS ‘Robin Hoods Bay’ 1981. Pencil and watercolour. 24 x 33cm

KENNETH JACK: AN ARTIST AT HOME AND ABROAD AUGUST 14 - 29

Experience an array of special paintings and drawings at the Metropolis Gallery from the Jack Family Collection. Artist Kenneth Jack’s deep passion for Australia allowed him to seek out objects that inspired a personal and creative visual response in his work.

In association with the Jack Family, the gallery is presenting a large array of Ken’s works of art. Many of the works are being exhibited for the first time, as well as some unseen for years.

To experience his love for Australia and certain subjects, immerse yourself in his creations from August 14 – 29. www.metropolisgallery.com.au

‘Port Erin, Isle of Man’ 2002. Waterrcolour. 50 x 70cm

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ARTS SURF COAST ARTS TRAIL 2015

LOVE WINTER IN AIREYS 2015

15 – 16 AUGUST

The fourth Surf Coast Shire Arts Trail will take place on August 15 and 16, with an array of creative offerings on show. Visual artists of any medium willing to showcase, promote and share their art with the local community have registered for the event.

Approximately 200 artists and their work will be scattered across 44 venues in the Surf Coast Shire over this creative weekend that is delivered in partnership with the Surf Coast Shire.

The ‘Love Winter in Aireys’ program kicked off earlier in June to help entertain Surf Coast locals as well as visitors to the area throughout winter. The diverse program showcases local, national and international events, along with art, music, food and performances in a variety of local community venues throughout the chilly season. www.aireysinlet.org.au

ST – GILL TOWN AND COUNTRY LIFE EXHIBITION

www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au

UNTIL 23 SEPTEMBER

DISTANT LANDS EXHIBITION Don’t miss your chance to reflect on the late 19th and early 20th century fascination with Orientalism. Until August 20 at the Geelong Gallery, view a selection of watercolours and paintings from the collection that depict landscapes, architecture, people and everyday activities from the era.

Experience mid-19th century artist ST Gill’s prolific prints and watercolours at the Geelong Gallery until September 23. The artist’s imagery of urban and real life were heavily distributed and regarded as highly popular works of art. Included in the exhibition are key works from the Gallery’s collection that depict the early township of Geelong in the 1850s. This exhibition is a must see for those possessing a love for the city and its humbling history.

www.geelonggallery.org.au

www.geelonggallery.org.au

UNTIL 20 AUGUST

Megalania & Genyornis revised PT 300dpi 11.5X18cm

466 Le Corpse 600ppi 1v

WILDLIFE OF GONDWANA DINOSAUR DISPLAY – BEASTS OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN SUPERCONTINENT Prepare to meet a new breed of beast, as the National Wool Museum welcomes an array of polar dinosaurs - some of the most unusual dinosaurs to have roamed our planet. The exhibition is an exploration of where skeletons and fossils meet scientists and artists.

On show are Cryolohophosaurus the Antarctic dinosaur, Victoria’s own Leaellynasaura and Qantassaurus, Megalania our younger giant lizard and also Bullockornis, the giant flightless bird. The illustrations created by Monash University graduate,

Leaellyn beach

Peter Trusler, are vivid, putting muscle and skin on bone in an attempt to portray how the majestic extinct species lived.

The exhibition, which will run until July 2016, surrounds viewers with life-like environmental murals, along with featuring real fossils, skeletons and 20 full-scale skeletal casts. Many of these items have never been on public display in Australia before – so palaeontology fans must schedule a visit to the museum for this unique exhibition. www.nwm.vic.gov.au

Dromornis stirtoni PT 300dpi 13x18cm

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Bringing you the pick of the latest offerings from our region’s wineries

2014 CHARDONNAY

2014 PINOT NOIR

2013 CHARDONNAY

Pale straw, with lifted white peach, nectarine and citrus notes. Leading to a full and fruity mid palate dominated by stone fruit characters, balanced by firm acidity and a long finish. Fermented in French oak barriques (10% new) then matured for 11 months. Enjoy now or cellar for 2 to 6 years.

Deep garnet in colour with lifted red fruits, rhubarb, and cherry leading to a full and fleshy mid- palate, firm acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Fermented in small open top pots, then matured in new and seasoned French oak barriques for 11 months.

