Find Geelong - April Edition

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APRIL 2020

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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 editor@findgeelong.com.au PUBLISHER: Issuu pty Ltd POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134 ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS : events@findgeelong.com.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES : 1300 88 38 30 EMAIL SPORT : sport@findgeelong.com.au WEBSITE : www.findgeelong.com.au

OUR NEWSPAPER The Find Geelong was establish in 2019 for the purpose of bringing together everyone in the community in one place.

Our core focus is the support all the Not-For-Profits in the region by providing NFP’s with FREE advertise and helping them raise funds for their respective organizations. A core of business owners attend the Find Network luncheons held one a month to discuss the paper and how best to make it even better fo the local commnunity. The Find Geelong has a strong editorial focus and is financed predominately by the business community.

ALL THINGS GEELONG The Cith of Geelong is one of Victoria’s largest regional capital cities. Geelong had a population of approximately 230,000 as at the 2019 Report which includes 16,000 businesses. Geelong’s location is in strong growth corridor, making it an ideal location for businesses to explore options outside of the capital city.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Find Geelong acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Geelong now stands, the Wadawuarrung people of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.

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NEXT ISSUE

Next Issue of the Find Geelong will be published on the Monday, Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility May 8, 2020. Advertising and Editorial copy closes Monday for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in May 4, 2020. articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing.We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.

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BILLIONS OF DOLLARS PUMPED INTO CORONAVIRUS-HIT ECONOMY IN BID TO STAVE OFF RECESSION, SCOTT MORISSON ANNOUNCES By political correspondents Brett Worthington

The Federal Government has announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package in a bid to keep Australians in jobs as the economy takes a hit from the spread of coronavirus.

Key points: • The Government will pump $11 billion into the economy between now and July • Welfare recipients will get $750, and there will be tax breaks for small businesses • The Government concedes it will not deliver its forecast surplus for this financial year Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the package would provide an immediate stimulus to the economy amid fears Australia could slip into a recession.

The package includes tax relief for small businesses, one-off cash payments for welfare recipients and money to help keep apprentices in work.

More than 6 million welfare recipients, including pensioners, carers, veterans, families, young people and jobseekers will get a one-off cash payment of $750 from March 31.

“The biggest beneficiaries of that will be pensioners,” Mr Morrison said.

“They comprise around half of those who will receive those payments, but they also will be extended to those in family tax benefits, which obviously goes to those in earning households.”

Coronavirus update: Follow all the latest news in our daily wrap The one-off payments will cost the Government $4.8 billion, and Mr Morrison said he believed recipients would have the “common sense” to spend the money in ways which would benefit the economy.

“It’s not for us to tell those Australians Medium and big businesses will be how to spend their money,” Treasurer Josh encouraged to spend on equipment and Frydenberg added. other investments through an extension of the instant asset write-off, which means they can “But what we do know from experience is that claim a tax break for what they spend. they will spend that money, and that money will encourage economic activity.

This is currently restricted to companies with turnovers of up to $50 million, for maximum “And the more economic activity that we see investments of $30,000. through the June quarter, in particular, will be important.”

But this will be significantly lifted,

allowing companies with turnovers

Mr Morrison also said casual workers who contracted COVID-19, or had to isolate of up to $500 million to make assets themselves, would be eligible for a Newstart write-offs of up to $150,000. welfare payment while out of work. The typical wait time to access the payment will The stimulus package also includes a $1 be waived, but people will face an assets test billion fund to help the tourism sector. before receiving the money.

Coronavirus wipes out budget surplus The Government will spend $11 billion before the end of this financial year, with the Ahead of the federal election the Government remainder to be injected into the economy championed a forecast budget surplus of $7.1 billion for this financial year. before July 2021.

The Government wants its stimulus to be temporary and offer an immediate boost to the economy rather than making permanent changes to the budget.

Business cash payments, tax incentives

That forecast was revised down to $5 billion in December. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has now confirmed that there is “obviously not going to be a surplus year in 2019-20”.

In the last year, Mr Morrison had repeatedly refused to concede his budget surplus was a forecast, and yet to be delivered, having regularly insisted the budget was “back in black”.

Nearly 700,000 small and medium businesses will receive cash payments of between $2,000 and $25,000 to help pay wages or hire extra staff.

The measure is the largest part of the package, He now says the full extent of the deficit will be revealed in May’s federal budget. and is estimated to cost $6.7 billion.

The stimulus package also includes $1.3 billion in support payments to keep apprentices in their jobs amid fears the spread of the coronavirus could have a crippling effect on employment.

The Government yesterday allocated $2.4 billion for a health package, including 100 pop-up coronavirus fever clinics and a new Medicare item to deliver health advice remotely.

“The way we’ve designed this stimulus is to ensure that it doesn’t have a fiscal hangover down the track, that it doesn’t bury the budget for a decade,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is all designed to put the stimulus in now, in a very efficient and effective way, to deal with the problems that are here and now, problems that we know to be the issue here in Australia.”

AGRICULTURE UNDERPINNING ECONOMY, EXPORTS

By Colin Brinsden (Australian Associated Press)

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has defended supporting exporters through a freight subsidy so that farmers can get their produce abroad, rather than keeping it at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The minister said Australia has a population of 25 million but produces enough food for 75 million people.

He said the crisis has produced an opportunity for Australian agriculture to showcase itself on the international stage through reliable supplies of good quality food and fibre.

However, the reduction in international flights because of the COVID-19 crisis has meant freight costs have “skyrocketed”. “That is why we took the extraordinary steps to put up $110 million into a freight subsidy,” Mr Littleproud told Sky News on Sunday.

“Not to pay for all the freight but to try and minimise the increase in costs for our producers to be able to send their produce around the world and continue to be able to take advantage of the free trade agreements we have put in place.” He said the agriculture and resource sectors are helping to underpin the national economy through the crisis. “This

is about profitability to our regional sectors,” Mr Littleproud said. “It will help our economy rebound quicker on the back of agriculture and resources.” The government announced temporary changes to backpacker visas on Saturday, which will enable them to stay longer to work on farms at a critical crop picking time during the crisis.

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Business Support Fund The $500 million Business Support Fund will support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the hardest hit sectors, including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail. Eligible businesses can apply for a one-off $10,000 grant which can be used towards costs such as utilities, rent and salaries, and activities to support business continuity planning.

Working for Victoria Fund Under the $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work.

This presents opportunities for paid work and a chance to contribute to Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community.

Payroll Tax Refund Businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived, giving $550 million back to businesses who need it. Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. These businesses can also defer paying payroll tax for the first quarter of the 2020-21 financial year.

Liquor license fees waived Renewable liquor licence fees for 2020 will be waived. Businesses who have already paid will be reimbursed.

Land tax deferral Landowners who have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020.

Fast tracking outstanding supplier invoices The Victorian Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days - releasing up to $750 million into the economy earlier.

Rent relief for commercial tenants in government buildings The Victorian Government will work directly with commercial tenants in government buildings who can apply for rent relief. Private landlords are also being encouraged to provide rent relief or holidays to help businesses.

JobKeeper Payment Under the JobKeeper program, businesses will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying their employees: a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of six months.

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Boosting cashflow for employers Up to $100,000 will be available for eligible small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and not-for-profits (NFPs) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000.

Temporary relief for financially distressed business The Commonwealth Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will tailor solutions for owners or directors of business that are currently struggling due to coronavirus.

Supporting the flow of credit - SME Guarantee Scheme SMEs with a turnover of up to $50 million will be eligible to receive a guarantee of 50 per cent to SME lenders to support new short-term unsecured loans to be used for working capital. The Scheme will guarantee up to $40 billion of new lending.

Increasing the instant asset write-off The instant asset write-off (IAWO) threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020.

Baking Business Investments (BBI) BBI is a time limited 15-month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by accelerating depreciation deductions. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset’s cost.

Supporting apprentices and trainees Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice.

Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries The Commonwealth Government is providing $1 billion to support regions, communities and industries most significantly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. A major relief package of up to $715 million is also available to support the airline industry.

