CBCC October Magazine

In memory of Queen Elizabeth II

The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

Our heart goes out to the family she has left behind and to all the people whose lives she has touched in her reign of over 70 years.

Australian people

miss her deeply.

PARASIRIS

SANDRA DUARTE

JASON ARRAJ

TRACY

WEHBE

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GEOFF GAYMER

ALLY MEHANNA

TO BUILD, OR NOT TO BUILD? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

It’s no secret that building in Sydney is getting harder. Over the past nine months we have seen a shortage of materials and skilled labour, along with interest rate hikes and property prices booming, leading to the stigma that building your dream home in 2022 is impossible.

WRITTEN BY GILBERT SAYEGH

There’s also a lot of conflicting opinions floating around this issue, and just like any other hot topic, everyone is an expert. To help cut through the confusion, let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on.

Firstly, most would agree, supply and demand is one of the greatest issues facing industries right now. When there’s high demand, supply takes a hit and prices increase. We notice it in everything from facemasks to lettuce. In the construction industry, we’re seeing it in building materials and trades and, as a result, builders are increasing their margins and timelines. Even though it can appear that clients are being overcharged, in most cases builders have no choice but to allow for higher contingencies.

Builder insights

To get a ‘boots on the ground’ perspective, I sat down with a couple of leading local builders for their take.

Magdi Fanous, director of ANBC, gave an example which is common in the industry at the moment. He received a quote from his carpenter for one of his projects for $85k. After three months the price increased to $140k. Although that is enough to send shudders down the spines of those ready to build, interestingly he predicted that in the next 12 months construction in the low to medium density residential market will slow down to a point where materials and labour will become more readily available, and as a result construction costs will drop, illustrating the dynamic forces at play.

For Danny Zanzoul, director at Uniq Building, he sees the current state of the industry as being like the perfect storm. Bushfires, rain and floods, COVID restrictions, global political unrest, and petrol and interest rate rises have all led to the unprecedented challenges in our market. In fact, he said the issue is much deeper than what we have seen in the last 2 ½ years. In particular, the industry has a serious shortage of quality and skilled professionals, largely because

not enough skilled labour have been enticed from overseas onto our shores; and not enough benefits or incentives are being offered for apprentices locally either.

Danny is concerned that the construction industry will continue to suffer for the next several years if we don’t make drastic changes.

Although he believes no one specifically is to blame, he does point out that businesses need to adapt to changes and face challenges in order to survive, and (like any other industry) there are ups and downs. Danny’s prediction over the next 12 months is that there will be room for bargaining with trades as we start to exit these turbulent times. So, if you are intending to build your dream home or start those renovations you've always wanted, you could well benefit by beginning your design and build journey now in preparation for the possible changing tide of market conditions.

Why planning is key to building success, even now

From my perspective as a practising building designer and consultant, I would agree that all is not doom and gloom for plans to build your new home or next investment development. My suggestion, just like Magdi and Danny’s on the issue, is don’t sit around and wait for better days.

Yes, construction prices will drop eventually, but it’s unlikely that building costs will ever return to the glory days of just $2,000 per square metre as there’s no avoiding the scars of recent times and inflation. Instead, be realistic and plan accordingly.

It’s also important not to underestimate the time needed for drawings and approvals, which could take anywhere between 6 months and 2 years (depending on the size of your project) to just get the approval to commence construction.

The good news is, however, in NSW, once a development is approved, you have 5 years to start building. Therefore, now is the time to start planning, as you can take your time and not have the stress of completing drawings and documents to an unrealistic deadline. You can also use time as your planning advantage for other aspects of your project, which could save you thousands.

The importance of due diligence

When it comes to home building and development projects, I always recommend you have a clear understanding of the limitations of your site BEFORE you start the design process. Not only do you have State and local restrictions to consider, you have everything from easements to covenants and assets that may affect

what and how you can build, and the price of construction.

After all, you don’t start a marathon blindfolded so why walk into a project not knowing the big picture?

I have seen time and time again where clients start their design journey only to find out they can’t achieve what they wanted, and costs of construction blow out as they haven’t allowed for site issues. What’s worse, at that point they have already spent thousands of dollars in consulting fees and applications. The issues stem right from the beginning –prior to even buying the block of land. Unfortunately, by not being aware of what can affect budget and design leaves you exposed to expensive pitfalls.

