Business West August 2013

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ILLNESS AND YOUR BUSiNESS NEW TRAINING FACILITY BEHIND A BIG MAC BUSiNESS AWARDS ISSN 1837-9869

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WIZARD OF THE

WEST MARK BOURIS COMES TO TOWN

ISSUE 25 AUGUST 2013

CONTENTS 3

FIGHTING BACK Illness and your business

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USING SOME FORESITE New skills and training base

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FINDING PRECIOUS TIME Home-based business

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BEHIND THE SCENES What makes Maccas tick?

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MOVER AND SHAKER Helping to move

10-11 BUSINESS AWARDS Winning in business

12-13 COVER STORY Mark Bouris in town

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BUSiNESS WEST

NEWS

FIGHTING BACK Daryl Osman fell ill to cancer.

But as CHARLENE MACAULAY writes, he’s getting back on track…

Above: Daryl Osman has faced some big challenges.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

YOU have a business idea. You draw up a business plan, start buying equipment, build up your client base and business is going well.

Then you get diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and get told you have 12 months to live.

What do you do?

That’s the problem Altona Meadows business man Daryl Osman faced last year.

Mr Osman, who has run his own landscaping and excavating business The Landscraper since 2007, was plunged into a world of chemotherapy and medical bills in the blink of an eye, leaving him no time to run his one-man show.

“We had an excavator, we had to sell the excavator, because all the bills were coming in, the money was coming out and there was no money coming in - it was a landslide all of a sudden,” Mr Osman said.

“But you have to deal with it, get on with it.”

Miraculously, the chemotherapy worked and Mr Osman is now cancer free.

Unfortunately, while Mr Osman’s prognosis improved, his business took a turn for the worse.

“It’s pretty hard being a small business.

“I couldn’t work for a year. I lost my contacts,

because they went to other operators.

“I’ve still got to go and have chemo as well. This year we’ll bounce back, hopefully.

Hopefully next year it will pick up again and I can start getting back to where we were.”

As part of his rehabilitation, Mr Osman landscaped his own backyard, transforming it into outdoor oasis complete with water feature and outdoor timber alfresco with outdoor heater.

He started The Landscraper when he and partner had some work done on their front yard, and he realised he could do a better job.

Since then, he has served the metropolitan Melbourne area with landscaping, digging, levelling, shaping, pro-forming and other work.

“I liked plants and I liked gardening, so we decided to buy a bobcat and give it a go.

I didn’t really know how to drive a bobcat, but we learnt, and we learnt pretty quickly.

“You have to force yourself out of your comfort zone to go out and try and find new customers. The first year was a learning curve - learning how to quote, what I could tip, where I could tip, and learning how to drive a machine.”

Now Mr Osman is starting out all over again, with visions to rebuild his fleet to have two trucks and two bobcats. [BW]

BUSiNESS WEST

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NEWS

USING SOME

FORESiTE

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY FORESITE Training’s new state of the art skills training facility in Laverton North is now open.

The facility was officially opened recently by State Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall, who got behind the wheel and drove Foresite’s new Cat Prime Mover under the instruction of a Foresite driver trainer.

The open day allowed visitors to have a look around the facilities and have a go in some of the equipment including heavy vehicles, bobcats, excavators and forklifts.

The Triple M Street Team kept the music pumping while Front Up Freestyle motorcycle stunt team wowed visitors with their displays throughout the day.

Foresite’s new Laverton North site is one of Victoria’s largest training facilities and has allowed the organisation to expand delivery of its programs.

MPs Peter Hall and Andrew Elsbury at the launch of Foresite Training’s new state of the art skills training facility in Laverton North.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI “There are skills shortages in the areas of warehousing and transport, and they (Foresite Training) are addressing those skills shortages in the West with the provision of these training facilities and the opportunity for many young people to engage in training,” Mr Hall said.

“The training varies from basic forklift operations, for example, as you would expect in warehousing logistics, through to driver training and also training in the operation of machinery.”

Foresite Training offers the highest quality

training in the best facilities with the latest equipment.

Foresite Training is a nationally Registered Training Organisation, accredited High Risk Work Licence Assessor for WorkSafe Victoria and VicRoads accredited heavy vehicle licence assessor.

It also provides earthmoving training, refresher training, construction induction (White Card), Verification of Competency and workplace traineeships. [BW]

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Hobsons Bay City Council has launched its new online business If you want to stay across current issues and network with directory and is encouraging all businesses registered in fellow business colleagues, join a local business group. There Hobsons Bay to sign up today! Free to register, the directory are four recognised traders’ associations in Hobsons Bay is the one-stop-shop for customers looking to find a business – Altona, Laverton, Newport and Williamstown, with many in Hobsons Bay. business networks also operating in the area. These groups represent like-minded business people whose focus is on Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/directories to register. marketing their area and addressing local issues that may affect your business and the region.

Workshops Why not join one today? For more information visit The Council has an exciting line up of business workshops scheduled for the coming months. For retailers we have the www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business Small Business Commissioner visiting on 7th August. He will be back to present to businesses on ways he can assist and Newsletters support. We also have a session on What Bankers Want and And don’t forget the Council publishes a free business Building Your Online strategy, two valuable workshops for any newsletter titled Business Works and a regular electronic newsletter e-Works, subscribing is easy, simply send an email business these days.

To view all the upcoming business workshops or to register for to the address below.

Subscribe today! a workshop, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business 1082107-JL32-13

For more information please call Sally Curtis, Business and Tourism Officer on 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

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BUSiNESS WEST

BUSiNESS PROFILE

FINDING PRECIOUS TiME

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY BEING a mum changes everything - and no one knows this better than Joanne Kosylo.

The Taylors Lakes resident overhauled her career as a court social worker to set up a home-based business, and later charity, so that she could spend more time with sons Jacob and Jaxon.

And she wouldn’t change a thing.

Ms Kosylo started up Precious Time Concierge shortly after giving birth to Jacob so that she could dictate her own hours in a bid to achieve work/life balance.

“I was working in the city, nine to five, and it just wasn’t fitting in with our lifestyle,” she said.

“I read an article in MX on the train home about personal concierge services and thought, I could be a social worker for the wealthy.”

The business touted itself as being a personal assistant for the home, a lifestyle management service helping people regain time and get organised.

Over four years, Ms Kosylo organised 40th birthdays, picked up dry-cleaning, acted as a chauffeur and sat with an elderly lady while she had an airport stopover.

Jo Kosylo runs two home-based businesses, Precious Time Concierge and Support for Mums.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

As time went on and Ms Kosylo had her second child, she started to target mums in need for Precious Time Concierge.

pay for a concierge, and that’s when I thought

There was one problem.

I needed to change the business around,” Ms

“I soon realised they didn’t have the funds to

Kosylo said.

“I wanted to incorporate both of them and I couldn’t, so I started Support For Mums as a charity.”

This year, she has rested Precious Time Concierge to focus on Support For Mums fulltime.

The charity, which became incorporated a year ago, supports women and their families when living through circumstantial crisis.

Crisis may occur through incidents such as depression or anxiety in the family, a premature baby, perinatal depression, sick baby or child, relationship breakdown, death of a partner or sudden, unexpected change of circumstances that causes undue stress on the family.

Support for Mums provides short term practical support and funding where needed to ensure that practical tasks are carried out, to assist in maintaining a “normal” life and relieve pressure on families during these stressful times.

The charity can cover the costs of cleaners, bills, taxis and other everyday items.

The service is currently available across Melbourne, and Ms Kosylo hopes to roll it out nationwide.

“I’m trying to fit that niche of people that aren’t eligible for a health care card.

“If you weren’t having that crisis at the time, you wouldn’t need the service. It’s relieving some of that pressure so you don’t fall further.

“There’s such a need for it in the community and it’s taken off so much.” [BW]

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BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE BIG

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S an inside look at one of the biggest corporations in the world.

McDonald’s has been opening its doors to the public to give them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes – and BUSiNESS WEST got a sneak peak at the inner workings of the Taylors Lakes restaurant recently.

Behind the colourful counter and bright menu is a large, bustling commercial kitchen that prides itself on cleanliness, efficiency and cooking to order.

In drive-through, overhead screens tell employees how many cars are in the drivethrough queue, how long they’ve been waiting and how the Taylors Lakes restaurant is stacking up against other McDonald’s drivethroughs throughout the country.

All food is cooked according to timers, and each station is dedicated to cooking different food to avoid cross-contamination.

Franchisee Jenny Sadler informs the group that 96 per cent of McDonald’s food is locally produced. McDonald’s uses 100 per cent all beef patties and Kraft or Coon cheese.

“We have very strict quality procedures with our food,” she said.

“The food we have is what you would buy in a supermarket – but we receive it in commercial quantities.

“Customers expect fast service and good food, so this is what we live by.”

Employees are required to abide by a clean as you go policy, to ensure the food stations are immaculate.

Past the food station, pallets of buns are stocked to make the next Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.

Further down we pass the massive walk-

“

Customers expect fast service and good food, so this is what we live by…

in refrigerator, freezer and then the drinks station, where syrup is pumped out of boxes and mixed with soda to later come out from the drink machines.

The staff tea room resembles a mini McDonald’s restaurant with booths, staff updates posted on a whiteboard, a five-star board where employees are granted stars for upholding the McDonald’s values of quality, service and cleanliness.

McDonald’s is also big on training and looking after it employees. More than 60 per cent of McDonald’s head office staff have worked their way up the McDonald’s hierarchy through the restaurants.

The Taylors Lakes restaurant is Ms Sadler’s busiest, thanks to its convenient location off the Calder Freeway, Old Calder Highway and the Melton Highway.

Ms Sadler started out as a teenage McDonald’s crew member and leaped her way up the food chain with roles as a restaurant manager, a supervisor and a franchise business consultant.

She then took up a senior management position looking after half of the McDonald’s chains in Victoria – all by the time she turned 26.

Then she looked after the franchise part of the business for a year, before moving to Adelaide and running the South Australia market in 2001.

After a year in Adelaide, Ms Sadler was promoted to Director of Operations for the

JENNY SADLER southern region of Australia – including South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.The same year she was again promoted, this time to assistant vice president.

The promotion came while she was pregnant with her first child.

In 2007 Ms Sadler had the opportunity to become a franchisee and she jumped at the chance, taking over St Albans and Taylors Lakes, and then the Avondale Heights restaurant in 2009.

Her St Albans restaurant was one of the first McDonald’s to introduce halal, after demographics showed a high proportion of Muslim customers in the area.

Today she is one of McDonald’s Australia’s biggest franchisees, with eight restaurants under her belt.

In the past two-and-a-half years she has taken on Laverton North, Derrimut, Deer Park, and the McDonald’s restaurants at Masters in Braybrook and Burnside (McCafe only).

She oversees more than 800 employees.

It’s these employees that Ms Sadler credits for making her stores the success that they are.

