Central Coast Business Review June 2020

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June 2020 Published monthly (except January)

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Planning Panel approves Gosford development “Not happy Minister” as Council loses more planning powers Erina company outfoxing shoplifters Bambi flatout selling Australian Made Council changes tack on tourism

Page 8 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Innovation an everyday event for small business owners


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CON T EN TS

DIGITAL EDITION

Business news 4 Erina company outfoxing shoplilfters 5 Bambi flat-out selling Australian Made 6 CCBR now in its 31st Year 7 Protective Fencing sails through COVID-19 8 Council changes tack on tourism 8 Central Coast could enjoy double summers holiday demand 9 Tourism planning for after the virus 9 New Warnervale Primary School to be fasttracked 10 New facilities for students at Central Coast Grammar School 10 Wyong Hospital construction moves to next stage 11 Planning Panel approves Gosford development 11 Warriors come to the Coast 11 2 affordable housing projects in Gosford for Compass Housing 12 Real estate buyers’ representative gaining acceptance 12 Using creative arts to bring hope back to Coast 12 Rampaige’s Barber opens in Lakeside Shopping Centre 13 Local author and spice merchant to present at The Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery 2020 13 Another award-winning campaign from local advertising agency GBD

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14 Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement on Exhibition – Excludes Warnervale Airport 14 Council approves 5-story hotel for Ettalong Beach 14 $6.6 million grant for Cessnock Airport 15 “Not happy Minister” as Council loses more planning powers 15 Labor hijacks Cr McLachlan’s plans for Gosford Waterfront 15 Crouch accuses Council of blocking major projects 16 Exporting Australian art from Terrigal 16 Coming home to climate change 17 Give home a miss – work from a Bonython office in Gosford 18 Is your business on track for End of Financial Year? 21 Rent relief package for commercial tenants 22 Why the new safe-harbour laws are not a free pass to insolvent trading

Regular features 6

Edgar Adams’ Editorial

Innovation an everyday event for small business owners

7 Manufacturing news 8 Tourism news 12 Business briefs 14 Central Coast Council news 16 The Arts 17 Property news 21 Business tips 24 Funny business

Front cover: Architect’s image of proposed Horizons project Gosford

Hear Edgar Adams’ business comment 8.10am each Monday.

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Central Coast Business Review Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Phone 02 4367 0733 Fax 02 4367 0744 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

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BUSINESS NEWS

Erina company outfoxing shoplifters IN THE RETAIL trade its called ‘shrinkage,’ but it is straight out theft. An Australianbased study (Profit Protection Future Forum,) has found that shoplifting is surging, with major retailers losing over $3.3 billion last year alone. Shoplifters today use a hook or magnet device, legally purchased online from hundreds of sellers, to remove security tags in-store and within seconds. These bootleg detachers can be concealed in a hand or pockets and are used to quickly and easily open old-style security tags, without a sound or disturbance to notify staff that it’s happening. It is so prevalent that it has spawned an entire industry with shoplifters working together and operating their own how-tosteal websites,” says Robert Bodill, Co-owner and Managing Director of Erina based manufacturer of a new innovative anti-theft device for clothing stores. For the past fifteen years, Mr Bodill has been importing and distributing a range of technologies in the retail security sector both here and abroad. In early 2019, Mr Bodill secured the exclusive Australian distributorship for the LOXXYS security tag along with a range of complementary detection systems which are marketed under the Fox Guard brand. Mr Bodill needed additional capital and management expertise to grow the business and brought local entrepreneur Mr Paul Klumper on board as co-founder and COO. Since its inception in June 2019, Fox Guard’s unique security tag has swept through the retail industry. The results have been phenomenal, with reductions in shoplifting of between 50% to 80% and an average return on investment (ROI) of 12

FoxGuard Security founders Paul Klumper and Robert Bodill months or less. His first significant sale was in June 2019 to Rebel Sport who bought 300,000 units for twenty of their stores. Off the back of that successful trial, Rebel is now rolling out Fox Guard across their entire store network. Luxury retailers including the Haynes Group, Kering Group, Saint Laurent, Dior and surf and urban retailers City Beach and Universal Store were also undertaking test programs until COVID-19 dramatically shut down the retail apparel market. Meanwhile, Fox Guard had negotiated an exclusive distributorship with a USA company to secure and display fragrance bottle testers – another opportunity for shoplifters. Retailers Terry White Chemists and Myer have shown interest, and Davka Beauty, one of Australia’s largest importers of fragrances has come on board to promote the product into 3,000 pharmacy stores. In February 2020 Mr Bodill and Mr Klumper visited the world’s biggest retail

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LOXXYS security tag trade fair, Euroshop in Germany, and while there successfully negotiated to buy the global manufacturing and intellectual rights for the full range of LOXXYS products. Within three months they had set up a USA office and warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina, appointed a CEO and had made their first sale to a major retailer. Except that the coronavirus hit within a month forcing the business to hibernate until trade-as-usual returns. COVID-19 a Crisis and Opportunity The last year has seen Fox Guard undergo a massive expansion with opportunities unfolding by the month. And then COVID19 struck and closed down the retail industry overnight. Fox Guard’s turnover took a 90% hit. Not being the types to lie down and die both Bodill and Klumper moved quickly to enter the growing hand sanitiser market. Leveraging their relationship with Davka Beauty, the team established a partnership to manufacture a range of hand sanitisers which they are marketing online through their new brand and website www.wholesalehandsanitiser.com.au. Yet again, their range of products has taken off with a bang, winning more than 100 clients in the first month to supply schools, offices, government agencies and industry in all states. The team’s focus of products manufactured in Australia under the highest local standards and compliance was a smart decision. In the first week after the website went live to the public, they sold $20,000 worth of hand sanitiser and related products, with sales currently growing by 50% every seven days.


BUSINESS NEWS

Bambi flat out selling Australian Made BAMBI ENTERPRISES, MANUFACTURERS of bedding products, at West Gosford is riding the Australian Made wave as consumers turn away from imported products as a result of the coronavirus. Managing Director, Peter Witney, said online sales had gone through the roof, mostly because people are looking for Australian made products. “At the same time our sales through Harvey Norman are going gangbusters and that is because they have remained open right through the ‘lockdown’. Customers are going in to buy computers and office furniture and have to walk past the bedding department. Harvey Norman are great promoters of Australian made products and so people pick up some pillows or a quilt as they go past.” Early on as the coronavirus took hold Bambi looked at switching to personal protective clothing which the Health Department indicated they would place an order however this never eventuated. “That turned out to be a good thing as we are in full production and working overtime,” said Mr Witney. Bambi Enterprises is a local family owned business that was established by Peter and Janita Witney in their lounge room at Point Clare 35 years ago. Today they employ over 25 people at the West Gosford factory. Bambi is Australia’s leading bedding products manufacturers. Mr Witney said that the secret of their success was that they sell only quality products made from Australian wool, alpaca and natural fibres.

Bambi Enterprises Managing Director, Peter Witney Major retailers who sell Bambi products included Harvey Norman, Domayne, Forty Winks, Baby Bunting and many others. Bambi also has a strong online export market which Mr Witney puts down to their membership of the Australian Made organisation.

Bambi Enterprises Managing Director, Peter Witney

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Innovation an everyday event for small business owners ONE OF THE most interesting aspects that have emerged from the coronavirus pandemic is the number of experts who, seeing an opportunity, have come out with all sorts of advice on how to get through this crisis. Some of this advice is coming from the government sector where, generally speaking, the term ‘innovation’ is a contradiction. And there are plenty of consultants, with no grass roots experience of actually running a business, getting in on the act as well. There is a lot of talk around ‘innovation’ as if this is something new and business owners don’t know what it is or don’t understand it. As anyone who owns a business and has to make enough money each week to pay the wages and the expenses knows, coming up with new ideas is almost a day to day way of running a business. That is what ‘innovation’ is – new ideas and right now every business owner with any nous would have their brains working overtime coming up with ideas to ensure the survival of their business. Of course, being able to put new ideas into practice quickly is also another important factor. This month CCBR features three businesses who know all about innovation: Bambi Enterprises, FoxGuard Security and Protective Fencing.

CCBR now in 31st Year June 1990 saw Central Coast Business Review first published. Since then, every month we have strived to keep our business readers up to date with local business news and take on issues that affect them – particularly in relation to local government. We thank our advertisers and subscribers for their support over these years. We are totally committed to our region and will always be so.