The problem for most people is, unless you know what to look out for (including from one Council area to the next), it is extremely difficult to confidently undertake the due diligence required, or even know who to turn to for the right advice. That is what prompted me to develop a unique and fast service that provides property buyers with a comprehensive report (www.checkmyproperty.com.au) that includes key pieces of information in one place in order to help make more informed property decisions.

When is the best time to build?

As the building industry and market forces are constantly changing, and since the design and approval process has multiple complexities, you’re probably never going to pinpoint the perfect time to build, BUT you can go about it smarter. By being prepared as early as possible, bringing in the right experts from the start, and accessing quality information, you’ll be in a stronger position to pounce when building and personal conditions are more favourable.

If you would like to know more or understand your site’s full potential, visit www.checkmyproperty.com.au.

Gilbert Sayegh is a leading Sydney building designer and founder of www.checkmyproperty.com.au and www.psdesign.net.au. Gilbert has been helping home builders and developers make the most of their construction projects for over 10 years, and is a NSW and Canterbury-Bankstown specialist.

WEBSITE NEW

IS YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING

Every week, we will select three member listings. Get your listing seen by a local audience ready to support local.

About Us

Tiling Wizards, Australia’s leading Tile Supply & Install Company.

Since 1995, we have built everything in Tile Wizards around the Philosophy of C.A.R.E. Clients Are Really Everything.

Listening to clients & delivering on their expectations has been a simple rule which has helped the business achieve long term relationships with design & construction industry stakeholders. We also aim to be Proactive in the operational management of tile supply & installation. We manage your risk exposure “on the ground” and share responsibly in achieving a well planned & implemented Project.

F O R T H E G A L A A W A R D S

This award celebrates the contributions of young people in the Canterbury Bankstown region the impact they have had on our region, and their commitment towards greatness.

Has there been a business that went above and beyond for you this year? Did you receive an outstanding product or service from a business?

Nominate them here!

We're celebrating the people who have continued pushing forward, and led their businesses through the toughest times.

Nominate an outstanding business person here!

Nominate Nominate

Anyone over 50 welcome to attendmembers, families and friends.

Classes will be facilitated by Collappor8, so secure your seats now and get online.

Want to know how to Stay Smart Online?

Register your interest.Register your interest.

Are you over 50 and interested in learning to use the Internet, but don’t know where to get started? The Internet can help you in day to day life in many different ways, and we would like to help you make the most of it.

The CBCC will be holding three free workshops where you can learn Digital Basics, Get Online and Stay Smart Online. We will cover the following topics:

Digital Basics

Using a Touch Screen

Using a Computer

Get Online

Intro to the Internet

Using a Web Browser

Navigating a Website

Staying Smart Online

Password Safety

Make Payments Safely

Avoid Scams

Keep Safe from Viruses

Please bring your own device to the workshop. Our lessons are designed with smartphone use in mind, but you may bring a tablet or laptop if you prefer.

We are supported by Good Things Foundation and the Australian Government to help build digital skills in older Australians. Email: ceo@cbchamber.org.au for next class details.

An opportunity to Inspire a future

CEO / Entrepreneur

A chance to showcase your industry or Business to the community and next generation. Meet potential future employment candidates. Our young people are the future of tomorrow. Broaden your Community Engagement

Great exposure and support from Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce

TheBenefitstoStudents

They gain an insight into the life of a CEO/Business leader They learn and understand how a particular industry works Improves their own potential Helps build their self confidence Creates career opportunities and connects them with the business community.

for a DayC E CO E O

Empowering our youth is powering our community

Building our youth for the future by sharing knowledge through experience and mentorship.

Whyshouldbusinessleadersget involved?

CEO for a Day connects local, aspiring Year 10 to 12 students with a Senior Executive in their community in a field that they’re interested in, giving them the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a local leader.

Connecting Business Leaders with Future Leaders

Inspiring dreams with real experience

Understanding True Leadership under a mentor

Give young people an opportunity to dream, experience and expand their horizons and aspire to be all that they can.

Whatisrequired fromthebusiness host?

The day will be approx. 4 hours

Host will Meet and Greet the student and explain what your company does and what you do.

Discuss what they want to do in the future and how they see themselves getting there.

Tips for Hosting the Student:

TourFacility

Take the student on a tour of the facility or branches introduce them to key personnel. Meeting

Allow the student to sit in on a team meeting

TeamUp

Set them up with a relevant Team Member to buddy them for an hour or two showing the student what they do in the industry, potentially a trades person or professional doing their normal activities. The student could have an opportunity to do some hands on activity if available.

