Business News 207

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ISSUE 207 MAY 2012

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ISSUE 207 MAY 2012

FEATURES 12. Share the Love 16. The Trail Ahead

CONTENTS 4. Editor 5. Biz News 10. New Appointments 19. Business of the Month 20. Regulation 23. Legal 24. Tax 25. Legal 30. Recruitment 32. VECCI 39. Art 40. Tech Guy 42. Community 44. Wine 45. After Hours 50. What’s On

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BUSINESS NEWS | 3

EDITOR

My vote: certainty There is a lot of stress out there in the marketplace at the moment. Consumers are feeling it, businesses are feeling it, manufacturers and retailers are becoming swamped by it, and it’s starting to take a serious toll.

This isn’t news, and most people knew it was happening long before it hit the news columns.

What it is, however, is surprising.

IT is surprising that in this country - a country that maintained relative stability during the global economic upheaval of recent years, that did not experience the widespread job losses and now recessions of many of our trading partners, a country that is experiencing an almost unprecedented level of demand for its natural resources, with that demand expected to remain strong for the decade to come – there is a spreading nervousness about the near future.

With GFC aftershocks continuing the roll through the EU, USA growth forecasts coming back down to a sad reality, the high Aussie dollar, and increasing local job losses, there are some very real reasons for a degree of nervousness. But there are as many, and possibly more, reasons for optimism.

There is an undercurrent to negative public feeling at the

the impacts of the carbon tax means people don’t want to spend, concerns over whether the carbon tax will become entrenched or whether the Coalition will take office and dismantle it means businesses don’t want to invest, concerns over job losses means people don’t want to spend – everywhere you look, people are concerned and don’t want to spend.

moment that seems directly tied to instability in Australian politics. Just how much of the damage being done to businesses, to workers and to families is being caused by the very people paid to act in the best interests of the people of Australia? Too much – and I’m not talking about Clive Palmer putting his hand up for federal pre-selection (now there’s a whole bag of reasons for us all to be nervous!).

Yet inflation remains under control, interest rates - while perhaps too slow in responding to the pervading nervousness – remain relatively low, the unemployment rate remains low, investment is continuing – albeit at a lesser rate than at the heights of the GFC response. Australia’s economic position is the envy of the world, yet we remain plagued by doubts.

The very real, very big positives of our economic position – even outside the mining states – are what Australia should be exploiting, but because of the inability of the Gillard Government to effectively communicate its policy messages, and the unwillingness of both the Government and the Opposition to put the national interest before their own interests is leaving the nation in limbo, and that is unacceptable. Concerns over

So, my question is, given the competitive advantages before us right now that we are failing to fully capitalise on, how much longer can we afford to let political uncertainty generate economic uncertainty?

Regardless of which side of party politics you lean towards, we are all losers in the battle for political power We need an election, for certainty’s sake!

Davina Montgomery

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BIZ NEWS

The next step for Avalon THE potential for development at Avalon Airport has long been championed by transport magnate and owner of the airport, Lindsay Fox. Now, in another small step along the tarmac for the airport’s ultimate potential being realized, Avalon will be the new home of general aviation in the Geelong region.

Making the announcement, Aviation Industry Minister, Gordon Rich-Phillips described the measure as ‘a big win for the Geelong region’. The development of a master plan that will set out future development at the Airport over the next 20 years is currently underway, and should be completed by the end of the year, with interest firmly focused on the proposed development of Avalon as Victoria’s second international airport.

addition of general aviation positions the airport as one of Australia’s premier aviation hubs.

“Avalon can now attract and service the general aviation market and offer an accessible alternative for recreational users. Private and commercial flight training, charter and emergency services will be able to use the airport.”

Mr Rich-Phillips also said that Avalon Airport already played an important role in bringing tourists to the region and acting as a gateway to the Geelong region and the Great Ocean Rd, and would now reinforce Avalon’s standing as a destination for the nation’s

aviation community.

Avalon Airport’s CEO, Justin Giddings, welcomed the new arrangement, saying that the addition of general aviation would complement plans underway to grow domestic and international services.

“We have the size and the flexibility to be able to accommodate general aviation as well as domestic and international operations,” Mr Giddings said. “This announcement is another demonstration of what a great asset Avalon Airport is for the Geelong region and for Victoria more broadly.”

To accommodate the addition of general aviation flights

around current airline traffic, Avalon Airport has developed a system that will encourage general aviation to operate during “Circuit Training Periods” – times when airlines are not scheduled to fly. These Circuit Training Periods will ensure general aviation traffic will not impact on the airline traffic.

Aircraft operators can choose to base their aircraft at Avalon Airport, or simply use Avalon Airport as required, with discounts on aeronautical charges to apply to operations within the Circuit Training Period.

For more information, log on to the avalanairport.com.au

The decision to open Avalon to general aviation follows the closure of Geelong Airport at Grovedale, and a subsequent feasibility to investigate alternatives.

Mr Rich-Phillips said that with Avalon Airport’s strong domestic airline operation and plans to establish an international terminal, the

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BIZ NEWS

All aboard for a good news day continuing issues of road access to the port, the Premier also announced a dedicated route for trucks accessing Webb Dock, with new on and off ramps linking the port directly to the M1, freeing Williamstown Road from port trucks. An additional $10 million has also been promised for buffering and beautification works.

AT a time when it feels as if each day brings a fresh round of business closures, it’s nice to hear news of more jobs being created in the state. In late April, the announcement of a $1.2 billion redevelopment of the Port of Melbourne, touted to create 2,600 jobs, did just that.

opportunity to cement Victoria’s reputation as the freight and logistics capital of Australia. The project will provide 700 direct jobs and 1,900 indirect jobs across Victoria, in addition to ensuring we are well placed to cater for the forecast demand in container freight.

Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu, must have breathed a big sigh of relief to be finally talking about more jobs for a change, and seems genuinely buoyed by the major project as he detailed the centerpiece of the project, the construction of a new container terminal at Webb Dock, as well as the infrastructure upgrades to Swanston Dock to increase the capacity of the existing container terminals.

“In 2010/11 the port handled a record 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent containers (TEU) and has continued to set new trade records in recent months.

With container movements in and out of Melbourne increasing in excess of six per cent every year and tipped to reach 8 million TEU by 2035, this announcement is an important part of the Coalition Government’s plan to provide the infrastructure required to meet growing demand.”

“This major infrastructure project is an exciting

VECCI Chief Executive, Mark Stone, also welcomed the announcement of the major infrastructure project, saying development of the Port of Melbourne will bring much-needed infrastructure to support burgeoning international trade opportunities.

“We have, for some time, highlighted the importance of increased container capacity at Webb Dock to meet forecast demand in container freight that accompanies our international trade opportunities,” Mr Stone said.

“The plans announced will provide the infrastructure required to meet this growing demand and improve efficiency of the Port, while further confirming Melbourne’s advantage as Australia’s premier container port.”

In a move to tackle the

Ports Minister, Denis Napthine, joined the Premier at the announcement, saying that all Victorians would benefit from an improved and efficient major port. Dr Napthine added that with the port handling $82 billion worth of international import and export trade per annum, it is essential to maintaining the lifestyle, livelihood and trade benefits for Victorian people and Victorian businesses.

“By investing in the future of the Port of Melbourne as Australia’s premier trading gateway today, jobs will be safeguarded and Victoria’s productivity will be improved,” Dr Napthine said. “This announcement will ensure Victoria’s short to mid-term container capacity requirements are met until the Port of Hastings becomes operational in 10 to 15 years.

“There has been a significant amount of interest from those in the private sector who are excited by the opportunities a third container terminal brings to the port. The competitive bidding process for the right to build and operate a new facility at what is already Australia’s busiest container port is expected to attract significant interest.”

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BIZ NEWS

What are the first steps needed to restore business confidence?

Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The latest VECCI-Commonwealth Bank Survey of Business Trends and Prospects has confirmed that Victorian businesses experienced a difficult start to 2012, and confidence on the outlook for the economy is weak.

IN the March quarter 2012, a widespread decline in profitability was reported; manufacturers and retailers continued to experience difficult conditions and regionally based businesses were particularly concerned about conditions over the year ahead.

With a less than rosy business outlook, the key question is what steps can be taken to at least reverse the trend and get business confidence heading in the right direction?

While there are global and national forces at play, which are causing difficulties and uncertainty, it’s important to note that there are steps that can be taken.

The State and Commonwealth Governments must support businesses through practical actions that lower business costs, improve productivity and encourage private sector investment.

We believe that this should include a broad range of

initiatives, including: -F aster progress in reducing red tape for businesses, particularly small businesses, in areas such as waste policy, liquor licensing and a removal of overlap of consumer protection laws

-S trategic new investment to support Victoria’s regions, and tourism and events industries – including the implementation of natural icon infrastructure projects, to promote the state as a place full of great naturebased experiences.

Business confidence won’t

be restored immediately, but practical steps in these areas will reduce the cost and regulatory burden of operating a business, open up new doors to growing international markets, increase the capacity of our workforce and ensure economic benefits are spread across the entire state of Victoria.

-C ontinuing support to build new international trade opportunities for Victorian businesses in key markets like China and India.

-M ore efficient and effective education and training for industry to improve productivity, from a review of current state education curriculum frameworks, to assistance to initiatives that boost employment of people with a disability or chronic illness.

-A commitment to support private sector infrastructure development and the progression of major projects, such as the EastWest road link, improved links between regional centres and extension of the

Steven Wojtkiw [This piece was originally published on the VECCI blog on April 19.

You can find the blogspot at blog.vecci.org.au]

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COMMENT

Money talks Money: we need it, we want it, we want to earn for our savings, we want to pay less for our debts, we want a budget surplus but we don’t want the Government to spend any less. When it comes to money, there is always something to talk about, and The Centre for Independent Studies does just that.

Monetary policy can’t buy economic growth Monetary policy has recently come in for criticism from a number of quarters. Paul Howes of the Australian Workers’ Union said, ‘the Reserve Bank has made the wrong call consistently’ and called for its charter to be changed.

The only relevant test for monetary policy is inflation outcomes. The core measures of inflation that best predict future inflation have been consistent with the 2–3% inflation target since the September quarter 2010.

This tells us that monetary policy has been broadly correct in recent years. It is no coincidence that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) last raised the official cash rate in November 2010. This tightening in monetary policy no doubt moderated economic activity subsequently, but that is how monetary policy is supposed to work.

Some have called for monetary policy to be used to lower the exchange rate.

Far from being a problem, a high dollar helps contain inflation and is just one of the channels through which monetary policy works to moderate economic activity.

The RBA’s official interest rate already takes account of the effects of the exchange rate on the economy. The point of floating the dollar in 1983 was to have an exchange rate that reflected the needs of the economy and not the whims of politicians, farmers and union leaders.

The assumption that we can buy additional economic growth through monetary

8 | BUSINESS NEWS

policy and manipulating the exchange rate is mistaken.

In the long run, money is neutral with respect to the real economy. However, a well-run monetary policy should also have few real effects even in the short run.

US economist, John Taylor, has shown that official interest rates are largely explained by the current and past state of the economy. The remainder that cannot be explained measures the discretionary component of monetary policy and is usually very small.

In other words, it is usually the economy that drives monetary policy, not the other way around. This is how it should be. It’s only when the real economy starts dancing to the tune of monetary policy that the real trouble begins.

Dr Stephen Kirchner is a Research Fellow at The Centre for Independent Studies and a Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

Turning Europe’s crisis into Australia’s gain Even in the fourth year of the European crisis, the continent’s economic situation is still volatile and the risks to the global economy remain high. But if Australia played the European crisis to its advantage, it could potentially benefit from the continent’s economic troubles, argues a new report published by The Centre for Independent Studies.

Authored by CIS Research Fellow, Dr Oliver Marc Hartwich, Faraway, So Close: How the Euro Crisis Affects Australia assesses both risks and opportunities emanating from the European crisis.

Although Australia cannot

control events in Europe, it needs to think hard about its response to what is likely to be an ongoing economic crisis for many years to come.

‘For too long, Australians have not properly understood that the Euro crisis requires changes to Australia’s economic model,’ Dr Hartwich argues. ‘If the crisis continues, Australian businesses and governments need to shield themselves from the worst fallout.’

There are several ways in which the European crisis affects Australia: - The Australian economy is dependent on offshore funding, which is increasingly difficult to secure, as European financial institutions are liquidating their nonEuropean assets.

- Australia’s resources boom is driven by Chinese demand for its commodities – but China’s main trade partner is the European Union.

- Australian financial institutions have some limited exposure to European sovereign debt.

‘Australia can do nothing to prevent European institutions from withdrawing funding from the region. It is vital therefore that Australia reduces the need to rely on international capital. Increasing domestic

savings and returning the budget to surplus are two ways to achieve that,’ says Dr Hartwich.

It is not all doom and gloom though. Amid the chaos are economic opportunities: - As European banks are under pressure to sell off their assets in Australia and Asia, Australian investors may be able to acquire them at bargain prices.

- Europe’s growing pool of well-qualified but underemployed young people could be a source of desirable migrants for Australia. These migrants would be easy to integrate, and Australia could secure their skills without having had to pay a single cent towards their education.

This could be a win-win for both the European migrants and the Australian economy.

‘Australia should see the European economic crisis as what it is: a challenge and an opportunity. The Australian economy is well placed to deal with the negative shocks from Europe. But we need to think harder about turning Europe’s crisis into Australia’s gain,’ says Dr Hartwich.

Dr Oliver Marc Hartwich is a Research Fellow at The Centre for Independent Studies.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AUTOMOTIVE Geelong City Motors welcomes Michael Mangos to the Mercedes-Benz sales team. Previously a successful small business owner, Michael is committed to exceptional customer service and offers superior product knowledge, ensuring customers enjoy purchasing their new luxury vehicle.

HOSPITALITY David Wainright has recently joined the team on Cunningham Pier as Restaurant Manager of Baveras Brasserie. David has previously been a Restaurant Manager at the Vue Grand in Queenscliff, Oakdene and Riviera. David brings a wealth of positive energy and experience to Baveras Brasserie.

HOSPITALITY Edge Geelong welcomes James Abbott as General Manager Having worked for the Montpeliers Group, owners of seven of Edinburgh’s finest venues, James offers a wealth of hospitality knowledge. He comes from Indigo Yard restaurant and leading nightclub, Opal Lounge.

COPYING Sam Czako has recently been appointed as a Business Solutions Specialist with Ryrie Office Machines.

Helping organisations to simplify copying and printing arrangements and identify cost savings, Sam has already proven she will go that extra mile for businesses she has worked with to date.

BUSINESS EVENTS After four years with Geelong Otway Tourism, where he established Business Events Geelong, Andrew Heibl is taking up a new challenge as Executive Director at the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux. During his time at GOT, Andrew was also appointed Chair of Business Events Victoria.

RECRUITMENT Maureen Carlson has been appointed Assistant Area Manager of Centacare sites for Geelong, Corio, Torquay and Queenscliff. With over 18 years management experience in Job Network, and now Job Services Australia, Maureen brings valued industry knowledge and experience.

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City Quarter

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NEW APPOINTMENTS LEGAL

OPTOMETRY

Coulter Roache Lawyers are pleased to welcome Bronwen Charleson as a Lawyer in the Wills, Estates & Business Succession Planning Department. She joins the firm after working in the selfmanaged superannuation fund industry. Bronwen brings valuable experience in this specialised field.

EyeGallery proprietor Mandy Lovett welcomes Martin Kirsch as principal optometrist. Martin is a well known and respected optometrist who brings a wealth of experience to his new position, takes a special interest in children’s vision and eye disease. Martin lives locally and supports Geelong Cats.