Increase in Export Market Developement Grants The Commonwealth Government has increased funding for the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). Funding for the scheme will increase by $49.8 million in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world.

This increase supplements the additional $60 million already committed by the Government and brings EMDG funding to its highest level in more than 20 years at $207.7 million for the 2019-20 financial year. international Freight Assistance Mechanism The new $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism will assist Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment.

Exporters wishing to access the mechanism can register their interest or call the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on (02) 6272 2444.

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• Austrade:

receive the latest insights for exporters by visiting the Austrade website.

• Australian Industry Group:

explore tools and other resources by visiting the AI Group website.

• Australian Information Industry Association:

Australian Business Continuity offers tools,

information and free services for businesses to keep functioning with minimal disruption through technology.

• Australian Taxation Office: visit the ATO website for up-to-date information and advice to business.

• Business Victoria: find tips on how to create a continuity plan, evaluate risk and prepare a risk management plan. Learn how to respond and recover. Book a low-cost appointment with a mentor to help you work through or develop a recovery plan.

• City of Melbourne: for information on grants for SMEs and NFPs, visit the City of Melbourne website.

• Committee for Economic Develpoment of Australia (CEDA): explore the latest insights and webinars by visiting the CEDA website.

• CPA Australia:

receive high-level tips, including access to Disaster Recovery Toolkits by visiting the CPA

Australia website.

• Creative Victoria:

information for the creative industries is available on the Creative Victoria website.

• Export Council of Australia: for updates on supply chains and freight and a suite of tools and resources for exporters visit the ECA website.

• Export Finance Australia: find support and resources for exporters during the coronavirus outbreak by visiting the Export Finance Australia website.

• Sport and Recreation Victoria:

information for the sport and recreation industries is available on the

Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

• Treasury: The Coronavirus Liaison unit has been established to engage with business on a regular basis and provide updates to goverment on crucial issues. Visit the treasury website to find out more.

• Victorian chamber of Commerce and Industry:

register for free annual membership and

access coronavirus business resources by visiting the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

• Visit Victoria: information to tourism and events industries is available on the Visit Victoria website.

• Workers in Tourism: This support provides information, tools and resources to help both business and workers through retrenchment and into new opportunities. For more information, visit the Business Victoria website.

findgeelong.com.au

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HOSTPLUS MAY STOP YOU ACCESSING YOUR FUNDS

By Warren Strybosch

For a lot of people, they never thought they would be on the dole or sitting at home with no prospect of work for the foreseeable future.

The COVID-19 virus has had a major impact on many people’s lives resulting in millions of people losing their jobs or at least asked to go into hibernation whilst watching their annual leave, sick leave and other entitlements start to disappear.

Thankfully, our government has stepped up and provided some much-needed assistance via several stimulus packages. Yes, some people have missed out but the majority of people will be able to access some form of assistance.

One of those initiatives is to be able to access your superannuation without having to meet a condition of release.

Early access to superannuation Individuals affected by the Coronavirus will have the opportunity to access up to $10,000 from their superannuation between now and 1 July 2020 with a further $10,000 available if needed from 1 July 2020 for approximately three months (date to be confirmed).

Eligibility: One of the following requirements must be satisfied for the early release of super: • You are unemployed; or • You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment, special benefit or farm household allowance; or • On or after 1 January 2020: o You were made redundant; or o Your working hours were reduced by 20 per cent or more; or o If you are a sole trader – your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20 per cent or more.

If eligible, individuals can apply directly to the ATO via MyGov (www.my.gov.au) and will be required to certify that they meet the eligibility criteria. The ATO will then issue a determination and contact the super fund directly to release the money.

So, you thought! Overnight, Hostplus, and I am sure other superfunds will follow, have It is anticipated that payments will be available from mid-April. Payments will be changed their terms and conditions with received tax free and will have no impact on existing income support payments. regard to redemptions. In otherwords, they can now decide whether or not to allow the withdrawal of your money from your own This is bad news for Hostplus members and shareholder profits. Hostplus has declined to for any other members of funds that decide make any comments regarding this change super fund. to follow suit. At a time when you needed in its Product Disclosure Statement. Where The new clause wording is, “suspend or the funds most, and let’s face it, this might be hope once was, Hostplus has turned that into restrict applications, switches, redemption the only way to survive, Hostplus may deny uncertain for many Australians. you those funds for its own self-interest e.g. and withdrawal requests”.

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WORKING FROM HOME:

THE ATO GIVES A HELPING HAND PERSONAL INSURANCE

By Warren Strybosch As the situation around COVID-19 continues to develop, we understand you may now be working from home and you may incur expenses that you can claim at tax time.

To claim a deduction for working from home, all of the following must apply: • You must have spent the money.

• The expense must be directly related to earning your income.

• You must have a record to prove it.

• This means you cannot claim a deduction for items provided by your employer or if you have been reimbursed for the expense.

If you are not reimbursed by your employer, but instead receive an allowance from them to cover your expenses when you work from o a rate of 52 cents per work hour for heating, cooling, lighting, cleaning and the decline in home, you: value of office furniture, • must include this allowance as income in o the work-related portion of your actual costs of phone and internet expenses, computer your tax return. consumables, stationery, and • can claim a deduction as outlined in this o the work-related portion of the decline in fact sheet. value of a computer, laptop or similar device.

Expenses you can claim

If you work from home, you will be able to • actual cost method - claim the actual workrelated portion of all your running expenses, claim a deduction for the additional running which you need to calculate on a reasonable expenses you incur. These include: basis.

• electricity expenses associated with heating, cooling and lighting the area For more information on how to calculate from which you are working and running and claim a deduction under the actual cost method or fixed rate method see Home office items you are using for work • cleaning costs for a dedicated work area expenses.

• phone and internet expenses Shortcut method • computer consumables (for example, printer paper and ink) and stationery You can claim a deduction of 80 cents for each • home office equipment, including hour you work from home due to COVID-19 as computers, printers, phones, furniture long as you are: and furnishings - you can claim either the: • working from home to fulfil your employment o full cost of items up to $300 duties and not just carrying out minimal tasks o decline in value for items over $300. such as occasionally checking emails or taking calls, We understand that tracking all of these • incurring additional deductible running expenses can be challenging at this time. So expenses as a result of working from home. we will accept a temporary simplified method (or shortcut method) of calculating additional You do not have to have a separate or dedicated running expenses for the period starting 1 area of your home set aside for working, such as March 2020 until at least 30 June 2020. We a private study. may extend this method, depending on when work patterns start to return to normal.

The shortcut method rate covers all deductible running expenses, including:

Expenses you can’t claim

If you are working from home only due to • electricity for lighting, cooling or heating and running electronic items used for work (for COVID-19, you: example your computer), and gas heating expenses • cannot claim occupancy expenses such as • the decline in value and repair of capital items, mortgage interest, rent and rates such as home office furniture and furnishings • cannot claim the cost of coffee, tea, milk and other general household items your • cleaning expenses employer may otherwise have provided • your phone costs, including the decline in value of the handset you with at work.

• your internet costs consumables, such as printer ink Calculating running expenses • • computer stationery There are three ways you can choose to • the decline in value of a computer, laptop or calculate your additional running expenses: similar device.

• shortcut method -claim a rate of 80 cents per work hour for all additional running expenses • fixed rate method - claim all of these:

If you use the shortcut method to claim a deduction for your additional running expenses, you cannot claim a further deduction for any of the expenses listed above.

You must keep a record of the number of hours you have worked from home as a result of COVID-19.

Examples are timesheets, diary notes or rosters.

If you use the shortcut method to claim a deduction and you lodge your 2019-20 tax return through myGov or a tax agent, you must include the note ‘COVID-hourly rate’ in your tax return.

Records you must keep If you use the other methods, you must also keep a record of the number of hours you worked from home along with records of your expenses. For more information on what those records are see Home office expenses.

More information For more information, visit ato.gov.au/home or speak to a registered tax professional.

