Business News 248

February 2016

“Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does.” - Stella Young

SEEING THE ABILITY THE KARINGAL STORY ISSUE 248

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 3

CONTENTS

24.

CONTENTS 7 Biz News 14 New Appointments 15 Inside Word 16 Governance

20.

28 Business Advice 29 Legal

FEATURE

COVER STORY

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

- Stephen Hawking

30 Property 31 Money 32 Tech Guy 36 Elevator 41 Baclinks 42 Business Events 47 After Hours

44. ARTS ISSUE 248 FEBRUARY 2016 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au

38.

50 Cool Stuff 51 Books

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EDITOR

TRASH TO TREASURE: WE NEED TO MUCK IN

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or more than a decade, as a country, we were the outback lottery winners of the global economy – cashed up bogans with multiple platinum credit cards. From scrappers trying to compete with the rising tide of Asian manufacturing we all of a sudden found our treasury overflowing with mining-generated tax dollars; and almost as fast as those rivers of gold – or, in the case of the Aussie dollar, rivers of 92 per cent copper, six per cent aluminium and two per cent nickel – rolled in, we spent them.

There was not a whole lot of thought put into where that money was being spent and what sort of future dividend that spending would pay, but hey, we all had our big screen TVs and a rare affability to the political powers sharing out the mining proceeds to distract us from niggling thoughts that it was too good to last.

It was inevitable that those rivers of cash would recede to steady streams; so much so that outsiders could fairly wonder how we didn’t see it coming. We hardly spare a thought for Gina, Twiggy and Clive and the pain of their profit drain - poor things, snigger – because we’ve been too busy seeing our ready cash decline at the same time.

What is a one-time cashed up bogan nation to do when the thoughtless spending has to stop?

The Prime Minister wants us to innovate our way out of our rapid revenue decline (budget cuts being so 1990s and all). But in a world where almost every advanced economy – and most of the rising economies – is trying to do the same thing, how do we make the shift from brash, tough it out spenders to humble innovators?

Perhaps one answer is that we need to muck in, literally. Two West Australian surfers have developed a unique solution to ocean pollution with their Seabin invention that has gone viral around the globe. The automated rubbish bin has been designed to collect rubbish from marinas and will be constructed mainly using recycled ocean plastic. It’s a canny piece of ingenuity seeking to solve a big problem, with one recent report suggesting that dumped plastic could outweigh fish in the Earth’s oceans by 2050.

Ocean plastic is just one of the byproducts of the global gluttony for stuff and there is nothing new about collecting unwanted waste and turning it into a saleable commodity – this trash to treasure idea is what led to the multi-billion dollar Visy empire.

And there are mountains of waste begging for a smart, sustainable solution. Think, for a moment, about where all the outdated computers, printers, tablets and phones end up. Now think about how often government departments, schools and businesses turn over their technology hardware.

With big problems come big opportunities.

There are so many products that all too soon become waste – tyres, batteries, building materials … the list just keeps going.

With drought an ever-present problem, someone, somewhere, is going to make a killing on cost-effective, eco-friendly greywater recycling systems.

Then there are the needs-based innovations – eHealth solutions and other ways to reduce our high cost way of life.

Most of us want to change the way we live: to work smarter, not harder; to consume less and save more; and to spend more time on whatever it is that matters to us; to be healthier and live better These expectations will continue to drive change in the business environment and meeting those needs will be the boom businesses of the very near future.

It’s a change of mindset and one that will come more naturally to millennials than to Gen Xers and Baby Boomers – although there will be plenty of success stories from people with a bright idea and yen for a career change.

With growth forecasts being downgraded across pretty much all markets and big question marks over economic stability, there isn’t a lot of joy amongst forecasting economists these days … or even less joy than usual, anyway. Perhaps a few more bright ideas to further boost a surprisingly stable jobs [clutching wood] market would have them seeing the future through copper/aluminium/nickel coloured glasses.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 5

COMMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HIGHLIGHTS JOB CREATION

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he Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) January report showing unemployment figures in Geelong fell by a whopping 3.6 per cent over the last year has a deeper story than just the 10,000 jobs that were created across the region in 2015.

We all know unemployment figures show only part of the picture of overall employment, unemployment and underemployment, but what the ABS figures do demonstrate is that businesses are hiring in Geelong. What the figures don’t show is who is doing the hiring.

We know that the service sector continues to be a key driver of jobs growth in the region, but less readily articulated is the role the region’s small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are playing in our local economy and local economies in surrounding regions.

According to the ABS, the unemployment rate in regional Victoria is the second lowest in Australia, having fallen from 6.6 per cent to 5.6 per cent, while the national average sits at 6.1 per cent.

But again, there is plenty going on behind those figures, not least of which is that for every 100 people looking for work, more than five aren’t finding a job. Of those more than five, many will be young, looking to get into some form of employment – to get a chance to show what they can do; many will live in areas of high unemployment; many will be older workers, overlooked more for the year of their birth than their skills or suitability for the job; and many won’t have the skills to match the majority of job ads.

We’ve had some wins in Geelong in recent years and seeing our overall unemployment rate falling is one of the biggest – particularly when most people who live outside the region (and a surprising

number who live within it) think that the closures of Alcoa and Ford and other high profile job losses means it’s a struggle to find work in Geelong. For some, that is true and it’s a reality that bites hard; but for others, the growth in newer sectors and the strength of smaller businesses – so many who are putting on a few extra people to answer a rising demand for their services – is creating new opportunities, and it’s those small increases that have done a lot to boost the greater picture of the region’s economy.

The Victorian Government says the news of the fall in the regional unemployment rate is ‘further evidence of Victoria’s growing economic momentum and coincides with the latest ABS population data that confirms Victoria is a leading destination for overseas and interstate migration.’ It’s a pretty fair statement.

Almost six million people now call Victoria home, just under a quarter of the Australian population. We are living in the fastest growing state and consumer sentiment is stronger here than in any other state. All of which is good news for business and employment growth.

Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, said in a statement released in response to the ABS figures, “People go where the jobs are. It is no coincidence that Victoria’s population is surging in line with its economy … People have every right to have confidence in Victoria again.”

The key, of course, is sustaining that momentum well into the future, and for that, growth in our income-producing small business sector is critical.

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BIZ NEWS

WOODCHIP CARRIER TO DEPART GEELONG’S PORT WITH RECORD-BREAKING LOAD

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China’s growing wood pulp market. Loading began soon after arrival in Geelong’s port on the 25th of January.

Midway Limited’s Stephen Roffey hailed the Chinese-bound Fujian Express’s visit a great start to 2016 for the North Shorebased woodchip exporter, saying it was testament to the success of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority’s dredging of Corio Quay North No 4 Berth.

The VRCA completed dredging at Corio Quay No 4 Berth and City Bend in late 2014 at a cost of almost $10 million. The Corio Quay work deepened the berth to 12.3 metres, bringing it into line with the channels network. Dredging contractors also widened the shipping lane at City Bend to improve safe navigation for the increasingly larger ships seeking access to Geelong.

ow many woodchips can a woodchip ship ship? The answer is `much more than ever before’ as the largest cargo of woodchips loaded at Geelong’s port has set sail from Corio Quay on one of the biggest woodchip carriers in the world – making the folks at the Port and Midway very chipper indeed.

``The Fujian Express will depart with almost 60,000 metric tonnes of woodchips – that’s about 7000 tonnes more than the previous biggest loading,’’ the development manager said. ``Before the dredging deepened the berth there was no hope of getting this ship here. The shipment is only possible because of that work. And now we’d expect to get up to eight visits by these large woodchip carriers here this year.’’

The Fujian Express, owned by Nova Group and built in China, is part of a fleet of big, new woodchip carriers built to service

``It takes about five days to load her, working around the clock, and she [was] due to depart on the high tide on Saturday morning for Rizhao,’’ Mr Roffey said.

The authority also spent more than $8 million dredging between Refinery Pier and Lascelles Wharf late last year to give ships more room to manoeuvre around berth pockets and ease congestion.

Mr Roffey said Corio Quay’s improved No 4 Berth meant Midway Limited could chase new opportunities in the highly competitive global woodchip market. ``Not since dredging have we been limited by a ship’s departure draught here – it’s brilliant,’’ he said.

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BIZ NEWS

CAN GEELONG BRIDGE THE TECHNOLOGY GAP IN SERVICES? NEW MEMBERS December A Guide To Bellarine Lodge Bellarine Winery Tours Cafe Go Craft Space Engine Shed Artisan Market Harwood Andrews King George Fish and Grill Lombardy’s on Hesse Oregional Events Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group Queenscliff Flinders Beach Retreat Trail Love Global

January

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t was good news for Geelong that the Department of Human Services (DHS) would be co-locating offices with the yet-to-be-built headquarters of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The additional space for 400 staff has been added to the tender for the NDIA’s purpose built office building, with tender applicants now looking to amend their designs.

Amongst those tendering for the project are Michael King, with a design for a modern architectural spire on the Kings Funerals’ chapel site on Myers Street, and Techne, with a proposal on the site of the Carlton Hotel on Malop Street.

The Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson MP, said building the

Adcell Group Cheap Tours Melbourne Geelong Serviced Apartments Go Ride A Wave Lara Food and Wine Festival Mi Shells Seafood Ocean Grove Holiday House Sea Earth Adventures Surf Coast Kombi Hire

Marketing is one of the key strategic areas for TGGB and there is a strong focus on digital presence and discreet tactical campaigns. The announcement of additional Jetstar services at Avalon Airport was an exciting one and this year will see a range of promotional activities to encourage travel into the region from new markets of Adelaide and Hobart as well as renewed focus on the existing routes from Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The boost to the winning building project is obvious, but the new addition to the city’s government services hub throws up some other interesting potential business opportunities – particularly for information and communication technology (ICT) solutions to streamlining access to information and smoothing administrative processes.

The point of centralising the workforces of NDIA and DHS is to allow the agencies to operate as cost-efficiently as possible, and, along with TAC and WorkSafe Victoria; helping them to do that could provide some opportunities for Geelong’s growing ICT and business services sector.

APPY DAYS FOR THE GOVERNMENT

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t seems our Federal Government is taking its commitment to smartening up the nation’s future workforce quite seriously.

If you’d like to know more about membership or anything TGGB do, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their Business Development Manager Di Nelson on 5244 7109 or dnelson@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au

new headquarters would support several hundred jobs during construction.

First came the development of the Polygot app, used to teach pre-schoolers another language. Now the PM & Co. have announced funding to develop a new app focused on encouraging an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for pre-schoolers in the Geelong and Corangamite region, according to Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson.

Ms Henderson said the languages app had great feedback in its initial trial

and looked forward to the expansion of the trial in more locations, with the Government spending $2.5 million to expand the trial of the Polyglots languages app in 2016. She said almost 1000 schools had applied for but missed out on the initial trial.

“We know that around 75 per cent of the fastest-growing industries require STEM-related skills, so the Turnbull Government has committed $6 million as part of the Innovation and Science Agenda to develop a STEM-focused app to ensure Australia’s youngest minds develop an interest in those fields,” said Ms Henderson.

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BIZ NEWS

SHARE YOUR VIEW ON BAYSIDE MOOLOP PLAN

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he redevelopment of the Corio Bay foreshore around Moolop is an incredibly rare opportunity for any city looking to grow and develop. The bayside zone is 1,200 hectares of rural and industrial land and encompasses the old Cheetham Saltworks, the Point Henry smelter and Alcoa’s adjacent land, the Point Henry Pier, Moolap Industrial Estate and Stingaree Bay, extending along the north side of the Portarlington Highway to Clifton Avenue in Leopold.

to Ridley Corporation with some land owned by the same corporation. The corporation developed and put forward a plan to purchase the Crown land and construct marinas, housing, sporting facilities, commercial sites and wetlands, with the Napthine Government entering into exclusive negotiations with Ridley Corporation in October 2014.

The local community has until 12 February to submit their thoughts at this first stage of ideas gathering on what they would like to see included in the area as part of the Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan.

The Andrews Government ended those negotiations in April 2015 and agreed to undertake the strategic land use analysis.

Ridley Corporation’s proposed plan for the complex site – which includes heritage and environmental sustainability issues as well as asbestos contamination - may yet form part of the eventual Strategic Framework Plan.

Once the initial broad feedback has been gathered and summarized, the plan goes into a research phase, looking at the site, where there is potential for development, and where areas of cultural and environmental significance need to be considered.

A discussion paper is due in the middle of the year followed by a Draft Strategic Framework Plan later this year.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) advise that the Environment Protection Authority, the City of Greater Geelong, relevant agencies, landowners, key stakeholders and the community will all have input into the plan, while ‘The Geelong Authority will be consulted to inform the Plan and will provide independent advice to the Minister for Planning.’

Alcoa is undertaking their own review of the 575 hectares of company-owned land, including developing a strategy for remediating the industrial sites, and will be developing its own masterplan, titled Point Henry 575.

For more information or to have your say on this project that will fundamentally change this area of our city, visit the DELWP website at delwp.vic.gov.au and search for the Moolap Coastal Strategy Framework Plan.

The future development of the saltworks site also comes with multiple complex issues. The land is partly Crown land leased

Alcoa are also consulting the community, with information available at engage-pointhenry@alcoa.com.au

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BIZ NEWS

RECORD YEAR FOR INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES The Geelong Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming the following new members at our first event for 2016, the February After 5, hosted by The Geelong College, to be held on February 18th

December Rita’s Mobile Beauty Service Westcoast Workwear Elk Creative Chilwell Consulting Ferne Millen Photography Everblossom Corporate Australia Leukaemia Foundation Geelong Neil Noelker Consulting Bellarine Veterinary Practice Back to Back Theatre Ascent HR Management Consultants Social Media Tribe Australian Federation of Disability Organisations Blush Bar Darriwill Farm Little Green Corner Smile Care Dentists

January First Class Accounts/North Geelong The Park - Geelong Indoor Skatepark T Course B Pty Ltd Elevare Pauline Fagg RAMS Home Loans Seamless Transitions Lesley Bourke Real Estate Pty. Ltd. Geelong Fireworks Hornibrooks Tools & Fasteners Finn Business Sales

DON’T MISS OUT! Join the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and positon your business for success in 2016

PROMOTE Your Business EXPAND Your Network INCREASE Your Exposure STAY informed ENJOY Special Offers BE Connected MEMBER ONLY Events To discuss your possible membership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Contact: Jody Keating, Membership Services Manager.

Ph: 0429 223 432 Email: jody.keating@geelongchamber.com.au

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fter what has felt like an interminable period of inaction, the shift towards renewable energy has gained momentum with global investment in the sector on the rise.

The latest figures from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) have shown that 2015 was a record year for investment and investor sentiment is high on the back of the Paris climate agreement.

Global investment in renewable energy projects was up almost 30 per cent on 2014 figures, at US$329 billion. China was by far the largest investor at US$110.5 billion, almost double that of the next largest investing nation, the United States (US$56 billion).

As the cost of renewable energy technologies continues to fall, investment across the sector has become more attractive. Yet, while our leading trading partners are looking to monetize a cleaner energy future, Australia remains far behind in the wake of previous Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s blatant hostility towards the sector and only moves to address climate

change.

Climate Energy Council spokesperson, Mark Bretherton, said in a statement released on the Bloomberg New Energy Finance figures that institutions such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency are helping to bridge the finance gap for major renewable energy developers.

“Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seems committed to restoring confidence to renewable energy following several tough years.

“Australia has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world, and while the industry recognises that meeting the Renewable Energy Target (RET) will be a challenge, we are up to the task,” Mr Bretherton said.