Enjoy now or over the next 2 to 6 years.

Established in 2001, Oakdene specialises in the varieties best suited to the region: chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, and the range includes both still and sparkling wines. The wines are elegant and complex, reflecting the true varietal character of the region.

Boasting modern Australian and European cuisine the onsite restaurant and newly opened Mr Grubb café, complement the high standards of this establishment.

Halliday Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant, Café & Cellar Door cellardoor@oakdene.com.au Phone: 5256 3886 Fax: 5256 3881 www.oakdene.com.au

Estate grown - 100% Chardonnay

2013 SHIRAZ Estate grown - 100% Shiraz

Mid-straw in colour, this full bodied wine exhibits white peach, rockmelon & honeysuckle aromas. The style is rich & expressive with a soft & creamy texture.

The palate is dominated by apricot & nougat. The finish is lengthy, with lingering chestnut and toasted French oak characters.

This vibrant Shiraz has a rich purple colour. An expressive bouquet of black fruits with hints of tobacco. This follows onto a plush palate with balanced flavours of white pepper & ripe tannins.

A classic example of a balanced & complex cool climate Bellarine Shiraz. Its predecessor won the ‘Shiraz Trophy’ in 2013.

James Halliday 95 Points

James Halliday 95 points

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

BUSINESS NEWS | 40

JOIN THE TEAM FOR FOOTY COLOURS DAY 2015 While the official Footy Colours Day is Friday 4th September, you can nominate any day you choose or add a footy theme to a current event in your 2015 calendar – celebrate all things football and make a donation to support young Aussies living with cancer.

Football unites communities – whether you follow AFL, NRL, Soccer, Rugby Union or any other sport – so on Footy Colours Day 2015, we ask everyone to unite, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow Aussies and support Fight Cancer Foundation.

Young children and teens need vital support to enable them to continue their education when they can’t attend school during long-term cancer treatment and recovery.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Aussies have united and helped hundreds of thousands of young cancer patients to continue their education during daunting and challenging treatments.

Footy Colours Day 2015 is supported by football ambassadors representing all codes and teaming up in the fight against cancer, with the AFL represented by Melbourne Demons’ Bernie Vince; A-League soccer is represented by Western Sydney Wanderers’ Shannon Cole, the NRL is represented by Parramatta Eels’ Captain Tim Mannah and Rugby Union is represented by Waratahs’ champ Will Skelton.

varied concepts of ‘health’ and their meanings. This is highlighted in one film following a group of inspiring amputees that formed a rockclimbing group together, in another with a young man that comes home from a clinic where he was treated for an eating disorder and also through a criminal who becomes overwhelmed with an act of kindness.

“The short film genre is a platform that has the potential to change the paradigm of health conversations by giving a voice to the voiceless,” says Anne Doherty, Director of Reel Health Film Festival. It also provides a creative outlet for storytellers to share their health experiences with others.

“During the Festival, audiences will see films that share personal journeys and family experiences, and that are truly inspirational, thought-provoking and, at times, breathtaking,” says Anne.

The Festival will run from August 1 – September 23 at different venues throughout the Barwon region. www.barwonhealth.org.au www.reelhealthfilm.com

“We all love footy and by supporting Footy Colours Day you will be supporting amazing programs for Australian children with cancer fighting for their lives. Whatever we can do to support our future generation of Aussies is something we should all get behind and support,” said Bernie Vince.

Footy Colours Day is supported nationally by schools, organisations, clubs, communities and individuals and all Aussies are encouraged to unite and get into the fighting spirit this Footy Colours Day season.

Register your School, Organisation, Club and community and join the Footy Colours Day Team! Register now @ www.footycoloursday. com.au, visit facebook.com/FightCancerFoundation or twitter.com/ FightCancerFdn

WHITE BALLOON DAY 2015 JUST AROUND THE CORNER

REEL HEALTH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

The 19th annual White Balloon Day is just around the corner and Bravehearts are launching some fantastic fundraising initiatives.

Filmmakers now have the opportunity to talk about general health issues and their effects on the community at the Reel Health International Short Film Festival (Reel Health).

The Monash Health initiative was created in 2013 to help redefine how we view health through the visual medium, along with the opportunity to create passionate and meaningful discussions with the goal of helping our communities. Barwon Health has joined with Monash Health to present the festival throughout the Barwon region.