Reconnect

Meet up with the student potentially over lunch to see how their day went and what discuss their thoughts.

Turn up Dress appropriately and be ready

Whatisrequiredfromthe student? for a great day

Have a positive attitude Ask questions Have fun

Most importantly, take your smile!

Chamber Chamber Activity Activity

BusinessAfter5with

LET'S SHOWCASE OUR REGION.

Canterbury Bankstown is home to a wealth of hidden treasures. The tourism industry is revving up again and we know that there is much to see in Canterbury Bankstown. Let's bring more business to our region by showcasing Canterbury Bankstown's finest hidden treasures and give people a solid reason to come here!

SUBMIT A SECRET TREASURE

we're celebrating

to offer options for

advertise in

Prices vary depending the

are looking for. The prices are for any member wishing to advertise mre than what is allocated in the

Size

AD

the overwhelming interest in our members wanting to be included in our Newsletter, we now ask that our members provide a JPEG. PDF will no longer be accepted. Files can be 72dpi

From our Members

by A/Prof Jochen Schweitzer

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– Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building

SANDRA DUARTE FACES HER BIGGEST FEAR

On the 16th September, CBCC's Board Member and Youth Committee Chair, Sandra Duarte took part as an Ambassador for the Children's Cancer Institute 2022 CEO Dare to Cure Challenge.

Sandra's passion and commitment to helping make a difference in the lives of others is evident as she faced one of her biggest fears of snakes to help raise awareness and funds for Children's Cancer Research.

She bravely participated in the CEO DARE TO CURE CHALLENGE by getting into a Snake Bath with live pythons and has raised over $7,700 for Children's Cancer Research.

As a collective, we have helped raise over $1.7million to date. If you are interested in making a donation, click here https://www.ccia.org.au/fundrai sers/sandraduarte

Did you know, The Children's Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer and pioneering safer treatments.

Every single week in Australia 20 children are diagnosed with Cancer and it still kills more children than any other disease. Cancer cuts life short for hundreds of children in Australia every year, before they've even had a chance to make their mark.

When a child survives cancer, their hopes and dreams survive too. We can all make a difference in the lives of others.

"I am proud to be supporting the Children's Cancer Institute in the CEO Dare to Cure snake bath

"I am proud to be supporting the Children's Cancer Institute in the CEO Dare to Cure snake bath challenge - I only need to be brave for a few minutes. Let's not forget that children fighting cancer arechallenge - I only need to be brave for a few minutes. Let's not forget that children fighting cancer are thrown out of their comfort zone daily and are the real brave heroes who need our support."thrown out of their comfort zone daily and are the real brave heroes who need our support."

- Sandra Duarte- Sandra Duarte

www.ccia.org.au.

The Gymea Fair will be proceeding on 30 October 2022 at this stage.

Below is the cost of sites for 2022. Please note there is a $50 non refundable admin fee.

Payment must be made at the same time you apply for a site.

Applications will close when Gymea Chamber of Commerce deems that all sites are full.

If you require any further information, please contact the undersigned.

We are hoping that this year will be bigger and better after 2 years of covid cancellations.

Stallholder

Stall Site Costs Size of Site Cost/site

Site Single 3m x 3m

Double

Fee (Non –Refundable)

x 3m

& Charities Stallholder

Stall Site Costs Size of Site Cost/site

Single Site 3m x 3m

Site

Fee (Non –

x 3m

If you are interested, please directly contact

Driven to find a rewarding career change

During the pandemic, Mohammed Ibrahim decided to seek out a more rewarding career path. The role he had was physically demanding, and the long hours had started to take a toll. He was looking for a long-term career option that would offer him stability, opportunities for growth and a greater sense of purpose.

Having a close family member who was a bus driver, Mohammed was able to discover more about what a bus driving role offered and was inspired to apply for a role with local bus operator Transdev NSW. He joined the team in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. He’s been driving for over a year now and says it was the right career choice for him.

“I just love being out on the road. You meet different people every day and you’re really a part of the community. Getting people to where they need to go is important to me and I love being able to help with this. You also get to be part of some special moments, such as taking people to events and being able to provide help to someone when they need it. You can make a difference to someone’s day, and when they give you a smile, that’s a great reward.

“I received full training and support in my journey to become a bus driver. The team at Transdev NSW are inclusive and supportive and we’re all passionate about providing a great journey for our customers. If anyone is thinking about a career change, I encourage them to give bus driving a thought. It’s a rewarding job, with opportunities to grow your career, and I like the stability it brings for myself and my family,” he said.

