Geelong Business News April 2016

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 6 Biz News 12 New Appointments 16 Time Honoured 23 Inside Word

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25 Money

18. COVER STORY

27 Governance

FEATURE

28 Business Advice 30 Tech Guy 32 National Volunteers Week 34 Elevator 36 Business Events 37 Property 45 After Hours

38. ARTS ISSUE 250 APRIL 2016 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au

40. COMMUNITY

50 Cool Stuff 51 Books

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EDITOR

FROM 1993 – 2016: 250 ISSUES OF BUSINESS NEWS

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his issue, we celebrate 250 editions of Geelong Business News magazine. Looking back over the years reads like a time capsule of what has happened in the city.

Launched by publishers Adcell Group back in 1993, when hairstyles and business lunches were notably long, GBN was speaking to a local business community grappling with the aftermath of the Pyramid collapse and deep in ‘the recession we had to have’.

It was an incredibly tough time for most businesses, and many were left with no other choice than to close the doors. But for those that battled on, there was a driving sense of determination and a genuine wish for some positivity, for someone to tell the stories of the city the way that people in the business community saw them.

That was why GBN was launched, and it’s why we are still here.

But the legacy goes even further back. The original monthly Geelong Business magazine was published in October of 1983, on behalf of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the Geelong Branch of the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures and the Geelong City Traders Association. Its tagline: Put Geelong First.

While so much about our city has changed, the faces have changed, the economic drivers have changed and the outlook has certainly changed, there are some quite extraordinary parallels between then and now.

In 1993, beset by political factions stalling decision-making, local councils had become the target of furious attention, and the Geelong Regional Commission had been put in place to get things moving. Then Premier Jeff Kennett stepped in to force a new direction amongst the region’s civic leadership, amalgamating the local councils – with the exception of the Borough of Queenscliff – to create a united City of Greater Geelong. It was supposed to be a bloodless coup.

This month, the echoes of 1993 are particularly strong. Once again, disunity amongst the civic leadership has seen the state government step in. Once again, administrators are to be charged with getting council operations back on track. The worst kept secret in town is now out, the City of Greater Geelong Council that was also in the firing line under the Napthine Government, have been dismissed. Suggestions this was a political move are disingenuous at best; it was inevitable. State Government appointed administrators will be put in place for the full-term of the next local council election cycle, until 2020.

Some will say it is sad, some will say it is unfair on those who

genuinely acted in the best interests of those who voted them in; others will say that there are interesting times ahead, and more than a few are saying it is karma coming home to roost. I would say it’s disappointing that we are back here again; that factionalism isn’t confined to the council chamber, with vested interests in pockets across the city and more than a few who remain in the organisation who should be taking a very long look at themselves and their role in putting their own interests above those of the city as a whole.

The 1990s was not a great time in Geelong. Morale across the city was at a low ebb, the economy was dire, unemployment – particularly youth unemployed – soared, as did interest rates.

Thankfully, while we do have some problems as a city, we also have the capability and the talent within the local community to come up with some solutions that will look to the years and decades ahead.

The business sector is growing, adapting and challenging itself to compete in a global economy. Once the dust has had time to settle at City Hall, there are plenty of highly capable, experienced operators who could turn the organisation around to become one that is functional, forward-looking and potentially an asset to the region, but giving those people the space and systems to do that will require some tough decisions from the top. I’m sure the same sentiments were expressed in 1993 …

But more than the reflections, the big news, the bad news, the great news and the sad news, it has been the growing strength of the connections across Geelong’s business community that has set our city apart, and issue after issue we have seen it in GBN. ‘People coming together’ isn’t just a glib line here in Geelong, it is an everyday reality, although those connections have their own inherent tensions. But the overall willingness to, by and large, work together is why we have a city that is powering on, not despite of the recent closures of Ford, Alcoa and others, but because the business community was ready for them, and had put plans in place more than a decade before the announcements finally came.

It’s how things are done here, time and time again. People from competing and from different sectors band together to answer some of the bigger questions around town. Some of the answers have been compelling; but some of the questions are arising again.

More than anything else, however, as we looked back over the years, we have seen and continue to see, small businesses, family businesses, merging businesses and startup businesses focused on growth and getting things done.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 5

BIZ NEWS

INTERNET OF THINGS DRIVING BUSINESS

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NEW MEMBERS

March 2016 Revitalize Lifestyle Well-ability Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway- Rotary Club of Drysdale After Dune Delight Barwon Paper Mills Balmoral Quay Townhall Pako Market Pier View Lolly Shop

WE WANT EVENTS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

The “What’s On” section of our website is the second most visited page on the site. No matter how big or small your event is, you should list it online. Markets, performances, shows and special dinners can be profiled and the listing is syndicated across regional, state and national websites - great exposure for your event. And, it’s FREE! If you’d like to know more about membership or anything TGGB do, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their Business Development Manager Di Nelson on 5244 7109 or dnelson@tourismgeelongbellarine.com.au

n 2015 the Internet of Things (IoT) went mainstream and, according to Verizon Enterprise Solutions, companies around the world are now embracing the technology, and building it into future strategies and business models.

In it’s second annual State of the Market: Internet of Things report, Verizon found that IoT network connections more than doubled across industries such as healthcare, home monitoring, energy/ utilities, smart cities and transportation.

In fact, Verizon predicts that in 2016, enterprise IoT startups will generate two to three times more funding than their consumer counterparts.

This year’s report explores the five macrotrends of the IoT – data monetisation, consumer expectations, the regulatory landscape, network connectivity/IoT platform and security – and how these are helping to speed adoption and deliver results.

The report also highlights that enterprises are turning to startups to help accelerate

their IoT growth. In 2015, enterprise IoT startup companies outpaced funding for consumer startup companies by 75 percent. Verizon’s experts say that enterprise IoT startup companies will raise two to three more times in capital in 2016 compared to their consumer IoT counterparts.

“The view has been that IoT is a mashup of complex technologies used only by early adopters,” said Mike Lanman, senior vice president IoT and Enterprise Products at Verizon. “In the past year, we’ve seen compelling examples of how IoT is being deployed by a wide-range of enterprises, entrepreneurs, municipalities and developers to address relevant business, consumer and public needs.

“Meanwhile, consumers are more willing to try new technologies and apps that introduce a better way of life. The end result will not only give rise to thousands of new use cases over the next two years, but will also create an accelerated pipeline for innovation and a new economy.”

$5M FOR GORDON STUDENT SUPPORT

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he Gordon will receive $5.13 million from the state government’s TAFE Rescue Fund to support disadvantaged TAFE students. The funding, announced by Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, in early April, will help in the delivery of services including personal and career counselling, study support, disability support and student support workshops.

The funding boost will also secure the Geelong Technical Education Centre (GTEC), which provides the Victorian

Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) an alternative to VCE for young learners. The GTEC connects students with employers so they can undertake work placements during their studies.

“The Gordon plays such an important role in the training of locals and we’re making sure it has the resources it needs to deliver that quality training,” Ms Couzens said. “This $5.13 million in funding means The Gordon can give Geelong apprentices and trainees the support they need to complete their training.”

GFORCE BACKS LOCAL LEADERS ALUMNI

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force Employment Solutions has partnered with the Committee for Geelong (CfG) as the CfG’s 2016 Leaders Alumni Partner. The Leaders Alumni is made up of more than 300 graduates from the CfG’s programs including Leaders for Geelong, Barwon Community Leaders and Leading,

Educating and Advocating for People with a Disability (LEAD) Barwon.

Gforce CEO, Rob Birch, said, “As a Leaders for Geelong graduate, I recognise first-hand the benefits this program can provide for the Geelong region. For this reason, Gforce have partnered with CfG to celebrate its 10th year of running leadership programs.”

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BIZ NEWS

GMC LAUNCHES WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING

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recognition of and respect for country, traditions and customs. The group have called for a futures fund to implement and establish the treaty, the establishment of a democracy treaty commission, land rights and land acquisition legislation and funding, and fresh water and sea water rights.

ictoria is on the path to forming Australia’s first treaty with Indigenous people. At a February 3 Victorian Government forum on Indigenous self-determination, hundreds of First Nations representatives rejected the Federal proposal of constitutional recognition, instead calling for selfdetermination and a treaty.

The treaty process, which will see the state government follow in the footsteps of New Zealand, Canada and the United States in signing treaties with the country’s indigenous people, is expected to commence in the coming weeks.

According to the Victorian Traditional Land Owner Justice Group, the First Nations treaty will aim to provide recognition of past injustices, of all 39 First Nations and their Clan’s Authority, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, said the Victorian Government was backing the establishment of a treaty.

“For too long, governments have ignored the views of Aboriginal people. Instead, the [Government] is listening and working in partnership with the Aboriginal community,” she said at the February 3 forum. “This meeting is about hearing directly from the Victorian Aboriginal community on constitutional recognition and what self-determination should look like in a modern Victoria.”

NEW BOARD CHAIR FOR ANAM CARA HOUSE

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iana Taylor has been appointed as the new board chair of Anam Cara House, replacing Lloyd Gosling AM, who has retired from the role after more than a decade of steering the development and operation of Geelong’s community hospice.

Frank Costa AO, Patron of Anam Cara House Geelong, paid tribute to Mr Gosling’s successful stewardship of the organisation and said he was delighted at the appointment of Ms Taylor as board chair.

Ms Taylor, a lawyer and director of the Geelong

Football Club, is also the board chair of the Anam Cara Geelong Foundation.

Supporting Ms Taylor in her new role will be Rob Threlfell, who has been appointed at deputy chair. Mr Threlfell is an accountant and business consultant who worked with the Geelong Football Club for 15 years.

Ms Taylor and Mr Threlfell join Dr Frank Scheelings, Bronwen Charleson, Colin Edmondstone, Norm Lyons, Kevin Costa, Maria Hamilton and Fr Kevin Dillon AM on the Anam Cara House Geelong board of directors.

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BIZ NEWS

A LITTLE BIT EXTRA GOES A LONG WAY

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edical researchers have confirmed that taking an additional 3,500 steps and spending an extra 45 minutes on the move each week can reduce weight and lead to better wellbeing and long-term health.

South Australian researchers have drilled into the results of a popular online exercise program, Stepathlon, showcasing the potential of using technology to reach millions of people to help reduce heart disease, diabetes and obesity rates around the world.

On average, participants lost just over 1.45kg and improved their health by increasing their amount of walking by more than 3,500 steps per day, reducing the time spent sitting by about 45 minutes per day and exercised nearly one additional day per week.

The Australian survey, based on workplace online fitness program Stepathlon, was presented in Chicago by lead author and Flinders University research fellow Assoc. Prof. Anand Ganesan and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in early April.

VICTORIA’S LABOUR MARKET INCREASINGLY ROBUST

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he outlook for Victoria’s labour market is increasingly robust, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Released on March 31, the figures show job vacancies in Victoria surged by 35 per cent over the year to February 2016 - the strongest growth rate among the states, and nearly three times the national average (13.5 per cent).

The figures revealed there were 47,300 job vacancies in Victoria in February 2016, the highest level in five years.

And the State’s capacity for job creation shows no sign of slowing with sustained growth in the most recent quarter.

Between November 2015 and February 2016, job vacancies increased by 17.4 per cent - again, the strongest growth rate of

all states and above the national average (2.7 per cent). The ABS reports job vacancies in Victoria have now increased for eight consecutive quarters.

In a sign of confidence and private investment in the Victorian economy, the vast majority of job vacancy growth was in the private sector with 44,100 private sector job vacancies in February 2016. This is the equal highest level on record.

Over the year to February 2016, Victorian private sector job vacancies increased by 35.3 per cent - again, the strongest growth rate of all states and well above the national average (13.2 per cent). Private sector job vacancies in Victoria have also increased for eight consecutive quarters.

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BIZ NEWS

GEELONG’S PUNDIT CONNECT WINS STARTUP ACCOLADE

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n a boost for Geelong’s burgeoning startup economy, local business Pundit Connect, won Startup Victoria’s B2B pitch competition last night.

After being shortlisted by Startup Victoria, Pundit Connect was invited to pitch against three other B2B startup finalists in front of an expert panel of judges and an audience of more than 300.

Both the expert judges and the audience voted for the winner.

Pundit Connect founder, James Baird, said, “Being regionally based has definitely been an advantage for us in the early stages of launching and building traction. And we are solving a problem that has a lot of relevance in regional economies.

“Pundit Connect has had great support from the Committee for Geelong, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, City of Greater Geelong and we are working on an exciting local procurement initiative with Deakin University.”

The award comes with a prize pack worth more than $170,000, including an opportunity to pitch Pundit Connect to a prominent Venture Capital firm.

“As regional economies transition from a manufacturing to services base professional services emerge as a significant economic driver in our regions. The problem is that it can often be difficult for local businesses to find local professionals. We solve this issue by making it easy for local businesses to connect with local consultants.”

He said launching the platform in Geelong had allowed the business to build partnerships in a way that wouldn’t be possible in Melbourne or Sydney.

Pundit Connect is a digital marketplace that connects business, government and not-for-profit customers to a competitive community of professional consultants. The startup received angle investment from two prominent Geelong startup investors, and has built a community of more than 1000 consultants across marketing, PR and business advisory, and has now had $600,000 in projects procured through the platform since launching.

“We are very much a Geelong startup and we are seeing a lot of positive traction locally with many local businesses using our marketplace to find and get quotes from local consultants,” James said.

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BIZ NEWS

After spending the vast majority of adult life being spoilt by award winning coffee and food in one of our major capital cities, Chris the Coffee Drinker has taken up residence in Geelong and is ready to discover some of our region’s best Coffee O’Clock venues.

WINIFRED’S CORNER SHOP Cnr Malop Street & Garden Street, Geelong

Winifred’s is the new business located in a long established location opposite the gardens in the appropriately named Garden Street. The new owners have only been there since February 2016 but have already, seemingly, developed a good customer base, from what I saw during my visit.

The coffee is served in the correct cup (hooray!), displaying a great crema and solid flavour. The food offerings are simple and relatively few in number but can I recommend that you try the breakfast roll!

The location has been completely renovated and apart from an echo caused by a lack of carpet and soft furnishings, it presents as a clean, fresh and engaging place to enjoy a coffee.

BUSINES EVENTS GEELONG SCOOPS INDUSTRY AWARD

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usiness Events Geelong was awarded winner of the Regional Destination Marketing Organisation category at the Victorian 2015 Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) Industry Awards in March.

This is the second year in a row Business Events Geelong has taken out this award, winning both the State and National award in the same category at last year’s awards.

Mark Day, Convention Bureau Manager said, “Winning the award for a second year is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the Business Events Geelong team. We were thrilled to receive this award and will continue to strengthen Geelong and The Bellarine region as a premier place to hold a business event.”

Business Events Geelong is the Convention Bureau to Geelong and The Bellarine, assisting meeting and conference organisers to source venues and suppliers for their next event.

The only thing to be aware of is that Winifred’s doesn’t open on a Saturday but the team is happy to serve you on any other day of the week!

Business Events Geelong is now a finalist for the National 2015 Meetings & Events Australia Industry Awards being held in Melbourne in April 2016.

ARRIUM: PUSH TO SAVE STEEL PRODUCER

INVERLEIGH BAKEHOUSE High Street, Inverleigh

If I have ever passed through Inverleigh before, I must have done just that - passed through.

Located on the Hamilton Highway (known locally as High Street - original!), the township only boasts a few small businesses including the Inverleigh Bakehouse.

The Bakehouse is located in an old cottage-like building next to the pub. Stepping inside and ordering, it is hard to imagine that you are only 20km from Geelong and that the year is 2016.

It really is very rural and very old-school. But that’s the charm of the establishment!

Food options were plentiful – think country bakery and you’ve pretty much got the menu.

But, at the end of the day, this is a coffee review and so here it is … good coffee. Really good coffee. Better than I expected, to be honest.

Certainly four star and certainly worth the drive from Geelong.

Get the car keys!

/geelongcoffee

www.geelong.coffee

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he entering into voluntary administration by troubled Australian steel producer, Arrium, has set alarm bells ringing for the company’s employers, suppliers and industry bodies.

Arrium has 7000 employees across Australia, and 900 in Victoria across its operations in Geelong, Laverton North, Scoresby, Lyndhurst and Port Melbourne.