Reel Health showcases an array of short films from across the world that inspires, touches and challenges viewers. The film subjects cover

Child Protection Week (6-12 September, 2015) presents a stellar opportunity to heighten awareness around the importance of protecting our children while activating the community to play its part.

On Friday September 11, there will be a number of ways you can make a big difference in the lives of children following the incredible success of the event in 2014.

Save the date and stay tuned for some wonderful ways you can support White Balloon Day 2015. www.bravehearts.org.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 41

COMMUNITY

Belmont Primary School students with Chris Van Ingen

‘WHAT WE DO DAY’ - A WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE Twenty-two Belmont Primary School Year Six students recently had a unique chance to understand how a workplace operates through participation in Karingal BacLinks ‘What We Do Day’.

We have been members since the beginning.

Through involvement in various Karingal programs, alongside Karingal participants, the event allowed the children to experience the day-to-day working world, explore a variety of career opportunities and develop an understanding of the importance of education, skills development and training.

Along with Kevin, inmates included Daryl Starkey (Karingal); Nick Klein (LBW); Stan Corner (Business Technology specialists); Emily Etheridge (Mercure); Darrell Fenton (Adroit Insurance Group); Belinda Lyle (BPW); Ian Grawich (Westpac); Kylie McEwan (Davidsons); Pat Murnane (Bendigo Bank); Bernadette Uzelac (Geelong Chamber of Commerce); Cal Stewart (Brax Window Treatments); Jason Trethowan (Barwon Medicare Local); and Hayden Miller (Bay FM).

They were also treated to a lunch at Kommercial’s Seasons Café and learnt about the broad range of Karingal services that include accommodation; respite; personal care; support, recreation and leisure options for people with a disability or disadvantage; mental health support; aged care; advocacy; as well as supported and open employment.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with different workplaces in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” said Joanne Forssman, Karingal BacLinks Manager.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to help them out than to lock up a few of our business contacts,” he then added, tongue in cheek.

Clearly, the grim cells motivated a great outcome with Barwon Water; Bcoz Group; TAC; Signs T’Go; Hewstone IT; SNF (Australia) Pty Ltd; Hodges Real Estate Geelong; Geelong Financial Group; Jim’s Mowing; EHS Solutions; Incitec Pivot; Alliance Scaffolding; Southern Star Windows; and Evologic all signing on as members.

“Karingal is involved in such a large range of services and now employs over 1500 people in the Barwon Region, South Western Victoria, Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, as well as employment services in Queensland and South Australia.

“What We Do Day really gave the young students a great chance to experience a range of these activities and different settings all in the one day.”

DOING TIME 4 COMMUNITY Fourteen high profile business leaders from business, government and community sectors recently swapped their suits for stripes as part of ‘Doing Time 4 Community’ at the Old Geelong Gaol.

Coulter Roache Lawyers and Alcoa partnered together to present this exciting community focused initiative that enabled like-minded Geelong business leaders to unite for a worthy cause.

Participants were subpoenaed to turn out at the Gaol where they were stripped of their material possessions, outfitted in prison garb, shackled and confined to a dark, cold cell. Once locked up and at the mercy of a merciless warden, they could only be freed if they signed up at least one new member who would then come along to the gaol and release them.

Coulter Roache Lawyers, who this year are celebrating 80 years in serving the Geelong community, saw this event as an ideal opportunity to assist their community in a positive and effective way by supporting the Karingal BacLinks program.

Kevin Roache, Principal and Chairman, said, “The BacLinks team do some fantastic work and we were pleased to support them on this campaign.

Inmate Kevin Roache optimistically anticipating his release

‘Y’CHEF COOKING CHALLENGE IS ON FOR 2015 Launched at Sacred Heart College, the annual ‘Y’Chef Cooking Challenge provides an opportunity for aspiring chefs in VET in Schools Hospitality Programs to learn from the very best as they hone their skills in anticipation of a chance to compete for the coveted prize.

Under the guidance of chefs from Black Bull, Seasons by Karingal and Empire Grill, the students will learn how to best prepare and present a set menu, with the best two teams from each training school going on to compete in the final, to be held on the 14th August.

In partnership with Karingal BacLinks, the challenge has been generously sponsored by the Geelong Regional Vocational Educational Council (GRVEC) and the Lion’s Breakfast Club of Geelong.

BUSINESS NEWS | 42

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 43

AFTER HOURS

NIGHT OUT WITH NICKY BUCKLEY The BPW Geelong AGM was held last month in conjunction with their ‘Night out with Nicky Buckley’ July event. Outgoing board members were farewelled and incoming board members welcomed in front of approximately 80 guests at Lyndon Grove Receptions.

Event sponsor Flawless Beauty Concepts was delighted to welcome Nicky to the event as she shone a light on the fact that women in the spotlight are no different from you and me - mothers, daughters, wives and girlfriends all vying for our own place in the world, trying to make a difference, struggling with the same issues we all face daily.

Nicky delivered an inspiring message which was centred around women of all ages - be true to yourself and never live with the feeling that life has passed you by.

Feel fear and do it anyway!

As a mother of three boys, Nicky has paved the way for working mothers and is a respected spokesperson for issues concerning motherhood, families and women and has recently become an ambassador for Ovarian Cancer after sadly losing her mother to the disease.

Photos by Pam Hutchinson Photography

BPW Incoming and Outgoing Board Members

Ann Wojczuk and Julie Andrews

Belinda Lyle and Joyce Taylor BUSINESS NEWS | 44

AFTER HOURS

Nicky Buckley and BPW Mentees Eh K’Paw Shee, Mu Thein Chri and Say Moo Paw

Christine Silvestroni, Terry Barrow and Marianne Valitutti

Nicky Buckley

Sharon Hill, Enza Del Fonte, Susan Born, Robyn Duse, Lisa Emanuel BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 45

AFTER HOURS

THE CHAMBER’S DRY JULY AFTER 5 Mocktails and non-alcoholic bevvies were the order of the day at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s July After 5, but those who looked for something a little stronger to ward off the winter chill helped raise $521 for the Barwon Health Foundation’s #ProjectLove.

Hosted by the TAC, the mid-July event at The Pier Geelong was a welcome celebration of End of Financial Year. But, in honour of the Dry July theme, members and guests looking for an alcoholic beverage at the event were encouraged to dip into their pockets to support the redevelopment of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre, proving once again that Geelong’s business community is willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Photos by Barefoot Media

Michael Cave, Simon Ramsay MP & James Baird

Orest & Gina Popowicz and Rick Powell

Katie Fiorillo & Tasmin Walker BUSINESS NEWS | 46

AFTER HOURS

Daryl Moss, Dale Cooper & Phil Russell

Carli Saw & Ainslie Magness

Mandy Lovett & Sue Rittmeyer

Bernadette Uzelac & Clare Amies

Callum Butler, Danielle Bennet & Russell Waters BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 47

AFTER HOURS

$2 MILLION FOR GEELONG’S MOST VULNERABLE

The generosity of the workers and businesses of Geelong, through their support of Give Where You Live fundraising programs including the Workplace Giving Program, has seen $2.06 million in grants allocated to programs supporting the region’s most vulnerable people and families. The grants were announced at a morning tea in front of 200 people held at the Novotel Geelong on Thursday 16th July 2015.

The scale of this community support for local programs tackling major and systemic problems is unique to Geelong and represents why the sense of community in this region is so strong. The kinds of major and systemic issues that are being addressed through this year’s Give Where You Live grants allocation are the same issues that affect most communities in Australia and, in many cases, around the world.

The difference here is that local programs are helping local people and families, and being supported by funding raised by the local community on a very significant scale.

Give Where You Live engaged 100 volunteer community Members as well as staff and board in the 2015 Grant Review Panel process. These grant reviewers represented the diversity of the Geelong community including young people, seniors, business people, educators, community service providers, government employees and engaged community volunteers.