Transdev NSW’s People and Culture Manager, Shayna Fraticelli, said that bus driving offers great earning potential with opportunities for career development.

“We provide all the training and support needed to start your career as a bus driver. If you’re looking for a career change and have a standard driver’s licence, I encourage you to chat to one of our friendly team members about the benefits of being a bus driver in your local community and how we can support you in your career change. We have a range of exciting opportunities available right now,” she said.

For more information on becoming a bus driver with Transdev NSW in your local community, or to apply, visit www.driveabus.com.au

We are also currently running FREE English courses for International students. CBCC members may simply quote the CBCC while this offer is running and we will ensure that they do not pay any fees.

Disability provider alert

Following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s provisional registration for the Moderna bivalent COVID 19 vaccine (SPIKEVAX Bivalent Original/Omicron), ATAGI recommends the vaccine for use as a booster dose in adults aged 18 years and over, noting:

ATAGI does not recommend the Moderna bivalent vaccine for the primary course of vaccination This is the first two doses for most people or first three doses for severely immunocompromised people.

ATAGI does not currently recommend use of the Moderna bivalent vaccine as a booster in anyone under 18 years. It is not registered for this age group.

The Australian Government will include the Moderna Bivalent in the COVID 19 Vaccination Program for boosters in people aged 18 years or older, from 10 October 2022.

COVID-19 fourth dose: available now through Commonwealth Vaccination In-Reach Program

Disability service providers can support residents in disability accommodation settings (including NDIS SIL) to access the recommended COVID 19 vaccine doses You can do this through the Commonwealth’s Vaccination Administration Provider Program (VAPP). In reach (in home) vaccination services can be provided to both residents and staff.

If a VAPP provider has not already contacted your organisation, and residents need support to access their next COVID 19 dose, submit an expression of interest online. For more information contact DisabilityCovidVaccineDelivery@Health.gov.au.

to COVID-19 isolation requirements

On 31 August, National Cabinet agreed to reduce the isolation periods for COVID 19 positive cases from seven to five days following a positive test, noting:

this applies only to people with no symptoms at five days, and seven days’ isolation remains for workers in high-risk settings including aged care, disability care and those providing care in the home.

These changes came into effect on Friday 9 September The Prime Minister’s statement is available here

Vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years

The COVID 19 Vaccination Program for children aged 6 months to under 5 years began on 5 September 2022. Appointments are available with selected providers through the COVID 19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

ATAGI recommends COVID 19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years with:

severe immunocompromise disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.

The recommendation is for 2 primary doses, except for those children with severe immunocompromise who will need 3 primary doses. The recommended interval between each dose is 8 weeks.

The Department of Health and Aged Care worked with ARIA award winning Australian musical group Teeny Tiny Stevies to compose the song ‘I Got You’ A music video and children’s activity kit has been released with the song The song reminds children to wash their hands and stay home if they are not feeling well Listen to ‘I Got You’

COVID-19 resources for people with disability –Stakeholder kit

This stakeholder kit has key messages to help you communicate the importance of planning for and managing COVID 19 for people with disability. It will help you easily share information with your contacts and includes links to materials such as videos and factsheets. Access the kit from the Disability Gateway under COVID 19 support.

Communication support for people with disabilities

Supporting effective communication upholds the rights of people with disabilities to have choice and control and make decisions about their own lives. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) is reminding providers of their obligation under the NDIS Practice Standards and NDIS Code of Conduct to support effective communication This includes the obligation to offer and support access to interpreting services to help participants use their supports For more information, visit the NDIS Commission website

Support for people with disability, providers, carers and families

Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 open from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday. Department of Health and Aged Care website at www.health.gov.au

National Coronavirus and COVID 19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080. People with disability, their families and carers should choose Option 5, disability workers should choose Option 4

For information in a language other than English, call the National Coronavirus and COVID 19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 and press option 8. This is a free service. The Translating and Interpreting Service is also available on 131 450.

For people who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Follow us on Facebook

Don't miss the latest news and updates about COVID 19 and other health matters follow the Department of Health and Aged Care on Facebook.

Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital celebrates 25 years of service this year. To boost staff morale after facing many challenges recently from the pandemic to the severe weather disasters, it was decided to hold a staff ball to celebrate. We are looking for businesses to sponsor the event by providing sponsorship, prizes or gift cards which would be used on the night. All donations will be acknowledged as per the flyer.

Digital Identity

Vision for the Future

the video: