Grow Magazine Winter 2017 by Star News Group

ISSUE

JULY 2017

LET IT

SNOW From camel racing to real estate ■ New door opens for Highview Accounting ■ Young gun makes her mark on hotel management ■

CONTENTS: 10

New era for Highview

From the horse’s mouth

Didgeridoonas is true blue EDITOR

Q&A with Greg Flood

Family’s nostalgic journey

Home and Away

Calendar of Events

6-7

The Waterman Centre in Narre Warren is a hive of activity as small business owners strive to grow their businesses in a collaborative environment. Grow talks to two tenants about their working lives as part of the Waterman family.

Grow is a fresh, regional business publication which highlights the many innovative and positive developments occurring in industries across the booming Casey Cardinia region. Grow is a publication for businesses to communicate with each other. Need to beef up security? Want financial advice? Need to know what the federal budget means for your industry? Grow can help, thanks to expert contributors and advertisers who are committed to helping businesses and the region succeed. One of the most passionate supporters of small business in the Casey Cardinia region is Neville Waterman, founder of the Waterman Business Centre at Narre Warren. The centre not only provides office space for small and sole operators, Neville and his staff offer mentoring and business coaching to tenants who are eager to grow their businesses. Read about what it’s like to be part of the Waterman family as Grow talks to psychologist Tessa Young and Rob Iacono, owner of PassivEnergy. When it comes to niche businesses, you can’t get much more specialised than snow globes. Gembrook businesswoman Leah Andrews has carved out a profitable enterprise creating enchanting snow globes for clients both in Australia and overseas. She is now rubbing shoulders with show business elites, producing promotional snow globes for Hollywood.

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CASEY CARDINIA REGION Samantha King skking@casey.vic.gov.au

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

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Mark Dinnie mark.dinnie@starnewsgroup.com.au

Business to your business Welcome to the seventh edition of Grow magazine.

Narelle Coulter narelle.coulter@starnewsgroup com.au Phone: 5945 0642

Also operating in the niche area is Garfield memorabilia business Nostalgia Highway. The business kicked off about seven years ago, born from Graeme Webb’s passion for 1950s Americana. Graeme makes petrol bowsers, signs, vintage tyre inflators and oil bottle racks, among other things, which are sold online and at hot rod shows. Built-in obsolescence is anathema to Pakenham business Didgeridoonas. The firm’s high quality stubbie holders, quivers, golf accessories, clothes and pet products are built to last.

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

Find an electronic version of grow. online at:

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Charity is also part of Didgeridoonas’ business model thanks to its support for more than 100 workers at its partner factory in Fiji.

ISSUE

JULY 2017

Camel racing and real estate are not normally activities that go hand in hand but they are two passions of Unlock Real Estate founder Rachael Woodham. She tells Grow what it’s like to be a jockey aboard a galloping camel racing for the finish line. To make sure you never miss an issue of Grow subscribe to the e-magazine at growcaseycardinia. com.au. To advertise your business in Grow contact Andy Jukes on 5945 0666. Have an interesting business story to tell? Email narelle.coulter@starnewsgroup.com.au or phone 5945 0642.

Editor Narelle Coulter

LET IT

SNOW ■

■ From camel racing to real estate ■ New door opens for Highview Accounting Young gun makes her mark on hotel management

Cover Gembrook snow globe queen Leah Andrews.

Plastics maker is breaking the mould Melbourne Rotomould director Tim Leed has big plans for the company’s future.

By Bonny Burrows and Casey Neill In a boost to local business, a thriving Pakenham plastics manufacturer has been awarded a $1.8 million State Government grant to expand and triple its workforce.

Melbourne Rotomould will recruit 95 new employees, with priority given to ex-auto workers, thanks to its own investment and funding from the Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) program. It will also relocate “over the railway” from its current Bormar Drive site and increase its product range and productivity. Producing water tanks and a wide range of industrial plastic products, the company’s goods are in high demand nationally and overseas. Melbourne Rotomould director Tim Leed said the business was “very appreciative, very excited” about its future, with the final touches being put on plans for the new site. “It will be a larger factory, with a lot more space for expansion and plenty of yard space,” he said.

This exciting expansion will see the company invest in a new facility, new equipment and, of course, create dozens of new jobs increased customer demand in “a large range of areas” including chemical storage, water tanks and contract mouldings. “That’s quite a number of industries we’re looking at, and we are also hoping to expand this further in the future,” Mr Leed said. But despite the endless opportunities, Mr Leed said the company was committed to staying local, employing local, and supporting locals. With a passion for supporting Australian made and local industries wherever possible, including through its raw materials, tool making and company cars, the plastic manufacturer has lived what he’s preached since the beginning.

“As you can see, we’ve got a lot of products and we need the space to store it all.”

In an interview with Star News in 2015 Mr Leed said there were consequences to not choosing Australian made.

The new facility would also help meet

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. “Everyone wants to have a good job that’s well paid and jobs for their kids.” Visiting the Pakenham factory on 4 May to announce the funding, Industry and Employment Minister Wade Noonan said the grant would both enable the local business to grow, while providing out-of-work automotive workers with new employment. “It’s fantastic to see Melbourne Rotomould recruiting highly-skilled auto workers for the next chapter of its business,” Mr Noonan said. “This exciting expansion will see the company invest in a new facility, new equipment and of course create dozens of new jobs.”

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In the 2015/16 financial year 177,824 people visited Cranbourne’s world-renowned botanic gardens.

Greening the world By Victoria Stone-Meadows The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne took centre stage in June when executive director Chris Russell addressed an international congress in Geneva, Switzerland.

places to live, so I will be demonstrating that that is the role of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and in particular the Cranbourne Gardens in a local context.”

It was the third time Mr Russell has spoken at an international conference about the Cranbourne Gardens and the importance of botanical gardens in general.

The annual Global Botanic Gardens Congress allows for botanical gardens from all over the world to share ideas and information as well as strengthening the bond and commitment gardens have to their communities.

This year the 6th annual Global Botanic Garden Congress hosted more than 200 representatives of more than 500 botanical gardens from 100 countries around the globe.

Mr Russell said presenting at the congress gave the rest of the world a chance to gain an understanding of how botanical gardens in Australia are managed and curated.

Mr Russell has been executive director of the Cranbourne gardens for a little over a year, and has been an integral part of bringing the wider gardens vision to life.

“It is really critical for us to be active players on a world stage,” Mr Russell said.

He spoke at the congress of the importance of plants and gardens in the urban landscape and the roles gardens play in the healthy development of suburbs and their residents. “My talk explored the roles of the Cranbourne Gardens in urban greening, and showed the fundamental importance of plants within an urban landscape,” he said. “Plants make for healthy communities; it is all about the air we breathe, clean water, green spaces for recreation, and the spiritual connection to the land we live on. “Cities with more greenery are healthier

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“Botanical gardens in Australia are at the leading edge of contemporary garden management.

fond memories of building gardens and landscaping at home.” The Cranbourne Botanic Gardens boasts 360 hectares of native and threatened species of plants and Mr Russell said they played an important role in keeping these species alive. “At Cranbourne we have a large area of high value conservation within the rapidly expanding South East growth corridor,” he said. “We have the Australia Garden which is a world class showcase garden, and is award winning when it comes to providing inspiration and education on how to grow native plants at home.” Mr Russell also believes the gardens are an important aspect of the growing region in terms of creating usable and productive spaces for new communities.

“Not only in terms of the topics we cover, but in managing our collections but also dealing in responses to climate change.”

“We are working with planners and developers to maximise greening new communities for the benefit of residents and wildlife,” he said.

Mr Russell said the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens had been the triumph of his career that started as a love of gardening as a child.

“We have in the gardens habitat corridors and things like that to recognise not only the public open space but what people can do in their home garden.”

“It has been a lifelong interest of mine,” he said.

The Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens is open to the public seven days a week and attracts visitors to the Casey Cardinia region from the local area, interstate and internationally.