HOSPITALITY

REAL ESTATE

Michael Giarrusso, the Executive Chef at Customs House, is on a mission to transform one of Geelong’s iconic buildings into a serious foodie mecca. He has worked with celebrity chef, Gary Mehigan at the renowned Fenix Restaurant and is the former Executive Chef at Josephs Restaurant.

Michael Ferris has joined Whitford as a Director. He is regarded by clients and colleagues as professional, energetic, reliable, researched and straight forward. These qualities have helped develop a substantial client network, built largely on referrals.

LEADERSHIP

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Rosemary White joined the Leaders for Geelong team in the new Program Facilitation and Development role.

Rosemary comes to Geelong fromLeadership Victoria, and has previously held Executive Officer roles with both the Victorian Principals Association and the Country Education Project.

Steve Cooper is excited and driven to provide an unsurpassed level of customer service and cutting edge marketing strategies as a director within a boutique agency, Whitford Torquay. A family man, Steve values integrity and honesty, and believes in keeping vendors firmly up to date.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 11

FEATURE

Sharing the love This May, we celebrate National Volunteers Week, and share just a few stories of people who embrace life, by sharing their time, their energy, their skills, and their experience to help make the world a better place.

Barrie Hawkins has just returned from an assignment with Australian Business Volunteers in the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, where he was working on a high tech development project with the National University.

Having scaled back his career as an engineer specialising

seeing big results. Formed in 1981, ABV receives funding for AusAID to conduct programs, send volunteers on assignment and provide training throughout the Asia Pacific region. Among ABV’s current clients are Airports Vanuatu Limited, Vanuatu; Coffee Industry

until it dies, and the word ‘maintenance’ just doesn’t seem to be understood. That was beginning to create quite a lot of trouble in the country, and I think it was Bainimarama [Voreqe ‘Frank’ Bainimarama, Fijian military leader who led a 2006 coup that seized power of the country and is now the acting prime minister] who instructed the universities that they had to do something about the constant failure of power and water and these sorts of things on the island – which included all industry as well. That’s how I got involved, from a high tech maintenance point of view,” Barrie said.

“The idea was that once I was done, TAFE there would start teaching various industries about this sort of maintenance.

While I was there, we had a number of workshops that

it involves a local Australian company.

“It’s good to be able to talk to all these different people and find out what their problems are, and as much as possible, offer them alternatives.”

Having finished his first assignment, Barrie had obviously caught the volunteering bug, because he was soon off to Papua New Guinea, where he worked on a project at the Divine Word University in Madang.

“They wanted to build a new health science faculty.

The one that they had on their existing site, which is a fairly big site, was housed in buildings dating back to the 60s, in what started out as a high school, then gradually developed until it became the university. They were pretty poor buildings, very poor in

Photos L-R: The entrance of the Divine Word University, Madang; Faculty of Social Science staff with Barrie at the proposed site for the Multi Purpose Training Centre at Vang Vieng; Barrie with engineers and tradesman at Foster Brewery Suva.

in high tech maintenance systems, Barrie joined Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) after speaking to a local businessman who was a member of the group who encouraged him to join.

Without a good reason not to, Barry signed up.

A not-for-profit, nongovernment international development agency, ABV delivers capacity building projects by leveraging the skills and knowledge base of volunteer business experts, who mentor clients in developing nations on sustainable growth and development projects.

This is a ‘help them to help themselves’ approach that is

12 | BUSINESS NEWS

Corporation (CIC), PNG; Food Crop Research Institute, Vietnam; Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre (LDWDC); Securities Exchange Commission Of Cambodia (SECC); Tourism Training & Product Development with Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Caves Office(KMPCO), Lao PDR; and United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Thailand.

“My first assignment was in Fiji, in a college that is sort of halfway between our TAFEs and a university.

One of the big problems in Fiji is that the industrial equipment tends to be run

involved engineering personnel from all around Fiji – and it’s surprising how many industries that there are there. They had said that they wanted to be involved in higher level maintenance systems, and one company, which was the sugar organisation, had a system that was set up from Europe and had cost them something like AU$2 million, and then [the company that set up the system] just walked away from it. They are too far away if anything goes wrong, then they actually charge them to come out and fix it – charge them big time. So I introduced a different system to them, which works very well, and

fact. So, the project was to build a new facility.”

Barrie led the development of the building project, worth an estimated $20 million and $30 million.

Then, in April, Barrie returned from his latest assignment, where he worked on a project with the National University of Laos Vientiane on a project at the tourist town of Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng made global headlines recently as one of the world’s most unlikely party towns, and one of the most dangerous. A report in the UK’s Guardian newspaper revealed that at least 27 travellers died at the backpacker paradise spot, and many more were injured.

FEATURE Surrounded by dense jungle and located in the centre of one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries, Vang Vieng has been transformed from a quiet farming community to a Mecca for thrill-seeking backpackers, who flock to the town’s riverside bars.

a five and a half hour journey over that 150 kilometres – it’s up in the mountains, and at the moment, all the university students, when they graduate, can easily find jobs around (the capital) Vientiane. So, they have no reason to want to go up into the mountains.

“This is where they have all the water rafting and death sliding and all that sort of thing. It’s a beautiful, mountainous area and a very, very pretty place, but they built these bars right on the river. So all the young people coming into the place on holiday for fun get drunk and then go and swim in the river, and quite a few have died,” Barrie said.

“We looked at that, and decided to build a faculty at Vang Vieng, with the prime aim of providing a university course in hotel management and tourism, and shorter what you might call certificate courses in all the social sciences, to try to fix the problems of the area. There have been plenty of people who’ve said that they would go up there and fix the problems, but they spend a month or so there and nothing changes, and as long as there is money in doing what they’re doing, nothing will change. And they are completely ruining this pristine area with what they are doing. They are mining the river – a beautiful river – to get all the rocks and small stones out of it to make concrete and the like, and that’s completely ruining the river. All the fish are gone and there are all sorts of problems. But they’ve only gone so far, and we want to try to stop it now and bring professional people into the area, so that they will be able to professionally fix the problems.”

“What has happened is that the city has developed from what was a small town to now having 1000 visitors every day. Some of them stay for a week or more, so you can imagine how many visitors are there, and the town has grown without any planning, without any organisation, without any social development.

The head of the area, which is a government-appointed position, requested that the National University help him to fix his problem, and his problem was that he couldn’t attract any professional people to work in that particular town. You know, it’s 150 kilometres from the capital city, the road is terrible – it’s

Using his years of engineering experience and specialized knowledge of high tech maintenance systems, Barrie said it is very rewarding to be able to help people like those he worked with in Laos. That being said, apparently not everyone welcomed the new high tech systems Barrie put in place.

“For instance, the faculty had a wi fi system for the computers. It broke down soon after it was installed, and then was a year ago, and it is still broken down. So

latest systems into the new building project!

“It really was very interesting.

We had to visit all the banks to try to get the money. There was the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, AusAID, just to see where the money was coming from, but I think it will be easily got. This is a big university, with 42,000 students and around 1,800 staff. And, you know, you talk to the students, and you hope that they are going to be better than the people that are teaching them.”

“ Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.”

- John Lennon every time they want to write a letter, with perhaps three or four CC’d in, they would copy the letter five or six times, every piece of paper has to be stamped with a personnel stamp, and then it has to be signed. And then they physically walk around the faculty putting the letters on people’s desks.”

Good engineers always seem to find a way around problems however, and for Barrie that meant bringing in technology experts from outside the university and putting the

At age 72, Barrie said he was never someone who wanted to walk away from work altogether. He still takes on consultancy roles around high tech maintenance systems for big projects here in Australia, as well as working with ABV. “You’ve got to keep the brain working. So I don’t mind doing this. I don’t want to work permanently or anything like that, but if an assignment comes up for a few months, I go and do it.”

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At no cost to you, our Risk Advisers can review your existing cover to ensure you are not exposed, may even be able to reduce your premiums, or arrange new cover as required.

Please call Andrew McDougall, WHK Financial Adviser/Risk Specialist on 5224 7729 to discuss your Risk Insurance requirements.

Geelong • Ocean Grove • www.whk.com.au Advice on this service is provided under licence of WHK Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238244

BUSINESS NEWS | 13

FEATURE time, there are 650 active volunteers working at Barwon Health, with a database of over 1000 volunteers. There are few organisations that have those sorts of numbers as their total workforce, let alone as unpaid volunteers.

It is a fact that deserves to be celebrated and an extraordinary example of community-mindedness.

It also means that patients and families have access to public health services that health budget funding could otherwise simply not provide for.

At the helm of Volunteer Services at Barwon Health is Karen Todd, and says that when you consider that volunteer numbers equate to ten per cent of the total Barwon Health workforce, you start to get a picture of how important volunteers have become to local health services.

“We have volunteers come to us from all sorts of backgrounds and interests.

We take people from 16 years of age up to people in their nineties, and our longest serving volunteer has been with for about 45 years,” Karen said, adding that the service is seeing a lot more younger people wanting to volunteer.

“When I speak to the manager of other volunteer services, they are saying the same thing. There is a trend that seems to be happening in Australian society around more young people wanting to volunteer. Not that we don’t still get a lot of retirees and more mature people who are working part-time, because we get a lot of that too. We have a lot of people in their forties and fifties who are going back to two or three days a week work, and in the rest of the time they want to do something that they really want to do, something that is of interest to them.

“We also get a lot of younger mums, who’ve got young kids at home and want to have one day or a couple of days out of the house and using their skills.”

14 | BUSINESS NEWS

As we were speaking, Karen explained that she had a young woman sitting beside her in the office with a background as a personal assistant, who now with young children at home, was volunteering some of her time to Barwon Health.

“We also get a lot of young people who are going through University doing health degrees of sort – nursing or physio, or who want to get into those sorts of courses – who want to build up their experience in those areas

or a partner or a child that has had care and treatment through Barwon Health. Often people are also interested in working with the public in a different way to what they have been used to do in their working life.”

Volunteers work across a wide range of areas of Barwon Health, including attending the information desk and supporting staff at Geelong Hospital, aged care and disability support at McKellar Centre, administration, IT, project work, patient

a lot of committees), we aim to have a consumer representative on all of our committees. It might be that we are asking people to do one or two hours a month, or it might be to participate in a focus group or to fill in a survey. So it’s a different way of volunteering that doesn’t have that ongoing time commitment of one or two days a week. We really are looking for people who are happy to just be on the register, and when we have a need for someone who has

“ I think young people now seem to have quite a strong social conscience, not that people haven’t always had that, but there seems to be that feeling that volunteering is a good thing to do, to give back to your local community.” so that when it comes time to seek employment, they’ve got that experience on their CV. And we have people who want to get into medicine, and are doing a physio course, and the more experience they get and the more contact with the public and working in health, then that is good for them too.

“I think young people now seem to have quite a strong social conscience, not that people haven’t always had that, but there seems to be that feeling that volunteering is a good thing to do, to give back to your local community.”

Karen’s insights into this shift in attitudes towards volunteering in younger Victorians seem to go against the stereotypes of both volunteers and the younger generations.

“We’ve got volunteers that are nurses and business managers, police officers and small business owners that have been and are still working part-time and winding down from that paid work. They want to do something a bit different with their time and I think people are very attracted to the health area, maybe because they’ve had a parent

transport, mental health support, gardening, selling newspapers on hospital wards, providing companionship for patients, community health, cancer support services, palliative care and renal dialysis patient support.

The volunteer service is now developing a new program that just might fit the bill for all those people who would love to be able to contribute to their community as a volunteer, but who just don’t have the time to commit to a regular day or days. By joining the Consumer Register, anyone who has accessed Barwon Health services – either as a patient, carer, family or professional – can provide their experiences, ideas and knowledge through focus groups, surveys and by sitting on committees. Providing feedback, in fact, that would help the organisation make decisions about its service delivery in the future.

“What we are looking for is people who are able to give us some time, when we request, for what we call consumer participation.

Say, for example, that Barwon Health forms a new committee (and we have

had an experience with a particular service, then we will give them a call.”

For example, Karen said the service is currently seeking parents who can provide their feedback to help improve a particular service on the Children’s Ward of the hospital.

“And we’ve had people on the register who can’t physically come in to provide feedback, but are happy to provide that feedback over email or via the telephone. So people who are ill or disabled can still participate and can still help Barwon Health out,” she said.

“I think there is nothing like getting real peoples’ experiences, they provide a different perspective. So having that consumer voice at Barwon Health is really very important.”

For information on Barwon Health volunteer services or to sign up to the consumer register, contact Karen Todd, Volunteer Services/ Community Participation Manager, on (03) 5226 7195, or email karento@barwonhealth.org.au.

Barrie Hawkins is the Geelong and District Convenor for ABV, and can be contacted through Australian Business Volunteers, visit www.abv.org.au or call: (02) 6151 9999.

Geelong Industry Transitions to Clean Technology GEELONG is home to over 550 manufacturing businesses represented by a diverse range of industries including: Alcoa, Shell, Ford, as well as Australian icons Godfrey Hirst, Backwell IXL, Sykes Rowing, Emu and Cobram Estate.

Manufacturing in Geelong is the largest contributor to regional output, accounting for 43% of regional economic output (COGG 2010). 14,000 people are employed in the sector.

As an energy intensive and carbon dependent region, we need to adopt new ways to generate power, reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency to meet Australia’s emission reduction goals and renewable energy target (RET) of 20%. Clean Technology has the potential to provide not only commercial returns and new jobs for the region’s manufacturing and engineering sector, but also to provide solutions to our resource intensive industry base.

The Geelong Manufacturing Council encourages industry to be proactive about embracing the new era of Clean Technologies.

Clean Technology, defined as “Economically competitive and productive technology that uses less material and / or energy, generates less waste, and causes less environmental damage than the alternatives”, includes renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, construction materials, energy efficiency, carbon trading and environmental services.

Clean Technology Conference

With an excellent location, facilities and manufacturing skills, Geelong is well placed to become a centre for Clean Technology Industry. The GMC is hosting a 2 day Clean Technology Conference on 29th and 30th May, funded by Enterprise Connect aims to increase the rate of adoption of Clean Technologies by manufacturing industry, and to help initiate and support local business transition to provide Clean Technology solutions. The conference is free of charge and attendance is open to industry representatives, government and support organisations. Register your interest at admin@geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com.au Industry Innovation New processes, techniques and products drive productivity growth. The OECD believes that innovation is the key driver for economic growth in developed countries. In partnership with the State Government, the GMC has undertaken an exciting initiative with Deakin University to increase the level of innovation across manufacturing in the region.

“The core objective of the Industry Innovation Program (IIP) is to provide long term benefits to the manufacturing sector within the region by strengthening the relationship between the GMC stakeholder base and Deakin University, by brokering innovation and the uptake of the Research and Development (R&D) Sector”, reports Jackson Docherty, IIP Manager.

The IIP will provide businesses with greater access to new research and technologies, advice on funding and grant availability, opportunities to apply research outcomes in practice and to expand markets through access to Deakin University’s global industry linkages. The target market for the program includes businesses with an innovative idea to develop and commercialise; businesses needing solutions to manufacturing problems; R&D facilities needing an outlet to manufacture or apply their research, and academic institutions with the capabilities to provide resources to industry.

A New era in Manufacturing Engineering Network Geelong (ENG) Is a diverse group of 47 engineering companies working together and aims to promote Geelong regional capability and to pursue work opportunities for members. Regular ENG events bring together members and major project proponents, industry associations and support organisations to collaborate and network. ENG has led interstate trade delegations with local members to pursue opportunities and promote ENG capability nationwide.

ENTERPRISE CONNECT Enterprise Connect’s new Continuous Improvement (CI) Program is part of a 3 year SME change management program aimed at embedding sustainable CI principles, accelerating competitiveness and raising performance. Enterprise Connect is the Federal Government’s flagship industry program and provides a comprehensive free business review. The program offers matched funding of $20k to assist implementation of recommendations. To be eligible for the program Annual Turnover must be between $1.5M and $100M. Call Vlado Baban: 0418 120 373, email Vlado.baban@axcel.com.au

GMC Programs offer local manufacturing industry the latest thinking and practical assistance in areas such as Sustainability, Innovation, Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence.

The Sustainable Industry Program facilitated 20 businesses in 2011 to adopt new practices to improve business and environmental outcomes. Building on this, funding has been applied for to run a comprehensive program to tackle this critical area in greater detail.

The year-long fully subscribed GMC Leadership Program is aimed at arming current and developing business leaders with the strategic leadership capacity and essential skill sets in lean and innovation to succeed in today’s challenging environment.

The GMC works to support, assist and encourage manufacturing activity in the region. It is a not for profit organisation supported by sponsors and industry members from a variety of manufacturing, education, government and support organisations. The GMC lobbies on behalf of industry, liaising with a range of stakeholders to improve outcomes for manufacturing. The success of the Geelong Innovation and Investment Fund (over 1,000 jobs and $100m of investment) has led the GMC to support and lobby for the establishment of a new innovation fund for Geelong. “ Manufacturing in Geelong is an asset which should be further developed and encouraged. All successful advanced economies around the world have strong manufacturing sectors which compete on value, not cost. Manufacturing has the largest impact on employment, world trade and is the biggest driver of R&D. Innovation imbedded in products and processes lead to a high return. Germany, Sweden and Finland do this very well. Geelong, with its diverse industry base and locational advantages, including a university breaking new ground in new materials research such as the $102m Carbon Fibre Centre, means that Geelong in 2012 is in a unique place to take advantage of current opportunities.”

David Peart

If you would liked further information contact GMC on 5222 8000 or email admin@geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com.au www.geelongmanufacturingcouncil.com.au

COVER STORY

The Trail ahead Tracking the journey in and out of our careers.

DO you remember what it was like, to want to get that break into your chosen career so badly, or were just desperate to find a job – any job at all?

Do you know, or can you imagine, what it is like to look back over a long career and decide that it’s time to walk away and step into a future that doesn’t involve each day at work following the last day at work? We all face these moments in our working lives, and for some of us, we face them more than a few times. So, how do you best tackle the dawn and dusk of a career?

Finding genuine perspective across a spectrum that spans eager young graduates right across to career-savvy and a little work weary impending retirees is no easy task, but it is one that Hays Recruitment’s Senior Regional Director for Victoria and Tasmania, Tim James, has in spades. People changing their jobs is, after all, his job.

16 | BUSINESS NEWS

So it was to him that I turned with my questions about getting in and getting out of a career.

“Our experience with people who are looking to exit high level, stressful jobs, and are easing their way into retirement has certainly increased over the past two or three years. We have placed quite a lot of experienced people who have left their permanent roles into more contract-based, temporary roles and are operating more in a consultative capacity.

“I suppose that is probably more accepted in the public sector, to be honest.

We do place experienced consultants quite a lot specifically with the state government, and we find that the public sector market is quite accepting and encouraging of bringing in people with experience into a consultative capacity.”

And it makes really good sense. We hear again and

again about shortage of management and executive skills, and we have a generation of managers and executives at or approaching the traditional retirement age.

In the meantime, attitudes towards retirement have shifted quite dramatically.

Rarely now do we hear the gentle murmurs of ‘more time for fishing and golf’. The cry is reverberating amongst baby boomers: ‘But, I’m too young to retire. I don’t want to rattle around home all day. I want to work. I want to travel. I can’t be sitting around all day. I won’t do it!’

And they’re not. These managers, executives, skilled professionals and tradespeople are continuing to share the benefit of their years of experience, but on their own terms, as consultants. The public sector is an obvious starting point for such a change, but the private sector has raised its collective muzzle, sniffed

the winds of change and recognized the scent of the future.

“Where it does fit nicely in with the private market is in project-related work. So, we do have experience with this in the private sector, but it is more a case of placing someone for a specific project, where they need specialised expertise and experience. Obviously, bringing someone in who’s got an already proven history and work experience is easy on a project, because you don’t have to spend any time up-skilling them, or training them, or getting them used to the marketplace. And while I’ve said that this is common practice in the public sector, it is also common in the private sector, when it’s related to project-driven work,” Mr James. “But whether that will change at all, time will tell.”

The attraction of the arrangement – that often sees consultants working

COVER STORY does sound like a nice plan…

“And where it works very well, is where the employee is quite versatile. They’ve got to be willing to be versatile, and they’ve also got to have transferable skills. Obviously, if you have a had a very niche career, with only very specific skills in one area, then that restricts the opportunity for this type of transition into retirement,” Mr James said.

At the other end of the job market sits an, if anything, even more daunting prospect than facing the end of a career – it is the hope, the fervent dream of a long career in their chosen field.

It is the prospect that most graduates face. ‘I’ve done the study, I’ve worked hard, I am committed and passionate and this is what I really want … I just don’t know how to get it.’ It’s like small children with their noses pressed against the windows of houses where everyone inside is having the most wonderful time, but you are still out in the cold.

There are endless theories about getting your big break into a chosen field. for between a few months and a year at a time, and then taking months off work – is obvious. It is that rarest of things in the realm of employer/employee relationships – it’s a win-win situation. The employer gets to retain those valuable skills and the benefit of those years of experience, without the often high salary attached to the previous permanent role; and the employee gains less responsibilities, considerably more flexibility, and the ability to self-fund part or the whole of retirement in much more comfort than that offered by the aged pension.

Companies that have the benefit of highly experienced employees with valuable skills sets are increasingly looking to retain staff members that may otherwise have followed the traditional path to retirement.

“Those companies are now starting to sit down and start a conversation with skilled

full-time employees who are approaching retirement age, and they are working together to see whether they can minimise hours, but still offer value to the business,” Mr James said.

When we look at the big picture of generational change in the workforce and the now imminent concerns about decline in Australia’s working population, this option of staged retirement just may help to ease the pressure on the business sector, and, of course, the welfare sector.

“I tend to agree – I think this is a positive thing. I think it’s good for the employer and the employee,” Mr James said.

Looking ahead, I don’t find it hard to imagine myself enjoying this mediated form of retirement: working for six months, travelling for a few months, returning to work for a few months before heading off on holiday again. Hmm, it

“I think that what happens, is that we go off and study, but you don’t really think about employment until the latter stages of your study. I think it’s not always clear about how that will pan out, and I’m not sure that everyone has a decent plan about how best to go about getting into the workforce,” Mr James said.

“So what happens is that you tend to get people who have had a bit of a reality check. A shock to the system, I think.”

For many graduates, there is the hope that there will be a place for them in a graduate program. The reality, however, is that in a marketplace affected by uncertainty, graduate programs – where there are relevant programs – tend to be cut back. For people working in companies or organisations that have graduate programs, these are simple economic realities.

For a young graduate coming out of years of studying, it is nothing short of a serious bummer.

“Not only that,” Mr James said, “but graduate programs aren’t that easy to get into

“ Chase the opportunities and make sure you’re up to speed on them so that you sound credible.”

They vary slightly on the central themes of ‘just hang in there’ and ‘keep trying’, and that old favourite, ‘don’t give up’. As sage and worthy as these idioms may be, they can prove poor comfort to a once proud degree holder now facing the depressing round of job application after application, in a weakening job market, and without a job in sight.

“It’s not always as easy as people think it’s going to be, but I still think there are plenty of opportunities for people entering into the market.

The challenges there are really about having realistic expectations – and also about having a good strategy, or good thought process, about how to best enter the workplace.

at the best of times. There are a lot of large companies that offer good graduate programs, and not only large companies, there are also a lot of SMEs that offer them as well. But that is the obvious choice that graduates go to, so the numbers of people applying to get those places is extremely high. That makes it really difficult and that strategy of following the graduate programs is not necessarily what you should be putting all your hopes into.”

For graduates who are looking to get a foothold into a career, Mr James said the first thing they need to do is to research their chosen field.

“As a recruitment agency, I’m still surprised when I meet graduates and they have so

BUSINESS NEWS | 17

COVER STORY little knowledge about what they really want to do. When you do meet graduates who want to go into engineering, for example, they often haven’t thought about what type of company they would be interested in working in, and then researched those companies. Certainly there is this expectation that when the job they really want becomes advertised, then it will all become a bit clearer. But realistically, you have to be more proactive when looking to enter the market, and you have to be more focussed on whom you want to work for and what you want to be.

“Employers like to employ people who want to work for them. They don’t want to employ people who have the attitude of ‘I’ll work for anyone, I just want a job’.

So, if you’re an owner or an

executive of a company, when you’re giving people an opportunity to enter the workforce, you generally want to see that they have a good understanding of your company, they have a good understanding of your vision, your focus and where your company is headed.

With today’s technology, that information isn’t hard to obtain, you just have to do the research,” Mr James said.

Those simple messages of giving serious consideration to where you want your future to lie, doing the research into suitable companies or organisations and then getting your skates on and chasing after your goals are ones that resonate throughout a career, as well as at the beginning and end of the your career journey. Fortune favours the brave, and, in the

job market, the determined.

“The other important thing is for people to be confident, and to show credibility in questioning, and challenging where the particular company is going – to show that commercial awareness, even though you might never have been in the workforce or that field before,” Mr James said.

“You have to demonstrate those type of skills, and you can do that by listening, and asking sensible questions about where things are heading, etcetera.

“People looking to break into a new career or new job need to be following the market. They need to not only research organisations, but they need research job markets, read job boards, speak to recruitment agencies, and they need to see if they can follow the market trends.

“In relation to regional areas, there is always investment going on in regional areas.

There is investment of both private and public funding.

So if you’re living in Geelong, or Ballarat, or Werribee, you need to know what’s happening in those areas.

Chase the opportunities and make sure you’re up to speed on them so that you sound credible.

“What has amazed me over the past three or four years, is how picky graduates can be. It really just amazes me. We had some roles on recently, and we gave a couple of graduates some great opportunities in good roles with a very competitive salary, but their expectation was that they wanted another $10,000. For me, if you are entering the market, you should be entering a career in an organisation you want to work for in a job that you want to do. Don’t think that all the other values around which people take jobs should be your main priority – but even in these tougher economic times, I don’t know that there is a consistent trend of that happening.”

Mr James said this was a problem that tended to

18 | BUSINESS NEWS

be specific to younger job seekers, and that at the other end of the spectrum – with those looking to trade high stress full-time work for flexible, less stress work – questions of income tended to be less of a critical factor in accepting in declining a job offer.

“When people want to downsize or get themselves into a position where they have less responsibilities, most people will see it as a given that they will take a pay cut. Actually, they quite like it, because they don’t feel as much responsibility to do more than they want to.

“What is also good is that employers who are looking to bring people on in a consultative capacity don’t see it as an opportunity to devalue them. I think there just happens to be this mutual respect, and clear understanding of where things should be, and nobody pushes the boundaries on either side.”

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But I keep hearing more stories of happy career downsizers, still earning a competitive income – albeit reduced from their previous full-time income – but with all the benefits of flexibility and greatly reduced workload and stress. We can only hope it continues!

And while for most of this article we have talked about young people embarking on a new career, or mature people looking to smooth their path out of their career - in a society where it is now common to experience a few, or even more than a few, careers during a working life - all this terribly sensible advice is relevant to working people of almost all ages. You might not even be looking to change your career, just your job, and the same basic principles apply to you too.

In the same way that how we think about work has changed, naturally, so has the way we think about getting in and out of a job.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

‘Time’ - One of your most valuable assests.

How much is your time worth?

Direct Recruitment knows that when recruiting staff the stakes are too high to take sort cuts or cut corners.

We achieve great results by making full use of a commodity that, in this

Direct Recruitment Branch Manager Simon Heffernan with Recruitment Specialist Kate Hallo.

Permanent Placement Get the right team! Recruiting the right staff is one of the most important decisions your organisation can make.

If you require a professional, responsive recruitment service, Direct Recruitment can source high calibre candiates that meet your organisation’s expectations.

Our 3 Month guarantee on candidate placements give your business stability and peace of mind as an employer.

busy world, is too often overlooked – ‘Time’.

All applicants are interviewed professionally using a range of behavioural interviewing techniques. We take the time to listen to their achievements.

We take the time to understand their future aspirations and we take the time to match them to the most appropriate job. We do this because the right person in the right job will ultimately save everybody time!

At Direct Recruitment we take recruitment as seriously as you do and look forward to the opportunity of speaking with you in the near future regarding any questions you may have about our organisation and the recruitment services we can provide. Direct have highly competitive rates and offers a distinct personalised service that’s sets us apart from our competitiors.

The same can be said about our client relationships. Through constructive face-to-face meetings to discuss your company’s history, culture, structure and future, we put ourselves in a position to ensure we match a person’s skills to your specific requirements.

Labour Hire and Temporary Placement Our professional consultants develop an understanding and knowledge of your business to respond quickly when you require temporary staffing.

Our competitive rates, consultant expertise and minimal lead times will ensure your business will continue to operate effectively so that you can get on with what you do best – running your business!

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BUSINESS NEWS | 19

REGULATION

Use your rights – repair, replace, refund The Australian Consumer Law provides customers, including business customers, with legal protections when purchasing goods or services.

Businesses need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to consumer guarantees.

What are the consumer guarantees?

As a business owner or manager, you need to be aware of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which provides your customers with certain legal protections when they buy your goods and/or services.

Since 1 January 2011, under the ACL goods and services sold in trade or commerce must comply with a set of consumer guarantees. In broad terms goods must be of acceptable quality, be fit for any purpose that the customer made known and match any description given. Services must be delivered with due care and skill, and completed within a reasonable time if no set timeframe is agreed.

If goods or services don’t meet one or more of the consumer guarantees, consumers have a legal right to a remedy. That is, your customers have the right to ask for a repair, replacement or refund, if the products you sell are faulty, unsafe or don’t work as intended.

It is important that businesses are aware of this law to ensure that they comply and have systems in place to deal with consumer complaints.

This may include setting up a store policy on returns and educating staff about how to deal with customer complaints.

Fur further information about business obligations in relation to the consumer guarantees visit www.accc.gov.au/ CGbusiness.

How do the consumer guarantees protect my business?

20 | BUSINESS NEWS

The consumer guarantees don’t just impose obligations on businesses – they also provide them with protections.

Business to business transactions under $40,000 are covered by the consumer guarantees.

This means that when your business buys goods or services under $40,000, if one or more of the consumer guarantees have not been met, your business is entitled to the same legal recourse as a consumer.

You may contact the ACCC, your local office of fair trading or have the matter heard at your local small claims tribunal or Magistrate’s Court.

Where parties cannot reach an agreement, the tribunal or court will decide the nature of the business’s failure to meet one of the guarantees and how the supplier must remedy that failure.

For further information about consumer guarantees and how to make a complaint visit www.accc.gov.au/ consumerrights.

Telecommunications problems If your business has a problem with a mobile phone handset or other piece of telecommunications equipment, don’t ignore it.

Many communications companies offer deals and discounts if you sign up to more than one of their services. For example, you may be offered a discount on your business phone account if you agree to use the same supplier for your business internet or mobile connection.

This is known as ‘bundling’.

Bundled contracts are legal

agreements. However, they are not exempt from the consumer guarantees, and their terms and conditions cannot cancel out these protections.

For example, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took legal action against Optus Mobile in 2010, based on numerous complaints from Optus customers. Customers complained of receiving a faulty mobile handset under a 24-month post-paid contract.

The remedies offered to them

by Optus Mobile were limited to those under the mobile handset manufacturer’s express warranty policy, and did not comply with Australia’s fair trading law (then the Trade Practices Act 1974, now the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which includes the consumer guarantees).

