January 2024 CBCC Magazine

This magazine is a publication focused on business and community in Southwest Sydney

It contains articles on members, trends, business advice, business promotions, and community news.

January 2024

MAGAZINE

CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Business growth

WSU - Director

WALLY MEHANNA CBCC CEO

Local Investment ANTOINETTE KHALIL

JASON ARRAJ

Khalil Lawyers Principal Solicitor

Forward Legal Principal Solicitor

TRACY MINETT

JESSICA WEHBE

Minett Group - CEO

Kleanwell - Director of Client Relations

GEOFF GAYMER

SANDRA DUARTE

TAFE NSW - Manager

Sandra Duarte Consulting - CEO

Networking Opportunities

2024 Strategic Goals

BILL PARASIRIS

Happy

NEW YEAR

2024

May 2024 be a year full of peace, love and success for all of us.

Get Updates

8 CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE 2023 11 “HYUNDAI’S WIN A CAR” HELP 32 FAMILIES 16 CHECK OUT CAROL’S BALLOONS 18 MEET THE PERSON BEHIND KHALIL LAWYERS 19 MASTERING THE ART OF BECOMING A WORKING MUM 20 UPCOMING EVENTS 26 LEARN ALL ABOUT OUR BRAVE PROJECT 40 MEDIA RELEASES 42 CONTACT US

TABLE OF

6 2023 CBCC CHRISTMAS PARTY

CONTENTS

5 CEO'S MESSAGE

OPPORTUNITY & SUCCESS

Full Speed for 2024 I wish to take this opportunity for my final CEO message for 2023 to congratulate the Hon Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, and the Hon John Graham, Minister for Roads. Their commendable leadership in implementing the Demerit Point Return Scheme to reward safe drivers deserves our acknowledgment.

CEO Message

Chris Minns said: “Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial and we hope it gives drivers that little bit of extra incentive to achieve a spotless record...

It’s time we put safety back at the centre of our road rules, not revenue raising."

In addressing the issue of road safety, the government often adopts a carrot-and-stick approach to influence behaviour. We, as advocates for positive change, endorse the positive "carrot" approach embraced by these leaders and encourage the continuation of such initiatives.

Beyond merely fostering a feel-good atmosphere, it is about empowering individuals to take ownership and assume leadership roles in realising our collective goals.

I express my gratitude to all who have been part of the Chamber's journey throughout this past year.

Your support has been invaluable.

As we approach the festive season, I extend warm wishes to every one of you. May the coming year, 2024, be filled with abundant opportunities and successes for us all.

THE CONNECTOR

Wally Mehanna CEO

2023 CBCC CHRISTMAS PARTY CELEBRATING ANOTHER MERRY AND BRIGHT YEAR IN CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN Canterbury Bankstown T heChamber of Commerce sleighed it at the Entertainment Park in Milperra, getting Canterbury Bankstown ready to jingle and mingle with their Christmas Party on Tuesday 12th December.

Inviting Chamber members, local families, and the wider community to their Christmas Party, over 300 guests were treated to a generous and delicious spread as they enjoyed the wide variety of activities available at the Entertainment Park.

From ten-pin bowling and arcade games to a VR hologate and indoor ekarting, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

the community celebrated another A ssuccessful year together, the CBCC also aims to spread the Christmas cheer to those who might not be able to celebrate as freely every year.

This year, the CBCC’s Christmas Tree Appeal was a Toy Drive that would be donated to families experiencing domestic violence, including Biyani House. With over 1000 toys donated through our appeal, we are sure that these gifts will make many children and families feel uplifted this Christmas. We thank everyone who supported our 2023 Christmas Toy Drive.

L

The CBCC also thanks the Entertainment Park for hosting, and Franky & Co for supplying dessert for our Christmas Party.

Click here for more

aughter echoed, joy soared, and the night was an absolute blast of festive fun.

Together, we are celebrating the end of another hard year.

The CBCC wishes to thank everyone for coming along to our Community Christmas Party. We couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to an amazing 2024 together!

Christmas TOY DRIVE 2023

SPREADING JOY AND KINDNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful community, the CBCC donated over 1000 gifts to local shelters. Bankstown Women's Health Centre and Biyani House - Revesby Women's Shelter.

We extend a special thanks to: The Entertainment Park Mercure Sydney Bankstown The Hon. Jihad Dib, MP Kylie Wilkinson, MP for volunteering at a Toy Drive drop-off location. Your support has made a world of difference to families facing domestic violence.

Check out more Photos

Every gift counts, and every smile matters.

We express our deepest gratitude for everyone involved!