“Often the things we do in our childhood influence what we do in later age, and I have

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PassivEnergy’s Rob Iacono in the co-working space. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Business incubator is a start-up hotspot By Narelle Coulter At the Waterman Business Centre in Narre

Warren, small business owners network in the funky kitchen, type up business proposals perched in beanbags and bounce ideas off each other at the coffee machine. There’s a buzz in the air at Waterman as a host of small businesses work on their dreams from an array of unique spaces. A cool vibe permeates the sleek, modern centre at 66 Victor Crescent, which is an incubator for small businesses and solopreneurs wanting to grow their micro businesses. Psychologist Tessa Young and energy efficiency expert Rob Iacono are two Waterman tenants who have embraced the collaborative environment. “The wonderful thing is you can grab your coffee and you see a lot of people and they are all quite friendly,” said Tessa, who runs her counselling service from an office at Waterman. “Even if your work is individual and isolated there are always lots of people around.” Rob, the founder of PassivEnergy, hot desks in Waterman’s co-working space. PassivEnergy is a building sustainability

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company. Builders and home owners hire Rob to ensure new home designs or renovations satisfy government energy rating requirements. “There are lots of small business people here who are all at a similar stage to you so you don’t feel isolated, you’re not cooped up at home alone,” Rob said. “If you need to walk away from your computer screen for a second you can talk to someone else, see how they’re going. You get inspired by what they’re doing. “Or they may be dealing with a problem that you’ve faced in the past so you can help each other out. I found my accountant here. Another guy is going to help me with advertising. “The people in the co-working space want to help you out, you want to help them out. It’s a very healthy environment to be in.” Waterman Business Centres was founded by Neville Waterman to help small business owners overcome the “success-limiting” symptoms of isolation which are often inevitable when working at home. “But our offering is more than bricks and mortar,” Mr Waterman said. “Our real success is in the creation of closeknit communities where members really

We’ll all grow together and keep each other accountable for everything we say we’re going to do support and challenge each other to achieve their own goals. “And their success is our success, which is why, in addition to our centres in Narre Warren and in Scoresby, we will be opening another two centres, one at Chadstone and another at Caribbean Business Park before the end of 2017.” Tessa Young has been counselling for 20 years. Prior to moving into Waterman she practised from a conventional office in Beaconsfield. Her clients are greeted at reception by Waterman staff and Tessa is alerted to her next appointment by a discreet phone call.

Psychologist Tessa Young in the Waterman Business Centre’s kitchen. Picture: ROB CAREW “I can’t tell you how many clients of mine have said these are beautiful rooms,” she said.

running their own business so there is a real comradery.

“From a consulting point of view, the ambiance is very important as you do worry about how the clients are going to take the space.

“You can also access different services, you don’t have to go far if you want to update your website or access marketing help. The people are here.”

“But there is genuine warmth around here. You can see people talking to each other and there is that real familiarity so people feel really comfortable coming in.

Tessa is also part of a Waterman program called Support12 which she credits with helping her grow both personally and professionally.

“The communal feel was something I was really interested in. It’s a very supportive environment and the operation is quite seamless. Your clients are shown in, everything is done really well.” Tessa is relieved that she doesn’t have to worry about the minutiae of running an office. “If you have any problems with computing the support is there. You have access to everything, state-of-the-art photocopiers, administration support and receptionists who are very well versed in anything about the Waterman group. “If you are running your own business all those costs are yours. In a facility like this the costs are shared. Certainly for a small business you are really well looked after.” She also loves chatting to other tenants when she stops to grab a coffee or lunch. “You have other people in the same boat

“It’s been quite good coming in here and learning that there are different ways of doing things. It expands your thinking.” Support 12 involves business owners meeting regularly to be mentored by Neville Waterman and his business development staff. “They go through your business with a fine tooth comb,” Tessa explained. “It gets you to step outside your business and look at what you’re doing. They want to ensure you have the foundations correct. “The support has been above and beyond. I don’t think I’ve ever worked in or been involved with an organisation like it.” Rob moved into Waterman in July. He didn’t want to commute to the city, and with highspeed Wi-Fi at his disposal he can conduct business all over Victoria and interstate from Narre Warren. He said he had “journeyed with Neville Waterman”.

“I met Neville few years back and I’ve seen what he does and the passion he has for small business. That attracted me to stay here and not venture out. “As long as I have a Wi-Fi connection I could be in the middle of Spain doing what I do.” In the second half of the year Rob will give up hot desking for a more permanent desk within Waterman as part of a ‘neighbourhood’ of eight to 10 like-minded business owners “We’ll all grow together and keep each other accountable for everything we say we’re going to do,” Rob said. “You can fall into the trap of just doing work and not plan on growing it. With these neighbourhoods they want to create environments where people are saying ‘hey, have you done this yet?’ “It forces you to do that extra bit to grow your business instead of coasting. “I can say personally, I would love someone to hold me accountable. Because you are your own boss, at the end of the day if you keep pushing things back it’s only yourself you let down. “It’s inspiring to see other people do what they are doing and work hard every day to make their business better.” To find out more about any of the Waterman centres visit waterman.com.au.

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Leah Andrews has found herself speaking to comedian Steve Martin on the phone because of her Gembrook-based business.

Globe at fingertips, set to snowball Leah Andrews’ latest project may have been for the Academy Award winning film La La Land, but her grounded focus on delivering excellent customer service is the cornerstone of her business success. By Helena Adeloju CONTACT with customers is what Leah Andrews loves most about running her own boutique business.

“Snow globes are much more of a cultural thing in the United States, but I hope this leads to more Australian business.”

Based in Gembrook, Ms Andrews’ business punches way above its weight for its location in a small town.

Ms Andrews describes her Queen of Snow Globes brand as her “lifestyle business” and said there was something about doing more with less.

Three months ago, Ms Andrews was approached by Entertainment One in Sydney to create 100 La La Land-themed snow globes for their clients.

“I’ve kept the business small on purpose.” Ms Andrews said this allowed her to be involved in all aspects of the business.

The world of snow globes has become Ms Andrews’ oyster since she made her first snow globe in 2012. Soon after, she identified a niche in the market and gave her business a strong foundation for success by capitalising on search engine optimisation to connect her business with potential clients.

“With the majority of my clients based in the USA, this was my first large order here in Australia,” she said.

Her approach has made the brand sought after because her business is boutique, offering bespoke products.

SEO has given her business global reach and access to high-profile celebrities and businesses.

“Understanding what they need and delivering what they want is what I love to do,” she said.

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Understanding what they need and delivering what they want is what I love to do.

1. The custom snow globe created for Quentin Tarantino’s film The Hateful Eight. 2. A globe Leah created for the Roald Dahl classic, Matilda. 3. A Christmas-themed snow globe. “We’ve made snow globes for Hollywood’s biggest stars, TV shows, UK documentaries and countless businesses and individuals who needed a unique and beautiful gift.” Ms Andrews has created custom pieces for celebrities including Channing Tatum and Kurt Russell. Her globes were also made for Quentin Tarantino and the entire cast and crew of his feature film The Hateful Eight.

“I’ve made a snow globe for the Netflix series Narcos and for the cast and crew of Matilda the Musical,” Ms Andrews said.

The final Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson also featured a specially crafted snow globe for the occasion.

She has even found herself speaking to comedian Steve Martin on the phone.

Ms Andrews said her business made people happy and she enjoyed nothing more than guiding her clients through their custommade experience.

She said the Steve Martin snow globes were given to the elite of Hollywood comedy including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mel Brook, Steve Carell, Jack Black and Dan Aykroyd to commemorate Martin’s AFI award in 2015.

“All my clients have the benefit of a unique piece to give as gifts, and I love being involved in creating each and every snow globe,” Ms Andrews said.

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Casey mayor Sam Aziz and Silvio Marinelli cut the ribbon to officially open the new office.

Building on solid results A new purpose-built office complex in Cranbourne has cemented Highview Accounting and Financial’s position as one of the region’s homegrown success stories. By Narelle Coulter On 20 June Highview Accounting and

Financial staff and a select group of the practice’s most loyal business partners and clients gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in the growth of the iconic Casey business. From humble beginnings, the firm has grown to employ nearly 50 staff across three offices in Cranbourne, Mornington and Prahran. Its symbolic heart remains in Cranbourne where a new purpose-built office in Codrington Street has made Highview one of the suburb’s most prominent and visible businesses. The official opening was a proud moment for directors Silvio Marinelli, Darren Crowther, Dave Sheahan and associate director Nick McPhillips. The project had been a three-year dream for the directors who say staff have embraced their new working environment. Set over three levels, the light modern

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building boasts a suite of offices which run in a semi-circle around a central administration/reception hub on the middle level. On the top level are a boardroom, smaller meeting room and large staff kitchen with outdoor deck. The bottom level has car parking and an ample storage room. “They love the vibe here,” said Darren, whose mum Heather Crowther together with Silvio Marinelli bought the business in 2001. “I genuinely believe this office has contributed to a lift in culture as well. “What we’ve ended up with is exactly what we envisaged. It’s given us more car parking, lots more internal space with natural light, lots of storage, plus great street frontage. It’s put all staff on one level and given us room to grow.” Silvio and Dave agreed, saying the building had exceeded expectations. “You can just tell the staff are happier,” Silvio said.