Following the ACCC’s investigation, Optus introduced a 24-month express repair warranty for all mobile phones supplied on

24-month post-paid contracts.

If your business has problems with a mobile phone handset or other piece of telecommunications equipment, you should first contact the business you bought it from. If they do not satisfactorily resolve the problem, contact your local consumer protection agency or the ACCC. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) can also assist consumers to resolve complaints about telephone and internet services. The TIO may be able to assist you if the phone handset or equipment was supplied as part of a contract.

The TIO offers a fast, free and fair dispute resolution service for small business and residential customers in Australia.

For further information visit www.tio.com.au.

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NEWS Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham as well as resurgent inner-city areas such as the Cities of Melbourne, Port Phillip, Yarra and Maribyrnong.

Painting a picture of a state Some people couldn’t imagine anything more boring than poring over a page of population statistics. If you are one of these people, you might want to move on to the next page. For everyone else, this a snapshot of our state’s population and household projections.

PLANNING Minister Matthew Guy has released Victoria in Future 2012, an update to Victoria’s official population and household projections.

Victoria in Future 2012 shows that Victoria’s population is expected to grow from 5.6 million to 7.3 million, an average annual growth rate of 1.3 per cent between 2011 and 2031.

Melbourne’s population is expected to grow from 4.1 million to 5.4 million, an average annual growth rate of 1.3 per cent between 2011 and 2031. Regional Victoria’s population is expected to grow from 1.5 million to 1.9 million over the same period, an average annual growth rate of 1.2 per cent.

22 | BUSINESS NEWS

Mr Guy said the new projections take account of the exceptional population growth experienced

by Victoria, particularly Melbourne, between 2007 and 2009, which was particularly due to a spike in overseas migration. Mr Guy and the Baillieu Government are promising a long-term plan to manage the state’s population growth, vowing to deliver new affordable homes, infrastructure and conditions that encourage jobs, businesses and attract investment.

Over the next two decades, the strongest growth in Melbourne is expected to be in the growth areas of Cardinia, Casey, Hume,

Strong growth is also expected in the regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Latrobe Valley, Shepparton, Mildura, Wodonga and Warrnambool. Peri-urban shires such as Mitchell, Moorabool, Baw Baw, Bass Coast are also expected to attract significant growth.

“With both Melbourne and regional Victoria growing, the role and function of Victoria’s regions and the relationship of cities, towns and communities across our state is of increasing importance,” Mr Guy said.

“There will be strong linkages between the new metropolitan planning strategy, Growth Corridor Plans and Regional Growth Plans already underway.”

Victoria in Future 2012 replaces projections released in 2008, and draws on the latest available population estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for 30 June 2011 and other thirdparty data.

Highlights of Victoria in Future 2012: The population of Victoria was 5.6 million at 30 June 2011.

This was 72,000 higher than was projected in 2008.

Victoria in Future 2012 shows Victoria growing by 3.1 million to 8.7 million, an average annual rate of increase of 1.1% between 2011 and 2051.

Overseas migration is expected to be the largest driver of Victoria’s population growth over the next 40 years.

All Local Government Areas in Melbourne will increase in population. The projections reflect an ongoing shift towards focused growth in Melbourne’s north and west.

Almost 1.5 million people live in regional Victoria, which is projected to grow to 2.3 million over the same period.

Victoria’s population is ageing, with the median age expected to increase from 37 years in 2011 to 41 years in 2051 - this trend is influenced by the large group of people born between 1945 and 1971.

The proportion of the population aged 65 years and older is projected to increase from 13.9% to 22.1% by 2051.

Victoria’s household growth rate is projected to exceed population growth rate as the average household size gradually decreases over the projection period.

LEGAL have been embellished and tailored throughout the course of the proceeding in an effort to exclude Ms Kavassilas’ absence from work due to illness as a reason for her dismissal.

Made in haste, regret at leisure In a recent decision of the Federal Magistrates Court, an employer (MTA) has been ordered to pay a sacked senior manager, Ms Kavassilas, more than $114,000 in penalties, compensation and costs for dismissing her because she was temporarily absent from work due to illness.

MS Kavassilas was absent from work between the 9th and 11th of August 2010, following a stressful meeting with MTA’s two directors on Friday 6 August. On the following Monday, Ms Kavassilas’ sister phoned MTA and left a message that Ms Kavassilas was sick and would call again on

the directors aware of her absences from work.

In an affidavit prepared prior to hearing, Mr Levinston denied that he knew or had been informed that Ms Kavassilas was sick at the time of her dismissal. At the hearing, faced with copies of emails, and other evidence to the contrary, Mr Levingston

“ The Court found that both directors were

aware, when making the decision to dismiss Ms Kavassilas, that she was absent due to sick leave ...”

Wednesday if she could not return to work. An email to this effect was sent to one of the directors (Mr Levingston) who forwarded it to the other director (Mrs Ross). On Wednesday morning, a verbal message was given to Mr Levingston that Ms Kavassilas would not be well enough to return to work for the rest of the week and would produce a medical certificate shortly.

Ms Kavassilas sent an email to this effect to Mr Levingston on the same day.

On Wednesday afternoon, before she provided the certificate, a letter signed by the directors was delivered to Ms Kavassilas, terminating her employment without notice.

The letter made various allegations of unsatisfactory performance and conduct by Ms Kavassilas, and asserted that she had failed to keep

withdrew his denial. Mrs Ross denied that the dismissal was because of Ms Kavassilas’ absence, and aired the view that following Friday’s meeting, Ms Kavassilas was probably aware that she was likely to be dismissed, and was taking sick leave to avoid turning up to work.

MTA had the evidentiary onus of proving that its reasons for dismissing Ms Kavassilas did not include an unlawful reason, such as Ms Kavassilas being on sick leave. Whilst the Court was not able to conclusively determine the true reasons for Ms Kavassilas’ dismissal, it was not satisfied that those reasons did not include the unlawful reason. The Court found the evidence of the two directors to be contradictory, unreliable and unpersuasive, noting that it appeared to

The Court found that both directors were aware, when making the decision to dismiss Ms Kavassilas, that she was absent due to sick leave and would provide a medical certificate for her absence within a reasonable period. The remaining complaints in the termination letter were initially relied on by the employer as reasons for the summary dismissal, but abandoned during the trial when it became clear that they were ‘baseless’ and ‘manifestly indefensible’.

No warnings about Ms Kavassilas performance or conduct potentially leading to a dismissal had been given prior to the termination letter and the evidence of the directors gave no substance to the inadequately articulated criticisms of her conduct.

The Court did not find that MTA had consciously disregarded the Fair Work Act, but held there was at least carelessness in the thinking of the two directors as to the lawfulness of their action, which amounted to reckless disregard of MTA’s legal obligation. The Court commented that it is not unreasonable to construe the Fair Work Act as intending to encourage employers not to take dismissal action for an employee’s temporary absence without first inquiring whether the absence might be attributable to an injury or illness covered by sick leave, or at least waiting until a reasonable or specified time for the provision of a medical certificate has elapsed.

Taking into account the circumstances of Ms Kavassilas’ dismissal, and the manner in which MTA (which was represented by a legal practice conducted by Mr Levingston) conducted itself throughout the course

of the proceedings, the Court imposed a penalty of $20,000 out of the maximum possible $33,000, and ordered MTA to pay around $57,000 towards Ms Kavassilas legal costs as well as compensation for lost income in the region of $37,000.

This case illustrates the importance of obtaining good legal advice before acting on an impulse to terminate an employee. The consequences of not doing so for MTA included not only the monetary cost of an adverse judgment, but also reputational damage, as well as the stress of a court case and time away from the business to fight the case.

Jim Rutherford, Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations Law.

Sonia McCabe, Lawyer.

BUSINESS NEWS | 23

TAX

Business Succession & Exit Protection

- Provides the funding for the Estate buyout, preventing your business from having to finance the share price or sell down assets.

If you are in a partnership with other parties, you are advised to prepare appropriate legal documents and funding mechanisms in the event one of the parties leaves the business voluntarily or involuntarily.

Exit Agreements What if you want to retire from your business? What if you have simply had enough? Do you or your business partners

exit without the stress of wondering what will happen.

- Ensures fraudulent or nonperforming partners can be exited quickly from the business.

- Allows existing partners to have control over who enters their business.

- Keeps the business running smoothly with flexible payment options for exiting partners.

A financial risk adviser can review your existing cover to ensure you are not exposed, and may even be able to reduce your premiums or arrange new cover as required.

A financial risk adviser can also help facilitate these agreements in conjunction with a specialist lawyer.

Buy/Sell Agreements & Business Succession Protection What if a partner was forced to leave the business? If you or your partner were forced from the business due to death, or permanent disability, could you do business with the partner’s spouse or estate? Could you afford to pay them the value of their share? Or, more importantly, would you or your estate be able to receive the

value of the countless hours you have put into the business?

A Buy/Sell Agreement with adequate Business Succession Protection can help your business achieve the following: -A llow for the smooth exit of a partner due to death or disability, ensuring the Estate is paid their ‘Fair Value’.

-P revents external parties taking control of your business.

know what will happen if someone decides to leave?

Even worse, what happens if one of your partners is fraudulent, or simply not pulling their weight?

An Exit Agreement can address the following issues involved with a departing partner in the business:

Andrew McDougall WHK Financial Adviser/ Risk Specialist * Advice on these services is provided under licence of WHK Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 51 060 092 631 AFSL 238244

- Allows the partner to retire with a stronger certainty of payment.

- Allows partners to voluntarily

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LEGAL

Changes to off-the-plan sales

amend, or have contracts reissued, for any unsold lots.

With new residential development booming across regional Victoria, warnings will be issued to all new land purchasers (after June 30, 2012) addressing some of the pitfalls of buying off-the-plan.

A contract of sale for a parcel of land that, at the date of the contract, is yet to be issued a separate title is known as an ‘off-the-plan’ contract of sale.

Off-the-plan contracts are governed predominantly by the Sale of Land Act 1962. The Act imposes strict obligations of disclosure upon the Vendor to the Purchaser prior to the registration of the Plan and new titles being issued. A series of recent legislative changes will create further obligations.

The Consumer Affairs Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2010 (VIC) has introduced new warnings, which must be published on the front page of all off-the-plan contracts of sale in Victoria entered into after 30 June 2012, giving notice to the purchasers that: 1. The deposit paid by the purchaser is negotiable but must not exceed 10% of the purchase price being the limit set by Section 9AA(1)(b) of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (VIC).

2. Notice that a substantial period of time may elapse between the day upon which the purchaser signs the contract and the day the purchaser becomes registered proprietor of the land; and 3. Notice that the value of the land may change from the day of sale and the day the purchaser becomes registered proprietor.

Failure to comply with these provisions may entitle the purchaser to rescind the contract at any time up until the plan is registered. Vendors using any front cover pages or marketing as a front page of their contracts must now incorporate these warnings into that front page, or remove that front page entirely. These new requirements are likely to be strictly enforced.

These changes must be incorporated into all new contracts from 30 June 2012.

Developers, agents and financiers will also need to

Further, a deposit under an off-the-plan contract will no longer be able to be paid into a special purpose account.

Deposits can now only be held by a legal practitioner, conveyancer or licensed real estate agent acting for the vendor. This will not preclude the parties from agreeing to the deposit being held in an interest bearing account operated by the vendors legal practitioner, conveyancer or licensed real estate agent.

“ Developers, agents and financiers will also need to amend, or have contracts reissued, for any unsold lots.”

Previously, anyone who sought and received legal advice before signing a contract of sale lost their cooling off provisions. From 1 March 2012, the cooling off exemption will be amended so that purchasers may obtain legal advice and keep their cooling off entitlements intact.

Contracts of Sale will need to be amended by removing or striking out the cooling off exception where a purchaser obtains legal advice before signing a contract.

Joanne Dorn, Lawyer

Disclaimer: This article contains general comments only. Specific legal advice should be obtained in relation to any matters associated with the topic discussed.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 25

Helping people help themselves...

Corporate Social Responsibility – let’s shout about it.

We all hear constantly of the “benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility” – so much so that it’s all getting a bit tiresome. We’ve all been told that being corporately responsible is essential for employee recruitment & retention, managing our reputations, competiveness, marketplace positioning and optimal financial performance.

Yep, got it.

In communities such as ours, we all know each other, we all support the same events, and we all give our time and finances to community services.

But we have to admit, it’s getting hard to differentiate one business from another.

So why become involved?

Other than the obvious “doing good” for your community, it’s often hard to establish the direct benefit to your company in giving to community causes.

It is essential to have the community interacting together and working towards common goals. So while spot donations are an invaluable and incredibly generous source of help, we at St Laurence believe that if we are not proactive about developing these ‘sponsorships’ into a two-way ongoing relationship, then this relationship could end prematurely, resulting in little benefit to the company offering sponsorship, and no long-term advantage for the community services provider.

The bottom line is Corporate Social Responsibility is only beneficial to both parties if the marketplace is aware of this partnership. That’s why here at St Laurence Community Services we’re adopting a whole new philosophy to our partners in the community. We want to shout out to the community about those that generously donate, and allow our sponsors the opportunities to tap into our community resources. Basically, we want our sponsors and their customers to know how truly appreciated they are.

Use our events as your own events.

Invite guests on your behalf that will not only benefit the community partnership, but your business in itself. Jump on board our media communications to send out important messages to your communities. Be included in our advertising features. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our community partners.

26 | BUSINESS NEWS

We know sponsorship is an important two-way relationship and we won’t shy away from it.

This year, we’re celebrating a 10 year partnership with Ryrie Office Machines as our Major Partner. Keith Greenwood and his team have been committed to making a difference in our community by offering invaluable financial support and services to St Laurence.

Keith really puts back into the community and is happy to help out in any way he can. Some of the organisations he has personally helped out with include St Laurence, Relay for Life, Singing in the Rain Centre Stage Geelong, The Naval Association and Kardinia International College. Keith and his team are always doing their part for the Geelong community.

Ryrie Office Machines (est. for over 30

From a community services organisation perspective, keeping these partnerships as interactive and interconnected as possible, and ensuring sponsors are well looked after, will lead to long term investment into community initiatives.

And from the perspective of the company generously donating funds, utilising the resources offered to them for their own business’ sake will ensure regular successes within this community they are supporting.

Looking for an opportunity to get your business out there?

Now here comes the sales pitch.

St Laurence’s annual (newly named for the benefit of all you Geelong supporters!) ‘Blue & White Ball’, being held July 6, is looking for sponsors to support this event and to utilise this event to wine and dine your own

“ It is essential to have the community interacting together and working towards common goals.” years) are dedicated to helping your business grow with the times and are highly recommended by us here at St Laurence. Ryrie Office Machines work hard to gain understanding of your organisation and your particular needs, and only then will they put forward solutions on ways to cut costs, simplify your faxes, printers, scanners, copiers, email, mail outs, and paper handling needs.

“We cannot be more grateful to Keith and his team at Ryrie Office Machines for their financial donations over the years to help St Laurence to continue to operate valuable community programs”.

“Through this relationship, we have also tapped into the services offered at Ryrie Office Machines, and now trust Keith and his team with servicing our entire organisation”. Toby oConnor, St Laurence CEO.

customers, workforce, family and friends.

The ‘Blue & White Ball’ is going to become part of the landscape of the Geelong community around this time every year. So be sure to shout about your Corporate Social Responsibility and get on board as a partner to this event from the very beginning.

Check out our sponsorship packages→ And don’t forget, we’re all about partnering with our community sponsors and working out a package that is equally beneficial to both parties.

Contact me today to discuss how your company can benefit from this function, fundraising for the community, and ongoing support opportunities.