“It’s about structure, organisation – I think I’ve got fantastic people,” Ms Sadler said.

“At the end of the day, I’m involved in the business on a day to day basis, and you make it work.”

Anyone interested in attending an Open Doors event can email Amanda Hughes at ahughes@macsadler.com.au [BW]

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BUSiNESS WEST

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

MOVER AND SHAKER

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY STEPHEN Hodges knows that moving house can be one of life’s most stressful experiences – and the 35-year-old Yarraville resident has made it his job to make the move that bit simpler.

Mr Hodges is the brains behind An Easier Move, a business that helps people move house without the stress of organising the move themselves.

But An Easier Move is not your typical moving business.

Mr Hodges doesn’t own a truck and he is not going to pack and unpack your valuables for you – but he is going to co-ordinate the whole move, right down to setting up your utilities, organising change of address, and even getting someone in to redecorate.

He can also organise for any repairs, cleaning, gardening and other necessary touch-ups to your current home to prepare your property for sale, and will resell any unwanted items through online auction sites or donate it to charities.

For your new home, Mr Hodges can arrange for handy man repairs and remodelling to ensure all utilities are running as they should be.

Mr Hodges came up with the idea after working for several years in the travel industry. He realised the same formula could be applied to moving house.

“It’s trying to make an easier solution for an annoying task,” he said.

“It’s really about co-ordinating a process.

When a customer comes to me, I find out all the information that’s required and source everything that’s needed, from changing utilities, to rubbish removal and cleaning.

“People are time poor, and they just want it done, they don’t have the time to worry about it.”

Mr Hodges set up the business more than 10 months ago and is running the business from home. He hopes to branch out into the interstate market in the next three years. [BW]

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BUSiNESS WEST

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NEWS

REWARDS

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY AWARDS season is up and running for 2013.

Thousands of business owners around the country are vying for titles in a range of business awards - and rightly so.

Apart from the glitz and glamour of winning an award or being named as a finalist, there are many benefits to putting your business up to scrutiny.

One of the most recognised is the annual Telstra Australia Business Awards, which offers prizes among five categories - start-up, micro, small, medium and regional businesses.

Telstra Business Group Managing Director and awards ambassador Will Irving said a benefit of entry was a free 70-page business health check report, based on international benchmarking standards, which is available to all entrants.

For finalists and winners, the awards bring accolades, public exposure, a share of $500,000 in cash and business products and the privilege of joining an exclusive national business alumni.

“Entering the program gives you a rare opportunity to consider the health of every aspect of your business,” Bike Exchange CEO Jason Wyatt and 2012 winner said.

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Getting Naked’s Tamra Mercieca.

Picture: SALLY MCLEAN

“Then there’s the chance to be exposed to the professionalism of our country’s most esteemed business awards program, meet like-minded operators who in turn might present you with new opportunities, and even win an award that carries prestige and awareness with it.”

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BUSiNESS WEST

NEWS

AWARDS

Melton City Council Business and Marketing Promotions Officer Jeremy Liddy said the council introduced its annual business excellence awards in 2007 to celebrate the contribution that local business makes to the economy, environment and community.

“The council views the awards as an essential part of the programs developed for businesses,” Mr Liddy said.

Yarraville’s Alligator Brand Fresh Pasta has taken advantage of the spoils awards can bring. The business is a finalist in the Delicious Produce Awards for its black truffle ravioli.

Alligator Brand Fresh Pasta was one of 3110 nominations from around the country, and will now be judged by a select team of industry experts, including Maggie Beer, Alla Wolf-Tasker from the Lake House and Shannon Bennett from Vue de Monde and Bistro Vue. The business is the brain child of husband and wife team Cindy Sargon and Michael Coade, who celebrate 20 years in business this year.

“It’s such a thrill to have your product recognised by such fabulous industry professionals. To have it regarded so highly is a really big honour, and it’s really nice timing with our 20 year anniversary,” Ms Sargon said.

Meanwhile, Footscray business woman Tamra Mercieca, who runs therapy business Getting Naked, has put her hat in the ring for this year’s Telstra Business Woman of the Year awards.

“I entered because I wanted to be able to share the brand with more people,” she said. [BW]

Dr Graham Jacobs and Tracy Clarke. 98766 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

Benefits of a healthy BUSiNESS

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY WESTCARE Medical Centre knows all too well the benefits of being an award winner.

The Melton-based private health service provider took out Business of the Year at the 2013 Melton Business Excellence Awards, and general manager Tracy Clarke was thrilled with the distinction.

“We were really excited,” Ms Clarke said.

“We’ve won awards before for our category, but not overall Business of the Year.

We were really quite honoured and humbled.

“All of the GPs who work here are very community orientated. Obviously we care about Melton, a lot of our patients live in this area, and it was a great honour for us.”

Westcare Medical Centre started operation in 1989 in Unitt Street, Melton. As Melton grew, so did Westcare.

In 2006, Westcare moved to a purposebuilt facility that houses 23 GPs as well as a full range of separately-run allied health specialists to create a one-stop shop for patients.

The business of Westcare is still managed by the principal doctors at the practice, which allows the centre to maintain its independence from corporate or industry influence.

“We’re quite unique given we have 23 GPs within our practice, and with Australia facing a GP shortage, we’ve been really proud of the fact that we’ve been able to both recruit and retain really good quality GPs to serve the community,” Ms Clarke said.

“We’ve worked really hard to foster a team environment, where every person who’s part of the Westcare team feels valued, and their input is valued as well.

“We’ve also concentrated on up and coming registrars, so we’ve in the VMA training program for registrars.

“For the community of Melton, it’s an amazing service that’s being provided here.

Dr Chandar Varane added: “It’s very convenient for the patient - they can pick up a script, if they need a physio, eyes, dental, psychology - it’s all here.” [BW]

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COVER STORY

WIZARD COMES TO THE WEST Mark Bouris will be the keynote speaker at the City of Melton Business Breakfast in September.

BUSiNESS WEST caught up with the financial wizard and asked him a few questions.

MARK Bouris is known and respected as a people’s champion who has built a career from making quality financial advice available to all Australians.

TELL US THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD WEALTH MANAGEMENT STORY – WHAT HAS MADE THE BUSINESS THE MASSIVE SUCCESS IT IS?

He has a passion for educating people about how to make their money work for them and his acumen provides inspiration for entrepreneurs and hardworking people all over the country.

What motivated me to start Yellow Brick Road was the sale of the Wizard Home Loans business to my rival, and what galvanised it even further was that 33 per cent of that rival was owned by a major bank. The whole point of Wizard was to give people a better deal than what the banks could offer, so that became the catalyst for Yellow Brick Road. Once Wizard was gone, I saw an opportunity to build a new business to take up the position that Wizard had vacated - to give people the abilities and opportunities that Wizard had offered. But I wanted to do it for people in all aspects of their finances, not just their mortgage. So that was the goal when we started up Yellow Brick Road.

Mark’s past experiences have had a profound impact on the way he does business today. In 1996, Mark founded Wizard Home Loans, one of Australia’s largest non-bank lenders. Wizard became a pioneer in the mortgage market by offering consumers smarter access to better value loans. Under Mark’s direction, Wizard grew to approximately 300 branches across Australia, New Zealand and India before the company was sold to General Electric in 2004.

Mark was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of GE Money in 2004, a position he held until February 2009.

Mark’s enthusiasm for delivering affordable financial advice is the driving force behind his company, Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management.

Since its inception in 2007, Yellow Brick Road has built a national branch network with the aim to bring first class financial services to the suburbs.

Yellow Brick Road offers advice and products for home loans, financial planning, insurance, term deposits, accounting and tax, as well as small business advice.

Mark is the author of Wealth Wizard and The Yellow Brick Road to Your Financial Security, and he writes for some of Australia’s most recognised publications, including The Sunday Telegraph, BRW, Real Living, Madison, Smart Property Investment and Wealth Creator. He’s a board member of the Sydney Roosters, host of Channel 9’s The Apprentice Australia and The Celebrity Apprentice Australia.

IN 1996 YOU FOUNDED WIZARD HOME LOANS AND TURNED IT INTO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST NON-BANK LENDERS. WHAT WAS THE LIGHT BULB MOMENT BEHIND WIZARD? It was simple really. We were able to offer people a better deal on their mortgage, and because of that we were able to compete with the banks. There was an opportunity and we went for it.

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BUSiNESS WEST

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WORKING LIFE AND WHY? One of them was when we listed Yellow Brick Road on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Everyone said that I couldn’t start a financial services company during a GFC, no one thought it could be done successfully. But I did it and then we listed it in a reverse takeover.

That was a high point for sure.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? I’m not inspired by other people. I don’t have mentors. I have purpose and that’s why I do what I do.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO AN ENTREPRENEUR STARTING UP A BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? This generation is entrepreneurial by birth and technology gives people a lot of opportunities that we didn’t have 30 years ago. That has changed for the better, but what has stayed the same is the work that’s involved in starting and growing a business. I hear a lot of young people who tell me that they want to start their own business because they want to be their own boss. They don’t realise the time, effort and stress that goes into owning a business.

Business owners have to take care of their customers, their staff, their suppliers, everyone but themselves. When you’re a business owner, you come last. So for all the luxuries of being your own boss, there are many more sacrifices.

Anyone going into business has to ask themselves: “Am I prepared to not take a wage for the first few years until I am turning a profit?

Am I ok with not having any holidays or annual leave? Am I prepared financially for what the business will cost and what those constraints will do to my personal life? Am I ok with working 16 hour days and six or seven day weeks?

That’s what starting a business is about and I can tell you right now, there is no glamour in that, no matter who you are or where you come from. So be prepared to be lonely.

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PIECE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS? Always be thinking about the exit. Start with what the business should be or could be worth in five years, given the market, the demand, emerging technology and whatever else you can find out that will give you an idea of your possible exit price. Then, once you are able to get a good handle on your exit, you can focus on making decisions that will deliver on that goal.

YOU ARE MOST RECENTLY KNOWN FOR YOUR WORK ON THE APPRENTICE AND CELEBRITY APPRENTICE. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO FIRE SOMEONE ON NATIONAL TV, AND WHAT HAS THE EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU? Celebrity Apprentice for me, as opposed to its TV objectives, is a social experiment. The production and the network organise the on-air aspects of it and make good TV out of it. I’m more interested in the psychology of how big personalities operate when put in that kind of environment. What’s interesting is that you always find that there are those people who play to win and those who play not to lose.

They’re equally valid strategies. What’s interesting is also how people build alliances and how quickly undone those alliances become, particularly when your ass is on the line. Women are far more honest and ruthless, whilst men are slower to adopt honesty within themselves, but once they do, they do not hold back. When you put that together with the raw passion that many of these people have for the charities that they represent, it really blows you away.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AWAY FROM WORK? Everyone has to have things they do outside of work that they love doing. For me it’s spending time with family, going to the footy, exercise – the same things that most people enjoy. But for me those things come after my work commitments. They anchor everything that I do. All the other things fit in around my work.

