Grow Magazine Summer 2015 by Star News Group

Investment hotspots Grant tips Keeping jobs local

CELEBRATING

SUCCESS

Casey Cardinia Business Awards 2015

ISSUE

DECEMBER 2015

WELCOME MESSAGES

Good to go with Grow

On the trail to success

As mayor of the City of Casey, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the launch edition of Grow magazine; our fresh, regional business publication designed to share local stories of success, innovation and proven advice to help your business thrive. CR SAM AZIZ MAYOR CITY OF CASEY

In this edition you can read about highlights from the Casey Cardinia Business Awards 2015, including a profile on this year’s Business of the Year, Hallam-based waste and recycling manufacturer, Wastech Engineering.

Our region is the birthplace of many successful, trailblazing businesses and it is our hope that this publication will provide them with a platform to share their stories – both the highs and the lows. CR JODIE OWEN MAYOR CARDINIA SHIRE

You can also find out how last year’s winners, Highview Accounting, leveraged the win for their own benefit. See all the glitz and glamour from the Casey Cardinia Business Awards gala dinner on pages 4-9. Over the past three months, more than $192,791,850 in commercial and residential investments have been committed to the City of Casey alone. Get to know your newest neighbours and read about the exciting new developments on the double spread across pages 30-31. The region’s astounding development has really set the pace and the time to invest and capitalise on this growth is right now. Find out vital facts about the region on pages 10 -11. As the second fastest growing region in Australia, there’s no doubt that the Casey Cardinia region is the place to grow your business and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of this new publication to demonstrate the key reasons why.

This first edition of Grow gives you the inside story on businesses, just like yours, who are achieving their goals. You can read about this year’s Casey Cardinia Business of the Year, Wastech Engineering, who I’d like to congratulate for their competitiveness, sustainability and innovation excellence through business evolution. Read their profile on page 4. You can also read about businesses who are giving back to help improve their community, such as Cranbourne Body Works, who are working with Chisholm Institute of TAFE to improve industry training, and iBare giftware, who have opened their doors to local charities (page 20-21). Council recognises the vital role of a strong economy and local employment opportunities for the well-being of residents and works hard to attract investment while helping local businesses to grow. Outcomes from this work are being realised regularly. Recently, a multimillion dollar hydroponics facility was established in Bunyip, which is expected to create an additional 40 jobs. Read more on page 16. If you would like to find out more about growing your business or investing in the region, please get in contact with us by visiting caseycardinia.com.au to find out how we can help.

Celebrating successful endeavours as we Grow WELCOME to the first edition of Grow – a magazine showcasing business endeavour, success and innovation in the growing Casey Cardinia Region. With the continuing rapid growth in the area and the rapid development in business accompanying that, it is appropriate that we produce a quality magazine dedicated to the business community. PAUL THOMAS MANAGING DIRECTOR, STAR NEWS GROUP

Star News Group has been the voice of Melbourne’s south eastern corridor for more than a century and has grown with the community.

As a company, we are proud to partner the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia in this exciting new business-to-business publication, both print and online, and look forward to celebrating its growth as well over the next few years. There are great stories to be found - from the smallest home-based business to the largest factory in the region - and they can be inspiring and uplifting. I hope you all enjoy this first edition of Grow.

CONTENTS

4-9

CASEY CARDINIA BUSINESS AWARDS

10-11

THE REGION AT A GLANCE

CHARITABLE ALLIANCE

BUNJIL CONTRACT SIGNED

14-15

INSPIRATION FOR BREAKFAST

GROWING OPPORTUNITY

CHILD SAFETY AWARD

WOMEN MAKING IT WORK

IBARE GIVING BACK

COFFEE CLUB CAUSES STIR

24-26

AMBASSADORS IN PROFILE

28 30-31

12 EDITOR

Garry Howe garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0624

CASEY CARDINIA REGION

We realised that we were doing something that was a really good idea…

Samantha Henderson shenderson@casey.vic.gov.au

ADVERTISING

Andy Jukes andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

DESIGN

Mark Dinnie mark.dinnie@starnewsgroup.com.au

Cnr Princes Hwy & Army Road Pakenham 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Produced and published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty. Ltd. ACN 005 848 108.

GRANT TIPS

Star News Group Trading Terms and Conditions can be found on www.starnewsgroup.com.au

INVESTMENT HOTSPOTS

Find an electronic version of online.

growcaseycardinia.com.au/ eMagazine/

14-15

Cover Neil Bone and CEO Brett Jones celebrate Wastech’s win. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

16 3

COVER STORY

Waste company’s award in the can By CASEY NEILL WASTECH is growing in size and strength at a rapid rate. The Hallam company is showing no signs that its transformation into a waste powerhouse is slowing. In recent months it has acquired another business, opened a new service centre and imported new trucks from Germany. They took home the Casey Cardinia Business of the Year Award as well as this year’s Manufacturing Award on 22 October. Neil Bone accepted the honour. He and brother Paul started the business in 1993, having largely worked on trucks involved in the waste business during their time as diesel motor mechanics. “Thankyou to Paul for putting up with me for 23 years,” Neil said.

Then Cardinia Shire Mayor Leticia Wilmot, Wastech’s Neil Bone, Brett Jones, Paul Bone and Rachelle Mechielsen, and then City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland.

“It’s the people that stand with you every day – that’s what makes a difference.” They continue to play a key role in Wastech, which designs, manufactures and provides equipment and services to the Australian waste and recycling industry. The Bone brothers set up in Ordish Road, Dandenong, before moving to Redgum Drive, Capitol Drive and, in 2007, Wedgewood Road in Hallam. The company recently added a $3 million purpose-built service centre in Technology Circuit, Hallam, to service more than 5000 equipment items throughout Australia. Wastech marketing co-ordinator Catherine Gardner-Gaskin said it catered for 24-7 assistance so no site was ever left unattended. In September the company acquired Tieman Field Service and Tieman Tail Lifts, increasing its workforce from 90 to 150-plus employees with 60 mobile service vehicles nationally servicing the waste, recycling, tail lift and materials handling industries. “A key pillar in the Wastech strategic plan was to establish a wholly-owned nationwide service network to provide a complete aftersales product service offering to its customers,” CEO Brett Jones said. “When Tieman Industries went into voluntary administration in August, this presented Wastech with the ideal opportunity.”

It’s the people that stand with you every day – that’s what makes a difference… He said Wastech Field Service retained the Tieman Service staff, technicians, national fleet and tail lift sales team. “Both brands are synonymous with quality, outstanding products and customer service – the natural synergies between the businesses are clearly evident,” Mr Jones said. In October Wastech bought new FAUN vehicles from Germany – a Variopress Rear Loader and a Viajet 6 Street Sweeper. Ms Gardner-Gaskin said the trucks were unique.

“Boasting the world’s first fully hybrid garbage truck demonstrates FAUN’s commitment to innovation and the environment.” Mr Jones said bedding down and integrating the new business was Wastech’s focus for the next 12 to 24 months. “We will continue to develop and supply leading-edge waste management equipment to the Australian market and maintain the focus on providing outstanding customer service,” he said. Success is nothing new for Wastech.

“These trucks are so quiet the garbage and street sweeper rounds can be done at any time without breaking noise restrictions, which will make garbage collection quicker and out of normal traffic hours earning great efficiencies for waste collection,” she said.

It won the Casey Business of the Year and Casey Manufacturer of the Year for 2013 and two titles at the Melbourne South East (MSE) Business Awards Business of the Year Overall Business Excellence award and Medium Enterprise category in May 2014.

Mr Jones said FAUN was the industry’s largest European manufacturer and was a global leader at the forefront of innovation.

It won the Manufacturing Award in March at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Premier Regional Business Awards, and in June was a finalist for the Medium Manufacturer of the Year title at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

“The FAUN range is designed for fleet managers and councils Australia-wide,” he said.

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Pawz Ink’s Nicole Timmons accepts the Retail award with her team.

Big night for business

IT WAS the night of nights for the region’s business community…

THE Casey Cardinia Business Awards gala dinner celebrated, recognised, awarded and applauded the region’s best businesses at Cranbourne Racing Club on 22 October.

shop fitter to pastry chef to open the Pakenham eatery with wife Christina who has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 15 years.