So, what have your donations done for you and your customers lately?

Whilst we certainly commend those of you in the community that make donations irrespective of direct benefit back to you and your company, we believe true community goodwill stems from working cohesively together to support each other in the community.

Jenny Sheahan PR & Marketing Manager p: 5282 0088 f: 5282 2606 m: 0417 641 516 www.stlaurence.org.au

Helping peop Have you ever heard of a ‘Human Library’?

It’s simple and so effective! Visitors (readers) to the St Laurence Human Library are given the opportunity to speak to people on loan (living books) for 20 minute blocks.

This unique model was developed by idealistic youngsters in Denmark and is designed to encourage understanding amongst people who perhaps wouldn’t

CLIP

ordinarily meet and give visitors the opportunity to learn something from someone new with a story to tell.

This year’s Bloke’s Day Out saw the St Laurence team test this model with fantastic success.

For more information, please contact Anna Loughrey on (03) 5273 3200 or 0448 904 156.

SLCS staff member Ingrid Waters experiencing her first ‘Living Book’ – Stephen Clayson, who has suffered an acquired brain injury as a result of a motorbike accident.

Engaging Students in Community Services

St Laurence Community Services, in conjunction with Barwon Health, Glastonbury, Karingal, Pathways and the Geelong Regional Vocational Education Council, are proactively addressing the issue of workforce shortages in the community services sector by recruiting year 10 & 11 students to get a ‘taster’ of what it’s like to work in the community services sector.

The program is called the Community Life

Inclusion Program (CLIP). Upon completion of this CLIP program, students can enrol in a specific industry driven VET program while still at school and complete a Cert III in Community Services Work. The CLIP program not only introduces students to the community services sector as a real career choice, but it provides them with the opportunities to really make an impact on their resumes to move forward with a satisfying and rewarding career.

For further information please contact Kylie Fox, Geelong Regional Vocational Education Council (GRVEC) on (03) 5222 8522, 0413 508 487 or kylie@grvec.org.au

Breaking the cycle of poverty St Laurence Community Services Inc., in conjunction with Anglicare agencies across Australia, participated in a nationwide rental affordability snapshot on Saturday 14 April.

The snapshot reported 427 rental listings in Geelong. Of these only 6% met the affordable cut off level for people receiving Centrelink payments. This percentage is less than the last snapshot in 2011.

“Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is an investment in the future for many families and their children in Geelong. To not invest in

housing means that many people are unable to break out of the cycle of poverty” said CEO Mr Toby oConnor.

The Blue & White Ball hosted by St Laurence will be fundraising to support this cause and secure affordable housing for Geelong.

For information on the Blue & White Ball, please contact Jenny Sheahan on 0417 641 516 or events@stlaurence.org.au.

For further details on the affordable housing snapshot, please contact Megan Peacock 0407 526 438

MyPATH! Launched!

On April 26, Minister David Koch officially launched St Laurence’s brand new program MyPATH, which delivers learning experiences for life for people with a disability.

This completely new curriculum-based framework approach to disability services will revolutionise the way this service is provided in our community.

One of the highlights of the launch was client ‘Tammy’ performing her song about the new program. “It’s about you, it’s about me. I’m getting fit, I’m getting strong. Learning and moving on”.

MyPATH delivers real outcomes and education for people living with a disability and offers multiple learning and experience pathways that are centred on each individual.

The underlying principles of MyPATH are: • using a person centred thinking approach at all times • encouraging greater participation by people with a disability and their families, in directing

28 | BUSINESS NEWS

their own plans, support and funding • increasing opportunities for people to make their own choices and decisions • promoting growth and greater independence • respecting personal rights and dignity • maximising opportunities for engagement and real participation • offering supports & services in a flexible and “can do” manner • working with each individual from a holistic perspective At MyPATH we are committed to achieving results and setting the pathways that lead to a better life.

Visit www.mypath.org.au today for more information, or simply contact our Planning & Services Coordinators today.

Geelong: Bronwyn Sizer 5222 6522 mypath.geelong@stlaurence.org.au Colac: Laurelle Wintle 5231 5327 mypath.colac@stlaurence.org.au

From left to right: Toby oConnor (St Laurence, CEO), Mr David Koch MP (Member for Western Victoria Region), Don Blackmore (St Laurence Chairman), Alex Gunning (St Laurence Manager of Social Engagement).

ople help themselves...

This year, St Laurence is hosting the biggest fundraiser in town! This is the first year of many of St Laurence’s all new inaugural “Blue & White Ball”. This night will showcase a variety of first-class entertainment & surprise acts, including the amazing Hot Club Swing band to kick the night off!

Guests will be treated to a first class dinner by famous Chef Chris Lyons as well as a drinks package, a live & silent auction, surprise MC, Q&A with Cameron Ling, entertainment both on and off stage… you name it, we’ve got it!

The theme of the night is “All That Jazz, New York Glamour – with a touch of 1920’s”. Yep, we’ve tried to shove a

little bit of everything in there! But it’s easy; just grab a 1920’s ‘accessory’ to compliment your outfit or go the whole get-up and caboodle – whichever suits!

Cameron Ling will be picking the best dressed of the night so be sure to dress to impress! Not to worry if you can’t find anything ‘1920’s’. We’ll have plenty of accessories to share to ensure you get some 1920’s themed pictures from the night.

Here’s the best bit. Our table prices are fantastic value! Only $1000 for a table of 10 (or $120 for individual tickets). So don’t just book a ticket, book a table!

Let’s get everyone involved to really make this the night of nights and raise

some much needed funds.

All funds raised will go towards securing affordable housing in Geelong. Stay tuned to the media to find out why this is such a topical issue at the moment, and why we so desperately need these funds to break out of the poverty cycle.

If you only go to one event this year, make sure this is the one. There will be no better opportunity to be exposed to first class entertainment, network with everyone in Geelong and surrounds, and raise money for a worthy cause.

To enquire or book online, please go to www.stlaurence.org.au/blueandwhiteball.

Or call (03) 5282 1405. See you there!

Bookings call (03) 5282 0089

BUSINESS NEWS | 29

RECRUITMENT

Not just about what you do – but how you do it Cultural fit has become so important to hiring managers that it now often rates above a 100 per cent match to the necessary technical skills, says recruiting experts Hays.

ACCORDING to the latest Hays Quarterly Report, employers are not alone in their desire for a good cultural fit. Candidates too are looking for a company that provides the right fit, and often rank this above the salary on offer.

Nick Deligiannis, Director of Hays, says, “We’ve seen several cases of candidates turning down job offers because they didn’t feel the

This trend is occurring across both the private and public sectors and for candidates from accountancy to human resources and office support.

“The focus on cultural fit is to ensure a new recruit will integrate into the existing team, has an intrinsic understanding of the way the business operates and is more likely to be retained long-term. There is a belief

Architecture: Australia-wide Banking: Australia-wide

Oil & Gas: Australia-wide Life Sciences: Australia-wide: Clinical Research Associates and Clinical Nurse Consultants.

that technical skills can be taught, but cultural fit cannot,” Mr Deligiannis said.

Contact Centres: Australia-wide

Retail: Retail Managers with experience managing stores.

Energy: Australia-wide

“Considering the demand for skilled professionals in many industries, it is vital for employers to get cultural fit right to ensure business continuity and productivity is maintained.

It’s also encouraging to see cultural fit acknowledged as strategically important.”

Education: Australia-wide

Sales & Marketing: Business Development Managers, Sales Managers, Sales Executives, digital marketing specialists, marketing professionals, generalist communications and online communications professionals.

Engineering: Australia-wide Executive: Australia-wide Facilities Management: Australia-wide Healthcare: Australia-wide Human Resources: Australia-wide Information Technology: Australia-wide Insurance: Australia-wide Legal: Australia-wide Logistics: Australia-wide Manufacturing & Operations: Australia-wide: Design Drafters with Inventor experience, Quality Assurance and NPD and Continuous

30 | BUSINESS NEWS

Office Support: Australia-wide

Policy & Strategy: Australia-wide: Project Managers and Compliance Officers, QLD: Policy Officers.

turning down job offers because they didn’t feel the company culture reflected their long-term career goals.”

“Employers, meanwhile, are also considering not only a candidate’s technical skills, but their cultural and team fit.

We have seen many cases where an employer will train a candidate in the necessary technical skills if they are otherwise the right cultural fit for the business.

Accountancy & Finance: Australia-wide

Improvement professionals.

Construction: Contracts Administrators, Project Managers, Project Engineers, Site Managers and Safety Advisers, Civil Superintendents, Estimators Cost Managers, Cost Engineers and Managers, Planners and Schedulers, Professionals with high rise and health project experience, Steel Fixers and Formwork Carpenters, and Quantity Surveyors.

“ We’ve seen several cases of candidates

company culture reflected their long-term career goals.

According to the April to June Hays Quarterly Report, the following skills are in demand across the country:

Procurement: Australiawide: IT Contract Managers, IT Procurement Specialists, Entry-level Procurement Advisors and Category Managers.

Property: Australia-wide Resources & Mining: Australia-wide

Trades & Labour: Civil Machine Operators Excavator, Auto Electricians, HD Fitters and HR Truck Drivers, Diesel Fitters and Certificate 3 Drillers.

View the full Hays Quarterly Report at hays.com.au/report

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

SMALL BIZ

The only constant is CHANGE How do you market a new generation that doesn’t respond to being marketed to? Business writer, Clint Jennings, explains why business needs to change its way of thinking about the digital generation and replace the old ideas of communication with conversation.

need to let the old advertising models go for these younger people. We shouldn’t advertise to them at all, nor we should we try to sell them stuff either. We must engage them in a social situation, involve them in something interesting.

In fact, to us old codgers who grew up having this love/hate relationship with advertising, it seems that we are spending a lot of time and throwing dollars at the process without any meaningful metric or return.

Like a lot of new generational changes, we just don’t get it.

Most of our clients are in the digital immigrant group; we stridently claim that we know

WHEN you think about it, the conventional names for the generations such as the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y are names coined by the Baby Boomer demographers. In this case Gen X was almost the opposite of the characteristics of their baby Boomer elders, with the X referring to the mystery. We have been waiting for the generations to name themselves to indicate the claiming of a powerful identity. It has taken a while, but now we have the Digital Natives and this group even have a name for the older generations – the Digital Immigrants. Digital natives were born after 1985.

What is interesting with this group is that they aren’t differentiated by a radical shift in values, such as was the defining characteristic of the baby boomers, but in a very new way that they learn and deal with the world in general. Where we (no prizes for guessing which generation I fall into) would deal with the world in a linear sense, these guys are more inclined to a Levi Flight pattern. Whereas we would learn with written words, this generation uses visual navigation. We value communication and they need connectedness; we crave intensity and focus and they thrive on variety and multiple activities. We talk about patience and saving for a long-term objective, they desire speed and quick fulfilment. We hate liars and

on the screen, but in the end want a print out, to understand it properly or to take home.

We still think that a cloud is a lovely 5-minute daydream or a good night’s sleep, not somewhere to file our documents. Sending things to be stored in the ether is far too frightening.

These differences are fundamental, in that the change is at the level these younger people think and form ideas and learn. In one broad sweep we can see that the old advertising models won’t work, but it also outdates our educational models, and we can see that the forms of entertainment will change.

We can extend this to say that fashions, inventions and even the archaic legal forms will be under pressure to shift radically. This new generation will see business opportunities in areas that we don’t – perhaps calling into question our support structures as well.

In case you think that my extrapolation from simple observations is a flight of fancy, take a read of Clayton Christensen’s Class Disruption (Harvard University Press), which is a well-studied argument for radical change of the US education system – it predicts that the old educational precepts are irrelevant to the digital age.

He suggests that the issue is not going to be improved by tarting up the schools and the curriculum; they are dinosaurs whose time has come.

many of us have a touch of xenophobia, and these guys accept various levels of veracity and are far more culturally tolerant and worldwise.

So, how do we advertise to this group? The typical bi-fold brochure with the standard crap graphic and three columns of text is an anathema. Even an online version still doesn’t work (see the decline of Facebook marketing), as it is the same old stuff in digital form. We

how to advertise properly – we don’t need this hand holding relationship stuff; besides, it is too hard. We should just chuck a few images and a piece of great copy with an elegant hook thrown in for good measure and the job is done, isn’t it? The odd thing is that it’s the digital immigrants who actually spend more on technology than the younger cohort – there is a love affair with the new gadgets, but our brains are hardwired in an old way. Most of us read a bit

The real opportunity for schools and business is to learn from these young people, and value their insights, as they are willing to teach we of the older generations (i.e.: anybody over the age of 30) how to think and deal with the world in this new and exciting way. Time to get out the books again and go back to school.

Hey! That is so wrong; it is time to chuck the books and get out of school and learn from the new world. Well I’m excited, are you?

CLINT JENNINGS Australian Business Development Centre www.abdc.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 31

VECCI

Dealing with dismissal - some cautionary tales The process of dismissing and disciplining employees continues to be tricky for business owners and human resource specialists, with some recent cases at Australia’s industrial umpire, Fair Work Australia, illustrating the processes and procedures that need to be followed to protect yourself adequately.

FIRSTLY, a case in April demonstrates the need for a consistent approach to discipline across an organisation. Two youth justice workers at a correctional facility breached policy by attending an offender’s room during lockdown hours in separate incidents; the first resulting in an attempted escape, the second in an assault and temporarily successful escape.

The employee involved in the first incident faced no disciplinary action; however the employee in the second incident was dismissed following an investigation. The employer justified its actions due to the fact it was the second time the employee had made an unauthorised visit to an offender’s room in 12 months, and the

consequences of his actions had put other employees and the public at risk.

However a Fair Work Australia Commissioner ruled the dismissal to be unfair, despite valid reason existing, because the treatment of the two employees differed too greatly for comparable incidents and represented differential treatment, and $20,000 compensation was awarded That case emphasises the consideration that Fair Work Australia will give to the context of each business in determining whether a dismissal is harsh. It’s imperative that any disciplinary outcomes are considered in the overall context of the business and that a consistent overall approach to discipline is taken, supported by an

appropriate policy approach on raising any issues of concern in the workplace as they occur.

the store manager – only that he had forgotten to make payment as originally arranged.

Outcomes need not be equivalent, however a perceived ‘free pass’ for one employee contrasted with dismissal for another on similar facts will be hard to justify in a tribunal context.

- There was no consideration of the missing docket, and how or why it disappeared.

Another recent example highlighted the need for proper process, procedure and investigation before taking the decision to dismiss someone.

A supermarket store manager was recently sacked after taking home $41 worth of groceries after a Friday night shift and arranging with a colleague to ‘suspend’ the sale and pay for them the following Monday. A docket was then taped to his computer monitor as a reminder, but the docket was misplaced before his next shift and he forgot to make payment.

“It is, of course, well established that an employer is not required to meet the criminal standard of proof in order to establish any misconduct upon which it relies as the reason for dismissal,” the Fair Work Australia Commissioner stated.

Senior management became aware of the transaction and observed the store manager for the next two shifts before dismissing him on the Wednesday for theft and dishonesty.

Again, a Fair Work Australia Commissioner found valid reason for dismissal existed, but awarded $15,000 compensation because: - There was no proof of dishonesty on the part of

- The delay in raising the issue with the store manager could be interpreted as condoning his behaviour.

“It is equally recognised that the more serious the nature of the alleged misconduct… a corresponding more onerous standard of proof that should be met. The evidence in this case has established that the employer failed to satisfy even a basic level of proof upon which to find that the [store manager] acted dishonestly or committed theft.”

This case affirms that misconduct in itself is not necessarily the basis for dismissal, but must be accompanied by appropriate investigations, otherwise procedural fairness has not been afforded to employees and they are eligible for unfair dismissal. It also confirms that any serious allegations should be addressed immediately.

Failure to adhere to these principles of fairness can and has proven costly for the previously mentioned employers, but your business can go a long way to avoiding similar action with thorough, fair and consistent disciplinary processes.

JAMES GULLI VECCI Regional Manager, Geelong & South West Region VECCI offers a range of workplace relations services, from a telephone helpline to one-on-one consulting.

For more information, visit vecci.org.au.

32 | BUSINESS NEWS

Thank you to all businesses and their employees who have supported our Loaned Executive Program and promoted Workplace Giving Over 46 years 3,228 Arms,

3,227 Legs, 1,614 Voices, 1,614 Hearts and one incredible outcome.

Millions of dollars made available to those in need in our community thanks to volunteers who have been part of Give Where You Live Loaned Executive (LEX) Program since 1966. “ It was quiet an honour to be part of the first Loaned Executive Program - and it’s had a great history ever since.

The efforts of all Loaned Executives continue to serve the needs of Geelong now and into the future”.

Dougal Weaver, Alcoa (1966)

1972

Brenton Rudd (Shell)

“I received a fantastic response from workers - people could see that giving a couple of dollars each pay would really help.”

“I knew of United Way and was donating to it, but didn’t really find about how important the organisation was until I became a Loaned Executive.”

1992

Brett Cunningham (GMHBA)

“My time as a LEX gave me a great chance to meet new people and expand my networks. It was a pleasure to work alongside others who were equally committed to helping people who were doing it tough.”

“I found it a personally humbling experience. Being part of a diverse group of people all coming together for a great cause. A chance for us to develop the passion and have the confidence to talk about the needs in our region - a great opportunity for us to each give something back to this community.”

2012

1982

Craig Brock (Ford)

2002

Diana Lytzki (Fagg’s Mitre 10)

There’s a place in history waiting for YOU!

Let 2012 be the year you make a difference in your local community as a Give Where You Live Loaned Executive.

• Be part of a fantastic personal and professional experience • Develop a greater awareness of the needs of the Geelong Community • Gain a sense of achievement and pride in having done something very special for people in need For further information regarding the 2012 Loaned Executive Program, please contact Leigh Johnston at Give Where You Live: leigh@givewhereyoulive.com.au or call 5229 4364

National Volunteers Week

NationalVolunteerWeek 14-20 May

Bite Size Volunteering A new program, developed by Volunteering Geelong, has been designed to meet the needs of volunteers who are seeking short term, flexible projects that use their skills.

These projects are delivering valuable outcomes for community organisations by providing them with the opportunity to achieve tasks and/or wish list items that they normally would struggle to complete or even start.

Elizabeth Hopkin, Volunteer Co-ordinator of UnitingCare, attended a Volunteering Geelong course on ‘Bite-Size Volunteering’.

The course explained the many benefits for all involved and how to the address the changing nature of volunteering and consequently the needs and expectations of both volunteers and organisations.

On returning to UnitingCare, Elizabeth and her team brainstormed some projects that were ‘urgent’.

“I found the project templates provided

by Volunteering Geelong easy to use. The Volunteering Geelong team also helped me fine tune our position description for our Research Assistant” said Elizabeth.

34 | BUSINESS NEWS

“Volunteering Geelong vetted the applicants for me and recommended Annina Varrella who started immediately, working 1 day a week over a 3 month period” Elizabeth commented.

Annina had a skill set that fitted our project perfectly. Once Annina started she was included as part of the team, with a clear role and KPI’s. The research project was conducted and the results were delivered on time giving UnitingCare insights into potential funding opportunities.

“I immediately felt part of the team at UnitingCare, it was warm and welcoming” said Annina. “I felt a true sense of satisfaction from the experience knowing that I was making a real difference to UnitingCare and ultimately the people they assist. I would definitely recommend volunteering on a Bite Size Project.”

For more information please contact Gail Rodgers, Volunteering Geelong on 03 5221 1377 or manager@volunteeringgeelong.com.au or visit www.volunteeringgeelong.org.au

I would definitely do it again. The Bite Size Volunteer project encouraged us to achieve a body of work by an experienced and competent volunteer working for a short period of time” Elizabeth concluded.

Annina, had recently moved to Geelong, and decided to do some volunteering to give back to the community whilst looking for paid employment. In her initial meeting with Volunteering Geelong, she reviewed some opportunities with local charities and expressed an interest in the research project with UnitingCare.

Annina Varrella

Elizabeth Hopkin

Volunteer Research Assistant UnitingCare

Volunteer Co-ordinator UnitingCare

‘Volunteers - Every One Counts’

Multicultural Aged Care Services Volunteers are valued as much as staff at Multicultural Aged Care Services.

Because MACS specialises in caring for older people from different cultural backgrounds, meeting the needs of such a diverse group of people is a challenge.

Volunteers play an integral role in this, from saying hello in a resident’s native language to understanding cultural activities and key national days.

MACS volunteer coordinator Linda Rizzi manages an active program with 46 volunteers from 19 cultural backgrounds.

“The different languages spoken by the volunteers who come in for one-on-one sessions gives residents another chance to talk in their language,” Linda says.

“That’s very comforting for them and helps them feel at home.”

One of MACS lifestyle workers is Polish born Grazyna Brzostowski. She says volunteers are a key part of the lifestyle program.

“Our volunteers allow us to provide a variety of activities,” says Grazyna. “That gives our

residents real choice.

“We celebrate the national day of every nationality we have at MACS. It doesn’t matter if it is only one resident or only one staff member, we still celebrate.”

Grazyna says celebrating important days helps residents stay connected to their culture.

“The activities are interesting for residents from other cultures and provide residents the opportunity to learn or try something new.

“We want our residents to stay interested in life, to still be learning and experiencing new things,” says Grazyna. “The variety of activities we have here gives them that opportunity.”

Residents appreciate the effort – demand for MACS’ services is increasing, with work on a dementia-specific facility due to start construction within months.

For Enquiries Call 03 52796800 Email agedcare@macs.org.au

Big Brother Nick Makes a Difference Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Geelong, auspiced by Barwon Youth, is a one-to-one mentoring program based on the simplicity and power of friendship. It provides leadership, direction and support to young people who may be experiencing personal difficulties, by matching them with a positive adult role model.

the program since July last year and their friendship has continued to grow. They have taken part in a number of activities including, rock climbing, fishing, playing golf, paddling and going to the movies.

The benefits to vulnerable young people participating in mentoring include increased school attendance, reduced risk taking behaviour, increased self- esteem and confidence.

Nick became a volunteer after reading an advertisement in the paper. “I am having just as much fun” says Nick. “I am really enjoying my role as a “Big”, I feel well supported

by BBBS staff and find the time to spend with Jacob easy to fit into my life and so rewarding”.

Barwon Youth requires more community volunteers to take up the challenge of becoming mentors (Bigs), particularly men.

The majority of young people (Littles) referred to BBBS are boys; however the majority of enquiries from potential mentors come from women. An hour or two a week is all it takes to be a Big Brother or Big Sister to a young person who just needs a friend and positive role model.

Nick, a volunteer “Big” and Jacob, his “Little Brother” have been matched as part of

Jacob has expressed his admiration of his Big Brother stating, “Nick is pretty cool and we have fun.”

Sister. An hour or two a week is all it takes”.

Barwon Youth will continue to work closely with current partners and supporters including BBBS patron Cameron Ling, Percy Baxter Foundation, Department of Human Services and “Give where you live” and explore new and innovative partnerships with local businesses.

Visit Barwon Youth’s website www. barwonyouth.org.au or contact BBBS staff on 5221 4466 for more information.

So valuable were the roles of mentors in his own life, AFL commentator Cameron Ling has been happy to throw his support behind BBBS, becoming both the Geelong and National patron of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Cameron urges both men and women to consider volunteering. “BBBS is a fantastic community program - if you would like to make a difference to a young person’s life then consider becoming a Big Brother or Big

BUSINESS NEWS | 35

National Volunteers NationalVolunteerWeek Week 14-20 May Employee Volunteering – Many hands make for fun work BacLinks (Business and Community Links) supports the community by educating, supporting and creating opportunities for business and community to engage with each other for mutual benefit. We do this by coordinating projects that involve employee volunteering, donations of goods and services and the sharing of resources and knowledge. These activities aim to inspire businesses to contribute positively to the community in which they operate and incorporate regular contributions into their strategic plans.

Business involvement in community projects not only assists in-need agencies to achieve goals that can’t be realised without extra resources, but also presents opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and personal development, network with likeminded businesses, and strengthen workplace relationships through positive team building.

GMHBA’s Project Pamper proved to be a memorable experience for their volunteers as well as the volunteer staff from Target.

The event was held at the Target store in Warrnambool where many of the volunteers travelled to from Geelong. The event was established to give people affected by

cancer the chance to enjoy some time to pamper themselves and enjoy quality time shopping outside of the usual opening hours.

All volunteers sincerely expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to their community with comments like “its great to further understand the struggles of others and make a difference” and “I can’t wait to volunteer again”.

Mark Valena, GMHBA Chief Executive Officer, said that “The event aims to give a positive experience back to these brave people who deserve some special treatment and our staff jumped at the chance to participate.”

Target Warrnambool Store Manager, Lindy Hirniak added “We had an overwhelming response from our staff members who volunteered on the night. They relished the opportunity to pamper the guests and took pleasure in their own personal sense of job satisfaction.”

GMHBA and Target, along with many other prominent local entities, including Alcoa, Rotary Club of Highton learn about community needs and project opportunities through BacLinks community partnerships and through presentations at the BacLinks

730 Breakfast series. The series allows BacLinks business partners to network with like-minded businesses and hear about support opportunities from guest speakers from both sectors.

To see what other local businesses utilise the BacLinks service and to get your employees involved in community projects that offer personal development, professional networking and team building opportunities, visit www.baclinks.org.au.

The BacLinks team can be contacted on 5249 8989 or baclinksadmin@karingal.org.au.

Coulter Roache Lawyers in the Community The Partners of Coulter Roache Lawyers believe they have a social obligation to share Coulter Roache’s success and resources by assisting the local community. They have developed a firm culture that is well supported by the staff to conduct fundraising events, participate on boards of local charitable groups, provide pro bono (free) legal services, and actively participate in and financially support community programs and charity events. The firm provides its lawyers with the opportunity to utilise their legal skills to conduct charitable legal work for the greater good, rather than just to profit the business. This is important for young lawyers who get to interact with community groups, industries, committees and boards they would otherwise not experience within the firm.

For example, through Give Where you Live’s Loaned Executive Program, the Lawyers have the opportunity to network with other Geelong businesses, learn public speaking skills, and gain confidence in working

36 | BUSINESS NEWS

Coulter Rouche staff and family members participating in 2010 Run Geelong.

outside their legal environment. The support staff participate in fundraising activities and events such as BacLinks Big Day Out, which initiates teamwork and bonding not related to their daily legal work and also Cotton On Foundation’s Run Geelong which raises money for the Geelong Hospital Children’s Ward. The firm also supports local

sporting clubs, charity golf days and dinner fundraisers.

T: 5273 5273 www.coulterroache.com.au

‘Volunteers - Every One Counts’

Whitelion Whitelion volunteers have been supporting youth at risk in Geelong since 2005. With the support of Mackillop Family Services, Whitelion links volunteer mentors to young people who are living in out-of-home care, to support them in making the difficult transition from state care to independent living.

Volunteer mentors engage young people in recreational and skill-building activities and provide positive role modelling and supportive guidance through this difficult transition where they often lack positive support in their lives. Through the support of his mentor, Brian was able to overcome high levels of anxiety which had prevented him from comfortably going out into the community, attending school and engaging with his friends. Brian and his mentor spent time together doing up Brian’s car and used it as a positive distraction to gradually increase the amount of time he spent outside of his home and out in the community. Now, Brian has a full time job, which he was able to secure through the support of another Whitelion volunteer and enjoys a level of confidence and sense of belonging within

the community that he had never thought possible before meeting his mentor.

Whitelion would like to take the opportunity during National Volunteers Week to thank the many volunteer mentors who have given up so much of their own time and energy and made a difference in the lives of disadvantaged young people involved in our programs. To discuss how you can get involved with Whitelion and help support Geelong’s youth by volunteering, providing

employment and training opportunities or support our development in the region through your business, please contact Tammy McVeigh (for volunteer opportunities) on 0428 883 374 or Heather Pitman (for employment or business development opportunities) on 0409 535 593 or visit www.whitelion.org.au

Join the Flock The National Wool Museum has a dedicated team of more than 70 volunteers, whose role is vital to the ongoing operations of the Museum. Known as “The Hons”, many have a background on the land or in the woollen mills, or a special interest in wool or local history.

Volunteers provide an essential service to the Museum by assisting our visitors to appreciate the important Australian and Geelong story of wool. The National Wool Museum was established to showcase our rich wool heritage from early settlement to present day. It is Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool. The volunteers assist in a variety of ways in the museum by conducting guided tours, welcoming patrons, explaining exhibitions and display objects, assisting the education program, helping in the shop and providing weaving, spinning and knitting demonstrations.

The Museum is always looking for new volunteers. Full training is available for this interesting role at one of the city’s wonderful community assets.

For further information, please contact the Honourary Staff Coordinator at the National Wool Museum on 5272 4706.

BUSINESS NEWS | 37

National Volunteers Week

NationalVolunteerWeek 14-20 May

Social Support for Older People Keeping socially active and having friends in later life can be important for health and wellbeing. Ageing can be lonely, especially through the loss of a partner or someone close to an older person. Many older people may feel lonely when family or relatives do not live nearby.

People that become socially isolated, who rarely go out, have few friends or do not see much of their family are sometimes less healthy than those in the broader community.

Getting out and keeping involved with people of all ages is a good way to remain healthy and feel at ease with others. Friendships often give individuals a special feeling of trust and closeness, helping them to participate in leisure and social activities.

Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliff and Bannockburn.

DoCare Geelong is committed to reducing the impact of loneliness for older Geelong and district residents by supporting seniors to lead independent, active, healthy lives without the sense of being isolated in their own homes.

We are always in need of volunteers to help provide these services, if you have a desire to support an older person to continue living in their own home please give us a call. If English is not your first language you will be

DoCare Geelong a not for profit organization, dedicated to providing a range of in home social support services for lonely isolated older people in the Geelong community.

most welcome as a volunteer at DoCare Geelong.

Many older people in Geelong speak another language as well as English. We have a number of volunteers that speak English plus another language, assisting older people when language is a barrier to support.

If you know of an older person who may benefit from our services, please give us a call.

DoCare Geelong is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program. DoCare Geelong also receives funding support from Give Where You Live (formerly United Way Geelong Region). DoCare Geelong is an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient and donations of $2 or more maybe tax deductible.

Our office is at 3/152 High Street Belmont; you may telephone us on 52981053 or visit our website www. docaregeelong.com.au for further information.

All our services are provided by a dedicated group of 200 or so volunteers providing home visiting services, library book services and social group outings throughout the City of

Call out for enthusiastic volunteers Call out for enthusiastic volunteers; corporate groups and individuals looking to lend a helping hand!

Encompass Community Services knows that people with a disability and others who may have challenges in their lives can do anything and everything, when given the right support and encouragement. At Encompass, we are working purposefully towards a community where access is a priority; whether it be access to training, employment, life skills programs or being included in the community.

We would like to see every person who wants a job, get one; that anyone who wants to live independently, is able to, and that everyone who has a goal, is listened to and taken seriously.

How do we do it?

At Encompass we work in partnership with our students, clients and their families, to ensure that they are offered the right service for their needs. We provide accredited and non-accredited training, day time support and activities, a specialist employment agency and weekend respite opportunities.

We develop our programs and services by taking the time to listen to feedback from our

38 | BUSINESS NEWS

students, clients and our clients’ families.

Initiative and imagination is nurtured across the organisation: from Board Members to staff and volunteers - everyone’s ideas are welcomed and considered.

How can YOU help?

Encompass Community Services runs a range of programs and initiatives aimed at assisting clients in all our divisions to reach their set goals and achieve their potential.

Being involved in our programs is a great experience for anyone. The opportunities to get involved as a volunteer include, but are not limited to: enriching the social experience and increasing the self-esteem of the clients, helping our staff in their daily routines, assisting our clients during our programs, helping develop numeracy and literacy skills, completing administrative tasks, gardening and farming.

What is in it for you?

Volunteering is an opportunity for you and your family/friends/colleagues to make a difference to the organisation and our clients, to learn new skills, enhance your communication, time management and problem solving skills, gain new experiences and meet new people.

Encompass Community Services 400 Pakington Street Geelong VIC 3220 Phone: 5222 3377 Fax: 5229 6191 Email: olivera@encompass-cs.org.au Web: www.encompass-cs.org.au

ART

Children’s classic comes to life on stage Young audiences are invited to enter the fantastic world of Beatrix Potter with Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit, marking 110 years of the popular children’s character.

Presented as part of GPAC’s Family Magic program, this mischievous new musical from the producers of Possum Magic, Wombat Stew and My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch will delight all ages.

Published in 1902 by Frederick Warne, The Tale of Peter Rabbit has transported countless children to Mr McGregor’s veggie patch for over a centur,y and it’s set to reach a new generation with this classic stage production that kids will love!

Adapted by Australian writer and award-winning producer, Garry Ginivan, and with an original score by Mark Jones, Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit seamlessly interweaves the tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and Mr Tod, and is designed to entertain children and adults alike.

See the world’s most loveable bunny come to life for two shows only in The Playhouse at GPAC on Saturday, May 26, at 12 and 2.30pm.

GPAC’s Family Magic will continue to delight young theatregoers in July with a stunning musical adaptation of James and the Giant Peach, featuring larger-than-life

creature characters living in a peach the size of a house!

Finally, join Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver on October 6 as they set sail for Treasure Island - the original pirate tale filled with swashbuckling adventure, dazzling swordfights and a heart-pounding race to find buried treasure.

Family Magic is proudly sponsored by centralgeelong. com.au and children are invited to join in the free ‘Kid Around’ activities after each performance.

Tickets can be purchased to all Family Magic shows from the GPAC Box Office - in person or on 5225 1200 - or by visiting our website at www.gpac.org.au Happy Birthday, Peter Rabbit is also playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat on June 4th and 5th.

For details visit www.hermaj.com on the show’s Australia-wide tour.

For your chance to win a family pass to GPAC’s Family Magic presentation of Happy Birthday, Peter Rabbit,

Touring French Film Festival

Nature: 3 Ways of Seeing

18 – 20 May

24 May - 7 June

THE Alliance Francaise Touring French Film Festival is being held again in Geelong, which is the only regional centre in Victoria to offer a selection of French films for public viewing. All films will be introduced by native French speakers and are subtitled.

Where: Village Cinemas, Geelong. www.villagecinemas.com.au

Mark Fox, Philip Adams & Amanda Blake-Sutterby present unique and personal interpretations of the Natural World. This exhibition brings together finely detailed, beautiful botanical works; and wonderfully evocative landscapes from the three Victorian artists.

Where: Metropolis Gallery, Geelong. www.metropolisgallery.com.au

log on to our website at www.adcellgroup.com.au and click on the competition page for entry details.

Philip Adams ‘Landscape Lines’ 2012

BUSINESS NEWS | 39

TECH GUY Looking behind you

Want eyes in the back of your head?

Nikon’s Fisheye-Nikkor 6mm f2.8s delivers a viewing angle of 220-degrees. This very serious fisheye lens made its debut in 1972 and was only available through special order.

The price of getting your hands on one today? A lazy $165,000 for a lens in mint condition, available only from Grays Camera Shop of Westminster in London.

Vent your spleen

As Peter Finch so memorably said in his Oscar winning role in Network, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore.” There’s a new website that gives consumers like you and I a new way to vent our frustration about service providers in industries like energy, insurance, telecommunications, banking and more. With registered disputes to various industry ombudsmen increasing by as much as 50% year on year, this problem is not going away. We want to air our grievance, get a response, and then move on. Wasted time has a cost for everyone and that’s where uVent steps in. If the company does not provide an adequate solution in a timely manner, uVent makes the vent public for all to see. Best of all, competing companies can bid for the businesses of these grouped venters by offering them better deals and services.

Don’t put up with that dodgy mobile bill or bank charge any longer, go and vent right now!

Flying Dutchman

I gotsta have one of these…

Dutch company PAL-V has christened its flying car the, PAL-V ONE, which is short for Personal Air and Land Vehicle. Like the Terrafugia Transition flying car story we’ve published before, the PAL-V ONE also sports a push propeller, which it uses for forward speed. The Dutch flying car relies on an auto-rotating rotor to create lift. The vehicle, which apparently complies with all air and road traffic regulations in major markets, runs well on old petrol as well with biodiesel. and bio-ethanol versions are planned as well. It has a range of 350 to 500 kilometres in the air and about 1,200 kilometres on the ground. For more adventurous land drivers, the PAL-V ONE also features a “cutting-edge system” for tilting, allowing it to power through curves like a motorcycle. Father’s Day is not far away. Are you listening?

40 | BUSINESS NEWS

Face up to it

Ever feel like you’re just a face at a video conference?

Catching a person’s eye somehow has much greater impact when you actually see them turn around to face you. It’s a bit bizarre, I know, but that’s exactly the sensation that NTT engineers have tried to replicate with the MM-Space conferencing system with a rotating face on a tripod.

The demo of a rotating, nodding translucent screen definitely lends extra gravitas.

TECH GUY In its Prime

The tablet war is now officially declared, with Asus’s Transformer Prime as the first device packing NVIDIA’s hot new Tegra 3 chip, making it the world’s first quad-core tablet. This comes with promises of longer runtime and blazing performance (five times faster than Tegra 2, to be exact), all wrapped in a 8.3mm thick package, even skinnier than the iPad 2 or Galaxy Tab 10.1. The Prime features a spun metal aluminium lid and the faint circular pattern masks fingerprints and scuffs. The optional dock with its full-sized USB 2.0 socket and SD card reader is excellent. There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right side and a volume rocker, mini-HDMI socket and an uncovered microSD slot. The Prime’s display is responsive and very clear to the eye. The exceptional 11 hour battery life becomes 16 hours when running with the keyboard dock. That’s massive! And how much you ask? The street price with keyboard is around $779, which is competitive for a tablet this fast.

Got the time?

It’s been a while since I brought you some new fangled watches, but here we have two beauties. A new wristwatch from Biegert & Funk promises to read out the time, its known as the QLOCKTWO W, the timepiece is a portable revision of the company’s original wall clock, both of which display the current time in everyday language. A bargain at $850, the watch is scheduled for arrival around Father’s Day and will be available in black or stainless steel variations, with either rubber or leather bands. Available in the US, the Sony SmartWatch is a little more affordable at $150, with colourful wrist bands priced at $20 a pop.

The watch pairs up with Android phones over Bluetooth, using a free app available in Google Play. It lets you read emails, texts and social updates on the device. Meanwhile, the list of mini apps is approaching 60, as of this writing, and already includes biggies like Facebook and Google Maps.

Smoother video from your DSLR

Let’s face it; DSLR cameras were designed for single shot photography - completely different to video cameras. But now that you’ve got HiDef video on your DSLR, VizTools has a solution - at least a working prototype it’s readying to market. The HandiZoom can be operated with only one hand and does motorized zoom with adjustable speed settings as well as various other primary controls. It hooks up to compatible Canon DSLRs using USB and a rail system, with the aim of making the camera feel more like a traditional video camera. Look out for these nearer Christmas - perfect present, I reckon.

A thump to the head

Oakley’s Thump glasses haven’t exactly taken the world of shades and music playback by storm, but that hasn’t stopped the designers from working feverishly to develop the next round of vaguely intelligent eyewear. CEO Colin Baden said that the company has been toying with ways to project information onto sunglasses since 1997, hoping to start by augmenting the world of sports before ultimately blending into more consumery pursuits with sunnies that could run solo or pair up with a smartphone. Functionality is only part of the puzzle, says Baden, as aesthetics play an important role. “People get very particular when they put stuff on their face.” Yes Colin, perhaps that explains the lack of sales for Thumps…

- Jon Mamonski

BUSINESS NEWS | 41

COMMUNITY

Digging in for the kids Glastonbury Community Services is one of Geelong’s oldest and most trusted community service organisations providing care and support to vulnerable children, young people and families throughout the Barwon region.

will last them a lifetime, and discover just how much fun it is to grow and cook their own seasonal vegetables,” said Gabrielle Nagle, Glastonbury’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Glastonbury is grateful for the Alcoa employee volunteer assistance in making this garden happen.”

As part of their commitment to our community, Alcoa strongly encourages each of their staff to volunteer for one paid day each year to help out at a

“Alcoa believes volunteering is the lifeblood of the community,” said Joanne Forsmann of Alcoa Point Henry. “Encouraging and supporting our employees to volunteer is a key part of our commitment to the Geelong community.”

Employee volunteers report their involvement with this project was “a great way to give of yourself,” that was personally rewarding and enjoyable.

“...The garden will engage the children’s

curiosity, as well as their energy and taste buds, forming positive and memorable food experiences that create the basis of positive lifelong eating habits.”

Glastonbury works directly with young people who have complex needs to support their wellbeing, safety and development. This can be within their family context or it can mean the provision of an alternative safe, secure and nurturing home environment during a period of time when they are unable to live within their own family unit.

It is common for the young people to be placed in emergency transitional housing while awaiting longerterm foster care placement or residential care. Glastonbury is aware that this can be a time of great uncertainty and dislocation for them, so strives to provide an environment that is homely and welcoming in all their residential group homes.

Apart from the direct supervision and support provided by professional staff, Glastonbury is also committed to provide external projects and services to assist children in care to manage the impact of the trauma they have experienced in their young lives and help them to cope with their changed

42 | BUSINESS NEWS

circumstances.

BacLinks, a division of Karingal, recently facilitated a project at an emergency transitional home that involved five volunteers from the Alcoa Point Henry smelter constructing two 2m x 2m raised garden beds complete with soil, tidying up the yard, pruning plants and trees, pulling weeds, and trimming garden edges.

The primary aim of this project was to provide a vegetable garden that can be tended by the residents, with the produce harvested and used in the group preparation of nutritional meals that will encourage healthy eating and ownership of their lifestyle choices. It is expected the garden will engage the children’s curiosity, as well as their energy and taste buds, forming positive and memorable food experiences that create the basis of positive lifelong eating habits.

“The vegetable patch will be used by the children and young people living in the home and will assist them in learning skills that

community organisation. This can involve gardening projects such as this one, makeovers, renovations, stacking shelves, tidying, building and cleaning.

Alcoa hopes this will inspire their employees to volunteer in their free time as well.

COMMUNITY

Queenscliff Golf Club to tee off for Indigenous education Long distance runners, 25 year-old Ben Watts of Aireys Inlet and 17 year-old Sarah Bredebusch of Bellbrae, have registered to compete in the Australian Outback Marathon at Uluru on 28 July and have nominated the Cathy Freeman Foundation as the recipient of their fundraising.

THE Foundation supports the education of over 500 school-aged children living on Palm Island in Far North Queensland – one of the largest remote Indigenous communities and the fourth most disadvantaged community in Australia.

To assist Ben and Sarah’s fundraising, the Queenscliff Golf Club is hosting a charity golf day of competition and social golf on Saturday 19th May. Queenscliff Golf Club, a par 72, eighteen hole, easy walk course is located on Swan Island, which offers breathtaking views surrounded by tranquil waters and, due to its location, remains a mystery to many.

The competition tees off at 7.30 am and the second tee off is at 12.30 pm. BBQ sausages and hamburgers will be available for purchase all day from 7.30 am and the bar will be open. “ Spin the Wheel” raffle tickets can be purchased with numerous

prizes on offer.

All proceeds of the day will benefit the work of the Cathy Freeman Foundation. Work group teams and families are encouraged to come and enjoy what’s on offer at the clubhouse in this most beautiful of settings. The cost to play golf for non-members is $20.

Access to Swan Island is gained via Bridge Street in Queenscliff after registering your vehicle at the security gate.

Players with a registered handicap are eligible for competition and social golfers are most welcome. All players MUST book by phoning the club on 5258 4344 by Wednesday 16th May at the latest.

For more information on the Cathy Freeman foundation or to make a donation, please visit: cathyfreemanfoundation. org.au. For more information about this fundraiser, please call Heidi Wane on 5255 2562.

Neighbourhood Watch keeping an eye on crime AS we are well aware the world is a changing place, through social media with Facebook, twitter, linkedin, four square, to mention but a few; and as a community we needed to become part of the future. The Geelong police have recently launched Eyewatch through Facebook, with the local region having its own Facebook page, and now with the support and

technology of the BCC Group, Geelong police can bring NHW into the 21st century, including offering text messaging updates to the community on what’s happening in their neighbourhood.

BCC Group Managing Director, Mathew Sun, is very proud of his company’s community involvement, including this year being the naming

The Western Region division of Neighbourhood Watch and the divisions police coordinator, have announce a new and ongoing partnership with community partner in BCC Computers and BCC Betta Home living.

sponsor of the 2012 Pako Festa. Mathew has invested in creating a system to help make the Geelong community a safer place and give to Neighbourhood Watch the tools to get the message of “a safer and betta community” to the people of Geelong and surrounding areas.

To become part of your informed community, all you

need to do is text 0409 129 988 and send message ‘NHW Reg’, you will then receive an instant reply to confirm your subscription, you will then receive information regarding what’s happening in the area through Neighbourhood Watch and how you can become a bigger part of your community.

BUSINESS NEWS | 43

WINE to the north of Bordeaux, and the Armagnac region lies inland, South of Bordeaux.

Still great drinking Grapes are one of the most versatile fruits. There are many varieties that can be used for eating and many more that can be made into wine. They grow fairly easily in most climates around the world and can deal with harsh conditions, as well as differing soil types.

MANY continents have their own indigenous varieties that have evolved, and we probably won’t get the chance to taste them all in our lifetime. There is a product made from grapes that has almost been forgotten in Australia, but we make some of the best in the world. I’m talking about Brandy.

Not often enough do my after-dinner drinks stretch to drinking Cognac or brandy and other grape-based distillates. The French refer to these drinks as eauxde-vie, which translates as “the waters of life”, implying these liquids are an essential element for living. Not a bad philosophy, especially during the coldest months.

44 | BUSINESS NEWS

Whether you think of Brandy as a digestive, restorative, or calming potion to be taken before bed, you might want to know a bit more about the different styles, to be able to choose the most appropriate one for both your pocket and your mood. Though there are Australian favourites, the following are the best-known French grape-based distilled drinks known as Armagnac, brandy and Cognac.

Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac are differentiated basically by their geographic designations. Cognac and Armagnac are brandies that can only be produced in their designated appellations in France. These appellations are in Southwest France.

Cognac borders the Atlantic

During the late Middle Ages, this wine was shipped to Britain. The wines suffered during transportation, so the Dutch brought their copper stills to Armagnac and Cognac in an effort to create a more stable product.

Hence the name “brandy” which comes from the Dutch brandewijn, referring to “cooked” or “burnt” wine.

the highest authorities and experts to be the perfection of brandy and equal in quality to the finest cognac.”