Source: www.ato.gov.au Last modified: 07 Apr 2020

Note from Find Accountant We would encourage all individuals to keep a record of actual spend (exact amounts spent e.g. invoices) plus a logbook of the hours worked at home. Also, we encourage you to keep a logbook of your phone & internet usage. Please provide this information to your accountant so that they can work out the best method for you to use when making a claim.

Warren Strybosch You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findinsurance.com.au https://findinsurance.com.au

You do not have to incur all of these expenses, but you must have incurred additional expenses in some of those categories as a result of working from home due to COVID-19.

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DEAL WITH IT! - DON’T BURY IT!

Why you’re #1 in your leadership role & how to stay there!

RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe My instant thought was to keep busy... distract myself, suppress the pain... but it only made it worse.

I wasn’t acknowledging any feelings or emotions. I wasn’t expressing my anger, shock, annoyance, sadness.

I had too much to do anyway. Easier to just keep ‘doing’. No point feeling sorry for myself, people were relying on me – my kids, my husband, my clients. I must set the right example, I’m a leader... & all the worry in the world won’t help anything.

Wrong.

Worry does help... in fact worry was needed.

The need to worry about me. To take care of myself... so that I could go back to taking care of others.

Self-care. It changes everything.

It’s about you loving you – being happy with who you are, where you’re at and taking active steps to keep that in play.

When we feel good, we shine. Our ability to motivate and inspire, create positivity, resolve conflict and build amazing culture is more authentic and successful when we’re in a happy place.

On the flip side, think about a time when you weren’t in a good place... how did that affect your leadership abilities? Your communication, interaction, motivation... and patience ;-)? How can you take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself?

A strong, positive, healthy leader finds it easy to be naturally present, collaborative, team focused, confident, open-minded and motivated.

My sister passed away on 31st October 2019.

Just a couple of weeks earlier, another sister began treatment for her breast cancer. I wasn’t in a very good place at that time... yet I felt selfish being so down... who am I to think of me & my sad feelings? I don’t have cancer.

Life can’t stop, I have to keep moving.

Wrong again.

‘Pushing through’, burying feelings does not make for effective leadership.

I understand that I am talking about grief and I’m lucky that I was in a position to be able to take time off (after finally acknowledging that it was necessary), to say yes to me, to practise self-care.

This self-reflection time got me thinking of how common this is.

Leaders ‘bury’ their emotions, to put others first, to just keep ‘doing’.

It may be due to a significant reason, or a minor one (disapproving or unsupportive superior, arguments not dealt with, lack of sleep, low fitness/health, injury, friends in need or simply struggling to ‘deal with it’).

Sometimes a leader is simply unaware or even in denial... just powering through (as we often do!) and they begin to notice feelings of anger, hopelessness, stress or anxiety... and are uncertain of why.

Whatever the reason, there are always common And when you’ve acknowledged that it’s time to focus on you, try some (or all) of these threads. practises to help you get through, to ‘deal When a leader is ‘stuck’ in their own emotions, with it’; concern, worry, they began to act differently, perhaps even inappropriately... wondering • Feel whatever you feel – it’s all OK and it doesn’t need to make sense. Find a quiet, where ‘that’ came from. comfortable space and feel it all, feel it deeply, They’re certainly not ‘available’ as much and let it go. Acknowledge your feelings. NB: We often less engaging. are not our feelings, our moods or even our thoughts – all of them eventually pass. You Whether the reason is large or small, we are all can use your negative emotion as a positive unique human beings who experience life and opportunity to stop and take stock of your life feelings in our own way. The key as a leader to be and people around you, of your relationships self-aware. and your goals.

• Be kind to yourself – self compassion is an admirable trait and one that should be the norm... but it isn’t. When we’re nice to ourselves, we’re likely to be nicer to others.

Allow space for this.

• Eat well, drink water, get enough sleep – it takes a lot of energy to be a great leader – listening, delegating, empathising, guiding.

Keep your energy levels topped up.

• Meditate – this helps you take control of your mind and stay in the present.

• Practise mindfulness - Create the headspace you need to be able to access stored information and memories and to be open to new experiences • Self-reflect – perhaps there’s learning Self-Awareness is a skill that can be developed involved here? Great opportunity to find out. and over time one that you can get better at! Take Leadership is a life-long journey and can the time to consider WHO you are... be highly developed through self-reflection.

What could you do differently in the future?

Ask yourself these great questions; What do you need to learn or practise in order to do that?

What makes me tick?

• Get some exercise and fresh air! – aah, this What am I good at? should be #1 really. Reset the switch as often Can I identify my strengths? as you need (and begin your day by moving!!)

Can I articulate my weaknesses?

Exercise and movement will reboot your brain How do others perceive me? chemistry and help to keep you sharp.

What gets me going?

Make exercise a habit and choose something that Get curious about you. Expanding self-awareness works for you! will not only raise your own performance, but also your teams. The ultimate goal is to reach self- If you have other Self-Care tips, we’d love to actualisation – to fully realise your own potential – hear about them ... please share - they may just your desires, impulses, opinions, reactions (we’ll resonate with someone that really needs it right delve deeper into this at a later date). now.

“Contrary to popular belief, the number one quality necessary for a leader of the future is not business skills and strategies.

It’s comprehensive SelfAwareness.” James Ray

Simply developing any level of selfawareness will increase your focus and ability to recognise when it’s time for selfcare.

Sally Higoe The Resilience Coach The Resaliantce Method 0438963718 https://theresaliantcemethod.com.au

findgeelong.com.au

THE RATE CREEP

LOAN SPECIALIST

By Lee Wisniewski

So, you’ve got a home loan. You make your repayments on time and the bank leaves you alone. I mean, that’s what you want right? No fuss and no banks harassing you.

You’ve got enough on your plate right now!

After all, the easiest way to forget about the fact you have a mortgage is to just keep plugging away on the repayments and one day you’ll pay it off. Extra payments means you will pay it off quicker and save interest in the long run. Everyone knows that…

But here’s where it gets more annoying for a lot of customers, as while this is happening that very same bank is more than likely offering a cheaper interest rate to NEW customers! For example, a rate of 2.09% is not unheard of currently. Go and check your current rate…. Go on, I’ll wait.

As an example, if you borrow $400,000 over 30 years and are paying 3.5% interest then your payments are $1796 per month.

They attract the new customers with a low rate, but yours doesn’t come down and because of this you find that you are paying a higher rate, for the same size loan, with the same bank than someone who has no loyalty to that bank yet. So, why should you bear the cost of this acquisition right?

If you continued to repay the exact same $1796 per month then your 30 year home loan just became a 25 year loan. You, my friend, just saved 5 years off your home loan term WITH THE EXACT SAME REPAYMENTS!

But did you know the reason the lender Well, we at Fidget agree and that’s why we leaves you alone might be because they have become experts in the refinance process. don’t want you to remind you about a little Every year we undertake annual reviews thing called rate creep? for any client who wishes for us to do so.

Below I will explain rate creep and why it might pay to refinance your home loan, During this review we look at your current interest rate, loan balance and approx.

ASAP. valuation of your property. We also see So, now that I’ve mentioned the rate creep, whether your loan is still suitable for you let’s take a look at what it actually is (and no and more often than not we are able to it isn’t some weirdo banker-looking dude assist someone refinance to a better overall staring through your home office window deal, saving a heap of cash in annual - we know you’re in your PJs reading this, interest and/or YEARS off their mortgage. thanks COVID-19).

Did I say YEARS off a mortgage? Yep. Rate creep is simply when your lender slowly puts your rate up over time, due to People refinance for many reasons, such a myriad of reasons such as “increased as releasing equity to buy something else, costs of funding to the bank”, or “wholesale a renovation, debt consolidation but most people think of refinancing as a rate reduction market movements” etc strategy.

You’ve been with the bank for a few years and now you’ve gotten a letter in the mail But at Fidget we like to also take a look at how saying your payments have gone up. It’s much TIME you can save on your home loan. annoying, but you’re not alone. Everyone else is getting the same letter…

For example let’s say we might refinance your home loan to a cheaper rate of 2.5% pa.

That, in my opinion is the power in refinancing… Shaving years off a mortgage.