“Negotiating contracts to buy the renewable energy generated by major projects simply takes time, and we are expecting more projects to proceed in the first two quarters of 2016.”

BENDIGO BANK TO BRING ANDROID PAY TO AUS

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endigo Bank is working with Google to help bring Android Pay to Australia. The payment platform, currently only available in the United States works in a similar way to Visa payWave and MasterCard PayPass and is available for purchases under $100 at contactless terminals. Payments are then sent with a virtual account number.

Australia is the first country outside of the US that Google has announced will be receiving the payment platform.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Chief Customer Officer, Marnie Baker, said, “The pace of change in technology is extremely fast these days, driving a revolution in the way we think about, use and move money.

“To make sure we deliver what our customers are asking for, we’re constantly seeking to be part of an ecosystem – either one we create or one we join – that will give our customers the functionality they’re looking for.”

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BIZ NEWS

THREE KEYS TO MANAGING MILLENNIALS EFFECTIVELY

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enerational change is one of the biggest workplace issues faced by human resource departments and managers across the nation. Baby boomers are retiring in evergreater numbers and millennials – born between 1982 and 2004 – are now flooding into the workforce.

With their expectations of holidays whenever it suits them, fast career progression and high rates of pay, the generation that grew up barely recognising a cassette tape have gained a reputation for being difficult to manage. Yet their tech-savviness, ambition and demands for smarter ways to work have a lot to offer Australian businesses when managed well.

WFS Australia, part of the global WorkForce Software group of companies, offers three tips to effectively manage millennials: 1. Create schedules that foster collaboration: 59 per cent of millennials are driven by competition and are more likely than other generations to compare their performance against their colleagues (source: CEB Summit for HR Executives 2014).

This makes a collaborative work environment less appealing to them, which can hinder the organisation’s innovation.

James Kissell, strategy director at WFS: A WorkForce Software Company (WFS Australia) said, “Managers should schedule millennials to work with more senior employees, encourage intergenerational learning, and involve them in the collaboration process.”

2. O ffer opportunities to learn: Research shows that millennials are not looking to hop between jobs, but are in search of new experiences at work (source: CEB Summit for HR Executives 2014). If they aren’t offered opportunities to learn then they are likely to leave the organisation. It’s important to retain staff, as rehiring and training can be costly.

3. S upport mobility Flexibility is important to millennial workers who have grown up with mobile internet access at school and home. Giving them the flexibility to work from wherever is convenient, while holding them accountable for hours and outputs, pays dividends in higher retention rates and, let’s face it, better attitudes towards their work and employers.

James Kissell said, “Managing millennials can be tricky and it helps to understand where they’re coming from. Having grown up as digital natives in a fast-moving, consumerist society, it’s no surprise that they tend to look for more meaningful work experiences. Being able to deliver those experiences … will let managers get the best performance from their millennial employees.”

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BIZ NEWS

HEALTH INFORMATION THEFT WIDESPREAD

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tealing medical information has become an unfortunate commodity business across the globe, with a new report revealing breaches of patient data are coming from some very surprising places.

The Verizon 2015 Protected Health Information Data Breach report showed that over 392 million records were disclosed across 1,931 breach incidents across 25 countries, with breaches not only from the healthcare industry, but also from agriculture, manufacturing, retail, finance, education and the public service – yet many of the organisations outside of the healthcare sector were not aware they were holding protected health information.

The report’s contributors include Deloitte, Kaspersky Lab, CERT (the Australian Government’s Cyber Emergency Response Team) Insider Threat Centre and the United States Secret Service. The Verizon report highlighted that stolen medical information is a significantly more widespread issues than previously thought, with attackers largely motivated by the easy salability of the data.

Common sources of protected health information are employee records (including workers’ compensation claims) or information for wellness programs and are generally not well protected.

“Many organisations are not doing enough to protect this highly sensitive and confidential data,” said Suzanne Widup, senior analyst and lead author for the Verizon Enterprise Solutions report. “This can lead to significant consequences impacting an individual and their family and increasing healthcare costs for governments, organisations and individuals. Protected health information is highly coveted by today’s cybercriminals.”

According to recent studies called out in the report, people are withholding information – sometimes critical information – from their healthcare providers because they are concerned that there could be a data breach.

According to the report’s findings, medical record data is often taken with malicious intent; however, it is frequently the personable identifiable information, like credit card and tax file numbers, that attackers are really after in order to facilitate financial crimes and tax fraud.

These data thefts come from three main sources, the theft or loss of a portable device (laptop, tablet, smartphone or USB), errors in sending medical reports, and thirdly insider theft with employees misusing their access to private health data.

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BIZ NEWS

ENGINEERS IN DEMAND

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ajor projects are driving demand for skilled temporary and permanent employment, with Civil Engineers, Design Engineers and Rail Engineers amongst the most indemand according to Hays Recruitment.

According to the latest Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand, major highway and rail infrastructure projects in Victoria, NSW and the ACT are generating high levels of temporary and permanent recruitment across a number of roles in these locations – providing more evidence of Australia’s patchwork economy.

Hays Engineering also notes that the awarding of major infrastructure projects is generating business for associated industries and services boosting employment demand for certain roles such as transport planners, with high quality candidates looking for roles offering work-life balance.

Adam Shapley, Senior Regional Director of Hays Engineering explains, “Many engineering professionals have been overworked in recent times. We have candidates coming to us who have been clocking working weeks of up to 78 hours and are now looking for less intense, smaller projects to gain a better work-life balance.

“We are also seeing more candidates prepared to move out of big cities if it means improving their lifestyle.”

Along with the toll of lengthy overtime, candidates are also

looking for work-life balance because they understand that employers cannot offer high salaries. “Despite the shortage of candidates in many areas, employers are not in a position to pay top end salaries to attract talent because they have to reduce their profit margin when bidding on work in order to win contracts,” says Adam.

On the building front, Hays Engineering notes that professionals in demand include Structural Design Engineers with Australian building experience, Civil and Structural Engineers (Buildings) for urban and land development projects, and Civil Drafters for subdivision and building-related civil works.

Employers are also looking for Revit skills for many roles, but are struggling to find candidates with the right software skills including self-sufficient Architects and Drafters. Revit Modellers are in particular demand for ongoing building services contracts.

Hays Engineering also note that design consultancies are on the hunt for Design Engineers, ideally with road project experience plus strong IT/design systems experience.

Finally, the recruiter expects to see more roles come online associated with renewable energy in light of the Federal Government’s more supportive attitude to the sector coupled with the success of the recent Paris Climate Summit. Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) Consultants are already in increasing demand given conditions for the renewable energy sector.

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

DR SARAH LEACH GENERAL MANAGER HEALTH SERVICES – GMHBA LIMITED Sarah comes to GMHBA Limited as the new General Manager of Health Services.

Her recent executive health roles have included, Director of Health and Wellbeing at G21 (Geelong Region Alliance) and Director of research and community engagement at Glastonbury Community Services.

FINANCE Marita Gilmour is the Franchise Principal at RAMS Home Loan Centre Geelong. As a specialist in home loans and the finance industry for over 35 years, Marita uses her experience, resources and ability to help clients realise their property ownership dreams. She has extensive knowledge in lending, as well as professionalism, customer care and passion for her work.

In her role as Principal at RAMS Geelong, Marita understands that “everyone’s home ownership needs and dreams are different Whatever your goal, big or small, my aim is to help you achieve it.

Sarah has also been the Deputy Chair and Board Director at Barwon Health over an eight year term. In addition to that, Sarah was a Board member and Chair at Bethany Community Services over ten years, and was the Chair of the Barwon South West Regional Women’s Health Committee.

She is currently a Director of The Geelong College Council, a Board member of the Barwon Center Against Sexual Assault Inc and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

HEALTH James Tantau has founded the Geelong Rehabilitation Centre. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist with ESSA membership, James has years of experience specialising with Type 2 Diabetes management and uses a gentle and motivating approach to get clients on the track to wellness.

RETAIL

RETAIL

REAL ESTATE

Wendy Guidarelli is proving a great fit for the team at Brown’s Mensland. Wendy is a well known figure in the Geelong community with vast experience at many well developed brands in the fashion industry. Relaxed and happy, Wendy has a keen eye for style and values providing genuine and personable service.

Cameron Brown has joined the family business at Brown’s Corporate Uniform’s / Brown’s Mensland. Cameron recently spent time overseas completing his studies before working in the digital development and advertising industry in Los Angeles and returning to be close to his family.

With past experience in finance, marketing and human development, Ricky Forte has joined Buxton Newtown as a Sales Consultant. With a relaxed down to earth approach to customer service, his strong interpersonal skills will resonate with buyers and sellers alike.

BUSINESS NEWS | 14

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INSIDE WORD

RUN RABBIT RUN!

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ongoing hazard and safety issues for players and grounds staff alike,” Mr Sharp said.

Under new ownership, over the past six months, the bayside golf club has lifted ten places in the national course ranking status from 88to 78 and has become the fastest growing golf club in Australia.

“Land owners have an obligation to control rabbits. As a golfer I hate them and as a farmer I detest them.”

hey may make nice gifts in chocolate form at Easter or in small blue coats in children’s books, but rabbits are the scourge of greens keepers. On the Bellarine, Curlewis Golf Course has introduced an Australian-first solution to the furry pest by installing a rabbit proof fence circumnavigating the entire course.

The recently completed rabbit proof fence spans 3.9 kilometres around the boundary of the golf course, comprised of wire netting along the existing fence lines that curves onto the ground to approximately 30cm – preventing rabbits digging into or under the netting.

Curlewis Golf Club Director, David Sharp, said the rabbit proof fence was already reaping significant benefits to the course, the golfing experience and player enjoyment.

“Rabbits cause a lot of damage – they scratch, they dig holes and apart from spoiling course aesthetics, their activity can create

“Not only that, rabbits are a huge threat to hundreds of endangered native plants and animals - competing with animals for food, devouring native plants, destabilising native habitats and damaging the soil to boot.

Mr Sharp said he had implemented a rabbit proof fence at the family’s Leura Park Estate vineyard several years ago and the results had been phenomenal.

“Warren systems and holes under and around vines were diabolical and causing a lot of problems for vineyard staff walking around but also driving machinery up and down the vine runs.

The installation of a rabbit proof fence has meant that we have been able to systematically destroy their warren systems and repair the damage. This has seen improved soil conditioning and stronger, happier vines as well as vastly reduced day-to-day operational issues for the vineyard team.”

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GOVERNANCE

THE YEAR AHEAD – GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES

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efore the busyness of the year takes over, it is important for the board and senior management team to reflect on what has transpired in the year gone by – have expectations that were articulated in the strategic plan been achieved and, whether yes or no, what were the drivers of these results? The more we understand what created a particular outcome, the better equipped we will be to plan for and meet the challenges of the new year.

What can be said with relative confidence is that our business, no matter what size or in what sector, will continue to be impacted upon by many external forces and the board and leadership team will need to adopt best practice in its governance and operational management approach to ensure short term viability and long term sustainability.

From our perspective, the 4 key challenges for good governance in the year ahead are: Direction – is your business model still relevant, does it provide a product/service that is truly unique and valued by your customers/ clients, does the price paid represent value to both your business and the purchaser? Where is your business on the lifecycle scale – growth, mature or decline? Can your products or services be readily supplied by a competitor at a lesser price? Does the Mission Statement accurately and succinctly reflect the direction of the organisation? These are all key questions that the board should ask itself and request information and evidence to support the responses provided by either itself or the management team.

The decisions the board takes in terms of its future direction will be fundamental in its quest of sustainability, which, by definition, implies viability as well.

Resources – does the organisation have the capacity and capability to deliver its strategic plan? Whilst the board’s sole responsibility is the recruitment, appointment and management of the Chief Executive in the staffing area of the business, it still has a responsibility to satisfy itself that there are the right people in the right jobs and doing the right thing if it is to achieve its Mission.

Don’t confuse interest with interference! Furthermore, in terms of capacity, does the organisation have sufficient infrastructure (facilities, technology, funds, and business systems) to deliver its Mission. People without resources will struggle to effectively do what is required, so a board should critically analyse and assess these business inputs and again satisfy itself that it is adequately resourced across all functions of the business

External Stakeholders – does the organisation’s stakeholders support and acknowledge the business? Customers and clients through repeat business, referrals and feedback (solicited and unsolicited)? Funding bodies through direct and indirect feedback?

Competitors though their own activities? Without the support of external stakeholders, the organisation will be severely limited in its pursuit of sustainability. Again, the board has to acknowledge the importance of this input into its business and request that activities and outcomes in this area be reported on an ongoing basis.

Culture – 2015 highlighted the dire consequences of a poor culture – VW and its emissions scandal, the major banks and their financial planning and insurance services and the banned substance sagas in Australian sport, all of which can be tied back to the culture of the organisations at the time. If an organisation does not establish, communicate and live its values and principles, then others within the business will create their own rules and these may not necessarily align with what the board is striving to achieve. The board must take a leadership role in creating the right culture to drive its mission, for without the appropriate standards in place, your organisation could be the next newspaper headline.

Governance in the 21st century, whether in the non-profit or commercial sectors, is not for the faint hearted. Governance excellence requires a commitment of effort, time and intellectual application, an enquiring mind and an approach that demands evidence to make an informed decision, rather than mere acceptance of what is either verbalised or written in a report.

There is no indication that the ‘good old years’ will ever come back, therefore board members both individually and collectively must be prepared to apply themselves more diligently to their governance and leadership responsibilities. This article has sought to identify the key challenges that will face boards and organisations in the new year.

For those who are applying the governance standard that is expected, none of this should be a revelation (if it does, then further questions need to be asked!) Whilst acknowledgment of the challenges does not present any solutions, you have at least taken the first steps in ensuring your business will be around in the future and that is a fundament requirement and expectation of good governance.

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

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VECCI

PROVIDING WORK-READY SKILLS FOR YOUNG VICTORIANS

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he Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mark Birrell, recently launched the Victorian Chamber Internship Program, which will provide students in regional Victoria with the opportunity to attain meaningful work experience.

“Businesses in Geelong consistently tell us they need work-ready graduates who have had exposure to, and involvement in, a professionally relevant work environment. Research shows that it is difficult for young people to get a job without this experience,” said Mr Birrell.

This is reinforced by Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing that in the past year the youth unemployment rate in Geelong was consistently greater than the state’s average, peaking at 26 per cent in May. “This internship initiative by the Victorian Chamber will provide students with vital work experience. It will support the development of a skilled, adaptive and productive future workforce that is aligned to the needs of businesses in Geelong and throughout the state,” said Mr Birrell.

The Program will see the Chamber invest over $1 million to help place more than 300 interns during a three-year period.

Participating businesses will meet all workplace employment requirements for the interns they take on, including payment for work undertaken. These businesses will be encouraged to offer extended employment where possible.

A distinguishing feature of this Program is that the Victorian Chamber will provide the employer with a placement contribution of up to $3,000 to support the cost of each internship. Students employed as part of the Internship Program will be paid award wages and the Victorian Chamber contribution will cover, in addition to wages, other on-costs including superannuation, payroll tax and WorkCover premiums.

The Victorian Chamber’s university and business members, including Deakin University, strongly support the Program and will annually provide 100 higher education students with paid internships in some of Victoria’s most prominent and well-respected small, medium and large businesses.

education providers will benefit from strengthened relationships with industry and the opportunity for their students to increase their practical skills and improve their employment prospects.