COVER STORY Mark Bouris will be the keynote speaker at the City of Melton Business Breakfast at Tabcorp Park on 17 September. Email jeremyl@melton.vic. gov.au for more information.

BUSiNESS WEST

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

BEST BROKERS

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY WES Roderick knows insurance – and it seems he’s in good company.

The account executive from Roderick Insurance Brokers has been named one of Australia’s top brokers in Insurance Business magazine’s Elite Brokers ranking.

The inaugural ranking identifies the country’s top 30 insurance brokers based on a rigorous and comprehensive set of criteria and showcases those who have best impressed both clients and the insurance industry as a whole.

Mr Roderick came in at number 11, while dad and CEO Keith ranked fifth and employee Nick Van Maasdyk was 25th.

“It’s a bit of an indication that we’re doing something right,” Mr Roderick said.

“It was really surprising - I thought my dad’s name would be out there, but I didn’t expect to get a mention. It was a nice surprise.”

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BUSiNESS WEST

Keith Roderick started up Roderick Insurance Brokers with a partner in 1986, and Wes joined nine years later as a 15-year-old fresh out of high school.

“It’s our focus on clients and getting their needs right and making sure when they’ve got claims that they’re handled correctly.

“We’re selling insurance so that people have got the ability to claim, so if they buy a policy and can’t claim, then there’s no point in having a job.

“A lot of our business is referral, which again must be a sign that we’re doing something right.

“Insurance these days is very complex for the average person to understand, to work out what they need and then convert into policy coverage.

“We’d like to think they’re coming to us to get advice so that they get it right and they don’t have much exposure when things go wrong.”

Wes Roderick.

Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI The business, which started out in Geelong, grew to include a Werribee office. Roderick Insurance Brokers employs 32 staff across both offices, including Wes’s wife Karli, mum Louise and sister Marnie.

His late brother also worked in the business.

“It’s alright (working with family),” Mr Roderick said.

“You have your arguments and things, but we get over them and keep going. It’s worked for us, I suppose.” [BW]

NEWS

LAND CALL FOR

WEST LINK

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY LEADWEST CEO Anton Mayer has called on the State Government to secure the land required for the western section of the East West Link.

Mr Mayer told Business West it was important for the Government to ensure land identified for the West route was secure to make the project shovel-ready and assure businesses and councils in the West that the project would go ahead.

The State Government has committed $224 million in this year’s budget for detailed planning, commence procurement and early works along the end of the Eastern Freeway at Hoddle St, CityLink at Parkville and an off-ramp on Elliott Avenue in Parkville onto Flemington Rd as part of the East West Link.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2014, and a construction period of around five years is anticipated.

Mr Mayer said the West Gate Bridge was already under severe strain and would only get worse as the West continues to grow, and is keen for the Government to implement a shortterm solution to the problem in the interim.

“It’s (the West Gate) already full, and getting ever more congested,” he said.

“I don’t have a view on the East section obviously it has merit – but I always thought the West should be a priority.

“We want it to be built sooner rather than later.

“I’m not saying the East doesn’t have a problem, but we have a bigger problem.”

Maribyrnong Mayor Catherine Cumming added: “I don’t understand how the State Government can’t see the western section as significant as the eastern component and are not doing the works simultaneously, if not first.”

Terry Considine Logistics agrees.

from

Secon

Freight

Mr Considine said getting to and from the Port of Melbourne was a big concern for their clients.

He estimates that every extra minute spent in traffic costs Secon a dollar, in effect costing the company hundreds of thousands a year in extra transport costs.

Anton Mayer.

“Time is money.

“You only have to look at the West Gate Freeway in the morning to see the problems we’re having moving traffic from the West to the city and the East.”

“If we don’t get across the bridge before 7am, it adds another 30 minutes to the trip.”

Mr Considine said there was a lot more trucks moving West to East or the Port than the other way around, adding that traffic from housing and industrial developments sprouting up in the West was being directed to existing roads, adding to the traffic congestion.

Sam Aparo from Famous Pacific Shipping added: “Reducing travelling time and traffic congestion would improve our competitiveness and lowering costs to our end customers, being importers and exporters.” [BW] 1076205-JL29-13

Building for Success 2013 Atherstone City of Melton Business Breakfast Mark Bouris is one of Australia’s most respected businessmen, host of Channel 9’s Celebrity Apprentice Australia and Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road.

Take this rare opportunity to hear how Mark has established a successful career from building disruptive businesses to challenge the market and provide smarter solutions for consumers.

Luke Shannon, Melton City Council General Manger Planning and Development, will also bring you up to date on the key drivers behind Melton’s exceptional growth and the opportunities for business.

Date: Time:

Tuesday 17 September 7.10am (registration) 7.30am – 9.30am (breakfast and entertainment) Cost: $60 per person (incl GST) Venue: Tabcorp Park 2 Ferris Road, Melton VIC 3337 Proudly supported by

Bookings essential To reserve your seat, please book online www.melton.vic.gov.au/businessevents P: 9747 7200 E: businessevents@melton.vic.gov.au

Group bookings available VIP table for 8: $440 (incl GST)

Proudly brought to you by

BUSiNESS WEST

15

TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR A PRODUCTIVE ECONOMY The Transport Strategy for Melbourne’s west will deliver an economic boost for Victoria.

Melbourne’s west is undergoing major transformation. The majority of Victoria’s population growth is happening here, making our region Australia’s residential growth hotspot. Melbourne’s west is also home to a growing industrial sector making a high contribution to the Victorian economy.

The Western Transport Alliance and LeadWest have produced the Western Melbourne Transport Strategy. It provides a vision for an integrated transport system to support our region’s rapid growth and ensures its economic resilience into the future.

The strategy outlines a suite of targeted solutions and a coordinated program for public and private investment to realise the potential of Melbourne’s west as a significant contributor to Victoria’s prosperity.

Increase accessibility to employment opportunities in the region.

Challenge: Access to employment locations is a significant challenge. Forecasts suggest that long commuting trips will remain a feature of transport in the West. Traffic volumes are growing at 4% to 8% per year.

Opportunity: Develop a network of transport services to provide high-quality links that connect the population with activity centres, industrial precincts and CBD based employment, via: • an additional east-west crossing of the Maribyrnong River • better use of existing capacity and demand management • more local employment • improved public transport

Opportunity: A wider range of sustainable transport options, including public transport and cycling routes, improved management of the freight network and the development of new infrastructure to bypass residential areas will reduce the impact of current and future transport operations.

development which are amongst the 10% most disadvantaged in the State. ‘Forced car ownership’ is high and communities are vulnerable to mortgage, petrol and inflation increases.

Opportunity: Transport and land use improvements that will enhance the sustainability and resilience of communities in the West include:

Resilient Alternatives:

• improved access to cost-effective transport options

Provide improved transport to address changing transport demands resulting from changes in land use and demographics.

• more accessible and diverse employment opportunities • provision of social, educational and community infrastructure within highly accessible locations or within walking or cycling distances.

Challenge: The West historically has low socio-economic indicators. While gentrification in the Inner West is changing this picture, the Region has larege areas of suburban

CAL

Bacchus Marsh

To Bendigo

DE R

FR

MELBOURNE AIRPORT

EE

Melton Melton Woodgrove

WESTERN FREE WA Y

Sydenham

Toolern To Ballarat Adelaide

N

Rockbank North

HIG

Rockbank South

HW AY

Caroline Springs St Albans

S WE

B R PA RK DEE

Y PA

KEY

Deer Park

Highpoint Sunshine

SS

Kororoit Creek

Footscray Melbourne

Major Roads

WEST GATE FREE W AY

Railway Line

Waterways, Rivers & Creeks

RE SF

AY EW k oc

PRINCE

Tarneit West

bD

Opportunity: Effective transport networks within the Region, and links to key areas outside it, are vital to providing access to employment, educational and social opportunities. Ensuring these networks extend through areas of disadvantage wil promote social inclusion and long term economic prosperity.

Tarneit

Werribee River

b We

Opportunity for future Rail Station

Laverton

Ports

Altona Pier

Wyndham Vale

Hoppers Crossing

N

Point Cook

For illustrative purposes only.

Not to scale.

Werribee

PR I

NCE

SH

IGH

WAY

Point Cooke

Sustain and develop the region’s competitive advantages through the design of the transport network.

Challenge: There are many town centres across the Region, and new centres have been identified by the Melbourne West Growth Corridor Plan. None of them have designated for higher-order social, cultural and educational infrastructure, apart from Footscray.

There is a need for additional focal points to support the Region based around strategically located nodes with good transport connectivity.

Opportunity: Creating social infrastructure in additional locations will diversify local employment and travel patterns.

This will also deliver metropolitan wide benefits through the reduction of congestion on the West Gate Freeway, metro rail network and potential East West Link.

Develop an integrated freight system.

Maribyrnong River

Town Centre

Rail Station

ESSENDON AIRPORT

T

Brimbank

Challenge: Congestion from population growth will impact on prosperity if the transport network is out paced by growing demand. The Region’s current population of more than 800,000 is heavily reliant on car transport.

This reliance will be compounded as the population grows to a forecast 1.1 million by 2016.

Competitive Positioning:

Freight:

AD

Plumpton

ER

RO

ST

NG

WE

RI

Promote opportunities for transport to support sustainable economic prosperity.

Gladstone Park

E RN

Economic development:

To Sydney Brisbane

Broadmeadows

WA Y

Princes Pier Station Pier

Access to employment:

Point Gellibrand

Challenge: The Region has many strategic geographic advantages that are not currently optimised for maximum efficiency and productivity. Its abundant supply of flat land makes it highly suitable for freight and industrial uses and it has unparalleled access to airports, ports, rail terminals, freight and logistics centres, Victoria’s regional cities and interstate transport corridors.

Opportunity: Building an integrated freight system in the Region will boost productivity. Investigating the Bay West port, managing key routes for freight, and developing an integrated Freight Activity Centre are key strategies to maximise logistics efficiency and productivity.

Priority solutions

Why invest / expected benefits

Principal Freight Network

Formalise the Principal Freight Network in the Region.

UÊ *À Û `iÊv ÀÊ ÀiÊivwV i ÌÊvÀi } ÌÊ Ûi i ÌÃ UÊ iÌÌiÀÊ > >}i i ÌÊ vÊÊvÀi } ÌÊ «>VÌÃ

Western Freight Activity Centre

Ìi}À>Ìi`Ê`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊÌ iÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê ÌiÀ `> Ê Ài } ÌÊ /iÀ > ]ÊÌ iÊ iÌÀ « Ì> Ê/iÀ > Ê-ÞÃÌi ]ÊÌ iÊÀ> Ê> `Ê À >`Ê­ * 6®Ê>VViÃÃÊÀ ÕÌiÃ]Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ>` >Vi ÌÊ > `ÊÕÃiÃÊ>à >Êà } iÊ>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀi°

UÊ -Ì Õ >ÌiÃÊ>ÊÃÌi«ÊV > }iÊ ÊvÀi } ÌÊ«À `ÕVÌ Û ÌÞÊ UÊ iÜÊi « Þ i ÌÊ `iÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i}

East West Link (Western Section)

ÊÀ >`Ê ÊLiÌÜii ÊÌ iÊ* ÀÌÊ vÊ i L ÕÀ iÊ> `ÊÌ iÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê, }Ê , >`Ê>ÌÊÌ iÊi>ÃÌiÀ Êi `Ê vÊÌ iÊ iiÀÊ*>À Ê Þ«>ÃÃÊ Ê-Õ Ã i°Ê

UÊ *À Û `iÃÊ>ÊVÀÕV > ÊÃiV `ÊVÀ ÃÃ }Ê vÊÊÊ Ê Ì iÊ9>ÀÀ>Ê> `Ê >À LÞÀ }Ê, ÛiÀÃÊ

SmartRoads

« iÌ Ê vÊ- >ÀÌ, >`ÃÊ« > }Êv ÀÊÌ iÊ À ÜÌ Ê Ài>Ê ÀÀ ` À°Ê

UÊ -Õ«« ÀÌÃÊÌ iÊÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊÃÕÃÌ> >L iÊ ÊÊ ÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊv ÀÊV Õ Ì iÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i}

Managed Motorways on the Region’s freeway system

Ê Ìi }i ÌÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊÃÞÃÌi ÃÊ Ì >Ì ÛiÊ`ià } i`ÊÌ Ê «Ì ÃiÊ Ì iÊ«iÀv À > ViÊ> `ÊV>«>V ÌÞÊ vÊÌ iÊ Ì ÀÜ>ÞÊ iÌÜ À °

UÊ >Ý ÃiÊÌ iÊivwV i VÞÊ vÊiÝ ÃÌ }Ê vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀi

Growth area arterial roads – corridor upgrades

Õ« V>Ì ]Ê«À Û Ã Ê vÊ«ÕL VÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊ vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀi]ÊÃ>viÌÞÊÊ «À Ûi i ÌÃ]Ê> `Ê«À Û Ã Ê vÊ}À>`iÊÃi«>À>Ì Ê>ÌÊ Ì ÀÜ>ÞÊ Õ VÌ ÃÊ> `ÊÀ> Ê iÛi ÊVÀ Ãà }ÃÊ Ê iÞÊ>ÀÌiÀ > ÊÀ >`ð

UÊ Õ `ÃÊÃ>viÀ]Ê ÀiÊivviVÌ ÛiÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊÀ ÕÌiÃÊv À Ê V Õ Ì iÃÊ> `ÊvÀi } Ì

Activity Centre arterial road/rail grade separations

ÕÀÊ iÛi ÊVÀ Ãà }ÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i} ½ÃÊ>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀiÃÊ >ÛiÊLii ÊÊ `i Ì wi`Ê>ÃÊ«À À Ì iÃÊv ÀÊ}À>`iÊÃi«>À>Ì Ê>ÌÊ ««iÀÃÊ À Ãà }]ÊÊ -ÌÊ L> Ã]Ê ÃÃi ` Ê> `Ê7>ÌiÀ}>À`i ðÊ

UÊ ,i`ÕViÊV }iÃÌ UÊ «À ÛiÊÃÌ>Ì Êv>V Ì ià UÊ > ViÊÌ iÊV iVÌ Û ÌÞÊ vÊÌ Ü ÊVi ÌÀiÃ

Transit Network Development

ÊÃÕ ÌiÊ vÊ «À Ûi i ÌÃÊÌ Ê>``ÀiÃÃÊÌ iÊvÀiµÕi VÞ]ÊÀi >L ÌÞÊÊ > `ʵÕ> ÌÞÊ vÊ«ÕL VÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ\Ê UÊ 1«}À>`iÊiÝ ÃÌ }Ê«Ài Õ ÊÀ ÕÌiÃÊ UÊ ,i} > Ê,> Ê Ê UÊ i L ÕÀ iÊ iÌÀ É i L ÕÀ iÊ À« ÀÌÊ,> Ê Ê UÊ 7iÃÌÊ >ÌiÊ ÀiiÜ>ÞÊ ÕÃÊ,>« `Ê/À> à Ì

UÊ *À Û `iÃÊ>ÊV «Ài i à ÛiÊÌÀ> à ÌÊ iÌÜ À Ê v ÀÊÌ iÊ,i} UÊ VÀi>ÃiÃÊ>VViÃÃÊÌ Êi « Þ i Ì UÊ > ViÃÊÌ iÊÃÕÃÌ> >L ÌÞÊ vÊ>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀià UÊ ,i`ÕViÃÊV>ÀÊ`i«i `i ViÊ

Bay West Port Study

Ê Ìi}À>Ìi`Ê>ÃÃiÃà i ÌÊ vÊÌ iÊ >ÞÊ7iÃÌÊ* ÀÌÊV Vi«ÌÊ>ÃÊ «>ÀÌÊ vÊ6 VÌ À >½ÃÊ } ÌiÀ Ê« > }Êv ÀÊV Ì> iÀÊà «« }]Ê ÛiÃÌ }>Ì }ÊÌ iÊvi>à L ÌÞÊ vÊ >À iÊ> `Ê > ` à `iÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊ ÀiµÕ Ài i ÌÃÊ> `Ê > `ÊÕÃi°

UÊ -Õ«« ÀÌÃÊÌ iÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊ> Ê Ìi}À>Ìi` Ê vÀi } ÌÊ iÌÜ À Ê ÊÌ iÊ,i}

Outer Metropolitan Ring Transport Corridor

ÕÀÌ iÀÊ ÛiÃÌ }>Ì Ê> `Êi>À ÞÊ`i ÛiÀÞÊ vÊv ÕÀÊ iÞÊÃiVÌ ÃÊ vÊÊ Ì ÃÊ > ÀÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊV ÀÀ ` À\Ê> ÌiÀ >Ì ÛiÊ>VViÃÃÊÌ Ê/Õ > >À iÊÊ À« ÀÌÆÊ> ÊiÝÌi à ÊÌ Ê Û> Ê À« ÀÌÊÉÊ >ÞÊ7iÃÌÊ«ÀiV VÌÆÊÊ Ì iÊ*À ViÃÊ } Ü>ÞÊqÊ,>Ûi > ÊÃiVÌ Ê>ÃÊ> Ê> ÌiÀ >Ì ÛiÊÌ Ê Ì iÊ £ÆÊ> `ÊÃÌ> `>À`Ê}>Õ}iÊÀ> °Ê

UÊ «À Ûi`Ê>VViÃÃÊÌ Ê iÞÊ`iÃÌ >Ì ÃÊ UÊ VÀi>Ãi`Ê iÌÜ À ÊÀià i ViÊ«À Û ` }Ê Ài Ê Ài >L iÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ

Cycling Network Development

/ ÃÊ«À iVÌÊV ÃiÃÊ}>«ÃÊ ÊÌ iÊÌÀ> Ê iÌÜ À Ê Ê iÞÊV ÕÌiÀÊÊ > `Ê>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀiÊ>VViÃÃÊÀ ÕÌiðÊ

UÊ > ViÊÌ iÊÃÕÃÌ> >L ÌÞÊ> `Ê Ûi>L ÌÞ

vÊÌ iÊ,i}

Impact reduction: Reduce the adverse impacts from transport operations in the Region.

Challenge: The transport network has not kept pace with growth in the Region. The result is heavy traffic in activity centres, congestion, freight travelling through residential areas and social exclusion due to limited transport options.

To Geelong

Avalon

AVALON AIRPORT

This is a summary of the Western Melbourne Transport Strategy, a regional transport strategy for the Western Region of Melbourne.

The Western Transport Strategy has been prepared for the partnership of the Western Transport Alliance western region Council members and LeadWest.

For further information please contact Wyndham City Council (www.wyndham.vic.gov.au) or LeadWest (www.leadwest.com.au).

TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR A PRODUCTIVE ECONOMY The Transport Strategy for Melbourne’s west will deliver an economic boost for Victoria.

Melbourne’s west is undergoing major transformation. The majority of Victoria’s population growth is happening here, making our region Australia’s residential growth hotspot. Melbourne’s west is also home to a growing industrial sector making a high contribution to the Victorian economy.

The Western Transport Alliance and LeadWest have produced the Western Melbourne Transport Strategy. It provides a vision for an integrated transport system to support our region’s rapid growth and ensures its economic resilience into the future.

The strategy outlines a suite of targeted solutions and a coordinated program for public and private investment to realise the potential of Melbourne’s west as a significant contributor to Victoria’s prosperity.

Increase accessibility to employment opportunities in the region.

Challenge: Access to employment locations is a significant challenge. Forecasts suggest that long commuting trips will remain a feature of transport in the West. Traffic volumes are growing at 4% to 8% per year.

Opportunity: Develop a network of transport services to provide high-quality links that connect the population with activity centres, industrial precincts and CBD based employment, via: • an additional east-west crossing of the Maribyrnong River • better use of existing capacity and demand management • more local employment • improved public transport

Opportunity: A wider range of sustainable transport options, including public transport and cycling routes, improved management of the freight network and the development of new infrastructure to bypass residential areas will reduce the impact of current and future transport operations.

development which are amongst the 10% most disadvantaged in the State. ‘Forced car ownership’ is high and communities are vulnerable to mortgage, petrol and inflation increases.

Opportunity: Transport and land use improvements that will enhance the sustainability and resilience of communities in the West include:

Resilient Alternatives:

• improved access to cost-effective transport options

Provide improved transport to address changing transport demands resulting from changes in land use and demographics.

• more accessible and diverse employment opportunities • provision of social, educational and community infrastructure within highly accessible locations or within walking or cycling distances.

Challenge: The West historically has low socio-economic indicators. While gentrification in the Inner West is changing this picture, the Region has larege areas of suburban

CAL

Bacchus Marsh

To Bendigo

DE R

FR

MELBOURNE AIRPORT

EE

Melton Melton Woodgrove

WESTERN FREE WA Y

Sydenham

Toolern To Ballarat Adelaide

N

Rockbank North

HIG

Rockbank South

HW AY

Caroline Springs St Albans

S WE

B R PA RK DEE

Y PA

KEY

Deer Park

Highpoint Sunshine

SS

Kororoit Creek

Footscray Melbourne

Major Roads

WEST GATE FREE W AY

Railway Line

Waterways, Rivers & Creeks

RE SF

AY EW k oc

PRINCE

Tarneit West

bD

Opportunity: Effective transport networks within the Region, and links to key areas outside it, are vital to providing access to employment, educational and social opportunities. Ensuring these networks extend through areas of disadvantage wil promote social inclusion and long term economic prosperity.