So, what are you going to do about it? Keep paying the bank for a few more years than you need to? I wouldn’t. Now that we have established you might look at refinancing, my next question is “what are you going to do with all those years back?”

Sing out if you want to chat, at no-obligation, about your circumstances or loan.

Lee Wisniewski Diector - Lending 0401 272 505 lee@fidget.com.au https://www.fidget.com.au

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12 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE YOUR OWN CERTAINTY

PARENTING

By Lesley-Anne Banton Uncertain times is what the current (COVID) situation had been coined.

Yet we can buy into this fear-based statement or we can create our own meaning.

Life has just got adventurous, there is change coming. Change is as good as a holiday.

My day is filled will variety and they say variety is the spice of life.

The only certainty we can find in the current situation is uncertainty, lets get comfortable with it.

Now I am not taking away from you the experience you are having right now. Some people are home schooling children and working form home. Some no longer have their jobs, co-parenting and clashing with your ex over how you are going to navigate the current measures. Some adult children are having to parent their parents and ‘ground’ them as they keep going out to the shops unnecessarily. Some people are financially struggling; some cannot put food on the table because of other people stock piling and emptying supermarkets. All of which is a challenge and you are allowed to feel what you feel right now and either way it’s right for you. All your feeling and emotions are real to you right now and you can say it sucks!

That said, Although This does not have to consume you with stress, worry, panic, anxiety or overwhelm. You can have a choice in all of this in how you experience the pandemic and how you get to remember it. You can choose to focus on things that are within your control right now.

You can choose to become more aware of your thoughts, triggers and emotions and choose to change them.

You can choose to use this moment to deepen this understanding and awareness will be much your relationship with yourself, with your needed to help you through the day and week. partner and or with your children.

Talk about the mindset/ intention you are all going You can choose to find the silver lining each to bring each day, what needs to be done and who day, the joy, and the gratitude. You can choose needs support, what does that look like. Another to share that with others in your household, great opportunity to help explore emotions and friends, or relations 9 (via phone, messaging, feelings and learn how to express all spectrums or video). of emotions in a safe space. The next few months are going to be challenging emotionally and you In choosing how you want this experience can help support yourself and those around you to be gives you control and certainty in your by having healthy conversations and holding internal environment at home and within space Once you have worked out what each of yourself, whilst the uncertainty plays out you individually need put together a clear time externally to you and your home. You can table of what will happen each day and what focus on all the things that are within your rooms will be used, put a clear structure together control, including your happiness and joy. that will help the entire household achieve the goal on how this experience will be achieved. By As a family and or individually, you can doing this you can also discuss and agree on what discuss/ explore what you would like to actions each person need to do and what new get out of having this quality time together rituals and routines needs to be put into place at home, you can talk about projects and to help achieve a great experience during this goals you would like to achieve together or time. There will be moments of challenge, give individually during this time. You can discuss each other permission to be human and enquire what you are all going to do to support each what is going on for them and or yourself during other during this time, this can promote a those times, help connect back to self and those great conversation around boundaries and you live with. This time could be used as a deeper respecting each other’s time and space, dive into connection and open up communication especially if you are home schooling and even more, it can also be used as a time to help have one or more parents/adults working build resilience and resourcefulness. from home, using the kitchen table as a office.

This could be the time we help the next generation This is also a fantastic opportunity to get even and ourselves. Empower yourself with choice, more curious and discover what each other need focus and control over your happiness. to get through this and what fills each other up.

Such as an introvert (adult or child) may need *If you need guidance on ‘holding space’ any some time and space on their own regularly to be other issues that arise from this article, please able to cope with being continuously in a space contact me. with others, they may need clear and consistent/ Lesley-Anne Banton predictable routine. An extrovert (adult or child) Leadership and Parenting Disruptor and Coach. may need more quality time that what others may The Parent Whisperer need, they may also need space to be creative and 0432848418 may need to add something to their new weekly www.theparentwhisperer.com.au routine to add some variety. It’s a fantastic time to discover your love language, not everyone gives and receives love in the same way, adults and children may have had this bucket filled at work or at school before returning home, it’s now that

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There’s no time like the present GENERAL INSURANCE

By Craig Anderson Even in the midst of Covid-19 when things are quieter, it seems a few people are still rushing through the insurance process. I was recently approached by a small business owner to review his business insurance policy to see if anything had been left out.

The problem however, was not what was left out, but instead what had been put in. As it turns out, the insurance advisor involved had searched up his client on ABN Lookup, and having typed in the correct name found

a company with almost identical spelling (but not quite) and had inadvertently entered the wrong ABN Number into the policy. You can imagine the headaches this would cause if there had been a claim and the insurer believed they were insuring a different company. Putting the initial error aside, the client had been presented with a complete set of paperwork, and had not checked it thoroughly enough to spot the error. So you may read this and ask yourself how this may apply to you. From what I’ve seen this is not an isolated occurrence.

To ensure you aren’t affected in a similar

way, it’s advisable that you should read the documents you’re given while you have some extra time on your hands. It’s also a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes go through them too. The best way to do this is to have a “policy health check” done so you can be sure that you haven’t overlooked any obvious issues.

Craig Anderson Small Business Insurance Brokers on 0418 300 096 www.heightsafetyinsurancebroker.com.au

SYSTEM THAT MAKE WORKING FROM HOME EASY BOOKKEEPER

By Neha Nayyar Due to the current circumstances surrounding Covid-19 more and more employees are being encouraged to work from home.

We understand and can relate to the many uncertainties your business may be feeling at this time but by ensuring you have the correct systems in place which enable your team to continue their work from home you can keep business running as usual.

Here’s our top 4 systems for enabling work from home: 1.

Cloud communication

Whether you’re maintaining client relationships, resolving client queries or simply engaging with your team members, keeping communication running smoothly is essential to every business.

Platforms such as Zoom, Slack and Google hangouts allow you to continue communicating and connecting with your clients and team while working remotely. These programs allow you to video call, share screens and chat through desktop and mobile applications so no matter where you are, you are able to connect with each other.

2.

Cloud Accounting

With employees being encouraged to work from home, there’s no better time than now to switch your business over to a Cloud Accounting system. Cloud accounting systems offer seamless accessibility, speed and accuracy which benefits you and your team ensuring that you all can share and access data anywhere, anytime. With the uncertainty which lies ahead, a cloud accounting system can help give you confidence in knowing where your financials sit and give you better control over your cashflow.

4.

Cloud Timesheet

Gone are the days of paper timesheets! It’s important to choose your cloud accounting software based on which platforms it can integrate with, we especially encourage a system that connects with a timesheet to streamline your payroll process and to accurately track time against jobs. Encouraging your employees to submit a weekly timesheet is an excellent and reliable tool in promoting efficiency and accountability.

Many cloud accounting systems offer integrations with other platforms ensuring that your receipt management, invoicing, payroll, super etc. never waver while you’re working outside of the office.

So, whether you’re looking for advice on the best cloud systems to introduce to your business or whether you need help setting these systems up, Sum and Substance is here to support and assist you through these unprecedented and trying times .

3. Cloud Workflow Please contact us for any further information.

We can be reached at (03) 9424 It is crucial to manage workflow accurately 9447 or info@sumsubstance.com.au and effectively for all businesses. Ensure you are capturing the true cost of your projects by using cloud software which integrates both your accounting and workflow. Platforms such as Workflow Max, Aroflo, and Tradiepad allow you to follow the project from inception to completion.

Such programs are excellent tools to ensure the project is tracked and runs profitably.