This initiative will further strengthen the excellent working relationships we have with our business and university members and, more importantly, provide young Victorians with valuable work-ready skills.

“The Program will see the Chamber invest over $1 million to help place more than 300 interns during a three-year period. ”

Victorian Chamber member businesses will host up to 95 students and the Chamber will itself take five interns annually.

Interns will be engaged as employees and undertake a specific project with a focus on providing a meaningful learning experience, while delivering a tangible benefit to the host business. Placements will generally be for 120 hours, worked over a one-month period.

Students will benefit from valuable work experience, networking opportunities and the chance of ongoing employment. Higher

The Victorian Chamber is building on its strong record of training and apprenticeship success and business advocacy to promote the value of practical work experience.

The Victorian Chamber’s recent submission to the State Government’s VET Funding Review highlights the crucial need for industry and universities to build closer relationships. This is a significant step in that direction.

Employers are demanding a greater level of work-readiness from graduates and higher-education providers are seeking to facilitate these experiences.

We are delighted to be working with business, the higher education sector and students in Geelong on this significant project to build Victoria’s future workforce.

For further details of the Program please visit victorianchamber. com.au/internships-0

MARK STONE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 17

BUSINESS NEWS | 18

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 19

FEATURE

HUNTING FOR STAFF - THE GREAT MIGRATION

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he start of a new year is a time when many people get itchy feet in their jobs. Time away from work over the holidays, or even just the turning of the calendar from one year to the next lends itself to reflecting on career and business aspirations and kick starting the great career migration.

Whilst this can be an exciting or even life-changing time for employees, finding or replacing great staff can be a major headache for business owners and managers. How do you find the golden needles in the haystacks of job applications? For roles requiring specialised skills, how to do you even find applicants?

We asked some of the region’s biggest recruiters to share their insights and tips on how to successfully hunt for staff.

Mark Smith, Regional Manager at People @ Work, said that it is getting harder and harder for employers to get skilled, quality job candidates.

“There are a lot of people looking for work, so it’s harder to sift through the mountain of applications.”

People shift jobs a lot more often now than what was typical in the past. The total Australian workforce sits just under 11.9 million people (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics) and, on average, around 15 per cent choose to change jobs each year. That’s more than 1.7 million people every year telling their boss that they are on the move!

The annual HILDA (Housing, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey conducted by the Melbourne Institute shows that the national average job tenure is 3 years and four months.

Younger workers move jobs more often, lasting an average of 2 years and 8 months in each job between the ages of 25 and 35,

while 35 to 44 year-olds average four years in each role, while the over 45s tend to stick it out the longest, with an average job tenure of 6 years and 8 months.

Mr Smith said the whole landscape of applying for jobs has shifted, pointing out that five years ago, putting a job ad on Seek was the best way to fill a vacant position, but with the market now so flooded, online job boards such as Seek, Indeed and Career One are not nearly as effective as they were a few years ago.

“What we’re finding now is that through social media you can tap into the passive market – people looking for a career change or wanting to take that next step up. We use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter all differently, because the way people are using social media is changing so quickly,” he said.

“Twitter moves so quickly so that while it’s still good to promote your vacancy on it, be prepared that you might not get any response. Promoting a job on Facebook will stay around longer and jobs on LinkedIn will be promoted even longer again.”

Video job ads are also gaining momentum. A short clip on YouTube – linked to the company website and social media – can provide some clearer insight into the job and the culture of the workplace. Mr Smith said that videos tend to attract a slightly lower response rate than online job boards but with higher quality candidates and more serious applicants.

But if all of that sounds just too hard, looking at handing the process over to a recruitment agent could be a good option, you just have to weigh up the costs versus the benefits in terms of time and potential frustration.

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FEATURE “The biggest challenge for employers looking to recruit great staff is that they don’t sell their business or workplace to potential employees; they don’t know how to promote the benefits of working there,” Mr Smith said.

Sarah Thomas, Managing Director at SJ Personnel, said that while there is no avoiding having to face the arduous task of replacing vacating staff, there are some ways to make the process easier.

First and foremost, don’t let it slide, Ms Thomas advises. “Recent conversations with job seekers has highlighted to me that many organisations are taking an extraordinary length of time to work through the recruitment process. To be specific, they are taking months. And that’s just to organise the first interview!”

Ms Thomas said the biggest problem with dragging out the recruitment process is that you can almost guarantee that the top candidates will have already found a job or will have a formed a negative view of your work values. “It’s a costly result in more ways than one,” she said.

“Hiring a new staff member is an investment not only for you but also for the candidate. They need to know if their decision to continue their career with you is the right one. So showcase the exact reasons why working for your business is something they cannot afford to pass up.”

When it comes to seeking candidates with specific skills or experience, employers should be prepared to cast a very wide net and businesses wanting to find the best staff on offer need to be really prepared to consider diversity. Diversity can mean looking at applicants with multicultural backgrounds, women returning to the workforce after taking maternity leave or raising children, it can mean older applicants or people seeking flexibility in when or where they work.

“For businesses looking for quite specific skills, they need to be considering the brilliant skills sets of people from multicultural backgrounds who might be new to Australia. They may need to up the pay structure to attract skilled candidates or look at what they can offer in terms of flexibility. And flexibility is being sought by both male and female jobseekers now,” Mrs Paul said. “It takes courage from an employer to focus on the job, rather than on the hours or location, but the rewards can be significant.”

But sometimes, the perfect person for the job is the person already doing it. Mark De Vink, Regional Director of Hays in Geelong, said that when it comes to trying to retain valued employees who are looking to leave, having an honest conversation is the best way to go.

“There’s no point getting a cardigan person into a t-shirt environment..”

Ms Thomas said that as well as general online job boards, there are specific recruiting agents and sites that focus on a specific industry or job seeker type, for example medical positions, labourers and single parents.

“Yes that’s right, you can shop for a candidate based on their lifestyle needs as well as their competencies. Once you have a clear idea of the type of staff member you need, you can create a job description and consider how you will recruit them.

“As an employer, it’s likely you have many business contacts.

So put out a few feelers. Let your contacts know that you are in the market for a new recruit. Whether you’re at a conference, social business event or chatting with a supplier, ask them if they are aware of anyone suitable to fill your role. It is a powerful, popular and successful method of recruiting that some may say is opportunistic. Yet resourcefulness and broadening your opportunities to find that quality candidate sooner rather than later is the key. So don’t hold back. Once you know who you are looking for, get everyone else looking for that person too.”

Jean Paul, Business Development Manager at Direct Recruitment said that successful recruiting is more and more about finding candidates who fit into the culture of business or organisation.

“All too often when businesses are looking to fill a role they focus almost totally on skills and experience. They don’t consider the ‘who’ of the person and end up firing based on personality.

People are rarely fired because they lack skills, it’s most often because of a workplace culture problem.

“There’s no point getting a cardigan person into a t-shirt environment,” Mrs Paul said.

With so many niche or specialized businesses across our region, many job vacancies do call for specialized skills sets, and finding people with those can be a frustrating process.

“Most employees have already secured another role before you find out they are leaving.

However, if you are aware that an employee is looking to leave and want to retain them, you need to have an honest discussion with them about their motivation for looking for another role,” he said.

“You should go into this with an understanding that people often leave their manager not their job, so be prepared for an open discussion and keep it professional. But regardless of their reasons for leaving, whether it is career progression, work-life balance, salary, a desire to work from home, a wish to step up, a need to improve workplace relationships or some other factor, unless you can help them achieve what they want you will not retain them long-term, even if they do initially say they will stay on.”

Mrs Paul said that while an announcement that a valued employee is either looking for or has been offered another job can be a blow to managers or business owners, the first rule in these situations is keep calm, not to ruin what has been a good relationship and treating people with respect.

“If they are determined to go, work with them to ensure a smooth transition. You never know, you might get them back in a higher role down the track, and it’s always worth remembering that the rest of your staff are watching carefully,” Mrs Paul said.

“Staff need to believe that they and their work is valued. The biggest thing any manager or employer can do is to say thank you. It can be even more important than a pay rise.

“If it’s one or two people leaving here and there, that’s just part of business. If it’s the third person leaving for non-committal reasons then maybe there is a problem with your culture. It might be time for a cultural review,” she said.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 21

BUSINESS NEWS | 22

FAIRWAY FUN

CURLEWIS ROLLS OUT COOL GOLF

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urlewis Golf Club continues to re-invigorate golf with the initiation of GolfBoard, an exciting concept taking the international golf scene by storm.

Originally developed by US snowboard addict, Don Wildman, GolfBoard is best described as a fusion between a skateboard, classic golf cart and a Segway. New to Australia, Curlewis is the only club in south western Victoria to have gained access to GolfBoards and they are now available for hire from the Pro Shop.

Curlewis Golf Club Manager, Brenden Calagari, said GolfBoard was a most exciting and enjoyable way to experience the Curlewis golf course.

“They are fantastic fun, easy to learn and can be mastered by just about anyone in a few minutes,” he said.

“GolfBoard offers golfers the chance to experience the natural undulation of the fairways in a whole new way – don’t think it’s just for a younger demographic either, the young at heart are loving GolfBoard as well.”

Mr Calagari said not only would GolfBoard’s introduce a hip new angle to a classic round of golf, they would be an exhilarating new option on offer for corporate golf events as well.

“Here at Curlewis, we are really tailoring golf days with events and activities designed to suit the clientele with the main emphasis of course being on fun and team building. GolfBoard will add yet another dimension to the fun component!”

Curlewis Golf Club is open 7 days a week and located at 1345 Portarlington Road. New members and green fee players welcome.

Ph: 5251 2534 www.curlewisgolf.com.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 23

COVER STORY

SEEING THE ABILITY The Karingal Story

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very day for more than sixty years, Karingal have been there for people with a disability, and for families, in Geelong. They have been a voice for the voiceless, a home for the homeless and they have provided hope, and choice, when others would have taken it away.

It’s a curious thing to realise how familiar I was with this organisation, while at the same time recognising how little I really knew about it. I suspect many of us who consider this city to be our home would feel the same way.

With around 1700 employees, a reach spreading interstate and a diverse mix of social and professional services, Karingal has come a long way from the small play centre for eight children where it all began, and with its multi-service offering including some significant revenue streams, the organisation is continuing to grow.

In 2014/15, Karingal posted a surplus of $4.6 million. Surplus funds were reinvested in the delivery of services, programs like those run through Baclinks and community events, as well as the development of the new East Geelong Community Centre that is rising out of the ground on McKillop Street. Revenue was up $9.65 million to $99.7 million (including government and grant funding of around $89 million) and the organisation’s net assets were valued at $70.3 million.

In many ways, what Karingal does has been far ahead of its time; it was a social enterprise decades before the term was coined.

From the repressed stability of the 1950s and 60s, the social upheaval of the 70s, the ambition of the 80s, the anarchism of the 90s to the evolutionary social shifts of the new millennia; the society has changed, the services have changed, but the need for respect, for real action and trust has been a constant.

Karingal first began in 1952, when a group of parents whose children had intellectual disabilities formed a playgroup for their own kids and others like them. A dedicated play centre was opened in 1953.

Services for people with disabilities were very limited at the time, and what services there were tended to range from the poor to the appalling. The then Member for Geelong, James McRae Dunn was quoted in the Geelong Advertiser following the opening of the Centre as saying, “The Government is in a position

to provide facilities for only about 1000 mentally handicapped children in Victoria and it is the responsibility of citizens to help in the care of the remaining approximate 14,000.” It was a grim but realistic assessment.

Services and facilities continued to expand and the first work programs for people with intellectual disabilities dates back to the late 1950s.

Speaking to Karingal CEO, Mike McKinstry at Kardinia House overlooking the Barwon River, it was hard to keep my eyes from straying to the heritage features of this beautiful old building and its riverfront views. Only a few days before I had been at Karingal’s Kommercial in Douro Street and the airy professionalism of the million-dollar industrial site, where clients gain skills and experience that for some leads to open employment, was a stark contrast to the warmth and character of this grand old home; although the people at both sites had the same sense of busy purposefulness with a smile. In many ways, the contrasts and the similarities I had encountered - the warmth, the character, the professionalism and the purpose – encapsulate what this organisation is all about.

Mike, who recently took over the helm of the organisation from long-time CEO Daryl Starkey, also seems to embody the characteristics I had noticed in the buildings. In his sunfilled office, easy-going warmth and character sit comfortably with professionalism and purpose. He seems at ease with the challenges of leading a fast-growing organisation during a time of extraordinary sector-wide change.

“It’s really important that we maintain where Karingal has come from. We were talking [recently] about our value proposition and what that was. It’s easy to trot out your value proposition in terms of the services that you offer, but when you start to get into that debate about what makes you unique, that’s when it can get a bit tough. But one of the things that came through loud and clear was one word, and it was trust. We are still trying to work through that and asking if it’s too simple to be one word, but when we talk to clients and to families that is one thing that really does come through.”

From its earliest days, Karingal was never a closed shop and its connection with families, with the community, with businesses

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COVER STORY and through its commercial enterprises has, I think, played a significant role keeping the doors open.

Almost half of the organisation today operates as the employment services provider MatchWorks. A jobactive and Disability Employment Service provider, MatchWorks has grown from Geelong operations to offices around the state and now into South Australia and Queensland.

“I think the opportunity is there to go further,” Mike said. “There is a really solid foundation there within the organisation, and there is a great set of values that are important to keep. One of the things that I saw at other organisations is that when you grow, the risk is that you dilute your values. So, if we grow, one of the things that is core is to check that we don’t grow for growth’s sake, we grow with our values at the core of what we do.”

Karingal has grown, adapted and changed in direct response to growing, changing and adapting needs of its clients. From centre and home-based day activities for people with a disability and their families to supported accommodation, aged care services, mental health support, supported employment, employment services, accredited and non-accredited training and community engagement.

and grounds and maintenance services for businesses. Training and employment services are open to people of all abilities and Karingal provides accredited training for businesses looking to skill or upskill staff. BacLinks provides the link between businesses wanting to volunteer their staff or services to helping out in a meaningful way in the local community. By bringing together business volunteers and Karingal clients, either on projects such as gardening or at big events like the annual Karingal Big Day Out, those connections between the business sector and people in need are forged in a positive way.

The organisation has also moved further into the aged care sector with the ongoing development of Barwarre Gardens retirement village in Marshall and the capital works projects are continuing with a new head office planned for the old Leisurelink site on Reynolds Road in Belmont. The three-storey building will provide office space for Karingal staff, a Karingal Training facility, café and workshop. Work gets underway on the site this month with the building due to be completed in March 2017.

There is a lot going on under the overarching Karingal banner and I was interested to hear what Mike had to say about maintaining the core values and culture of the organisation.

Businesses around the city employ Karingal’s Seasons to provide onsite catering and corporate gift hampers. The new commercial-grade kitchen is enormous and Seasons is one of, if not the biggest caterer in Geelong. The Seasons Café on Douro Street is a busy pitstop for people working and travelling through the area. Karingal’s Kommercial operations are an Australian Disability Enterprise, providing jobs for people with a disability in a supported environment. The Kommercial warehouse and workshop site has contracts for warehouse and packaging services with some of the region’s biggest businesses and organisations, and on the day that I popped out, a busy team of packaging staff from the supported employment program were packaging Business News and Ruby magazines ready to be mailed out.

“If you take what we do at MatchWorks, as an example, is that when people are recruited into the organisation, we make sure that they have a proper onboarding process. Part of that process is that they come to all our sites, including down here to Kardinia House. They meet me here on a Friday afternoon, and we bus them down from Melbourne or fly them in from interstate, and we think that it’s important that they get to see what Karingal really does,” he said.