“This new office is very light and bright with large open space. Little things like that make a real difference.” The completion of the new building has co-incided with an expansion in the services offered by Highview. The directors have embarked on a strategy to expand the firm’s areas of expertise. The suite of services offered by Highview now includes accounting, financial planning, finance, insurance, bookkeeping and legal advice. The partners hope the new alliances with experienced experts will help Highview attract clients that require a suite of professional services as well as improve its service to existing ones. Finance and lending expert Andrew Brumby, insurance advisor Michael Stewart and financial planner Bruce Chisholm were among those who watched on proudly as Silvio and Casey mayor Sam Aziz snipped a bright green ribbon to officially open the new office.

As the firm’s grown I don’t think it’s lost that personal touch, which is very important.

From left, associate partner Nick McPhillips, partner Dave Sheahan, partner Darren Crowther, insurance senior account director Michael Stewart, financial planner Bruce Chisholm and partner Silvio Marinelli. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the excellence and best practice you exhibit in your organisation. I am sure you will continue to go from strength to strength.”

He commended Highview for its community focus calling the business “an icon of this part of our city”.

The partners are adamant that as Highview Accounting and Financial grows, it won’t lose its focus as a family-orientated business.

“The builder has done a fantastic job and I believe it is a carbon neutral building.

“It definitely had its grass roots as a family business,” Darren said.

“Highview has been the Casey Business of the Year, which is further testament to

“As the business has grown, I still think we’ve got that culture now. Everyone who works

here enjoys working here and enjoys each other’s company. As the business continues to grow it might develop more of a corporate feeling, but we are trying to put in a lot of effort keeping that family feeling alive.” Silvio agrees. “While our numbers have changed, I think we’ve constantly invested back in the business from a cultural point of view. As the firm’s grown I don’t think it’s lost that personal touch, which is very important.”

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Cr Aziz said Highview’s new office was “symbolic of the progress and success we like to see in this great city of ours”.

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Vicki Macdermid with horse Ellie. Picture: Stacie Robinson

Horse woman is a business whisperer Whether in the board room or the round yard, facing a team of 600 or a 600 kilogram horse, wearing high heels or cowboy boots, understanding emotional intelligence and its importance is a key element to any leader’s success. By Rebecca Skilton

No one knows this better than partner at Pitcher Partners Accounting firm, Vicki Macdermid. First joining the Pitcher Partner team in 1994, the Pakenham South accountant has an extensive and experienced career in the professional service and corporate world. In 2014, Vicki completed an Applied Masters

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of Entrepreneurship offered through Pitcher Partners International Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology. Vicki completed the course with her research paper titled What Horses Teach Us About Leadership - At an Emotional and Spiritual Level. Designed ‘to accelerate entrepreneurial thinking within professional service firms

and middle market clients’, Pitcher Partners describes the IIE program as delivering ‘the tools necessary to leverage the potential (for) staff to become world-class leaders with profound expertise and real-world practical advisory skills’. “When we had to choose our topics for the research paper I was struggling with how (horses) could be innovative and how they could fit within the parameters of what the paper needed to be.

potentially be found in a canine, Vicki believes that a horse’s herd nature, sheer size and the fact that they are ‘prey of all and predator to none’ is part of the reason why horses have such a profound impact on leadership skills. Throughout her paper, Vicki discusses this notion, drawing on ideas of Lyn Shirley who has worked with horses to assist troubled youth. “Due to their sensitive and intuitive natures, horses are innately able to detect anger, aggression, hostility and anxiety,” Lyn noted. “In order to establish a positive relationship with a horse, the individual must learn to regulate internal feelings and external behaviours. The degree of control exerted will determine the success of the horsehuman relationship”. Following the success of her research paper, Vicki now presents her findings to leadership seminars, university classes, and to large corporations such as Qantas. While many of her presentations take place within office walls, Vicki also conducts hands-on sessions where leaders are invited to step into the round yard and become the leader of a 600 kilogram animal that they are not acquainted with.

Through her research paper, Vicki investigated horses’ ability to teach individuals about leadership. Picture: Stacie Robinson. “I explained my idea to the professor and he said that’s a very innovative approach to leadership ... I was so happy,” Vicki said. “I thought I knew some stuff about horses and leadership, but doing the Masters and having to do a research paper made me look at it much more deeply and broadly, and I learnt so much more from researching it in different ways, it was amazing.” Discussing theories such as Daniel Goleman’s framework of emotional intelligence, Vicki’s paper used the context of a loose horse in a round yard to explore five areas that are paramount to the success of a leader: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill. To successfully become the horse’s leader and effectively ask it to work on command,

Vicki examined how the individual standing in the middle of the round yard must acknowledge and maintain Goleman’s five emotional competencies. The individual must also prove themselves a worthy leader, earn the horse’s respect by showing they can be trusted, have clear intentions and must always be aware that the horse will challenge the person’s leadership. “Someone could go into the round yard with all guns blazing and the horse is going to give them what they want, but not willingly,” Vicki said. “And is that really what you want from a team member? Don’t you want willingness and team participation?” Acknowledging that the same results could

For some leaders, Vicki’s presentations and sessions are a vital learning curve in how they conduct themselves and approach leading their own very human staff. “Some people are so emotionally moved after the sessions,” Vicki said. “If they go into the round yard with an expectation of an outcome and they don’t achieve it, they can be disappointed, and then they start reflecting on why that is. “They think things like, was my messaging not sufficient, did I not have the confidence to get the result I wanted, did I not ask well or clear enough, did I invest myself well enough to get what I wanted? “But one of the comments that was made after a presentation was by a woman who came up to me and said ‘I need to start treating my people like animals’ which is normally the wrong thing to say - it’s the opposite normally. “But she said ‘I’m better to the animals than I am to the people!’”

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Inspired for the future By Casey Neill Manufacturers are feeling positive and

inspired to invest in the sector’s future, says a Hallam business owner.

The $100 million package includes:

“The National Manufacturing Week is always great fun and inspiring to see growth and innovation in manufacturing in Australia,” he said. “There is no shortage of great businesses with great products.” Mr Huggett first participated in the showcase two years ago. “We had a great response from the last time we were there,” he said.

A showcase guest tests out Rotomould’s rotovelo.

“We thought there was no reason why we wouldn’t have the same response if not better this time.

previous years, to stand out among the 230 exhibitors.

“We felt the show was bigger this time and there were more products.

The three ambassador businesses contributed a fun element to the space.

“We feel that there’s a growth in manufacturing around Australia at the moment.

Advanced Robotics included a robot programmed to identify and separate visitor’s coins into individual denominations and tally them for donation to the Casey Cardinia Foundation.

“There’s definitely a sentiment of positive uplift in manufacturing. “Just that sentiment I think gives small business a lot of incentive to invest in the future.” Alongside Rebul and Casey Cardinia Region were Hallam’s Advanced Robotics Australia and Pakenham’s Melbourne Rotomould.

Melbourne Rotomould brought along a rotovelo - a three-wheeled vehicle - and encouraged visitors to take a seat and pose for photos. Rebul’s display included a golf putting simulator manufactured through another of Mr Huggett’s businesses. “I’m massively encouraged by how it’s going in the area,” he said.

“Two very different businesses to ours obviously, but I think talking to them as well, they’re both making investments for the future and they’re both growing, and they’re both very dynamic businesses,” Mr Huggett said.

“We’ve been in Hallam for about five years.

“You learn a lot from each other in how you have to keep investing to keep with the times.

“The Casey and Cardinia councils, they’re just so incredibly supportive and helpful with information for helping you develop and grow as well,” he said.

“If you just stay the same, you die, basically.”

“We’ve seen the density of the area grow.” He said there was more traffic, more occupied business sites and “just an increased level of activity”.

Casey Cardinia region, a partnership between the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council showcased the benefits of doing business in the region to generate local jobs for local people.

“We’re still growing, probably at about 25 to 30 per cent a year.

Its stand was more interactive than in

“Everything’s looking really positive for us.”

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The Federal Government announced in May that it would invest $100 million to drive innovation in Australia’s manufacturing sector to create jobs, grow businesses, improve productivity and be globally competitive.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Arthur Sinodinos said the investment played to Australia’s strengths - product innovation, process efficiency and strong after-sales support services - to differentiate Australia’s manufacturers from its competitors.

Brad Huggett from Rebul Packaging was among three ambassadors in the Casey Cardinia Region display at National Manufacturing Week which was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9 to 12 May.

“It’s always inspiring to be around that activity as well.

Canberra to drive manufacturing innovation

“We’re about to change factories and get a bigger factory.