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14 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

RAISE TAXES TO EASE VIRUS RECOVERY: EXPERT

Professor Breunig says tax reform could halve “The advantage of those taxes is that they’re the economic recovery from coronavirus from much harder for people to avoid paying,” he said. He said lowering corporate taxes would The treasurer has dismissed calls for an potentially 10 years to five. stop companies moving assets overseas to increase in the GST to stop young Australians footing the bill for the coronavirus recovery. “I think young people are going to pay reduce their burden in Australia. pretty heavily for the pandemic and for the Prof Breunig also wants the family home to be The head of a tax policy think tank says the government response,” he said. included in the assets test for pensioners. government should up the GST, introduce a land tax and reduce personal and corporate “So it’s either going to be higher taxes or less government services and those things are He said shutting down the economy fell more income tax rates. going to affect young people in the future.” heavily on younger workers, who make up a larger portion of casuals, new employees Tax and Transfer Policy Institute head Robert Breunig told AAP the tax system took more He warned Australia’s reliance on personal and the recently graduated and who would from “economically active” Australians, while income and corporate taxes would see young struggle to find work in a slower economy. people pay more of the recovery bill, which retirees paid less. would cost taxpayers hundreds of billions.

Prof Breunig believed with the current spirit of political bipartisanship it would be possible But Josh Frydenberg said the government “That would be fine if all of us had the same to introduce some of his proposals, despite had no plans to raise the GST. amount of assets and wealth,” he said. last year’s federal election being defined by Labor’s plans for massive tax reform and the “What we are focused on is growing the economy,” Mr Frydenberg told reporters in “It would be fine if all of us were going to coalition’s rejection of it. inherit an expensive house from our parents.”

Canberra on Tuesday.

Any changes would need to be slowly “Of course there will be a debt burden that Prof Breunig said most of the OECD had introduced to help older Australians transition moved to higher taxes like GST or land taxes. to the new system, he said. will be left to pay in years to come.”

By Finbar O’Mallon (Australia Associated Press)

INSURANCE

HELPING TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

At Find we can help you find the ‘right’ personal insurance. Our aim is to help yu obtain and retain the personal insurances that are approriate for you and at cost that you can afford

Personal Insurances Include: • Income Protection (IP) • Life Insurance or Death Cover • Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) • Trauma Insurance or Critical Illness Insurance • Business Expense Cover • Child Trauma Cover When your insurance are in place, our services do not stop there. We will provide you with an after care service that includes policy notifications, insurance report, help desk, reviews and help at claim time.

We pride ourselves in providing honest advice that you can rely on.

248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

1300 88 38 30

Warren@findinsurance.com.au

www.findinsurance.com.au

Find Wealth t/as Find Insurance Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 468091) of Clearview Financial Advice Pty Limited ABN 89 133 593 012 AFSL. No. 331367

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THE GOLDEN RULES OF WEBSITE COPYWRITING (FOR CONVERSIONS & SEO) COPYWRITER

By Sarah Walkerden When it comes to your website, making things look attractive is only half the battle.

Many business owners fall into this trap. They invest heavily in getting a beautiful looking and functioning website built – but then neglect to think fully about the words they’re putting on it.

Website Copywriting is definitely a bit of an art form, and far more complex than you might realise. Without the RIGHT words on your website, chances are it just won’t attract the right people or customers to your business – nor will it ‘convert’ or sell your products or services effectively.

Add in the complexities of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – and you can really get in a tangle, without even knowing.

Follow these golden rules though, and your website will work much harder for you.

In order to be effective, you need short, concise sentences. You need short, concise 1. Your website is not about you paragraphs. Paragraphs should contain a Contrary to popular belief, your website is single sentence or two short sentences. not about you. It’s about your ideal client or You need to break up your text with lots of customer. space, to allow it to be more easily read and This might be a bit of a ‘mind shift’ to get your understood. (You’ll notice that’s precisely head around, as once upon a time it used how this article has been written!) to be commonly accepted that you simply Ditch boring – and ditch generic. stated throughout your offline and online 3. advertising what you or your product does.

This is where we really throw formal writing These days though, today’s consumers styles out the window. expect so much more. They honestly don’t care so much about what you do – they only If your website copy is boring and generic care about how what you offer, can help them. in style and tone and language, you will not Today’s consumers also care about other stand out nor become worthy of any interest things, such as how you (or your website) in the eyes of your target market. make them feel, who you are personally and what you stand for, and what your business Injecting personality and fun into your website in the right ways is a key way of connecting stands for. with your ideal client or customer.

Therefore – your business website needs to clearly communicate the benefits of what Sure,there are some industries and professions you offer to your ideal client or customer, where a more formal style is required. But and precisely why you’re a valuable even ‘drier’ kinds of topics such as accounting person or business to purchase from. or law still allow that little bit of wriggle room, to let your personality shine through.

2. Keep it clear and concise Generally speaking – you need to write how Too many websites are filled with ‘waffly’ you might speak to a friend. Keep it light and website copy. This is where you use far too casual where you can and where appropriate. many words to get your message or meaning People connect with and buy from other people who they resonate with and feel across. comfortable with. So boring, formal, ‘Waffle’ and ‘fluff’ tends to bore readers pretty corporate-style or essay-style writing just quickly. They’ll lose interest and click off your won’t cut it. website pretty quickly if they don’t get your message in an instant. Therefore, the fewer 4. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO Website Copywriting) words you can use instead – the clearer your message is, and the more likely you are to SEO is a whole different ball game, and not all convert that website visitor, into a buyer. copywriters can write for both humans (and This is also where a lot of your traditional conversions) AND Google, well.

‘English’ writing skills you learnt at school won’t actually do you too many favours. Much of the time an SEO company or provider Effective website copy is only created by or some of the more junior writers may say breaking many of those writing rules you their copy is optimised for SEO, yet all they learnt at school, at university or within the have done is stuffed as many of your keywords into each page, as they possibly can. ‘corporate’ world.

Unfortunately, however, ‘keyword stuffing’ does not work well – Google is far too clever and could potentially penalise your content, or at best, ignore it. And often, stuffing crazy amounts of keywords into your website copy will make it horrible for your ideal clients to read – which defeats the purpose.

The golden rule here is to always write for people first, and Google second. There is no point in getting traffic from Google, if your website doesn’t connect with your ideal audience and get them to take the next step with you. It needs to connect and convert, first.

Secondly, adding strategic keywords and phrases into your copy is far more complex than throwing them in randomly on the page.

You need a certain percentage of keywords and phrases worked genuinely into your copy, they need to be used in the right way in titles and headings, your pages need to be named a certain way – and there are a whole host of other elements to get right.

If you’re just starting out in business, sure write your own copy and try to naturally weave in a couple of your desired keywords.

If you’re looking at taking your business a step further, to enhance your website presence and to gain maximum organic traffic from Google – you might consider getting an SEO Website Copywriter in to help you do it properly. At the very least, get a professional to perform an SEO audit, so you can get a feel for where your wording can be tweaked, to get better results.

Sarah Walkerden The Rural Copywriter 0401 764 169 www.theruralcopywriter.com.au

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16 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

3 HELPFUL HINTS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR GARAGE DOORS WITH CHANGES IN WEATHER

We at Cruzin Garage Doors have come up with three easy helpful tips to make access to

By Chantal Djuric your garages, and the things that you need in With the COVID19 virus changing our it, as stress-free as we can. everyday lifestyles, some people are finding it hard to focus on what they can 1 Look and listen to your garage door and/ do in a positive way to make their lives or gates. If something doesn’t look or easier in these times. Working from home sound right or if it is making a noise that may be a strange way of being productive is not common, it could have some broken in the workplace. Schoolkids are having to components. be educated while at home. Shopping and socialising have changed.

When you think about it, garage doors open and close quite a lot. So a great tip is making There are a few activities that will require a sure all the hardware has been tightened – car – shopping for food, attending medical for instance, the brackets and bolts – and appointments and possibly keeping follow the manufacturer’s specifications and to education and work schedules and advice. education. For these, you will probably still need your car so, with everything that is If that doesn’t solve the problem, emergency going on, the last thing that you need is for repairs are available for garage doors 24 your garage door or gates not to work. hours a day. Within thirty minutes of being on site, the repair technician should be able Garage doors can be made out of many to assess how long it will take to supply materials.In Australia,steel,aluminum,wood, replacement parts and, if relevant, explain copper, glass, and vinyl (polyethylene) are how to prevent the problem for arising the most popular materials. Other materials again. include corrugated steel and transparent corrugated fibreglass. Some manufacturers 2 Check the garage door’s balance. If the incorporate foamed-in-place polyurethane garage door isn’t balanced properly, it is insulation within the monolithic panel and working so much harder. How do you resectional garage doors. With the change balance your garage door? Really, this is best in the weather from summer to autumn to left to the professionals to adjust your garage winter, and from bushfire dry to the coldest door so you don’t injury yourself.

February since 1929 and the wettest March in Melbourne for ten years, these elements 3 During the changing weather, it is great to your garage door and gates are made from give your garage door tracks a good clean. will react differently to the temperature and To clean the tracks, get an old toothbrush humidity. Metal expands in cold weather – and clear the inside of the tracks to dislodge your garage door may go up and down but any build-up of grease, grime or dirt. Spray not be as reliably as you would expect. cleaner into the tracks and then wipe out the GARAGE DOORS

tracks with a clean rag to remove the cleaner and debris. If you’re in doubt as to what cleaner you should use, ring your garage door repairer who can help you out as advice from the internet is not always reliable.

Now that we are self-isolating, many people are finding time to do those little jobs they’ve been putting off. Why not give your garage door a health check (and preserve its life span) by cleaning the tracks this month?

If you feel anxious about climbing ladders or you don’t have the right cleaning equipment, Cruzin Garage Doors are here to look after all your garage door needs.

For 24/7 garage doors servicing, give Cruzin Garage Doors a call on 0427 894 603 or email us at sales@cruzingaragedoors.com.au

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By Michel Jarmoluk from Pixabay

How to choose an architect ARCHITECT

By Kathy Ismail

Emotional decision- making Due to the internet, people are able to do lots of research on just about anything. Long gone are the days when the business owner was the expert. Now customers are far more well informed when they make first contact with product and service providers.

However, because we’re human, we don’t realise that, even with armed with all that knowledge, we still tend to make our decisions guided by our emotions. We connect with people because they display certain personality traits, they ‘speak our language’, they seem to be on the same wavelength and understand us better.

Specialisation Another factor to consider when choosing an architect is their area of specialisation or expertise. At times, some architects needed to branch out from their normal specialisation but generally architects are experienced in only one or a few areas of interest. There are architects who are superb at designing houses; does this mean that they would be excellent at designing a warehouse too?

Maybe, maybe not.

As well as domestic housing projects, there are architects who specialise in commercial design – factories, warehouses, business offices and so on. Our public civic spaces – parks and public gardens, play spaces, community areas – around us have been designed by architects who focus on urban design. Then there are recreational dwellings What has this to do with choosing an architect? like alpine hunts and beach shacks.

We make decisions based on our feelings.

Just as every person is different, it’s the same For the consumer, it is imperative to with architects. While architects’ skillsets understand how the architect will serve you will always be similar, our personalities are in your project. Do you mind that your project different. For instance, at KiR Architecture, will be an experiment for a young budding Myers-Brigg testing has shown that we have architect? Or did you just want a run-of-thean extrovert personality and highly intuitive mill design that has been proven again and – this is rare in the architecture world as only again by an expert architect?

10% of architects are known to have this. What Location this means for our clients is that we connect very well with people.

The late Zaha Hadid was a world-famous British-Iraqi architect based in London.

It is highly recommended that you meet the Known as the ‘Queen of the curve’, her awardarchitect in person. If a face-to-face meeting winning building designs were described is not viable, especially in times like these, as ‘liberated architectural geometry, giving ask for a video call. Someone who connects it a whole new expressive identity’ and ‘her with you on the same level will resonate with soaring structures left a mark on skylines and you. They will understand and empathise with imaginations and in the process re-shaped the intention of your building project. architecturefor the modern age’.

I would have loved Zaha Hadid to design my house. But would this have been practical? How would that have worked? Would she have been able to come and see the site here in Melbourne?

If so, would she have had the knowledge on the local planning law and regulations? Would she have known which tradespeople to use for this project? Your local architect will not only know the secrets of the trades but they usually are well-versed in the local planning law and regulations for the location of your building project.

So, take care when you are researching architects to work with. Do your investigating with your head but listen to your heart when it comes to choosing the right person to work with you.

Contact KiR Architecture at contact@ kirarchitecture.com.au for help with planning your building projects. We are always happy to answer any inquiries.

Kathy Ismail Architect www.kirarchitecture.com 0422 026 962

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WILL I BE COVERED FOR CORONAVIRUS? FINANCIAL PLANNING

• If you have an existing Income Protection policy and you become ill due to COVID-19 and this affects your ability to work beyond the duration of your waiting period then you will be able to claim, subject to the terms and conditions of your specific policy.

when they have recovered. If neither of those situations apply to you there shouldn’t be any general exclusions for COVID applied to your new policy.

By Mari Nguyen In the past few months I have received calls for further guidance on whether coronavirus Contact us if you have or would like to obtain (also known as COVID-19) will be covered personal insurance and would like further by existing and new Life, Total & Permanent information.

Disability, Critical Illness cover and Income • You may be able to claim on Total & Protection policies.

Mari Nguyen Permanent Disablement and Critical Principal Financial Adviser Illness insurance if the illness results The insurance companies I work with have in serious and lasting secondary confirmed the following: Canopy Financial Group Pty Ltd complications that are covered under the www.canopy.com.au specific policy terms.

• There are no general exclusions that exist 0415 658 611 in their policies for COVID-19 for any For new customers the application process is existing or new customers, the same as before, however some insurers will • All existing customers, including doctors, take into account whether you have recently nurses and medical professionals on the travelled abroad, intend to travel abroad this year or have a confirmed case of the frontline, are fully covered for COVID-19 Coronavirus. In a case by case basis their may • no customers with the potential to be be individual underwriting terms offered. This impacted by COVID-19 are at risk of will be identified and assessed through the having any payout associated with their underwriting normal underwriting process and you will be notified of the outcome and policy reduced or cut off. given an opportunity to accept the terms, • If you have an existing Life Insurance prior the policy commencing. Insurers have policy, you will be covered in the event of advised that they may be able to provide cover to those with a confirmed case of COVID-19 death from COVID-19.

GOING THE DISTANCE TO KEEP SOCIETY SAFE

By Katina Curtis, AAP Senior Political Writer

SOCIAL DISTANCING - WHAT IS IT Firstly, it means keeping a physical distance between yourself and others, and secondly, it applies to the tough restrictions in place to stop people gathering in groups.

HOW CLOSE CAN I GET TO OTHERS? The medical advice is you should keep 1.5 metres away from other people. No more handshakes, hugging or air kisses. But chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has conceded families or people who live in the same house can hardly avoid being in such close proximity.

WHAT ABOUT TOUCHING THINGS? Research shows the virus can last a long time – up to three days in some cases – on surfaces after sick people have touched them. The main thing you should be doing is washing your hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based sanitiser, and pay for things using tap-and-go contactless methods.

– although only 10 mourners are allowed – and visiting terminally-ill relatives. There are Gatherings are restricted to two people, also exemptions for split families who have WHY SHOULD I STAY AT HOME? indoors and outdoors. That means you can shared custody arrangements, so children To avoid other people as much as possible and catch up with one friend to walk or run can continue to visit or stay with both parents. thus avoid spreading or contracting the virus. through a park – but you should still keep WHAT EXCEPTIONS ARE THERE? Governments have put in place increasingly 1.5m between you. tighter restrictions on social gatherings.

Again, the rules are mixed depending on The current state of play is you should not IS THIS THE LAW NOW? where you live. Victoria’s police minister says leave your house unless you need to shop It depends on where you live. Victoria, NSW, you cannot visit a partner’s house for social for essentials (such as food or medicine), Queensland, Tasmania have issued legal reasons. But in NSW, the police commissioner exercise in a public space, go to a medical directions requiring people to stay home said that was allowed. appointment, or head to work or school if unless they have to leave for one of the you can’t work or learn from home. You are acceptable reasons. But SA, WA, the NT and Tasmania’s government advises that up to also allowed to go out if you are caring or the ACT have left the guidance as “strong two visitors are allowed to a household at any supporting someone living elsewhere – such advice” to stay at home. Most states have a one time, but cautions people should still be as buying groceries for an elderly relative or regime of policing and fines for breaching wary of limiting unnecessary travel between neighbour. People aged over 70, those over 65 restrictions. homes. with pre-existing conditions, and indigenous people over 50 with pre-existing conditions WHAT EXCEPTIONS ARE THERE? And the federal health department says exceptions are allowed on extended family members or partners should should stay home wherever possible for their Some compassionate grounds, such as funerals minimise visits. own protection.

CAN I MEET PEOPLE OUTSIDE?

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Breastfeeding during covid-19: best practice LACTATION CONSULTANT

By Dr. Joanna Strybosch Babies are being born into the strange world of COVID-19, social distancing and selfimposed family isolation. How should new mums best approach breastfeeding in this situation?

Although we don’t know if a pregnant woman can pass COVID-19 to her unborn baby, during pregnancy or delivery, we do know that there is currently no clinical evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breastmilk. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) still recommends that women, whether they have COVID-19 or not, exclusively breastfeed their babies up to 6 months of age, and then continue to 2 years of age or beyond. As per the WHO, “Mothers and infants should be enabled to remain together and practise skinto-skin contact, kangaroo mother care and to remain together and to practise roomingin throughout the day and night, especially immediately after birth during establishment of breastfeeding, whether they or their infants system to thrive. Breast-fed infants receive have suspected, probable or confirmed protection from their mother’s milk in the form of antibodies called immunoglobulins, COVID-19 virus infection.” most abundantly secretory IgA, as well as Mothers are encouraged to touch, hold many other proteins and immune cells in and feed their babies normally. If mothers human milk. When a mother ingests, inhales are unwell with suspected or confirmed or otherwise comes in contact with a diseaseCOVID-19, infection control measures are causing agent, her body makes antibodies concentrated on avoiding the spread of the to fight those infections. These antibodies virus through respiratory droplets. Mothers pass into her breastmilk where they provide are recommended to continue to breastfeed highly targeted transferred immunity to normally, to hold their baby skin-to-skin her baby. Since a mother makes antibodies whilst practising good respiratory hygiene specific to the agents she has come in contact (wearing a mask where available), washing with in her environment, her baby receives hands before and after handling their baby the protection it most needs against the and cleaning all surfaces they have touched. infectious agents it is most likely to encounter in the first weeks of life.

During pregnancy, a mother passes antibodies to her baby through the placenta. Colostrum, which is the early milk a breastfed After birth, close contact and early, exclusive baby receives for the first few days after birth, breastfeeding helps her baby’s immune contains highly concentrated antibodies that

protect against many diseases. This is particularly valuable for a baby to receive from their mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In general, evidence also shows that if breastfed babies do become ill, relief can come directly from their mother’s milk. Mothers who are considering weaning their baby, may be advised to consider waiting until after the pandemic passes, for the health of their babies.

Dr. Joanna Strybosch Osteopath B.App.Sc(Clin.Sc)/B.Osteo.Sc/Grad Dip Paeds

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) https://www.childrensosteopathiccentre.com/ 9876 3011

AUSTRALIA WANTS GLOBAL ECONOMY PUT ON ICE

By Katina Curtis, AAP Senior Political Writer Australia and other G20 nations struck a deal He wants to see a clear signal the G20 is doing (Australia Associated Press)

last Friday to co-ordinate efforts to tackle Australia’s Treasurer is urging the world’s the coronavirus pandemic and collectively top economies to make it a top priority to pledged $A7.5 trillion to kickstart the global put the global economy into a “controlled economy. hibernation” during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Frydenberg said quick, strong and Josh Frydenberg had a second virtual meeting co-ordinated action would minimise the with G20 finance ministers overnight on permanent human and economic damage.

Wednesday as the world grapples with how to control the economic fallout of the pandemic. “Our priority should be putting the global economy into controlled hibernation while Ahead of the meeting, Mr Frydenberg said the quarantine measures are in place,” he said.

G20 action plan should signal three stages – putting the economy on ice while quarantine “That is, finance the global health response, measures are in place, a promise to lead a maintain financial stability, minimise job co-ordinated global recovery once the health losses, keep businesses going, and ensure the crisis recedes, and a long-term recovery plan. basic needs of the global population are met.”

whatever it takes, and for the International Monetary Fund to publish regular updates on the state of the global economy to keep efforts to stabilise it on track.

“The role of the IMF is critical. I propose the G20 Action Plan include a directive to the IMF to assess the adequacy of the global financial safety net,” he said.

“If more resources are required, then we need to know soon.” Mr Frydenberg reiterated Australia’s calls on G20 members to unblock global supply chains and not restrict trade, especially of vital medical supplies.

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Autumn Book 2020... read and win!

1 March to 31 May 2020

Join us for the 2020 Autumn Book Binge! It’s easy to play - just pick up a game card from any branch of Eastern Regional Libraries.

Read or listen to a book of your choice from any of the nine book categories: 1. Set in Victoria 2. Recent releases 3. Other lives 4. In translation 5. Fact to fiction 6. Book to screen 7. Beastly titles 8. Other worlds 9. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers Fill in your game card to keep track of the books you read or listen to during the book binge.

How to enter: Once you’ve completed a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lin on the game card, you can fill out the entry slips attached to the game card. To be in the monthly draw, drop your entry into your local library branch by the end of each month.

Prizes: A $40 Readings book voucher is up for grab for one lucky reader each month of the competition.

findgeelong.com.au

STRATEGIES TO MAXIMISE YOUR SUPER Money and Life Many of us daydream about the day we finally retire and are able to do the things we’ve longed for, whether that’s travelling the world, campervanning around Australia, improving our golf or gardening skills, or spending more time socialising or with our grandchildren.

Similarly, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA’s) 2018 Retirement Standard finds that a single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings and couples will need $640,000 to have a comfortable retirement.

Will I have enough super retire?

Super strategies to consider if you don’t have enough

If you are aged 55 to 60, you could consider a “transition to retirement” strategy which allows you to boost your super and save on tax while you keep working.

Plus, if you are 65 years old or older and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able If your super is nowhere near these figures, it to make a downsizer contribution into your But if we are just sitting back while our may be time get real about your approach to superannuation of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling your home. employers make mandated Superannuation retirement.

Guarantee contributions on our behalf each The Different ‘tiers’ of Most importantly, you could review the quarter, those dreams may never become investment strategies, investment options and reality. retirement lifestyle asset allocation within your super fund and other ASFA says a comfortable retirement lifestyle investments to ensure these are in line with your Retirement dreams vs Reality will allow you to be involved in a broad range retirement plans and requirements.

A survey commissioned by Industry Super of leisure and recreational activities and to be Australia shows that instead of kicking their able to buy household goods, private health Super laws and investment strategies are feet up, more than a quarter of the recently insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, a complicated so it may pay to speak to a retired had to go back to work, many to keep range of electronic equipment, and domestic CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional the lights on. and occasionally international holiday travel. who specialises in retirement planning and who can guide you through the maze.

The study also found that 38% of recent A more modest lifestyle with less super in retirees are either surviving on a very tight retirement, however, may only allow you to budget with only enough for essentials or that afford the basics. they were not making ends meet.

Relying on a full Age Pension could be One reason for this is because Australians are tougher. Single pensioners currently receive living much longer than they used to. $933.40 a fortnight, including the maximum pension supplement and energy supplement.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian Couples receive $1,407.00 a fortnight. life tables show that the average 65-year-old male can look forward to living another 19.9 Basically, the Age Pension is designed to years, while the average female is likely to provide a safety net for those unable to enjoy 22.6 more years. save enough through their working life and to supplement the retirement savings So it’s no surprise that global wealth, wealth of others. However, the government also and career consultant Mercer reports that on encourages additional retirement savings average, 50% of retirees are likely to outlive through the compulsory superannuation their savings by more than five years – and guarantee employers contribute, voluntary 25% are expected to outlive their savings by superannuation contributions and other 10 or more years. private savings.