Amongst the group of workers quietly working through the piles and boxes of work for the day is a familiar face, my cousin Vanessa. After a quizzical look, wondering what I was doing where she worked, we had a quick hug and catch up. After I explained we were doing a story on Karingal a small crowd gathered. But the work being done here is real and, just like me, the team had a deadline to meet. So, after five minutes, they were back on the job.

“We had our Big Day Out at Adventure Park in Wallington and I stumbled across a young lady from MatchWorks in Ringwood.

She’d come all the way down and was sat there on her own. I introduced myself and we had a chat and I introduced her to some other people so she wasn’t on her own. It’s that personal touch that’s hard to do as the organization gets bigger, but keeping that personal connection is important.

“In many ways, what Karingal does has been far ahead of its time; it was a social enterprise decades before the term was coined.”

Vanessa, who has Downs Syndrome, has worked in the packaging area of Kommercial for quite a few years now. Aged in her mid-20s, she gets a taxi from the family’s home in Torquay out to North Geelong and she’s proud to be independently heading off to work. The pay rates for people in supported work are assessed under a productivity measure, and for Vanessa, that rate little more than a nominal payment. But, like the rest of the group that were excited to have a visitor, she’s happy here.

She loves buying herself chips for lunch on a Friday and going to work events and end of year parties. Kommercial is a safe and supportive space for her, and just like other people her age, she can talk about her job at the end of the week and has stories to share when she goes to respite for one weekend a month.

Kommercial runs both business outsourcing services – particularly time consuming and repetitive tasks like packaging, mail and laundry services – as well as a Mobile Landcare gardens

“Employment services can be quite a driven field. We’ve been fortunate enough that in years gone by in employment services we’ve managed to make some money that helps to support our other programs. We think we owe it to those folks who have made that money to let them know where that money goes.

“On the disability side, and we have various divisions there, communication is a challenge and it’s also an opportunity.”

Part of that challenge and opportunity is sharing the stories of the people at the heart of Karingal. One of those is that of Ben Carbonaro. Ben is a MatchWorks job seeker and gained some media attention for his new role as a property and training assistant with AFL Umpires. Ben has Asperger syndrome and, while he holds a journalism degree, was struggling to find work.

After joining the Sportability program, jointly run by MatchWorks and Apricot Consulting to help people with a disability find meaningful work in the sports industry, Ben started working with the AFL umpires. Talking to Melbourne’s SEN sports radio, he said, “I think it just comes down to I needed to be given a chance.”

Meeting the expectations of people like Ben is the challenge not just for Karingal, but also for disability support agencies across the country.

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COVER STORY “The risk in a good organisation is that you become complacent,” Mike said. “You think you’re good so you become static, and the world is changing so fast that unless you’re changing with it the world will just pass you by. We are raising the bar, if you like. We provide good client service and Karingal is a good organisation, but we all know there are opportunities to become better. So, what does it take to become better? Where are the gaps? What are the things that we’ve got to do better? What does a new client experience look like going forward?”

The base of how we offer and deliver disability services in Australia has shifted radically with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, turning service providers into competitors.

The scheme will be rolled out nationally from July this year, and while our local service providers, as part of the Barwon trial site that commenced in 2013, have in many ways been the guinea pigs of the program, they also have what could become a valuable advantage of being a first mover. They have learnt how to navigate this scheme. Sure, they have also borne the brunt of the funding inequities that dogged the trials across the nation, but the good ones have also learnt how to restructure their organisations under the new model. Those learnings will have a value to other organisations entering into the scheme for the first time.

The national rollout of the scheme will see a rationalisation of the disability support services sector – good operators survive and have the opportunity to expand, while poor performers will see their clients choosing to take their business elsewhere.

Originally from the UK, Mike began his career in the automotive industry working with Rover Land Rover before moving to Australia in 2000.

“I jokingly say that I’m from North Geelong,” he says… just a long way north. He brings a commercial sense to an industry that is being faced with some very commercial demands, albeit through government funding levels.

The issue of funding the NDIS is ongoing, with contention between the government’s level of funding for individual services and the providers’ cost of delivering those services. Issues around workforce pay levels, cost shifting from health budgets and the rising prevalence of autism and development delay in children have been raised by the agency running the scheme, the National Disability Insurance Agency, as stress points in the future annual operating costs of the scheme.

On the other side of coin, this is an insurance scheme along the lines of the TAC and WorkSafe and a Productivity Commission report supported

by PriceWaterhouseCoopers research into the costs of the scheme found that the costs of funding the fully-implemented NDIS (estimated at $22.1 billion in 2019-20, rising to $25 billion by 2022-23) would be lower than continuing the fund disability services under the old funding model. Even with all moral imperatives aside, this is a scheme the nation can’t afford not to have. It’s a safety net for all of us.

Karingal CEO Mike McKinstry and Cassie at the 2015 Workplace Big Day Out

A big part of the shift across the sector and what drove the introduction of the NDIS is how people with a disability view themselves and what they want for their futures. In Geelong, Karingal led the ‘Every Australian Counts’ public campaign that led to the introduction of the NDIS and their campaign grew out of decades of advocacy for people with disabilities and their families to have real choices.

That philosophy led to the creation of a new division called KABLE (Karingal Adventure Based Learning) where clients do abseiling, surfing and other adventure activities.

Mike’s background is not in the community services sector, but in the private sector where, he points out, there is no escaping that old phrase that the customer is king, and he pointed to KABLE as an example of what can happen when you put the client at the centre of the services you offer.

“It’s really about seeing the ability in people, not their disability,” he said.

Prior to taking up the chief executive role at Karingal, Mike had executive roles at Alcoa Point Henry, AMCOR’s packaging division and Hills Holdings, makers of Hill Hoist clotheslines.

But one of the crucial elements of the NDIS and of service providers like Karingal is to break down the barriers faced by people with a disability and their families.

The differences in disability are as wide and varied as any other aspect of humanity. Many people have a disability that you would never know about unless they chose to tell you. Some particularly physical disabilities are obvious. For others, the signs of impaired communication – difficult to understand speech, for example, or someone who won’t make eye contact or someone who will talk very loudly, very bluntly or very close to you – can be the cause of discomfort and even discrimination for people who haven’t had a lot of contact with people with these forms of disability.

Discrimination against people with a disability remains a very real issue in Australia. Sometimes, that discrimination stems from thoughtlessness – failing to provide adequate access for someone in a wheelchair, for example. Other times it comes from ignorance, making assumptions that a person with a disability can’t make decisions for themselves. And unfortunately sometimes it comes from small-mindedness and a fear of difference. In all of these cases, advocacy plays an important part in changing the wrongs of the past and present; and the best advocates for people with a disability are people with a disability and their families.

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COVER STORY “At something like the Big Day Out, that’s something that we talk about, helping people not to be intimidated by disability and all of a sudden it breaks down all those barriers so the next time those folks meet someone with a disability down the street, they’re not going to tell their kids to look the other way, they’re going to say ‘hello’,” Mike said.

“It’s one of those things that sounds a bit silly to say, but one thing I’d really love is if we could eradicate from the language

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‘disabled people’ and get everyone saying ‘people with a disability’ or ‘people with a different ability’ or whatever the language becomes. It may not sound like much, but it’s actually a massive objective.

“All of these thought-provoking ideas and the growth of the organisation all come under the concept of home. Like a family, Karingal is an inclusive community of people wanting to help other to life the life they choose. Those values will never change.”

MARK’S STORY

very Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Mark Isaacs drives to work at Prestige Jayco Geelong from his unit in St Albans Park.

Mark’s speech can be a little hard to understand, but what it means to him to have a real job comes across loud and clear.

His role, washing and detailing caravans before customers come to collect them, draws on his previous skills and experience at Manheim Auctions in Altona. Mark worked for Manheim for seven years, with MatchWorks helping him keep that job and then supporting Mark through the application and recruitment process at Jayco.

Participate Training Coordinator at MatchWorks, Ron McGlynn, put together a manual for Mark with a numbered checklist with pictures of things that need to be checked on each caravan.

“I don’t mind a bit of detailing and washing, and cutting and polishing. I like using the buffer and seeing the paint come up good,” Mark said, telling me that he recently scored an impressive 80 per cent on his first Supported Wage Assessment that determines the level of productivity in the workplace.

Mark Isaacs on the job at Prestige Jayco

Leah Twaits, Employment Pathways Coordinator at Karingal, said Mark was always pushing to get back into mainstream employment, but remembers Mark also being nervous before he started the new job at Jayco, worried that he wouldn’t be able to remember people’s names, but it turns out he didn’t need to worry and he’s fitted in well with the team.

clients. We had a role assigned and had three applicants. We picked Mark to jump on board with Prestige Jayco.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, Mark is at EDLinks at the MatchWorks Geelong office, further developing his literacy and numeracy skills and Mark has attained valuable skills, including getting his forklift license. Living on his own, with some support from Karingal, Mark said he enjoys coming and going as he likes, and he regularly visits his mum, who lives in Bannockburn.

Tony emphasised that employing Mark isn’t a charitable exercise, the job Mark has to do is an important one and one the business needs to be done well.

Mark and Leah meet regularly and talk about his work, about anything that might have happened and about employer expectations. It is, Leah said, all about the little things.

Mark’s role at Prestige Jayco came from an initial approach made by Tony Spence, General Manager at the leading caravan dealership. Tony said the business’ support of Karingal goes back a number of years. At a Karingal dinner, Tony mentioned his interest in having a Karingal client come and work at the company.

“We had a couple of site visits by Karingal staff, basically looking at what jobs were available and what might be suitable for their

“It’s a pretty important part of our sales process, to get the vans ready for customers to pick up, and so far things have worked out fantastically. Mark is definitely good at his job and he’s fitted in with the rest of the guys in the workshop and he’s part of the team.”

“It’s also great for our staff to be working with someone with a disability and we hope it’s great for Mark as well,” he said.

In many companies, and in small to medium sized businesses in particular, there are often repetitive or time-intensive roles or tasks that could be done by workers with an intellectual disability under a supported work arrangement. With a little more flexible thinking, these arrangements can help to boost workplace productivity by freeing up staff or managers for more productive tasks, improve the diversity of our workforce and really drive choice and inclusion for people with an intellectual disability.

“We would encourage other businesses to do it,” Tony said. “If you can find a role that’s suitable, it can only help your business and help your team become even more of a team.”

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BUSINESS ADVICE

MAKE 2016 YOUR BEST YEAR YET!

ADAM MURRAY, SENIOR MANAGER, BUSINESS ADVISORY, CROWE HORWATH

I

can’t emphasise enough that those businesses who spend the time on a plan seem to be the highest achievers, have the happiest people who show the least signs of stress in this economic environment, and are most financially successful.

“Most businesses set goals in a Business Plan - in some form or another - but the Business Plan often ends up gathering dust on a shelf.”

So what is planning all about?

You need to: •G et a very clear picture on where your business is now (the current situation) •W ork out where you want your business to get to (the ‘goals’ which should be aligned with your personal vision) •D etermine how you are going to get there (what needs to be done, by whom, by when and how you will track and manage progress)

5 Quick Tips for Planning Tip 1: Take stock of your business by measuring it. Use financial indicators like profit, turnover and salary; plus other key aspects - customers, staff, products and services, buildings and equipment, and intangibles like knowledge and culture.

Tip 2: Ask the hard questions. How are you going? What’s working? What’s not? Stand apart from your business and look at it critically - use an external party to help achieve this if you can.

This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material.

Crowe Horwath Financial Advice Pty Ltd is the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence number 238244 ABN 51 060 092 631

Tip 3: The key to achieving your goals is believing that you can, so pick goals that are both motivating and achievable. You do this through both internal and external analysis - such as using a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).

Tip 4: If you invest in expert advice, make sure you act on it, that’s when you see results!

Tip 5: Once you’ve started implementing your plan, develop a KPI (key performance indicators)

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report to measure the overall performance of your business such as a ‘Balanced Scorecard’. This will help you track your success, and act quickly on the areas that are not going as planned.

Benefits •M aximise your business’ growth potential •H ave greater control of your business through understanding your key profit and growth drivers •B e prepared for exiting your businesses with a smooth and profitable financial position ave staff that are more committed and •H motivated to invest their efforts into building your business •G ain more personal time to spend with family, indulge in your interests and relax!

Our Advisors urge clients to use a one-page Business Plan to keep things easy and simple and to establish a routine. Whether you have 50 employees or 5, it’s often hard for business owners to get staff on the same page. But you have to have the page to get everyone on in the first place.

Most businesses set goals in a Business Plan - in some form or another - but the Business Plan often ends up gathering dust on a shelf. Goals are worthless if you don’t change, and if you don’t start doing something differently. So, to make things happen, make diary appointments with staff or just for you as reminders to make sure goals are actioned.

So, grab the opportunity that the New Year brings and get planning! With only 5 months until the end of the financial year, call your Business Advisor now to discuss ways in which they can help your business and develop an actionable, measurable, achievable business plan for 2016.

LEGAL

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NEW LAW PROTECTS SMALL BUSINESSES FROM UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS

new law commencing on 12 November 2016 will provide greater protection to small businesses against unfair terms in standard form contracts. Under the new law, unfair provisions in standard form contracts will be rendered void.

TOM WHITE, PRINCIPAL AND HEAD OF CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL

What type of contracts will the law apply to?

This law will only apply to standard form contracts. A court or tribunal will consider all relevant factors to determine whether a contract is a standard form contract, however often there is unequal bargaining power between the parties and these contracts are given with little or no opportunity to negotiate – offered on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis.

The law will apply to standard form contracts where:

ALICIA CARROLL, SENIOR LAWYER

2. Shipping contracts.

3. C onstitutions of companies, managed investment schemes or other kinds of bodies.

4. C ertain insurance contracts.

5. Contracts in sectors exempt by the minister.

What terms are considered unfair?

Ultimately it is up to a court or tribunal to decide whether a term is unfair; however the law gives the following examples of terms that may be considered unfair: 1. Terms that enable one party, but not the other, to: (a) Avoid or limit their obligations under the contract; (b) Terminate the contract; or (c) Vary the terms of the contract; and

1. The Contract is for the supply of goods or services; or the sale or grant of an interest in land;

2. Terms that penalise one party, but not the other, for breaching or terminating the contract.

2. At least one of the parties is a small business, which is defined as a business that employs less than 20 people on a regular and systemic basis; and

The law makes it clear that following terms will not be considered unfair:

3. The upfront price payable under the contract is no more than $300,000 or, where the contract will apply for more than 12 months, no more than $1 million.

2. Terms that set the upfront price payable; or

Which contracts won’t the law apply to?

Now is an opportune to review your terms and conditions to make sure they are in line with the new laws.

1. Contracts entered into before 12 November 2016.

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1. Terms that define the main subject matter of the contract; 3. T erms that are required or expressly permitted by a law of the Commonwealth, or a state or a territory.

PROPERTY

GETTING YOUR VALUES RIGHT ON PROPERTY PURCHASES

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hen looking to purchase a property, understanding what figure a valuer will put on a property (rather than your or a vendor’s estimate) is essential to a successful process.

Commercial property expert, Chris Lang, explains how to make sense of the dollars when buying commercial property.

Vendors, and particularly commercial property vendors as a rule, aren’t too keen on allowing purchasers to buy subject to finance.

Being aware of that, you need to know the maximum figure a valuer would support.