OO $47.5 million for a new Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund, committed over two years, building on the existing $155 million Growth Fund that helps industry adjust to the wind-down of car manufacturing. The funding is for up to a third of the project cost of capital upgrades to establish and expand high value manufacturing in South Australia and Victoria. OO $4 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, committed over two years, to support small-scale and pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing, benefiting small firms and early stage researchers, allowing them to quickly move to larger scale research or commercialisation. OO $20 million under the Cooperative Research Centre - Projects initiative, committed over two years for larger scale advanced manufacturing research projects of up to $3 million in funding over three years. OO $10 million to establish Innovation Labs in South Australia and Victoria to serve industry in a variety of roles including test centre facilities and business capability development, delivered through existing government services like Entrepreneurs’ Program, Industry Growth Centres and Austrade. OO $5 million to maintain engineering excellence by investing in student research at universities, technology institutions and in industry to continue the flow of highly trained engineers to the automotive design and engineering sector. OO $13.5 million tariff reduction on imported vehicle prototypes and components used by Australian motor vehicle design and engineering services that operate in a global network.“

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Mayor’s China trip sparks ‘smart city’ push By Garry Howe Inspired by a recent visit to China, mayor

Sam Aziz is committed to making the City of Casey one of the world’s smartest cities within 20 years.

Casey Mayor Sam Aziz says Casey could become the country’s Silicon Valley.

Cr Aziz told guests at his annual Business Leaders Dinner at Cranbourne Turf Club on Thursday 15 June that Casey was well placed to be home to Australia’s version of Silicon Valley in the United States or China’s impressive National Science Park. He said Marshall Baillieu’s Minter Farm property in Berwick was ideal for this purpose, having been earmarked as a technological park. The mayor noted that the China trip in April with council colleague Wayne Smith and two members of Casey’s management staff - was already bringing tangible benefits to the region. He said a letter of intent was signed to form an economic partnership with Dujiangyan City, which goes against the regular convention of having several visits before that step is taken. “This is not all aspirational,” he said. “We are almost in daily contact with China and have committed money to making this relationship happen. “This is about opening up the City of Casey to one of the world’s most dynamic economies.” Dujiangyan City has a population of 652,000 people and has a lot of similarities to Casey, Cr Aziz said. Cr Aziz said China was creating a city the size of Brisbane every six months and was a world leader in technology and innovation. He described its National Science Park where the Chinese Government pays 10,000 scientists each day to undertake research and development in a whole range of areas - as “as one of the most remarkable places I have seen on earth”.

“We want to bring this kind of development to the heart of Casey.

“Despite the high population, there is very limited traffic congestion in China.”

“Some of the jobs that exist now won’t exist 20 years from now and some of the jobs that will exist in 20 years’ time we don’t know about now.”

Cr Aziz said Casey had already taken steps towards this aim, having digitalised 14 council services.

“It is their version of Silicon Valley in the US,” Cr Aziz explained.

Cr Aziz said Casey was committed to becoming a “smart city” within one or two decades - one that has traffic control without traffic lights, using driverless vehicle technology, and where rubbish bins selfregulate the waste.

“They are aiming to improve the lives of people through technology, tapping in to every aspect of human endeavour where innovation can occur.

“It was remarkable to travel around Dujiangyan City and not experience the traffic congestion I do on Clyde Road each day,” he

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He said the previously archaic process of issuing disabled parking permits was a great example of this. “These people have a disability, yet the hoops we made them jump through to get a permit were incredible.” He explained that they could now make an application online and have it ratified by their GP.

Local jobs needed Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said a vibrant business community was the key to turning around the concerning commuter lifestyle that many in the city had to endure. He said 70 per cent of people currently left the region to work and he wanted to reverse that trend to cut that figure to 30 per cent and have 70 per cent of the population working locally.

This is about opening up the City of Casey to one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

Business creation and innovation was the key to achieving that, he said. “Businesses are the engine room of the local economy,” Cr Aziz told guest at his annual Business Leaders Dinner. “Governments don’t create jobs, their role is to create the environment in which businesses can flourish. “Without you we would be blowing a lot of wind into an empty bag.” The mayor said the best reward businesses could give to the city was to be successful in their endeavours.

Business interest free loans Casey will allocate $100,000 a year in interest-free loans to try to stimulate innovation in the local business community. Mayor Sam Aziz announced the Business Innovation Fund initiative at his annual Business Leaders Dinner. Cr Aziz said five businesses would be granted interest-free loans of $20,000 under the scheme, which would roll out each year. “That means that over 10 years the City of Casey will inject $1 million into the business community to foster innovation,” he said. Applications open on 24 July.

Bigger than Tasmania Casey is on track to overtake Tasmania in terms of population.

Choir for China

Mayor Sam Aziz told guests that the Casey population currently stood at 311,000 residents, making it the largest city in the state.

A Casey choir will have the opportunity

He said, with nearly 10,000 new residents coming in each year, that the population would explode to half a million people within two decades.

of Casey’s new relationship with

“That means we will be bigger in population than the whole of Tasmania.”

Cash is not enough All Casey staff now have mobile devices to access council records on the spot, eliminating so much wasted time sifting through paperwork. Cr Aziz said he was heading back to China in October and encouraged Casey business people to join him on that trip. “I would love to fill a plane with Casey business people,” he said. “We will be happy to open the doors for you.” Adding to the Chinese flavour of the dinner, Casey’s Ambassador to China and world acclaimed opera singer Shu-Cheen Yu sang Amazing Grace.

The current $400 million commitment to solve congestion on the Monash is not enough to achieve the job, says Casey Mayor Sam Aziz. Cr Aziz told said that a further billion dollars from the state and federal governments was needed to get the job done properly and resolve the congestion problems in the south-east. “We can’t have our politicians resting on their laurels,” he said. “For the State Government to spend $1.4 billion in the west and nothing in the south-east is ridiculous. “We need this to be equalised.”

to perform in China next year. The invitation was extended as part Dujiangyan City.

Lanterns for Bunjil Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said a Chinese Lantern Festival around the new Bunjil Place arts and cultural precinct in April would attract thousands of visitors to the area. He told guests at his annual Business Leaders Dinner that it would be on display for four weeks and be on the scale of the Frankston Sand Sculpting display. The Casey delegation met with the Zigong Lantern Festival and Trade Company which stages 300 such events in China each year - during its April visit.

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Family business built on no regrets Geoff Hardie, the owner of home building company Rawdon Hill, has seen incredible changes in the Casey Cardinia Region since he built his first home in Cranbourne in the 1970s. By Narelle Coulter Rawdon Hill sales consultant Jillian

Craig tells a delightful story about her boss Geoff Hardie, the owner and founder of the company which has been building homes in the south-east for more than 40 years. Jillian was showing potential buyers a Rawdon Hill spec home. As they walked towards the front door they spotted a man working in the garden. “The buyers said ‘we don’t want to interrupt the gardener’. I said that’s not the gardener, it’s the owner of the company,” Jillian said, laughing. “Those buyers were so impressed.” “I’m not an office person,” chipped in Geoff, clearly amused by the anecdote. Since 1976, Geoff and his wife Sue have overseen the construction of more than 6000 homes throughout the south-east under the Rawdon Hill banner. The company was named after the Dandenong North street in which Sue and Geoff bought their first home. “We had a different name picked out but it was taken so our accountant took it upon himself to pick the name. I have to spell it to customers all the time,” Geoff said. Originally from New Zealand, Sue and Geoff came to Australia for an 18 month working holiday in the 70s. Despite having no qualifications, Geoff got a job in the building industry. “In those days it was easy to become a builder, you didn’t need a licence or anything. We built our first place in Cranbourne in 1976 and we have really gone from there.” He chuckles as he recounts the difference in buyer expectations in the 1970s compared to now. “People wanted 10 squares, three bedrooms, one bathroom and no garages. Garages were an extra. “We sold that place (in Cranbourne) for $27,500 and still made a profit,” he added, laughing. “Today stamp duty costs more than that.” Geoff has also seen buyer expectations ratchet up decade by decade.

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Rawdon Hill owner and founder Geoff Hardie. Picture: GARRY SISSONS “It amazes me. There is a lot of talk at the moment about first home buyers struggling to get into places but when they stop and think about it they want everything in the house, that’s why it costs so much. “Our first house didn’t have carpet on the floors just bare boards because we couldn’t afford it at the time.” Geoff is also amazed by the speed of the growth that continues to transform the Casey Cardinia region. “Oh yes, that has surprised me. “I have seen it developing over the years, but I didn’t think it would develop as quickly as it has.” In its early days Rawdon Hill was only allowed to build three houses per year. Today the company builds 150 homes a year. At its peak more than 300 families each year were handed the keys to their new Rawdon Hill home. “We pride ourselves on the fact when we finish a house we are prepared to live in it ourselves,” said Geoff. Geoff and Sue, who is the company secretary, employ 22 staff whom Geoff describes as “family”. Jillian Craig, who joined Rawdon Hill nine years ago, agrees. “I say to people all the time, it’s a family business and it really is. It’s lovely. You feel like you are part of the family,” she said.