Environmental Sustainability Award ahead of K and D Bak Painting and Decorating, and Ten-Rose International Simmental.

Then City of Casey Mayor Mick Morland said the awards were just one initiative to promote and support the development of small business in Casey and Cardinia.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park won the Tourism Award, pipping Pakenham Racing Club and Quest Narre Warren to the post.

He said an expert panel received and judged 111 applications which highlighted the diversity of small businesses across the region.

More than 60 solar panels line the roof of the dental practice, windows are double glazed, there’s LED lighting, a compost bin and water tanks, and the patient bibs and cups are biodegradable.

The tourist attraction’s director Michael Johnson said conservation was a priority for the sanctuary and it had helped to save the orange-bellied parrot from extinction.

Successful Endeavours won the Business and Professional Services Award from Jotterbug Creative and Metamorph CG.

Wastech claimed the top honour, the Casey Cardinia Business of the Year Award, and the manufacturing category.

Ambrosia beat fellow finalists Cardinia Park Hotel and O.MY Restaurant for the Hospitality Award.

Ray Keefe started the company from home in 1997 and has since been recognised with award nominations and wins.

The People’s Choice Award went to Village Way Cafe ahead of Dandy Mart Hampton Park and SJD Homes.

It has a focus on share-style eating and incorporates guest feedback into menu updates.

Paul Sloothaak has switched careers from

Beaconsfield Dental took out the

Cranbourne Bodyworks took home the Trades and Construction Award, beating K and D Bak Painting and Decorating, and KD Landscapes.

Danielle Finning and Gaston Robot from Ambrosia accept the Hospitality and Tourism Award.

And the winners are... Casey Cardinia Business of the Year Winner: Wastech Engineering Sponsored by: City of Casey and Cardinia Shire

People’s Choice:

Winner: Village Way Cafe Sponsored by: mecwacare

Manufacturing:

Winner: Wastech Engineering Sponsored by: Metropolitan Planning Authority

In 1988 Kevin and Nikki Slattery opened the small shop on an unsealed road to buy and sell cars and now employ 14 qualified tradespeople. Car MegaMart won the New Business Award ahead of Metamorph CG and Pawz Ink. It has developed well beyond expectations since opening 19 months ago and has more growth to come. Darren Michelle of Kelly Sports Berwick won the Home-Based Business Award from finalists Helping Hand is Here and Jotterbug Creative. He started the coaching for kids franchise in 2010 as a way to spend more time with his wife and child and has since added Pakenham and Seaford franchises.

Husband and wife team Dan and Jenny Patience have, over the past five years, grown an empty Pearcedale horse paddock into a business that has experienced at least 40 per cent growth each year. JD Propagation won the Agriculture Award from Mountain Harvest Foods and Ten-Rose International Simmental.

Home Based Business: Winner: Kelly Sports Berwick Sponsored by: Safe Super Homes

Health, Education and Wellbeing:

Winner: Hero HQ Sponsored by: St John of God Hospital Berwick

Pawz Ink won the Retail Award ahead of fellow finalists Berwick Mazda and In Beauty.

Retail:

Nicole Timmons decided to switch from dental nurse to dog groomer and opened the pet boutique in Berwick Village two and a half years ago.

Agriculture and Food:

Hero HQ took home the Health Education and Wellbeing Award from finalists Emerald Medical Centre and the Kinders Together Association.

Waverley Industries is more than a reputable business – it’s an organisation that empowers individuals, and it won the Social Enterprise Award from Casey North Community Information and Support Service and Cranbourne Information and Support Service.

Nikki Jurcutz started the first aid training company in 2010 after arriving at countless scenes during her time as a paramedic to find people were unprepared to act effectively.

Across its Hallam and Notting Hill locations, Waverley Industries employs about 300 adults with special needs, specialising in packaging, assembly work, manufacturing, mail outs and catering. Darren and Sam Michelle from Kelly Sports Berwick accept the Home Based Business award.

Winner: Pawz Ink Sponsored by: RACV

Winner: JD Propagation Sponsored by: Regional Development Australia

New Business:

Winner: Car MegaMart Sponsored by: Hallam Truck Centre

Trades and Construction: Winner: Cranbourne Bodyworks Sponsored by: Mirvac

Hospitality:

Winner: Ambrosia Sponsored by: Cranbourne Golf Club

Tourism:

Winner: Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park Sponsored by: Atura

Environmental Sustainability:

Winner: Beaconsfield Dental Sponsored by: Casey Cardinia Region

Social Enterprise:

Winner: Waverley Industries Sponsored by: MatchWorks

Business and Professional Services: Winner: Successful Endeavours Sponsored by: Small Business Victoria

Paul Bone (Wastech), Casey mayor Sam Aziz, Cardinia mayor Jodie Owen, Brett Jones (Wastech) and Neil Bone (Wastech).

Carol Leith and Nicole Timmins (Pawz Ink).

Sandra Naylor (St John of God Hospital), Debbie Clarkson (Cranbourne Racing Club), Joanne Masters (St John of God Hospital).

Cr Graeme Moore, mayor Jodie Owen and Cr Leticia Wilmot, all of Cardinia Shire.

Ryan Khew (Waverley Industries) and Kevin Slattery (Cranbourne Body Works).

Martin Reidy (Telstra Business Centre) and Jo Boole (Star News Group).

Winners are grinners By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM AS IS tradition, the winners of the 2015 Casey-Cardinia Business Awards celebrated their achievements with award sponsors over lunch. Representatives of the successful businesses gathered at The Brownstone Micro Brewery and Tavern on Thursday 12 November for a celebration and networking event. The newly-elected mayors of both the City of Casey and the Cardinia Shire spoke at the

event, congratulating the award winners.

Zealand, with overseas projects becoming more prevalent.

Casey mayor Sam Aziz highlighted the incredible story behind Wastech Engineering, the 2015 Business of the Year.

“While their innovating business has been recognised many times for business acumen, I’m sure that recognition as the Casey Cardinia Business of the Year is hugely satisfying for both owners and staff.”

“Wastech Engineering has operated successfully for over 21 years, with their head office and manufacturing site still based locally in Hallam,” he said. “Significant growth over the past two decades has led Wastech Engineering to expand operations to encompass all states of Australia and New

Cardinia mayor Jodie Owen encouraged local businesses to embrace the opportunity again next year. “The Casey Cardinia Business Awards have been a wonderful celebration of our regional

business community,” she said. “They provide a fantastic networking opportunity and I encourage every award winner, finalist and applicant to spread the word and get involved in the Casey Cardinia Business Awards next year.” Repesentatives of sponsors were also present, including the Commonwealth Bank, Pitcher Partners, Monash University, Telstra Business Centre Casey Cardinia, AJ Recruitment as well as media partner Star News Group.

Part of the Highview team, after picking up the Business of the Year award, with Governor Alex Chernov and the souvenir awards edition of the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette. Team members are, from left, Dave Sheahan, Heather Crowther, Nick McPhillips, Darren Crowther, Carlia Zanella-Morgan, the Governor, Lisa Burgess, Silvio Marinelli, Sam Nixon, Browdie Crowther and Tony McPhillips.

Numbers add up to praise By GARRY HOWE WHEN Silvio Marinelli made his way to the stage for the third time at the inaugural Casey Cardinia Business Awards presentation dinner last year, he apologised for mumbling through his speeches. Accepting the night’s top prize as Business of the Year, Silvio said he was better with numbers than with words, looked at the framed certificate in his hand and remarked that, to him, three sounded like a nice number. It bought laughter and applause. Those three framed certificates – including those in the Business and Professional Services and Environmental Sustainability categories – now sit proudly in the reception area at Highview Accounting Service’s head office in Cranbourne. The benefits of those wins, however, go deep into the business, well beyond the reception desk. The impact was immediate. Highview’s social media went into meltdown with messages of congratulations. As Star News Group’s commemorative

awards edition hit the streets - with Silvio, his partner Darren Crowther and members of the team plastered all over the front page – the response went to another level. Congratulatory hampers began arriving at reception. “God only knows how many messages of congratulations we received,” he said. “We received a lot of positive feedback.” Highview picked up a few clients too as a direct result of the award wins. “We probably signed up a half a dozen new clients,” Silvio explained. “They had heard of us and were considering coming across, but that (the awards) was the tipping point.” So great was the marketing and exposure that Silvio was frightened to return to his beloved Cranbourne Cricket Club for a few weeks for fear of what it might cost him in fines (handed out to members who appear in the press). Silvio’s public speaking has picked up a bit too. It had to, because he became hot property on the local business networking circuit.

One involved addressing a group of about 50 NAB business bankers, set up by the Berwick branch. “I have never been a great public speaker but I’m getting better at it,” he said. “And I’m essentially talking about our business, so I guess I know my stuff.” The award wins also had a positive impact on staff who all walked a little taller for weeks. They got to share the spoils as well, each receiving a $100 voucher from the prize money and being shouted out to a celebratory lunch. “I think we had the prize money spent within 24 hours,” Silvio said. He would highly recommend the awards process to any business – describing the process from start to finish as professional and rewarding. The fact that winners and sponsors were invited to a debrief luncheon afterwards was a nice touch, he said. “We go to a lot of networking events and a lot more people recognise us now,” Silvio said. “It has been a fantastic experience.”

Working vs living in the region • 105,499 people live in the region and work elsewhere

Consumer Price Index (CPI) Melbourne

+1.1%

• 45,950 live and work in the region

Australia

+1.5%

Source: Remplan

Source: abs.gov.au

• 17,811 people work in the region and live elsewhere

Median housing values

Unemployment rate Region

Unemployment rate

REGION

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE

Casey Cardinia region

7.31%

Casey Cardinia region

$435,779

Greater Melbourne

6.48%

City of Casey

$481,986

Victoria

6.10%

Cardinia Shire

$389,572

Greater Melbourne

$582,067

Source: economy.id

Planning application decisions Casey

July 2015

Investment

August 2015

Investment

September 2015

Investment

82 decisions

$112,143,599

86 decisions

$22,109,106

94 decisions

$58,539,145.74

Source: City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council’s decisions unavailable at this time

International migration

Population

state

Migration rate

Region

June 2014

Casey Cardinia region

370,423

New South Wales

32%

Dandenong

146,000

Victoria

28%

Frankston

135,243

Queensland

14%

Knox

155,508

Western Australia

15%

Kingston

153,079

Yarra Ranges

150,098

Mornington Peninsula

153,800

Baw Baw

45,945

South Gippsland

27,937

Bass Coast

31,623

New South Wales

-15.5%

Wyndham

199,715

Victoria

+4.7%

Whittlesea

187,006

Queensland

+9.5%

Hume City Council

188,832

Western Australia

+8%

Source: immi.gov.au

Interstate Migration 2012-13 state

Migration rate

Source: abs.gov.au

Source: economy.id

Population projection Region

June 2015

Projection 2036

% increase

Casey Cardinia region

379,081

633,637

76%

Source: economy.id

Number of businesses in the Casey Cardinia region:

22,598

Source: Remplan

High performing industries Industry

Exports ($m)

Regional export

Manufacturing

$1,405.162

46.1%

Construction

$311.23

10.2%

Wholesale Trade

$303.663

10%

Source: Remplan

Workforce

Employment by industry sector INDUSTRY

JOBS

Retail trade

9,798

Education and training

7,548

Health care and social assistance

7,528

Construction

6,753

Manufacturing

6,094

Accommodation and food services

4,368

Wholesale trade

3,221

Transport, postal and warehousing

2,845

Repair and maintenance services

1,790

Personal services

1,017

Professional, scientific and technical services

2,690

Public administration and safety

2,308

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

1,904

Administrative and support services

1,526

Casey Cardinia region

Victoria

Males

48%

53%

Arts and recreation services

1,139

Females

52%

46%

Rental, hiring and real estate services

1,007

15-24 years

18%

15%

Financial and insurance services

912

25-54 years

65%

68%

55-64 years

14%

Electricity, gas, water and waste services

642

65 years +

3.2%

Information, media and telecommunications

545

Qualification certificate level and above

56%

60%

Mining

126

TOTAL

63,761

Source: economy.id, Remplan

Source: Remplan, June 2015

1209287-KC49-15

Retail on the rise AS the Cardinia corridor continues to experience significant residential growth, with numerous emerging estates, things have never looked better for the retail sector, says Facey Industrial Commercial director Mark Bond. The Cardinia Shire is expected to attract an average of 11,700 residents per year over the next 20 years. The area’s growth – particularly in the corridor of Pakenham, Officer and Beaconsfield – has triggered increased retail development, injecting money into this previously stagnant sector. Mr Bond said Cardinia Shire’s largest industry was retail trade, accounting for 16 per cent of jobs and 340 businesses (in 2014), making it the ideal location to gain employment and do business. Celebrating the new alliance are Casey Cardinia Business Group chairman Ian Ash and Casey Cardinia Foundation director Kate Lempriere and executive officer Therese Howell.

Foundation for success A charitable alliance has emerged in the south east that means business.

makes sense that we all work alongside each other.”

The Casey Cardinia Business Group recently adopted philanthropic group the Casey Cardinia Foundation as its charity of choice.

Ms Howell said the foundation would look to seek the support of business group members in the lead-up to the foundation’s annual fundraising dinner, usually around SeptemberOctober.

Foundation executive officer Therese Howell said hoped the alliance would lead to great benefits for the whole community. Ms Howell said the foundation – which for over a decade had provided much-needed funds for a string of community groups – would be better able to tap into the local business sector. “As the foundation moves forward, we’re developing a variety of fundraising methods and ways to partner with local businesses,” she told Grow. “One of the most important things for business is corporate social responsibility and this is a great opportunity for local business to contribute to the community. “We are all focusing on the same region so it

She said the foundation also relied on pro-bono services for things like printing and graphic design work, so there were opportunities for businesses to contribute there as well. Business group chairman Ian Ash said he was thrilled with the alliance. “I am impressed with the foundation itself and we are proud and pleased to be associated,” he said. “Therese does a great job – she is so energetic and enthusiastic - and there are a lot of parallels between the two organisations.” To help cement the alliance, Grow magazine will donate 10 per cent of any advertising revenue from CCBG member businesses to the foundation.

In Pakenham and Officer, major residential estates Heritage Springs and Lakeside have boosted the population significantly, increasing demand for local business and jobs in the area. A multitude of shopping centres are now dotted along Princes Highway and central Pakenham including Pakenham Place, Pakenham Central Marketplace, Heritage Springs Shopping Village, Arena Shopping Centre and Lakeside Square. “As retail continues to grow, so too has investor confidence,” Mr Bond said. Pakenham-based Heritage Springs Shopping Village recently sold for around $24 million, with a yield of 6.6 per cent on the net income. “The sale came as the result of a successful campaign attracting over 110 enquiries nationwide,” Mr Bond said. “Heritage Springs is a highly desirable investment opportunity, with its prime location in the growing Pakenham area. Both vendor and buyer were pleased with the result.” “We’re excited to see how the retail sector progresses in the area in the coming years.”

Bunjil contract signed The next stage of the City of Casey’s new cultural, community and civic facility has kicked off, with Brookfield Multiplex Constructions chosen to bring the $125 million project to life.

By GEORGIA WESTGARTH With a proven track record and a resume reading Federation Square, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, “Brookfield Multiplex was the standout team” for the job, Mayor Sam Aziz said. On Monday 23 November the construction giant met with Casey council to formalise the agreement. “Today officially marks the beginning of the construction process for Bunjil Place. This is an exciting day for the City of Casey and a significant milestone in the project’s timeline,” Cr Aziz said. The build which will be ongoing for the next two years will be the only regional community facility of its kind, and Brookfield Multiplex managing director Graham Cottam said his team was thrilled to take on a “one-of-a-kind project”.

