NEWS DESK
Forward thinking vital for business Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au FORMER UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher infamously proclaimed “there is no such thing as society” in 1987 but it is not an opinion futurist Mark McCrindle would share. The social researcher, author and professional speaker has made a career out of analysing modern society’s trends and actions. He is heading to Mornington this month to share some of his insights as a guest speaker as part of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Business Breakfast Series. Mr McCrindle established McCrindle Research nine years ago and has made it his business to tell corporate clients and governments about societal shifts on the horizon. The company conducts focus group research and collates and digs through data to make statistics clear to more than 100 corporate and government clients. He regularly appears as a social research commentator in the press and on TV and radio on shows such as Channel Ten’s The Project, ABC News 24 and Channel Seven’s Sunrise. “I was working towards a psychology degree and my goal back then was to become a psychologist but I actually preferred sociology more, looking at society rather than individuals,” he said. “We try to help people understand the trends and changes to come. We all spend so long focused on what we’re doing now or the technical
Futurist: Mark McCrindle
aspects of our industry that we forget to observe the changing external environment and technological shift.” He said his presentation in Mornington is a good chance for businesspeople to find out how changing demographics, including the coming of age of those born from 1982 onwards, commonly referred to as Generation Y, will impact on their companies both as consumers and employees. “[Companies] can suddenly find they’re good at what they do but they’re no longer relevant to the society we live in.” Planning for change is essential for a business aiming to thrive in a technological advances and the rise of social media, according to Mr McCrindle. McCrindle Research itself has had to adapt to change over the past decade. “When we began as market researchers it was just all about statistics
and reports but these days it’s about a ‘summary card’ to communicate to stakeholders and visual presentations and animated visuals … social media and multi-media presentations didn’t exist when we started. “It’s about visualising stats – taking it out of percentages and pie charts – and communicating in a simple and a quick way rather than having to read through a table.” McCrindle Research’s move to incorporate graphics and multi-media in its presentation of statistics gleaned through research has been recognised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The ABS awarded McCrindle Research a Statistics Excellence Award in 2013 for “excellence in using statistics in the media”. The award came just two years after ABC’s Media Watch show questioned some of McCrindle Research’s survey methods in its earlier years. Mr McCrindle is unfazed by the criticism. “If you develop a career that’s out there, you’re going to have people who have a go. We’re all about conducting quality research.” Mark McCrindle will talk about Trends transforming the business landscape: thriving in times of unprecedented change at Mornington Racecourse on Tuesday 17 March, 7-9am. The FMP Business Breakfast Series is hosted by Frankston Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston Business Network, Monash University and Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism. See frankstonbusinessnetwork.com.au/ fmpbrekky for full details.
In brief Ventana Film Festival, until 17 March, Frankston Library, free Enjoy award-winning documentary Mundo Alas, 6pm, Tuesday 17 March. It follows a troupe of disabled musicians touring Argentina. A film from Ecuador will be screened 6.30pm, Tuesday 10 March. Domestic Violence Forum, Frankston Arts Centre, 6.30pm, Friday 13 March Australian of the Year Rosie Batty is guest speaker at ‘A Call To Action’, a forum to tackle family violence. The event is free but bookings are required on 9784 1060. Note: children Under 16 years are not permitted. The event is hosted by Sisterhood Frankston and Mornington Peninsula and sponsored by Frankston Council. Ventana, live music Sundays at Frankston City Library, 1.30pm, 15 and 29 March, free This free community festival, 5–9:45pm, Saturday 20 December, Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve has family-friendly activities such as face painting, rides and amusements, craft activities, food stalls, entertainment on stage from 5pm, Christmas carols from 8.30pm and a fireworks display (weather permitting). The event is alcohol and drug free. Details: 9782 0133. ‘Baykeepers’ film screening, Frankston High School, 6pm, Tuesday 17 March Every year tonnes of plastic rubbish is washed into the bay. Once in the water it is broken down into small particles – nurdles – that are a major contributor to marine pollution. ‘The Baykeepers’ short film takes a look at this local issue and discusses what we can do about it. Free
screening and Q&A with beach patrol activist Neil Blake. Lego Club for Kids, Frankston Library, 4-5pm, Wednesday 18 March This popular free children’s activities club is held fortnightly in school term. It is open to all children, however, those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Harmony Day, White St Mall, Frankston, 11am-noon, Thursday 19 March The event will showcase multicultural music and dance and feature a mini-expo to share information about services available for the multicultural community. The event is being organised by council and Frankston Multicultural Services Network. The 26-Storey Treehouse at Frankston Arts Centre, 19 and 20 March This hilarious children’s performance has been adapted by Richard Tulloch, author of Bananas in Pyjamas and The Book of Everything. Information on 9784 1060 or see thefac.com.au Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship, Frankston Waterfront, Sunday 22 March The annual test of fitness and stamina, Ironman Asia-Pacific returns to the Frankston Waterfront. Residents and visitors are encouraged to make it down before 7am to secure a spot and cheer on participants. Langwarrin Celebration Day, 11am2pm, Sunday 22 March Langwarrin Township Committee is holding a community celebration day and looking for local community, business groups and variety stallholders to join in. Call Rae Higman 9789 7614 or Sam Rowley 9789 7653.
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MORNINGTON VILLAGE PHARMACY 3/241 MAIN ST MORNINGTON 3931 TEL: 03 5975 4344 FAX: 03 5975 1788 Frankston Times 9 March 2015
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