“Geoff knows what is going on in the company all the time.” Today Geoff has scaled back his involvement, confining himself to site inspections before projects start. He also dabbles in unit development “not as a business but because I enjoy it”. He says Sue is “trying to get me to retire”. The couple are “impulsive travellers” and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, who are aged five and seven. On Wednesday afternoons Geoff can be found on the golf course working on his handicap. “I’m not sure that I’ll retire for a while, I am happy contributing at the moment. I do little projects myself within the company structure, unit projects and that sort of thing.” Near the Rawdon Hill sales office in Berwick Waters is a half completed house by collapsed builder Watersun Homes. In contrast, Rawdon Hill continues on a sure financial footing four decades from its humble beginnings in Scott Street, Cranbourne. Geoff maintains the secret to Rawdon Hill’s success is simple. “Just be nice,” he said, smiling. “A hands-on approach also helps. “I’ve had no regrets over the 40 years, that’s for sure.”

Budget delivers experts write-off benefits in their

Darryl Jess Wealth strategist and director of JSP Partners There are a number of changes

in the 2017 Federal budget which will affect businesses reading this edition of Grow magazine. The changes for business include the extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for the purchase of eligible assets costing less than $20,000 until 30 June 2018. The assets must be first used, or installed ready for use by 30 June 2018. Business with an aggregated turnover of up to $10 million can now utilise this immediate write off. An eligible business that has a small business asset pool with a balance of less than $20,000 can have that balance immediately deducted. The Capital Gains Tax discount for Australian resident (tax resident) individuals investing in qualifying affordable housing will be increased from 50 per cent to 60 per cent from 1 January 2018.

A person over 65 years of age can now contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale of their home into superannuation as a nonconcessional contribution (non-tax deductable). First home owners will be able to build a deposit inside their superannuation fund. Voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year, or $30,000 in total, can be made. The contributions cannot be withdrawn before 1 July 2018. A new integrity measure of the budget, as of July 1 2018, will require the purchasers of new residential properties or subdivisions to remit the GST directly to the ATO as part of the settlement process. There are a number of changes affecting residential property investors as of July 1 2017. Deductions for travel expenses for the investor to either inspect, maintain or collect rent will no longer be deductable. Expenses paid to third parties for these services will remain deductions. Plant and equipment depreciation deductions will be limited to actual outlays by investors. Also subsequent owners of

a residential investment property will be unable to claim deductions for plant and equipment purchased by a previous owner of that property. Self-managed superannuation funds will now be required to include the value of any limited recourse borrowing arrangements into the super balance and transfer balance caps. Foreign property investors came in for particular attention in the budget. As of budget night, foreign and temporary tax residents have lost the ability to access the Capital Gains Tax exemption to their main residence. A proposed $5000 charge will be made against foreign owners of residential property, where the property is not occupied or generally available on the rental market for at least six months per year. Also a 50 per cent cap has been introduced on foreign ownership in new property developments. In contrast to these restrictions on foreign investors, new flexible funding arrangements were introduced in April by the government in order to assist business to raise money from the public.

Other budget changes: OO Businesses employing foreign workers on skilled visas will have to pay an upfront levy of $1200 (businesses up to $10 million turnover) or $1800 per visa per employee on a temporary skill shortage visa to fund a new skilling Australians fund and a one-off payment of $3000 (up to $10 million turnover) or $5000 for a permanent employer Nomination Scheme or permanent Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. OO There will be greater scrutiny of the application of the Capital Gains Tax concessions to small business - that means more audits. OO The taxable payments reporting system has been extended to include cleaners and courier Industries. OO Digital currency, such as Bitcoin, will be treated as money for GST purposes.

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Hats are part of the clothing range.

Quality workmanship stitched up A Pakenham manufacturing business is creating work for 100 employees in its partner factory in Fiji. By Narelle Coulter In a busy warehouse in Pakenham’s Embrey Court, music blares as orders for stubbie holders, can quivers, oil skin jackets and hats, swags and barbecue covers are packaged up for customers all over Australia and overseas.

Eagle Outdoors, the umbrella company for Didgeridoonas Australia, Blue Water Campers and Quickcover, is owned by Cardinia businessman David Rodgers. Stock arrives regularly from the company’s partner factory in Fiji. David’s father fostered the family’s Fiji connection when he sent sewing machines to the Pacific island nation as part of his church’s missionary work. More sewing machines followed and eventually there were enough to start a small factory. Today work and staff flow between the two countries in a partnership that also produces other quality outdoor and camping equipment such as wallets, travel bags, pet

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accessories and insulated cooler bags. The company’s Pakenham manager David Stephenson said materials were sourced in Australia including the pure wool used in the insulated products, and the goods are stitched in Fiji. “All our materials are, basically, Australian. We like the idea of giving something back to Australia even though we are supporting Fiji,” David said. Products under the Didgeridoona label are sold around Australia as well as exported to the United States and Europe. David said American customers liked the memorable label for its ‘Australiana’ quality. “It’s sold under the fact that this is Australian and this is what Australians wear. We also give a free kangaroo ride to school with each order,” he joked. At just 22, David has bold plans for the company. He is designing a new website and ramping up the company’s social media was well as

designing a new range of canvas shirts and bags. “I really believe it’s going to be a couple of big years ahead for us. “This is just the start, there is a lot we want to do.” David joined the company nearly two years ago after bumping into David Rodgers in a cinema. The two got talking and David Rodgers discovered the Hillcrest Christian College graduate was looking for a job. “He asked me to come in for an interview and I started later that day,” David said. He started rolling swags and quickly made his way up to manager. “The thing I love about this business is that it’s a product you can believe in. You know it is good quality and you know it will last and that it will actually fulfil its function. “I don’t think I could ever sell something I know is going to fall apart in six months’ time.”

On display at the Embry Court warehouse are Blue Water campers. David goes to the Didgeridoonas website to highlight a photo of a 16-year-old can cooler. The worn, faded state of the leather suggests it has held many a cold beverage.

David has made one trip to Suva to inspect the factory and meet the staff.

“Just look at that,” David said excitedly.

“Fiji is a very community orientated place. Everyone comes in, does their work but then they hang about afterwards having chats and a drink. It’s an awesome place. Everyone is very chilled.”

“See how it gets that leathered look. It just does not fail. Unlike other businesses, we are proud of our old products. That’s what sets us apart. “The only time customers come back to us is when they want to buy something for someone else because they’ve already got one. It’s not like fidget spinners.” David is planning an online competition to encourage customers to send in photographs of their well-worn and well-loved Didgeridoona products. He wants a visual display of the durability of the product. As he said: “We don’t do built-in obsolescence.”

He was taken by the laid-back, friendly approach of the locals.

In turn, some of the Fijian staff are brought to Pakenham for training, staff like receptionist Miri who was manning the front desk at the Embry Court warehouse when Grow visited in May. When asked her impressions of Australia, Miri replied “awesome” but then added “it’s just the cold”. “I am trying to run away before winter,” she said, laughing. David said he was excited about the future of Didgeridoonas and its sister company Eagle Outdoor.

Didgeridoona’s manager David Stephenson. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Companies can order custom-made labels to be attached to a range of the Didgeridoona products with their logo or catch phrase displayed.

“I love the fact there is so much to be done, there are so many areas to be explored. It definitely hasn’t expanded to the point where it can just be maintained. There are so many areas that can be worked on. I love that.

see Didgeridoonas become a household name because it is a great product and it is something everyday Australians should enjoy.

The labels are dye cast and printed in Fiji.

“In terms of the future I would like to

A growing part of the Didgeridoona business is customising products for corporate gifts.

“I think this business is really awesome to be part of.”

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Q&A:

GREG FLOOD growth areas for businesses in Melbourne, all of whom need security. Our head office, which operates from Hallam, has easy access to the city as well as Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula without having the overheads of being located closer into town. What has been your biggest career success to date? Successfully delivering a number of major CCTV projects to cover townships in the Yarra Ranges, where we worked in collaboration with the local councils and Victoria Police. These CCTV systems have helped to significantly reduce crime in local areas which include parks, railway stations and the main streets. What has been your biggest career failure to date? Up until a few years ago I was spending too much time working in the business (with my input into every aspect of it), this did not allow enough time to develop direction and strategies for growth. As the company was growing it was difficult to hand over responsibility to others.