Your generosity will bring joy and much needed Christmas cheer to their lives.

LEASING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Integrated Medical Services We specialise in delivering communityfocused integrated medical healthcare.

We are actively seeking dedicated healthcare professionals, including doctors and allied healthcare practitioners, who are eager to establish their presence in the burgeoning Oran Park district. It's projected that this district will have a population of approximately 96,000 people by 2031.

If you are interested in joining us, we invite you to explore the opportunity of leasing a 100 sqm space within our practice.

Oran Park

Please feel free to get in touch with us for further details and to discuss how we can collaborate.

Additionally, we offer the flexibility of booking rooms on a daily rate basis to accommodate your specific needs.

CALL NOW 0418 865 013 tracy.minett@minettgroup.com.au

minettgroup.com.au

HYUNDAI’S WIN A CAR PROMOTION SUPPORTS 32 FAMILIES Over recent months, with the help of Hyundai Help for Kids we raffled a brand new Hyundai VENUE car.

We are eternally grateful for this opportunity and for the decades long support we have received.

With everyone’s generosity and support, we COMPLETELY sold out of these tickets!

A huge congratulations to the winner, a huge thank you to Hyundai Help for Kids and Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce for making this possible, and a huge thank you to everyone that joined the raffle!

This week, the winner, a proud resident of Orange, NSW and long term Little Wings supporter, collected her magnificent prize.

Together, we have funded another 32 missions.

Click here to watch the moment our winner receives her prize!

NEW YEAR NEW RESULTS SERVICES Strategy & Corporate Finance Accounting Customers & Marketing Operations People & Culture Business Interiors Grant Writing

GET IN TOUCH TODAY! collappor8.com.au

02 8328 1350

contact@collappor8.com.au

Global Party People Mission Australia James Rammal Spectrumite The Epiphany Group Lifesize Plans Sydney Pty Ltd Divine Home Massage Bankstown Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre

BRONZE $1,375

SILVER $2,750

CORPORATE $5,500

Gift of Membership (Basic membership)

1

2

5

Free tickets to CBCC regular events

1

2

3

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS * all membership benefits are per annum & prices include GST

BASIC $161.70

Business listing on website CBCC Logo use per level Article in the CBCC Monthly Magazine Invitation to Round Table Support Member discounts to all ticketed events Member discounts to affiliate events CEO visit to your site (at your request)

Flyer placement at CBCC unsponsored events Freestanding banner regular at CBCC events Social media posts on CBCC platforms

1

4

8

12

Promotion of special offers and discounts

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4

8

12

Invitation to CBCC networking events Showcase your business at networking events Video ad on website, magazine & social media Prime logo recognition on website Inclusion in a group Shop Local video Award at Annual Gala Dinner *tickets purchased separetly

Additional Member Benefits Event Sponsorship Opportunities Policy Taskforce Invitations

Acknowledgement by MC at CBCC events Regular meetings with the CEO

Join Today https://cbchamber.org.au/join

www.carolballoons.com

Carol Balloons

CAROL Balloons In a world filled with dreams and ambitions, my path to success was intricate resilience, passion for success, hard work and determination. My Name is Carolina Oyaga a wife, a daughter, a sister and the mother of Santi and Sam and proud owner of Carol Balloons, to whom I dedicate my journey to success.This is my story.

My story began with a burning desire to be who I am meant to be in this world, armed only with a vision and a huge passion to be big, recognised, and free! I am a Venezuelan born immigrant who settle in Sydney Australia, after my second

attempt

homeland.

The

to

live

early

out

of

my

stages

of

my

education started becoming a successful Certified Public Accountant which open the road ahead to be in this country. After settling and digesting the fact that this was my place to establish, I begin my entrepreneur journey and became a Family Day Care Service parallel to becoming a Diploma in Early Childhood.

All these filled with obstacles and doubts.

Yet, the business challenges were not impediments for me, they were stepping stones to my own growth.

The business journey continued for a couple of years alongside my family, who did not understand

fully

the

amount

of

the

intricated feelings I was going through. With my hand on my chest, I had to surrender to the dream of being a business owner as it was taking its toll on my mental health which took a few years to heal.

With a thirst of still having deeply in my heart an entrepreneurship spirit, whilst COVID hit, I opened my second business “Carol Bakes”. An emerging home based trade

providing

exquisite,

elaborated

cookies with all kinds of designs and edible decorations, a beautiful delight for eyes and mouth, but again, my dream crashed after another challenge step in front of my way,

www.carolballoons.com

and I had to close.