The Victorian and South Australian governments are urging the federal government to sit down with the company and the states to negotiate a plan for Arrium to trade out of its current tenuous position, emphasising the need for more local procurement on government tenders.

Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said Arrium’s move into voluntary administration is a reminder of both the pressures on Australian manufacturing and the critical importance of the steel industry for the country.

“Arrium employees and businesses up and down its supply chain will be justifiably concerned for their future. We encourage all stakeholders to do as much as they can to create the conditions for the company to restructure and continue operations for the long term,” Mr Willox said.

“This is a situation with national implications and potential deep impacts for regional Australia involving an essential nation building industry.”

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BIZ NEWS

NEW BARWON HEALTH CEO ANNOUNCED

AUSTINS SCOOP INDUSTRY LEADER

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Professor Moyes has held leadership roles in public health in South Australia and Victoria, and was most recently Chief Executive Officer at Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, encompassing the prestigious Flinders Medical Centre.

She was also the Victorian Department of Health’s former Chief Nursing Advisor and Policy Director.

In addition to his time at Brown Brothers, Matt has been at the center of sales growth for leading UK RTD brand, WKD; increasing export sales, developing countryspecific marketing campaigns, and establishing distributor incentive schemes and training.

arwon Health Board Chair, Dr John Stekelenburg has announced the appointment of the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer, Professor Belinda Moyes. Professor Moyes will take up the role at Barwon Health in July.

ustins & Co has appointed Matt Turner as the company’s new General Manager of Sales. As the Export Manager and Global Export Manager at Brown Brothers over the past eight years, Matt brings a wealth of specialist wine industry and business strategy knowledge.

“I am committed to leading the organisation to put consumers at the centre of care and providing access to state-of-the-art services,” Professor Moyes said.

“I look forward to becoming a part of the Geelong community and to building upon the existing work of former CEO Professor David Ashbridge and interim CEO Paul Cohen.”

Dr Stekelenburg said he was delighted to be making the announcement after an international search for a new leader.

“Following a robust recruitment process, we have appointed an exceptional CEO whose experience will enhance our position as a major training and education provider,” Dr Stekelenburg said.

Austins & Co. owners Scott and Belinda Austin are excited by Matt’s international and local wine market knowledge, believing he has all the characteristics to make a brilliant, innovative manger in their enthusiastic team. Matt said he is excited to hit the ground running in a market he is passionate about and in a cool climate wine region he has fallen in love with.

“I am looking forward to becoming involved in this fantastic, dynamic and innovative family business while also moving my family closer to the beach.”

Matt starts in his role as General Manager of Sales at Austins & Co. in April.

“On behalf of the Board and the executive I would like to welcome Belinda to Geelong and Barwon Health, and also thank interim CEO Paul Cohen for his excellent stewardship of the organisation during the recruitment process.”

Welcome New Chamber Members April 2016 The Geelong Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming the following new members at the April After 5, hosted by Waurn Ponds Estate, Deakin University, to be held on April 13 2016.

Financial Wave Solutions - Anita Schmidt

Leslie Ridgeway Celebrant Services

HR Central

Fierce Life Coaching

Danceman Promotions

Haze Music

CVEN Inc

Body Conquest

Platinum Electricians Belmont

The Weekly Times

Geelong Regional Library Corporation

Sarah Henderson

Four Eyewear

Phillip Gorton

Barwon South West Waste Management & Resource Recovery Group

Veolia Environmental Services The Geelong Hotel

FEATURED MEMBER Moomedia Australia is a full service media and design agency operating in the heart of Geelong’s cultural precinct since 2005 T 03 5229 8647 www.moomedia.com.au

Geelong Chamber of Commerce Connecting people and business in Geelong and the Greater Geelong region

Email: jody.keating@geelongchamber.com.au BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 11

Ph: 5222 2234

NEW APPOINTMENTS

For Andrew Kors, the newly appointed Executive Director of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service, the funeral services industry has quite literally been the work of a lifetime. As the grainy newspaper shot from the 1990s shows, Andrew has had a long history in the industry. From completing work experience with Nelson Brothers Pty Ltd in Ballarat at 14 years-old, to starting fulltime with the same company at 17, he became Australia’s youngest qualified embalmer at just 18 years-old, and has been a Member of the British Institute of Embalmers since 1991.

Moving to Melbourne to further his career, still as a teen, Andrew went on to hold a variety of management positions in the industry, continuing to deliver personal service to families as a Funeral Director. He took up a role with Tuckers in July 2015, moving to Bellarine Peninsula with his wife and two sons, and has now been appointed to drive continued excellence in customer service at Tuckers in the years ahead. Away from work he is busy indulging his passion for golf, taking up the voluntary role of secretary of the 13th Beach Golf Club committee and helping with the Junior Golf Program.

ANDREW KORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – TUCKERS FUNERAL & BEREAVEMENT SERVICE

AUDIO VISUAL

AUDIO VISUAL

RETIREMENT

RETIREMENT

Shane Haugh joins MultiTek Solutions as Senior AV Sales and Design Engineer. With a strong knowledge of the commercial and corporate AV industry, Shane has an extensive background in theatrical lighting systems and corporate audio visual technology. Shane’s career has included working with some of Australia’s best entertainment institutions, technical equipment contractors and theatre consultants, including Marshall Day Entertech and Geelong’s Performing Arts Centre.

With past experience in Education, Arts and Journalism/ Literary Studies, Julia Hulme has been appointed as Public Relations Officer at MultiTek Solutions. In her new role Julia will predominantly work on the copywriting, design and print management of promotional materials for the leading audio visual integrator. Possessing a keen interest in journalism, psychology and the creative side of advertising, Julia is relishing her involvement in the development and design of MultiTek’s exciting new website.

Brad Keating joined the team in February to provide residents with a safe and secure environment at the over 45s lifestyle community. Brad’s diverse background extends from management roles in property maintenance services right through to 23 years of service with the Victorian Police. Personable, reliable and approachable, Brad will become the face of the community, welcoming residents, managing their daily needs and working to further grow and develop Active Lifestyle Estates Lara.

Kerri Hughes joins Active Lifestyle Estates dynamic sales team to manage the sales of brand new homes and pre-loved homes in the over 45s lifestyle community.

Her role also involves a variety of project communications to key stakeholders throughout the next busy stages as the residential community continues to grow. Kerri comes from a project sales management and general agency background with 16 years experience in the real estate industry.

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

COMMUNITY SERVICES Pathways Rehabilitation & Support Services is embarking on a period of exciting change, instigated by the recent appointment of a new dynamic and forward thinking CEO. In 2016 we will embark on three major milestones – the celebration of our 30th year of business, expansion and relocation of our head office, and the diversification of revenue to cater for our continued growth objectives.

To cater for this period of growth and development we have recently restructured our Executive and Management teams and we proudly introduce the following key appointments:

Brooke Baxter will join the Executive team overseeing Strategic Operations and Development. Brooke will deliver strategies for growth, diversity, innovative service development, leadership development, identify business growth opportunities and shape strategic directions to respond to current and future challenges.

Raquel Wright joins the Executive team overseeing Service Delivery. The key elements of Raquel’s new role will be delivery of an efficient, recovery orientated quality service, enhancement of our flexible participant focussed service delivery framework and ensure a culture of continuous improvement is embedded in all Pathways service delivery.

Hamdi Koyu has joined Pathways as the General Manager of Business Development. This role has been created to focus specifically on diversifying the income streams for Pathways from avenues such as philanthropy, corporate support, collaborations / partnerships and government opportunities.

Paula Allan has been appointed General Manager of Marketing & Communications.

This is a new position created in recognition of the need for a dedicated marketing resource in the current competitive environment for both Pathways and Clearwater, and the subsequent need to strengthen both our brand presence and awareness.

LEGAL Alison Lever recently joined Coulter Roache as a Trainee Lawyer . She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law in anticipation of being admitted to practice in July this year.

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FEATURE

A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR GAWS

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pend a bit of time around the Geelong Animal Welfare Society, or GAWS, and you get the sense that the organisation has turned a corner. The local community has made it abundantly clear in recent years that they didn’t want healthy animals being put down simply for the lack of a home and the organisation has responded with a Getting to Zero policy that has seen re-homing rates soar to now 90 per cent for dogs and 75 per cent for cats.

Looking after and providing veterinary treatment for hundreds of additional dogs and thousands of additional cats every year comes with additional costs, and while the Council funds the operation of the pound that collects lost animals and keeps them for eight days, the shelter that houses uncollected, abandoned or stray animals receives no funding. And that is a problem.

This April, GAWS celebrates 60 years of service to the Geelong community. These days, there is a lot of good will around the yapping, barking, mewing confines of GAWS – it’s hard not to be won over by fluffy young kittens and dogs with eyes that plead for attention - but that level of community goodwill hasn’t always been there.

The animal shelter at GAWS took in 2593 dogs in the 2014/15 year and 2798 cats. Of the 1580 dogs brought in by Council, 1533 were reclaimed. Another 501 dogs were strays brought in by the public and, overall, 576 dogs found a new home under the GAWS pet adoption program.

It is a very different story, however, for the region’s lost, stray or feral cats. Council brought in 924 cats over the 14/15 year, a further 508 cats were surrendered by their owners and 1119 strays were brought in by members of the community. The shelter also had 65 kittens born onsite.

“The Pound is the service for lost animals. The Council will pick up the animal and, if they can’t find you, or your details aren’t up to date, they will be brought out here. As an owner, if your pet is registered or your microchip details are up to date, we’ll contact you and let you know that it’s here and you have eight days to collect your animal. After eight days, it’s not yours any more; Council will ‘gift’ the animal to GAWS.

“There is a lot of good will around the yapping, barking, mewing confines of GAWS”

Adrian Buckley, formerly the CEO of mental health service provider Pathways, was brought into GAWS in July 2015 to set a new direction for the animal welfare service. While the situation was grim when he first arrived, and he admitted it was worse than he had anticipated, the turnaround is already underway.

The operation and funding of GAWS services is far from straight forward. GAWS holds the contract for the operation of the pound on behalf of the City of Greater Geelong. The animal shelter itself, which is the biggest part of the operation, and the service that rehomes the city’s lost and abandoned animals, is unfunded, relying on volunteers, donations, fundraising and bequests to stay open.

“With dogs, it’s usually pretty straight forward. As long as they are vaccinated and desexed, they go up for adoption. But with kittens or cats that may be unwell, you can’t rehome them until they are at least 8 weeks old and 800 grams in weight. With cat flu so prevalent, that can mean looking after them for four, five or six weeks until you can even get to the stage of them being available for adoption,” Adrian said. “Obviously, that comes at a cost.”

The Council contract to provide pound services is soon to be retendered, and GAWS is hopeful that they will retain the contract.

Underlying the operations of the animal welfare service is the philosophy that ‘every life is precious’. The shelter is now working under a Getting to Zero philosophy, that has seen euthanasia rates fall from 2359 cats and 811 dogs in 2010/11 to 520 cats

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FEATURE and 121 dogs in 2014/15. Now, animals are treated, looked after and rehomed wherever possible, with only those with aggressive behavioural problems, medical conditions that are unable to be treated, or those under a legal order that are euthanized.

Thankfully, more people in the local community are seeking out their new pets from GAWS, with 576 dogs adopted last financial year and 1529 cats (mostly kittens) finding a new home.

But as the local population of the city grows, so to do the numbers of lost, abandoned and stray pets, and even guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and, through its foster program, even chickens and sheep are looked after by GAWS until a new home can be found for them.

“One of the big things that I’ve tried to do is to build relationships.

Between us and the Council, we want to better educate the community on preventative measures like desexing animals, and making sure owner’s details are up to date with Council and on microchips,” Adrian said.

“The other relationships that we are working hard on are those with rescue groups.

There are a lot of rescue groups that will take dogs and cats from us and try to rehome them and rescue groups play a vital role in the re-homing of animals,” Adrian said.

“For us, if it’s your animal, we want to have the best systems so we can get your pet back to you. That way there is less stress on the animal and less stress on you and your family.

The best way to do that is to have details kept up to date.

Australia, arranged for two shelter management experts from the US to spend three days at GAWS training staff and looking at the shelter’s practices.

After what has, according to Adrian, not been an easy task, financially the organisation is tracking to have significant improvement this financial year. Culturally, the shift within GAWS to a respectful, communicative and positive environment has been marked.

“Our staff are the most dedicated that I’ve ever worked with, and they don’t get paid a lot,” Adrian said.

Any business or organisation can tell you they have a great culture, but when you spend a bit of time in a workplace, working relationships, body language and staff interaction are all giveaways as to how the place is operating. At a shelter and pound the size of GAWS, every day is busy and there is probably always more to do than there is time to do it in. From the front desk, to the corridor of the old house that serves as the admin offices and throughout the shelter it was bustling, but everyone still managed to have a chat and a laugh as they worked.

“Thankfully, more people in the local community are seeking out their new pets from GAWS, with 576 dogs adopted last financial year and 1529 cats (mostly kittens) finding a new home.”

“For all the other animals that need to be rehomed, we need to educate the community a lot more about what that costs us and that we need community support. We need volunteers and we need donations.”

GAWS have set up an Every Day Hero fundraising site, so schools, groups and businesses can fundraise on behalf of GAWS. “Everything that we fundraise for goes towards running the shelter,” Adrian said.

Last year, GAWS recorded a loss of $887,857. Before the structural changes in the organisation, particularly in the paid staff, that figure was on track to increase rapidly this financial year. A more efficient staffing structure was needed to keep the focus of the service on delivering positive outcomes for the animals.

“We are working hard on a volunteer strategy, to attract and retain volunteers and to really value our volunteers,” Adrian said, adding that volunteers can be aged from 16 and upwards and are always needed.

Adrian said that the restructure was about the sustainability of the organisation and continuing to embrace the principles of Getting to Zero.

On the back of a national animal welfare conference, Nell Thompson, the program coordinator at Getting to Zero in

Walking into the cat and kitten area during kitten season at GAWS, you are immediately struck with sensory overload.

The noise and the smell are what strike you first, and both are so overpowering it is almost a surreal experience.

Then you notice the pace at which mewling balls of fur are being vaccinated, weighed, checked over, given a quick cuddle then put back in their cages, passing between the hands of volunteers, including students from Sacred Heart College, shelter and veterinary staff.

There was a calm, efficient and happy eye in the storm of kitten madness.

Vets are now employed at GAWS and the main clinic, while kept busy treating the animals at the pound and shelter, is also open to public. And any commercial funds raised through the clinic go back into supporting the shelter.

“We need to get better at upselling, at that one-stop-shop mentality. We have pet food now, accessories, we’ve just started doing dog training, puppy school and doggy social club,” Adrian said.

“Bequests are a major contributor to our fundraising and a lot of people leave money to GAWS in their wills, which is nice. People really do want to help,” Adrian said.

“Community expectations are quite clear, the community doesn’t want healthy animals euthanized, but with a population like ours and an animal population like ours, there is a cost in providing that service. They are our community’s animals, they’re not GAWS’s or Council’s. It’s a community problem and we need the community to volunteer, to donate and help us to fundraise.

We would love more corporate support and workplace giving so we can continue to achieve great outcomes for our community’s animals.”

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 15

TIME HONOURED

DECADES OF PROTECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

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fter fifty-two years in the insurance industry, there isn’t an insurance salesman joke that Keith Roderick hasn’t heard; but with Roderick Insurance Brokers celebrating 30 years this year, he just keeps on having the last laugh.

It is truly a family business at Roderick. After three decades of growth, the business has 32 staff and four family members working in the business: Keith and Louise Roderick, daughter Marnie Roderick-Shepherd (the business’ co-General Manager) and son Wes Roderick (co-General Manager, based in the Werribee office).

Expect the unexpected isn’t a bad motto for businesses in our era of rapid change and disruption. That was particularly evident in late January, when a one in a hundred year storm saw flash flooding across the city. For Roderick clients, their claims were lodged and managed for them.

“We have been around for decades,” Marnie said, “and we have the knowledge and skill to interpret insurance policies. Insurance companies have high staff turnover – sometimes the person handling claims may have only been in insurance for a year or so.

Where our clients benefit is that we are dealing with the insurance companies on their behalf so we are handling all of the interactions with the insurance company for them.”

A significant part of the growth of the business has been the ongoing training and the maintenance of qualifications of the people who work there. Of the team of 32 in the business, 30 are qualified to provide advice on the best insurance policies to suit an individual or business. Ten of those qualified members of staff also have Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) status, the National Insurance Brokers Association accreditation for professionalism and

experience in the industry. Each year all qualified members of staff complete a minimum of 25 hours training to keep their knowledge up to date.

The introduction of the Financial Services Reform Act in 2001 saw widespread change sweep across the insurance sector. The regulatory requirements that came in with the reforms saw many people get out of running their businesses. Roderick Insurance Brokers took over several local brokerages at this time, with McInerney Ling Insurance Brokers and Autofire being the largest.

“Most of those directors and employees are still here, with Ron and Gabrielle Ling, and Brian Eaton, still working with us today,” Marnie said. “That was a big change for us. We doubled in client size and staff; it was a massive undertaking.”

“The key thing is that we are a family business and we have a really great team. It’s a really nice working environment; we’re friends and we all get along. We work hard, but we make sure that there is also plenty of fun.”

The brokerage has retained many clients from right back in the early years of the business in the 1980s, and the same is true of clients of the businesses that came under Roderick’s banner in the early 2000s. The past thirty years has seen the generations of those family businesses, from the parents to the grandchildren, also become clients.

Through all the changes, the growth and the years, it has been Keith who has been the driving force in the business.

“He’s still going strong, working six days a week. He’s just a powerhouse, although his holidays are getting longer and longer every year,” Marnie said.

BUSINESS NEWS | 16

TIME HONOURED “Keith is a great leader and has instilled in the rest of us the need to look after people they way he does,” added Gabrielle, who has worked with Keith for decades.

“He provides caring personalised service that is second to none,” says Marnie, “and he personally visits many of his clients every year, making himself available for them whenever they need him.”

In 2008, the business saw an opportunity to provide clients with better products and made the decision to join the Steadfast Group, the largest insurance broker network in Australasia.

“The sheer scale of Steadfast’s network allows us to give our clients the best products at the most competitive price,” Keith said. “Dealing with Steadfast allows us the best of both worlds; we can provide personal and localised serviced, but we also have the expertise and support of a large organisation.”

Changes to privacy laws in 2014 and widespread cases of cyber attacks have put cyber insurance on the radar for businesses of all sizes.

client is interested in, until they need to make a claim. People can be very keen on saving $200 when they’re paying their premiums, but that $200 is nothing if they find they have a big claim that is knocked back because they’re not covered for that specific event,” Marnie said.

After the major renovation of Geelong office building in Yarra Street from 2010 to 2012, feeling that they had created something special and that they had something to say, the business put in its first nomination for the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. They won the Family Business of Year, and a number of wins and finalist placings saw Roderick Insurance Brokers enter the Awards Hall of Fame. Other awards followed, including being ranked number three in the Insurance Brokers Online Top 10 Insurance Brokerages in 2012, winner of the Medium Broker of the Year Award at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards in 2013, and a nomination for the Telstra Business Excellence Awards. In recognition of his contribution to the insurance industry of, at the time, almost fifty years, Keith Roderick was nominated and awarded as a finalist in the 2013 National Insurance Brokers Association Broker of the Year award.

“In 2008, the business saw an opportunity to provide clients with better products and made the decision to join the Steadfast Group, the largest insurance broker network in Australasia.”

“Hackers are targeting everyone,” Gabrielle said. “Even small tradies are relying on Cloud and online systems which makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks. We haven’t had a new insurance product as big as this in a long time, and it’s evolving all the time because the industry doesn’t fully understand what the risks are with these breaches yet, and what all the costs are in terms of loss of business, brand and reputational damage, recovery and costs to clients.”

Another big shift in the sector is coming from the online disrupters, offering fast, cheap and simple insurance. With decades of experience of dealing with the unexpected, Marnie and Gabrielle said it is easy for businesses to be caught out and find them underinsured and uninsured.

“Price is not the only the thing that is important when you are looking at an insurance program, but it can often be the only thing a

Business

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After a spate of wins, Marnie is now a judge in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. She said she was enjoying the opportunity to be on the other side of the process and learning more about other Geelong businesses.

For Keith and the Roderick team, giving back is just another part of doing business, and that has often taken the form of local sporting sponsorships, as well as support for community organisations. The list of clubs and organisations that the business supports is long, far too long to list here. But right at the top is the YMCA Basketball Club and McDonalds Geelong Supercats Basketball Club. The family and business are also active fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis and the Leukaemia Foundation.

Corporate

Geelong

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Personal Werribee

116 Yarra Street, Geelong VIC 3220

2A Wedge Street, Werribee VIC 3030

(03) 5226 5995

(03) 9974 9095

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• There is a deep-seated culture of bullying within the Council and its administration, which has contributed to a lack of good governance and failure to provide a safe workplace for staff.

It was 1993 when Adcell Group published that first issue.

Australia was deep in recession and across the city the terrible pall that descended with the 1990 collapse of the Pyramid Building Society still cast a shadow. Interest rates were up around 10 per cent after soaring to almost 18 per cent in the preceding years. Unemployment was high, businesses were closing; too many people lost everything, and across the city people were struggling to hold on to their homes, businesses and jobs.

Graduates and young people left the city by their thousands.

Mr Blacher is no stranger to big reforms in local government. He was the Director of the Office of Local Government from 1991 to 1996 during the Kennett years. It was Mr Blacher that designed the restructure of the state’s system of local government. He has been quoted as saying you have to ‘hold your nerve’ on major public reforms, and he’s been at the helm of a number of these over the years.

t is a sentiment that has been echoed across the city in these first few months of 2016, how fast the time is going. There is nothing quite like a milestone to bring that message home, and this month at Business News we are celebrating a milestone.

This is Issue #250 since Geelong Business News first launched into what was then a city doing it tough.

The State Government had sacked the Geelong council (eerie echoes have been booming around the Business News office on that score), and the Geelong Regional Commission, led by Chief Commissioner Bill Dix, had been charged with getting things moving across the city. 1993 was the year the shire councils were amalgamated to form the City of Greater Geelong. The idea was to form a cohesive council with a citywide view.

It was a good plan, but one that has been challenged by the findings of the Halliday report into the organisation’s culture and subsequent Commission of Inquiry review.

As this piece is being written, a bill to dismiss the Greater Geelong Council has been introduced into state parliament.

A statement from the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, has popped up in my inbox, outlining that the longanticipated dismissal of the council by Parliament ‘is only considered in the most serious cases of governance failure.’

The Andrews Government accepted all 12 recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry, with the report finding: he Council is riven with conflict, unable to provide a long •T term vision for the city and lacking the leadership required to manage Geelong’s major economic challenges; •T he Council’s leadership is dysfunctional, and includes a significant number of councillors contravening their Code of Conduct; •T he Council operates in silos – both at councillor level and at senior management level – looking after sectional interests rather than the municipality as a whole; and

Yehudi Blacher is to be installed as the interim administrator until ongoing administrators can be appointed. Administrators will perform the roles and functions of council until the next local government elections are held in October 2020.

In 2002, under the Premier Steve Bracks, he established a new government department, the Department for Victorian Communities. Amongst its broad responsibilities that encompassed a range of sectors - reporting to eight ministers - the department was responsible for running the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

There will be plenty of people questioning how much we have really moved on from the old days as the fallout from the axing of the council rolls on. These are fair questions and ones that should be asked. But the short answer is that there has been progression. The returning swing of the State Government axe is a necessary frustration. The metaphor is, perhaps, as blunt as the instrument itself, but it is long past time to clear the dead wood holding things up at City Hall.

The City of Greater Geelong is one of the region’s largest employers, is a major service provider and has a significant role to play in advocating for planned growth and development across what is an extraordinarily large and diverse municipal area. There are plenty of good people working at the City, and we lost a few good people in the sweep of councillors. But there is also far too much bureaucracy, some appallingly bad behaviour and overwhelming self-interest amongst some of the executive. To say that this behaviour was learned from councillors is a copout, an unhelpful excuse that skates over some deep systemic problems. We shouldn’t kid ourselves that removing the council will ‘fix’ those problems. It will take time, the institution of rigorous governance, some sharply streamlined and targeted systems, and, most of all, allowing the dedicated and passionate staff to get on with their jobs. It must be a tough place to be working right now…

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COVER STORY The Bill to dismiss the Council also provides for a directly elected Deputy Mayor through an amendment to the City of Greater Geelong Act 1993, as well as an electoral representation review to accommodate the extra role and remove single councillor wards – as recommended by the Commission. When next we have a Greater Geelong Council, it will, both in structure and personnel, look very different to the one that has borne the brunt of State ire over dysfunction, disunity and a widespread lack of disciplined behaviour.

The inaugural cover story was one that has remained one of the biggest stories in our city over the past two decades, what is happening at Avalon Airport. ‘ASTA Moves Towards 2000’

If we are to take a philosophical view of the upheaval, as a community we now have a clear four years to develop some serious candidates for council, as well as Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral candidates. From a cynical point of view, it could result in a US election-style seemingly interminable campaign of vote seeking…

ASTA, wholly owned by the Commonwealth Government at the time, was a leading Australian aerospace manufacturer and repairer of aircraft componentry, primarily serving defence. The plan involved establishing Avalon internationally as a freight hub.

‘The Deputy Mayor will strengthen support for Geelong’s directly elected Mayor and will help share the workload of the Mayor’s office,’ Minister Hutchins’ statement read. ‘Geelong will not be involved in this October’s council general elections, as administrators work to fix what has now been revealed as years of cultural, governance and structural problems.’

The minister said, “This is about returning good governance to the people of Geelong and a safe working environment for council staff.

“The people of Geelong deserve better. They deserve a council that is equipped to manage the city’s economic challenges, while ensuring it’s not left behind the rest of the state.

‘At Aerospace Technologies of Australia (ASTA), based at Avalon Airport, the movers and shakers aim high – but then, that’s the sort of industry they’re in.’ Avalon was embarking on a 20-year development program designed to promote it as an ‘internationally renowned centre of aerospace excellence and commercial airport.’

‘The really exciting prospect, however, is for ASTA Airport to become the centre for the export of locally grown perishable foodstuffs,” said ASTA’s General Manager of Human Resources, Richard Santo in the article. Markets in southern China, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong were being eyed off for their potential as export destinations. In the longer term, were plans for Avalon to accommodate national and international passenger flights, for the airport to act as a gateway to the region as a tourism destination.

Another big story in December of 1993 was the meteoric success of the recent share float of local clothing company, the Austin Group. The famously media shy Austin brothers of Richard and Grant had listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as Austin Bros in September of 1993. With a distribution network supplying ‘affordable fashion clothing’ to over 4,500 retail outlets in Australia and New Zealand, the Group turnover for the previous financial year was $53 million (remember, that is in 1993 figures) with a before tax profit of $7.4 million.

“The returning swing of the State Government axe is a necessary frustration. The metaphor is, perhaps, as blunt as the instrument itself, but it is long past time to clear the dead wood holding things up at City Hall.”

“The issues contained in the Commission of Inquiry’s report are of such a serious nature that the Government has no choice but to dismiss Geelong Council.

“It’s deeply disturbing that the council has not dealt with the Halliday Report – by failing to address the culture of bullying they have continued to put their staff at risk.”

It is stern stuff, cast in bold language. But Geelong as a city is no stranger to the delivery of stern stuff, cast in bold language, from a state government hell bent on driving change in the city.

In the first edition of Geelong Business News loomed the headline: ‘The Kennett Masterplan – Wool and Water. The then Premier was open about his regard for Geelong, and his grand plans for the waterfront, that he referred to as ‘the Boardwalk’.

“It is really one of the loveliest pieces of land,” he enthused in the article. “Only we have to make better use of it!”

He enthused about the return of Geelong as a ‘vibrant and prosperous city’, one that would be led by the newly formed City of Greater Geelong.

“The re-structuring of the councils in Geelong is a very major step, because from that simplified system, not only will rates be held down…but planning will be easier and it will put a new focus on the city for investment.

“Which is important, because while the City of Greater Geelong will be initially responsible for the planning of this area, ultimately development will have to be taken up by the private sector.” … Well, you can’t argue that the man had vision!

And the parallels between 1993 and now don’t stop with the unfolding story at City Hall. Again and again in that first edition are the links to where we are today.

Austin Bros, what we now know as the Cotton On Group, was Australia’s only wholesale clothing company on the stock exchange at the time, and Geelong’s only publicly listed business.

Austin Bros retained 47 per cent of shares in the company and listed the remaining 14.55 million shares at $1.50 each. The share offering was heavily over-subscribed and the share price tracked steadily up. But the success didn’t instill a desire to move the operations away from Geelong.

“We have access to excellent staff here in Geelong, we have good facilities and, most importantly, we are a Geelong based company – that’s our identity,” Richard Austin said.

“Austin Bros is proud to be in Geelong and we plan on staying and working hard to become an even bigger and better part of Geelong in the future.”

Prophetic words that perhaps even then couldn’t have foreseen just how big a success the company would become, and how important to a city undergoing economic change two decades later.

Technology was the big emerging trend in the early 1990s, and we had a chuckle over the article headline: ‘Enter the CD-ROM’.

CDs had transformed the hi-fi industry and were set to transform the way businesses used data! Imagine, complete White and Yellow Pages for all of Australia on one disk. Although a CD player for your IBM or Macintosh personal computer would cost you upwards of $400…

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 19

COVER STORY Always with an eye on trends and issues across the business sector, Workplace Health and Safety was on the agenda, and with good reason. “Every week in Victoria one employee dies from work related injury or disease and more than one thousand employees suffer work injuries that keep them at home for five days or more,” another article read. Just another example of how far we have come.

The big story at Alcoa Point Henry was around waste minimisation, and tax was a major talking point (as it was for the ancient Romans… some things never change). The GST was off the political agenda, but fringe benefits tax (FBT), sales tax and payroll tax were all high on the agenda of businesses.

Interestingly, at the Small Business Policy Forum held by the Geelong Chamber of Commerce in recent weeks, with local small and medium businesses asked to share their views with Small Business Minister, Philip Dalidakis, payroll tax was repeatedly a subject of discussion.

Training and apprenticeships was another key issue in 1993, with the focus on apprenticeships and training for school leavers. There were few options for kids out of school at the time, and while university courses were seeing record involvements from a generation aiming for a better future, apprenticeship figures were low and would soon lead to a widespread and economically damaging skills shortage. The very high rates charged by skilled trades now may have a direct link to that time.

business confidence across the city is up, with more than four in every five firms that responded anticipating a rise in sales in 2016.

Deakin Business School’s Professor Barry Cooper said the positive results from the survey were a reflection of the important work achieved in Geelong to promote local business skills and growth.

“Despite setbacks over recent years, Geelong’s economy is moving forward. Partnerships between Deakin, the Chamber and other local organisations are undoubtedly contributing to businesses having a greater understanding of their economic environment,” Professor Cooper said.

“This increased awareness is giving businesses essential knowledge on how they can progress in an evolving economy,” he said.

Chamber President, Kylie Warne, said the majority of businesses surveyed also reported robust growth in sales and profitability in 2014/15.

“But the ever-changing weave that makes up the fabric of this city of ours is spun not by business names, but from the stories of its people. ”

On the stock market, investors seeking value were looking to smaller companies with the All Ordinaries outperforming the market on the Australian Stock Exchange.

On the industrial relations front, Workplace Agreements and Collective Agreements dominated the IR landscape.

And yes, even in 1993, superannuation was definitely making headlines. In 1992, the Keating Government introduced the Superannuation Guarantee system as Australia sought to reform the nation’s retirement income policies. Now, many of those that managed the transition are retired themselves.

In that first edition of Geelong Business News, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce featured in the first After Hours, having launched its first ever four-year business plan, titled ‘Geelong: Towards 2000’. Then Geelong Chairman of Commissioners, Bill Dix, launched the plan and among the smiling faces of the After Hours page were Norm Lyons of Lyons Construction and Kevin Roache, Director of Coulter Roache Lawyers.

Today, the Chamber’s forward plan is Destination 2020. The increasing engagement of the local business community has seen the Chamber membership soar to over 850 members, making it one of Australia’s largest business organisations of its kind.

While in 1993, the outlook for local businesses was tough; today the picture is a significantly brighter one. The sheer scale of that 1990s recession and its impact on Geelong has become something like a callous on our city’s collective handshake; it’s a marker of having been put under incredible pressure and coming out harder, more resilient and able to wear the knocks.

The second annual Geelong Business Trends Survey, developed in partnership with Deakin Business School, has shown the

“Sixty-six per cent of respondents said their business sales increased between 2013/14 and 2014/15 while 68 per cent reported their profits rose over the same period.”

There was also encouraging news on the employment front with 41 per cent of survey respondents indicating they had increased staff numbers in 2014/15 with 35 per cent planning to hire more people in 2016. However, for many firms, recruitment costs were regarded as the main barrier to their business’ progress.

Businesses also ranked government support, improved IT infrastructure and better networking as the top means for helping Geelong firms further grow and develop.

“Understandably, not all industry sectors are as confident with businesses in the manufacturing, transport and storage grouping reporting considerably lower levels of confidence compared to firms providing professional, commercial, government, education and community services,” Ms Warne said.

It’s a positive result for a business community that has a history of getting on with the job at hand, of growing and adapting and finding new opportunities to prosper.

For those of you who were around town in 1993, the first few pages of the first edition of the Geelong Business News would bring back memories. There, splashed large, was the latest Red Clinker brick home by AVJennings and the new Saab 900 at Peck & Stokes. Among the pages of that first issue were Harwood Andrews, Brax Window Treatments and Ray’s Tent City, the Ambassador Geelong (now the Mercure), the Geelong Racing Club, F.C. Walker & Sons, Flight Centre, Chilwell Office Supplies, People at Work (now People@Work), Brown’s Mensland, Floorworld and United Way (now Give Where You Live).

But the ever-changing weave that makes up the fabric of this city of ours is spun not by business names, but from the stories of its people. The headlines will never tell the full story of how the people behind and within the region’s businesses and organisations have worked, pushed, dared and dreamed to create opportunities not even Jeff Kennett could have imagined 23 years ago.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

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ICT GEELONG

TIME TO EMBRACE CHANGE WITH OPEN ARMS

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which has emerged as a key player in pushing for technology innovation.

he steady hollowing out of traditional manufacturing in the region over the past few years has seen more than 10 per cent of Geelong’s population affected by job losses at Alcoa, Qantas, Boral and Ford.

One way to overcome this hurdle of job loss is to leverage a ‘Triple Helix Structure’ of university-industry-government collaboration. The hybridization of elements from University, industry and government helps generate new institutional and social formats for the production, transfer and application of knowledge, thus enhancing the potential for innovation and economic development.

University proactively puts knowledge to use and broadens the input into the creation of academic knowledge. Government acts as a public entrepreneur and venture capitalist, in addition to its traditional role in setting the rules of the game. Innovation, moving beyond product development, then becomes an internal process of “taking the role of the other”, encouraging hybridization among the institutional spheres.

Wollongong has successfully adopted this model. The University of Wollongong launched iAccelerate, a key initiative built around entrepreneurship, innovation and the skills of its highly skilled graduates. Under the iAccelerate program, the university and the city council came together to launch StartPad, which allows entrepreneu rs to grow and develop their ideas into successful businesses. The university’s activities generate over $2 billion in economic activity each year and contribute to the economy immensely.

The University of Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre inspired the iAccelerate program. Waterloo collaborated to become a technology powerhouse to lift its declining manufacturing sector. Since then, 500 jobs have been created from technology start-ups in that region. Eindhoven region in Europe is also a stunning example of how a declining industry based region changed itself to a hub of innovation in electronics and IT by collaborating with the technical university and the local government.

A start-up culture coupled with an ever-expanding technical knowledge can go a long way in revitalizing Geelong’s economy and act as a positive attraction for national businesses to stay in Geelong and international ones to relocate. It is crucial to foster a thriving startup culture to give an overall boost to the economy and bring in more employment. This startup culture could prove to be a pivotal point in realising the ‘Silicon Bay’ idea by promoting sustainable jobs and GDP (gross domestic product) growth for future generations.

Silicon Bay as a concept aims to transform Geelong into a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. Geelong, being a diverse and strong economy, has the potential and resources to transform itself into a startup and knowledge-based economy.

The city is already on the pathway to a startup ecosystem with the advent of organisations such as Committee for Geelong, Chamber of Commerce, ICT Geelong, Entrepreneurs Geelong, Geelong Angel Investment Network and initiatives such as HeadStart Accelerator, The Hive CoWorking space, Skilling the Bay Entrepreneurship program and UpStart Challenge. The city also has the flourishing Deakin University,

Much has already been done in the area of promoting entrepreneurship among novices. The UpStart Challenge, an entrepreneurship competition, started out in 2012 to prepare budding high school-aged entrepreneurs for uncertain employment circumstances. Upstart also equips young people with skills and experience to hone their business acumen.

The $50,000 IT Invention Test is yet another investment pitching competition, founded by ICT Geelong. The competition helps innovators and entrepreneurs commercialise IT-based ideas, early stage projects and startups.

Pivot Summit is an annual convention of Australian and international entrepreneurs to share their insights on the future of digital technology and the impact it has on our life. This year, Pivot is going to be colossal, and we can expect to see some global tech leaders presenting.

Networking groups such as Entrepreneurs Geelong and Silicon Beach Meetup ensure that entrepreneurs, innovators and founders meet regularly and exchange innovative ideas and collaborate with each other. The City of Greater Geelong has also launched Digital Geelong Strategy with a goal to ensure that the city, community and businesses of Geelong are broadband-ready and digitally enabled. That is, that they have the infrastructure and connectivity, skills, capability and organisational capacity needed to maximise the benefits of digital, mobile and cloud technologies and to be successful in the emerging digital economy.

Some of these key stakeholders have joined together to support a project that seeks to harbour a startup economy in Geelong. The Silicon Bay Project - led by Geelong’s successful tech entrepreneur, Nick Stanley - aims to raise a $10 Million startup fund for Geelong. It is estimated that the fund would generate more than 500 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs, create up to 70 new enterprises and bring in more than $150 million in annual GDP and $500 million plus in accretive asset value.

Incumbent companies can get on board the Silicon Bay bandwagon by embracing smart technologies, focussing on innovation, research and development, and adopting entrepreneurial practices to compete on a global scale. When a company adopts innovation and intrapreneurship as their corporate strategy, they motivate their employees to take the initiative and, therefore, giving them a sense of decision-making. Through intrapreneurship, companies can reinvent themselves and improve their performance. Companies should also leverage the above-mentioned initiatives so that their efforts are channelled to create a scalable business.

There’s no running from change now, sooner or later it needs to be embraced with open arms.

AAMIR QUTUB, GENERAL MANAGER, ICT GEELONG BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 21

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DESTINATION ENTREPRENEUR SET TO DRIVE INNOVATION

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esigned specifically for businesses in the Geelong region, a new innovation training program is set to make waves in 2016, by inspiring and supporting local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to innovate. Destination Entrepreneur has now officially launched and enrolments are already underway.

In partnership with Skilling the Bay, the program is being designed and delivered by G2 Innovation, Geelong’s resident innovation experts who offer a unique and bespoke approach to business growth, one that has gained them an international client base.

The program comprises a 10-part breakfast workshop series, followed by mentoring opportunities. It will take participants on a journey from idea generation, right through to commercialisation, with plenty of practical tools to help businesses grow and compete.

Participants will learn optimum ways to develop and test ideas, map out future market trends, capitalise on opportunities, find profitable partnerships and present their ideas for maximum buy-in and investment.

A sample of the workshops in the series include: Innovation, Opportunities and Your Business, How to Generate Ideas that Will Deliver Profit and The Power of the Crowd, a workshop dedicated to understanding crowdfunding. A number of workshops will also feature guest speakers and workshop facilitators, including Constraints and Culture – The 4 Secrets to Building a World Class Workplace Culture, delivered by Tristan White whose company, the PhysioCo, has ranked in the BRW Top 10 places to work in Australia for the last 5 years.

Carley Brennan, Skilling the Bay Manager, looks forward to seeing a range of participants on the program, “We hope to see a diverse range of businesses attending for example, tradespeople, health and G2 Team Photo by Mary Thompson Photography finance professionals, restaurateurs, tourism operators, retail managers and creative businesses.

“These businesses all play a key role in Geelong’s economic growth and the Destination Entrepreneur program will give them the confidence to harness their full potential”, she adds.

Those enrolling in the program will benefit from 10 breakfast workshops, an innovation audit of their business, course materials, access to an online training portal and an opportunity to access business mentoring. The program costs $599 +GST, working out at just $59.90 +GST per workshop.

Places are limited and filling fast, so it’s wise to book early. Bookings close May 31.

For more information please visit the Destination Entrepreneur website, www.destination-e.com.au. Book in for one of two free information sessions being held in May (May 2nd & May 10th).

Destination Entrepreneur is supported by the Victorian Government.

BUSINESS NEWS | 22

INSIDE WORD

HOPE REMAINS FOR LAND 400

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he Department of Defence’s decision to extend the LAND 400 Request for Tender evaluation period may bode well for the region’s bid for a slice of the $20 billion armoured vehicle procurement.

The Turnbull Government is pushing for high levels of Australian industry content and local jobs in its contracts, and with Bill Shorten commencing the unofficial election campaign in the marginal seat of Corangamite, the government may well move to reward local member Sarah Henderson’s campaigning for part of the project to be delivered in the region.

One tendering consortium, Team Sentinel, would place part of its operations in Geelong if it won the tender, with Team Sentinal modelling suggesting its proposal would create around 300 direct and indirect jobs locally and a total of 500 jobs across Victoria.

“I am hopeful that other defence consortiums will also consider placing part of their LAND 400 manufacturing and assembly operations here in Corangamite,” Ms Henderson said.

She said Defence will review the LAND 400 Risk Management Activities (RMA) plan to ensure it aligns with the government’s new Defence Industry Policy.

The RMA involves “down selecting” two or more consortiums for the purpose of trialling their proposed combat vehicles. This risk assessment and risk mitigation phase is expected to take at least 12 months before the winning consortium is announced.

Ms Henderson said the announcement is very good news for those LAND 400 defence consortiums which intend to deliver a high level of Australian industry content and local jobs.

The Corangamite region offers many existing manufacturing facilities which could be re-purposed for part of the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of the estimated 225 armoured fighting vehicles which will be delivered under the LAND 400 contract.

With Deakin University, the Geelong Port, Avalon Airport, the Point Wilson defence facility and existing roads and rail freight infrastructure, our region has so much to offer.

“After writing to the Prime Minister advocating for Corangamite’s participation in LAND 400, he wrote to me stating in his letter: “The Government recognises that a strong, competitive and sustainable Australian defence industry is vital to support our armed forces. To provide industry with the certainty it needs to plan and invest for the future, the 2016 Defence White Paper was accompanied by a Defence Integrated Investment Program and a new Defence Industry Policy Statement.

We want to foster a new level of cooperation with the Australian defence industry and harness its innovation and technological expertise. It is important that, as far as possible, the Government uses Defence spending to help drive Australian industry and innovation, while also making sure we provide the best possible capability for our defence forces at a reasonable price to taxpayers.”

Aerial shots by George Stawicki.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 23

VIC CHAMBER

BUDGET ACTION NEEDED TO DRIVE GROWTH

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he Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls on the Andrews Government to take action in its upcoming 2016-17 Budget to improve competitiveness and liveability in Geelong and throughout Victoria. The Victorian Chamber’s pre-budget submission prioritises the reforms needed to address challenges and drive new growth opportunities across Victoria.

Our priority recommendations for the 2016-17 Victorian Budget: 1. Ensure expenditure growth does not exceed revenue growth.

2. Increase the payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $850,000.

3. Reduce the average WorkCover premium rate to 1.20 per cent of payroll.

4. Accelerate the pace and breadth of regulation reform.

5. Commit to commence the Metropolitan Ring Road in this term of government.

6. Improve skills, education and training to build workforce capabilities and opportunities, now and into the future.

7. Develop and fund a new international engagement strategy for Victoria.

Continuing responsible economic management that keeps public sector spending and wages growth in check is vital to ensuring Victoria keeps its Triple-A rating.

A strong focus on job creation needs to continue in the May Budget with measures that lower the cost of doing business and encourage employers to hire. Increasing the payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $850,000 would drive employment and give us the upper hand over NSW and WA, whose payroll tax thresholds are much higher. Job growth would also be spurred by reducing the average WorkCover premium to 1.20 per cent of payroll, saving business over $50 million per annum.

The Government’s existing 25 per cent regulatory reform target needs to be stretched to 30 per cent by 2017, and at least half of the identified reforms need to directly benefit small business.

An action oriented budget needs to get on with Victoria’s infrastructure task. A commitment to commence the Metropolitan Ring Road from Greensborough to Ringwood in this term of government is required.

Getting construction on the Western Distributor project underway also needs to be a priority. These projects will cut travel times, reduce congestion, lower freight costs and improve the ability of workers to go where the jobs are.

It is vital that Victoria fast tracks state education and training reforms that restore confidence in the training system and improve its quality.

At a time of rising youth unemployment, it is more important than ever that we strengthen employment pathways, particularly in regional areas like Geelong, such as by boosting apprenticeships and training in key sectors for Victoria including retail, hospitality, tourism and trades.

In our increasingly globalised world, this year’s State budget needs to get more Victorian businesses internationally engaged. This is why the Budget needs to fund a new international engagement strategy for Victoria.

These pro-business measures will improve the liveability of our state and give business in Geelong and across Victoria the best chance to stay competitive. They must be front and centre for the 2016-17 State Budget.

The Victorian Government will release its budget on Tuesday 3 May 2016.

Please visit www.victorianchamber.com.au for further details of the Victorian Chamber’s budget submission.

MARK STONE IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

BUSINESS NEWS | 24

MONEY

PLEADING ‘UNJUST ENRICHMENT’

CARL JONES, GREAT SOUTHERN CREDIT MANAGEMENT

I

n the issuing of legal proceedings for the recovery of a debt, the pleadings establish the Plaintiff’s claim for why the debt is owed to them. In litigation involving trade related debt, the concept of ‘unjust enrichment’ can sometimes also form part of the pleadings. So, what is ‘unjust enrichment’ and how may it apply to such debts?

Unjust enrichment is essentially where a party(ies) have, in an unjust manner, improved their own wealth at the expense of the actions of another party. The concept of ‘unjust enrichment’ can only be argued where no actual contract for the works exists. That is, the payment of the trade related debt is claimed on a ‘quantum meruit’ basis (meaning ‘the amount the job is worth’).

In a recent example that Great Southern Credit Management dealt with, a Melbourne-based builder undertook extensive renovations to his own personal residence. Our client, a painter, agreed to paint the builder’s house at a very low hourly rate in exchange for the builder allegedly promising to engage our client’s services for future building projects.

Our client was asked to, and did, invoice the builder’s business, which he operated on a sole trader basis. After referral of the unpaid account

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 25

to our office, our investigations revealed that the house in question was owned jointly by the builder and his wife, and the builder’s wife had been as much involved in instructing our client as the builder himself.

After discussions with our solicitors, our client agreed to our recommendation to issue proceedings through the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against the builder AND his wife. Our client’s application to VCAT argued, in part, that both the builder and his wife had been unjustly enriched as our client’s painting works had improved the overall value of the property and therefore increased their wealth.

After many adjournments (by the builder and his wife), VCAT eventually awarded the matter in our client’s favour, and an order was obtained against both parties, therefore paving the way for our client to attack the couple’s main asset to enforce payment of the debt.

The ‘unjust enrichment’ principle is regularly argued in cases of breaches of intellectual property rights, and may also be used by liquidators in proceedings to claw back company funds used by a Director to improve or renovate their own house, even if the property in question is solely owned by the Director’s spouse.

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GOVERNANCE

THE GOVERNANCE ORGANISATION CHART, COMMUNICATION POLICY & STRATEGY

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typical non-profit organisation structure follows the same path as its establishment, namely:

• Members/ citizens/communities/government – that is, those individuals or groups who have determined there is a need for a particular service that is best delivered through a non-profit organisation and structure; • Board of Directors/Management – the members or founders elect a board of directors who are responsible for governing the organisation by acting on behalf of and in the best interests of the members at all times; • The Chief Executive – the board in turn appoints a Chief Executive, who is responsible for carrying out the directions of the board and managing the business on a day to day basis; • Management/staff/volunteers – the Chief Executive engages staff to deliver the services, again in alignment with the direction and philosophy as articulated by the board; and • Clients/consumers – those people or organisations who buy the goods and services as originally identified as needed by the members and founders of the organisation.

Good governance requires that the board has in place a means by which it can communicate its mission and then be able to monitor and evaluate performance to ensure long-term viability, sustainability and achievement of their goals, i.e. the reason the organisation was started in the first place.

Whilst the above structure is required to effectively manage the organisation and achieve this outcome, it is not without pitfalls which, the board should be cognisant of and have in place a system to manage on an ongoing basis.

Here is a summary of both perspectives: The benefits of a clearly defined and imposed internal communication policy include:

• If the right information is not going up and down the organisation, then the opportunity for poor decisions to be made by the Board is greatly enhanced.

To assist in reducing the risk of the downsides overriding the benefits of the preferred communication channel, here are a few strategies that Boards could adopt during the year: • I nvite senior managers to present to the Board during the year – this will allow the Board to interact with staff other than the Chief Executive and provide the Board with an opportunity to reinforce its position on particular issues/polices; • Conduct site visits around the organisation with “meet and greet” sessions to better understand the operations of the business and again reinforce priority areas and the board position on particular matters; •U ndertake staff surveys on an ongoing/rolling basis over the year – have the report made directly to the Board;

• Everyone should know the process and understand how it works; • Clarity of the message – the less number of people who ‘pass on’ the message, the less likely for it to be misconstrued along the way; • Separation of responsibilities, thereby reducing the likelihood of either the Board’s or the Chief Executive’s authority being undermined or diminished; • Stops (or should) potential meddling by Board members in management; and • Provides a generally accepted standard for governance and management.

There are however potential downsides to this approach, including: • Filtering of information both up and down the communication channel – this may be either accidental or, for some ulterior motive, intentional, the consequence of either being generally detrimental to effective governance; • If trust is lacking in the organisation or a good culture is not in place, this framework is likely to contribute further

to this situation, rather than provide a means to make any improvements; and

• I mplement and communicate a Whistle Blowers policy and, if someone enacts the policy, do something about it; and •S eek formal and informal feedback from stakeholders i.e. customers, funding bodies, volunteers. Monitor all complaints and treat all as an opportunity to evaluate and improve performance.

It makes sense to have a meaningful structure in place to manage the business and the organisation. It always makes sense to implement appropriate policies, procedures and management systems, to provide some degree of comfort to those people that have been elected by the founders that the reason for the organisation being established in the first place is actually being delivered to the clients/consumers for whom it was originally created. As the organisation grows, this task becomes more difficult and the founders can become further removed; it is incumbent upon all levels of the supply chain to recognise the associated risks with growth and ineffective communication and create the right culture to ensure alignment between intentions and delivery. This is a core requirement for good governance.

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

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 27

BUSINESS ADVICE

PRE 30 JUNE 2016 FINANCIAL ADVISORY STRATEGIES

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DAMIAN MCVILLY, PRINCIPAL, FINANCIAL ADVICE, CROWE HORWATH

t may feel like you’ve just finished shaking the sand out of your hair from summer beach days, but the end of the financial year is not far away. That means turning our minds to tax. It is very important that you act swiftly now to ensure time is available to enact any financial strategic planning issues prior to 30 June. There are many strategies that may apply to you, depending on your individual circumstances. Some strategies that may be relevant to you are:

are yet to be earned for the 2015 financial year, and the possibility of commencing a Transition to Retirement Income Stream from your superannuation fund to maintain your cash flow.

• Consider a non-concessional contribution to superannuation of up to $1,000 to achieve the government’s maximum “cocontribution” of $500 for employees with income below $35,454 p.a., which reduces by 3.333 cents for each dollar of income to phase out completely at $50,454 p.a.

You should check with your accountant or financial advisor as to your eligibility (and the amount) to contribute to gain the cocontribution.

• Consider a ‘spouse’ contribution to superannuation if your spouse is aged under 65 (or under 70 if still working). To achieve a tax rebate of up to $540, your spouse’s income must be below $13,800 (the maximum rebate of $540 is available for income up to $10,800).

Investment Strategies

Maximise contributions into superannuation • Superannuation can represent an attractive tax-effective investment environment, however there are strict rules that limit how much can be contributed in any year, i.e. concessional and non-concessional caps apply.

Claim deductions for superannuation contributions

Findex Advice Services Pty Ltd | ABN 88 090 684 521 | AFSL 243253 | trading as Crowe Horwath Financial Advice. This material has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and therefore you should consider seeking personal financial advice tailored to your needs before making any decisions. All information is current at the time of compilation but is subject to change without notice. Findex Advice Services Pty Ltd assumes no obligation to update this content after it has been issued. This content is also not intended to constitute legal or taxation advice as it is of a general nature only. If you require legal or taxation advice, we recommend you speak to a qualified adviser.

• Personal contributions - Self-employed and others may be eligible to deduct personal superannuation contributions of up to $30,000 or $35,000 (depending on your age at 30 June 2016).

•E mployer contributions - As above, the contribution must have been paid into the superannuation fund by 30 June 2015 to be entitled to a deduction in the 2015-16 year.

•F or those that are aged 55 and above, consider your salary sacrifice arrangements towards income and any bonuses that

BUSINESS NEWS | 28

• Review your investment holdings and consider whether to bring forward the disposal date for assets with unrealised capital losses before 30 June 2016 to offset against capital gains made by other assets disposed during the fiscal year. These losses can also be carried forward to offset any future gains.

• Consider investing surplus capital in investments that will pay income in the 2016-2017 financial year, such as Term Deposits, in order to defer tax to the following year.

Insurance • Protect your most valuable asset, your ability to earn employment income, by applying for Income Protection Cover (generally 100% tax deductible).

• Deductions may also be achieved by holding Life and TPD cover within superannuation structures.

• Protect your business income, plant & equipment, stock and profits by applying for Business Insurance Cover (100% tax deductible).

There are other strategies you may need to consider, so speak to your Financial Advisor to review your personal investment portfolio during April.

PORT

INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES KEY TO PORT PROSPERITY

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nfrastructure improvements in water and on land are vital to ensuring Geelong’s busy port continues to thrive over the next two decades. That’s the view of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority’s Captain Peter McGovern and he’s adamant the port is already reaping rewards from recent upgrades.

Captain McGovern said the adding of a rail link to Lascelles Wharf would make it an even more valuable asset.

The VRCA’s February introduction of Dynamic Under Keel Clearance technology has also struck a chord with port users and their customers.

``One of the biggest woodchip carriers in the world, the Kalimantan Express, made her inaugural visit to Geelong’s port this week,’’ the VRCA chief executive officer said.

DUKC, the brainchild of Melbourne-based OMC International founder Dr Terry O’Brien, allows bulk carriers to safely navigate the channels network while loaded to maximum draught.

``She’s come to load almost 60,000 metric tonnes of woodchips.

That’s a huge amount and it wouldn’t have been possible without multi-million dollar work to deepen Corio Quay North No. 4 Berth.’’

``We’ve had great feedback about DUKC from companies including North Shore-based woodchip exporter Midway Limited and Viva Energy Australia,’’ Captain McGovern said.

The VRCA has outlaid more than $18 million on dredging over the past two years to improve the channels network in Corio Bay. The work, with safe navigation and port efficiency key drivers, focused on the Corio Quay berth, widening City Bend’s right-angle turn and dredging between Refinery Pier and Lascelles Wharf.

``Midway’s had an exciting year so far, attracting this large new fleet of woodchip carriers to the port. The China-bound Kalimantan Express is the second of her kind to visit Geelong. Her sister ship Fujian Express was here in January, when she set a record for the largest cargo of woodchips loaded at this port – about 7000 tonnes more than the previous biggest loading.

With a global trend for bigger ships, Captain McGovern said the VRCA and port operator GeelongPort had to ensure Geelong’s shipping hub could safely and efficiently cater for increasingly larger visitors of the future.

``It’s a clear indication that infrastructure upgrades are making a positive difference.’’

``These large ships, such as the Kalimantan Express, are already on their way. While their growing dimensions present infrastructure challenges, they also bring exciting opportunities for the port to prosper further,’’ Captain McGovern said.

Geelong’s port operations play an important role in the economic health of Geelong, with VRCA-commissioned research estimating a total impact of more than $400 million to the region’s economy a year. That figure will rise significantly, the recent research predicts, if there’s a continuing commitment to infrastructure upgrades.

``Highly-utilised Lascelles Wharf is a great example. GeelongPort is keen to develop a new berth at the wharf to boost capacity and attract new trade opportunities.

``It’s all about planning, prioritising and being proactive,’’ Captain McGovern said.

``The port operator is currently working hard on a strategy for this potential development. If it goes ahead it – and we hope it does in the next few years - it will be a significant boost for the port, helping position it to make the most of a forecast 50 per cent growth in trade over the next two decades.’’

``That’s what the VRCA, GeelongPort and other port users including Viva Energy are doing. With the right infrastructure and strategies in place at the right time, this port and the region will reap the benefits.’’

PORT OF GEELONG

13 million tonnes of cargo a year supporting 5,000 job

s

When Boating on the bay Ships have Right of Way PH

Level 2, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong

|

5225 3500

www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 29

TECHNOLOGY

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

PHONE WITH THE EDGE (The time has come to admit that our smartphone is the most important piece of technology we possess. That said; it is simply not enough now to build a handsome phone with the basics. That’s a phone’s ‘must haves’ these days. We want so much more, like easy access to critical information - messages, email, news, health indicators, calls and all that social media you need – and to be good it must do it fast. It has to have a bright, easy-to-read in sunlight AMOLED display and should be completely dust and water resistant (IP68), have a light but strong metal body with highly scratch and shatter resistant glass (Gorilla Glass 4); oh, and a first-class camera. The whole package should feel ergonomically comfortable in your hand but still have a hefty battery.

What else? Nowadays, the operating system and app access must be intuitive and easy to customise. Does this sound like what you want in a smartphone? The benchmark for all of these features and more is the new Samsung S7 Edge and it’s also the most gorgeous looking smartphone on the market.

Always on From work to play, the device’s new Always-On Display gives you a simplified, zero touch experience where you don’t need to worry about missing a call or important notification and, if you wish, you can have a handful of clock and calendar styles you can see even when the screen is switched off.

Near Field Communication (NFC) This how you will pay for things in the near future, just wave your new phone at a sensor rather than a credit card. Samsung are at the forefront of this technology with Samsung Pay; it’s secured by Samsung KNOX and will be accepted almost anywhere.

Hefty battery The Galaxy S7 Edge delivers fast wired and wireless charging technology to its huge 3,600mAh battery.

Additionally, the hybrid SIM card tray allows you to insert a microSD card for up to 200GB of additional storage.

Beyond the phone, the Galaxy S7 Edge is secure with fingerprint scanning and advanced tokenisation, Samsung Pay works with NFC (Near Field Communication), MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) and Barcode technology –simply put, it’s state-of-the art and utilises the latest OS, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).

Price Typical plans from Optus and Telstra start at $71 a month and the street price now for this beauty is just a touch under a grand at $995. It’s up there, but in the S7 Edge Samsung have built the best phone available, so it’s worth every cent.

WHO COULD IT BE NOW? The new Video Doorbell Pro captures wide angle footage in 1080p (helping you read that salesperson’s name tag) and lets you specify motion zones that alert you when there’s activity in a specific area, like your front porch or the letter box. Expect to see more of these on the market soon.

BUSINESS NEWS | 30

TECHNOLOGY

DOMINO DELIVERY BOT For once, some advanced tech is being developed in Oz and food close to my heart.

Pizza chain, Domino’s is looking at delivery robots. The image shows an autonomous delivery vehicle built in collaboration with Australian technology startup Marathon Targets.

Domino’s says is the first of its kind and it’s filled with lots of military robotics tech, but its covert mission has been to deliver fresh pizza to the residents of Queensland. Though still in the prototype stage, Domino’s worked with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure it met all the requirements to be set loose on the streets.

Lifehacker Australia reports that the robot’s first deliveries were made in a number of restricted streets, permitted by the local transport authorities. It uses LIDAR, the same technology utilized by self-driving cars, to identify the surrounding environment and has built-in GPS tracking technology that syncs with Google Maps. It’s actually very similar to Starship Technologies’ eponymous delivery robots, which will soon hit the streets of London. It’s locked to prevent people from snagging some fresh pizza, so when it arrives at its destination, customers need to enter a mobile code that opens DRU’s insulated storage… Certainly giving Amazon and Google a run for their bot money.

HEADLIGHT DAZZLE

permanent high beams that automatically dim when an oncoming car is detected (hallelujah!). The head lights will also follow the course of the road by blinking individual pixels on and off. What’s more, the system will reportedly be exceedingly efficient, since it automatically turns off any unneeded pixels. Infineon, Osram, Hella and Daimler all collaborated with Fraunhofer to create the new headlights but, despite the backing of one of the world’s biggest automakers, there’s no word yet on when or even if the lights will make it to market.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a new headlight technology that automatically and intelligently adapts to the current traffic conditions. The team, led by Dr. Hermann Oppermann, essentially wired four 256-pixel LED arrays together and connected them to a driver electronics chip. With it, drivers will be able to have

ATTENTION DOCTORS Some people can make business cards that stand out and show off their skills. Take, for example, that one engineer who created a card that lights up or the programmer who designed one that can play Tetris. But what if you’re a medical professional, specifically a doctor?

A company called MobilECG has created a business card with a built-in ECG (electrocardiogram) that actually works. According to its blog post, the device has sensors that measure “the real ECG signal between the users’ hands,” so long as their thumbs are touching the finger pads.

Of course, doctors using the cards would have to explain to patients that while it works, they can’t abstain from getting an actual ECG done. The company is gauging interest in the card at the moment and is planning to sell it for a rather hefty price of $40 per card if it ever decides to release it.

SMARTY PANTS

YOUR DIGITAL AFTERLIFE

Physiclo’s new resistance shorts are clever pants that can make your workout smarter. They’ve been built specifically to make all lower-body workouts harder, so that you get more out of any given workout. On the surface, they’re similar to standard compression shorts - but they also have built-in elastic resistance bands and panels that challenge your leg muscles at every turn. Specific bands or panels target each set of leg muscles, so that no matter which way your legs move, they’re being challenged. It’s the same theory behind the leg weights that some wear while training; anything that makes the workout harder means you’ll burn more calories, raise your heart rate and generally get more out of the work you do.

Preserving your digital legacy is not a legal matter alone. Social media companies that host billions of lives should build the tools that can help both you and your family honour your wishes when you have passed away. One such offering is Facebook’s memorialisation of accounts. When a family member or friend fills out a form to let the company know about the death of an account holder, the profile gets a special status. With the word “remembering” added in front of the name of the person, it becomes a commemorative page that keeps the settings, existing posts, photos and updates intact. It also becomes an ad-free zone, unlike the rest of Facebook where un-shopped items continue to stalk users. Facebook has been memorialising accounts for almost a decade now.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 31

BENCH OVEN FOR THE SPACE CONSCIOUS Induction cooking is great for budding chefs: it rarely needs preheating, it’s energy-efficient and it’s safer than conventional burners. Getting it has usually meant going for a full-size oven or a cooktop, however, which isn’t always practical if you’re in an apartment. Panasonic has just introduced the first-ever countertop induction oven, giving you all the benefits of the technology in a relatively tiny enclosed space. If you want to grill a barbecue-grade steak, you can do it with a device that’s roughly the size of your microwave. Hopefully, it will be here in time for Christmas.

The 17th Annual National Volunteer Week will be celebrated from May 9-15 in acknowledgement of over 6 million volunteers Australia wide.

The week-long celebration is held to give us the opportunity to say a big ‘Thank You’ for the often thankless work that is shared amongst our volunteers.

The Give Happy Live Happy theme introduced in 2015 has been continued across into 2016 as exploration of research continues to show that volunteers live healthier and happier lives.

Here, we showcase just a few of our local organisations with volunteer programs that you and your business can get involved in.

Together, we can all ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’.

HelpOUT’s First Volunteer Match Volunteering Geelong promote and support volunteering in the region and also provide a referral service for volunteers looking for volunteer roles and organisations looking for volunteers. For information about volunteering in the Geelong area visit www. volunteeringgeelong.org.au HelpOUT, a partnership project between Volunteering Geelong and Volunteering Victoria, the state peak body for volunteering in Victoria, is all about local people being able to help their community recover. The first HelpOUT activity has seen bird boxes being delivered to the Wye River area.

Volunteering Victoria’s HelpOUT emergency volunteering service has made its first volunteer

match in the Wye River community, linking two residents with the Southern Otway Landcare Network to help distribute habitat kits to the area impacted by bushfires last Christmas.

The habitat kits, also known as ‘bird boxes’, will provide essential relief to the birdlife that lost food and shelter in the blaze which also destroyed 116 homes. A total of 50 boxes were couriered from Monbulk in Melbourne’s East to Wye River by HelpOUT volunteers.

The boxes are part of an initiative launched by Monbulk Landcare after the Black Saturday fires in February 2009. Almost 500 boxes have been built to date, through fundraising and donations.

A number of local colleges, secondary schools and organisations have helped compile tailored kits for a range of species, including yellow-

tailed black cockatoos, parrots, possums and owls. The boxes donated to Wye River were built by students at Monbulk College and Ranges TEC. HelpOUT operates year-round, registering offers of volunteer assistance from every day Victorians, and linking them to organisations working in affected communities when help is needed. Registration only takes a few minutes – visit www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/helpout and register today.

HelpOUT supports identified community needs by supporting organisations working on the ground in affected communities. Organisations can contact Volunteering Victoria to find out more: helpout@volunteeringvictoria.org.au

Patrick Caruana - Manager, Volunteering Geelong Volunteering Geelong has welcomed a new Manager, Patrick Caruana.

Patrick joins the Volunteering Geelong in their Malop Street office. He is one of only three permanent staff, and ten volunteer staff, many of whom have volunteered at Volunteering Geelong for over 15 years.

With the job market in Geelong fluctuating greatly in recent years, Patrick looks forward to leading the Volunteering Geelong team as they guide job seekers into volunteer roles and up-skilling as a pathway to new jobs.

Volunteering Geelong also matches professionals seeking volunteer roles with appropriate local businesses; matches short-term volunteers with major events and other projects and much more.

Patrick has extensive experience in the Housing Sector and Aged Care.

His qualifications include a Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Social Science at Swinburne University and a Certificate 4 in Frontline Management at the Gordon in Geelong.

Patrick’s experience encompasses High Rise Building Service Management, Fleet Management, Housing Services and Management roles across public, business and community sectors.

Patrick has a passion for social justice in all aspects of life and has a strong commitment to ensuring that all Australians are treated with dignity and respect. “Volunteer positions can help people learn new skills, find jobs, contribute to their community and feel connected. For the organisations and events who have volunteers on their teams – it’s not only a rewarding experience, but often of economical benefit,” says Patrick.

“I’ve worked in many organisations for social good and I look forward to seeing what I can learn at Volunteering Geelong, as well as how we can work with the community to connect volunteers and organisations for mutual benefit,” he said.

BUSINESS NEWS | 32

The Influence of Volunteering in our Community their customer and supplier relationships and retain employees.

Through the simple act of workplace volunteering, many would be surprised to learn that incredible outcomes can be achieved.

In 2015 Karingal BacLinks provided an opportunity for 850 workplace volunteers to participate in 54 projects and events that supported 103 community organisations.

Volunteer activities included gardening, painting and maintenance work at community facilities, spreading mulch at playgrounds, mentoring and taking part in activities such as dancing, soccer and abseiling alongside people with disabilities.

It helped improve the health and wellbeing of the workplace volunteers and created opportunities to develop skills and knowledge, help them foster new friendships and boost their selfesteem. Furthermore, Karingal BacLinks helped businesses to gain a competitive edge, enhance

“During our volunteer events you can see people gathering confidence, becoming leaders, establishing new friendships and enjoying every minute of the experience. Many of our volunteers return year after year to help at the same event and for others, our events are an introduction to a lifetime of volunteering. That’s not to mention the financial benefits of good corporate social responsibility,” said Karingal Chief Executive Officer Mike McKinstry.

Last year Karingal amalgamated with DoCare Geelong, which resulted in Karingal’s volunteer base growing to more than 250.

Karingal DoCare provides proactive social support for older people. Volunteers play a crucial role in preventing social isolation by offering companionship across various services including home visiting, home library and social outings.

Karingal also has volunteers who support people with a disability to be more actively involved in community life.

“Our organisation was started by volunteers.

Without volunteers, older people or with a disability might not be so readily able to access the community – to go for coffee, get fit with water aerobics or enjoy a night at the theatre or footy. Some activities would just not be possible without the support of Karingal’s volunteering community,” said Mike.

Volunteers are an integral part of Karingal and give participants the most important life experiences – to be able to spend their time doing things they enjoy.

Pathways Mates Program have also offered their specialised skills to group programs, such as repairing bikes, carpentry, baking and craft, which has been warmly welcomed by staff and participants.

One volunteer writes:

In response to the identified gap in existing supports for people who have experienced mental health issues Pathways is leading the way with an innovative program based on a model of support (the Befriending Model) that is widely used overseas. The Pathways Mates Program will provide supervised and mentored individual matching of volunteers (with varied life experience) with a person who has experienced mental health problems and social isolation. Volunteers are carefully paired to participants with the aim of providing regular one-to-one contact in order to promote friendship, reduce social isolation, increase self-confidence, enhance the enjoyment of social and recreational activities and improve social networks.

Project Goals: •T o provide friendship and regular one-to-one contact with a person experiencing severe and enduring mental ill health in order to reduce social isolation, increase self confidence in pursuing goals, enhance the enjoyment of social and recreational activities and improve social networks.

•T o raise the awareness and understanding of mental health issues in the community and to decrease the impact of stigma and social exclusion.

We have had a great response from to this initiative, recruiting 25 volunteers over the past 12 months who have all successfully completed the requisite training. Along with one-on-one social outings, volunteers

“Being part of the Mates Volunteering Program is such a great experience.

It’s amazing how just a little of your time can make such a difference to the lives of the wonderful people that access Pathways. As a volunteer I feel valued and have been given great preparation for my role as a Mate through the Mental Health First Aid training. I also have amazing support from the Volunteer Coordinator and my Mate’s Key Worker, who have been fantastic in matching up and introducing my Mate and I, and giving advice throughout the process.”

Quote from Pathways Participant : “The program really does work. I have found it helpful and useful in many ways. Having a chance to positively connect with my ‘Mate” has helped me develop other friendships and not feel stressed that if I stuff up I will lose the friendship. It has also been great to be able to do such activities as going to the gym with a my “mate” to train together, which is assisting me work on my health.”

GMHBA Healthy Community Grant Recipient: Pathways Mates Volunteer Program Pathways was very excited to be named a recipient of GMHBA’s Healthy Community Grants Program in 2015 enabling us to bring our MATES program to life.

Find out more at www.pathways.org.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 33

the

ELEVATOR

Pace Physiotherapy is a centrally located clinic providing high quality physiotherapy services in a friendly environment.

Our philosophy is to provide clients with the best evidenced-based treatments that are tailored to their needs.

We pride ourselves on offering personalised care by staff who genuinely care about your health and wellbeing.

Pace Physiotherapy commenced business in Malop Street in 2009, with a focus on musculoskeletal therapy and rehabilitation. Since then we have grown to extend our services to dry needling, jaw physiotherapy (TMJ), remedial massage, lymphatic massage and pregnancy massage. We also provide advice on correct posture to help prevent injury. With a dynamic team of therapists to assist you with your health needs we aim to restore your movement and body in a timely manner.

We not only provide a Monday to Friday service but have extended opening hours to 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also open on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 1pm.

If you have any enquiries about our services and the care we provide or feel that we can help you please contact us. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get healthy.

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

For more details email abbey@adcellgroup.com.au

If you have skin problems, look no further. Skin Deep Medical Spa is private, friendly and professional and the staff are all lovely, mature ages women who have experienced the same skin and health problems you may be seeking help for.

With an onsite Doctor, Nurses & Clinicians, the clinic offers medical treatments for skin, body & health all under one roof. The highly regarded Dr Emily Shaw works on site, every Monday, Tuesday & Friday. Dr Emily is a General Practitioner with a Diploma in Skin Cancer medicine and surgery, which has proven to be a huge benefit when it comes to spotting any suspicious skin lesions. Also a qualified cosmetic injector Emily only administers all the dermal fillers herself and she, along with our lovely nurses, with whom she oversees, inject the anti-wrinkle products to ensure our clients receive expert treatment every time.

Skin Deep offers a free comprehensive consultation for any of the anti-wrinkle solutions below, to ensure you have an in-depth knowledge of costs and outcomes prior to any injections.

They provide cosmetic solutions such as: • Muscle relaxant injections for facial lines & wrinkles, twitchy eyes, headaches, square jaws, perspiration •D ermal Filler for plumping lips, lip border, smokers’ lines, deep creases, brow lift, tear troughs • L iquid Facelifts for lower, mid or upper lift for the loss of skin elasticity and deeper lines • S kin Booster injections to rehydrate tired, dull skin including neck, décolletage & hands

They also provide treatments for: • Skin Rejuvenation and tightening •U nwanted pigmentation, spots and freckles •C osmetic mole removal • A cne & Scarring • R osacea & Red capillaries •C ellulite and Stubborn fat pockets •C olon hydrotherapy for constipation, bloating and detoxing

s

4 Malop Street, Geelong (03) 5242 8398 info@pacephysiotherapy.com www.pacephysiotherapy.com

Monday 10am-7pm Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm Saturday by appointment

222 Torquay Rd, Grovedale (03) 5202 3400 skindeepmedicalspa.com.au BUSINESS NEWS | 34

Ninedots is an innovative consultancy firm specialised in providing home buyers and investors with new home construction support.

Pioneering the concept of a buyers advocate for new home builds, Ninedots manages the build process on buyers behalf allowing for a stress free build.

Despite being new to Geelong, Ninedots is quickly becoming renowned for managing successful build projects across the region.

Insightful and impartial, Ninedots has no direct affiliation to any one builder or land developer, ensuring they remain client focused and not vendor driven.

Through active consultation, Ninedots acts as a buyers advocate to negotiate optimal build outcomes.

Ninedots covers areas such as finance, land acquisition and builder selection, and negotiates on behalf of buyers in the areas of pricing, inclusions and contract conditions.

Ninedots conduct fortnightly site visits ensuring builders deliver on all outcomes; keeping clients informed every step of the way. For investors, Ninedots also provides support across the areas of insurance, depreciation and property management.

With the specialised know-how and connections, Ninedots are uniquely placed to help navigate the complex build process ensuring you build stress free, in budget and on time.

For a complimentary consultation or to learn more contact Ninedots today.

Level 1, 50-58 Moorabool Street Geelong 3200 1300 993 683 | 0499 993 683 enquiry@ninedots.com.au www.ninedots.com.au

THE ELEVATOR

ICT Geelong is the representative voice and peak body of the Information & Communications Technology (ICT) industry in the Geelong region.

The Old Paper Mills at Fyansford are a hidden treasure. Tucked away in the Barwon River valley, it’s a great place to enjoy a part of Geelong’s history dating back to the early industrial era.

Now emerging as an arts and cultural precinct, these magnificent heritage buildings are becoming the setting for art and music enthusiasts, food and wine lovers and families looking for a unique destination to relax and unwind.

Established in 2009, ICT Geelong is a not-for-profit member-based organization. Its members are industry leaders from the private sector, experts from tertiary education institutions and community leaders from the public sector. Members are from the IT sector but also include organisations where IT plays a key role in their operations The industry plays an important role in transforming the Geelong region from a traditional manufacturing economy to a knowledge-based economy.

ICT Geelong’s charter includes;

An art gallery and studios, mosaic workshop and cafe have kicked off the first wave of revival. Soon, an on-site winery and wedding and function centre will begin the shift into bigger things.

• Investment Attraction & Infrastructure

Bring your friends and family and join us for a coffee or a glass of wine or stay for lunch.

Wander around and soak up the history. The Old Paper Mills are right next to the Barwon River and there are plenty of walking and cycling tracks with stunning views of Buckley Falls and the river.

ICT Geelong has led a number of key regional innovation & entrepreneurship initiatives in the Geelong region, including;

We’ve recently opened up this delightful area for everyone in Geelong to share. Locals are really taking the place into their hearts and keep coming back to explore and relax in the village-like atmosphere. Come down and take a look.

Join The Old Paper Mills at Fyansford on Facebook www.facebook.com/ papermillsfyansford Enquiries: Marcus Johnson on

0407 770 092

• R&D and Commercialisation • Skills & Education • Building an Entrepreneurial eco-system

• G21 Digital Innovation Strategy • IT R&D and Commercialisation Strategy • Technology Entrepreneurship Conferences • $50,000 IT Invention Test (Investment Pitching Competition) ICT Geelong are hosting a series of entrepreneurial events in Geelong. Their next event is an Entrepreneurial Forum for Skilling the Bay in conjunction with The Gordon, Deakin University, The Victorian Government, and Ribit.

Connecting People, Places and Events Social Pages VIP captures the glitz and glam of the Geelong nightlife. Covering everything from socialites meeting up in the hidden bars and pubs for a few drinks, to the partiers tearing up the dance floor in the hottest nightclubs, the supporters tapping their feet to local live music to the exclusive events Geelong has on offer. For those planning on going out and exploring the cities night life, Social Pages VIP is a one stop shop for locals to find out what’s on, who is out and about, and which place best suits their vibe for the evening.

We aim to connect places, people and events to highlight the vibrant city Social Pages also puts a face to your brand. We heighten your exclusive business events through capturing your attendees enjoying themselves to keep the conversation going and drawing them back, as well as new customers in, for your next event!

Through our dynamic photo experience and albums, people are invited to share in the events we cover and participate through digital media. We literally put the party in the palm of the community’s hands in an engaging and entertaining way. We love an event and love to keep the conversation going.

Social Pages VIP has a growing fan base that want to see inside the events we cover, they want to see people they know, be informed and be at the forefront of what’s happening locally. It’s this curiosity that Social Pages VIP seeks to continually feed with more diverse events, celebrations and promotions. We also see the opportunity for brands to explore and discover the true potential of social media and to refresh and reach new audiences.

Check out the events section of Business News for details or visit

www.ictgeelong.com.au ICT Geelong, HeadStart Accelerator, Suite 20, Level 2, 24 Moorabool Street, Geelong, VIC 3220 Ph:+61 468 688 118 Email: aqutub@enterprisemonkey.com.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 35

www.socialpagesvip.com.au /socialpagesvip

App Coming Soon

Upcoming

BUSINESS EVENTS

April 2016 GEELONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER 5 – APRIL

STARTING YOUR BUSINESS RIGHT

After 5 Events allow Chamber members the opportunity of networking with other business owners to promote themselves and their business

You’ve got a great idea or have decided to turn your personal skills into a business, Hear from industry experts about congratulations! But who will buy your product or entrepreneurship, innovation and technology service and why?

Presenter: Nick Stanley as MC and six DATE: Thursday, 21 April, 2016 international and Australian renowned entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and industry TIME: 09:30 to 13:00 thought leaders as key note speakers.

WHERE: Geelong Council Offices, 100 DATE: Wednesday 27 April 2016 Brougham Street, Geelong

DATE: Wednesday 13 April 2016 TIME: 5:30pm to 7:30pm WHERE: Waurn Ponds Estate, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds

COST: FREE for Chamber members only Further Information: Geelong Chamber of Commerce

PHONE: 5222 2234 EMAIL: www.geelongchamber.com.au

COST: $30 Wheelchair access available Enterprise Geelong, City of Greater Geelong & Business Victoria

CONTACT: Michelle Higgins Enterprise Geelong, City of Greater Geelong & Business Victoria

GEELONG WOMEN IN BUSINESS PHONE: 03 5272 5138 – LAUNCH PARTY Geelong Women in Business is a Membership Association purely for women who are passionate, driven and motivated to succeed.

It is a platform to bring women together from all different backgrounds, industry and experience to provide a setting to share, help and support women in business.

DATE: Friday 15 April 2016 TIME: 6.00pm to 9.00pm WHERE: Bear & Bean Café – situated in

the corner of the Little Ryrie Street Car Park between Moorabool Street and Gheringhap Street Geelong (38 Little Ryrie Street Geelong Vic 3220)

COST: Free FOR BOOKINGS: Please email geelongwomen@outlook.com All welcome!

WAKE UP WITH PETER ALEXANDER! BTS - ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS BREAKFAST

EMAIL: info@enterprisegeelong.com.au

BPW GEELONG APRIL DINNER WITH LEAH KAMINSKY Join us for one of the first events at Karingal’s brand new Eastern Hub and hear from inspirational guest speaker, physician and award-winning writer, Leah Kaminsky.

Purchase your tickets online now at www. givewhereyoulive.com.au or phone 5229 4364

TIME: 8am- 3pm WHERE: Fred Flanagan Room, Simonds Stadium (Kardinia Park)

COST: $100 including lunch. Discounts apply for Chamber of Commerce, ICT Geelong, Committee for Geelong and Entrepreneurs Geelong Members REGISTER: at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ skilling-the-bay-entrepreneurship-forumtickets-22637360956

RE ENERGISE YOUR BODY & MIND AND STAY HEALTHY FOR YOUR BUSINESS Give yourself a kick start so you can run through the EOFY. Mindset, Nutrition, Relaxation, Yoga, Walks & Nutrition 3 Day Wellness Retreat - Limited spots

DATE: Friday 29th April – Sunday 1st May COST: $695 Includes all food, accommodation

DATE: Wednesday 27th April 2016

and classes (Monthly payment plan available)

COST: $45 members and $55 Non-members (includes 2 course dinner)

www.karinhagberg.com/upcoming-events/

CONTACT: Meryl at Business Building Events WHERE: Karingals Eastern Hub, 285a McKillop PHONE: 0408 007 790 EMAIL: meryl@businessbuildingevents.com.au St, East Geelong TIME: 5.30pm-8.30pm

FOR BOOKINGS: Book your tickets at

TryBooking at www.trybooking.com/LAUX or contact bpwgeelong@gmail.com

BUSINESS IN HEELS

BIH presents Michelle Heagney ~ Getting the Give Where You Live invites you and your guests most out of your council to join us and our special guest the “Pyjama King’ Peter Alexander as he shares the secrets of DATE: Wednesday 27th April 2016 his success.

TIME: 9pm-11pm DATE: Thursday, 21 April, 2016 WHERE: Centra Hotel, Cnr Yarra & Myers Street

TIME: 07:30am to 09:00am WHERE: The Pier, Cunningham Pier, Geelong COST: $60 per person, breakfast included

ICT GEELONG PRESENTS SKILLING THE BAY ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM

Geelong (Please enter via Myers Street)

COST: $40

FOR BOOKINGS: Book your tickets at businessinheels.com/fevent/292/geelongbusiness-in-heels-april-event/

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU BUSINESS NEWS | 36| 36

VECCI - WORKING WITH AGGRESSIVE AND CHALLENGING BEHAVIOURS This course uses experiential and theoretical learning to give you strategies to deal with a range of disruptive and difficult behaviours.

DATE: Tuesday, 3 May, 2016 TIME: 09:00am to 4:30pm WHERE: Mercure Geelong, Cnr Gheringhap & Myers Streets, Geelong

COST: $450 for VECCI members, $540 for non

members

This course is suited to anyone in customerfacing roles.

FOR BOOKINGS: www.vecci.org.au/

business-solutions/training/short-courses/ personal-effectiveness/tpeac1601

PROPERTY

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATING: THE FRAMEWORK FOR A GREAT DEAL (PART 1)

E

VERY NEGOTIATION can be very easily broken down into its component parts … once you understand what is really going on.

Over a three-part series on negotiating, Chris poses 20 questions, which (when taken together) are intended to help you fully grasp everything involved. The end goal is to ensure that you are thoroughly prepared to negotiate a great deal and to serve as a reminder of the key things you should watch out for at the negotiating table.

Both before and during any negotiation, here is what you need to be asking yourself. Are you:

1. Pursuing what you REALLY want?

Never enter a negotiation until you have a clearly defined outcome in mind. Be sure to write it down concisely; and then make it the focal point of your prep-work.

2. Researching your opposition?

This is very important. Learn as much as you can about whom you’re up against. Try to discover what it is they want … their strengths and weaknesses, even their likes and dislikes.

3. Preparing thoroughly?

And that means … Point-by-Point.

It’s important to do your homework on the property, the market and the neighbourhood. You do not want to be fumbling for papers, looking for statistics or sales evidence. Instead, you need to focus on the deal; and that means having everything at your fingertips.

4. Considering method and timing?

Wherever possible, start your negotiation face to face. Because, it’s always easier for them to say “NO” over the phone, or by letter.

Furthermore, Master Negotiators will always initiate the process - to gain the advantage of both preparation and timing.

5. Achieving early agreement?

Try to get minor agreement on one or two points, early in the negotiation - even if it’s just the recognition of a potential problem. , For example: I think we can agree we have an issue with so let’s find a way to resolve that.

6. Exploring constraints & flexibilities?

Discovering the cards held by the other side can be invaluable. Some of their constraints may be immovable; but you may find some issues to be reasonably flexible.

Likewise, examine and understand your own constraints and flexibilities.

7. Adopting a reasonable attitude?

In many negotiations, you end up forming a relationship with the other side - and this needs to be mutually beneficial. Therefore, recognise and acknowledge their constraints and desires, just as you expect them to recognise yours.

8. L istening carefully?

As you can appreciate, listening is actually quite different from merely hearing whenever someone speaks to you. Make sure that you fully understand what is actually being said; but, more importantly, WHY it’s being said.

Next month we will continue to explore the art of successful negotiation.

CHRIS LANG Best-selling Amazon author & responsible for 7 books on Commercial Property, Chris is also CEO of CommercialPropertyMadeEasy.com Important information: This content is general in nature and does not constitute formal advice. Individuals should seek appropriate professional advice that considers the individual’s objectives, financial situation and needs before making investment decisions.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 37

ARTS WALK THIS LAND – M-M 2016

GEELONG AFTER DARK

Songlines have been used by indigenous cultures across Australia for thousands of years to navigate country. The paths of the songlines are recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance, and paintings and the melodic contour of the song describes the nature of the land over which the song passes.

Geelong After Dark is Central Geelong’s pop up night of arts: the annual multi-award winning event transforming the streets, laneways and venues of Geelong’s CBD.

6 -7 MAY

6 MAY, 6-10 PM

Mountain to Mouth (M~M), Geelong’s 80 kilometre extreme arts walk, creates a contemporary songline across the Geelong and Queenscliff regions in the tradition of the Wadawurrung, taking walkers on a journey of discovery over two days and 11 stages from the You Yangs into the industrial heartland of Geelong and a night of extreme and unexpected art at Geelong After Dark, followed by the Barwon River at dawn and the river mouth at sunset.

Explore the city and be surprised by a jam-packed program of exciting and unique pop up performances, installations and arts experiences as up to 40 artists and arts groups (totalling over 200 people involved) will take part in a program of intriguing arts experiences, to delight and inspire people of all ages.

The route is punctuated with edgy artworks commissioned for M~M, and 50 per cent of all tickets sold fund a planting program of indigenous species along the walk and the establishment of a fully inclusive Community Garden in Eastern Geelong in partnership with Karingal Foundation. www.mountaintomouth.com.au

Highlights include Back to Back Theatre Portraits, presented

by Metropolis Gallery in association with Back to Back Theatre; the Birds of a Feather exhibition inspired by the 2016 event’s theme of “Air” by Geelong Sculptors Inc., Jumplight, which takes us back to a childhood game with a twist of light, a ukulele extravaganza with Geelong’s biggest street band Ukes D’Jour and Temporal Home, an inter-dimensional sculptural rift consisting predominately of air presented by Toggles, Jasper Killick. www.geelongafterdark.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 38

ARTS BETHANY ARTHOUSE FILM FESTIVAL BEGINS 19 APRIL

The 19th Annual Bethany Arthouse Film Festival features five wonderful films from around the world, chosen to reflect diverse human stories of relationships, family, challenges, optimism and love. The Festival is the not-for-profit organisation’s major fundraiser and kicks off with Indian film The Lunchbox.

Described as “charming and whimsical” and “a tasty treat packed with subtle charm”, The Lunchbox tells the story of Ila (Nimrat Kaur) who tries to add some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her neglectful husband.

When the delivery goes astray and ends up in the hands of an unsocial and irritable Mumbai widower and accountant Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan, Asian Film Award for Best Actor) an unusual friendship via notes is struck up in which Saajan and Ila can talk about their joys and sorrows without ever meeting in person.

The Lunchbox is followed by Two Days, One Night on 17 May, Charlies Country on 12 July, About Elly on 16 August and The Belier Family on 13 September. www.gpac.org.au

ROWENA CARLIN AND PAUL EVANS New at Queenscliff’s Seaview Gallery are works by Melbourne artist Rowena Carlin from her collection around, unique circular digital art prints inspired by the spaces-in-between and the “blurred vision that carries us from one point of focus to the next”.

The gallery is also carrying new works by Queensland landscape artist Paul Evans, whose ethereal works “recall memories of days spent at the beach, and imbue a sense of wonder at Australia’s spectacular natural wilderness”. www.seaviewgallery.com.au

GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS REVEALED 30 APRIL - 19 JUNE

A world of mysterious, rare and unusual plants is growing in Geelong’s historic Botanic Gardens and this living collection is investigated from a new perspective in this first ever exhibition of works at Geelong Gallery from artists of the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art. Geelong Botanic Gardens revealed explores the subtleties of form, pattern and texture of selected species that provide an intimate view into the world of plants and reflect the close connection between the artists and the Geelong Botanic Gardens. www.geelonggallery.org.au www.friendsgbg.org.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 39

COMMUNITY

LIBRARY CEO JOINS HONOUR ROLL

Geelong Regional Library Corporation CEO, Patti Manolis, has been has formally inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women by the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson.

Patti Manolis was one of 20 leaders from diverse fields recognised last month for their contribution to making their communities “fairer and more inclusive”, joining the ranks of more than 500 women who have been inducted onto the Honour Roll since 2001.

Ms Manolis was nominated for the award by Women in Local Democracy, Geelong (WILD), a local group that promotes and celebrates the achievements of women.

Now in her tenth year as CEO of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Ms Manolis is also known for her contributions in establishing volunteer group Libraries for Timor-Leste and as an inaugural member of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s International Network of Emerging Library Innovators.

She was also the recipient of the State Library of Victoria’s Margery C Ramsay Scholarship in 2003, which created the opportunity for Ms Manolis to tour the library and information services in East Timor and ignited her passion for assisting this community.

The Geelong Regional Library Corporation has been recognised on industry benchmarks as Victoria’s number one public library for two years running and Ms Manolis says her inclusion on the Honour Roll is a public recognition of the vital importance libraries play in creating healthy, thriving communities.

“Libraries are fundamental components of a healthy society,” she says. “They encourage social inclusion, community-building, knowledge and advancement.

“It has been very important to me to create the opportunities public libraries provide both at home in my role as CEO but also abroad in disadvantaged communities where the benefits are exceptionally profound.”

KARINGAL AND ST LAURENCE FLAG POSSIBLE MERGER

GATEWAYS GOLF DAY HOLE IN ONE WINNER TAKES HOME $10,000

Two of the Barwon Region’s oldest community based not for profit organisations announced last month that they are in discussions regarding a possible merger.

In a joint statement issued by the chairmen of Karingal Inc. and St Laurence Community Services Inc, the organisations said their boards have unanimously supported the proposed merger and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to “explore the benefits of joining together as a new, single organisation”.

The statement said the Boards of Karingal and of St Laurence believe that as a single organisation “we can reach more clients and offer a range of support services to people with a disability so they can reach their full potential, and assist more people who are ageing to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Our combined operational experiences and public policy expertise would result in a stronger voice with which we could advocate on behalf of people with a disability to live the life they choose, and to fully participate in the life of their local community.

“A merged entity would bring a stronger voice for disability and aged care to the region and would add a further dimension to Geelong being regarded as a centre of excellence for disability, alongside other key Geelong-based organisations such as Deakin University, the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria.”

Both boards will undertake due diligence processes over the next two months and expect a recommendation about the potential merger would be put to members of both organisations by the middle of the year.

Last month’s Gateways Support Services 12th Annual Charity Golf Day was a “swinging success”, with over 22 teams teeing off at the Barwon Heads Golf Club and raising over $15,000 for Gateways Support Services.

It was also an unforgettable day for local accountant, Peter Chappell from MacMillan Cowan & Co, who scored a hole in one to win the Geelong Insurance Brokers Hole in One Competition’s $10,000 jackpot.

“Having a brother with a disability, I am aware of the valuable support that organisations like Gateways provide, and the importance of their programs to help those with additional needs live a more fulfilling life. So I hope my stroke of luck helps raise awareness of the organisation,” Mr Chappell said.

Don Shields from Geelong Insurance Brokers congratulated both Mr Chappell and Gateways Support Services.

“Geelong Insurance Brokers are more than happy to support such an essential service within our community. Like Peter, I have first-hand experience of the excellent support that Gateway provides with my son using their services,” Mr Shields said.

The day was organised by the Gateways Auxiliary Committee, a team of eight dedicated women who run a number of successful events to raise funds for Gateways Support Services and this year to provide much needed extra support for children with a disability and their families.

Gateways CEO, Rosemary Malone, said the annual Golf Day was one of the biggest fundraising events organised each year by the Auxiliary.

“The Gateways Auxiliary team of volunteers are an essential fundraising force for Gateways Support Services, helping us make a difference in the lives of children, adults and their families,” she said.

The winning team on the day was Bellarine Veterinary Practice.

BUSINESS NEWS | 40

B R G

M e f t H I t g c b r V F m t

COMMUNITY

BRIDGE TO BRIDGE 2016 – RAISING FUNDS FOR GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE

DOGS UNITE!

Guide Dogs Victoria invites you and your dog to join in the Dogs Unite walk at the Eastern Park circuit (adjacent to the rotunda) on 17 April.

Kicking off at 9am, the event is for everyone and anyone from corporate teams to families and children are invited to join in and enjoy the sausage sizzle after the walk.

Registration is $10 and all dogs receive a free cape. You can create a fundraising page for your dog by following the registration process for the Geelong walk at https://dogsunite. raisely.com, or sponsor someone else’s dog if you are unable to attend. All registration fees and donations will go towards Guide Dogs Victoria to help blind or vision impaired Victorians gain confidence and independence.

Members of the Barwon Heads Cycle Club will embark on an ambitious effort to raise $20,000 for Give Where You Live in April by cycling from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Barwon Heads Bridge.

Inspired to do something to “stretch themselves” and motivated by a desire to generate support for making a significant contribution to the local community, B2B was born out of a few casual chats during morning rides.

Visit https://givewhereyoulive.secure.force.com/ Fundraise/B2B/BarwonHeadsCyclingClub for more information and to support the riders in their mission to help others.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 41

COMMUNITY

I

JIRRAHLINGA: MUCH MORE THAN WILDLIFE RESCUE

t was a great start to our Karingal Baclinks breakfast series with our first guest speaker for the year, Tehree Gordon, founder of the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, sharing the key influences in her life that have underpinned her work at the Sanctuary.

Around 70 local business representatives were moved by her personal story and her dedication in rescuing distressed native animals. Many were surprised to learn the Sanctuary also functions as an effective therapeutic outlet for people with disability and a broad range of other special needs such as dementia, learning difficulties, frailty, age and disadvantage.

Tehree, the 2004 Senior Australian of the Year, spoke of the special unconditional bonds formed between animals and people and how

working quietly with animals can positively impact on those struggling with the complexities of life.

Karingal BacLinks have facilitated a number of projects at the property where employee volunteers have helped out with ground and maintenance works, helping to alleviate the heavy workload of the Sanctuary’s staff.

Joanne Forssman, Karingal BacLinks Manager, said, “Not everyone is aware of the extent of the work Jirrahlinga does. By having Tehree at our breakfast we hoped there would be a greater appreciation and understanding of her work in rehabilitating both sick animals and people in need of companionship and encouragement, as well as promoting increased support of the Sanctuary.”

THE EASTERN HUB OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE GEELONG COMMUNITY Located on the corner of McKillop and Humble Streets, East Geelong, the magnificent new Eastern Hub promises to serve all of the Geelong community with its state-of-the-art facilities.

The $6.5 million facility includes a number of unique features; from a café and community garden to a fully accessible training kitchen with hydraulic bench and stove tops; to learning labs for technology training and flexible event spaces for corporate and community functions and activities.

The design of the Hub encourages positive interaction between people of different generations and backgrounds and the unique architectural elements such as the rammed earth walls, exposed timber features, soaring foyer and versatile outdoor areas will ensure that it is space where people will choose to meet, enjoy a meal, tend the community garden, attend a course, training program, meeting, special event or function.

Through a variety of Karingal programs, the Eastern Hub will facilitate the provision of support and training services for people with a disability and serve the needs of a wide range of inter-generational community groups who will be able to participate in the broad range of events and activities that will form part of the Hub’s program offer.

Caption: The hands crafted by Karingal clients and displayed in the foyer symbolise an inclusive community

COMING UP…TRADE TRYOUT Karingal BacLinks, in partnership with the Gordon, and sponsored by MatchWorks and Gforce Employment Solutions, will offer a range of trade tasters to Job Active job seekers interested in trade as a career option.

Facilitated at the Gordon East Geelong Campus, participants will engage in a selection of ‘hands on’ trade activities under the guidance of experienced tutors and mentors.

This will be a great opportunity for them to define their future goals and gain a real world understanding of current trade practices.

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Eastern Hub at the heart of the community A whole lot of heart has gone into the Eastern Hub Geelong, which will be a community space like no other in this region when it opens this month.

The $6.5 million hub is a Karingal initiative that will bring together the community, welcoming people of all ages and abilities.

Built on the original Karingal site on the corner of Humble Street and McKillop Street, the Eastern Hub will be the heart of East Geelong in more ways than one.

Eastern Hub manager Maryanne Vagg is proud that the fully inclusive centre will provide a series of welcoming and engaging indoor and outdoor spaces that are open to the public and accessible for all.

“The design encourages positive interaction between people of different generations and backgrounds,” she said.

“The unique architectural elements - such as the rammed earth walls, soaring ceilings with dramatic skylights and exposed timber features - make it a place where people will choose to come to meet, enjoy a meal, participate in the community garden or attend a training program or meeting.

“It is also an ideal space to celebrate a special event with our large and small function areas and full catering options.”

After an official opening on Thursday, April 21, an Eastern Hub Community Open Day will be held Saturday, April 23. Everyone is welcome to attend the open day, which will be packed with familyfriendly activities and offer people an opportunity to tour the striking centre to see first-hand how it will benefit the community.

The open day will also mark the unveiling of the Heart of Eastern Geelong photographic exhibition which features some of the people and places that make East Geelong tick.

Maryanne believes the development of the hub can be attributed to strong community spirit.

“It started in 2010 when Karingal instigated a community consultation process to explore the idea of combining a community centre with Karingal’s recreation and leisure activities for people with a disability,” she said.

“More recently, the community generously contributed to the Karingal Foundation Eastern Geelong Community Centre Appeal.”

Seasons café and the Hub playground opened to the public on April 11, with the café serving delicious food and coffee Monday to Friday from 7am - 3pm and 7am - 2pm on weekends.

Community OPEN DAY The Hub is a fully inclusive centre, full of welcoming and engaging spaces that are open to the public and accessible for all.

Date: 23rd April 2016

Time: 10am – 3pm 285A McKillop Street, East Geelong 3219

Activities • • • •

Tour The Hub Face Painting Rotary BBQ Balloon Art

•

Carer’s Choir Performances

•

•

Hearts of Eastern Geelong photographic exhibition

• •

For more information, please contact Eastern Hub on

Seasons by Karingal Café open (7am – 2pm) Photo Booth Tai Chi

5249 6100

• • •

Art Activities Dance Demonstrations Guest appearance

by Half Cat

Another

or visit easternhubgeelong.org.au

initiative

Karingal Inc. (Vic) Limited Liability Reg. Assoc. A0038261E ARBN 158 375 903 | ABN 97 468 305 401

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 43

EMPLOYMENT The Gforce Group of Companies

Gforce was established in 1983 as a community-based Group provide apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in the Ge significantly expanded professional services cater for all emplo We have become renowned for ‘matching businesses with the in Geelong, Corio and Ballarat, Gforce employs up to 600 peo and school-based apprentices and trainees as well as tempor

Matching businesses with the best people

The Gforce Group of Companies

Gforce also assists many Geelong and Ballarat local commun financial support, as well as encouraging staff involvement in c Gforce has contributed more than $4 million to local commun

The Gforce Group of Companies Gforce was established in 1983 as a community-based Group Training Organisation to

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significantly expanded professional services cater for all employment and recruitment needs.

Personalised recruitment meet your permanent and t Gforce was established in 1983 as a community-based Group Training employs up to 600 people weekly, including full-time and to schoolWe have become renowned for ‘matching businesses with the best people’. With branches Organisation to provide apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities based apprentices and trainees•as well as temporary labour hire Servicing over 1,500 businesses in Geelong, Corio and Ballarat, Gforce employs up to 600 people weekly, including full-time in the Geelong region. Today, Gforce’s significantly expanded staff.

Gforce also assists many Geelong and Ballarat local community • 5,000+ talent pool and school-based apprentices and trainees as well as temporary labour strong hire staff. professional services cater for all employment and recruitment groups byand providing financial support, asbywell as encouraging staff Gforce also needs. assists many Geelong Ballarat local community groups providing peopleatwork.com.au Matching businesses with the best people support, as encouraging involvement in community service delivery.

We have become renowned for ‘matching businessesfinancial with the best as wellinvolvement in staff community service delivery.

Gforce has contributed Gforce has contributed more than $4 million to local community projects. people’. With branches in Geelong, Corio and Ballarat, Gforce more than $4 million to local community projects.

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Providing work like experiences to job seekers and benefits to Not for Profit organisations in the Ballarat Region Assisting young people gain the skills to transition into • Assists job seekers in the Ballarat region gain new skills and experience Providerand of Transition Work Services on behalf of the Fe • Supports local Not for Profit organisations with additional•resources access to to funding gforce.org.au

• Working with young people to assist them succeed in edu gforce.org.au

Assisting young people gain theabout skills to a transition intoservice, Education call and Employment For more information Gforce one of our Recruitment Specia

• Provider of Transition to Work Services on behalf of the Federal Government • Working with young people to assist them succeed in education and employment Head Office Corio gforce.org.au

Cnr Gheringhap & McKillop St PO Box 1987, Geelong 3220 gforce.org.au

Level 1, Suite 14 Corio Shopping Centre Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio, 3214

T 1800 436 723 Corio6399 F 03 5222 Level 1, Suite 14 E info@gforce.org.au

T 03 5274 1311 FBallarat 03 5274 1811 & 32B Doveton Street North E32 info@gforce.org.au

For more information about a Gforce service, call one of our Recruitment Specialists today on 1800 436 723 Head Office Cnr Gheringhap & McKillop St PO Box 1987, Geelong 3220 gforce.org.au T 1800 436 723 F 03 5222 6399 E info@gforce.org.au

Corio Shopping Centre Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio, 3214 T 03 5274 1311 F 03 5274 1811 E info@gforce.org.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 44

Ballarat, 3350

T 03 5333 5730 F 03 5332 9433 E ballarat@peopleatwork.com.au

B 3 B

T F E

AFTER HOURS

Norman & Rebecca Reynolds, Russell Watson, Renee Reynolds, Russell Norton, Lorelle Warren, Caroline McKinstry

Stacey Barker & Tony Slack, Geelong Advocates

Stacey Barker, Hartley & Rienie Rodda, Renee Reynolds, Director Release Property Management

Mike & Caroline McKinstry

RELEASE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GRAND OPENING NIGHT Release Property Management celebrated the Grand Opening of their Office last Thursday evening. With a focus on staff, key landlords and stakeholders the night was a great blend of families, Geelong business and property owners.

After an extensive fit-out, the office was ready to put on show and allow guests to see the new offices in action.

Renee Reynolds has been running the Property Management Agency for over 8 years. Release is solely focussed on managing investment properties for clients and providing exceptional service to landlords and tenants.

Samantha Guiney, Younique, Renee Reynolds & Isabel Saric

Ron Cordingley, Renee Reynolds, Cherie Cordingley

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 45

AFTER HOURS

SETTING UP THE NEXT GEN OF STARTUPS Upstart Entrepreneurial Challenge officially launched the annual entrepreneurial program and business ideas competition for high school students across the Geelong region at a networking event featuring Jason Clarke.

Founder of Minds at Work, Jason has worked with clients across Australia in virtually every industry and government sector on issues ranging from creativity, innovation and problem solving, to culture change and leadership.

Upstart Challenge was developed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in students, and the yearly challenge is gaining in size and profile each year, with more and more businesses and professionals helping the next generation of entrepreneurs gain valuable skills and begin to see themselves as future business leaders.

To find out more visit upstartchallenge.com.au

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AFTER HOURS

A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE The 2016 Deakin Theatre Season continued in March at GPAC with 4000 Miles. The play was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Time Magazine named it as the #1 play or musical of 2012. The second offering of the theatre seeason was brought to Geelong as part of Critical Stages’ Australian production, starring Diana McLean, Stephen Multari, Eloise Snape and Aileen Huynh.

An indie sensation, the Green Room guests were able to meet and mingle with the creative forces behind this beautiful, funny, moving portrayal of life and the ties that bind across two generations.

Photos by Ferne Millen, Ferne Millen Photography

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 47

AFTER HOURS

INNOVATE THE PLATE

There is a cornucopia of fantastic food stories across our region, and many of them came together to celebrate and showcase our local food entrepreneurs at the Innovate the Plate regional showcase, hosted by Marcus Oldham College.

Award winning chef and entrepreneur, Nathan Veach (Bistro at Banks, Union Street Wine, Kilgour Street Grocer and CafĂŠ, and the Hot Chicken Project) was joined by Bistro at Banks chef Ashley Kinnersly-King in preparing a sumptuous feast using the freshest regional produce.

Guests were able to meet and hear more about local food producers, sample local beverages and produce, wander around the pop-up mini street food market and pick up industry tips during cooking demonstrations from Nathan and Ashley.

A casual evening with few formalities and no keynote speakers was a big hit with some very satisfied guests.

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AFTER HOURS

WOMEN’S BUSINESS OF A PERSONAL KIND Attended by over 90 ladies, the “Wellness, Health & Anti-Aging” breakfast hosted by Australian Skin Face Body and FBW Gynaecology Plus explained why we age and what we can do about it.

Mr Ian Holten presented exciting developments in stem cell therapy using the body’s innate ability to repair and super-charge itself. He described fat transfer as a popular procedure to add subtle volume to areas such as cheeks and breasts.

Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison explained the latest non-surgical treatments now available for vaginal atrophy, vaginal laxity, dyspareunia and light urinary incontinence.

The two presenting specialists are providing PRP treatments and the Mona Lisa Touch laser in Geelong.

Sharon Hill, Paola De-Grace Begg, Kimba Johnson-Baxter and Phillipa Challis

Avonne Cortay and Dianne Drinkwater

Mr Holten and Sharon Hill

Roxanne Bennett

Janice Martin, Mary Stanfield and Laura Gilmore

Lee Marin and Roxanne Bennett

Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison, Kimba Johnson-Baxter and Avonne Cortay

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 49

77 Preston St Geelong West 3218 relax_frankie@yahoo.com.au

Wall Bubble

Copper Hanging Planter

Ceramic Planter with Leather Strap Black and White Cubes

THE EBONY FOREST 48 Watsons Rd,Newcomb Geelong, Victoria (03) 5248 7661

Black and White Ceramics

White Flower Canvas

Black and Gold Horse Canvas (available in May)

Elephant Prints

Marble Clocks

Giant Office Furniture Phone: (03) 5272 3280 Email enquiries@geelongofficefurniture.com.au 158 Victoria Street, North Geelong, VIC 3215

Electronic Height Adjustable Desk Floating Top Solo Reception Centre

BUSINESS NEWS | 50

SPACE 3, 2 and 1 Wait Room Seats

trap

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AFTER BOOKS HOURS

HIS MONKEY WIFE John Collier This classic satire is certainly not a ‘new’ new release, but it’s staccato humour and biting insights into the silliness of social norms is a joy that deserves revisiting.

Alfred Fatigay is a typical Edwardian schoolmaster. It’s amazing he survived his posting in the Congo. Perhaps his calm, civilised and slightly hopeless demeanour had something to do with it, after all, it’s what drew Emily to him. Emily is Mr Fatigay’s sole companion on the tropics; she is intelligent, sensitive, capable and strong. She is also a chimpanzee and a secret autodidact. As Alfred sits espousing on art and literature, Emily is learning, devouring art and literature.

With his posting in the jungle over, Alfred returns to London, taking his ‘pet’ with him. Emily, meanwhile, has formed a deep attachment to the hapless Englishman, only to have her hopes and desires dashed when she is presented, as a gift, to Fatigay’s fiancé, the spoilt, selfish and, according to Emily, entirely unsuitable Amy. An unexpected love triangle, a female hominid scorned and a biting dissection of the nature of civilisation, all wrapped up in sharp-edged humour.

COPENHAGEN STYLE GUIDE Anna Peuckert & Søren Jepsen A book that is as beautiful to hold as it is to look at; this one is for Danophiles, travel lovers and anyone who enjoys simply great style.

The Danes are the happiest people on earth, and their capital city, Copenhagen, embodies all that is alluring about Denmark – an abundance of sophisticated, understated style, superb design, with relaxed, good looking people on bikes everywhere you go. This isn’t your typical travellers guide, but a handbook of shared local secrets and insights; it explores the shops, cafes, galleries and hotels that provide an authentic Danish experience and many are off the tourist track.

It even includes a 12-hour bucket list for travellers that have only one day in this spectacular city.

Inside its textured matte cover are the locals’ favourite markets, the best places to get porridge in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, snacks on your way around, and that oftimitated and rarely equaled Copenhagen style.

SAVOIR FAIRE Laura Lee Have you ever marveled at the ability of a Grande Dame to rattle off foreign phrases, managing to sound sophisticated and intelligent with enviable effortless style? Within this smart little book are the secrets to mastering the lingua franca and immersing yourself in the zeitgeist.

If you’re a linguistics geek or language lover with a curiosity about foreign phrases, this beautifully designed reference book will add hundreds of foreign phrases to your daily lexicon and help you learn about their quirky, fascinating origins. Laura Lee has compiled more than 1000 foreign words and phrases you should know to sound smart. Remember, delivery is key to becoming savour faire, with quips best served with a delicate shrug of the shoulders and laissez-faire attitude.

The perfect addition to a wordy-girl’s desk or a gorgeous gift for the know-it-all in your life.

THE FORGETTING TIME Sharon Guskin Some books just get under your skin, and Sharon Guskin’s The Forgetting Time is one of them.

Enthralling and devastatingly sad, it will have you hanging on every word right through to the last page.

Noah is four and wants to go home. The only trouble is he’s already home… Janie’s son is her world, and it breaks her heart that he has nightmares; that he’s terrified of water; that he sometimes pushes her away and screams that he wants his real mother; that it’s getting worse and worse and no one seems to be able to help.

In desperation, she turns to someone who might have an answer - but it may not be one she’s ready to hear. It may also mean losing the one thing she loves more than anything, Noah.

A gripping mystery, an unforgettable story and a heart-rending exploration of the bond between a mother and a young son who doesn’t know how much he needs her.

The Forgetting Time will stay with you long after you put the book back on the shelf.

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