NEWS DESK
Pub only for sale not business, manager We can work it out: FMC executive manager Graeme Westaway, left, and Dunkley Liberal MP Bruce Billson at the launch of the financial first aid app in Frankston. Picture: Andrew Lloyd
Get out of debt swamp HELP is at hand for those who feel they are drowning in mounting debt. A new website and mobile phone app launched late last month to offer free financial guidance can be the first step to put consumers back in charge of their finances. The financialfirstaid.org.au site is the brainchild of FMC Mediation and Counselling Victoria, a not-for-profit provider of federal government-funded family and community programs. The online site and app provides access to information split into three categories: ‘I need help right now’, ‘I need to understand’ and ‘I want to know more’. Easy-to-read information about how to recover from financial stress and possibly book a free appointment with an FMC financial counsellor to work through a solution could be a gateway to a better life free of debt worries. The CEO of FMC, Kim O’Neill, said the organisation’s financial counsellors understand people can find themselves
in financial strife for many reasons such as unemployment or serious illness. “Our new website and financial counselling and capability service offers consumers a 24-hour action-based online financial support and easy to access information,” Ms O’Neill said. “Our model and website provides consumers with financial counselling, education and support. Our aim is to empower people to take back control of their money and lives”. FMC notes Australian household debt has grown during a period of rising property prices and increasing unemployment, Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals household debt has increased nearly twice as fast as the value of household assets over the past 25 years. Moorabbin based FMC recently opened it latest office at 146 Young St, Frankston. See financialfirstaid.org.au or call 1800 639 523 for further information.
COLONIAL Leisure Group is selling the Portsea Hotel building and land not the business, says the group’s national operations manager Grady Patching. Mr Patching was responding to the report in last week’s paper about several Mornington Peninsula tourism properties on the market or sold (“Overseas investor eyes on us”, 25/8/15).
He stated in an email that “the freehold only is for sale not the business. CLG will not be selling the leasehold any time soon”. The Timaes stated the freehold was worth $16 million. Mr Patching stated that “Portsea Hotel just had the most profitable year since Chris has owned the venue” in response to The Times stating that “the business is not doing as well as
several years ago when it was under different management”. “Chris” is Computershare founder and millionaire Chris Morris who acquired the shares of co-owner Andrew Henderson in September 2012. Mr Henderson was at the hotel for 14 years including as manager. Colonial Leisure Group has managed the hotel for two full financial years. Mike Hast
Picture: Yanni
WHAT’S NEW...
Red Hill Spring Garden Festival - Grow for Life IT’S on again. The fourth Red Hill Spring Garden Festival will ignite gardeners’ imaginations. A unique community hosted event, presented by gardeners for gardeners. If you like to get your fingers in the soil, this is the practical event for you. Pass on the “Grow for Life” benefits to the next generation by bringing the children for little green thumbs activities: free planting in quality pots, think seed bombs, beautiful terrariums and more. If it’s craft on a cool day that your kiddies enjoy, then the traditional Flower Show has some creative categories for all ages. Take a peek in the Show Schedule and prepare to exhibit your garden goodies: produce, herbs, blooms or arrangements. Entries are welcome. Share to inspire others and you’ll be thrilled with your award and a prize. The schools’ section, Show Off Your Best, is expected to be bulging with local student talent again this year. Buy a gift for your garden from the Festival from local and country specialists who will advise and sell an exciting array of tools, sculptures, and plants. See what’s new and needed to enhance your home garden. Borrow an idea in the information session. Professor Tim Entwisle, is privy to amazing species at Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens. No wonder his session is called “Rock Stars of the
PAGE 10
Frankston Times
31 August 2015
Plant World”. Meet Melissa King, well known from television gardening appearances. Prepare your questions and secure a seat in the marquee for the Q&A Session with sustainable produce, pruning for fruit or flowers, and native plant experts. Participation and entry is affordably pitched at $5 per adult and free options: parking, children’s entry, the Flower Show, Expert Sessions and Flower Show exhibiting. Food is available. With something to inspire every gardener at any age, you’ll want to be there. September 12, 9am – 3pm, Red Hill Show Grounds, Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill. www.rhgs.com.au