Photos by Elisha Lindsay EL Photography

Bill Mithen, Murray Boyd presenting $2m to our community partners

Bill Mithen, Toby O’Connor

Caroline Moore & Barbara Abley BUSINESS NEWS | 48

AFTER HOURS

Daryl Fenton & Phil Dunn

Samantha Dellamarta, Cynthia Scherer & Dina Dasic

Garry Hill, Gayle Rodgers & Nick Klein

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 49

Sheridan Salmon & Kate Bibby

White Clock $69.95

Ph: 03 5229 9923 138 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220

Large Timber Clock $139

IS Copper Clock 30cm $89

Magimix 5200XL Food Processor $849

Stainless Steel Coffee Maker from $89.95

Bodum Coffee Plungers from $39.95

Bialetti Coffee Makers from $36.95

Balti Dishes from $11.95

Robert Gordon Jugs from $31.95

224 Pakington Street Geelong West, VIC 3220 03 5221 8685

127 Pakington St. Geelong West 3218 03 5222 2818

Babanees White Side Table (450H x 600W) @ $430.00 Babanees Mini Stool @ $150.00

AVANTI Stove Top Kettle $49.95

CONTIGO Insulated Travel Mug CHASSEUR 5.2L French Oven $259

$33.95 LONDON POTTERY Clip Top Canister $16.95

VICTORINOX Tomato Knife $8.95

BUSINESS NEWS | 50

Royal Doulton Pacific Range - prices starting from $13.95

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BOOKS

A GUIDE TO BERLIN Gail Jones A group of six international travellers, two Italians, two Japanese, an American and an Australian, meet in empty apartments in Berlin to share stories and memories.

In 1925, as a young man of 26 living in Berlin, Vladimir Nabokov wrote a short story entitled ‘A Guide to Berlin’. Each of the six travellers is enthralled in some way to the work of Vladimir Nabokov, and each is finding their way in deep winter in a haunted city and then moment of devastating violence shatters the group, and changes the direction of everyone’s story.

Flexing the literary strength that saw her nominated for the Miles Franklin Award, Gail Jones’ exploration of human frailties and the price of secrets is already being hailed as both brave and brilliant.

RICK STEIN: FROM VENICE TO ISTANBUL Rick Stein The way Rick Stein talks about food is how proud parents talk about their children and his passion is infectious and he has an undeniable talent in his ability translate culture and food in a way that makes the far flung and foreign feel familiar and deeply authentic. Accompanying the major BBC Two series, Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul includes over 100 spectacular recipes discovered by Rick during his travels in the region, like the ultimate mezze spread of baba ghanoush, pide bread and keftedes, and mouthwatering garlic shrimps with soft polenta, or heavenly Dalmatian fresh fig tart.

WHAT MY DAUGHTERS TAUGHT ME Joseph Wakim ‘Without a word spoken, mothers effortlessly read a room, gauging its temperature, scanning their children’s faces and measuring their heartbeats ... This is the language of love, a language that should not be the monopoly of mothers …

I was sure that whoever gave women this gift would not have bypassed fathers, in case they ended up like me.’

When Joseph Wakim’s wife died of breast cancer in 2003, his three daughters were only eleven, nine and four years old. Despite well-meaning friends, family and even strangers telling him he would need help to bring up his daughters, Joseph followed his heart and did the job his way, trusting that he - and the girls - would know what to do. To stop himself from succumbing to grief and taking his daughters with him, Joseph relied on humour and honesty as they all learned to live again and celebrate life, while honouring the memory of his beloved wife, Nadia.

Twelve years later, the family is thriving, and Joseph and his daughters have learned hard and valuable truths about each other - and themselves.

SICK IN THE HEAD Judd Apatow Intimate, hilarious conversations with the biggest names in comedy – including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Roseanne, Harold Ramis, Louis C.K., Steve Martin, Spike Jonze, Sarah Silverman, Seth Rogan, Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, and Lena Dunham.

Before becoming one of the most successful filmmakers in Hollywood, Judd Apatow was the original comedy nerd. He took a job washing dishes in a local comedy club so he could watch endless standup for free. He hosted a show for his local high school radio station on Long Island – a show that consisted of Q&As with his comedy heroes, from Garry Shandling to Jerry Seinfeld. Thirty years later, Apatow is still that same comedy nerd – and he’s still interviewing funny people about why they do what they do.

Loaded with the kind of back-of-the-club stories that comics tell one another when no one else is watching, this fascinating, personal, and borderline-obsessive book is Judd Apatow’s gift to comedy nerds everywhere. And it’s a gift that gives more than that, with royalties to be donated by to 826LA, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center in Los Angeles.

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