Most people tend to feel a lot more comfortable having a contract subject to finance where they can check whether or not the funds will be available. But actually, they are approaching things from the wrong angle. You do not need to have finance approved before you go into a deal and make it unconditional. Instead, you simply need to know you’re not paying too much.

Getting an accurate valuation of the property’s value can be a valuable tool, because if you know what a valuer thinks, you also know what is going to be acceptable to the top financiers.

There are 3 main reasons for figuring out your maximum figure before you approach a commercial property purchase:

1. AVOID PAYING OVER THE ODDS The last thing a buyer wants to do is to pay more than what their financier would be prepared to lend against. Many people over the years have felt they have done top deals in packaging a purchase proposal, only to find that the banks will not lend the 70% based on the contract price; and are only prepared to lend 50% or 60% of the contract price.

That is often caused by economic circumstances; but if you know upfront what a valuer would support, you overcome those sorts of issues.

2. KNOWING THE UPPER LIMIT COULD GIVE YOU THE UPPER HAND The second reason for involving the valuer is that arming yourself with a reputable valuer’s upper limit value of the property can be very helpful in purchase negotiations. If you reach an impasse on price, providing the figure from a valuer who is well regarded in this industry means that selling agent can get back to the client - without the agent themselves talking down the price - and simply explain that here is a well-regarded valuer who has come up with an upper limit.

If you (as a buyer) are not prepared to exceed that figure because it would mean having to put in more, then everyone else looking at the property is going to have exactly the same problem. It tends to bring a bit of sensibility to the negotiation and can help to lower the vendor’s expectations as far as price is concerned when you get down to the very last stages of the deal.

3. DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE AS PART OF THE PURCHASE Making sure you are getting what you believe you are paying for is, of course, important. But this process can also be made to work for you in negotiations. I don’t actually raise questions about the property at the purchase proposal stage, because the secret is to reserve the right to check everything out.

The approach I use is if they balk at offering or being prepared to allow you a due diligence period, I would say to the selling agents that they are telling me there are problems with the property and, therefore, we are not going to do a deal here because there are clearly deficiencies.

Vendors will always insist that there are no problems with the property, that it is perfectly fine; so, it’s up to the selling agent to negotiate a reasonable due diligence period. This is easier to do particular when it is not extending the settlement period and done concurrent with that time frame.

You assume everything is fine, but simply reserve the right to check it out. It is during your due diligence period where you look at the structural integrity of the building, the usual legal investigations and any compliance issues.

There are also things like essential services, which are very important now, to check and a commercial landlord should have been carrying out inspections every 6 months and keeping a logbook on site.

In most cases, the vendors want to make sure they hand over a property in good order. By adopting this approach, you hold the upper hand – requiring problems to be fixed or, in some cases, adjusting the settlement by the cost of rectification works that you can undertake yourself, which is probably far better. You then know the work is done to your satisfaction, and the appropriate allowances are made in the settlement.

It is a very simple process, and all comes down to helping you are sleep at night.

CHRIS LANG Best-selling Amazon author & responsible for 7 books on Commercial Property, Chris is also 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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MONEY

‘TIS THE SEASON … TO GO BANKRUPT!

F

or many Australian’s the ‘silly season’ extends well beyond the effects of festive season drinks, and the resultant hangover may, unfortunately, last significantly longer than just the next day.

CARL JONES, DIRECTOR GREAT SOUTHERN CREDIT

Uncontrolled and excessive spending over the Christmas and New Year period, particularly on credit, can take many Australians most of the rest of the year to pay back … just in time for the cycle to start all over again. But for some, the first credit card statement of the year triggers the realisation that they are flat strap broke with next to no chance to rectify their flailing financial situation.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the March quarter each year normally sees an increase in personal insolvency activity compared to the previous December quarter – including actual bankruptcy.

The March quarter for 2015 resulted in almost 7,000 insolvency activities, a 1.47 per cent increase compared to the previous December quarter.

The same period in 2014 saw an increase of over 2 per cent on the 2013 December quarter (source: Australian Financial Security Authority – AFSA).

and this is borne out by the increase in personal insolvency matters in March each year.”

Whilst the majority of households still use cash and or lay-by to fund their Christmas splurges, 20 per cent of purchases are made by credit card and 10 per cent of purchases are funded by loans from family and friends. Increasingly, people are also turning to pay day or short-term lenders (Source: ASIC MoneySmart and The Age).

Demonstrating our reliance on credit cards leading up to Christmas, the RBA reported that the total value of transactions on charge and credit cards rose from $23.511 billion in November 2014 up to $27.813 billion in December – an increase of 18.3 per cent or over $4 billion. Repayments in January 2015 totalled only $24.268 billion in January 2015. It would be reasonable to estimate that consumers had not managed to pay back approximately $3.5 billion within 30 days.

“excessive spending over the Christmas and New Year period, particularly on credit, can take many Australians most of the rest of the year to pay back”

At Great Southern Credit Management, we work with bankruptcy expert Philip Mc Gibbon from the respected insolvency advisory firm Jirsch Sutherland. Mc Gibbon explains, “There is a distinct link between credit card debt and bankruptcy, due to many consumers being unaware of how much they have actually spent,

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Excluding the Greater Melbourne area, AFSA reported a rise of 7.0 per cent in the number of insolvent debtors in the rest of Victoria in the March 2015 quarter compared to the December 2014 quarter. The Geelong region was one of the main contributors to that increase.

Whilst (through high interest rates) the banks and credit card providers are able to absorb the impact associated with consumers becoming insolvent, we should all spare a thought for the many SME owners whose own financial circumstances (and that of their family and staff) may suffer as a result of those unable to curb their festive season urges.

Every year in January, the technology savvy turn their eyes to Las Vegas as the world’s tech giants show off the gadgetry and tech wizardry that will become the next must-have products for global consumers. And once again, our intrepid Tech Guy, Jon Mamonski, made his way to Vegas to bring us this special report on CES 2016.

YOUR FUTURE DISRUPTED

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et ready to have your technology future disrupted by photo spheres, smart homes, 3D headsets and printers and sensors in your clothing, belts and shoes. Driverless cars have already notched up over two million kilometres - much of it in Australia and with our Federal Government’s blessing. There is nothing so permanent as change and all on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

More than 3,800 exhibitors unveiled their latest technologies across more than 230,000 square metres of exhibition space. CES 2016 touched every major global industry and showcased the latest wave of products and technologies that are connecting the world, enhancing lives and solving global challenges. More than 170,000 industry professionals from around the world were drawn to this biggest event of its kind in the world, driving the ever-changing global technology industry.

On these pages this time last year, the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) was introduced, where your home lighting, appliances, heating and cooling were connected via sensors to the Internet. During his keynote address, Samsung’s President, WP Hong, stated that the Internet of Things (IoT) is already here but many companies needed to collaborate to make it work. Hong stated that Samsung is labouring to ensure all of the devices the company produces connect to the Internet, saying, “[Samsung] is building IoT innovation that is in-sync with people’s daily lives by offering a new category of IoT home appliances that connect families and make life easier.”

Alongside driverless cars, electric cars were dominant with Volkswagon announcing the new e-Golf Touch, a zero emissions, all-electric car, as “a smartphone on wheels”, due for release next year, and Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors, introducing the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, (pictured) a fully electric vehicle that can travel 320 kilometres on a single charge and is slated to go into production this year. “The Bolt EV is truly the first electric vehicle that cracks the code of long range and affordable price,” Barra said. “It’s for anyone who wants to save time, money and the environment in a car that’s truly fun to drive.” In touting the Bolt’s innovative tech features, like its wide-angle rear camera, quick-charge battery and navigation with EV-specific routing, Barra stressed that today’s car is more than just a car, “it’s an upgradable platform for new technologies.”

Drones and other unmanned systems have taken off as a unique tool for everyday life, regardless of whether flight is controlled by onboard computers or remotely from the ground. Unmanned systems have revolutionised the way equipment captures, monitors and assists our world. They provide aerial coverage for sports, travel and real estate; enhance search and rescue, law enforcement and disaster relief and so much more. Intel’s CEO, Brian Krzanich, (pictured) introduced the Typhoon H Drone, powered by their RealSense technology that effectively avoids collisions in the air.

What was just the smart phone is now smart everything.

Samsung showed off its home appliance connected line including the Family Hub Refrigerator and the FlexDuo stove with Wi-Fi. “The age of the Internet of Things has begun,” Hong said. “It will be a success, but only if we get the fundamentals right: openness, interoperability and close industry collaborations.”

Television took centre stage with thinner and curvier 4K sets, but the talk was as much about how the way we watch is changing.

It’s now about SVOD (subscription video on demand, via Netflix, Presto, etc.) and Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer at YouTube, noted that the last time he spoke on the CES keynote stage four years ago he predicted that 90 per cent of all Internet traffic would be video traffic by the year 2020. Cisco data now predicts that video will reach 90 per cent of global Internet traffic by 2019 - just three years from now.

Health and fitness was a major presence at CES this year. Along with acres of smart clothing and heart monitors, smart wear maker Fitbit unveiled its Fitbit Blaze (pictured) a smart fitness watch that creates a digital health platform (hardware and software) to help people reach their health goals.

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TECHNOLOGY

ONE-ON-ONE WITH RAY WAH AT CES 2016, Jon Mamonski caught up with Ray Wah, Dell’s Vice President Consumer PC Group Worldwide for a one-on-one.

JM: Since your appointment at Dell in 2013, there’s been a noticeable change with more cutting edge design and features with Dell consumer products like the award winning XPS 13 notebook, how did this come about?

RW: Since Dell privatised, there’s been renewed vigor and energy to innovate and I joined at the right time when Dell was open to fresh ideas. Dell has always led the field with commercial customers, so we have pushed the barriers to meet the aspirations of our consumers. I challenged the boundaries of engineering to shrink a 13-inch notebook into the same footprint of an 11-inch and so we now have the world’s smallest 13-inch notebook.

JM: Why has the XPS 13 been so successful?

RW: Dell wanted to deliver the highest craftsmanship in a consumer notebook experience with the latest generation Intel chips and best keyboard experience. The design was uncompromised with the comfort of carbon fibre on the palm rest and the quality of the touch pad performance and the Infinity Edge display and, having cracked the code, we went ahead and made the 15-inch XPS with the 4K screen released for this CES and it has also been equally acknowledged as a benchmark.

JM: The Dell 8-inch tablet - Venue 7000 - also won a CES Innovation Award in 2015.

RW: Yes, the superb OLED screen and it’s thinner than the iPhone.

My colleagues can take credit for this one as the world’s thinnest tablet and an engineering marvel in my opinion.

JM: Where do you plan to take Dell PC’s in the next few years?

RW: Dell is very excited about the PC business going forward, contrary to what some analysts think. We want to be seen as the

SMARTWATCH - THE NEW GENERATION Renowned as one of the world’s most respected technology brands, ASUS garnered five CES Innovation Awards this year and has produced the second generation of their smartwatch, the ZenWatch 2.

Crafted with absolute attention to detail using high-quality materials and featuring the efficient and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, this precision watch serves as a smart assistant for both Android and Apple devices, providing you with timely information at a glance and letting you get things done with a simple touch or voice command. It’s available in two sizes and three stainless-steel case colours, with 18 different straps and colour combinations, more than 50 instantly-changeable watch faces and the new Face Designer smartphone app that lets you create your own watch faces.

The ZenWatch 2 is also a full-featured activity tracker with a built-in pedometer that provides industry-leading step-counting accuracy to give you a clear and precise picture of your activity level. ZenWatch 2 works together with the completely redesigned Wellness personal activity manager smartphone app to help you track your progress and stay motivated to achieve personal fitness goals. It is made from tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection against scratches and damage.

You’ll appreciate the at-a-glance view of incoming calls, messages, notifications and other important information without having to remove your phone from your pocket or bag and there’s a wide range of software features, including ASUS ZenUI apps, Business Helper, FoneHelper, Remote Camera, and ZenWatch Message.

company that delivers the coolest, most innovative products that provide experiences that differentiate from the pack. We have shown thus far that we have the commitment to deliver and over the next few years, the market will consolidate, so the top 3 brands will move from 54 per cent market share to as high as 70 per cent - so there is room for us to grow. Our commitment to 3D Virtual Reality and our partnership with Oculus Rift alongside the growth in 360-degree cameras mean more horsepower is required for 4K, high-res 360 degree photos, HDR and 3D VR headsets in PC’s and in our notebooks going forward.

JM: Can you see personal screens in the home overtaking TV’s as the choice for viewing?

RW: Inevitably, consumers will be drawn more and more to their personal screens as an essential part of their personal space – to get a lot of stuff done and to enjoy great content.

JM: The Inspiron range of notebooks is still a Dell mainstay – is its future bright?

RW: Indeed, it is. The new technologies developed for the Alienware and XPS range, cascade into the Inspiron models. We’re very excited about the new Inspiron 11 3000 that has been so well reviewed here at CES. It will resonate well with youth because of the great range of vibrant colours and it is very compact and, priced at AU$285 it is attractive for the budget conscious and for beginners like the very young, education and emerging markets.

JM: Ray, thank you for your time today.

RW: My pleasure.

ZenWatch 2 introduces Business Helper, a suite of features to assist you with common business-related tasks, such as checking your agendas, managing email and viewing your call logs. In addition to Business Helper, ZenWatch 2 comes with an improved version of FoneHelper, a collection of features including Quick Settings, Cover to Mute, Unlock My Phone, and Forgot Phone Warning — designed to provide a more convenient and enjoyable smartphone experience.

Remote Camera lets you display your smartphone’s camera viewfinder on your ZenWatch 2. This frees you to take photos from creative angles where the viewfinder would be difficult to see, such as when holding your phone overhead at a concert or other crowded event. Remote Camera is also useful for group photos, letting you compose the photo, release the shutter and check the final result while being included in the shot.

In addition to software improvements, ZenWatch 2 comes with an enhanced battery that provides up to two days of use on a single charge. An all-new magnetic charger effortlessly attaches to ZenWatch 2 and provides 35 per cent faster battery recharge times than the original ASUS ZenWatch. It takes just 36 minutes to charge ZenWatch 2 from zero to 50 per cent capacity — enough power for a full day of use.

The ASUS Zenwatch 2 is now available in Australia from around $250.

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CES 2016 INNOVATIONS BOUND TO DISRUPT YOUR WORLD.

NOT ALL SELFIE STICKS ARE CREATED EQUAL Yes, there are plenty of cheap (and nasty) selfie sticks out there and some of them even work. That said, there is a company that takes its extenders seriously and they are called Xshot. They’ve been at it for the past nine years, long before selfies became fashionable and the quality is unsurpassed. The XShot Sport is the most advanced action sports camera pole available. It collapses down to under 30cm yet still expands out to 100cm while weighing less than half of most other poles at under 200g. It is compatible with GoPro cameras, action cameras (e.g., JVC, Sony, Ion, and more), compact point & shoot cameras, and also includes an adapter to hold almost any mobile phone. The XShot Sport is made from hard-anodized aluminum and has been salt water tested by independent labs and received ATSM B117-11 certification. With tons of extras included and rugged up build quality, it’s up for any adventure, while still being small enough to slip into a pocket or pack.

Beautifully designed and built – yes, expensive – no. Starting with the Deluxe Selfie Kit at $US29.95 the range includes smart phone sticks through to Go Pro extenders and beyond. Complete with Bluetooth remote and there’s optional waterproof housing if you need it, Xshot extenders are poles apart. You can buy direct (whilst it is an American company, the boss’s wife is from Oz) so check them out at www.xshot.com.