Tarneit

Werribee River

b We

Opportunity for future Rail Station

Laverton

Ports

Altona Pier

Wyndham Vale

Hoppers Crossing

N

Point Cook

For illustrative purposes only.

Not to scale.

Werribee

PR I

NCE

SH

IGH

WAY

Point Cooke

Sustain and develop the region’s competitive advantages through the design of the transport network.

Challenge: There are many town centres across the Region, and new centres have been identified by the Melbourne West Growth Corridor Plan. None of them have designated for higher-order social, cultural and educational infrastructure, apart from Footscray.

There is a need for additional focal points to support the Region based around strategically located nodes with good transport connectivity.

Opportunity: Creating social infrastructure in additional locations will diversify local employment and travel patterns.

This will also deliver metropolitan wide benefits through the reduction of congestion on the West Gate Freeway, metro rail network and potential East West Link.

Develop an integrated freight system.

Maribyrnong River

Town Centre

Rail Station

ESSENDON AIRPORT

T

Brimbank

Challenge: Congestion from population growth will impact on prosperity if the transport network is out paced by growing demand. The Region’s current population of more than 800,000 is heavily reliant on car transport.

This reliance will be compounded as the population grows to a forecast 1.1 million by 2016.

Competitive Positioning:

Freight:

AD

Plumpton

ER

RO

ST

NG

WE

RI

Promote opportunities for transport to support sustainable economic prosperity.

Gladstone Park

E RN

Economic development:

To Sydney Brisbane

Broadmeadows

WA Y

Princes Pier Station Pier

Access to employment:

Point Gellibrand

Challenge: The Region has many strategic geographic advantages that are not currently optimised for maximum efficiency and productivity. Its abundant supply of flat land makes it highly suitable for freight and industrial uses and it has unparalleled access to airports, ports, rail terminals, freight and logistics centres, Victoria’s regional cities and interstate transport corridors.

Opportunity: Building an integrated freight system in the Region will boost productivity. Investigating the Bay West port, managing key routes for freight, and developing an integrated Freight Activity Centre are key strategies to maximise logistics efficiency and productivity.

Priority solutions

Why invest / expected benefits

Principal Freight Network

Formalise the Principal Freight Network in the Region.

UÊ *À Û `iÊv ÀÊ ÀiÊivwV i ÌÊvÀi } ÌÊ Ûi i ÌÃ UÊ iÌÌiÀÊ > >}i i ÌÊ vÊÊvÀi } ÌÊ «>VÌÃ

Western Freight Activity Centre

Ìi}À>Ìi`Ê`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊÌ iÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê ÌiÀ `> Ê Ài } ÌÊ /iÀ > ]ÊÌ iÊ iÌÀ « Ì> Ê/iÀ > Ê-ÞÃÌi ]ÊÌ iÊÀ> Ê> `Ê À >`Ê­ * 6®Ê>VViÃÃÊÀ ÕÌiÃ]Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ>` >Vi ÌÊ > `ÊÕÃiÃÊ>à >Êà } iÊ>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀi°

UÊ -Ì Õ >ÌiÃÊ>ÊÃÌi«ÊV > }iÊ ÊvÀi } ÌÊ«À `ÕVÌ Û ÌÞÊ UÊ iÜÊi « Þ i ÌÊ `iÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i}

East West Link (Western Section)

ÊÀ >`Ê ÊLiÌÜii ÊÌ iÊ* ÀÌÊ vÊ i L ÕÀ iÊ> `ÊÌ iÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê, }Ê , >`Ê>ÌÊÌ iÊi>ÃÌiÀ Êi `Ê vÊÌ iÊ iiÀÊ*>À Ê Þ«>ÃÃÊ Ê-Õ Ã i°Ê

UÊ *À Û `iÃÊ>ÊVÀÕV > ÊÃiV `ÊVÀ ÃÃ }Ê vÊÊÊ Ê Ì iÊ9>ÀÀ>Ê> `Ê >À LÞÀ }Ê, ÛiÀÃÊ

SmartRoads

« iÌ Ê vÊ- >ÀÌ, >`ÃÊ« > }Êv ÀÊÌ iÊ À ÜÌ Ê Ài>Ê ÀÀ ` À°Ê

UÊ -Õ«« ÀÌÃÊÌ iÊÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊÃÕÃÌ> >L iÊ ÊÊ ÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊv ÀÊV Õ Ì iÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i}

Managed Motorways on the Region’s freeway system

Ê Ìi }i ÌÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊÃÞÃÌi ÃÊ Ì >Ì ÛiÊ`ià } i`ÊÌ Ê «Ì ÃiÊ Ì iÊ«iÀv À > ViÊ> `ÊV>«>V ÌÞÊ vÊÌ iÊ Ì ÀÜ>ÞÊ iÌÜ À °

UÊ >Ý ÃiÊÌ iÊivwV i VÞÊ vÊiÝ ÃÌ }Ê vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀi

Growth area arterial roads – corridor upgrades

Õ« V>Ì ]Ê«À Û Ã Ê vÊ«ÕL VÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊ vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀi]ÊÃ>viÌÞÊÊ «À Ûi i ÌÃ]Ê> `Ê«À Û Ã Ê vÊ}À>`iÊÃi«>À>Ì Ê>ÌÊ Ì ÀÜ>ÞÊ Õ VÌ ÃÊ> `ÊÀ> Ê iÛi ÊVÀ Ãà }ÃÊ Ê iÞÊ>ÀÌiÀ > ÊÀ >`ð

UÊ Õ `ÃÊÃ>viÀ]Ê ÀiÊivviVÌ ÛiÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊÀ ÕÌiÃÊv À Ê V Õ Ì iÃÊ> `ÊvÀi } Ì

Activity Centre arterial road/rail grade separations

ÕÀÊ iÛi ÊVÀ Ãà }ÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ,i} ½ÃÊ>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀiÃÊ >ÛiÊLii ÊÊ `i Ì wi`Ê>ÃÊ«À À Ì iÃÊv ÀÊ}À>`iÊÃi«>À>Ì Ê>ÌÊ ««iÀÃÊ À Ãà }]ÊÊ -ÌÊ L> Ã]Ê ÃÃi ` Ê> `Ê7>ÌiÀ}>À`i ðÊ

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Transit Network Development

ÊÃÕ ÌiÊ vÊ «À Ûi i ÌÃÊÌ Ê>``ÀiÃÃÊÌ iÊvÀiµÕi VÞ]ÊÀi >L ÌÞÊÊ > `ʵÕ> ÌÞÊ vÊ«ÕL VÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ\Ê UÊ 1«}À>`iÊiÝ ÃÌ }Ê«Ài Õ ÊÀ ÕÌiÃÊ UÊ ,i} > Ê,> Ê Ê UÊ i L ÕÀ iÊ iÌÀ É i L ÕÀ iÊ À« ÀÌÊ,> Ê Ê UÊ 7iÃÌÊ >ÌiÊ ÀiiÜ>ÞÊ ÕÃÊ,>« `Ê/À> à Ì

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Bay West Port Study

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UÊ -Õ«« ÀÌÃÊÌ iÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ vÊ> Ê Ìi}À>Ìi` Ê vÀi } ÌÊ iÌÜ À Ê ÊÌ iÊ,i}

Outer Metropolitan Ring Transport Corridor

ÕÀÌ iÀÊ ÛiÃÌ }>Ì Ê> `Êi>À ÞÊ`i ÛiÀÞÊ vÊv ÕÀÊ iÞÊÃiVÌ ÃÊ vÊÊ Ì ÃÊ > ÀÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌÊV ÀÀ ` À\Ê> ÌiÀ >Ì ÛiÊ>VViÃÃÊÌ Ê/Õ > >À iÊÊ À« ÀÌÆÊ> ÊiÝÌi à ÊÌ Ê Û> Ê À« ÀÌÊÉÊ >ÞÊ7iÃÌÊ«ÀiV VÌÆÊÊ Ì iÊ*À ViÃÊ } Ü>ÞÊqÊ,>Ûi > ÊÃiVÌ Ê>ÃÊ> Ê> ÌiÀ >Ì ÛiÊÌ Ê Ì iÊ £ÆÊ> `ÊÃÌ> `>À`Ê}>Õ}iÊÀ> °Ê

UÊ «À Ûi`Ê>VViÃÃÊÌ Ê iÞÊ`iÃÌ >Ì ÃÊ UÊ VÀi>Ãi`Ê iÌÜ À ÊÀià i ViÊ«À Û ` }Ê Ài Ê Ài >L iÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ

Cycling Network Development

/ ÃÊ«À iVÌÊV ÃiÃÊ}>«ÃÊ ÊÌ iÊÌÀ> Ê iÌÜ À Ê Ê iÞÊV ÕÌiÀÊÊ > `Ê>VÌ Û ÌÞÊVi ÌÀiÊ>VViÃÃÊÀ ÕÌiðÊ

UÊ > ViÊÌ iÊÃÕÃÌ> >L ÌÞÊ> `Ê Ûi>L ÌÞ

vÊÌ iÊ,i}

Impact reduction: Reduce the adverse impacts from transport operations in the Region.

Challenge: The transport network has not kept pace with growth in the Region. The result is heavy traffic in activity centres, congestion, freight travelling through residential areas and social exclusion due to limited transport options.

To Geelong

Avalon

AVALON AIRPORT

This is a summary of the Western Melbourne Transport Strategy, a regional transport strategy for the Western Region of Melbourne.

The Western Transport Strategy has been prepared for the partnership of the Western Transport Alliance western region Council members and LeadWest.

For further information please contact Wyndham City Council (www.wyndham.vic.gov.au) or LeadWest (www.leadwest.com.au).

BUSiNESS PROFILE

Reza Rezahe is a SEED program participant.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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BUSiNESS WEST

BUSiNESS PROFILE

W

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BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S the little project sprouting big successes for youth in the West.

The SEED (Sustainable Employment and Economic Development) Project is an initiative that started in 2009 through Moonee Valley City Council to get young people aged 16 to 25 into full-time, parttime or casual employment.

Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Melbourne Councils have since jumped on board, as well as other organisations like Toll.

Since November 2011, SEED has placed more than 74 young people into employment, 28 people into work experience and 88 into training.

It has also supported 140 registrants to develop employment pathway plans.

Erin Young from the SEED Project said the one-on-one support offered to

F O

the youths was what made the program so successful.

“We sit them down, help them write out their resume, give them as much help as they need, including post-placement support,” she said.

“The level of care the young person gets, and the level of support is above and beyond what they might get through Centrelink, or a job service agency.

“I also think what makes it different is that we’re targeting disengaged and disadvantaged youths.”

Helen Frost, who heads the SEED Project for Maribyrnong City Council, said the project was a perfect fit for the council.

“I know it can be really hard for them (youths) to get into the workforce, regardless of what knowledge they have or what qualifications they have,” Ms Frost said.

“We’ve had a few applicants come through (who don’t work out), but the thing is that I was able to give feedback to the SEED Project as to what they need to do to enhance their skills more.”

The council recently took on 22-year-old David Tay Phan, who works casually in the town hall’s call centre and acts as a Vietnamese interpreter.

Mr Phan, who has just completed his

Committee for

Wyndham inc.

Enhancing the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Melbourne’s West

committeeforwyndham.com.au

The Committee for Wyndham is on a focused recruitment drive and needs your support! As an apolitical, bi-partisan-based association, we work closely with businesses, community agencies and all levels of Government to enhance the future of the Wyndham region and more broadly, Melbourne’s west. As a Member you can have vital input into key challenges and the strategic growth of your community and region.

For information on becoming a member and supporting a number of strategic initiatives, including, employment growth and the liveability of Wyndham go to www.committeeforwyndham.com.au

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A AY E M OD CO R T BE BE EM M

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Biological Sciences degree at La Trobe University and has applied to do his Honours year, was first told about the SEED Project through Melbourne Citymission.

“I thought the council was a great place to start your career, so I just went for it,” he said.

“I’m learning so much, and the staff are really supportive.”

Reza Rezahe is another SEED success story.

The 28-year-old Footscray resident works full-time at the Moonee Valley Transfer Depot and has obtained his forklift licence and was training for his loader licence when he spoke with Business West.

Mr Rezahe said he had gone through another job service provider and was having no luck when his girlfriend told him about the SEED Project.

“I enjoy this job, it keeps me busy,” he said.

“I have a fantastic supervisor, and the job is great. I’d like to do more work here and get promoted.”

Supervisor Jason Agius added: “It’s great that the SEED Project gives these guys an opportunity.

“If you don’t have experience, people don’t want to give you a chance. The SEED Project is very valuable. It trains them up for the workforce and makes them employable.” [BW]

ANNUAL FESTIVE DINNER Date: Wednesday 4th December 2013 Venue: Mansion Hotel & Spa, Werribee Park This is the Premium event for the Wyndham Business Community and is not to be missed!

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BUSiNESS WEST

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Linda and Peter Hanley with daughter Avery.

BUSiNESS PROFILE

Below: Tutor Duyen Neuyen, left, with a student.

Pictures: JOE MASTROIANNI

THE FUTURE IS FIVE

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY WHAT hope is there for youth, education, and small business in the West?

According to local start-up Five Tuition, the future looks bright.

As finalists in the 2013 Telstra Australian Business Awards, Five Tuition has plenty to teach the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Husband and wife team Peter and Linda Hanley took the risk of their lives when they started Five Tuition with no business training in 2011.

Ms Hanley has been tutoring students in her parents’ living room while studying for her law degree, and found demand was high, so the pair opened their first campus with 50 students.

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In two short years, the couple have expanded with campuses in Point Cook and Caroline Springs and boast 45 staff and more than 400 students across the three campuses.

The business offers private tutoring to the students of Melbourne’s western suburbs, assisting students from Grade Prep to Year 12 in an extensive range of subjects.

During the session, students can receive help with their schoolwork, upcoming exams and SACS, or be taught concepts in advance.

The philosophy behind Five Tuition is brilliant in its simplicity: no more than five students per tutor, and no set curriculum.

The Hanleys hire the cream of the crop in tutors, ensuring all tutors have achieved an ATAR in the 90s.

“We knew that there would always be a temptation to put more students in each group for the purpose of making money, so we wanted to keep ourselves from that temptation (by naming the business Five Tuition). We think it’s the most students you can have while still paying attention to each individual student,” Mr Hanley said.

Ms Hanley added: “We don’t set a particular curriculum or teaching method, because we want to look at every single student that comes in, and see what their individual needs are to tailor our tuition to that.”

In addition to their teaching role, Five Tuition has raised thousands for charities that provide education to children in remote Indigenous communities and places like Cambodia,

Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, where education is often inaccessible because of poverty.

The pair hopes to one day establish a not-for-profit overseas campus. For now the Hanleys are working towards setting up 10 campuses around the West.

It is this drive and attention to detail that saw Five Tuition named as finalists in this year’s Telstra Business Awards.

Although the pair missed out on the top gong, they were thrilled to be recognised.

“A few people said we should go for it – but we didn’t feel ready for it, because we’re quite a new business. We felt there was more work to do, but we also felt it was time to get some people outside the organisation to look in and give us some feedback about where we’re at,” Mr Hanley said.

Ms Hanley added: “That was primarily was motivated us, we never thought we’d get as far as we have.”

“I think it really helps that we’ve been in a relationship a long time.”We’ve developed a really good friendship, and it makes working together a lot easier.”

Having said that, the discipline that comes with working as a couple makes it quite hard to stop work and the whole distinction between marriage, relationship, family life and work is all blurred.

“It’s very hard to switch off.” [BW]

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The Manufacturing Project will: • invite local manufacturers to tailored networking and knowledge sharing sessions with industry leaders. Sessions will provide an insight into business research and development strategies, process improvements, market expansion techniques, product value added

opportunities and innovation through industrial ecology; • launch ‘Invest West,’ a unique iPhone application that will provide potential investors with a summary of available industrial land across the region; • gain industry insight through two manufacturer surveys. The first survey will identify industry challenges and opportunities specific to Melbourne’s West; the second will measure changes in productivity through the course of the program; • highlight the West through a promotional video that features three successful manufacturing enterprises in Melbourne’s West; and

• invite industry to a Corporate Golf Day in October 2013, featuring post event roving mentors.

The continued development of a vibrant manufacturing sector is particularly important for the West. Current trends indicate that up to 21 per cent of Western Region residents are employed in manufacturing, with the West currently delivering 17.7 per cent of all manufacturing output within broader Melbourne, 13.6 per cent of manufacturing in Victoria and a significant 5.5 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output. These figures indicate the strong contribution manufacturing currently makes to local and regional employment and productivity outcomes. Through this program, the future contribution of manufacturing is further bolstered.

This innovative project positions Western Region manufacturers for success by delivering a range of networking, collaboration and information sharing activities that improve sustainable productivity outcomes.

The Project is based on sector enthusiasm and is being managed by Brimbank City Council’s Economic Development Unit on behalf of Melbourne’s West Export Network (MWEN).

Initially, the Project will reach over 500 Western Region manufacturers with an aim of developing a core group of 5 – 15 industry leaders who will provide leading examples of innovation and productivity. However, much more will be delivered to the region as the value added and supply chain focus provides a strong and relevant multiplier effect to the reach and impact of the Project.

Above: Apprentice at work.

Victoria University’s $44m Trade Training Centre provides greater access to skilled apprentices for manufacturers in Melbourne’s West.

To sponsor a hole, find out more about the Projector to book for the inaugural MWEN Corporate Golf Day, contact Council’s Economic Development Unit on 9249 4413 or email ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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The Project has been designed to be innovative in the manner in which information is delivered, as evidenced by the networking pinnacle, the inaugural MWEN Corporate Golf Day. Golf day participants will receive information packs including a copy of the promotional video, a link to the ‘Invest West’ iPhone application, and will also have access to a range of business support and productivity tips provided by mentors on the day.

BUSiNESS PROFILE

Mark Batten is learning to deal with rapid expansion.

Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY COMPLETE Hire Equipment has reached double digits.

The Sunshine company, which supplies a range of tools, boom lifts, cherry pickers and other equipment for construction, maintenance and DIY, is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and is already busy preparing for the next 10 years.

Owner Mark Batten started up the business in a small Laverton North warehouse in 2003 after managing a range of other hire companies and knew he was onto a winner.

The business expanded so rapidly in its first 12 months that it outgrew the premises.

He then moved to the current facility - which includes an office, showroom and lot - and plans to take over the adjoining block of land to expand once again.

Mr Batten is also looking to open another store this year in the East to expand his reach on the Melbourne market.

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“I learnt from a lot of different people and a lot of different companies through management roles, and I decided I could do it myself,” he said.

“Apart from the fact that I was now 100 per cent responsible, that was pretty much the only difference.

“Everywhere I’ve worked my whole life, I’ve treated the businesses like my own anyway.”

Complete Hire Equipment stocks around 4000 different tools, machines and equipment for hire, lending out the equipment to handy men, the building industry and even the film and television market.

The business was a finalist in the Hire Company of the Year award for the Hire and Rental Association of Australia.

end of last year on three boom lifts alone.

“If I had to stop updating the equipment, I’d have to close the business,” he said.

“It’s all driven by what the customers want.

“I suppose the Global Financial Crisis didn’t affect us as much because we were still buying equipment - every cent we’ve ever made out of the business, we’ve poured back into it. “I think that helps a hell of a lot.”

Mr Batten believes it’s the constant updating of equipment and a focus on offering customers good service that has made Complete Hire Equipment so successful.

“The problem I see these days is that people don’t care. We offer something different.

It’s a lucrative business, but also a competitive one.

“We offer good equipment, good service, if people want things at a certain time, we make sure it’s there on time.

Mr Batten said he has had to constantly fix and update equipment to stay current in the market, spending more than $500,000 at the

“We probably couldn’t be where we are today without the personnel that I have - without good people, your business is buggered.” [BW]

NEWS

PUTTING WOOD TO WORK IN THE WEST WHEN you take a look around many businesses today, wood still plays a central part and has done so for thousands of years.

Despite the advent of plastics, metals and composite materials, our oldest, natural resource is proving to be the most sustainable and universal product in storing and moving goods.

Interestingly, wood sourced from sustainable forests is also proving to be less carbon producing than most other business resources.

A local business that has invested in finding ways for business to turn wood into a sustainable advantage in business is the Rodpak Group based in Hoppers Crossing.

From the humble pallet to custom designed crates and cases, Rodpak are never surprised, (well almost) at the innovative applications of its diverse customers.

Chris Webster, Business Manager at the Hoppers Crossing operations, was literally

Rodpak’s Dean Roderick, from left, with Chris Webster and Steve Broadbent.

gob-smacked at a recent enquiry. “I thought I had heard everything,� he said. “The caller was looking for a home for his pet goat and using a crate on its side of course, had a lot of practical appeal - at least to the goat. Homeless goat’s included, we are always eager to understand and assess how we can help,� Chris said.

Recent local initiatives have included the representation at the National Vege Associations Show in Werribee South, the fitting out of some retail spaces in Point Cook and supplying the Mobile Food Initiative of Foodbank Victoria. “Our people are always keen to apply our experience with innovation and opportunity,�

Chris said. “We are at our best when we work alongside businesses to apply wood to best effect. The Mobile Food Initiative is a simple case of a situational need (food distribution at a range of locations and times), a purpose

GO LOCAL FOR YOUR TIMBER PACKAGING, PALLETS, BINS & CASES!

built design (bulk produce at the optimum height) and mobility (lightweight and strong with castors).�

However without imagination and motivation of Foodbank Victoria it would not have happened, Chris explained.

Another local initiative that has demonstrated the adaptability and usefulness of timber is visible at the Point Cook Shopping Centre.

A new tenant, keen on establishing and furnishing their store with a cost effective and eco-friendly theme, has used recycled pallets to fit-out their store. The final result is quite stunning, Chris said. “We are passionate and thoughtful about wood, its properties and potential and we see our most natural resource continuing to play a key part in the innovation and development of Melbourne’s West’s burgeoning growth and development.� [BW]

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BUSiNESS WEST

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Q&A Speech pathologist Renee Townson.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

WELL

SPOKEN

RENEE TOWNSON started her career working as a Speech Pathologist in a Special Developmental School in the western suburbs of Melbourne, providing services and support to children with moderate to severe Intellectual Disability and other additional needs. She has also worked in a Special School setting and for an Early Intervention Specialist for Australia’s largest Autism specific service provider. Most of her career has been dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families and carers.

1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT SKILLS DID IT GIVE YOU TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My first job was working as the sole speech pathologist in a Special Developmental School in Melbourne’s West. It gave me a range of skills that have been crucial in getting to where I am today, including, most importantly, developing rapport with children of all abilities, working closely with families, carers and other professionals, communicating with a range of people from all walks of life and multitasking! Another key skill I developed in the setting was effectively coordinating a team of staff and an allied health service within an educational context.

2. WHO INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY? I am inspired by so many people both personally and professionally.

My business partner Rose is a constant source of inspiration. She motivates me to continuously develop and improve our service. I am also blessed with a hardworking and dedicated team who inspire me with their enthusiasm and support. Of course the wonderful children I work with and their families inspire me with their desire to learn and willingness to try something new. Finally I am inspired by my family who encouraged me endlessly to start my own business and follow my dreams.

3. HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? I like to go to the gym, walk my dog and engage in anything else physical and challenging. I also enjoy spending time with my family.

When I really need to relax I might go for a massage.

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4. IF YOU HAD TO INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO A BUSINESS LUNCHEON, WHO WOULD IT BE? I would obviously want my business partner Rose to attend as we do everything in partnership! I would also invite my brother who has played a key role in helping me to develop my understanding in business, Christine Lyons (private practice guru from our professional association Speech Pathology Australia), Doreen (Waters Edge Business Centre) who is in many ways my business mentor, and a representative from Small Business Victoria who has an interest/experience in service provision such as ours.

5. WORDS IN MOTION WON THE BEST NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD AT THE RECENT MELTON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, AND THE BUSINESS, TO WIN THIS AWARD? Being recognised as Melton’s best new and emerging business means many things to both myself and our business. It meant a lot to me personally as it was recognition of the investment of time, energy, brain power and sanity that we both have contributed (happily) to get our clinic to the point where it is in such a short period of time. As a business I think that it serves to reinforce the importance of a service such as ours to the community. It is also reassurance that we are not only providing a valuable service to the children we work with and their families, but that we are also establishing a sound business, with structures that will enable longevity, which I think can be easy to lose sight of when working in our industry.

Q&A

Speech pathologist Rose Purdie.

Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

Over the past ten years ROSE PURDIE has worked in a broad range of paediatric settings, including in a multidisciplinary team with the Education Department working in schools for a number of years and heading up a pilot project in a childcare centre advocating for early intervention for toddlers and young children. She spent a year overseas in the Falkland Islands providing therapy and support for students with special needs in the mainstream setting, with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, as well as home-based services in remote communities.

Rose has worked previously in a busy private speech pathology clinic, utilising evidence-based practice in therapy for children with articulation and phonological disorders, language delay and disorders, auditory processing difficulties, autism spectrum disorders and fluency difficulties. She has also worked in a special developmental school, supporting students with an ASD, intellectual disabilities and other disabilities. Just prior to going into partnership in private practice she worked in early intervention for an autism specific service provider offering home-based family-centred practice.

1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT SKILLS DID IT GIVE YOU TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My first job was working in the Education Department as a speech pathologist in schools and kindergartens. Because a large part of the role was doing standardised assessments I believe this gave me very solid grounding regarding accurate diagnosis and necessary intervention. In addition, I was part of a large team including very experienced clinicians, given good mentoring and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities.

2. WHO INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY? Many people inspire me. On a daily basis I am inspired by parents of the children I work with: their commitment, dedication and desire to do whatever they can to help their children succeed, and their persistence in challenging circumstances. I am also inspired daily by my business partner Renee, without whom I never would have taken up the challenge of private practice. She manages the business aspects of our practice incredibly well and shares my passion to give children the best opportunities in life.

3. HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? Away from work I relax by spending quality time with my husband, family and friends.

4. IF YOU HAD TO INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO A BUSINESS LUNCHEON, WHO WOULD IT BE? Given my focus on the clinical side of the practice, if I had to invite five people to a business luncheon they would be speech pathologists who are experts at what they do: Caroline Bowen, Carol Westby, Christine Lyons (Speech Pathology Australia), Liberty Gates (practice manager of the private practice I used to work in) and of course my business partner Renee!

5. WORDS IN MOTION WON THE BEST NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD AT THE RECENT MELTON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, AND THE BUSINESS, TO WIN THIS AWARD? It is an unexpected honour and privilege to have received the award for Best New and Emerging Business. Not only is it encouraging personally to have hard work and dedication acknowledged, but I trust that it may be a helpful stepping stone towards the business continuing to expand in order to better serve our local community.

BUSiNESS WEST

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BUSiNESS PROFILE

branches

OUT

Snap’s Rich Wright says the business has broadened its market.

Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

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100717

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IF THE question is print, design or websites, the answer is Snap.

It’s the largest print, design and website franchise group in Australia, with more than 140 franchises and 500 employees nationally - and it has been busy trying to reposition itself in an ever-growing market.

James McGill, who runs a Snap franchise in the West, has had a busy year as the franchise shed its original Snap Printing title to become Snap.

With the name change came a corresponding expansion of non-print services such as e-publications, QR codes, websites, videos, direct mail campaigns and other marketing materials, to add to its solid reputation as a print specialist.

“It’s been a while, but people still think we only do printing,” sales and marketing manager Rich Wright said.

“We can do websites, we can do electronic publishing, we can do design.”

Mr McGill’s franchise has more than 300 active clients on its database, with more than 90 per cent of their clientele business clients.

One of those reasons could be the marketing health checks that Snap has begun to offer.

The free, no obligation service is offered to any existing business, or anyone who is thinking of starting one, and includes an overall discussion about budget, objectives, timeframes and possible solutions.

“We talk about a client’s business, and how to help that business - whether it’s launching the business, refreshing the business and promoting the business,” Mr McGill said.

“That’s the three main things we talk about to help them grow.

“Our point of difference is that we understand business.

“We want to be seen as a one-stop shop to help businesses grow using print, design, websites, marketing.”

Mr Wright added: “It’s about understanding what the client wants rather than just taking an order and not really worrying about what the client is doing with it.”

Mr McGill said there was a lot of competition in the print industry, but said Snap’s growing repertoire of services was making them stand out from the rest, especially in the West.

And Mr McGill would know - it’s the brand recognition and promise of flexibility that attracted him to buy a Snap franchise in the first place.

“I went for a franchise because of the systems and processes that it had. The brand Snap is very valued and well-known, and it’s got a great reputation in Australia,” he said.

“I knew that the West was one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and it was easy for me to get here.” [BW]

SMALL TALK AGE DISCRIMINATION MORE than a third of people aged 45-plus have experienced age discrimination in their search for employment.

That’s the finding from The National Seniors report Age Discrimination in the Labour Market: Experiences and Perceptions of Mature Age Australians, which draws from a Federal Government data.

The report found 36 per cent of people aged over 45 had experienced age discrimination when looking for work, while 31 per cent of retirees said the mere perception that employers considered them “too old” had greatly influenced their decision to leave the workforce altogether.

Within their existing workplaces, 13 per cent say they have been denied training, promotion and equal pay while suffering derogatory comments and feeling “forced out” on the basis of age.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the results show efforts to raise Australia’s mature age workforce participation rates run counter to a tide of discrimination both perceived and real.

“Reach a certain age and the doors to training, promotion and even that second interview start closing,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Workplace age discrimination is insipid, very difficult to prove and quietly undermining efforts to increase Australia’s mature-age participation rates.”

KEEPING MUM A SURVEY of more than 1100 Australian mums has revealed money is not their primary concern when it comes to paid employment.

Australian mums consistently ranked the issue of flexibility around family commitments as more important to them than salary.

A massive 94 per cent of survey respondents said that they would give up part of their salary if it meant they could work from home, work more flexible hours or even work less hours.

And more than 90 per cent did not want a job with a high salary attached, if it also meant working really long hours.

Only 12.5 per cent ranked high income as the most desirable factor in a job.

“Of course money is important, but when you have a family, your priorities change,” mother and self-employed author Sarah Megginson said.

“That’s why career flexibility is so important. Many mums want to earn a living and head back to work, at least part time, but balancing the logistics of having kids and a career can be brutal.”

QENOS POWERS ON QENOS has unveiled a $195 million stateof-the-art cogeneration facility at its Altona plant that will provide on-site power for the business.

The cogeneration project has been completed in conjunction with AGL and is the largest industrial cogeneration plant built in Australia in a decade.

Cogeneration involves the use of a heat engine to produce both electricity and heat.

This form of energy production is more efficient, produces less greenhouse gas emissions and can be highly economical for businesses.

The facility generates electricity at a lower greenhouse gas emissions intensity than the average emissions intensity of generators in the National Electricity Market.

Further savings are achieved because all waste heat from the gas turbine is used to produce the steam required by Qenos, saving them the need to install separate gas fired boilers.

Qenos is Australia’s sole manufacturer and leading supplier of world class polyethylene and polymers.

SCIENCE WORKS ONE of the world’s leading curators of human biology and medicine, Dr Nurin Veis, has been appointed the new manager of Scienceworks.

Dr J. Patrick Greene, Museum Victoria CEO said that Dr Veis’ appointment heralded the beginning of an exciting new era for Scienceworks.

“Since opening in 1992, Scienceworks has opened the eyes of many to exploring concepts through interactive, hands-on exhibits. I am delighted to welcome Dr Nurin Veis to the role as she leads the development of Scienceworks well into the future,” Dr Greene said.

Dr Veis takes over from Genevieve Fahey.

She has bold plans for the site, with a vision of innovation and cultural growth in line with the rapid development of the West.

“I want people of all ages to be inspired by science – that’s where my motivation comes from,” Dr Veis said.“I want to be able to open people’s eyes to something new, to something challenging, or to something they haven’t been able to access before.”

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OUT OF HOURS

Growth leader THE Committee for Wyndham took a look at the future of the East Werribee Employment precinct at a recent breakfast held at Wyndham Cache. Macroplan Dimasi chairman Brian Haratsis was guest speaker at the event, and detailed why the west of Melbourne will lead Melbourne’s growth in the next 20 years. He addressed key planning and infrastructure requirements in relation to the East Werribee Employment precinct, as well as elements of the draft Master Plan released by the Growth Areas Authority and the State Government.

Above left: Michael Royal of BIR Solutions.

Above: Peter Hudson, Chairman Commitee of Wyndham.

From left, Angus Reed (Lyons Capital), Adam Fyfe (North Melbourne FC) and Cam Vale (North Melbourne FC).

Pictures: MATHEW LYNN

From left: David Farrugia, owner at Top Notch Consulting Pty Ltd. Rachael Fisher, Business Relationship Consultant at MEGT - Apprenticeship Centre. Alisa Chen, Career Development Practitioner Employment Services Consultant at CRS Australia. Ellen Kessler, Community PLanning and Engagement Office at Brimbank City Council.

Against the odds BRIMBANK City Council hosted its second business breakfast for the year at Overnewton Castle Receptions. Guest speaker Khoa Do, brother of comedian Anh Do, told his story of success and triumph against all odds.

Mr Do arrived in Australia as a refugee and has since studied a Arts/Law degree and is an awardwinning film director.

Pictures: NICOLE SULTANA

Guest speaker Khao Do with Peter Lewinsky, Administrator at Brimbank City Council.

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Guest speaker and film producer at Imagine Fly, Khao Do.

OUT OF HOURS

Twitter time SOCIAL media was the buzzword at a recent Greater Melton Chamber of Commerce workshop held at Melton’s Q Lounge. Guest speaker Sam Mutimer talked Facebook, Twitter and the best ways to make them work for business.

Pictures: KRISTIAN SCOTT

Sam Mutimer talked about social media.

Businesses from across the West gained some knowledge about social media.

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BW NETWORK Business West Network – a growing directory of local businesses ready to do business with you.

You can join the Business West Network by registering online at www.businesswest.com.au to make sure you receive your personal copy of Business West AND receive a free onetime 30-word listing for your business in a future edition.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT & RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS PL 38 Duncans Rd, Werribee, Victoria 9741 8795 Financial Planning, Superannuation, Investments, Asset Finance, Home and Investment Lending, Insurances/Wealth Protection Member of Count Financial Ltd.

YOUR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PO Box 2325, Greenvale, Victoria 1300 566 729/0414 420 188 www.ycfo.com.au Management of personal financial affairs.

We save you time paying your bills and find you the cheapest service providers such as Gas & Electricity, saving you money.

TIMEWISE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PO Box 3744, Caroline Springs, Victoria 0402 022 058 www.timewise.com.au Timewise Business Solutions provides bookkeeping and business support services to small and medium businesses in the north and western suburbs of Melbourne.

TRACY THE PLACEMENT PEOPLE 17 Hall St, Newport, Victoria 8331 500 www.tracys.com.au Tracy the Placement People recruitment is to provide clients with a total employment package and to assist businesses with the ultimate solutions to their employment needs.

WRITEWAY COMMUNICATIONS PO Box 2382, Taylors Lakes, Victoria 0410 534489 www.writewaypr.com.au Individual & Couples Counselling. Improve your social skills and ability to work through life challenges with counselling and training.Training includes improving assertive skills & conflict mgmnt. Workplace counselling also available.

NAOMI WARING BOOKKEEPING & MARKETING 59 Knightsbridge Dve, Tarneit, Victoria 0439 312 782 Bookkeeping and Marketing solutions for small business. Contact me to get your accounts on track or to increase sales and brand awareness.

INTAIR TRAVELSCENE AMERICAN EXPRESS 1/8 Tongue St, Yarraville, Victoria 9817-7388 www.intair.com.au Intair has been in the travel industry for 30 years. We will customise your business travel arrangements and provide the best service available to meet your requirements.

DM URBAN PROJECTS PTY LTD 41 Powell St, Yarraville, Victoria 0422 185 363 www.dmurbanprojects.com.au We are a domestic building company that specialises in renovating period Edwardian and Victorian homes. We help our clients from design stage right through to construction.

ASCENT PRIVATE WEALTH L10 356 Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria 96725116 www.ascentpw.com.au We help successful individuals and families get their entire financial house in order and keep it that way.

MY JOB IS YOUR ACCOUNTS 2 Wyena Crt, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 0433 854 650 Small business and individual income tax returns, BAS/IAS lodgment, GST Returns, Bookkeeping, Financial statements, Company/Trust/SMSF formation, Bank recon, Payroll processing, ABN/ GST/PAYG/TFN/Business Names application and registration, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Certification: Stat Dec/CertifyTrue Copies.

WESTSIDE JOINERY P/L PO Box 783, Sunshine, Victoria 9311 4072 Established in 1971, Westside Joinery manufacture custom built windows, doors and frames from Select Vic Ash and Western Red Cedar in their large Sunshine factory.

MEDIA MONITORS 120 Miller St, West Melbourne, Victoria 8327 6400 www.mediamonitors.com.au Media Monitors provides over 5,000 corporate, government and non-for-profit organisations customised access to media intelligence services and innovative tools to enable effective communications.

OSTEOPATH JEM 91 Ferguson St, Williamstown, Victoria 9397 3263 www.osteopathjem.com.au Fixes joint, muscle, visceral and nerve pains gently using cranio-sacral and deep tissue massage.

Women, men, elderly and children all treated.

Specialises in back, neck, shoulder, hip, and knee pains.

TAMMY B PHOTOGRAPHY 43 Palmerston St, West Footscray, Victoria 0400 575 927 tammybphotography.com.au Newborn, baby, children, family, special event and wedding photographer based in Melbourne, Victoria, specialising in newborns, babies, children, families, special events and weddings. Studio and location photo shoots.

ASCOT PARTNERS 227 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne, Victoria 9373 2102 www.ascotpartners.com.au Accounting and financial services practice servcing small business Australia wide.

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WESTERN TRUCK REPAIRS 1 Ponting St, Williamstown, Victoria 9393355 www.westerntruckrepairs.com.au Commenced buisness in 1996 in the repair of heavy transport trucks and trailers which have been involved in accidents. Employs 50 staff in all facets of reapiring heavy equipment.

MATTHEWS STEER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS L2, 7 English St, Essendon Fields, Victoria 9325 6300 www.matthewssteer.com.au Services include: Accounting, Business Services, Debt Advisory, Financial Planning.

THE 26TH LETTER 33 Collingwood Rd, Newport, Victoria 0431 013 256 www.the26thletter.com.au Zara is a commercial photographer specialising in creating images for websites, blogs and print media.

WESTERN OPPOSITE LOCK 143 High St, Melton, Victoria 8746 0340 www.westernoppositelock.com.au Western Opposite Lock caters to the needs for 4WD enthusiasts and those looking to add accesories to their vehicles. Set within Melton Toyota we have a full showroom display.

REDEFINE STUDIO 10 Barnes Pl, Werribee, Victoria 9741 5541 www.redefinestudio.com.au Toning tables that help reduce inches off your body without stress or strain. The most relaxing way to exercise.

ALL DEGREES OF HEALTH 294 Buckley St, Essendon, Victoria 9331 0951 www.alldegreesofhealth.com.au Your one stop wellness centre! Our team of health practitioner’s help with weight loss, pain, stress and more. IncludesNaturopathy, Natural Fertility, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Massage and Yoga.

ARS CONSULTING PTY LTD 3 Ribbon Cl, Point Cook, Victoria 0433 164 664 Over past 15 years of our experience in product development and importing, of Leather Belts, Hand Bags , Garments, carves, Home Furnishing, Artificial Jewelery, we work with major global markets.

CALIBRE PERSONNEL Office 3, 6 Neville Ave, Laverton, Victoria 9369 4930 www.calibrepersonnel.com.au Small privately owned labour hire company that predominately uses people to work as forklift drivers, truck drivers, container unloaders.

Business expanding into adminsitration, hospitality.

FFOR OR YOUR DIARY

AUGUST Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1 2 3 4 Exceptional Customer Service seminar.

Hobsons Bay City Council Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, Meeting Room 3. 9.30am-2pm. $20, includes tea, coffee and a light lunch. Call 9932 1000 for more information or to book.

Moonee Valley Council Gala Business Event.

The Boathouse, 7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds.

6pm-8.30pm. Guest speaker Professor Neville Norman. Go to mvcc.vic. gov.au/businessevents to book.

Financing Your Business seminar. Melton Civic Centre, 232 High St, Melton. 6pm-8pm. $20.

Call 9747 7200 to book.

Employer Obligations seminar. Quest Hotel, 69 Synnot St, Werribee.

6pm-7.30pm. Call 9742 8433 or email werribee@ whk.com.au to book.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The Art of Networking workshop. Kangan Institute , 38 Buckley Street, Essendon.

9.30am-12.30pm. $50.

Call 9094 3093 to book.

What is Working and What is Not (Business Analytics is the Answer) seminar. Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.

10am-11:30am, morning tea provided. Email business@wyndham. vic.gov.au for more information or to register.

Attack, Defend and Grow Profits seminar.

Wyndham City Civic Centre, Werribee. 6pm to 8pm. Free. Email business@wyndham.vic. gov.au.

Speed Networking.

Bluestone Church, , Footscray. 6.30pm8.30pm. $25. Call 9688 0195 to book.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Managing and Growing Your Brand Online seminar. Kangan Institute, 38 Buckley Street, Essendon. 9.30am12.30pm. $50. Call 9094 3093 to book.

Better Business Practices workshop.

Brimbank Council Offices, 704b Old Calder Highway, Keilor. 6pm-9.30pm. $30.

Call 9249 4413 to book.

26 27 28 29 30 31 Selling in the Offline World workshop.

Bluestone Church, 8a Hyde St, Footscray.

6.30pm-9.30pm. $25.

Call 9688 0195 to book.

Go Online: A Start up Guide for Business seminar. Moonee Valley City Council, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds.

6pm-8pm. $20. Call 9243 1082 to book.

Applications to exhibit at the 2013 MatchWorks City of Melton Business Expo close today. Email jeremyl@melton. vic.gov.au for more information.

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Collins & Co 127 Paisley Street, Footscray VIC 3011 T 03 9680 1000 F 03 9689 6605 E fc@collinsco.com.au

www.collinsco.com.au Tax Advice | Superannuation | Business Advisory | Audit | Succession Planning Business Valuations | Estate Planning | Wealth Creation

1059795-SL04-13

Terry Considine, owner Secon and Fabio Cammarano, partner of Collins & Co

Accountants & Advisors to the Transport & Logistics Industry