Resilience, and Challenges having been always my road for growth I am not the type of people that give up easily, in fact, the opposite, I am a fighter and never rest until I find success for me and for what I believe in!

Not long after, I could not continue my home-based baking business, yet I was craving for a new opportunity, and knowledge was at my doorstep.

Education has always been my beacon, illuminating my path forward. At the start of 2022 I discovered the Balloons world!

The “Diploma Balloon Designer” awarded

by Decolovers Institute, under the Florida Department of Education in USA. An online full on educational program with endless nights of study, fuelled by unrelenting curiosity, laid the foundation for the expertise I sought to attain. Each lesson learned was a milestone, shaping the professional I was becoming until in September 2023 I graduated as a Professional Balloon Designer (PBD).

As I navigated through my Balloon professional endeavours, whilst still studying to become a PBD, collaboration became a cornerstone of my achievements. In April 2023 I became a valued member of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN) an International wellknown accreditation in the Balloons Industry.

In November 2023 I was lucky enough to be able to participate in Balloon Boss Summit in Orlando FL, a 6 days convention where I not only acquire knowledge of the most updated balloon techniques, but to discover the back bone from first hand Balloon Business owners on how to run a fruitful business. Not to mention, the incredible reason I originally went there, to which it was to become a Certified Balloon Artist CBA by Qualatex, which opened to me a whole new chapter in my career as a Professional Balloon Decorator in this Industry. Being able to be a delegate in Balloon Boss Summit allowed me to work alongside mentors, peers, and supporters to discover the strength in unity, harnessing collective wisdom and diverse perspectives to propel myself forward. Yet, success is not solely about milestones reached. It is about personal growth. A metamorphosis of the mind and spirit. It is about perseverance in the face of adversity, about embracing failure as a catalyst for improvement, and cultivating a mindset that welcome challenges as opportunities for growth.

With time, the seeds of effort I sowed are starting to bear fruit. Milestones were achieved, goals surpassed, and dreams transformed into tangible realities. But for me, success is not a static destination; it is an ongoing journey of small accomplishments and continuous pursuit of excellence.

Looking back to my story, I can embrace the power of determination, resilience, and the belief in the ability to overcome challenges and difficult times. I have lived moments of triumph and tribulation, shaping me into the person I am today.

Carol Balloons is an ambitious business guided by integrity in an ongoing journey to be ready to script new victories and conquer new horizons.

Carol Balloons www.carolballoons.com @carol_balloons_

“We have Accredited Specialists in Family Law.”

“Success isn’t about how much money you make...it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

Michelle Obama Khalil Lawyers was established on 5 November 2018, by Antoinette Khalil the Principal Solicitor of the firm. Antoinette had completed her Masters in Applied Law (Family Law) and had been practicing law for 8 years. During that time, Antoinette recalls “I had just given birth to my second child and was passionate about being both a loving mother and pursuing my career in law… I felt that the only way to do this was by starting my own firm.”

Five years later, Antoinette sees herself as an entrepreneur running a small law firm in southwest Sydney “Khalil Lawyers”. Antoinette also sees herself as a loving mother to her four children. Although there have been many struggles along the way, Antoinette has managed to juggle the work/life balance and become an inspirational leader to others, inspiring woman that they can achieve the inevitable with the right dedication and support around them.

In 2021, Antoinette joined the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and became a vital Board Member. Antoinette’s passion for inspiring others, particularly female entrepreneurs who wanted to return to work after either giving birth or experiencing a prolonged injury, was well supported through the CBCC and in 2022, Antoinette became the Chair of the Women’s Committee of the CBCC. Most recently with the success of the BRAVE project, the CBCC has been able to support women in the community like Antoinette, by providing education and opportunities to women in the local area who wish to excel and pursue their dreams.

Antoinette strongly believes that women can break the glass ceiling and can achieve the inevitable by having the right support around them, as well as having a positive attitude towards life. When looking back at 2023 and what it had to offer, Antoinette states: “2023 has been a great year for me, from a business perspective we were able to reach many milestones and hit various financial targets, growth, as well as employing additional staff. In addition to this, the firm has signed on two years in sponsoring the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, bringing the sponsorship to a total five years by the end of 2025.

From a personal perspective, I gave birth to my fourth child, a daughter after three boys, and successfully passed a difficult assessment criterion to become a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law. With all this in mind, I believe there is more to come, and I look forward to what 2024 has to bring.”