THE FAMILY HUB So, what’s on the front door of your fridge? Photos, sticky notes, invitations and reminders adorn mine and yours too I bet. What if it were all on a convenient screen on your fridge doorv and can re-order what’s inside? The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator is a sophisticated multi-tasker that reconnects families, organises groceries and home tasks, and provides entertainment.

The Family Hub is just that – a hub of household connections, but with a thoroughly digital twist. All communications are housed and displayed on a 21.5 inch full HD LCD resolution screen located on the upper right exterior door.

As the refrigerator’s digital family command center, the screen allows you to post, share and update calendars, pin photos, share treasured kids’ works of art, and leave notes – all with the ease and convenience of your smartphone.

From more efficiently managing your groceries, to identifying foods you have or need, to tracking product expiration dates to cut down on waste, the Family Hub is your go-to resource to keep your kitchen fully stocked. In a revolutionary advancement in refrigerator technology, three high quality cameras inside the fridge capture an image every time the door closes. You can then access those images anytime using your smartphone and take a peek inside your fridge. Even if you’re at the store and forget to check on what you need for dinner that night, you can easily pull up the Samsung Smart Home app and have a look right into your Family Hub fridge. There’s no more forgetting what you have at home, and you can even use the refrigerator to do online grocery shopping with the aid of a major credit card partner, as well as manage recipes and compile and share shopping lists. Due in Australia in the second half of the year, how refreshing!

CAN’T SLEEP? Your mind is racing and sleep won’t come. What you need is a tranquil mood change and so, SleepPhones to the rescue. Just slip them onto your forehead and plug into your smartphone or wirelessly if you want, then settle back and dream.

You’ll fall asleep faster, stay asleep better and wake up refreshed. Your SleepPhone will reduce ambient noise, conversations, traffic sounds and snoring and there’s no painful ear buds or awkward headphones. Get a good night’s sleep naturally, without medications, and relieve stress and block out noise by listening to your favorite tunes, soothing meditation sounds, radio, sleep-enhancing rhythms, audiobooks or any other preferred music.

SleepPhones are compatible with any device that incorporates a standard 3.5 mm audio jack and come with a flexible stereo audio cord. There’s also a wireless version. The speakers are removable in a hypoallergenic, machine washable fabric headband and there are free sleep sound online downloads and free iPhone app. From $US39, check them out at www.sleepphones.com.

THINNER BETTER TV’S Samsung’s 2016 SUHD (4K) TVs offer unparalleled picture quality with Quantum dot display, the world’s first bezelless curved design which is beautiful from every angle and the smart user experience that makes it easy for you to access all your entertainment content in one place. In addition, the full 2016 SUHD TV lineup has applied IoT hub technology, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire smart home.

Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs feature the world’s only cadmium-free, 10-bit Quantum dot display, offering true-to-life picture quality with stunning brightness, exceptional contrast and the most lifelike colours ever offered by Samsung.

The vast majority of us watch TV with light in the room (86 per cent on a typical weekday, 85 per cent on weekends) so Samsung designed its new SUHD TVs to deliver the optimum viewing experience, regardless of the lighting environment.

You may be familiar with High Dynamic Range or HDR for photos on your most recent smartphone. This function greatly enhances contrast especially dark areas. This year, all of the Samsung SUHD TVs will feature the ability to provide a premium high dynamic range (HDR) experience, with 1,000 nit HDR minimum for a higher level of contrast between light and dark images. Ambient light in a room is not a TV’s friend. New Ultra Black technology significantly reduces light reflection, further enhancing picture quality with minimal glare. Inspired by nature, Ultra Black absorbs natural light the same way that a moth’s eye enables it to see better at night. The new range of Samsung SUHD TV’s should be arriving in stores just after Easter.

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TECHNOLOGY

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MU EARPHONES THAT STAY THE DISTANCE No matter what you’re doing, the JAM Transit Micro Sport Buds are designed to stay in place comfortably.

(Seriously, you can do a backflip.) Multiple accessories allow you to create a custom fit, while the reflective strap enhances safety. They’re also sweat resistant, making them perfect for even the toughest workouts and yes, they sound really good. They come packaged in a matching, BPA-free water bottle and you can buy them direct for $US79.99 from www.jamaudio.com.

BETTER CABLES AND CHARGERS Up the quality and maintain competitive pricing is Ventev’s mantra with premium chargers, cables, smartphone cases and wireless accessories. The $US69.99 powercell 6000c is a 6000mAh portable battery with built-in Micro USB cable and 1A USB. Features an on/off button, LED battery indicator light and provides 25 additional hours of talk time, also available for Apple’s Lightning plug. The Ventev 1.5m alloy Micro cable showcases an ultra-sleek brushed aluminum housing and is braided with a high tensile wrap providing a premium finish and ‘no-fray’ durability for $US 24.99 and is available in six colours.

LIGHTER FASTER LAPTOPS

PHOTOS ALL AROUND YOU

As they should, laptops just keep getting thinner and faster. The Dell still leads the field with its XPS 13, building on an impressive showing at CES 2015 the laptop now features 6th generation Intel Core processors and graphics, more storage and memory (up to 1TB SSDs and 16GB RAM, respectively) and Thunderbolt 3. The XPS 13’s popular form factor continues to impress, still holding its title of the smallest 13-inch laptop on the planet, as well as the first with a virtually borderless Infinity Edge display. With up to 18-hours & 14-minutes of battery life with a FHD display, the XPS 13 also offers the longest battery life on a 13-inch laptop. Available now from $1799.

Your grandchildren will wonder why your old photos only showed what was directly in front of you. From now, you can capture the entire 360-degree space with a single shot. This is the new world that revolutionises conventional photos and videos. Spherical images or ‘photo spheres’ provide you with a world view that is simply incomparable with standard photos and movies.

Experience the excitement of capturing images that exceed the concept of photographing and use a PC or smartphone to have fun with the space - beauty as far as the eye can see and a breathtaking sense of presence make you feel you are right there, in the moment. From still images to long movies (max.

25-minutes long), record your memories in a vivid, high-resolution 360-degree world. The new Ricoh THETA S gives you just that in high definition. Available now in Australia for RRP $749.

LEARNING TOGETHER

answering questions about the content.

We’ve all suffered death by PowerPoint and in the age of connectivity, there’s no need to die. Klaxoon, an innovative company dedicated to creative learning tools, introduced an interactive training solution that is poised to disrupt the working space with a cross-device platform that is a collection of tools that facilitate interactivity, helping any employee in businesses and educational institutions to share knowledge and support learning on a daily basis.

Klaxoon Reports captures and saves all of the information from a session. The knowledge and informational exchanges from a meeting can then be easily shared with all participants and called up for future reference.

Klaxoon is the world’s first collaboration and learning solution with dedicated connectivity. It’s hardware solution, a CES 2016 Innovation Award Honoree - the KlaxoonBox, provides total autonomy holding everything needed for a successful collaboration session inside ensuring that everyone can access Klaxoon everywhere whether online or offline.

KlaxoonCloud allows users to connect up to 1000 participants at once, making local or remote meetings, webinars or in-class or virtual learning courses more efficient and friendly.

Klaxoon turns any discussion, meeting, brainstorming, conference call, seminar and of course classroom into a memorable and interactive knowledgeable experience.

Klaxoon Session allows users to simply plug in their content and be ready to offer simple, playful and effective activities to a group, including quizzes, surveys, challenges, brainstorming activities or live messaging.

Designed to be used by 2 to 1000 participants, Klaxoon Session and its activities is a 100 per cent responsive mobile-first solution.

Klaxoon Adventure gives users the opportunity to develop content for game sessions that allow employees to compete against one another by

KlaxoonBox is the world’s first learning solution with dedicated Wi-Fi connectivity. A private Wi-Fi connection for users and participants, this always-on connection allows for full control of data and guaranteed privacy. A Plug & Play solution, up to 100 participants can connect at any one time and its small size makes it easily transportable.

Klaxoon is designed to be used on a daily basis, by everyone. More than 10,000 users in 67 countries worldwide have already implemented Klaxoon tools to make training more efficient and friendly and is accessible from any device (any smartphone, tablet or laptop running any OS) and requires no installation. For a free demo or to learn more, visit www.klaxoon.com.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 35

RO in E sof inte The RIS lets to fi exp ver sof mu a vi pos up pos the cat Mu

the

ELEVATOR

A GUIDE TO is a new small business located on the Bellarine Peninsula. A GUIDE TO operates two Instagram business and community directories (guides) and Instagram social media consulting.

The Instagram guides include A GUIDE TO OCEAN GROVE and A GUIDE TO BARWON HEADS and showcase local businesses, community organisations, natural beauty, places of interest, local products and services. Instagram is mobile, visually inspiring and engages users to like, share, refer directly to businesses and explore the community.

We love Instagram!!!

The ELEVATOR allows businesses the opportunity to give their ‘Elevator Pitch’ to the rest of the regional business community free of charge.

For more details email abbey@adcellgroup.com.au

Enterprise Monkey stands for automation in every operational process of business. We assist organizations with eBusiness solutions which optimize their processes, increase their productivity and ultimately reduce operating costs and increase their revenue.We aspire to create a world where all business processes are automated and optimized, and where all the information is cohesively in one place to ensure more productive organizations.

• Instagram training and workshops

Enterprise monkey for SMEs and Non-forProfits provides integration, automation and greater visibility of their business processes and saves them time and money. We help organizations in increasing their long term efficiency, productivity and ultimately profitability by developing enterprise solutions for them.

• S ervices from $45/hour

Services provided by Enterprise Monkey:

The consulting services include: • Instagram page set up and training • Instagram page short and long term management

• Site visits available in Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast and Melbourne We provide small business with simple and economical marketing, advertising and training options using one of the fastest growing social media platforms.

Our aim at A GUIDE TO is to promote and support businesses and engage with the community through Instagram. We aim to give all businesses and community organisations a presence in the Instagram media.

Kathryn McCauley.

M. 0411 409 853 E. aguideto@outlook.com a_guide_to_oceangrove a_guide_to_barwonheads aguideto_consultingservices

• E nterprise Applications •M obile Applications •W eb Applications •S mart Website • e Business Consulting • Sales and Marketing Automation

HeadStart Accelerator Suite 20, Level 2, 24 Moorabool Street Geelong 3220

Ph: (03) 9005 6810

A Guide To - Social Media Consulting

BUSINESS NEWS | 36

MultiTek Solutions…Innovative Integrators of Audiovisual Technology!

At MultiTek Solutions we understand the importance of delivering dynamic, high quality audiovisual systems that are not only reliable, but are also user friendly.

Our innovative and collaborative approach is what sets MultiTek Solutions apart. From initial design to complete installation and ongoing system maintenance, our team is always looking for ways to demonstrate to our clients the level of detail and excellence we place on ensuring a fantastic endresult.

“MultiTek Solutions procured the audio visual package for the School of Performing Arts and Creative Education for the Geelong Grammar School at Corio. They provided technical expertise, excellent service, supply and installation throughout this challenging project. Their willingness to assist in coordination with others and provide solutions was outstanding, which made the process for the project team run smoothly. The MultiTek team were always very professional, cooperative and diligent and their courteous manner on site was refreshing. I would recommend MultiTek for any future projects of this nature and look forward to working with them again. “ - JUDE (Architect) Speak to us today and find out how MultiTek Solutions can assist you in creating an exceptional AV experience. Specialising in Corporate, Government, Broadcast, Houses of Worship, Health and Education sector technology.

Ph: 5241 3777 enquiries@multiteksolutions.com.au www.multiteksolutions.com.au

THE ELEVATOR

Would you like to:

Your private health studio.

The newly opened Geelong Rehabilitation Centre was born after the founder, James Tantau noticed a lack of rehabilitation health care professionals in the Eastern suburbs of Geelong. James wanted to develop a clinic that delivered a professional service, safe environment and a place where industry professionals could do what they do best. Our Centre is a gathering place for those seeking a healthier, happier lifestyle and those who want to make the most of their ‘today’.

Geelong Rehabilitation Centre aims to offer a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We provide a boutique gym, group classes, other allied health professionals and an environment which is welcoming, safe and encouraging for each of our clients.

With a full team of allied health professionals from Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians through to Yoga and Meditation Instructors, we can fully cater for any health query or problem you have.

Our clinic does not run like a normal gym. We are a private studio that provides a caring and supportive service to all clients during their treatment period.

As our studio is private we have a capped membership to keep the clinic floor less crowded for all our clients to maximise their results. Our gym is open from 7am-7pm weekdays and 9am-2pm Saturday. We are closed on Sundays.

• Know how to use your phone just like your children and grandchildren?

Craft Space Cafe and Creative Studio opened in vibrant Little Malop Street, Geelong in October 2015.

The brainchild of long-time friends, designers and craft addicts Cathy Slarks and Loretta Davis; Craft Space aims to bring together the best coffee, food and creative materials to inspire even the least ‘creative types’ to get making.

The cafe and studio space is bright, warm and family friendly, with clear pram access, highchairs and a fun kid’s menu. Every detail has been carefully chosen to create an inviting and inspiring experience; from the Italian patterned tiles to authentic mid-century furniture and beautiful coloured crockery.

Craft Space is proud to serve coffee roasted by consistently excellent boutique Fitzroy roasters; Industry Beans, beautiful organic loose-leaf teas

by Melbourne label; Pint of Tea and delicious food sourced locally or made in store daily.

An exclusive range of handmade craft kits and colourin art cards are on offer to make in-store as well as regular classes and workshops in a wide variety of art and crafts. Craft Space has a team of talented and passionate foodies, baristas and creatives who are incredibly enthusiastic and generous in their commitment to sharing their knowledge and contributing to the creative community.

• Turn on your new computer or tablet and immediately be able to use it?

• Know how to protect yourself from viruses and other nasties?

Simply Get I.T. provides helpful methods, tips and ‘tricks’ for stress-free use of your modern devices, including PCs, tablets and smart-phones.

We offer personalised service and an easy, relaxed way to learn in the comfort of your own home or business.

Our aim is to provide support and training to help people use things like Internet banking and on-line shopping, connect with Government services, get into social media or simply make the most of basic communications like email or Skype.

We can also help Small Business establish and build a simple web-site and provide training so they can easily manage and update that site at minimal cost.

Using her 30 years’ experience in new technology, Robin Turner (founder and owner of Simply Get I.T.) will provide you the tools to be comfortable with new technology.

Simply Get I.T. can help you become computer literate.

For a free assessment session, or to find out more, contact Robin on 0417 499 599 or robin@simplygetit.com.au.

Appointments are taken from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday however we are more than happy to accommodate after hours, just give us a call and we can arrange a time that suits you.

You can book by calling 52487079, emailing geelongrehabilitationcentre@gmail.com or by speaking to your GP for a referral.

Simply Get I.T. Making Computers Easy

Robin Turner

Ph: 0400 469 748

Email: info@craftspace.net.au @geelongrehabilitationcentre geelongrehabilitationcentre

www.craftspace.net.au CraftSpaceCafe craft_space BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 37

120 Evans Road, Lovely Banks VIC 3213 Ph: 0417 499 599 robin@simplygetit.com.au www.simplygetit.com.au simplygetIT

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNITY LIFE AWARD

N

ominations for The City of Greater Geelong’s Women in Community Life Advisory Committee’s second annual “Women in Community Life Award” close on February 5 with the winners announced at an International Women’s Day event on 4 March featuring guest speaker and social commentator, Guardian Australia columnist Van Badham.