Greg Flood is the owner of Hallam based business Eclipse Security Systems. He has been providing home and businesses owners throughout Melbourne with security solutions since 2000. Greg shares his working day and how he likes to let off steam away from the office. 22

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Describe a typical working day? For me a typical working day starts by meeting with our installation and service teams to ensure that our clients’ needs are being met and any emergencies are dealt with. From there most of my day is spent running the business, visiting and talking to customers and dealing with suppliers. What are your impressions of the Casey Cardinia region from a business perspective? The Casey Cardinia region is a great location to establish a business, it is one of the highest

What did you learn from that experience? I have realised that the team approach is critical for business success. This has allowed me to focus on major changes in direction within the security industry. Also to ensure that we are at the forefront of technology, as our business revolves around using the latest advances to define security solutions for our customers, whether they be schools, manufacturing, retail, healthcare or councils.

limiting to five is tough - Bruce Lee, Steve Jobs, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Richard Branson. They were all disciplined, focused and fought for what they believed in and were not frightened to push boundaries for change. How do you relax away from work? I have a holiday home in Venus Bay so I head down there with the family which is great because it forces us to spend quality time together and do activities. It’s too hard to get the kids away from the TV or iPads when we are at home. Tell us something most people would not know about you? I grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Troubles. Some people have asked if that is why I got into the security industry. What is your business mantra? Eclipse Security Systems’ mantra is to provide innovative security solutions through honest open communication, empathetic understanding of customers’ needs and sense of urgency to protect staff and business assets. To achieve this we ensure that staff at Eclipse Security Systems have the relevant skills and opportunity to meet the needs of our clients. Eclipse Security is at 54-56 Centre Road, Hallam. Contact 1300 661 199.

If you had to invite five people to a business luncheon, who would they be and why? I love this question although

Q&A

On the path to employment Three local businesses have stepped up to help clear a roadblock on the path to employment for an important group of young school leavers. Frankie’s Café in Pakenham, Woolworths in Hampton Park and Star News Group’s Pakenham office have taken on students as part of Outlook’s Steps to Employment and Independence program.

And Outlook is encouraging more businesses to take part. The Steps to Employment and Independence program is designed to help young school leavers increase their independent living skills and develop their employment pathway. Co-ordinator Rachel Morley said that, after identifying a need within the system for young school leavers with mild intellectual disabilities, Outlook created Steps to Employment to provide individualised training and working readiness activities.

Ashleigh Allen is working at Frankie’s Cafe in Pakenham.

Daniel O’Halloran helped by Outlook support worker Luke Batt.

to society, but may not know what they want to do or, are not quite ready when they first leave school. We’re here to help them figure that out.”

supported by staff at Woolworths Hampton Park.

This is a five-day-a-week program, fully supported by Outlook staff, where participants spend at least one day a week on work placement.

Daniel O’Halloran, a young man who dreams of one day working at Channel 7, is completing his work placement at Star News Group.

“We help young adults develop their skills and work out their future employment pathway,” Ms Morley said.

Ashleigh Allen is in her second year of Steps and is currently undertaking one day work placement each week at Frankie’s Café in Pakenham.

“Steps is for those who are capable of working, being independent and contributing

The third participant, Daniel Oreski, is

“We have participants who are interested in a really wide range of industries. “From trades and mechanics to retail and hospitality, these guys just want an opportunity to be in work environment and improve their skills. They are a great asset to local businesses,” Ms Morley said. If you are a business, large or small, who would like to join the program contact Mollie Templeton at Outlook on 0429 170 108 or MollieT@outlookvic.org.au

DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK CCTV Systems for low light conditions. Security solutions tailored to your business needs.

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Nostalgia Highway husband and wife team Sam Obersnell and Shelly Webb. The business was founded by Shelly’s parents Graeme and Jodee Webb.

Hot rod memorabilia creates Nostalgia

Grow takes a trip on the Nostalgia Highway to discover what drives the family behind a thriving memorabilia business. By Rebecca Skilton Welcome to man cave HQ.

Australia wide, they’re the go-to for anyone with an interest in nostalgia and hot rod memorabilia. And they’re based right here in the Cardinia Shire in the small town of Garfield. Owned and operated by Graeme and Jodee Webb, Nostalgia Highway boasts a range of nostalgic and hot rod memorabilia, supplying anything one could possibly desire to decorate their bar, garage, barn, man cave or shop. From petrol bowsers, to signs, to vintage tyre inflators and oil bottle racks, the family run business caters for every nostalgic and automotive enthusiast. As engine builder and son-in-law of Graeme and Jodee, Sam Obersnell explained, the memorabilia business kicked off around

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seven years ago, originating from Graeme’s passion for hot rod cars as well as the the American 1950s and Wild West eras. “We were all bringing cars in and engines, and it started getting a little harder because the older engines were getting harder to find,” Sam explained. “It started off with just bringing some signs in from the States, and then we started doing the bowsers, stools, tables and then we thought well there’s a market for it, and one thing led to another.” With very few businesses catering for the nostalgic and hot rod memorabilia market, Nostalgia Highway’s popularity grew swiftly, and within 18 months the Webbs’ backyardbased company had become a household name within the automotive and hot rod industries. Seven years on, the Nostalgia Highway team now manufactures custom signs for car clubs and businesses; with a long list of customers that include Holden, Ford, ACDelco and Sidchrome.

“There was nothing like us here in Australia when we started,” Jodee explained. “We were the only ones. Before we were named Nostalgia Highway, we sort of just dabbled with the business, but we didn’t have a name or anything like that, and then it started getting busier and we thought we should do this correctly, so we started Nostalgia Highway.” Yet despite their unique services and products, Sam and Jodee maintain that it’s the quality of their work that acts as their point of difference, with imported products from countries such as China failing to uphold the same standards as Nostalgia Highway. “We’re now the go-to as far as manufacturing (the nostalgic and hot rod memorabilia) in Australia. We make everything pretty much in-house ... you look at our bowsers for example and from start to finish everything is made in here ... nothing is imported on that bowser,” Sam explained.

1. With metal tin signs, illuminated signs, laser cut signs and neon signs, Nostalgia Highway has something to fit out every bar, garage or man cave. 2. Specialising in a number of custom made products, the team at Nostalgia Highway say their products are only limited by their clients’ imagination. 3. From petrol bowsers, to signs, to vintage tyre inflators and oil bottle racks, Nostalgia Highway caters for every nostalgic and automotive memorabilia enthusiast. “But that’s our point of difference; we’re Australian made. You get a lot of people out there trying to copy products and they do it in a cheaper way and they don’t tell their customer how the product is made. Like they’ll put a sticker on a bit of tin and say it’s a tin or a metal sign, and it’s just not right ... we compete with a lot of imports that come out of China, but again, the quality isn’t there...it’s far from it.”

With stores across Australia now stocking Nostalgia Highway products Sam admits that while customers are coming through the door more and more, the business has no signs of slowing down.

products out at (hot rod) shows and they find out who we are and what they do and they come through to us.”

“You’re always chasing new work, but now it’s getting to the stage where people are finding us,” Sam admitted. “They’ve either heard about us through clients or have seen our

“You’re only limited by your imagination. We haven’t even scratched the surface of what we can do. The business is still growing.”

“But what we can produce in terms of products is really endless,” Sam added.

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When developed the 445-hectare Cranbourne West employment precinct will be home to a diverse range of businesses.

Deal rubber hits the road THE Emerging Cranbourne West industrial precinct is set to kick off a boom in employment and investment in the Casey Cardinia region. Over the long term, the 445-hectare employment precinct will provide diverse employment opportunities with the potential to accommodate small and medium businesses, mixed-use office developments and manufacturing.

have involved industrial land subdivisions targeted at small owner occupiers and local developers,” Mr Aiello said. “CIMC and Marshall Lethlean’s commitment highlights the area’s appeal to larger users who recognise that Western Port Highway is positioned to one day become one of the main industrial arterials in Melbourne’s south-east, providing direct access to the Port of Hastings.”

Business confidence in the precinct was reinforced recently when equipment group CIMC Vehicle Australia and road tanker manufacturer Marshall Lethlean announced they would combine their south-east Melbourne operations after striking one of the first major pre-leases in the emerging precinct.

The new Cranbourne West facility will include 16 cranes and 25,000sqm of hardstand - providing parking for 200 trucks and 150 cars.

The two businesses have committed to relocate from nearby sites in Dandenong South to a state-of-the-art 13,290sqm truck and trailer manufacturing facility.

Chadwick Investments principal Chris Chadwick said CIMC and Marshall Lethlean’s long-term commitment to both local manufacturing and servicing the Australian transport industry well into the future had been a key attraction in securing the lease commitment.

CBRE’s David Aiello and James Jorgensen negotiated the 12-year pre-lease on behalf of private developer Chadwick Investments. The deal will deliver CIMC and Marshall Lethlean a major new facility on five hectares of land at 490-500 Western Port Highway. Mr Aiello said the CIMC/Marshall Lethlean deal was a significant milestone and one that highlighted the appeal of the Cranbourne West precinct to major occupiers. The commencing rental will be excess of $1million net per annum. “To date, most developments in the precinct

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There is also two hectares of future expansion land to accommodate CIMC and Marshall Lethlean’s future growth requirements.

“They had a very clear mandate to build a best-in-class facility, which we thought was not only ideally suited to our landholding but something we were excited to develop and own long-term,” Mr Chadwick said. CIMC Vehicle Australia designs, manufactures and distributes transportation equipment for the Australian transport logistics sector while sister company Marshall Lethlean is Australia’s premier manufacturer and supplier of liquid and dry bulk road tankers.

We are committed to supporting local businesses to grow and employ more people… Both companies are subsidiaries of global conglomerate CIMC Group. The site’s main road exposure, frontage to Western Port Highway and proximity to CIMC’s workforce were key attractions. City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the council welcomed the investment into the region. “With almost 70 per cent of residents leaving the Casey Cardinia region every day to go to work, facilitating the creation of more local jobs is a key priority for council. “We are committed to supporting local businesses to grow and employ more people or those looking to invest or relocate and bring new jobs with them,” Cr Aziz said. “CIMC Group has recognised the benefits of locating within the Cranbourne West Employment Precinct, serviced by major transport links, nearby amenities and a ready-made workforce, and we welcome the much-needed jobs that this development will bring our region.”

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Sarah and Natasha along with careers teacher Linda Rackham from Hampton Park Secondary College shared their experiences of the 2017 Try a Trade and Casey Careers Expo. Pictures: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

Kids in big jobs search By Victoria Stone-Meadows

The 2017 Casey Careers Expo and Try a

Trade saw hundreds of high school students from Casey and Cardinia flock to the Cranbourne Racecourse on Tuesday 2 May. The expo offered high school students an opportunity to learn about and experience a range a different trades and other career paths. Students were able to get their hands dirty with everything from tinkering with car engines to putting their muscles to the test for sports science. The expo bought universities, TAFEs, trade specialty schools, youth services and many

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more together to give students the best start when choosing their future careers.

we can go into,” she said.

Students from Hampton Park Secondary College Sarah and Natasha said the expo was an eye-opening experience.

Linda Rackham has been a careers guidance teacher for 15 years and said the Casey Careers Expo and Try a Trade was a great event for students to be involved in.

“There are a lot of different unis and job opportunities offered to us when we graduate,” Sarah said.

“There are lots of expos like this but this one is unique with hands-on experiences as well,” she said.

“I know I want to be a lawyer but the expo has helped me come up with a back-up plan.”

“It gives students a good taste of a very wide range of things and they come out a lot more informed, which is fantastic.”

Natasha said her first impression of the expo was a bit overwhelming, but she quickly got into the swing of it. “I have been going around and learning more in-depth about the different jobs and carers

This event was supported by the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, the South East Local Learning and Employment Network, Cranbourne Racecourse and media partner, Star News Group.

Anastasia’s a star on the rise While Anastasia Parashis’s co-workers believe she’s breaking the millennial norm, the 24-year-old rising star attributes her achievements to a combination of hard work, passion and determination.

By Rebecca Skilton Atura Hotel Dandenong’s Conference and

Events Executive Anastasia Parashis is quickly accumulating an impressive and extensive rap list.

Nominated by Atura Dandenong’s general manager Lisa Parker, Anastasia has been selected as a finalist at the Victorian level for the Australian Hotel Association Awards in the Rising Star category. If successful, Anastasia will move on to the Australian Hotel Association (AHA) and Tourist Accommodation Australia’s annual National Awards for Excellence to compete for the Rising Star title on a nationwide stage. “The criteria states that the rising star is open to any employee in the hotel up to the age of 26,” Ms Parker explained. “I think Anastasia is a bit of a gun. She was nominated for this award last year as well and was successful in being a finalist. She breaks the norm of the millennials - she’s very hardworking and she’s very dedicated. She’s got a passion for her role and for the hotel and I think you should reward that passion and dedication. So that’s why she has been nominated - she’s a standout in our team.” In an industry with over 5000 registered AHA hotels nationwide, from a young age, Anastasia was aware she would be required to go the extra mile to capture employer attention. A self-admitted ‘organiser’, Anastasia dedicated her free time to partake in volunteer events; an element of her life which she attributes to the acquisition of her first

Atura Dandenong’s Conference and Events Executive Anastasia Parashis. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

job at Carlton’s Rydges on Swanston hotel. “What made me standout from a lot of the other people who graduated at the same time is that I did a lot of volunteering throughout my study (of event management). I had over a page of volunteer work on my resume. If I averaged it out, I did about one volunteer event every three weeks,” Anastasia explained. “I was just doing all the volunteering I could. As a person I’m so determined and I just wanted to get ahead, so I needed to do something more than everybody else.” Prior to her Atura hotel career, Anastasia not only worked for Rydges on Swanston, but also Box Hill Institute where she took on a management role as a food and beverage supervisor. Now working as Conference and Events Executive, Anastasia’s career involves everything from organising initial function inquiries, site inspections, contracting and invoicing, to even preparing guests’ selected decorations for their events. However, having been working in the industry since age 17 and advancing quickly to her management positions, Anastasia admits that the social implications of being highly career focused at such a young age has the potential to produce trying times. “To be totally honest, I actually really struggled with (working so much) when I was younger, only because I felt like a lot of my friends were behind me - not that that’s a bad thing - because I am young and I wouldn’t expect people my age to have necessarily achieved as much as I have. But when I was younger it was definitely hard because

friends would be going out and I would always be at work,” Anastasia explained. “It’s not like I didn’t go out and have fun. I still went out; it’s just that I might have got there late or left early because I had to get up early the next day ... but now what I do is just normal.” Along with Anastasia’s nomination, Atura Hotel Dandenong in Eumemmerring is nominated for a number of awards including the Outstanding Community Service Achievement award, Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year award and Hotel Restaurant of the Year award. As Anastasia believes, Atura’s nominations are derived from the positive culture maintained by the hotel’s staff and managers. “Our team is really enthusiastic, we’re all really happy to work towards the same goal. We work really well together - we all communicate really well and it just filters down the staff ... “(We’re) really a hidden gem in the area,” Anastasia said. But for those looking to follow in Ms Parashis footsteps, the Conference and Events Executive was happy to share a few secrets in achieving career goals and dreams. “Strive to do your job well no matter what you’re doing,” Anastasia encouraged. “Whether it’s the most basic task or something really complicated - just strive to do it really well and the managers will notice it. And show enthusiasm. You can still do it well and not really care, but if you’re enthusiastic then show it and people will notice.”

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Leaders need to know their direction Adventurer Graeme Joy has pursued success in extreme conditions as he told a Casey Cardinia Region business breakfast in May.

By Rebecca Skilton Whether on the ice or in the office, it’s the construction of a team that will get to your North Pole.

That’s what the first Australian to ski to the North Pole, Graeme Joy, told a Casey Cardinia Business Breakfast audience, where he drew remarkable parallels between success in expeditions across frozen landscapes and success in business. Described by Saxton Speakers Bureau as “one of the most focused, effective and highly ranked motivational speakers in Australasia”, Graeme drew from his experience as a joint leader and navigator of his international North Pole expedition, as well as a number of other treks to Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Alaska’s Mount Denali and his kayaking trip in Greenland. Speaking of team, leadership and independent participation, Graeme’s outdoor expeditions cast striking similarities to the inner workings of a professional working environment. They began right from the conception of the expedition’s vision. “We wanted to arrive at the North Pole

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on the first attempt with all our team members - something that 95 per cent of groups fail to do,” Graeme said. “We had to be willing to push our goals and beware of idea assassins. They make expeditions fail; we had to take them on without losing our vision.” In order to achieve that vision, the expedition team required a recruitment process, setting a list of criteria, skills and experience it was looking for in candidates. As a form of outsourcing, Graeme and his team spoke to expedition clubs and asked for their best applicants. Much like the business world, Graeme said the task was both intense and tactical. “We needed to know how they were going to fit into our team’s culture,” Graeme said. “It was brutal and strategic.” Brutal yet essential, Graeme identified that the right people were “the fabric of making a team operate well”. Using examples of past team members, the expedition guru highlighted the need for an analytical type of person who deals with facts and logic, the driver of the group who takes charge and leads, the amiable

individual who coaches, counsels and supports team members, as well as the expressive type who provides excitement and involvement. “If you have the same type of people, you will burn out,” Graeme said. “Getting the right people for your culture and team is the key to success.” With a wealth of the region’s business leaders in the audience, Graeme emphasised that a team required a frontrunner who was ambitious, a good listener, consistent and was both familiar with and trusted their fellow teammates. Also tapping into the leaders of the group, the audience was reminded that whether in the middle of the arctic or the office, the need for training was vital. Dealing with frostbite, life-threatening polar bears, intense terrain and several injuries, Graeme stressed that preparation along with each member’s individual expertise and knowledge aided the completion of the expedition. “You have to trust your good people and empower them to do their best,” Graeme said.

Graeme’s vital question to the business leaders in the audience was if they knew where their North Pole was.

Special guest speaker Graeme Joy delighted the Casey Cardinia Business Breakfast with his parallels between expedition and business success.

City of Casey and Cardinia Shire business leaders gathered to share business ideas. 5 per cent of groups that made it to the North Pole on the first attempt with all its team members.

“If you haven’t put (unforeseen circumstances) into your equation you are going to fail.”

While they had collected injuries and faced a number of challenging circumstances, each team member worked and made it there together, something that, whether on the ice

Graeme and his expedition team were in the

or in the office, is a determining factor in success. “Ask your people; where is our North Pole? Do they know where you’re headed?” Graeme said. “(Because) it’s what you set up in the culture of your team that will matter.” 12342695-ACM15-17

“(Because when something goes wrong you) need to know you can survive and keep travelling forward.

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Nothing to do with work, camel racing has allowed Rachael to achieve an excellent work-life balance.

Work-life balance on a camel Rachael Woodham is a Pakenham real estate agent who, like everyone, needs a little time away from work. Only, unlike the 36-year-old real estate agent and proprietor of multiple businesses, not everyone travels to outback Australia to find it. REBECCA SKILTON spoke to the estate agent of many talents. Owner of kids’ amusement company Dreamer Amusements, animal nursery Animals on the Move and her own real estate agency, Unlock Real Estate, Rachael Woodham is a business woman to her core.

“I was working with my parents’ animal farm at Albert Park Lake and the army happened to be there with their camels.

Yet with the wealth of work involved in her business endeavours, the Pakenham mother of two says that the freedom of being her own boss is worth any extra labour.

“Camels are the mascot for the transport unit in the army so I went up and had a chat to them and they said ‘you’re not very big, do you think you could race a camel and be a jockey?’ and of course I told them I could do anything.

“Running your own business is probably easier (than working for someone else) because I don’t have a boss to tell me what to do,” Rachael said.

“So they told me to catch the train up to Seymour and they’d pick me up there and take me to the races and see how I’d go. And that’s how I got into camel racing.”

“I’m still doing the same sorts of things I was doing before (at previous workplaces) but there’s just a lot of learning to do with set-ups and things like that, but I think I’d rather do it my way than someone else’s.”

At 165 centimetres tall, Rachael has raced for numerous camel racing teams all over the Australian outback.

But while doing it Rachael’s own way is one of the many positives to adorn her proprietor title, it also means that the majority of her work is done solo. So, with such an intense work life, how does the owner of a real estate agency, kids’ amusement company and animal nursery spend her time away from work? “When I was 16 I wanted to join the army,” Rachael explained.

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With her small stature and pre-existing equestrian abilities, she was the perfect candidate to saddle up the humped-backed animals - so much so that her racing team would frequently offer to fly her to and from racing locations to fit into her working schedule. “When I started racing I was racing for other teams so they would say ‘OK, there are races here, here and here, can you do the circuit with us?’ and if you need to work around work we’ll fly you up or back or you can just jump in the truck with us,” Rachael said.

I think a work-life balance is very important. I don’t see the point in working hard all day every day until I am too old to enjoy adventuring around the countryside. “I ended up working my work in with the racing and took my animal farm with me and worked at all the outback schools, kinders and childcare centres,” Rachael said. “I’d be working through the week and racing on the weekends. I kept myself busy.”

home and away

With her small stature and equestrian abilities, Rachael was the perfect candidate to saddle up the humped-backed animals. In keeping herself busy, Rachael took part in numerous races and owned three camels, even purchasing some at a young age to train for herself. It was during a trip to the Queensland town of Boulia that Rachael came across an animal that would alter the face of Australian camel racing. “I purchased a wild camel from Boulia named Regi,” Rachael said. “I tried training him when I was about 20 and I got pregnant and everyone told me I couldn’t be around wild camels when you’re pregnant so I gave him to my trainer, Peter Hodge.

camel even took home the Melbourne Cup of camel racing, the outback Queensland 1500 metre Boulia Cup an impressive five times. Yet, despite her success in the camel racing industry, Rachael remains grounded, appreciating the opportunities the sport presented her with. “It’s something silly and it almost acts as a holiday - it’s nothing to do with work and you don’t have to even think about work when you’re doing it. “I think a work-life balance is very important. I don’t see the point in working hard all day every day until I am too old to enjoy adventuring around the countryside.

“Peter raced him and he became the best out there. He was the fastest camel in Australia at one stage and I think he still is.”

“If I can work hard now and mix it up with adventures and holidays, I’ll always have something to look forward to,” Rachael said.

Known within the camel racing world as the Black Caviar of racing, Old Regi Boy won 65 of his 68 starts, with Rachael returning to racing to ride him to many of his wins.

“I only race a couple of times a year now and I take my kids along to have a laugh.

At 2.4 metres, the one humped dromedary

home and away

“But through camel racing I got to travel all around Australia which is probably something I wouldn’t have done otherwise.”-

Proprietor of multiple businesses including Unlock Real Estate, Rachael Woodham is a business woman to her core.

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calender of

events

Women’s Business Lunch Featuring Clare Bowditch 11.30 am – 2.30 pm on Friday 4 August 2017 Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham

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$99 caseycardinia.com. au/2017-business-lunch

Government Grant Briefing A grant can be a game changer for your business; join this briefing to find out where support is available. 8.00 am – 10.00 am on Thursday 27 July 2017 Casey Corporate Centre Level 1, 58-60 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren Free

Business Coffee Club An informal opportunity for home-based businesses to meet other like-minded business people and hear from a special guest speaker. 10.00 am – 11.30 am on Thursday 17 August 2017 Room 7, City of Casey Civic Centre, Magid Drive, Narre Warren

Business mentoring sessions One-on-one meeting with an experienced business mentor to set you on the path to business success. Various times and dates available Pakenham and Narre Warren locations available Free caseycardinia.com.au/eventscalendar

caseycardinia.com.au/eventscalendar

caseycardinia.com.au/ eventscalendar

Casey Cardinia Business Breakfast Speaker to be confirmed 6.45 am – 9.00 am on Wednesday 6 September 2017 Cranbourne Racing Centre, Grant Street, Pakenham $55

caseycardinia.com.au/ events/casey-cardiniabusiness-breakfast

Cash back-up for entrepreneurs The City of Casey has given budding entrepreneurs a head start with the announcement of new interest-free loans to foster innovative ideas in business.

The City of Casey Innovation Fund will offer interest-free loans of up to $20,000 for up to five years from a wider annual fund of $100,000. City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz announced the new loans at a Mayor’s Business Leaders dinner. The loans are open to local business people who are keen to progress enterprising activities which will help to grow their business and create new local jobs. Cr Aziz said the funding is crucial to supporting the council’s goal to facilitate more local job opportunities for residents.

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“The Innovation Fund is the key to removing barriers some businesses may experience when progressing truly innovative practices.

OO Advanced manufacturing

“It will enable local businesses to take control of their future by improving their productivity, offering a point of difference to their competition or opening up new markets,’ Cr Aziz said.

OO Food manufacturing

The fund was designed for enterprises currently located, or committed to being located, within the City of Casey that indicate through their innovation that they can add to the city’s economic prosperity and diversity.

OO Higher education

Projects eligible for consideration for an interest-free loan must be innovative and meet the set grant objectives and eligibility criteria. Applications from the following key target industries are encouraged:

OO Agriculture OO Technology based industries OO Finance and business services OO Healthcare OO Hospitality OO ICT OO Retail OO Tourism Applications will open on 24 July 2017 will be assessed by an advisory and assessment panel. For more information contact City Economy at ccregion@casey.vic.gov.au.

Skin cancer clinic Doctors: Dr Mike Inskip Dr Ankur Bansal Dr Nisha James Dr Sahar Shirkhanloo

New clinic now opened in Officer Our doctors are fully trained and experienced in the technique of dermoscopy and dermal imaging. If skin cancer is diagnosed our doctors can offer treatment at the clinic in over 90% of cases using surgery under local anaesthetic or prescription anti-cancer creams. Our aim is to diagnose skin cancers early when they are least likely to cause a serious problem. Dr Bansal also offers treatment for cosmetic removal of moles, cysts and lipomas. Consultations are available immediately. NO REFERRAL FROM A GP IS NECESSARY Ph: 9769 3358 to make an appointment

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dr michael inskip, dr ankUr Bansal, dr nisha James

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48 Van der haar aVenUe, Berwick, Vic 3806

tel 9769 3358 OFFICER

dr sahar shirkhanloo

arena shopping centre, 26/4 cardinia road officer tel 1300sUnpatrol for all appointments early detection and treatment of skin cancer is the key www.sunpatrolscc.com.au

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100 years in real estate

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