Antoinette and the staff at Khalil Lawyers wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation Bankstown Office – Level 8, 25 Restwell Street, Bankstown NSW 2200 Parramatta Office – Level 7, 91 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 PO BOX 252 Casula Mall NSW 2170 | P: 02 7202 2312 E: admin@khalillawyers.com.au | W: www.khalillawyers.com.au Khalil Lawyers| ABN 89 629 103 297

MASTERING THE ART OF BECOMING A WORKING MUM With a new year comes new changes and challenges.

For women thinking of becoming a working mum as their children start school in the new year, it could mean a total shift in their lifestyles.

In Australia, more and more women are choosing to find the balance between career woman and mother. Labour force and census data revealed that the proportion of dual-earner families has increased to 71% in Australia, nearly double the level in 1979.

But why ARE more mums in Australia looking to return to work?

What are some of the challenges facing working mums?

And for the mums who are considering going back to work, what can you do to make a successful career comeback?

Click here to find out more

Buy tickets or register cbchamber.org.au/events

BRAVE Entrepreneurship - 6 February CEO for a Day - 21 February Men’s Health - 28 February Women in Leadership - 8 March

Topics Men's health Wellbeing Relationships

CBCC Bulldogs Event Men 's Health 2024 Networking and Panel Discussion

Bulldogs Home Ground

MEN’S HEALTH

28 February

Physical Health: This includes regular check-ups, screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as addressing issues related to heart health, sexual health, and fitness.

6 pm - 7 pm

Mental Health: Men's mental health covers areas such as stress management, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may affect men differently than women.

3 Edison Ln, Belmore NSW 2192

Canterbury League Club Terrace Room 28 February 7.15 pm - 9:00 pm 26 Bridge Rd, Belmore NSW 2192

Call Wally Mehanna for more information.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP FLEXIBILITY. FREEDOM. CONTROL 6th February 2024 6pm - 8:30pm

PRES E N T ING

RSPCA Education Centre 201 Rookwood Rd Yagoona NSW 2199

Renee Chahine Banking & Entrepreneurs Lending Criteria PAYG vs.

Self Employed Home loans Buy now Pay later Products

Farah Youssef

Renee ChahineRelationship Manager Unity Bank

Farah YoussefBusiness Consultant FY Business

Please direct all queries to Wally Mehanna

Sparking the Entrepreneurial flame.

Unleash and discover hidden potential.

Navigating the Startup Phase.

Build a supportive network.

Challenge limiting beliefs.

Empowering Action.

0416 012 747

ceo@cbchamber.org.au

2024 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP EVENT SPONSORS

Unlock insights on inclusion, leveraging innovation, and catalysing change.

Discover practical strategies to positively impact businesses and communities.

Table for 10 $300*

Single Member: $35 Single Non-Member: $45

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

ig

it

io

THE WILLIAM INGLIS HOTEL WARWICK FARM , NSW

#D

8TH MARCH 2024 6 PM - 8.30 PM

n

Engage with our esteemed panel Networking opportunities Delicious meal included

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InspireI

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s

C E O for a Day The 2024 Dates are out.

Join as a HOST and make a meaningful impact today!

Empowering our youth is powering our community

Register now 21 February 2024 8 May 2024 7 August 2024 27 November 2024 Our 2024 Program Objectives Guide Year 10-12 students in discovering their strengths, interests, and values, fostering a sense of control over their lives.

Develop their understanding of real-world challenges, how to navigate setbacks and cultivate adaptability and perseverance.

Facilitate networking with local business leaders and CEOs, to help youth build valuable connections for their future.

Cultivate effective communication, decision-making, and collaborative teamwork skills in youth through the program.

Lead, Guide, Inspire | Shape Futures | Help the local youth Know more about the program - CEO for a Day!

CforEaODay Empowering our youth is powering our community

Hi, I'm Tarik. I was thrilled to be part of CBCC's CEO for a Day initiative early this December.

Throughout the day, I gained valuable insights into leadership, community engagement, and effective time management.

Exploring the obstacles of leadership allowed me to understand the thought process of guiding a team, while community involvement highlighted the importance of giving back.

Learning to structure my time efficiently was a practical skill that resonated with me. This experience has significantly broadened my understanding of my passion and career goals.

I am sincerely grateful to the Collappor8 team for their guidance and support during this unique opportunity. Their collective efforts made the day not only educational but also enjoyable, reinforcing my commitment to pursuing my aspirations.

A special thank you to the entire team for being truly awesome throughout this inspiring initiative.

Seize the opportunity to receive mentorship from an experienced host and become the next empowered youth under their guidance.

Be part of the CEO for a Day! Join as a mentor

Join as a youth

We all have something to give, learn or experience.