The Draft Central Coast Local Strategic Planning Statement, a 20 year planning vision for the region is on display until June 8th after that Council must approve it and get it to the Minister for Planning by 1 July. This very important document which our Councillors did all they could to stop is only out there now because the Minister for Planning had to step in. The whole thing has either been done in a rush or council didn’t want people who understand the issues around land planning to get in the way. Read our comments on Page 14. CORRECTION Last month we reported in our article Revitalisation of Gosford City now a myth that promises made in the lead up to the election have been conveniently forgotten. The $52 million for the Gosford City infra-

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structure upgrade has been dumped. This was incorrect. Minister for the Central Coast Adam Crouch MP has advised CCBR that Council has received $42,578,922 for Gosford CBD sewerage and water infrastructure which includes sewerage gravity mains, sewerage pressure mains, two new sewerage pumping stations and one sewerage pumping station upgrade and Includes water mains, pressure reduction valve and a non-return valve. These funds have been paid to Council.

Edgar Adams Editor


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BUSINESS NEWS

Protective sails through COVID-19 crisis ONE OF THE most talked about issues to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis has been Australia’s dependence on overseas manufactured goods. The much vaunted idea that globalisation would be the panacea to all of Australia’s supply needs from cheap medicines to chemicals and all sorts of manufactured goods from China and the rest of Asia has proved to be a myth. With supply chains being disrupted and the dollar dropping through the floor those businesses who opted for lower quality and lower costs have been caught and business continuity has been put at risk. As the AU$ remains way below US70c, imported goods appearing cheaper, generally speaking, is not working anymore. Manufacturers who have relied upon the import of raw materials and finished goods are scrambling to find local supply sources. Australian Made quality products are now looking to be much better value than imported goods. Australian made products have shorter lead times than the imported product and more certainty around supply chain continuity and it looks to stay that way for a long time. One of the best examples of this being the case is with Somersby fence manufacturers, Protective Fencing, who have stuck with Australian steel manufacturers for over forty years and are now being rewarded with a guarantee of supply of their raw

James Gibbens, Craig Gibbens and Samantha Swain material and as a result are able to guarantee supply to customers who have similarly been loyal to them over that period. InfraBuild, formerly known as OneSteel, is the only supplier of steel wire products made from Australian steel and they have been around for over 100 years. “They know us and we know them, it’s a matter of trust,” says Craig Gibbens, Protective Fencing Managing Director. These business relationships and commitment to quality products and service is the reason why there has been no downturn for Protective Fencing. “Our turnover has been consistent all along,” says Mr Gibbens, “We have been able to maintain our workforce right through this crisis and I don’t see that changing.” Commenting on the COVID-19 as a health and safety issue, General Manager of Sales, Ben Gregson said, “right from the start we took specific precautions to ensure the personal safety of all our staff. Some

work from home where it is best for them and across the business everyone practices social distancing. It has brought our team together because they appreciate that we are taking precautions seriously. Daily online WIP meetings are making us more connected and this is fed into improved efficiencies”. A local family owned business Protective Fencing makes a wide range of chain wire mesh fencing and for all industrial and infrastructure applications. They are leading manufacturers of a wide range of high security fencing sold under the Promax brand for airports, rail yards, mining, power stations and many other applications. The company operates its own logistics division with their own fleet of trucks that ensures guaranteed delivery times to customers. “We control every aspect of the supply chain which gives us that edge over competitors,” says Mr Gibbens.

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TOURISM NEWS

Council changes tack on tourism AT ITS MAY 11 meeting Central Coast Council adopted a new way forward in respect of marketing tourism. With the current tourism marketing contract, which had a total focus on digital marketing using social media, expiring on 30 June 2020 the current model for tourism management has been identified as requiring a change. This is to ensure that the regional and strategic focus is achieved with the delivery of the Destination Brand Strategy, Tourism Opportunity Plan and meet the needs of the industry going forward to achieve the competitive market challenges of regional tourism. A report to Council says it is time to recruit the appropriately skilled and experienced internal resources to provide a dedicated team to manage and deliver the services needed, inclusive of Visitor Services, website development and management, and the Tourism Opportunity Plan strategic activities. As well the report say it is time to undertake procurement of the proposed contracted specialty services, such as industry services and digital and creative marketing agencies. operators have expressed the view they prefer the support of an external organisation for tourism industry service.. Supporting Council’s new direction the region’s independent tourism industry organisation, Central Coast Tourism (CCT), welcomed the decision to bring tourism marketing and coordination facilities “in house”. CCT’s Chairman, David Jewell said that, on balance, the CCT Board believed that the decision was the right one, particularly as it would integrate tourism services and planning across the whole of Council’s economic development strategy.

Terrigal Beach “Given the need to coordinate the Central Coast’s tourism industry’s recovery from Covid-19, we believe it is important to rule a line under the issues of the past and move forward together with Council”, Mr Jewell said. “The experiment of the previous Administrator to outsource all tourism services to a commercial operator not based on the Coast failed to live up to the expectations of the then decision makers. No matter how good the technical competence of such a company is, tourism marketing ultimately relies on the passion of local businesses, who live in their community, going the extra yard because they love where they work and live.”

Mr Jewell noted that Council’s strategy envisaged that some marketing services would continue to be outsourced, but under Council’s direction. He also noted that Council envisaged working with an independent membership body representing the Coast’s tourism businesses. “CCT has, of course put up its hand to be that body. Since losing the marketing contract we have remade ourselves to be a member consultative body and have continued to hold member information and networking events. “We are grateful that the future marketing arrangements are now clear, and we look forward to working with Council to build sustainable growth in the tourism industry, to the benefit of all”, Mr Jewell concluded.

Central Coast could enjoy double summer holiday demand A recent industry survey from Finder revealed that most economists (87%) expect Australia’s borders to remain closed for 2020, a situation that is set to fuel demand for local short-term rental accommodation on the Central Coast. “Short-term holiday rental markets have been impacted right around Australia by business closures and social distancing restrictions that have thankfully worked,” said Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne. “While our short-term holiday businesses on the Central Coast have been affected by restrictions since Easter, many are already seeing enquiries for the September school holidays beginning to ramp up.”

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

Brett Hunter, Principal of Raine & Horne Terrigal said traditional Aussie holiday destinations will benefit from some industry predictions that international travel won’t return to normal until 2023. “By the September school holidays there will be plenty of pent up demand for people to take a break, and with international travel off the menu, Aussie holiday hotspots such as Terrigal and Avoca Beach are already starting to enjoy more bookings,” said Mr Hunter. “We expect that the pent-up vacation demand could even result in Terrigal, Avoca and McMasters Beach enjoying two summer holiday seasons this year, which will ease some of the financial challenges since Easter for our owners as

Brett Hunter well as local restaurants, cafes and bars.” Forward bookings and enquiries for holiday rentals from September to January are already increasing. Where previously, holidaymakers were asking for one week, we are now seeing bookings of two weeks,” Mr Hunter said.


TOURISM NEWS

Planning for after the virus THE PENINSULA TOURISM Partners are finalising plans for future events so they are ‘ready to roll’ for the time after the virus. On the drawing board are incentives such as ‘Ettalong Dollars’, The 5th Annual Red Carpet Day and – of course – the Christmas Lights competition for local businesses. “We are ready for when the current threat and uncertainty ends”, said Kim Cole, President of the Tourism Partners, “for the time when all Ettalong businesses need the support, our events and marketing can be implemented.” The partners are prepared to postpone the Red Carpet Day (originally planned for 13th September) and are flexible with a new date. The ‘Car & Bike Show & Shine” in the Ettalong Digger Club Car park will feature the Central Coast Holden Club and bikes from the Ulysses Club of Woy Woy. Ettalong businesses are encouraged to roll out their red carpets, planned is a Rock ‘Roll stage show, dancers, artists with easels and exhibitions from community support groups.

Vintage car display at the 2019 ‘Car & Bike Show Also, on hold will be the 2nd Annual Peninsula Tourism launch presented by PTP and hosted by local member Liesel Tesch as chairperson and a board member of Destination NSW as guest speaker. The launch planned for July will be now later in the year ‘virus permitting’. Also ready for print is a booklet, Ettalong Dollars, an incentive for tourists to book accommodation on the Peninsula and redeem special discounts at local businesses.

To finish off the year the well-received 3rd Annual Ettalong Beach Christmas Light Competition, hopefully the launch can take place in late November/early December. When judges will visit the displays – participating shops can win prizes, donated by the local paper Peninsula News. “We are ready to promote and market Peninsula businesses and events as soon as the uncertainty eases”, reassured President Kim Cole the businesses, “we will be back, bigger and better than ever.”

New Warnervale Primary School to be fast-tracked The new Warnervale primary school is among 24 projects the NSW Government will fast-track to stimulate the economy and create new jobs. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the new Planning System Acceleration Program would enable the school’s planning assessment to be fasttracked. “The NSW Government is responding to COVID-19 by making sure shovel-ready projects can get underway and the construction pipeline can continue to grow,” Mr Crouch said. “The Warnervale primary school is a $31.9 million project that has significant job, investment and public benefits to the Central Coast. “In addition to providing 225 jobs at this critical time, the new Warnervale primary school will also deliver vital infrastructure to our growing community in the north.” Mr Crouch said construction tenders had been called for in early 2020. “The school site is master-planned to initially allow for 460 students and enable future expansion to accommodate up to 1,000 students,” Mr Crouch said. “The facilities will include 20 flexible classroom spaces along with a library, hall, administration areas and toilets.”

The Planning System Acceleration Program will create opportunities for more than 30,000 jobs in NSW by the end of September 2020. Other elements of the program include a new one-stop shop for industry and clearing the backlog of cases stuck in the Land & Environment Court.

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BUSINESS NEWS

New facilities for students at Central Coast Grammar School

Central Coast Grammar School Headmaster, Bill Low SENATOR FOR NEW South Wales Jim Molan has announced Central Coast Grammar School will benefit from new Senior College facilities with the Australian Government providing $2,000,000 towards the project through the Capital Grants Program, which provides funding for nongovernment schools to improve capital infrastructure. “Central Coast Grammar School has a wonderful school community, and these new facilities will further enhance the learning environment,” said Senator Molan. “I congratulate Central Coast Grammar School on their successful grant application and look forward to seeing the positive impact the new Senior College facilities will have on students and our community.” Following the announcement CCGS Headmaster, Mr Bill Low said the School was grateful for the $2M grant from the

Australian Government. The School is currently undertaking a large capital works program which includes a new Junior School and the conversion of the current K-2 buildings for senior use. Apart from the new Junior School which is due to open for the beginning of the 2021 school year, the School is undertaking another $5M worth of redevelopment which includes the new senior precinct and minor refurbishments to a range of other buildings. “The extra room available through work being undertaken in the senior precinct and other parts of the senior school would reduce overcrowding of students and staff and provide greatly enhanced facilities,” said Mr Low. Mr Low indicated that with the letting of any tenders or works undertaken at the School he was always very keen to ensure that Central Coast based sub-contractors and businesses were able to express interest. On the current building site of the Junior School, many Central Coast business and local trades people are engaged and this would be the case with the next stage of development. The reconfiguration and refurbishment of existing K to 2 buildings will feature: • Senior College (Y10-12) administration centre

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• Year 12 study centre with digital collaboration zones • Year 12 common room with large kitchenette • careers and international programs offices • four dynamic and flexible senior learning spaces • new bathroom facilities • Social Sciences department office • Cutting edge technological provision through the whole development • Environmentally sensitive design principles will be employed within the building and landscaping The new Senior College centre responds to the school’s ongoing commitment to next generation education and high quality resources and will have the feel of a modern university campus.

Wyong Hospital construction moves to next stage The NSW Government’s redevelopment of Wyong Hospital reached a major milestone in early May with the new building’s first concrete pour taking place. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was the first of 23 slabs required for the $200 million project. “This first concrete pour forms the foundation for level 2 of the new hospital building which will be home to a new emergency department, short stay unit, medical imaging department and psychiatric emergency care centre,” Mr Crouch said. “Construction first began in 2018 on the 250-space car park which is now in use, and work on the new hospital building itself has been underway for five months. “Despite the challenges created by COVID-19, work is continuing to progress well and this project will continue to provide constructions jobs for hundreds of people.” The new hospital building will include: new and expanded emergency department, new and expanded intensive care unit, new psychiatric emergency care centre, new paediatric unit, new and expanded medical imaging department, new and expanded medical assessment unit, and additional inpatient beds with future expansion space. The refurbishment of the existing hospital building will include more operating theatre capacity, an expanded medical day unit and an expanded transit lounge. Construction began in October 2019 and is being undertaken by Richard Crookes Constructions.


BUSINESS NEWS

Planning Panel approves Gosford development

Architect’s image of proposed Horizon development in Gosford The Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel has approved a $133 million residential development for Gosford. The development which was lodged in 2016 was approved by the Panel in May after having been deferred in November 2019 pending further documentation, amended plans and advice.

The development at 321 – 331 Mann Street, Gosford will comprise a 20 storey single tower building over a podium base with 184 apartments over 18 levels, three levels of above ground car parking and ground level commercial space. The project is being developed by Sydney property developer James Mr Moses, who is also the founder of holiday rental website EzyStayz, is developing the project through his development and building company JMGM in partnership with the land owners, Kathlim Pty Ltd and the Nathan Troy Motors Superannuation fund. Mr Moses said that a Display Suite would be opened by early August, possibly in Terrigal, for offthe-plan sales. Mr Moses said that that they are currently in discussions with two builders of which one is a Central Coast builder to undertake construction of the project. Gosford has an exciting future ahead. There are many large projects which will begin construction next year and will launch Gosford into a new era of being a

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world class city,” Mr Moses said. Mr Moses said he was in discussion with Minor Hotels, whose brands include Anantara, Avani and NH Hotels, to create a 92-room boutique hotel in one of the towers.

2 affordable housing projects in Gosford for Compass Housing

Architect’s image of development at 357-359 Mann Street, North Gosford (photo courtesy CoreLogic) North Constructions have commenced construction of residential development at 23 – 25 Young Street, West Gosford for Compass Housing Services, one of Australia’s largest non-government social housing providers. The 10 storey building will comprise 26 x 1 bedroom apartments, 30 x 2 bedroom apartments, commercial space and 29 car parking spaces. Completion is due in April 2021 Meanwhile construction has also commenced on a 38-unit residential development at 357-359 Mann Street, North Gosford. Newcastle builder Mars Building are the contactor on this project.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Real estate buyers’ representative gaining acceptance

Matt Sharp Matt Sharp established Sharp Property Buyers in late 2019 when, as a property buyer himself he saw there wasn’t anyone on the Central Coast representing the buyer. “Many people relocate and invest from Sydney, or come from out of area, and aimlessly search without any local knowledge, market information or direction,” he said. In recent months as sellers have been reluctant to open their doors to the public for inspections and open homes and while sales agents are taking all the appropriate precautions vendors are prepared to allow him to inspect their properties. “I am also finding that Sales Agents have more time to discuss their listings in far more detail than in the past and are willing to work very closely with me to help my buyers in this unique time,” he says. Commenting on the current real estate market Mr Sharp said, “Both the data and buyer interest indicates to me that we will not see a market crash here on the Central Coast. Buyer enquiry has increased as people consider moving here to our local area.”

“I don’t have a crystal ball, however as stock remains low and buyer interest is constant I see the market holding steady through this period. The advice I’m sharing with the people I help is; If you’re in a position to purchase property now, meaning you have a steady income, cash buffers in place and you aren’t guided by the main stream media, right now is an incredible time to be buying property in Australia. Interest rates are at record lows, most time wasters are out of the market. The astute buyers have separated themselves from the fortune tellers,” he says

and offered to sponsor the business with free rent and fit-out seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the local community. Rampaige’s Barber opens in Lakeside Shopping Centre

Using creative arts to bring hope back to Coast

Paige Spencer

Chris Osborne Chris Osborne has set up Creative Hub Australia providing marketing advice and services to local companies such as retailers, and real estate agents. In addition, he is running small workshops and masterclasses teaching photography, videography and creative arts and human development courses. Based at Lakeside Shopping Centre, The Entrance the 450 sqm space has been provided by Lakeside Shopping Centre owner, Bob Dunnet who heard about Mr Osborne’s plans

Paige Spencer will open her fifth barber shop and hair studio in The Entrance Shopping Centre at the end of May. A career hairdresser and barber Ms Spencer opened her first business, Rampaige’s Barber, at Killarney Vale in 2012. She then opened Rampaige’s Barber at Long Jetty in early 2017 and later that year her third salon in Toukley. In 2018 she opened in the Chittaway Shopping Centre and then branched out of the Central Coast opening at Charlestown. She was forced to close Charlestown owing to the coronavirus initially forcing hairdressers to close however she says that she will not reopen, instead concentrate on her Central Coast business. She currently employs seventeen staff although some have dropped off for the time being due to the coronavirus.

Service CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020


BUSINESS BRIEFS

Spice merchant to present online at Oxford Symposium

Ian Hemphill THE OXFORD SYMPOSIUM on Food & Cookery is an annual event held in the UK to celebrate, explore and share food research by scholars, enthusiastic amateurs, writers and chefs from around the world. For almost 40 years the Symposium has been a weekend conference on Food and Cookery, held annually in Oxford, most recently at St. Catherine’s College. This year, it will be different. The worldwide pandemic requires that the organisers transform the annual gathering into a

virtual symposium, to be held starting on July 10th, where participants around the globe can join the Symposium’s community remotely. This year proposals were requested to present a paper on the cultural and culinary impact of Herbs and Spices in the context of food and cookery. Ian Hemphill, Australian based author of several books on herbs and spices, and owner with wife Liz of Herbie’s Spices at Charmhaven submitted a proposal titled The Perils of Popularity that has been accepted by the editor. His paper, on the perils of popularity can be summarised as follows: Herbs and spices have been a part of human history for thousands of years, and now in the 21st century, herbs, spices and spice blends have achieved unprecedented popularity, with the widest distribution and availability in history. They have become readily available, and cooks are able to add symphonies of taste to what may otherwise be boring meals. But, we have to wonder, at what cost? What are the ‘Perils of Popularity’ for herbs

and spices in 2020 and beyond? And who – or what – are the spice rogues of today? Someone with an obsession for foodways will discover ancient ingredients and methods and bring them perfectly to a modern restaurant. Under the pressure of multimedia and celebrity adoration, often the lovingly nurtured and authentic product will be reproduced in an affordable, cheapened and bastardised way for the home consumer. This paper proposes that popularity and widespread acceptance should not lead to a devaluation of the true intrinsic qualities of herbs, spices and spice blends. Mr Hemphill looks at answering what are the risks of losing quality, authenticity and accuracy of information? Is a herb, spice or spice blend, based on cultural traditions evolved over thousands of years, in danger of losing its identity? Although Ian and Liz Hemphill are disappointed to be missing the opportunity to personally attend at St. Catz, Oxford’s only Modernist College, they are looking forward to participating in the first-ever online virtual symposium.

Another award-winning campaign from local advertising agency GBD For the second consecutive year, local agency GBD have collaborated with client Ingenia Lifestyle to produce an award winning advertising and marketing campaign. Recognised at the Property Council of Australia’s Retirement Living annual awards held in December 2019, the Award for Marketing Excellence was presented to Ingenia for the campaign that marketed their Plantations development at Woolgoolga. This follows Ingenia’s 2018 win for the same award, recognising the launch campaign for their Latitude One development. Both campaigns produced record-breaking sales, previously unseen in the industry. “We are honoured by this award and I’m immensely proud of my team for developing yet another remarkable campaign,” said Jeff McGarn, creative director at GBD. In response to the Woolgoolga marketing campaign, sales objectives were achieved months ahead of schedule with a very healthy pipeline of leads. So much so that successive stages have progressed and been released earlier, keeping construction rolling for the development. ‘Gold Class’ brand strategy GBD partnered with Ingenia on a ‘Gold Class’ brand for their over 50s market, with both the Latitude One and Plantations developments being built on the vision to create market-leading retirement products for over

(L to R) Simon Owen CEO, Niki Fisher Chief Operating Officer from Ingenia Communities and Jeff McGarn Managing Director of GBD. 55s communities with beautiful homes that are affordable and communal social spaces designed to enrich the body, mind and soul. GBD’s creative execution included a range of print materials, events, digital campaigns and a program of advertising. “This award is a credit to Ingenia’s commitment to push boundaries in the industry with a new style of over 55s living. The gold class communities offer a stunning product that is elegantly designed and offers a very attractive lifestyle,” stated McGarn.

Argyle Estates

Business Brokers Buying or selling a quality business, contact the experts on the Central Coast

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement on Exhibition – Excludes Warnervale Airport, Tuggerah and more Central Coast Council’s first draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future, is now on public exhibition for the community to have their say. Significantly however the document says nothing about the Warnervale Airport, an infrastructure facility that has the potential to generate substantial employment and promote economic activity in the region. That is in spite of the fact that it was one of eight themes that figured strongly in the community feed back (see below). Stage 1 of the Local Strategic Planning Statement (the Draft Urban Spatial Plan) was placed on exhibition from 29 August to 24 October 2019. The engagement process for the Draft Urban Spatial Plan presented an online interactive map for participants to make comments and submissions as well as a traditional online submission form. An interactive map was also provided for each Town Centre, Strategic Corridor, Regional Centre, Village, potential Strategic Centre and Town Centres as well as the northern and southern Growth Corridors identified in the draft plan. Alongside the online engagement Council hosted two community drop-in information sessions where participants were invited to view and discuss the draft plan with Council and make any comments on the draft plan.

The LSPS has been informed by recent discussions with our community through the draft Urban Spatial Plan. This engagement offered important insights into local challenges and opportunities in the Region, with eight key areas identified. The themes that featured strongly in the community feedback but not mentioned in the Draft LSPS include: • creation of employment opportunities, • improve public amenity, • Provide transport infrastructure, • Pathways that connect and activate places, • Plan for and support Warnervale Airport, • Build quality developments, • preserving bushland, and • planning for centres. The LSPS describes how state and regional plans such as the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 will be implemented in the Central Coast region. Industry concerns: One big worry for the Central Coast is the haste with the LSPS has been put together since it was on public exhibition from the end of August to 24th October and leading up to the Minister’s directive just a few months ago that he wants it by 1st July. This means that Council must approve the Draft LSPS without any further consultation with the business and development industry.

Council to redevelop Kibble Park Gosford Central Coast Council has decided to give Kibble Park Gosford a 'face lift' and is calling for the community to have input. Three years ago the State Government Architect in his overview of the revitalisation of the regional City of Gosford identified Kibble Park as the focal point of The City Heart Precinct of Gosford CBD. "Kibble Park is a central meeting place that can bring the character of the bushland reserves into the heart of the city. The focus on this area is to create a centrally located, attractive and connected open space and town square", the report said. It had been presumed that the State Government would focus on The City Heart Precinct and redevelop Kibble Park as its first project towards the revitalisation of Gosford CBD.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

Instead the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation decided to redevelop Leagues Club Park first. Council is now developing a Place Plan and Concept Design for Kibble Park to identify future initiatives and projects that will increase this area's activation, social connectivity, improve the visitor experience and provide a boost for local businesses. "To ensure these plans reflect what past and future users want to see, we are now providing online consultation opportunities for the community to share their ideas and aspirations for this vital public space," said Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan. This round of community consultation is running online until 15 June at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/kibblepark.

Just a cursory reading on the 166-page document reveals a number of stand-out failures: 1. There is no provision for the Warnervale Airport, 2. It cites two Regional Gateway at Somersby and Warnervale when the most obvious Regional Gateway has to be Tuggerah. Tuggerah is the centre of the region with a road and public transport hub, the Regional Sporting Complex, regional Shopping Centre, adjacent major industrial areas and adjacent residential. 3. It makes no provision for an expansion of the Somersby Industrial Area which adjoins a large area of so called agricultural land which has been unproductive for many years. Employment land across the region is in very short supply and this will be exacerbated once the NorthConnex opens in a few month. 4. The Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 calls for and additional 75,500 residents and 24,674 extra jobs over 20 years. According to those who CCBR interviewed this will be unachievable under the Draft LSPS. Investors, property developers and business expect that the LSPS would provide a clear pathway for future development and growth of the Central Coast region. The LSPS does not go far enough, they say. As a result it should not be seen as a rigid document due to the limited time industry has had to comment.

Council approves 5-storey hotel at Ettalong Beach Central Coast Council at its 11 May meeting approved the development of five-storey hotel building with ancillary restaurant/café and function facilities at 216 – 220 Memorial Avenue, Ettalong Beach in accordance with the recommendation from staff which they considered reasonable. Councillors Greenway, McGregor, Vincent and Smith voted against the application. The hotel will comprise eightythree (83) rooms in total has been designed by architects, Squillace Architects on behalf of the owner Longbeach Living Pty Ltd.


CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

“Not happy Minister” as Council loses more planning powers THE 11 MAY meeting of Central Coast Council will go down as the day this recalcitrant Council reluctantly agreed to hand over more of their planning powers to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. After three years refusing to approve or delaying legitimate development applications that would benefit the regional economy and costing ratepayers hundred of thousands of dollars in unnecessary court costs, the Minister finally called time To put it in the words of Deputy Mayor Jane Smith, “Councillors are outraged but the good news is that they can be much more vocal about inappropriate proposal. We can be out there fully fledged and in full flight to represent our community on what is this abomination.” Council was directed to adopt a Local Planning Panel, in line with those that operate in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Councillors will no longer be able to act as a consent authority for certain Development Applications under Part 4 of the Act. The Minister has recommended the appointment of members to the Central Coast Local Planning Panel as follows: Chair* Ms Donna Rygate Alternate Chairs* – Jason Perica and Kara Krason, *(nominated by the Minister) Professional/Expert Panel Members – Gregory Flynn, Sue Francis, Stephen Leathley, Linda McClure, Grant Christmas, Garry Fielding Community Panel Members** – Andrew Chan, Lynne Hamilton, Daniel Conti, Glenn Watts and Gabby Bowles. ** Recommended by Council staff All appointments are for 3 years. However, not going down without a

fight Councillors put up and voted on their own Community Panel Members. Whether the Minister will accept these will be interesting to see. The Panel will now decide on developments such as: • Conflict of Interest – Development Applications where the land owner or applicant is either Council, a Councillor, and Member of Parliament, some Council staff; • Contentious Development – Development Application which is subject to 10 or more unique submissions; • Departure from Development Standards – Development Applications that contravenes a development standard within an Environmental Planning Instrument by more than 10 per cent; and • Sensitive Development – Development Applications for a range of nominated sensitive development uses, including those involving heritage items, licensed premises, residential apartments of four or more storeys in height and the like. The Planning Panel will also provide advice on Planning Proposals (Rezonings). Lesser developments, with no objections, will be decided by council staff with delegated authority. Councillors are only permitted to make formal representation to the panel in the same manner as an objector.’’ The Central Coast Regional Planning Panel will remain the consent authority for regionally significant development applications, and the Minister for Planning & Public Spaces (or delegate) will remain the relevant authority to deal with State Significant Development Applications.

Crouch accuses Council of blocking major projects

Adam Crouch MP Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal In December 2019, Central Coast Councillors voted to oppose every single significant development application for the Gosford City Centre. In a letter to the NSW Government on 23 December 2019, Lisa Matthews said: “Council would also like all DAs under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Gosford City Centre) 2018 and/or State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 to be determined by an Independent Planning Commission to ensure complete independence of the planning system.” The Central Coast Quarter project on Mann Street is estimated to create 159 direct and indirect jobs, and pump $122.8 million into our local economy in the construction phase alone – but was opposed by Councillors. This project has been diverted to the Independent Planning Commission and will be delayed by many months. If Councillors had not opposed this project, it would have passed through the DA process by now. At a time when all levels need to work together to keep people in jobs and keep businesses in business, this is an appalling decision to make. Before Liesl Tesch tries to lecture the NSW Government, she should tell her Labor Councillors to stop voting against local construction jobs.

Labor hijacks Cr McLachlan’s plans for Gosford Waterfront In a clever political move that could see development of the Gosford Waterfront sidelined forever Labor Mayor Matthews and Labor Cr Richard Mehrtens hijacked a Notice of Motion by Independent Cr Bruce McLachlan calling for the Gosford Waterfront to be revised at Council’s 27 April 2020 meeting. The pair put up an Amendment that Council recognises Gosford is the first major Waterfront city north of Sydney Harbour and that Councillors via the Chief Executive Officer, receive a report on the opportunities

available to activate the Gosford Waterfront Precinct, including review of previous Masterplan, and fast ferry terminal opportunities, reasons for these plans being rejected, traffic management issues in relation to Dane Drive, flooding and contaminated land issues in this area. It may be appropriate for Council to start to review what employment initiatives we can instigate, under current economic circumstances. The amendment was approved unanimously.

However, by reviewing the previous Masterplan put forward by Lend Lease some ten years ago with finger wharves jutting out into Brisbane Water which was doomed from the outset, a negative report to the Waterfront can be expected. As Cr McLachlan points out, in view of all the development now taking place in and around the Gosford CBD a boutique marina and restaurant precinct around the Gosford Boat Harbour has to be seriously considered. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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THE ARTS

Exporting Australian art from Terrigal

A display of artwork at KAB Gallery at Terrigal WHEN KERRY-ANNE BLANKET opened KAB Gallery under Crowne Plaºza Terrigal in 2013 she had a very clear vision as to what she wanted to achieve and how to get there. KAB Gallery would be collectable art specialists for the Central Coast with a medium term focus on international sales growth of investment art by Australia’s top artists. Her business plan clearly set out a targeted digital marketing plan with a website that provides potential buyers with all the information they need to buy from artist’s backgrounds and their works to how to order online, shipping requirements and currency conversions. With two Master’s degrees in art from the University of Sydney, years managing galleries and auction houses in Sydney and the previous seven years working alongside her husband as Creative Designer of their own boutique web design and social media management agency Digital Blanket, she was well placed to move into a niche market for investment quality artworks. “The commercial art scene in Sydney was so old-fashioned,” says Ms Blanket, “and yet there is an amazing market for Australian art overseas, a limited supply of good art and no one doing anything about it.” In recent months the gallery has sold artworks to buyers in the US, Europe, Asia, Hong Kong, South Korea, although Ms Blanket says that the biggest market is definitely the US. Buyers are paying from A$620 up to A$15,000 for various artist’s paintings, even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. KAB Gallery features works from some forty of Australia’s best prize winning artists, all of whom must be full-time professional artists and won major art prizes and have a proven sales history. Artists include Andy Collis, Kelly-Anne Love, Pro Hart, Sally West, Norman Lindsay, John Earle, Roland Wakelin and many more Australian favourites. Ms Blanket works CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

Kerry-Anne Blanket directly with most of her stable of artists, supplemented with quality works by some of Australia’s most well-known artists from the last 50 years, sourced from the very best private collections. While the Terrigal gallery is open seven days a week featuring their stable of artists work, it also hosts two special contemporary exhibitions a year for up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work. Ms Blanket says that this is a big part of the gallery’s future in sales to overseas buyers because she can offer fresh art with investment potential. Ms Blanket says that in dealing with overseas buyers in particular customer service is paramount. “Delivery time is very important and it is also important to maintain a close relationship with each customer and know what they are looking for. We sell to art dealers and well known celebrities who are looking for investment works that will increase in value.” Commenting on business over the past few month during the coronavirus crisis, Ms Blanket said, “There has been an unexpected spike in international sales for KAB Gallery during the pandemic. I believe this is due to my forced shift in business strategy. With the unexpected closures, I have had to cancel exhibitions which would typically engage me with local customers throughout the Autumn season. While local sales have diminished during this period, international sales have increased significantly.”

Coming home to climate change

Returning home to the country has now become a very sobering and sad experience for many Australians. For North Avoca artist, Cheryl Willcox, the return to Tamworth was not a return to a bustling town street, rolling green hills and serene cool rivers of her childhood. Her mother’s garden, once pride of the street and known around town as a vibrant and almost chaotic explosion of colour and life was no more. It was now a town, like so many regional centres, of drought and dust, water restrictions, despair, and desperation. As an artist, what could she do? Her mother had already answered that question. Through her disciplined use of grey water and shower water she had kept a small oasis of life and beauty going while the rest of the garden had given in to the bleakness Cheryl captured the theme of the power of one individual continuing to fight for hope and beauty with her Mother – Nature Exhibition at the Weswal Gallery in Tamworth. Cheryl Willcox opened Gallery Tramway in her home in North Avoca in November 2019. “The seed to build our own Art Gallery was planted while training in the Jeff Watts Atelier in California five years ago,” said Mrs Willcox. “Being trained in traditional and realistic drawing and painting techniques fuelled a dream to celebrate the life, colours and landscapes that is Australia and the Central Coast.” “The decision to build our own Gallery in our house in Tramway Road North Avoca became the obvious solution. The idea behind Gallery Tramway was to deliver a professional Artists Studio and a venue for skill development for artists and budding artists. The space was also set up to make Art into a memorable event.” “Success is getting you to share Art with your tribe in a style that brings them back for the next event, be it an exhibition, classes, or special events.” Gallery Tramway is not open to the public but caters for exhibitions, art classes and personal tuition while always being able to support by appointment meetings.


PROPERT Y REPORTS

Belkin move into 14 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah Business Park

Global technology company, Belkin Limited have signed a 7 year lease with 3 year option on Suite 11, a 579 sqm office space in the prestige former Energy Australia building at 12-14 Pioneer

Avenue, Tuggerah Business Park. The annual rental is $197,410 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling negotiated the lease

Give home a miss – work from a Bonython office in Gosford

IT’S BEEN A very interesting time living through the Covid-19 experience and watching how we all evolve as we come out of the pandemic in different stages and adapt to the new normal. Some people have been working from home, others doing part time in the office and at home, some companies have staggered workforces while others have opted to work in smaller remote satellite offices where they can reduce the risks of infection or prevent to total closure of office and workspaces. Companies and employees alike are starting to look for alternative office accommodation and setups. Premium commercial space available Commercial space at Bonython Tower is ready and available for those wanting to enjoy a premium office space with easy access, an inhouse café and restau-

rant, shared meeting spaces, meeting rooms and a shared kitchenette for commercial tenants. This premium space was opened in May 2019 and there are numerous office spaces and sizes available from 14sqm 246sqm It’s a blank canvas as to fit out and feel. Rent free periods available To help you make the change and move out of that spare bedroom or to avoid having to commute to Sydney everyday Bonython Properties and Investment are offering, for a limited time, rent free periods of up to 2 months to those who want to try the location and enjoy the benefits of Gosford’s most prestigious commercial address and the company of the many like-minded and interesting tenants that already call the Building and the Gosford CBD home.

Refrigerated freight company leases in Tuggerah Business Park

A growing local refrigerated logistics company has leased a 749 sqm warehouse unit at 1 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park. The unit comprises 150 sqm freezer/cool room with pallet racking and 47 sqm mezzanine area. Terms of lease are 3 years with 2 year option at a rental of $60,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ben Purdue from Raine and Horne Commercial negotiated the lease. Consultant leases space in new Tuggerah Business Park complex A child care consultant has leased a 168 sqm unit in the recently completed 19 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park complex. The unit at the front of the complex comprises workspace over two levels with amenities and kitchenette on each. Terms of lease for the unit are 2 years with 2 year option at a rental of $29,500 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ben Purdue from Raine and Horne Commercial negotiated the lease. Gift manufacturer signs long lease for Charmhaven unit A local gift manufacturer looking to expand from their home workshop has leased Unit 3 a 220 sqm factory / warehouse unit at 27-31 Arizona Road, Charmhaven. Terms of lease for the unit are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $24,500 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ben Purdue from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the lease. Seymour Whyte Constructions leases at Tuggerah National construction company Seymour Whyte Constructions have leased a 2,876 sqm vacant lot with 232 sqm office/showroom and residence opposite the Tuggerah Super Centre for use as their Site Office on the Mardi-Warnervale Pipeline Project. Terms of lease are 2 years with 2 year option at a rental of $50,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Blanch and Bryce Vella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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PROPERT Y

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE/LEASE

FOR SALE

FOR LEASE

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

WEST GOSFORD – TENANTED INVESTMENT

WEST GOSFORD – HIGH EXPOSURE

Positioned on approx. 1,538m2 parcel of land, constructed of brick & metal clad, zoned IN1. Total building area approx. 618m2. Comprises of 2 warehouses with 2 separate tenancies. TO BE AUCTIONED ON 26TH JUNE 2020

WEST GOSFORD - IN1 LAND WITH RESIDENCE

Cleared, levelled, fully fenced land site approx. 973m2. Zoned IN1, sought after main road location. The Site will be sold with existing lease in place. TO BE AUCTIONED ON 26TH JUNE 2020

WARNVERVALE - LAST REMAINING UNITS! This premier industrial development is ideally situated on the Sparks Road M1 Interchange. Architect design, concrete panel construction & IN1 zoned. FOR SALE – FROM $410,000 + GST

FOR SALE/LEASE

A QUALITY BARGIN BUY

WEST GOSFORD – VACANT INDUSTRIAL LAND Levelled, cleared land with gravel hardstand approx. 1,205m2. Zoned IN1, close proximity to all business services & approx. 5 mins drive to the M1 MTWY. Site will be sold with vacant possession. TO BE AUCTIONED ON 26TH JUNE 2020

This outstanding freehold property is zoned IN1 & consists of approx. 4,000m2 of high clearance industrial factory/warehouse space, including large mezzanine areas & quality office space. FOR LEASE - $390,000 G/PA + GST

ERINA - FREESTSANDING WAREHOUSE!

Land area approx. 913m2. Positioned on the block of land is a split-level 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, brick house. Currently rented on a mth-mth basis, zoned IN1. Redevelopment potential (STCA). TO BE AUCTIONED ON 26TH JUNE 2020

Phase power & consisting of (approx.) 230 m2 of ground floor factory area, with 2 roller doors & a bonus 10.5 KW solar system, it is an awesome factory for an amazing price! FOR SALE - $329,000 + GST

BERKLEY VALE – HEIGHT! ACCESS! SIZE!

TUGGERAH - PROSPERITY! Thoughtfully designed industrial premises; some with drive-through access to private yards! Great internal height. PLANS & PRICE LIST ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. CALL NOW! FOR SALE/LEASE – FROM $403,000 + GST - $25,000 N/PA + GST

CHARMHAVEN - INVEST OR OWNER OCCUPY! Complex consists of concrete tilt panel walls, approx. 7m high clearance. Approx. 135m2 warehouse & approx. 30m2 air-conditioned mezzanine office. Close to newly opened Bunnings store. FOR SALE/LEASE – $440,000 + GST (If applicable) - $430 N/PW + GST

Visit our website for additional properties and more information centralcoast.ljhcommercial.com.au

Net lettable area is 2,392m2 & land size 5,498sqm. Consist of 2 roller doors, multiple entry points, lots of parking, male/female amenities, mezzanine for storage & yard space with undercover awning. FOR LEASE - $263,120 N/PA + GST

WOY WOY - FREESTANDING WAREHOUSE Internal area approx. 350m2 + an external hardstand approx. 130m2. Features include, toilet, shower, kitchen, high bay LED lighting and double street access. FOR LEASE - $1,000 N/PW + GST

GREENPOINT SHOPPING CENTRE - PRIME LOCATION! Fully fitted out as a butcher shop, adjoining Coles & Liquorland. Total area, approx. 179m2. Features include rear roller doors, cool room, ducted air-con & ample customer parking directly at your door. FOR LEASE - $96,000 N/PA + GST

GOSFORD - FITTED OUT OFFICE SPACE CBD location. Floor area of approx. 140m2. Wellpresented foyer & common areas, lots of natural light, NBN connection, ducted air-con & secure parking. FOR LEASE - $30,000 N/PA + GST

Suite 401 / 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259 87 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250

Phone 4353 7700

HUGE EXPOSURE FOR LEASE Suite 3, 36-40 Victoria Street East Gosford

FOR SALE Expression of Interest

FOR SALE From $535,000 + GST

Outstanding Freehold Industrial Property

Quality offices with H/C warehouse!

6/22 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah

9 Craftsman Avenue, Berkeley Vale

• • • •

3,155m2 approx Land Area Almost 1,244m2 of existing Industrial building Large clearspan warehouse design Five tonne traveling gantry crane servicing four roller door

Brad Rogers 0459 921 122

rhccc.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

• • • •

Approx. 290m2 total area Four (4) large offices or training rooms Security alarm system High clearance warehouse

Ben Purdue 0450 719 600

Local Knowledge & National Strength

High proole, ground oor, corner position. Located at main intersection on Central Coast Highway. Customer car park on site. 1x undercover reserved space for tenant. 122 sqm internal area. Awning signage area. Ducted air conditioning, 3 phase power, ceiling, lighting, white walls. Lee Woodward 0414 877 780 | 02 4323 7606 lee@vcmanagement.com.au www.vcmanagement.com.au


PROPERT Y REPORTS

Sydney logistics company buys Tuggerah warehouse Sydney business buys unit to accommodate local employees

A Sydney based logistics company has bought a freehold industrial building with drive-thru access, extensive hardstand and parking at 95 Gavenlock Road, Tuggerah and will relocate to the Central Coast.

The property comprises a 1,100 sqm concrete panel building with 350 sqm awning on a 2,126 sqm site. Price paid was $1.4 million. Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling negotiated the sale.

Lisarow Heights Business Park – Enterprise Centre sales

Property developers Gibbens Group and agents Raine & Horne Commercial and Chapman & Frazer report the sale of two industrial units in the new Enterprise Centre at 900 Pacific Highway, Lisarow. • Unit 2.13 - 50 sqm has sold to an ex-pat moving back to the Central Coast for $194,023 plus GST, • Unit 2.03 - 34 sqm has sold to an investor for $127,500 plus GST. • The Enterprise Centre comprises 74 units presently under construction ranging in size from 34 sqm to 100 sqm. Raine & Horne Commercial sales and leasing agent Brad Rogers said that enquiry for the units being constructed in Stage 1 remains strong. “There are only a handful of units that remain available within Stage 1 and with the

current demand, these units are likely to be 100% sold prior to the completion of construction.” Meanwhile Gibbens Group are have released their latest project - Wyong Business Units located at 4 Dulmison Avenue Wyong. “This new complex presents an outstanding opportunity to secure a new business or storage unit within the tightly held Wyong business district,” said, Gibbens Group CEO Matthew Gibbens. “With a range of zoning uses, the opportunities for business or personal use are endless.” There is an opportunity to select from a limited release of 18 brand new units ranging in size from 50m2 , 75m2 or 100m2. These versatile units are an ideal entry-level investment, with prices starting at below $150,000.

A Sydney business owner has bought Unit 7, 16 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park to accommodate a number of his valued local employees. Price paid for the 431 sqm unit was $945,000 plus GST. Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling negotiated the sale Sydney window and door company buys North Wyong showroom unit off the plan Sydney based aluminium window and door company, Khazma Aluminium has bought a highway frontage showroom unit in a new complex to be developed by the Stevens Group at 1 Dulmison Road (corner with Lucca Road) North Wyong. Price paid for the 117 sqm unit is $419,750 plus GST. The sale was negotiated by Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial.

Get results! ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY IN CCBR For further information phone 4367 0733 or email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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BUSINESS TIPS

The casual vs part-time employee distinction … chaos reigns!

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

THE FULL FEDERAL Court has confirmed chaos in the employment space in its decision, WorkPac Pty Ltd v Rossato [2020] FCAFC 84 (‘Rossato’) this month. The impact of its finding is that many, if not most, -casuals employed by businesses will now be categorised as permanent part-timers and their employers are therefore liable to provide them with certain entitlements. This is not the first time that the Full Federal Court has adopted such a position. In 2018, the same court, in the similar matter of WorkPac v Skene [2018] FCAFC 131 (‘Skene’), reached the same conclusion. At the time, it was a fundamental break from the approach of

the Fair Work Commission which, to that point, understood that the payment of the 25% casual loading more than compensated for the entitlements (being annual and sick (personal) leave) that casuals did not accrue. Its impact is to expose employers across the country, especially in industries such as health, aged care and hospitality, to a huge retrospective bill for unpaid leave – especially annual leave. While the earlier Skene case was about an employee engaged under an Award, the new Rossato decision dealt with the nature of casual employment under the Fair Work Act which means that it has a broader impact for casual employment across all Awards. What is most concerning about both decisions is that, even though the employer paid a premium to the casual employees (that is 25% loading) the Court determined that the employer had no right to offset. So, the ‘casual employees’ in these cases are able to ‘double-dip’. The cause of this problem is that the Fair Work Act does not define ‘casual employment’, which leaves it open for Courts to determine what is and is not meant by

casual employment. So, if you want to avoid the problems that have arisen from this case make sure that: 1. It is clearly documented in an employee’s employment contract that they are employed as a casual; 2. The casual employees you have do not have predictable hours of work; 3. You do not provide rosters laid out weeks in advance; 4. You pay your casual employees 25% more than your permanent employees and that is specified on their payslip; and 5. Casual employees can and do, from time to time, reject shifts that are offered. Understandably, many employers fear that this may lead to claims being made by employees challenging the status of their employment and entitlements going back 6 years and even more. One thing employers can do is consider transferring their casual employees who work regular hours to a part-time role. Ironically, this will lead to a lower wage bill over time. When in doubt as to who is and who is not a casual - we can help you gain greater clarity in that determination.

Rent relief package for commercial tenants Even during the closedown restrictions, Peninsula Law in Woy Woy has continued to maintain legal services for its clients. With strong social distancing and regular sanitizing of meeting rooms and common areas, both clients and staff have been assured of a safe meeting environment. One of the major concerns for COMMERCIAL clients, has been their tenancy rights. With daily changes to packages, it is difficult to navigate your way around your rights. Kylie Tritton has put together an easy to follow roadmap for her clients to use. On 3rd April, 2020 the Federal Government introduced a mandatory Code of Conduct for commercial tenants, designed to support small and mediumsized businesses affected by COVID-19. The Code of Conduct outlines a set of good faith leasing principles for commercial tenancies including retail, office and industrial between owners, operators, other landlords and tenants. This code applies to tenants that are: • A small-medium sized business with annual turnover of up to $50 million; and • Eligible for the JobKeeper Payment. • The key points for business owners: • Rent reductions will be based on the tenant’s decline in turnover to ensure that the burden is shared between landlords and tenants. • Rent waivers must account for at least 50% of the rent reduction. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

• D eferrals must be spread over the remaining time on a lease, or a minimum 24-month period. • Under the Code, landlords will not be able to: • Evict COVID-19 affected tenants for nonpayment of rent for a period of 6 months from 24th April, 2020. • Increase rent. • Terminate leases due to non-payment of rent during the pandemic period. • Enforce penalties on tenants who stop trading or reduce opening hours. • Charge interest on unpaid rent. The Code and its principles will be implemented and regulated by State Governments. The policy will include a mutual obligation requirement on the small and medium-sized businesses to continue to engage their employees through the JobKeeper Payment where eligible. Australian and foreign banks, along with other financial institutions operating in Australia, are expected to support landlords and tenants with appropriate flexibility as they work to implement the mandatory Code. Creditors Statutory Demand and Insolvency Trading The Federal Government has also made changes to insolvent trading laws, providing Company Directors temporary relief for insolvent trading. Key measures applicable for the next 6 months include:

• T he minimum threshold for creditors issuing a statutory demand has been increased from $2,000 to $20,000. • The timeframe for a company to respond to a statutory demand has been extended from 21 days to 6 months. • Relief from Directors’ personal liability for insolvent trading with respect to debts incurred in the ordinary course of the company’s business. • Any debts incurred by the company will still be payable by the company, and cases of dishonesty and fraud will still be subject to criminal penalties. • The Treasurer will be given instrumentmaking power in respect of the Corporations Act 2001, to provide relief from specific obligations or to modify obligations during the crisis. Small Business Grant The State Government has also introduced a $10,000 grant for small businesses that fulfill the following criteria: • Gross turnover of more than $75,000; • Payroll of less than $900,000; and • Suffered a 75% or more decline in business. The grant can be used for payment of utilities, legal and accounting advice and other business-related outgoings. For further information on the implementation of the Code of Conduct and the Small Business Grant, please contact Kylie Tritton, Partner, Peninsula Law.


BUSINESS TIPS

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

Is your business on track for End of Financial Year? WITH THE END of Financial Year approaching in a matter of weeks, we’re encouraging businesses to get their house in order. The recent and rapid rate of change to financial management, as well as the cash flow relief for many with the JobKeeper payment, suggests that a pre-EOFY review holds more importance than ever. Cash flow: Could you ever have imagined the economic roller coaster of the last few weeks? The steep dipping and turning of a Stage 3 lock-down, fol-

lowed by the stimulus package means that almost every cash flow plan has changed in a short period of time. It is worth checking with your accountant that your cash flow position is on track for the JobKeeper period – and beyond. Instant Asset Write-Off: The shelf-life for the $150,000 Instant-Asset-Write-Off scheme is 30 June. There is no suggestion that it will live longer than that. If you are in a position to purchase an asset for your business, be sure to check the specifications with your accountant. A car, for example, has very strict criteria. Tax structure: With tax relief options such as zero Payroll Tax, deferral plans, changed reporting cycles and BAS discounts, it is important to engage with your accountant in a Pre-June Review (perhaps even a second one if things have changed since your initial meeting) to ensure you’re only paying the tax that you need to. Now is the time to focus on a tight close on FY20 and to build financial defenses into FY21. For more information, visit www.adviceco.com.au

5 ways to rebuild your business after COVD-19 The COVID-19 outbreak has wreaked financial havoc around the globe, leaving many small-business owners struggling in its wake. While the short-term outlook for small businesses varies greatly by industry, it’s important to consider what recovery mode will look like once the economy begins to return to a state of normalcy—or establishes a new normal. Having an exit strategy in place for after COVID-19 can help you be prepared to hit the ground running and rebuild. If you’re not sure what your coronavirus exit plan should include, this guide can help with getting your business back on track. 1. Assess the Financial Damage The first step in developing a rebuilding plan for COVID-19 is determining just how deeply your small business has been affected. 2. Take a Second Look at Your Business Plan Your business model may have worked perfectly fine pre-COVID-19,but coming out of it may mean you have to do some fine-tuning. Specifically, you may need to consider how your business can pivot to adjust to a new normal. When going over your business plan

and business model, get clear on your business’s strengths and weaknesses. Then, look at what was working before that may not work as well now and see where you can adjust or improve to remain competitive. 3. Consider Whether You’ll Need Funding to Recover Unless you had a large amount of cash on hand going into the pandemic, it’s likely that you may need some working capital to jump-start your business operations coming out of it. 4. Revamp Your Budget to Account for New Spending Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have to spend money before you can make money. For example, you may need to spend money on hiring and training new employees or rehiring ones you had to lay off. Inventory may need to be purchased, and you might have to rev up your advertising budget again to start building fresh buzz. 5. Develop a Time Line for Rebuilding You may have several things you need or want to do to recover following COVID-19, but doing everything at once may not be realistic. What can help is having a time line to follow that prioritizes your most important actions first

Court rules casual workers are entitled to paid leave backpay “Parliament needs to act quickly to restore fairness, given today’s Federal Court Workpac v Rossato decision,” says Ai Group The May 20 decision of the Full Federal Court in the Workpac v Rossato case highlights the need for urgent legislative reform to provide certainty to businesses and casual employees, and to prevent doubledipping claims by casuals who have been paid additional remuneration in lieu of the entitlements of permanent employees,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today. “Casuals make up around 20% of the Australian workforce, providing vital flexibility to employers and employees. The Fair Work Act needs to be urgently amended to define a casual employee in a simple and clear manner to address the uncertainty caused by the Federal Court’s Workpac v Skene decision, and now the Workpac v Rossato decision. The current laws, as interpreted in these decisions, operate as a major deterrent to the employment of casuals. “The expression ‘casual employee’ needs to be defined in the Fair Work Act, in line with the common definition included in modern awards – that is, ‘a casual employee is an employee engaged and paid as such’. An employee engaged as a casual and paid a casual loading (or a loaded rate that accounts for a casual loading) should not be allowed to turn around years later and claim the entitlements of a permanent employee, like annual leave. “With unemployment and underemployment rapidly increasing during the COVID19 crisis, employers need to be encouraged to retain and take on casual employees – not deterred from doing so. The following statistics highlight the implications of today’s decision for the Australian economy: • At least 1.6 million of the 2.6 million casuals in Australia work on a regular, ongoing basis; • The potential cost impacts on employers of the Federal Court’s decisions, for annual leave alone, are between $5.7 billion and $8 billion; • Over 50 per cent of casuals work for businesses with less than 20 employees and over 80 per cent work for businesses with less than 100 employees. “Parliament needs to act now, to address the uncertainty caused by the Federal Court’s Workpac v Skene and Workpac v Rossato decisions, and to preserve fairness for all parties,” Mr Willox said.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020

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BUSINESS TIPS

Why the new safe-harbour laws are not a free pass to insolvent trading

By Luka Pilipovic, Manager, Shaw Gidley

DIRECTORS MAY BECOME personally liable for any debts incurred after a company is insolvent, risking personal assets such as the family home. In order to prevent companies being wound up or pushed into insolvency the government have eased laws surrounding insolvent trading by introducing a temporary “new safe harbour”. The new temporary safe harbour regime will operate for a six (6) month period commencing from 25 March 2020 to 25 September 2020 (or longer if an extension is made). Debts incurred prior to 25 March 2020 are not covered. Companies will be required to return to a position where they are able to pay their debts as and when they become due and payable following the six month expiry.

Directors should note that the new safe harbour regime does not allow companies to simply continue incurring debts whilst insolvent. Directors have ongoing common law and statutory obligations to act in the best interest of the company and creditors and must act with due care and diligence. Failing to act diligently will result in directors being exposed to other potential claims by a liquidator. In addition, directors continue to be liable under any personal guarantees provided and need to ensure that they are continuing to report ongoing tax obligations with the ATO in order to prevent those debts becoming personal liabilities. Suppliers are also now carefully monitoring their trading terms, in particular for clients trading in “at risk” industries and are in some instances demanding personal guarantees if they already had not been. In this environment, without proper advice, directors may inadvertently be exposing themselves to additional personal debt. It will be imperative to document the decisions being taken during the “safe harbour” period. Regular reviews of liquidity ratios, cashflow, debtor collections, arrangements with creditors and lenders will need to be recorded and considered. Make sure

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you record what steps you are undertaking and why! Key take away Whilst government measures may help some businesses, without adequate preparedness, this assistance may have the opposite effect to what the government is trying to achieve and may in fact be resulting in an avalanche of debts becoming “due and payable” in 6 months time. Business owners should be realistic about their financial position and may need to consider if indeed their business will remain financially viable, particularly those that do not have significant working capital reserves to carry their businesses through periods where they are operating at break even or below. Ignoring this may result in the company’s financial problems being compounded. A restructuring or rescue plan should be implemented. Any such plan should be carefully prepared in consultation with a qualified turnaround specialist. Directors will need to implement any turnaround steps and monitor and adapt the plan to changing circumstances. Where it becomes clear that returning to solvency is not possible formal restructuring through an administration may be an option. Seek advice and protect your financial future!


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Central Coast Industry Connect welcomes local covid-19 business taskforce

Free Marketing ebook to Boost Local Business Recovery CENTRAL COAST MARKETING agency publishes free insider tips to boost local business recovery post-COVID. Successful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic means businesses need to be equipped with a thorough action plan and, in many cases, seek professional guidance. That expert guidance is kindly being offered for free by local website design and marketing agency, Oddball Marketing. Combining their collective knowledge and industry experience, the team have produced a comprehensive guide to marketing post COVID-19 in the form of a free, downloadable ebook. The ebook, ‘ Your Essential Guide to Marketing Post COVID’ , features a variety of marketing tips and tricks that small to medium businesses can use instantly to help boost sales. Within the ebook you can also access specific checklists to tick off for each marketing channel, to ensure your business’ marketing plan keeps moving and stays on track. Despite the restrictions placed on Central Coast businesses throughout March, April and May 2020, many business owners successfully adapted their operations and services to survive the Coronavirus climate. The focus now for businesses is to recover lost revenue, find their customers again, and attract new ones. The free ebook offered by Oddball Marketing is a step toward recovery by

exploring what opportunities a business has on the best marketing channels suited to a post-COVID environment. Managing Director of Oddball Marketing, Mike Sandys, says of the free resource: “This ebook is simply our way of ‘paying it forward’. As one of many Australian businesses influenced by COVID-19, we’re using our insight to help other businesses seeking to recover. I feel this is an adjustment period, and our agency believes that underneath every problem there is always a solution.” “I encourage all Central Coast businesses to keep this resource handy for reference, share it with their networks, but most importantly put it into play!” The ebook, “Your Essential Guide to Marketing Post COVID” is now available to download online for free from the agency’s website*: https://oddballmarketing.com.au

Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) is pleased to be part of the rapid response group that has come together to help local business and industry sectors through the coronavirus pandemic. CCIC, the Central Coast Food Alliance, Business NSW, Central Coast Council and Regional Development Australia have joined forces to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 to the Central Coast economy and respond with local initiatives aimed at stimulating business investment, maintaining jobs and helping businesses withstand the effects of the pandemic. “ To have such a group come together in what is a difficult and trying time for the region and the country, shows the commitment of the parties to ensuring the impact of Covid19 is minimized as much as possible and importantly, we come out the other side as strong as possible” said Frank Sammut Executive Officer of CCIC and the Food Alliance. “Our Manufacturing sector is predominantly split between Building and Construction supplies, Engineering and Fabrication, and Food and Beverage production. The diversity of impact will vary between the sectors and within the sectors. If you look at the food sector, demand is currently high, but some local niche food and beverage manufacturers are struggling because their markets like tourism have dried up” said Mr Sammut. A recent ABS survey has revealed that approximately half of Australian businesses had experienced an adverse impact as a result of COVID-19 during the previous two weeks and 86% of businesses expected to be impacted in future months. The taskforce has established a COVID-19 information portal to provide relevant information and what support is available to help businesses now and prepare for COVIS-19 recovery

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020


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FUNNY BUSINESS

PAT WENT INTO the jewellery store, pulled out his pocket watch and told the clerk it wasn’t working. The clerk unscrewed the back and opened it up and a little cockroach fell out. “Oh,” said Pat, “no wonder it didn’t work, the engineer is dead!” A man, about to enter hospital, saw two white coated doctors searching through the flower beds. “Excuse me,” he said, “have you lost something?” “No,” replied one of the doctors. “We’re doing a heart transplant for an income-tax Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, “Why is the bride dressed in white?’’ The mother replied, “Because white is the colour of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.” The child thought about this for a moment then said, “So why is the groom wearing black?” inspector and want to find a suitable stone.” An accountant is in a car travelling with a farmer client around his farm. They pass a large mob of sheep and the farmer says, “You’re pretty good with numbers, Keith. How many sheep do you reckon are in that paddock?” The accountant looks at the sheep for a moment and says, “One thousand, eight hundred and thirty two.” The farmer is amazed. “Exactly right”, he says. “How did you work that out so fast?” “Easy,” says the accountant “I counted the

number of feet and divided by 4.” A passenger train is creeping along, slowly and finally it creaks to a halt. A passenger sees the conductor walking by outside. “What’s going on?” she yells out the window. “Cow on the track!” replies the conductor. Ten minutes later, the train resumes its slow pace. Within five minutes, however, it stops again. The woman sees the same conductor walking along the tracks. She leans out the window and yells, “What happened? Did we catch up with the cow again?” Some race horses staying in a stable. One of them starts to boast about his track record. “In the last 15 races, I’ve won 8 of them!” Another horse breaks in, “Well in the last 27 races, I’ve won 19!!” “Oh that’s good, but in the last 36 races, I’ve won 28!” says another, flicking his tail. At this point, they notice that a greyhound dog has been sitting there listening. “I don’t mean to boast,” says the greyhound, “but in my last 90 races, I’ve won 88 of them!” The horses are clearly amazed. “Wow!” says one, after a hushed silence. “A talking dog.” An old man and woman are going out for a meal to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The old man is getting ready but can’t find his shoes so he looks under the bed

and finds a box with 2 eggs in it and a thousand dollars. So that evening he questions his wife about it at dinner. “Well..” she said “each time I was unfaithful to you I put an egg in the box” “And what about the thousand pound?” asked the old man. “Well...” Replies the woman “Each time I got a dozen eggs I sold them”. Taxiing down the tarmac, the jetliner abruptly stopped, turned around and returned to the gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant, “What was the problem?” “The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine,” explained the Flight Attendant, “and it took us a while to find a new pilot.” The man approached the very beautiful woman in the large supermarket and asked, “You know, I’ve lost my wife here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?” “Why?” “Because every time I talk to a beautiful woman my wife appears out of nowhere.”

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2020


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