Today, however, the outlook for Australian Brandy is not so good. Brandy sales have practically halved from 900,000 litres in sales to just 500,000 in 2011. The quality is still world class, so next time you feel like a touch of spirit, remember the humble Australian Brandy, you won’t be disappointed.

In Armagnac, the process is done in a single distillation, where the copper still is exactingly regulated every step of the way; this must be completed by mid-February.

Cognac has traditionally been twice distilled, with the process always completed by the end of March. Both spirits are aged in wood casks, mainly to impart colour, not flavour, and allow aeration.

You may have heard that a significant percentage of Cognac evaporates; this is termed “the angels’ share”.

Australian brandy production goes back to at least 1832, when the Macarthurs’ Camden Park first began to export brandy (possibly made from muscat or riesling) to Britain. It was in the 1890s when the Joshua Brothers’ Australian Brandy Boomerang Brand was “pronounced by

ADRIAN MARCHIARO Adrian presents wine tasting evenings at Lamby’s Restaurant + Bar.

AFTER HOURS

A new era at AGB It was a celebration of new beginnings as the AGB Group of Companies congratulated Adam Alsop on his new role as CEO, after Christine Mawson moved into the newly created and demanding CFO role. After 10 years of growth and development at AGB, the Group has moved to consolidate its executive team, including the appointment of Christine as the Group’s first dedicated CFO. The AGB Group of Companies is made up of AGB Engineering, started in Geelong in 1984, now with offices in Geelong, Melbourne, Colac and New Zealand; AGB NZ offering above engineering services in New Zealand; Planet Matters and Safe Haven Shelters working in conjunction with engineering and specialising in Sustainable and Green building and fire safety; AGB Human Resources, training specialists; Community Veracity,

Karen Slater; Rae Butcher; Felicity and Ineke Alsop.

established 2011 as a not for profit organisation assisting the community through on the job training; and Your Complete Management (YCM) for more than eight years YCM has been delivering OHS services to business’ working with them to facilitate a safe and healthy workplace.

Lucy Dyer; Matthew Alsop; Paul Scorpo; CEO Adam Alsop; Ben Alsop; Joanne Cornelius; Rob Dejanovic; Tony Alsop; CFO Christine Mawson and Ian Bradley.

AGB CFO Christine Mawson and CEO Adam Alsop.

Ian Bradley.

Paul Scorpo.

BUSINESS NEWS | 45

AFTER HOURS

Golf fundraiser for disability services St Laurence Corporate Golf Challenge was more than an excuse to take time off work... It provided participants an opportunity to help create a lasting effect in the community.

On Friday March 23rd, Geelong’s top businesses got together in support of St Laurence Community Services for an afternoon of golf and networking.

The objective of the day was to raise some much-needed funds in support of St Laurence disability services. And, of course, to provide a much needed day out of the office socialising with peers! Despite the weather, success was achieved on both counts with over $4000 being raised on the day. The fundraising event consisted of an afternoon of golf, dinner, a live auction, and entertainment. St Laurence has been hosting this event annually and is looking forward to having even more businesses get on board for next year.

Also celebrated on the evening was St Laurence’s 10 year

One of the winning teams! Mark Davis (Bank of Queensland Newtown) presents cheque to: Ryrie Office Machines team – Colin Fraser, Johno Greenwood & Simon Dickson.

relationship with Ryrie Office Machines. Ryrie Office Machines have been the major partner of St Laurence during this time and their financial support is invaluable to the successful continuation of community services offered by St Laurence.

The winning teams received a cheque for $750, kindly donated by the Bank of Queensland Newtown branch. BOQ also donated $500 cash for the raffle winner, who ironically, was Bendigo Bank!

A big thank you to all supporters that make events like this possible.

DDG Team: Gareth Jago, Jonathon Roberts and Fred Thompson.

Roderick Insurance Team Adam Korth, Adam Nikolovski and Wes Roderick.

46 | BUSINESS NEWS

Westpac bank Team Back row from left are: yours truly, Felice Male, Paul Bourke and Darren Henderson Front row from left are Keith Gawne and Kevin Heyfron.

AFTER HOURS Photos: Terry Broun Jnr

125 Years of Leading and Learning Over the past 125 years, there is scarcely a single family, a single organisation, or a single Grant Sutherland (Gordon TAFE).

edifice in Geelong that has not in some way been touched by The Gordon.

New Geelong Chamber of Commerce member Peter DeYoung (C-Born Software Systems).

Kay Saunders (Weaving PR) and Jennifer Henderson (Mediate First).

Many gathered to celebrate GCOC’s 125th year including former executive director and lifelong chamber member Lawrie Miller (centre).

New GCOC Directors Norm Lyons; Kylie Warne; Jacqueline Armitage; Mark Sanders and John Fitzgerald.

Trudi Hollis (Marketing Directions) and Di Dahm (GCOC).

BUSINESS NEWS | 47

AFTER HOURS Photos: Terry Broun Jnr

A special double feature

Clients Victor and Natalia Telegin.

Last month, Geelong City Motors hosted a special double feature to premiere two all-new vehicles to the Mercedes-Benz range – the all new B-Class Compact Sports Tourer, “that evolves with you”, and the M-Class SUV, “that puts you in control”.

Over eighty guests attended the launch, which showcased these prestige new vehicles.

Dealer Principal, Tony Jennett, welcomed guests and spoke on the features of both vehicles, which set new standards in luxury motoring with advanced safety and fuel-saving technology, superior comfort and distinctive design.

A snow display of the M-Class gave guests a sneak peek of the weather to come and inspired many for the upcoming snow season. The B-Class with a bike on its roof emphasised the car’s inner city appeal.

The night was also an opportunity to introduce new Sales Consultant, Michael Mangos. Michael has recently

joined Mark Bain, Geoff Marshall, Louise Dobbins and David Mackay in the Mercedes-Benz new and used vehicle sales team.

Speaking on the night, Mr Jennett said, “I am delighted to launch the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Geelong market.

The compact B-Class is priced from an affordable $45,000 and the M-Class SUV is ideal for those looking for both safety and comfort in a luxury package. I am confident both vehicles will appeal to a new audience of Mercedes-Benz owners”.

Guests in attendance enjoyed the exclusive hospitality on offer and a select few were awarded for attending with a range of door prizes drawn on the night.

Clients Stewart Perry; Anne Taylor and Tracy Watson enjoy a drink.

48 | BUSINESS NEWS

Emma Kirkhope and the perfect accessory.

Geelong City Motors’ autoelectrician Andy Connolly demonstrates the spaciousness of a mercedes.

AFTER HOURS

Clients Tracy and Colin Watson.

John Delmo shows off his new wheels.

Geelong City Motor’s CEO Tony Jennet; Ashley Seller; Lynne Gorell and Sarah Jennet.

The all new M-Class and all new B-Class have arrived at Geelong City Motors.

Geelong City Motors

1 Settlement Road, Belmont (03) 5249 8200

LMCT 10391

BUSINESS NEWS | 49

WHAT’S ON 13 May

26 May

Mother’s Day Classic The Mother’s Day Classic is a 4 and 8 km walk/ run to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Association.

Where: Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong. mothersdayclassic.com.au

Geelong Classic Dancesport Festival Witness the glamour, the skill and the excitement of a fullday Dancesport major event.

Where: Club Italia, Geelong. geelongaustralia.com.au

National Trust Heritage Festival 2012 Amateur Radio Communications Where: Steampacket Gardens, Geelong Waterfront. geelongaustralia.com.au

15 May

20 May Million Paws Walk Million Paws Walk is a fun day for any animal lover. Whether you’re a pet owner or not, it’s a great day out. The main purpose of the event is raising funds, and with over 144,000 animals finding shelter at the RSPCA annually, every dollar counts. As well as the walk, there will be entertainment, displays, stalls, giveaways and a host of other activities.

Funds raised through entry fees, online fundraising and the sale of merchandise help assist the RSPCA to operate its animal shelters, support its Inspectorate services and provide community education on animal welfare issues. Each year, the RSPCA in Australia investigates more than 43,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. So brush off your walking shoes, pull out your pet’s leash and bring along your “best friend” to Australia’s premier pet event.

The next Million Paws Walk will take place in all states and territories on Sunday 20 May 2012.

Where: Eastern Gardens Circuit, Geelong / Victoria Park, Ballarat / Presidents Park, Werribee. millionpawswalk. com.au

11 May & 11 June Eynesbury Ghost Dinner and Tour Dine in the colonial splendour

50 | BUSINESS NEWS

of the grand country home of the Staughton family, Eynesbury Homestead before setting forth into the inky-black night on an award-winning ghost tour.

Where: Eynesbury Homestead, Eynesbury. lanternghosttours.com.au

12 May 2012 Craft Market at Werribee Park Where: Werribee Park, adjacent to Werribee Mansion and the Victoria State Rose Garden. craftmarkets.com.au

12 – 13 May Ballarat Heritage Weekend 2012 In 2012 the event will focus on ‘Your Childhood Memories’.

What was Ballarat like in the 1930’s, 40’s and upward?

Many of the city’s open buildings offer tours and ‘behind the scenes’ stories of these magnificent heritage assets. ballaratheritageweekend.com

12 May – 17 June Geelong Region Artists Program Works by artists from Geelong’s Art Unlimited studio program - an initiative of St Laurence Community Services that provides opportunities for practicing artists with a disability.

Where: Geelong Gallery. geelonggallery.org.au

Syncopation The hugely successful music, dance and theatre extravaganza created by Allan Knee heads to Her Maj this May. Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat. hermaj.com.au

17 May Miles for Smiles A fundraising event to raise funds for the Clown Doctors Program in Victorian Hospitals.

Where: The Geelong Hospital. clowndoctors.org.au

18 – 20 May Touring French Film Festival Where: Village Cinemas, Geelong. villagecinemas.com.au

19 – 20 May Around the World in Song A talented and experienced cast performing a variety of your favourite musical masterpieces, that will entertain you the moment you arrive.

Where: Belmont Senior Citizens Hall, Geelong. geelongaustralia.com.au

25 May – 9 June Busybody A murder mystery play with more than a touch of humour!

Set in the 1960’s, it involves a misplaced body and various nefarious love affairs. Come and see if you can pick the villain!

Where: Uniting Church Crossroads Hall, Werribee. experiencewyndham.com.au

26 – 27 May National Budgerigar Championship Show Australia’s best and brightest budgerigars preen and pose in preparation to take top spot on the podium as the nation’s finest.

Where: The Geelong Arena. geelongaustralia.com.au

27 May Reconciliation in the Park A day of cross cultural activities involving The Wathaurong Aboriginal CoOperative and Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group Inc. Where: Johnstone Park, Geelong. geelongaustralia.com.au

28 May – 27 June Our Water Our Water engages and inspires visitors to expand their understanding and delve into Australia’s unique water situation, comprised of 28 hands-on exhibits designed to inform and encourage.

Where: National Wool Museum, Geelong. nwm.vic.gov.au

31 May Platypus A talk and presentation on the timid, secretive, and highly improbable creature, the Platypus.

Where: Eco-Living Centre, Wyndham Vale. experiencewyndham.com.au

4 – 8 June World Environment Day Events World Environment Day is Tuesday 5 June, 2012. To celebrate, the National Wool Museum and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) are partnering for a special week of programming.

WHAT’S ON Where: National Wool Museum, Geelong. nwm.vic.gov.au

Business Events: 16 May Negotiating your Lease with your Landlord Facilitated by leading regional law firm, Coulter Roache Lawyers.

Where: Geelong City Hall. centralgeelong.com.au

16 May Facebook Master Class #1: Facebook Basics You do not need a Facebook account or Fan Page for this masterclass, however if you do you will also benefit from a basic introduction into using Facebook for your business or organisation. The masterclass will cover: - Setting up a Profile Page and also a Business Page - Getting fans on your Business Page & Finding Friends - Using your Business Page wall Located at Highlands LLEN, 36 Camp St Ballarat. visionarymarketing.com.au

16 May Explore Australian Red Cross The important work that Australian Red Cross undertakes internationally is in addition to our everyday work which includes programs which address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage, social inclusion, building healthy communities and disaster preparedness in Australia. Morning tea will give you the opportunity to hear more about the programs and services across Australia and Asia Pacific.

Where: 324 Dawson St Sth Ballarat. ballarat.vic.gov.au

22 May – 1 June Export Wine Mission to United Kingdom and Scandinavia The United Kingdom (UK) is the largest international market for Victorian wine. In 2011, Victoria exported $69 million worth of alcoholic beverages to the UK. Scandinavia is another growing market for Victorian wine. To assist Victorian winemakers to capitalise on these opportunities, the Victorian Government invites you to join a specialist trade mission to the UK and Scandinavia, targeting Sweden, Denmark and Finland. geelongaustralia.com.au/gbc

26 May Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Geelong’s Chamber of Commerce are holding their 2012 Annual Dinner in the Fred Flanagan Room at Simonds Stadium in May. Be a part of celebrating all the Chamber and Geelong business has achieved in these 12 months.

Where: Geelong Football Club. geelongchamber.com.au

29 May Barista Training In this introductory course you’ll learn to appreciate coffee from the beginning; try blends from around the world, discover different

flavours and find the one that suits you. You’ll also develop your knowledge on the cultivation, process, blending and roasting of coffee, as well as understanding the components of the machine and grinder including cleaning and maintenance.

Where: Café On Track, The Gordon (Fenwick St Campus). centralgeelong.com.au

30 May Australian Red Cross Has arranged a special offer with local solicitors who will donate their time to Red Cross to prepare a standard Will for only $75 per person.

Where: 324 Dawson St, Sth Ballarat. redcross.org.au

7 June Working with the Media Learn how to forge a positive relationship with the media, and how to make that relationship work for your business.

Where: Geelong City Hall. centralgeelong.com.au

8 – 11 June National Celtic Festival 2012 An outstanding array of worldclass Celtic talent will perform at the Victorian bayside town of Portarlington over the winter long weekend, June 8-12, for a very special 10th anniversary National Celtic Festival.

Over the past 10 years, the

Portarlington community has watched this festival grow in numbers and stature to become the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of Celtic music and culture. Amongst the international acts headlining will be some of Ireland’s most sublime female voices – including Lumiere duo Eilis Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon; the Noriana Kennedy Trio; Nicola Joyce; and guests – for a very special series of Celtic Divas concerts.

Scotland’s award-winning young supergroup Breabach will be performing their unique blend of music rich with tradition and performed with a contemporary edge; along with the fresh, original sounds of rising Irish star, singer/ songwriter Fiach Moriarty; and the strong but sensitive interpretation of Scottish folk songs from Glasgow born and bred singer Fiona Ross.

Festival director, Una McAlinden, said this year’s 10th anniversary musical program would see the return of some of the favourite acts of the past decade, while embracing the future of the Celtic music scene.

There will also be new acts on the program gathered from across Australia.

Earlybird tickets are on sale now until May 1 so be quick and take advantage of the savings.

Where: Portarlington, Geelong. nationalcelticfestival.com

18 May National Walk Safely to School Day Parents and carers are encouraged to walk their children to school to help primary school children learn about pedestrian safety and the importance of regular exercise. walk.com.au.

BUSINESS NEWS | 51

The Personal Property Securities Act is now in operation.

There is an urgent need for businesses to review and revise their terms of trade to ensure that their charges and retention of title clauses remain enforceable.

Harwood Andrews Lawyers: Leaders in Commercial Law to Businesses Tax, Superannuation & Trusts Asset Protection & Business Succession Workplace Relations & Employment Intellectual Property & Franchising Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Property, Land Development & Leasing Planning & Environment Estate & Succession Planning Family Law

Dedicated /

Reliable / Talented / Community Connected

(03) 5225 5225 70 Gheringhap Street, Geelong

www.harwoodandrews.com.au