Many women contribute incredible amounts of time and energy to their local communities the award aims to recognise and celebrate their passion and commitment while highlighting women’s achievements in the Geelong region during the celebration of International Women’s Day. The Women in Community Life Advisory Committee (WICLAC) advises Council on matters relating to women’s participation, representation and leadership in community, while promoting and recognising the successes, milestones and

participation of women. The annual award allows the community to celebrate women and their achievements locally.

The Women in Community Life Award has two categories - Women in Community Life (General award) supported by Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West and Women in Community Life (Women Living with a Disability award) supported by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The judging panel includes Women in Community Life Advisory Committee representatives and is looking for women who have a passion and commitment to women in their community and have been working or active in the Geelong region in a way which promotes equality, inclusion and respect for women.

To make a nomination, request a nomination form from womenincommunity@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

DIVERSITAT PAKO FESTA 2016

Guest speaker and social commentator, Guardian Australia columnist Van Badham

Diversitat Pako Festa comes to Pakington Street, Geelong West on Saturday 27 February to once again fill the street and its surrounds with colour, culture, food, music and fun for all ages.

The largest free celebration of cultural diversity in Australia, Pako Festa has every year since 1983 gathered together hundreds of people from Geelong’s local and cultural communities, professional performers, community groups, schools, businesses, street traders and artists from all walks of life into one huge and amazing celebration.

Coming together in harmony, up to 100,000 people join in a smorgasbord of fabulous cultural food, traditional dancing, the enormous and famous Pako Parade, great workshops, art exhibitions, craft displays, free activities for children and an exciting day of non-stop entertainment.

Highlights for the 2016 Pako Festa include back-to-back performances on five stages starting at 12.00 noon, roving street performances, workshops and craft displays, a dedicated indoor children’s area, a handmade and grown market, a smorgasbord of multicultural food and the annual Channel 7 Stage featuring My Kitchen Rules and Home and Away stars.

Diversitat Pako Festa prides itself as being a free event, accessible to all who want to share the enriching experience of Australian multiculturalism. This year you can have the complete guide to all the events at your fingertips with the free Pako Festa Event app. Download the app at Apple App Store or Google Play for Android and you create your own schedule for the day so you don’t miss your favourite musical acts and cultural dance groups.

BUSINESS NEWS | 38

COMMUNITY NEWS WELCOME TO THE 29 FEBRUARY PROJECT

Make the most of the extra day in February this year and join in The 29 February Project, a free initiative that encourages people to use the bonus 24 hours in 2016 for something different and worthwhile that benefits themselves or the wider community.

The brainchild of Geelong-based small business operator Neil Butler, The 29 February Project was established to encourage individuals and businesses to identify something that takes a day to complete – something they’ve always wanted to do or something they should be doing – and make a pledge to get on with it.

According to the website (www.29febproject.com), “In reality, all we are asking you to do is to undertake an activity that takes at least 24 hours that either improves your skill set or experience or makes a positive contribution to your community.”

Your chosen activity doesn’t have to be completed on 29 February – that date is just the excuse to create The Project – it just has to be something that will take the equivalent of 24 hours to complete during 2016.

Organisers say the only real criteria for inclusion in The Project are that the activity must be significant – it should take 24 hours to do it between now and the end of 2016; it must be positive, as The Project is all about making a positive difference; it must be personal or community-focused; and it must be something you wouldn’t normally do – don’t use your bonus 24 hours for business-as-usual activities.

“If each person or organisation who participates learns a new skill, provides a day of assistance to someone who needs it, donates money to a charity or in some other way improves their own life or someone else’s, this project has the potential to do something pretty special for our community.”

2016 DUFFS JEWELLERS DIAMOND GOLF CLASSIC

Bookings are now open for the 2016 Duffs Jewellers Diamond Ladies Golf Classic on 17 March at 13th Beach Golf Links, but be quick as spaces are limited.

Raising funds for Give Where You Live, the Classic includes an 18 hole and 9 hole competition to cater for all golfing abilities.

Afterwards, enjoy a glass of Clyde Park Wine at the gourmet Diamond Luncheon including fashion parade and plenty of prizes to take home.

For more information please contact Jessica Young on 5229 4364 or email jessica@givewhereyoulive.com.au.

MEN’S SHEDS HELP TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES

A fresh round of funding will see $1m made available for new Men’s Sheds and refurbishments of existing Sheds, the State Government announced last month.

Providing a safe and friendly place where men can meet and work on projects that benefit the community, Men’s Sheds promote social

inclusion and enhance the physical and mental health and wellbeing of men in local communities.

They are especially important in communities that experience hardship, including those in drought or fire-affected areas. Of the 234 Men’s Sheds funded through the Men’s Shed program, around 58 are in fire, drought or flood-affected communities, including Buninyong Men’s Shed, which services the regional communities around Scotsburn which was affected by bushfires in December.

“The Buninyong Men’s Shed plays an important role in our community and is helping as we rebuild following the fire,” said the Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard. “As a space for people to connect, [our] Shed helps strengthen our community’s health and wellbeing and connect them with important services.”

Under the funding, Community groups and local councils can apply for a grant of up to $60,000 to build a new Men’s Shed or for a grant of up to $30,000 to refurbish an existing Men’s Shed.

Priority will be given to projects from vulnerable communities, especially those affected by fire or drought, and applications close on 27 May 2016.

For more information visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-andcommunity/community-involvement/men-in-the-community/mens-sheds

YOUR BUSINESS CAN HELP CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

Clean up Australia Day is 6 March this year, but businesses can get in early by participating in Business Clean Up Day on 1 March.

During 2015 more than 250 businesses took to their streets, parks, beaches, bushland and local waterways to clean up for their community and registrations for 2016 are now open at www. cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

According to organisers, businesses who take part in Business Clean Up Day are doing their part to promote a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, while being seen as a community leader and engaging with staff, customers and local community. Business Clean Up Days have also proven to be excellent team building events and great for staff morale.

Participating organisations are asked to pay $150 (GST inclusive) which includes a Clean Up Kit and contributes to funding the much needed materials for community volunteers on Clean Up Australia Day. If the official Business Clean Up Day doesn’t suit your organisation, you can nominate an alternative day during the year for your Clean Up. Your business could also become a Business Supporter of Clean Up Australia - an excellent way to contribute to corporate social responsibility and to a clean, sustainable environment.

For more information, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

DROP OFF YOUR STUFF FOR FREE!

The New Year is a great time to clean out unused and unwanted “stuff” and now you may be able to dispose of much it for free at the Geelong and Drysdale Recycle Centres. Council is offering free drop off for a range of items including household recycling, old TVs, cardboard packaging, large plastic toys, buckets and old computers.

These items can be dropped free of charge all year round: any household recycling such as bottles and cans; large cardboard packaging; TVs; computers and equipment; paint (Geelong Recycling Centre only); fridges; lawnmowers, bikes and scrap metal; large toys, chairs, buckets and plastic toys.

Council also offers special drop off options throughout the year for hard to dispose of items such as mattresses and chemicals.

The next free pick up day is the household chemical collection on 13 February from 8am – 4pm at the Corio Operations Centre, 299 Anakie Road, Lovely Banks. The household chemical drop off is part of Council’s recycling program and is run in partnership with Sustainability Victoria. For more information visit: www.sustainability. vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 39

COMMUNITY

BEST FOOT FORWARD: THE SURF COAST TREK

G

eelong Cats star recruit, Patrick Dangerfield, has become an Ambassador of the inaugural Surf Coast Trek raising valuable funds for both The Give Where You Live Foundation and the Kids Plus Foundation.

Saturday 9 April 2016 will see participants (individuals and teams of 4) take on 40km of the picturesque Surf Coast Walk from Aireys Inlet to Torquay, passing through a diverse range of landscapes including clifftop scenery, scenic Ironbark bushland, and long sandy beaches; bringing together fitness, fun and fundraising.

Patrick Dangerfield will be joining fellow Trek Ambassadors Keith Fagg, Andy and Ally Mathers, Mick O’Malley and Kids Plus founder Sarah Foley in supporting Trek participants in this unique physical and fundraising journey, while encouraging Geelong supporters to sign up and take on the Trek or to make a donation.

In 2016, Give Where You Live is creating a new sub-fund specifically for the Surf Coast Region, which will be funded by proceeds from the Surf Coast Trek. Grants from this fund will be allocated to support Surf Coast community organisations helping to address disadvantage within the region.

The Trek is also supporting Kids Plus Foundation, a Geelongbased community organisation that informs, influences and delivers specialist multi-discipline therapy programs for kids with neuro developmental disabilities. Kids Plus Foundation supports children and their families to maximise their participation and engagement in daily life.

Patrick is urging everyone across Geelong and the Surf Coast to participate in the Trek. “What a unique challenge this Trek is going to be. Go on, sign up now and do something for someone else at the same time. You can walk the full 40km or get your team together and break up the distance anyway you want.”

Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Bill Mithen commented, “The Surf Coast Trek is really important to Give Where You Live as it will enable us to help more people in need within the G21 region.

Shaun Cannon, Kids Plus Foundation CEO added, “The Surf Coast Trek will be a fantastic day for the community to get together to support two organisations making a big difference to children and families across Geelong and the Surf Coast. The walk itself is spectacular and the day provides a great opportunity for people to do something which will be quite memorable.”

There are currently over 100 people registered to take on the challenge – and there is plenty of room for more. So why not join us, register now online at www.surfcoasttrek.com.au individually or in a team of 4 and challenge yourself to not only take on the 40km but to also fundraise for these two vital organisations supporting our region’s most vulnerable people!

BUSINESS NEWS | 40

COMMUNITY

A BIG DAY OUT TO REMEMBER

I

n an example of community spirit at its best, employees from a range of local businesses and people who have disabilities from across the Geelong region join together twice a year for an inclusive day of fun activities at the Karingal BacLinks Workplace Big Day Out events.

Held annually in June and December, these event provide an opportunity for organisations to sample workplace volunteering while breaking down barriers between people of all abilities and fostering a greater sense of community.

Employee volunteers from local businesses, organisations and sporting associations participate in the day’s activities, along with program members from Karingal, St Laurence and Encompass Disability Services.

The volunteers spend the day participating in a range of inclusive team activities such as cricket, mini golf, basketball and dance.

Karingal BacLinks Manager, Joanne Forssman, said these events offer workplaces a great opportunity to enter the wonderful world of

volunteering as well as providing opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing. “These events provide many of our volunteers with their first opportunity to spend time with people who have a disability in a supported environment.

We also have many volunteers who return to take part in this event year after year because it is such a rewarding experience,� said Joanne.

Each event is kindly sponsored by a number of businesses from the Geelong region that continue to support this unique event, highlighting the enormous potential of employee volunteering to provide significant benefits for both the community and for the volunteers themselves.

The Workplace Big Day out will continue in 2016, with three events planned for Geelong and, for the first time, an event will be held in Wyndham. More details are available by calling the Karingal BacLinks team on 5222 7445.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 41

8

0

Upcoming

BUSINESS EVENTS

BPW GEELONG – LEADERS IN LIFE EVENT

ICT GEELONG SERVICE MANAGEMENT SIG

DATE: Tuesday 9th February 2016

TOPIC: Cloud - All things migration and

TIME: 5.30pm – 8.30pm WHERE: Truffleduck, 66 Hyland St,

Fyansford

DATE: 11th February 2016.

TIME: 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

TICKETS: Via Try Booking - $50 Members or WHERE: Deakin University, Waterfront

$60 Non-members

WHAT: Leaders in Life with Jem Switajewski

Campus, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC.

or Free for ICT Geelong full members

Includes 2 course meal.

This seminar addresses the benefits of what cloud technologies can bring to an organisation and how to implement governance that allows for agility within the business to react to customer requirements.

www.bpwgeelong.com.au or Facebook / BPWGeelong Be inspired and get motivated for 2016. All welcome.

CENTRAL GEELONG MARKETING & TOURISM GREATER GEELONG & THE BELLARINE

ICT GEELONG EHEALTH EVENT

DATE: Wednesday, 10 February, 2016 -

WHERE: Western Beach Room, Deakin

09:00 to 11:00

DATE: Tuesday, 16 February, 2016 - 09:00 to

16:30

WHERE: Mercure Hotel. Cnr Gheringhap & Myers Street, Geelong

COSTS: $450 VECCI members, $540 for TICKETS: via Eventbrite - $50 non-members Non members

+ BPW Geelong Mentee graduation.

TOPIC: eHealth DATE: 12th February 2016.

TIME: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/ training/short-courses This course helps you to identify strengths within your team, increase motivation levels and the ability of others to work with changing priorities. You’ll also improve your delegation and communication skills, and better the way you reward your staff.

ENTERPRISE GEELONG | CITY OF GREATER GEELONG - Starting Your Business Right

DATE: Wednesday, 17 February, 2016 - 10:00 to 13:30

University, Waterfront Campus, 1 Gheringhap WHERE: Council Offices, 100 Brougham Street, Geelong.

Street, Geelong Street entrance, Geelong TICKETS: via Eventbrite - $50 non-members COSTS: $30 or Free for ICT Geelong full members PRESENTER: Jurgent Strauss - Innovabiz FACILITIES: Wheelchair access COSTS: FREE for Central Geelong Business This event will feature representatives from CONTACT: Michelle Higgins organisations like Barwon Health, TAC, Operators, $50 for all non-members PHONE: 03 5272 5138 GMHBA and Deakin who will speak on the CONTACT: Central Geelong Training EMAIL: info@enterprisegeelong.com.au challenges and opportunities in the eHealth Opportunities sector.

EMAIL: trainingexcellence@geelongcity.vic.

GEELONG CHAMBER OF gov.au

WHERE: Geelong City Hall, via Little Malop

COMMERCE – AFTER 5

p

u

governance

VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY – BUILDING HIGH PERFORMANCE TEAMS

BUSINESS IN HEELS DATE: Wednesday 10th of February 2016 TIME: 7pm – 9pm WHERE: Jack and Jill, 247 Moorabool St.

Geelong

TICKETS: Via Try Booking - $40 Members

ACTIONCOACH GEELONG (HUGH BOWMAN)

DATE: Thursday, 18 February, 2016 - 17:30 to 19:30

17:30

Newtown

DATE: Monday, 15 February, 2016 - 15:00 to WHERE: The Geelong College, Talbot Street, WHERE: ActionCOACH Geelong Office, 398

Latrobe Terrace, Newtown

COSTS: FREE

COSTS: FREE for Chamber members HOSTED BY: The Geelong College

CONTACT: Geelong Chamber of Commerce PHONE: 5222 2234

(it’s Free to Join) or $49 Non-members,

CONTACT: Shelley King

www.businessinheels.com or Facebook / groups/bih.geelong

opportunity of networking with other business Book online www.businesscoachgeelong. owners to promote themselves and their business. com.au/sales/

www.geelongchamber.com.au

WHAT: First BIH 2016 event with The Publicity PHONE: (03) 5221 8969 After 5 Events allow Chamber members the EMAIL shelley@actioncoachgeelong.com.au Princess Kate Engler

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU BUSINESS NEWS | 42| 42

CENTRAL GEELONG MARKETING & TOURISM GREATER GEELONG & THE BELLARINE DATE: Tuesday, 23 February, 2016 - 10:00 to 11:30 WHERE: Geelong City Hall, via Little Malop Street,

Geelong

COSTS: FREE for Central Geelong operators, $50 for

all non-members

THE PRESENTER: Annette Cotter - Cotter Consulting

CONTACT: Central Geelong Training Opportunities EMAIL: trainingexcellence@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

BTS BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS – ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS BREAKFAST BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!