“Brookfield has industry-leading, internationally accredited systems and processes, and we are ready and excited to hit the ground running and work with the council and Casey community to deliver Bunjil Place by late 2017,” Mr Cottam said. In a statement from the Casey council, Cr Aziz said the “community can expect to see construction works begin within a few weeks” of the announcement. The construction project is expected to create more than 1200 job opportunities – 700 of which will be local. The new facility will include an 800-seat theatre, studio, art gallery, community library and meeting rooms, civic centre and council offices. It is the largest project undertaken by a local government body in Victoria.

Net-a-Porter co-founder Megan Quinn addresses the November Casey Cardinia Business Breakfast.

From pub

to fashion hub By ANEEKA SIMONIS THE panache and business acumen that helped spawn a $3.4 billion high-end fashion retailer was nurtured in a Queensland hotel. Megan Quinn, co-founder of the global phenomenon Net-a-Porter, told guests at the November Casey Cardinia Business Breakfast that she was the daughter of a publican and cut her business teeth in the outback bar. “I lived in pubs from a young age,” she said. “My dad showed me to lead by example. He was always fair and sometimes needed to be firm. “I watched him build an authentic relationship with his staff and customers.” Two of the main principles left by her father were: “You are never too senior to pick up a broom” and “whistle while you work – be grateful that you have a job”.

Ms Quinn said she also worked to the principles of passion, compassion, humour and style in everything she did, as espoused by one of her favourite poets. She said it was important to move to the beat of your own drum and to try to get into the hearts and minds of customers and staff. Net-a-Porter was released to the world in 1999 before online retailing was commonplace. Unlike many pioneering businesses at the time, Net-a-Porter survived the dot com bust – a feat achieved by constant innovation and two-way communication with consumers. “Innovation doesn’t need to be extraordinary. You just have to do something different. Something a little beyond what the customer expects to exceed expectations,” Ms Quinn said. When the high-end fashion retailer – stocking everything from Alexander McQueen to Balmain, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and Vallentino – was launched, it was done so with no research into or experience in the market.

MC Russell Robinson from the Melbourne Football Club.

Calls key

and systems plea By CASEY NEILL AN eight-year-old boy’s advice stood out from the crowd at the November Women Making it Work breakfast. “When your phone rings you need to answer it,” he told his mum and group vicechairwoman Megan Glew that morning. He’d urged her to share the gem with other breakfast guests at Nomadic in Berwick on 10 November. Ms Glew obliged, and explained that it was important to prioritise answering and returning calls from clients to build business.

Ms Quinn described the early founding years as ‘constructive anarchy’ – explaining that dominant ideologies about the industry were ignored in the development phases in order to create “something different”. Drawing on the words of late businesswoman Anita Roddick, Ms Quinn said she has long stood by the need for uniquity: “If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just.” But Net-a-Porter was not Ms Quinn’s only entrepreneurial success. In the lead up to co-founding the billion-dollar business, the strong business woman worked in advertising, started the cleaning company Partners in Grime as well as founded consultancy firm Q&Co. Ms Quinn is now a non-executive director of UNICEF Australia and Specialty Fashion Group, and an Ambassador for Fitted for Work. She was named the 15th most powerful woman in Australian retail in 2013 by Inside Retail. Ms Quinn founded Net-a-Porter alongside three others including friend Natalie Massanet, Ms Massanet’s husband Arnaud, and Ms Quinn’s former husband Mark Quinn-Newall.

Women Making it Work chairwoman Gail McTaggart’s advice was to put systems in place. She’s a mortgage broker and has template emails, forms and lists. “Every situation is different but the system of lodging a loan is always the same,” she said. Another tip from the table was using “the old-fashioned whiteboard” to note goals so they’re not hidden on computer or in the back of a notebook. The group’s secretary Annemarie Cross stressed that unaccomplished goals could hold businesspeople back from taking risks.

Your subconscious thinks it’s keeping you safe, but it’s actually holding you back… Ms Glew said studies showed it generally took seven contacts for people to remember each other. Each breakfast guest had 45 seconds to pitch their business with occupations ranging from a lawyer to personal trainer, accountant, banker and real estate agent. Virtual PA Sue Smith from Sue’s Desk was a new member and received three minutes to share her business story. She helped her sister move back to Australia from Europe in a hurry, assisted her to establish a business, and then move the business to Western Australia. Ms Smith decided to turn her organisational skills into a new venture. The only thing she can’t do from her home office is make coffee. “Put it on my desk and I’ll get it done for you,” she said.

She said fear of another disappointment could stop them from setting goals. “Your subconscious thinks it’s keeping you safe, but it’s actually holding you back,” she said. Ms Glew spoke to the Casey Cardinia group about how business people should network to get people to know, like and trust them.

The big crowd listens intently to guest speaker Megan Quinn.

She said getting out of the office, listening more and talking less, and following up on initial meetings were keys.

Megan Glew speaks at the breakfast.

Invited guests including Mayor of Cardinia Leticia Wilmot, second from left, and Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, centre, attended the opening of Kaiteki Fresh in Bunyip.

Kaiteki Fresh utilises revolutionary technology.

Growing opportunity A revolutionary new hydroponic growing facility has delivered 40 new jobs and high-quality produce in Bunyip. By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM The Kaiteki Fresh farm has the capacity to produce up to eight times as much high-nutrient spinach using high-tech new Japanese growing methods. The process also uses less water and eliminates the need for pesticides. The facility was officially opened in July by invited guests including Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford and Cardinia Mayor Leticia Wilmot. It is the culmination of a five-year collaboration between the Victorian Government, Mitsubishi Plastics and the Kaiteki Institute to trial and implement the water-saving technology. The unique growing method allows the facility to produce 18 or more harvests each year and tap into a market which is experiencing huge growth. More than half of Australia’s total horticultural exports come from Victoria and the new

technology gives the opportunity for further expansion. Kaiteki Fresh Australia CEO Katsutoshi Ogihara said earlier this year that the facility would cater to an increased demand for high-quality produce. “Recently, people are becoming more aware of healthier food and where it is derived from in the world, and are seeking environmentally friendly, high quality, safe and secure vegetables,” he said. “Kaiteki Fresh was established to accelerate the promotion of pesticide-free leafy vegetables grown by the state-of-the-art water-saving hydroponic technology globally and I am thrilled to launch the new company at Melbourne.” Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the facility was a “potential game changer”. “Our horticultural sector has a bright future - that’s why we’re supporting it to innovate and create jobs,” she said. “Securing Kaiteki’s new operations confirm our reputation as a global leader in food production and as a state ready to attract and accept investment from across our region.” The technology gives growers the ability to accurately control temperature as well as levels of water and nutrients to produce premium spinach.

Back: Ricky Verkaik, Kris Poposki and George Zeidan from Zain Digital, and Matt Ratten and Chee Boon Lim from Successful Endeavours. Middle: Junette Keefe and Ray Keefe from Successful Endeavours, and Lynne Rees from SkyNanny.net. Front: Ros Weadman from Melbourne Public Relations and Marketing Group and Jason Petch from SkyNanny.net.

Children’s safety award A CHILD safety gadget, from a collaboration between a Berwick and Narre Warren business, has won a Victorian tech award. Successful Endeavours and Zain Digital collaborated to help SkyNanny.net take out the Merit Award in the New Product Category at June’s Victorian iAwards. The awards recognised businesses at the cutting edge of technology innovation. SkyNanny.net is a child location device that fits within its own pocket inside a child’s clothing, and was also a finalist at the Australian iAwards in August. It links to a mobile app and allows a parent to locate their child within minutes. Narre Warren’s Zain Digital provided a data security solution and developed the SkyNanny.net mobile app, while Successful Endeavours in Berwick

provided the electronics design. Jason Petch came up with the SkyNanny.net idea after briefly becoming separated from his daughter at the beach, and after himself being abducted when he was six years old. “The combination of these events had a profound impact on me,” he said. “It triggered a burning desire to find a solution that would not only create a safer world for children, but would give peace of mind to parents, particularly when in busy public places with their children.”

who had to overcome several significant technological challenges to achieve the final outcome,” he said. Zain Digital managing director George Zeidan said the award was testament to the great outcomes that could be achieved when businesses got together to build a technological solution that contributed to the greater good. He said that given the device’s purpose was to protect its wearer, the security system was deliberately complex.