Thank you to our Sponsor

Start Your Mentoring Journey TODAY

Let's create a community where empowerment knows no bounds!

Express your Interest by Signing up

FINANCIAL LITERACY MICROCREDENTIALS

Focus Group Thank you immensely for actively engaging in our series of focus group sessions, crucial in refining our micro credential course tailored for re-entering the workforce.

Your insights have been instrumental in elevating the quality of this program.

Stay tuned as we prepare to launch our Financial MicroCredential course in Feb 2024, and we invite you to be a part of this learning curve.

Check out more Photos

NSW Women's Advisory Council The NSW Women’s Advisory Council (the Council) plays a key role in advancing gender equality by representing the diverse voices, experiences, and priorities of women in NSW. Join the NSW Women's Advisory Council What is the NSW Women’s Advisory Council?

The Council will advise the NSW Government on issues affecting women and girls across the state and promote equitable policy outcomes across the work of government.

The objectives of the Council are to: provide specialist advice across the three key priority areas identified in the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026: economic opportunity and advancement health and wellbeing participation and empowerment contribute to the implementation of the Strategy, and; facilitate consultation with individuals and community organisations as required.

Hotel raffle sales are used to buy vans to aid the elderly

Photo: Jodie Barker, the Torch

Need a ride/ Want to take a Blue Mountains road trip Make a booking today!

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Testimonials videos Reviews are essential to many businesses.

However, many written reviews unfortunately are easy to fake.

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Studioventure can provide the following services: • Photography • Videography •Photo

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Rotary Club of Padstow Carols by Candlelight On Sunday 10th December the Rotary Club of Padstow presented its 55th Carols by Candlelight at Playford Park in Padstow delighting a crowd of over 3,000 people.

A stellar cast of performers lead us in song headlined by much loved regulars Ashleigh Judge, Rebecca Currier, Blake Fischer and students from Canterbury Bankstown Council’s Talent Advancement Program. Returning this year was Wendy Lindsay and making their first appearance at Carols a group called The D’Lights who were all accompanied by our favourite musicians the Bankstown & Yagoona Brass Band. Rebecca & Blake’s SingOz Sing Club also returned after a triumphant debut last year.

The large crowd enjoyed singing along, picnicking with friends and family, sampling the food stalls of course our Rotary BBQ. The wonderful show concluded with a magnificent fireworks display.

Thanks to the generous support of an incredible range of mostly local businesses and Canterbury Bankstown Council we were able to deliver a night of fun, lots of beautiful voices and most importantly a true community spirit of peace and joy at Christmas. The entire event was also broadcast live by Connect FM 100.9 for those who couldn’t join us in person.

Chris Minns

OFFICIAL

Premier of New South Wales Anoulack Chanthivong Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology

Media Release MVP Ventures Program applications now open Monday, 4 December 2023 Applications are now open for the 2023/24 MVP Ventures Program, which offers grants to early stage startups and small and medium enterprises to drive the commercialisation of new and highly innovative products or processes in NSW. A total of $3 million has been allocated each year for the next four years, with individual grants of between $25,000 to $50,000 available to successful recipients.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the program is designed to help move projects along the Technology Readiness Level scale to help them attract large-scale private investment.

“We know this program provides important targeted support to businesses ready to take the next step in their commercialisation journey,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Our main objective through this program is to help increase commercialisation in NSW to ensure we both attract and retain this entrepreneurial activity in the state for years to come.

Since resuming the program 24 previously submitted applications have been approved, with $1.8 million in funding now available for the remainder of the financial year.

Mr Chanthivong said MVP Venture applicants will benefit from increased certainty of when an outcome will be determined, through a revised application process.

“A new two-stage application process now starts with a simplified EOI application, with applicants hearing back on their eligibility within 15 days of submission. For those deemed eligible through the EOI, further information will be sought, with a 30-business day assessment of their final detailed application.

Applications will be assessed in the order in which they are received.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to review the program guidelines if they haven’t already and submit an expression of interest in a timely manner,” Mr Chanthivong said.

Co-Founder of climate tech start-up Farmed Carbon and recent MVP Ventures Program grant recipient Stuart Grover said the program will help his business commercialise and allow it to continue developing its innovative technology.

“One of the biggest challenges we’re facing as a business is figuring out how we can commercialise our sustainable products such as our carbon negative concrete. This support will give us the kick-start we need to take the next step,” Mr Grover said.

OFFICIAL

Don't hesitate to contact us for any enquiries.

We highly appreciate your suggestions and opinions.

PO Box CP 156 Condell Park NSW 2200 0416 012 747 ceo@cbchamber.org.au

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