DATE: 21st April 2016 TIME: 7am

WHERE: The Pier, Geelong

COSTS: $60 per person - tables of 10 also available

Purchase online at www.givewhereyoulive.com.au asap – this will sell out!

Give Where You Live invites you and your guests to join them and their special guest ‘Pyjama King’ Peter Alexander as he shares the secrets of his success and the story behind one of Australis favourite brands.

GEELONG BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS – INFORMATION SESSIONS: Email: gbea@geelongchamber.com.au Phone: 52 222 234

1. Geelong Chamber of Commerce

5. G eelong Chamber of Commerce

2. S pringdale Neighbourhood Centre

6. R ACV Torquay

Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Tuesday 16th of February 2016 11.30am – 12.30pm

17-21 High Street, Drysdale Thursday 18th of February 2016 12.30pm – 1.30pm

3. G eelong Chamber of Commerce Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Friday 19th of February 2016 11.30am – 12.30pm

4. M icro to Small Business only Geelong Chamber of Commerce Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Tuesday 23rd of February 2016 5.00pm – 6.30pm

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 43

Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Thursday 25th of February 2016 11.30am – 12.30pm

Bells Room 1, 1 Great Ocean road, Torquay Tuesday 1st of March 2016 5.30pm – 6.30pm

7. G eelong Chamber of Commerce Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Thursday 3rd of March 2016 11.30am – 12.30pm

8. Geelong Chamber of Commerce Steampacket House Level 2, 10 Moorabool Street Wednesday 9th of March 2016 8.00am – 9.00am

Zsolt Kudich, Great egret awakening

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2015

for their creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

UNTIL 15 MAY

Nature beautiful and confronting - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015 showcases 100 awe inspiring images from the world’s most prestigious photography event of its kind and is coming to Geelong for the second year in a row, launching its Australian tour at the National Wool Museum, the only Victorian venue to host the exhibition.

Wrestling komodo dragons, ethereal egrets and thirsty squirrels are among the creatures captured on camera for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015. Now in its 51st year, the competition receives over 42,000 entries from 96 countries highlighting its enduring appeal as a showcase for the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights.

The exhibition premiered at the Natural History Museum, London in October 2015 before embarking on an international tour across six continents.

As part of the exhibition at the National Wool Museum experience, relax and explore the Museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities Lounge. Evocative of ‘old school’ natural history museums, the Lounge is an alluring array of the weird and wonderful from the vaults of the National Wool Museum’s collection and features all the images submitted to the Geelong

by Nature Photography Competition, which invited Geelong community photographers of all ages and abilities to submit original photographs showcasing our regional wildlife and landscape.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum. Keen photographers inspired by the images will have from 4 January 2016 to 25 February 2016 to submit their entries for next year’s competition. For details go to www.wildlifephotographeroftheyear.com www.nwm.vic.gov.au

The 100 winning images in the exhibition were selected from 18 individual category winners, depicting nature at its finest, from displays of extraordinary animal behaviour to sublime landscapes. The competition is judged by an international panel of industry-recognised professionals. Images, submitted by both professional and amateur photographers, are selected

Rosamund Macfarlane, Snow hare

Andrey Gudkov, Komodo judo

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ARTS NEW DIRECTOR FOR GEELONG GALLERY Geelong Gallery has a new director with the announcement last month that Jason Smith will take over from outgoing director Geoffrey Edwards from 1 May. Currently the Curatorial Manager of Australian Art at Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, Jason is an internationally recognised public art museum director and exhibitions and collections curator who has worked in the art museum sector for 25 years. His appointment builds on Geelong Gallery’s commitment to presenting exhibitions of vision and national significance.

Jason was the Director and CEO of Heide Museum of Modern Art from 2008 to 2014 during which time he led the critically acclaimed reinvigoration of the Museum’s cultural programming and artistic direction. He was the Director of Monash Gallery of Art from 2007 to 2008 and held the position of Curator, Contemporary Art at the National Gallery of Victoria from 1997 to 2007 where he worked closely with many leading Australian and international contemporary artists. He has curated over 40 exhibitions and has written on the work of more than 150 artists for a range of publications.

Chairman of the Geelong Gallery Board Terry Wills Cooke said Jason brings to the community of Geelong a reputation for excellence in gallery and museum management and innovative artistic direction.

“The Gallery’s membership and the broader community of Geelong will benefit from Jason’s vision and enthusiasm as we move into a phase of redevelopment and change for the Gallery and for the arts precinct of Geelong,” he said. “We are delighted to welcome Jason to Geelong following the retirement of long term Director, Geoffrey Edwards. We are grateful to Geoffrey who established the Geelong Gallery as one of

Jason Smith

Australia’s leading regional galleries during his fifteen year tenure.”

Jason said he was “honoured and delighted to have been asked to lead the next phase of Geelong Gallery’s already long and illustrious life as one of Australia’s oldest and most important public art galleries”.

“Geelong Gallery holds a magnificent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art of national significance, and I look forward to working to ensure its ongoing relevance to the people of Geelong and audiences throughout the state and nation.”

LAND OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE—ARTHUR STREETON IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT 27 FEBRUARY – 13 JUNE

Geelong Gallery’s major exhibition for 2016, Land of the Golden Fleece—Arthur Streeton in the Western District, brings together works by one of Australia’s foremost and much-loved artists who was born in Mount Duneed in 1867.

Arthur Streeton Ocean blue, Lorne 1920

Arthur Streeton Land of the Golden Fleece 1926

Focussing on Streeton’s landscape paintings of Victoria’s Western District and associated coastal vistas from the years 1920 to 1932 following the artist’s return from an extended period in Europe, the exhibition will be configured around a narrative sequence tracing the various Victorian (Western District) locations frequented by Streeton during this phase of his career. Groupings include paintings of Lorne (1920–21), Port Campbell (1932), Dunkeld, Halls Gap and the Grampians generally.

While several of Streeton’s paintings from these years may be familiar to some visitors, the Gallery envisages that these vividly coloured and virtuoso works will, collectively, be a revelation for audiences. www.geelonggallery.org.au

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Arthur Streeton - 1932

ARTS GPAC ANNOUNCES WORLDLY WINNERS AND HOMEGROWN HITS FOR 2016 The 2016 Deakin University Theatre Season opens on 23 February with possibly the funniest play ever written about depression, Every Brilliant Thing, and finishes with the Pulitzer Prize winning Disgraced, direct from the Melbourne Theatre Company’s season and starring one of theatre’s brightest lights, Kat Stewart.

Every Brilliant Thing is a life-affirming tale of the lengths we will go to for those we love, and comes to Geelong from critically acclaimed seasons in Edinburgh and New York. This funny and brilliant play involves members of the audience, making every performance unique. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will be one show you will remember for a long time.

The season will also feature exciting new Australian work including Extinction by Hannie Rayson, directed by Nadia Tass.

In a regional first, GPAC is co-producing the play together with Red Stitch Actors Theatre. Extinction will open in Geelong in July, then tour to Canberra before returning to Victoria for a season at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Other season highlights include Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s revival of a classic love story Wuthering Heights, the return of dynamic company Watch This with Sondheim’s Company and a Victorian exclusive performance of Winyanboga Yurringa.

GPAC will also welcome the return of one of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre companies, Sydney’s Belvoir, with The Glass Menagerie starring theatre great Pamela Rabe.

Season packages of five or more shows offering significant discounts are available online at www.gpac.org.au or contact the Box Office on 52251200 or boxoffice@gpac.org.au www.gpac.org.au

SUMMER SALON AND MARCO LUCCIO: BRIDGES UNTIL 27 FEBRUARY

Metropolis Gallery’s annual New Year Summer Salon Show of works by many artists represented at the gallery this year

includes paintings and works on paper by Eros Anceschi, Darren Clark, Amber Daly, Adrian Lockhart, Linda Robertson, Steve Salo, Sue Woolnough and a selection of artists’ framed and unframed edition prints including Dean Bowen, Jazmina Cininas, Robert Clinch, Graham Fransella, Rona Green, Anita Iacovella, Vida Pearson, Deborah Williams, Joel Wolter.

Complementing this eclectic show of paintings and works on paper is beautiful art glass by Denizen, Brian Hirst, Amanda Louden, James McMurtrie, Keith Rowe, Phil Stokes and Kayo Yokoyama.

Metropolis Gallery also presents Marco Luccio: Bridges, showcasing Luccio’s expressive drypoints, etchings and drawings of bridges and including his highly collected images of Sydney Harbour Bridge. These powerful works were inspired by the etchings of Jessie Traill and are presented alongside Luccio’s bridges from Paris, Florence and New York to coincide with Geelong Gallery’s current exhibition: Stars in the river – the prints of Jessie Traill (A National Gallery of Australia exhibition).

Marco Luccio is an award-winning artist whose work is represented in over 40 public and corporate collections nationally and internationally, including the New York Public Library, the Museum of the City of New York and the National Gallery of Australia. His work has been shortlisted for many major awards, including twice for the Dobell Prize for Drawing.

ART THREE WAYS

UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY Art@Wintergarden’s February group exhibition Art Three Ways presents the works of Libbet Loughnan, Anne Cuming and Jodie Anne Candy, three young women of a similar age with strong connections to Geelong. Each artist’s work is very different from one another and their visual stories are personal and playful, delicate and subtle, bold and vibrant, refined and controlled, free and loose. With such a diverse exploration of techniques and ideas on display, this exhibition echoes the nature of the women. www.artwintergarden.com.au

Marco Luccio, Bridge and the Boat, drypoint, edition of 25, 59 x 89.5 cm

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AFTER HOURS

CHEERS ALL ROUND It was a fair wind that brought sponsors and festival supporters to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on Australia Day eve for 2016 Festival of Sails VIP Cocktail Function.

The 2016 Festival of Sails presented by Rex Gorell Land Rover and the Shoreside Festival, supported by Geelong Connected Communities, were a huge success once again and guests at the cocktail event celebrated with ringside seats for the fireworks.

Minister for Sport, John Eren, Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons, Pat Murnane from Bendigo Bank (Geelong Connected Communities), Marcus Tomczak from Rex Gorell Land Rover and 2016 Festival of Sails Chairman and RGYC Commodore, Chris Williams, all spoke of the value the event brings to Geelong. The event generates an estimated $14 million for the local economy and brings 100,000 people to the waterfront for fun and festivities over the Australia Day (unofficial) long weekend.

On the water, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Jen and Brenton Carnell’s ‘Phoenix’, claimed one of two national titles at the event, sealing its second consecutive Morris Finance Sydney 38 Australian Championship; and Brett Whitbread and Joel McDonald’s ‘Sticky Fingers’ from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron won the Bausele VX One Australian Championship.

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AFTER HOURS

Benjamin Hill, Andy Scholl & Mandy Lovett

THANK YOU GEELONG Hundreds of local businesses and thousands of local people contribute to the success of the Give Where You Live Foundation every year. Without the support of these individuals and organisations, the Foundation simply cannot grant millions of dollars into the Geelong / G21 Community each and every year.

The annual Give Where You Live Foundation Thank You Morning Tea, held at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre in December 2015, was not only a lovely way to say thanks to those who helped the organisation throughout the year, but to also say thank you to the community organisations who work tirelessly throughout the year supporting our community’s most vulnerable people.

Sheridan Salmon & Nicole Manks

Anthony Jones & Dave Stewart

Fred Runia and Bill Mithen BUSINESS NEWS | 48

Julie Christopher & Cynthia Scherer

AFTER HOURS

THE END OF THE NETWORKING YEAR The Geelong Chamber of Commerce December After 5, hosted

by Mercure Geelong, showcased the brand new renovations of the Mercure Function Centre.

Guests indulged in great food ranging from huge antipasto platters to ice creams and pancakes.

To thank Chamber members for participating in the 2015 Geelong Region Business Trends Survey, Professor Barry Cooper from Deakin Uni presented five members amongst the 325 guests at the event with Apple iPads.

The 2016 calendar of Chamber After 5s begins on 18 February at The Geelong College.

Maree Herath – Harvest Recruitment Norm Lyons – Lyons Construction

Paul Whyte – Geelong Monitoring Services Hugh Bowman - Action Coach Geelong Eddie Murnane - City To Coast Stainless

Richard Wallace - Kieser Training Daryl Moss - O.M.A. Shopfitting Systems Rich Bennett - Om Psychology

Wendy Maddock – Marketing & Communications Strategist Nigel Robinson - Cabinetmakers Choice Belinda Lyle - Patrick Rowan & Associates Jade Augustine – Geelong Racing Club

Sally Hunt – RACV Resort Torquay Ria Anzolin – RACV Resort Torquay Karen Jackson - Novotel Geelong

The Bellarine’s Most Beautiful Conference Venue

90 McAdams Lane, Bellarine

03 5251 5536

www.terindahestate.com

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BUSINESS NEWS | 50

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BOOKS

REVERSING DIABETES Dr Alan Barclay Diabetes effects more than 1.1 million Australians – that’s one in every 23 people – and costs the nation $14 billion annually. We know almost a million of those have type 2 diabetes. Drawing on the latest research, Dr Barclay simply explains how healthy eating can delay or even prevent some of the common complications of the disease, showing how for some people the disease can even be put into remission. With over 15 years as an Accredited Practicing Dietician at Diabetes Australia he lays out a practical resource of information, meal plans and recipes for people with or at risk of developing diabetes. And a diet that is good for diabetes is a good plan for all of us.

JONATHAN UNLEASHED Meg Rosoff ‘Real adult life seemed to exist over there, somewhere as distant and unreachable as Uranus. He had no idea how people crossed over to this place, or why; over all, the demands of being grown up seemed exhausting. He wondered why no one had written a book called How To Be A Person.’

Starting out in your first adult job, moving to a new city, trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in – all are great fodder for comedy. Jonathan Trefoil has moved to New York for his first job out of college. His boss skates on the fine edge of the unhinged and his apartment is, well, not great, and he is sharing it with his brother’s two dogs. When his girlfriend joins him after six months things really get complicated. His girlfriend wants to marry someone just like him - only richer and more organised, with a different sense of humour. On the plus side, his two flatmates are determined to fix his life - or possibly to destroy it altogether.

It’s difficult to be certain because, being dogs, they only speak dog.

EVIL LIFE Clive Small and Tom Gilling Exploding the belief that the powerful Calabrian Mafia doesn’t operate in Australia comes this true crime investigative foray into not only the infamous mafia family’s presence in Australia, but also just how deep that presence runs. According to former Assistant Commissioner of NSW Police, Clive Small, and investigative journalist Tom Gilling, the Calabrian Mafia’s involvement in organised crime in Australia is long and deep. Evil Life explores how key Mafia families are linked to international crime syndicates around the world, shifting massive stashes of drugs and money through increasingly complex networks. With powerful and uncompromising clarity, Evil Life shows that Australia is a major part of the global drug network.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Portfolio 25 The stunning photographs that are on display at the National Wool Museum until the 15 May are featured in this beautiful book that will keep you coming back and back again. From microcosms to panoramas, from the awe-inspiring, to the extraordinary to the agonizingly sad and haunting, these are the images that tell a story often beyond words. These collected winning entries come from the most famed and prestigious wildlife photography competition in the world, the London Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. This powerful collection of images features all the winning photographs from the prestigious 51st competition. Together these pictures, accompanied by extended captions, are a reminder of the splendour, drama and variety of life on Earth.

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