Mr Petch said it was wonderful for the SkyNanny.net team of experts to be recognised for “their professionalism and technological genius”.

“It consists of three layers of data encryption, three randomly generated decryption keys and a firewall, plus the device itself will only activate after it is paired with the exactly matched app account,” Mr Zeidan said.

“The award is a true endorsement of the dedication, experience and character of both Zain Digital and Successful Endeavours,

Successful Endeavours’ Ray Keefe said Mr Petch’s trust allowed his team to come up with a unique combination of technologies.

Dayco employees Brett Kingston and Leesa Holmberg with a Ford engine, showing Dayco components. Picture: ROB CAREW

Locals tap into $664m skills fund A HALLAM business has been among the first in Australia to receive new training cash.

business today is aftermarket to customers such as Burson, Wesfil and Repco.”

Dayco Australia will use its $2000 Industry Skills Fund (ISF) grant to train two staff in its supply and logistics team.

Dayco has a global network of manufacturing facilities, distribution centres, technical facilities and sales offices.

“We identified this training need for better materials management to help our manufacturing operation, which manufactures harmonic balancers for the automotive aftermarket,” managing director Arnold Mouw said.

The Australian branch has been a major player in the country’s automotive original equipment and aftermarket sectors for more than 30 years, specialising in automotive power transmission and cooling system components.

“A large part of our increased capacity is exported to Dayco US.

Victorian Senator Mitch Fifield said the $664 million Federal Government program was helping businesses to grow and compete in an increasingly global market, boosting productivity and competitiveness across the economy.

“We are also a supplier to Ford original equipment at both Geelong and Broadmeadows plants, although most of our

“The ISF is targeted at small and mediumsized businesses that need to upskill or retrain their workers so their business can diversify or take advantage of new market opportunities,” he said. “Free skills advice is also available for small and medium businesses. “Experienced advisers will work with eligible businesses to understand growth opportunity and identify skills needed to increase competitiveness.” Under the ISF, businesses are required to contribute to the cost of training, and the government will cover the rest of the cost. Visit www.business.gov.au/ industryskillsfund or call 13 28 46 for more.

Women at work By CASEY NEILL

Gail McTaggart, Megan Glew and Annemarie Cross from Women Making it Work.

WOMEN Making it Work isn’t about gender. The Casey Cardinia business network’s vicechair Megan Glew said women generally networked and built relationships very differently to men. “There’s no right or wrong – it’s just different,” she said. “It’s why we do have some male members. “It’s still all about business but taking that more relationship-driven ethos that tends to fit much better with women than with men. “You put a couple of men around the table at breakfast and at the end of that time they’ll probably know what each of them do for a living, they might know what car they drive, a little bit about their business. “You put a group of women around the same table for the same period of time and they’ll not only know everything there is to know about each other’s businesses, they’ll know how many kids they have, how they managed the school run that morning.”

It’s the friendships, it’s the collegial relationships and then it’s being able to tap into the expertise…

Ms Glew joined Women Making it Work about seven years ago when starting her family law practice in Berwick. “I knew I was a good lawyer. I’d been doing that for quite some time,” she said. “But trying to build a business was something that was very foreign to me. “I had the benefit of some very experienced businesswomen who were very generous with their time and were prepared to sit down over a coffee and give me some tips and have a chat. “I also find that I get a lot of satisfaction from now being in the position to give back to some of those smaller businesses and newer businesses, and give them the benefit of what I had seven years ago.” Women Making it Work meets at different locations throughout Casey and Cardinia offices once a month for breakfasts and dinners with guest speakers.

Ms Glew said it was about education and connections. “When you’re in a small business or a home-based business and there’s just you, while a record month of sales is really exciting, if you’ve got no one to share that with it’s hard to keep the momentum going,” she said. The group’s secretary Annemarie Cross is a business and leadership consultant based in Hallam. “I can get very isolated so it’s nice to connect with a supportive environment,” she said.

“It’s the friendships, it’s the collegial relationships and then it’s being able to tap into the expertise.” Women Making it Work chair and mortgage broker Gail McTaggart runs her business from home in Bayles. “Because I’m home-based, it’s not so much about the referrals for me, it’s about the support that I can get,” she said. “I just love the company. If I need help on anything, they’re there. It’s very caring.” Visit www.wmiw.com.au or call 0407 009 656 for more information or to get involved.

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Kevin Slattery, owner of Cranbourne Body Works.

Impressive body of works To see just how prosperous a career in the automotive industry can be, look no further than Kevin and Nikki Slattery.

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM In 1988, Kevin and Nikki Slattery opened Cranbourne Body Works – a small shop on an unsealed road. It was initially a business that would buy and sell cars but as people kept coming back the little shop grew. Now, Cranbourne Body Works is one of the region’s most trusted automotive services and employs four qualified tradespeople – and they’re looking for more. As well as striving for excellence in their own work, they’re looking to change the face of their industry and combat a scarcity of workers. Sales and Marketing Manager Janine Hill said the skills shortage might come down to the way the trade was marketed to students. “When I rang a lot of the school counsellors, they openly admitted that they don’t send kids our way,” she said. “One of the guys working for us now, he’s 22 and he’ll never be unemployed, he’ll always have job security. What more could you want for your child?”

Cranbourne Body Works is preparing to roll out an apprenticeship program which will give local students the best possible start in a diverse and prosperous industry. The business is also working with local schools to communicate to students the many opportunities available and to ensure they understand the wide variety and exciting future of the work. Janine said the company would host groups of about 20 students at the site to show them the high-tech facilities and explain more about the fast-evolving industry. “We hope to try and engage youth through a workshop. They’ll be shown the paint room with computerised and automated technology, the hoisting system and other technology that we use,” she said. “We’re working with the Youth Engagement Officer at Cardinia Shire to get kids out here and get them excited about this industry.” She said the company also planned to visit open days and career expos to reach out to as many students as possible. “It’s a great career choice,” Janine said. “That’s the message we’re trying to get out there.”

Giving back with gifts By GEORGIA WESTGARTH iBARE Giftware is a family run business centred around style, fashion, flair and giving back to their local community. Sisters Magda D’Abaco and Kathryn Carricondo have been designing and manufacturing jewellery, handbags and clothing with their own unique styling for seven years. Their recently opened Berwick store boasts a boutique cafe and espresso machine for ladies to quite literally “shop ’til they drop”. “Our new Berwick boutique is about bringing that European lifestyle to life – we sell detox teas and coffee and it makes for a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” Ms D’Abaco said. Bringing Europe to the south-east in more ways than one, the fashion duo imports material, fabric, leather, murano glass and crystal from around the world. “Our accessories and lifestyle ranges are all made and designed by us and being a Polish family we are big on European quality and our customers know our style and that it’s affordable,” Ms D’Abaco said. Opening their first store in Westfield Fountain Gate three years ago, the sisters have had a warehouse in Hallam where they have sold wholesale to more than 400 businesses Australia wide for four years. With a background in economics and business, Ms D’Abaco said after her stint in London working for UK Vogue she couldn’t help but fall in love with the world of fashion. “I loved it all and the hype and feel of it and wanted to put a different spin on things and make an affordable collection, so my sister being in merchandising and design was the perfect partner,” Ms D’Abaco said. “At first we were like a party plan service and we evolved into wholesaling and design but our backbone has always been to give back to local charities and fund-raisers.” The iBare team has managed to give back more than $65,000 to the community through donating prizes to be raffled and lending their showroom space to local groups for events. Their Berwick showroom has started a new initiative “spotlight charity of the month” in which all the profit from the sale of coffee and tea gets donated back to a nominated charity. “Local charities and fund-raisers are encouraged to express interest to be selected for the nominated month,” Ms D’Abaco said. The store, located on Adams Lane, Berwick, and the showroom in Hallam are available six days a week and can comfortably hold up to 30 people.

Sisters Magda D’Abaco and Kathy Carricondo wholesale to more than 400 businesses Australia wide from their Hallam warehouse, and sell at their Berwick boutique. Picture: GARY SISSONS

Meeting of

minds Neville Waterman at Casey Cardinia Business Hub. Pictures: GARY SISSONS

By CASEY NEILL NEVILLE Waterman said his life journey prepared him for supporting small businesses.

“This is what I do. This is what I want to do with the rest of my life. I love it.”

His passion is the Casey Cardinia Business Hub in Victor Crescent, Narre Warren – a partnership between the City of Casey and Waterman Business Centres.

Mr Waterman had been in business his whole life before a 10-year break as a minister. He then transitioned back into business.

Businesses can rent small or large physical spaces, or sign up for virtual memberships that provide access to meeting spaces.

“I sincerely feel that the sum total of my life’s journey has led me to this point and that my skill set is quite unique and very relevant to building a business community,” he said.

“We didn’t intend to do this. It was quite accidental,” he said. “We have an accounting and financial planning business. “We invited some people to come and rent some office space from us next door. “We said to them ‘as we grow, you’re going to need to move on’ but we became friends and we enjoyed their company and they enjoyed ours.

The Casey Cardinia Business Centre meeting spaces have different themes, from snowfields to rainforests. “Professional people spend a lot of their time inside these walls,” he said. “You want to create an environment that when you walk around it, it feels fresh, it feels open, it feels inviting, it’s encouraging, it’s inspiring.

“Their business was growing, ours was growing and so we kept doing it.

“Whether you’re a nature-lover or not, we all feel good when we go to a park. I thought ‘I want to bring it in here’.”

“We realised that we were doing something that was a really good idea.”

The centre hosts fortnightly business group meetings.

Mr Waterman said people in small business were often isolated and could achieve a lot through connecting to the right business community.

“They’re a tangible way in which groups of about 25 businesses gather,” Mr Waterman said.

“People just naturally start to collaborate, they refer, they support each other, they help each other, they give each other ideas.... ” he said. “We then just took that to the next level. “We structured what was happening naturally.” The Waterman Centre opened about two years ago.

“It’s a great environment. There’s a good buzz about the place,” he said.

“There’s a format that’s built around giving small business people the resources to become better business owners, better business managers, and skilling them to become more successful.” His business community idea is spreading from Casey to other regions. “We think we can do this on a grand scale right across Melbourne,” he said.

Matt Drew grabs a cuppa. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Coffee club causes a stir A cup of coffee can help businesses to tackle isolation and find support. The Casey Cardinia Business Coffee Club is held monthly in various locations at differing times across the two municipalities.

By CASEY NEILL

apply it to your business.

Participants can share or listen to first-hand knowledge, hear from a guest speaker and meet council economic development team members to find out about additional support.

“Every single presentation I think I’m learning something.”

Porto Grace and Drew Lawyers practice manager Matthew Drew didn’t know what to expect at his first coffee club.

“It’s a great, organised group and I give them credit for trying to assist those businesses that are starting up or are just small and they want to get out and network,” he said.

He found close to a dozen people from likeminded micro business or home-based businesses – plus coffee, tea, cakes and fruit. “The first part of the session was great to network and talk to people before any presentation was on,” he said. “You’d rather do business with people that you meet face-to-face as opposed to somebody out of the Yellow Pages. “The presentation was also reasonably informative, too. It’s information that you can take back to your office and work with a partner, or if you’re by yourself you can go back and, hopefully,

Mr Drew said presenters were often happy to make appointments for further discussion, too.

“They want to get out of the solitude of where they are and what they’re doing.” Mr Drew has run his Narre Warren North commercial law firm with wife Sarah for 10 years. “We started the business up underneath Sarah’s dad’s house,” he said. “We had to move out of there when we got married. We moved into our own place in Narre Warren.” For more information visit www.caseycardinia. com/businesscoffeeclub

Andrew, Kylie Scott and Chris Scott with a welding robot. Picture: ROB CAREW

National Manufacturing Week shines a spotlight on the industry each May. Casey Cardinia region had a pavilion at the four-day event in Melbourne and invited businesses to act as its ambassadors. Exhibitors had the chance to generate sales leads, promote their company and launch new products – and spruik their location. Grow profiles this year’s ambassadors for the region – Rebul Packaging, Melbourne Rotomould and Advanced Robotics.

Robots make right moves By CASEY NEILL CHRIS Scott has always loved to tinker with toys. “I’ve been interested since I was a kid, in all that sort of stuff,” he said. He set up Advanced Robotics 27 years ago and turned his passion into a growing business, now based in Hallam. Mr Scott installed early robots back in the 1980s and studied a graduate diploma in robotics. He’s since seen the industry change and grow. “We’ve moved into a lot of areas we couldn’t work in years and years and years ago,” he said. “The robots themselves have changed a little bit but not seriously. “They’ve got fast and more memory and that sort of stuff, but the basic concept of design is still pretty much exactly the same.” What’s kept him in the industry? “Certainly not the money!” he laughed. “It’s the love. It’s a passion. “There’s nothing better than stepping back and looking at a machine that works once you’ve designed it and built it.”

Mr Scott works alongside his wife Kylie and his 23-year-old son Andrew, who’s a technician. They design, build, install and maintain automated systems, from fully-integrated robot systems to special-purpose machinery. Potato cake cutters, chips packers, conveyor belts and robot tracks are all in a day’s work – it’s all about saving businesses time and money, and improving quality and productivity. “I do most of the engineering,” Mr Scott said. Engineering and manufacturing businesses are Advanced Robotics’s main customers. “We have quite a few customers in Dandenong but we have customers all over Victoria,” Mr Scott said. “With the dollar down we’ve got a good chance of looking into Asia for supply of automotive equipment. “There’s a shortage of people in Asia who can supply quality and well-made and welldesigned equipment. “We’ve had a couple of people saying to us that certain places are looking for good automators.” Advanced Robotics currently employs 10 people.

“I expect that will grow,” Mr Scott said. As will the workspace the business requires. It recently relocated to a new site in Hallam. “Everyone was falling over the top of each other,” Mr Scott said. “We’ve probably got another step at least to take in the near future. “We’ll probably need to take another step up in size, at least another 50 to 100 per cent again.” He wants to keep the business within the area. “This is a good spot,” he said. Mrs Scott agreed. “The Casey and Cardinia councils have been fantastic for us,” she said. Advanced Robotics spruiked its capabilities and sold the location in the Casey Cardinia Region stand at this year’s National Manufacturing Week expo. “The exposure we got from that was fantastic,” she said. “We got introduced to other manufacturers in the area. “We got quite a few jobs out of it.”

Think outside the box By CASEY NEILL THINKING outside the box is making one Hallam business a world leader. Rebul Packaging has produced the world’s strongest cardboard box, and arguably the largest. Business owner Brad Huggett said it safely transported a two-tonne car from Australia to the US. “We’ve been making crates as an alternative to wooden crates for many years now, and we’ve been supplying Holden in Melbourne for close to 10 years,” he said. “It was they who thought that our crates would be strong enough to actually ship their demo vehicles to the USA. “They’d previously been getting wooden crates, but they’d been costing them a fortune.”

Rebul Packaging’s largest cardboard box.

Mr Huggett said his cardboard boxes measuring 5200 millimetres by 2000mm by 1800mm saved Holden $2500 per crate and a few thousand on air freight.

Brad Huggett with a more standard- sized cardboard box. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I’ve never seen any kind of box with anything cardboard related anywhere near that strength,” he said. “Nothing else comes close. “Pretty sure it is a world first for the strongest cardboard box, but wouldn’t be far off the biggest, either.” Mr Huggett said there wasn’t great demand for crates that size. “But certainly it demonstrates the amount of strength that you can now get out of paper crates,” he said. “It really opens up the world of packaging.” He said art galleries and museums were a big growth area, and he planned to expand Rebul Packaging overseas within the next 18 months.

“Essentially it gives the same strength as a wooden crate but in a design that’s lighter.

“There’s no shortage of opportunities,” he said.

“It’s made from recycled materials and it’s recyclable.

Mr Huggett came to Australia from Zimbabwe on a student visa and obtained a working visa.

“There are no fumigation issues in sending it overseas.

“My parents were stuck in Zimbabwe, looking for a way out,” he said. Starting a business was the best option and his friend – a packaging engineer – came up with a new box design. “We thought ‘that’s our ticket, that’s what we’re going to try’,” he said. Mr Huggett went to South Africa, built the machinery, sent it to Australia and started making boxes. “It’s an alternative to wooden crates,” he said.

“It tackles a lot of issues that wooden crates have.” Mr Huggett was in May recognised for his efforts as a finalist for the Young Manufacturer of the Year title at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. “To see a room filled with brilliant people who are doing amazing things in this country…” he said. “You hear a lot of bad news about the manufacturing sector, and when you walk in and see what these businesses are doing, to be even remotely aligned or in the same

room as them is absolutely phenomenal. “We hope to be one of them someday.” He also stood as an ambassador for Casey Cardinia Region at this year’s National Manufacturing Week showcase in Melbourne. “I think they’re remarkable people. They’re so supportive and so proactive in trying to be involved in the interests of all the businesses in the area,” he said. “I think it’s a great area for manufacturing, with the access to freeways and the rest of Melbourne. “But from a business perspective, there’s a lot going on out here. “When you’ve got councils like that supporting you, it’s the type of place we’d want to remain for sure.”

Rotomould’s Tim Leed. Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS

In the local mould By CASEY NEILL

National Manufacturing Week expo.

THE word local gets quite a workout at Melbourne Rotomould.

The business started eight years ago and has about 40 employees.

The Pakenham plastic manufacturer’s director Tim Leed wants to educate others about the value in a local focus. “We’re passionate about supporting Australian made, so wherever possible – raw materials, tool making, even the company cars – are all sourced locally,” he said. “Everyone wants to have a good job that’s well paid and jobs for their kids. “You really need to be choosing the Australian-made options because if you’re not, there’s consequences. “We do basic mould fabrication here as well. “A really simple mould we would make here and then a more complex mould we’ll get toolmakers to do. “We try and use the local guys. There’s no Chinese tooling here.” Mr Leed said companies could spend $100,000 on something from Australia or perhaps buy a similar product from China for $80,000. “But what’s the value to the economy?” he said. Melbourne Rotomould was an ambassador for the Casey Cardinia Region at this year’s

“We just had to add a second designer to keep up with the demand for products,” Mr Leed said. He said ARI had been the biggest rotomoulder and was based in Pakenham. “That was brought out by Nylex,” he said.

organised a fact-finding trip with moulders over there and a conference over there as well. “I’ve been on the board for a number of years with them. “It’s about supporting the whole industry, not just ourselves.” The smallest part Rotomould manufactures weighs just 70 grams. The largest is 500 kilograms.

“I was working there and they made me redundant, and that was when I started Rotomould.

“Hopefully, within a year we’ll be doing 1.2 tonnes,” Mr Leed said.

“The old Nylex doesn’t exist anymore and that’s all been broken up.

“Water tanks is a large part of what we do, but we do custom and contract moulding as well so that could be anything.

“There’s five rotomoulders in Pakenham. We would be the biggest, I think. “Two of our competitors I guess we’re fairly close with. “It’s not cut-throat. “They specialise in things we don’t and we specialise in things that they don’t.” Mr Leed said research and development set Rotomould apart. “We’re pretty innovative, so we build quite complex parts,” he said. “My business partner and I are just back from Europe. “The Australian Rotomoulding Association

“We do parts for a company that does vertical gardens and roof-top gardens.” Rotomould takes a hollow mould and loads it with plastic powder. “You then close the mould up and we apply heat to the outside of the mould and we rotate it,” he said. “It’s like baking a cake - once it’s cooked enough we take it out of the oven, let it cool down, the part shrinks away from the mould.” The parts created appear in service stations, parks, laboratories, on trucks, in sporting equipment, as bill boards and for sound control.

Career makeover By NARELLE COULTER

and the unmet need for trained staff in the aged, mental health and disability sectors.

CORRINE Vengrasany gently gathers long strands of a young woman’s blonde hair in her hands, pulling a brush through it in downward strokes.

The work sounded rewarding and challenging and meant Corrine would maintain her contact with people, something she had loved about hairdressing.

Corrine loops an elastic band around the woman’s ponytail and gently pats her on the shoulder, telling her how nice she looks.

She embarked on a diploma of community service in mental health at Chisholm Berwick in 2012.

The strands of Corrine’s professional life are neatly brought together in the simple act of tidying a ponytail. A former hairdresser, who owned her own salon, Corrine is now retraining to work in the mental health sector.

She is now in the final stages of her study completing an advanced diploma in art therapy.

She spoke to Grow about her professional U-turn while on work placement at a day centre for disabled people run by Wallara in Springvale. It was a career information forum hosted by the City of Casey that sent Corrine along a new professional path.

“I want to be able to help people recovering from a mental illness, to give them some hope,” she said.

Corrine Vengrasany with Wallara client Joceline Lee. Picture: ROB CAREW

Amid her grief after the death of her husband in 2011, Corrine found space to focus not only on the past but also on her future.

While bringing up her three children, Corrine worked as a hairdresser in shopping centre salons and eventually managed her own business at the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre.

She had completed a hairdressing apprenticeship in her native Mauritius, honing her skills for a time in London.

“It was very challenging, very stressful and I always thought that one day I would do something else,” she said.

Within a month of migrating to Australia in 1996 she had a job.

At the City of Casey jobs forum, Corrine heard about the booming health industry

To enhance her resume, Corrine has volunteered at the Office of the Public Advocate and at the Dandenong drop-in centre Cornerstone. “People say to me ‘why are you going into that field, it’s so hard? I don’t find it hard at all. I get up in the morning and I am happy. I look forward to work.” Corrine is excited about her new career and encourages others to embrace professional change. “We all have to keep learning for the rest of our lives. “I like to keep my brain active,” she said.

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get The edge in grants game THERE are a plethora of govenment grants available to help businesses with everything from marketing, to staff development and export growth. Here are some tips on making sure your grant application has the best possible chance of success. 1. Read the question carefully Thoroughly read each tender question, highlight the core requirements and underline each of the supporting requirements. Read each question within the context of the evaluation criteria and specifications (Part A: The Invitation). 2. Respond in full to the question You should: ·· ensure that each requirement of the question is addressed ·· provide evidence of relevant, recent experience (i.e. no more than three years old) and demonstrate capabilities ·· demonstrate an understanding of the product or service required ·· demonstrate that you are in a unique position to provide the service ·· differentiate your service offering. 3. Don’t assume government knows of you Address each question as if your capabilities, strengths, people and other resources are unknown to the evaluator. You should: ·· describe your methodologies and approaches in detail ·· describe reference projects or sites in detail and state how this is relevant to the requirements of the tender specifications; don’t rely on past experience without describing it in a tender ·· describe how your resources are appropriate for the job. 4. Target your referees/references You should: ·· highlight key requirements documented in the tender for a written reference ·· provide references relating directly to the key requirements of the tender ·· ensure that each key capability criteria listed in the Evaluation Criteria and Specifications is addressed across the references you have provided. 5. Embrace duplication ·· Answer each question in full, even if it seems repetitive. Do not cut and paste from one answer to another. Instead, use the repetition to reinforce required experience and capabilities.

·· Respond consistently, accurately and completely to every question. 6. Remember customer service counts Customer Service Proposals (CSPs) differentiate your response and can generate large variations in scoring. Tenderers may share the same capabilities but not all put effort into CSPs. Provide detailed and comprehensive CSPs. 7. Offer value-added initiatives Differentiate a tender response using valueadded initiatives which: ·· relate to the requirements of the tender ·· are a product or service valued by Government ·· may be delivered by the contractor without cost or resource impacts. 8. Understand Government’s key policy requirements Understand the key procurement policies that apply and relate to current and prospective bidders including: ·· Probity (under the Market Approach Policy) ·· Market Approach Policy ·· Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) ·· Disclosure of Contracts (under the Contracts Management and Contracts Disclosure Policy) ·· Tender Complaints Management (under the Governance Policy) ·· Performance and Financial Guarantees. 9. Submit a complete response Make sure you’ve completed every area by checking it off on a checklist. Use our Completing a Government Tender checklist at business.vic.gov.au. 10. Respond on time Late tenders will not be accepted, unless there is conclusive evidence that the late lodgement of the Tender: ·· resulted from the mishandling of the Tender by the Department ·· was hindered by a major incident and the integrity of the selection process will not be compromised by accepting applications after the due date. For more information go to business.vic.gov.au

Mapping out grants strategy State Government grants Grow Your Business – helping small businesses develop and implement strategies to become internationally competitive. A range of planning and management services are offered. Group Programs – up to $15,000 in funding to run group workshops focusing on business development. Small Business Mentoring Program – whether you’re new to running a business or a seasoned business owner, a mentor can help you refine your business strategy, map out the direction that your business should be taking and assist in setting goals for your business to succeed. Small Business Success Map – supports business owners and managers to build their business planning and management capability through review, coaching and business planning. Business Development Plan and Business Strategic Review – funded assistance to help you strategically identify, plan and meet your business goals. Business Development Plan – mentoring assistance up to $7500 to engage a mentor to help implement a strategic business plan. Mentoring aims to provide experienced strategic advice to a board and/or CEO. Study Melbourne Internship Program – get a global perspective for your business with an international student intern. Small Business Bus – free business advice from an experienced mentor. Access Program – assistance for Victorian businesses planning to establish new export markets in key countries and regions. Business in Transition Support – get real help through redundancy and retrenchment. Network Programs – assistance up to $15,000 to establish networks for small and medium businesses to share experiences and create opportunities. For more information on these and other grants go to business.vic.gov.au

Ray Keefe, right, found Dushara Jayasinghe through Casey Cardinia Jobs.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Click and walk to work Casey Cardinia businesses can find local employees through a free online service. Residents can also sign up to Casey Cardinia Jobs to find a job near home.

By CASEY NEILL The City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council are providing the service to help local businesses grow and attract new business to the region to make ‘live local, work local, employ local’ a reality. Through the portal, job-seekers can receive local job alerts, upload a resume so they can apply for jobs from any mobile device, keep up to date with education and training opportunities, job expos and local employment trends, and share jobs and opportunities they find with friends and family via social media. Employers can upload a job advert to be advertised to all job-seekers or just locals. Successful Endeavours managing director Ray Keefe said the Berwick company picked up a large project to develop a custom mobile phone. “This is a commercial device that allows you to leave your SIM at home and travel the world without paying global roaming charges,” he said.

Comacon managing director Donna Groves has used the portal professionally and personally. “We hired our au pair through the jobs portal,” she said. “We also used it for seven or eight administrative positions and an IT position.” Ms Groves moved the consultancy firm from Canberra to Botanic Ridge. She heard about the jobs portal from a Casey Cardinia Region team member who heard about the relocation and gave Ms Groves a call. “We’ve used it again and again,” she said. Ms Groves said linking the listings through social media increased exposure. “Any time we think we can get someone local, we try that first,” she said. “It makes a difference to output but it makes for happy employees when they’re close to home.”

“I had two people who could contribute to the work but needed a third. “So I placed an ad with the jobs portal and picked up someone exactly right for this opportunity who lived locally and had the skill set and experience I needed. “So a good win for the Monash not-so-Freeway and for us.”

Any time we think we can get someone local, we try that first… 29

1. Berwick Health, Innovation and Education Precinct

Investment: - Jobs: 9,000 Description: Proposed plans for the 134ha precinct will accommodate up to 9,000 jobs, 16,000 students and 600 hospital beds. The land is currently occupied by major landowners Monash University, Chisholm Institute, Casey Hospital and St John of God Private Hospital. Location: Clyde Rd, Berwick Completion date: Proposed plans for the site are on exhibition during November 2015

MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN THE REGION

A number of major projects are giving the Casey Cardinia Region a real economic boost. Grow lists some of the major investments currently on the go or in the pipeline.

2. Casey Central Shopping Centre Expansion

Investment: $210m Jobs: 250 during construction Description: Right in the heart of region, Casey Central Shopping Centre is expanding to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding region. Council have prepared a Casey Central Town Centre Development Plan for the precinct to guide future development. Location: Cnr Narre Warren Cranbourne Rd and Littlecroft Ave, Narre Warren Completion date: March 2016

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3. Berwick Southside redevelopment

Investment: $67m Jobs: 80 during construction Description: A brand new Coles supermarket is being constructed at the old Berwick Southside shopping centre site behind High Street. The 3,000m2 supermarket will replace an IGA super market and smaller specialty shops. The development will also deliver an additional 60 car parking spaces. Location: Richardson Gve, Berwick Completion date: March 2016

4. St John of God Hospital

Investment: $120m Jobs: 200 Description: The new St John of God Hospital Berwick development is a significant investment in the future health care of the region. Once completed, it will offer a specialist centre, 210 new beds, eight operating theatres, a cardiac/vascular catheter laboratory and unit, six birthing suites, 350 basement car parks and the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Intensive Care Unit. Location: Kangan Dve, Berwick Completion date: July 2017

5. Specialist Medical Centre

Investment: $20.4m Description: Thanks to the recently opened and conveniently located centre, residents now have easy access to a range of medical specialists. Among others, resident specialists include, a modern Day Oncology Centre, operated by St John of God Berwick, and a Diagnostic Imaging Centre operated by MIA Radiology. Location: Kangan Dve, Berwick Completion date: Complete

6. Bunjil Place

Investment: $125m Jobs: 1,200 during construction Description: The one-of-a-kind facility will offer an unprecedented, diverse mix of arts, leisure, entertainment, library and civic facilities in one location. Located in a key activity centre, Bunjil Place will be well positioned to service a catchment of more than one million people. Location: Cnr Princes Hwy and Magid Dve, Narre Warren Completion date: Late 2017

8. Pakenham Racing Club

Investment: $70m Jobs: 1,800 Description: The Pakenham Racing Club recently relocated to Tynong, where their new turf track and Polytracks host races 40 times per season for up to 16,000 people. The Club also features a state-of-the-art event centre, with a capacity of up to 1,000. Location: 420 Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Rd, Tynong Completion date: Completed

9. Car Megamart

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Investment: $100m Jobs: 600 Description: This integrated automobile sales site houses more about 100 industry-specific businesses in the one location. The complex is ideally located adjacent to the Pakenham Bypass and it represents one of the biggest automotive precincts of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Location: Cnr South East Blvd and Commercial Dve, Pakenham Completion date: Completed

10. Officer Town Centre

Jobs: 6,000 Description: This new development will create a central hub of activity, for the rapidly growing community of Officer – which is expected to swell to 30,000 people within 20 years. Proposed plans for the centre include restaurants, cafes, retail, library and a cinema complex, alongside the recently completed Cardinia Shire Council offices. Location: Siding Ave and Gumleaf Lne, Officer Completion date: TBA

11. South East Business Park Description: This business park’s strategic location, adjacent to the Pakenham Bypass, caters for a new generation of businesses. With tree-lined streets, maintained landscapes, highstandard building guidelines and efficient road layouts, it’s the perfect place for any business looking to impress. Location: Kooweerup Rd, Pakenham Completion date: TBA

7. Kaiteki Fresh

Jobs: 40 Description: In collaboration with the Kaiteki Institute, international success Mitsubishi Plastics have opened a multi-million dollar and state-of-the-art hydroponic facility in Bunyip. The facility has revolutionised the harvest of green leafy vegetables by enabling 20 harvests per year in comparison with four using traditional methods. Location: Bunyip Completion date: Completed

12. Cardinia Road Employment Precinct

Jobs: 18,500 Description: This 600ha integrated precinct, alongside a bustling neighbourhood activity centre which will be home to 4,500 people, is set among extensive wetlands and biodiversity corridors. Plans for the precinct offer a mix of campus-style office settings and light industrial uses, with direct connections to arterial roads and Princes Freeway. Location: Either side of Cardinia Rd, (South of Princes Freeway) Officer South Completion date: TBA

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