So are you accumulating enough super to have the retirement you dream of? According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s MoneySmart website, if you own your own home, a rule of thumb is that you’ll need two-thirds (67%) of your preretirement income to maintain the same standard of living in retirement.

It’s not too late to start growing your super by making extra contributions to your super or to consider salary sacrificing, where a portion of your before-tax income is paid into your super by your employer.

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22 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

THREE THINGS TO DO NOW, TO

...AND STRUCTURES THAT YO

MARKETING

By Matthew Benn Even when this pandemic has run it’s course, the world will never be the same as it was!

While you may not have revenue anymore – this should be a wakeup call. Businesses can almost always continue to sell something, even when there is a pandemic.

This is something I hear (and see on social media) about 50 times a day right now, “I don’t want to spend now… because we don’t know when revenue is coming back!”

If you DON’T have an effective attractional communication system... these things help and can be done by almost anyone (salespeople should be doing these already).

1. Call clients to see how they are and how you can help 2. Update your marketing with: • Refine unique value proposition & target market (look at your ideal customers in your existing cust. list) • Google My Business Listing = powerful (get it - it’s free!)

• Write content strategy and post content (for website and social media) regularly • Write “handy hints” resources, that your potential customers would like at this time.

• Email marketing is really powerful for existing customers and also attracting new business. Link your “handy hints” blog to the email sequence.

3. Refine and then expand on your product or service offering... so that you come out with a stronger more aligned portfolio to offer.

How does this all goes together in reality?

Great marketing results, are the start of great This style of selling uses multiple touch points sales results… it’s that simple. and spaced over a timeframe with which customers are more comfortable to discuss To have development of opportunities and their problem and your solution. clarity in your sales pipeline are ‘must haves’ for great sales results. With the right Some examples of “how to do” Email marketing mix – you get all of the above. marketing… after you have started with the soft touch ie. Newsletter updates.

Ensure that your plan, process, strategy and structure are well thought out and therefore You can use many different entries into aligned for a start. Putting in a good Plan, Do, starting an email marketing campaign. Here Check, Act cycle will make sure that you are are a couple of examples: Testing and Measuring to be assured that you are on the right track and getting great results. 1. Using problem statements to get your There needs to be a great sales process also, customers to think about their next steps in order to be effective and get the results in solving the problem that your solution you’re after. fixes.

2. Presenting an offer that is too good to Making sure it’s all put together well – will be true to those that you know would ensure your team is not only efficient and be needing something like your offer effective. They will also be able to be kept on provides, right now. track and see for themselves – where they are headed and aiming at a focal point!

Starting with calling potential customers or existing customers and trying to explain a Email marketing is one of the best new offer is difficult on the fly, especially they don’t know what you are talking ways to reach existing customer when about to start with. If you are finding this too Using your existing database doesn’t cost scary a concept to start on your own, we are a whole lot of money and if done well will more than happy to help. Finding an adviser bring more sales and engage your friendly who can help you develop a great email customers who already love you! marketing strategy (if you haven’t every written and managed a campaign before), is Email marketing is also a non-threatening way well worth the investment! Achieving great to reach out and doesn’t interrupt anyone. It results through all of your marketing efforts also gives you something to get the customer should be the aim… and not just limited to to refer to when you ring them… to follow up. what you have always done and know well.

There is in most cases multiple touch point prior to there being an interaction where Email Marketing is something that many money changes hands. people forget about or neglect to include. It is a diverse and powerful marketing tool – the If done well you will have led the customer most powerful by far. But, it all depends on the to what action you would like them to take in quality of your database segmentation and the email… which you can talk them through offers that you are willing to make, in order to when they start reading it while you are attract people to take an action – as a result of discussing it with them on the phone. you reaching out to them.

GOOD SIGNS FOR KANGAROO ISLAND WILDLIFE

By Emily Consenza (Australia Associated Press)

As habitats regenerate, wildlife on firestricken Kangaroo Island are beginning to fend for themselves after feeding stations were set up to protect animals from starvation following the bushfires.

The bushfire appeal was launched by RSPCA South Australia after almost half the island was burnt in January.

Since then, positive signs have shown animals are beginning to find their own food, according to the organisation’s Field Operations Manager Melanie Lambert.

“In areas where the habitat is starting to grow back, we are very slowly reducing the amount of feed we are giving them, so that they will Program volunteers have also reduced the Ms Lambert said the regeneration of habitats have to source food from elsewhere,” Ms number of times they refill feeding stations to were taking place at different rates in different Lambert said. once every three days, opposed to every two. areas. “There is still a lot of ash covering the ground in some areas, and it will be when “We are also starting to reduce the There are 83 feeding stations set up in the Kangaroo Island finally receives a decent attractiveness of what is on offer by providing north, south and west ends of the island amount of rain that we will see the habitat start pellets only, not the wet food they really love where there is still insufficient natural feed to to recover much more quickly.” like carrots, sweet potato and corn.” support the wildlife population.

findgeelong.com.au

TO HELP SAVE YOUR BUSINESS

OU NEED IN PLACE FOREVER.

Nurturing is the key to email marketing… it The best way to start - if you’re is a long game, but can have great immediate tacking it by yourself results when properly targeted. Your existing customers are one of the most neglected Many businesses don’t regularly update their customers about what they are doing pieces of the email marketing power. in business, especially new developments.

Normally businesses make 80% of their Most of them will be more than happy to be revenue from 20% of the customer base. updated. Obviously there needs to be a plan Meaning that there is 80% of most businesses before you start emailing people… But there customer who could potentially by a lot is nothing to lose by trying this new tip. Just more. They already buy from you, so nurture don’t spam anyone, no-one enjoys that. them so that they want to buy more. A very Some common mistakes common mistake people make with email is pushing people into buying something. 1. We see far too many non-personalised People will buy when they are ready, not email campaigns. Most of these will go when you want them to buy. 97% of people straight to the spam folder. If some get are not in the buying cycle even when you through, they will be sent to the spam know they need your product or service. folder by the recipient and will most likely

be unsubscribed as well, and therefore useless to you in the future.

2. Vendors ask for business without giving value first…

3. No call to action is presented with a special offer.

If you don’t have time to plan and execute an email marketing campaign yourself – email us and we can start the journey of helping you make more money from your existing customers. Consult@abcselling.com Matthew Benn Marketing Consultant Alongside Business Consulting 402507394 www.abcselling.com.au

EaSY TAX BREAKS SET UP FOR HOME OFFICES

By Katina Curtis, AAP Senior Political Writer

Thousands of Australians finding themselves working from home will get a shortcut to claiming expenses when it comes to tax time.

The tax office has created special rules for anyone who has been working at home since March 1 because of measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Instead of having to calculate costs for specific running expenses, such as the proportion of internet time used for work or entertainment, they can claim a flat 80 cents per hour worked at home.

Assistant Commissioner Karen Foat says people are only required to keep a record of how many hours they work from home to use this new tax deduction. “This recognises that many taxpayers are working from home for the first time and makes claiming a deduction much easier,” she said on Tuesday.

Nearly half of working-age Australians have either changed their hours or shifted their work to home in response to the spread of the virus, polling from Essential Research released on Tuesday shows.

If there are multiple people working from the Nearly half of all businesses have made same home, they can all claim the new rate. workforce changes, including cutting hours or, in some cases, increasing them, and moving The tax office has also dropped the people to work from home. Fewer than half of requirement to have a dedicated office businesses in the arts and recreation services area, with many people setting up ad hoc were running last week, statistics showed. arrangements, especially if everyone in their household is at home. People can still use the Accommodation, food services, and the old method of calculating proportion of use information media and telecommunications and depreciation if they prefer. sector, which includes cinemas, libraries and the television industry, were also hit with only The new arrangement is only in place about two-thirds of businesses operating. between March 1 and June 30, but the tax office will keep an eye on the coronavirus A quarter of all retail businesses had also shut situation and decide if it should continue into down. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the next financial year. all governments were very conscious of the heavy economic impact of measures needed Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said the to control the virus when making decisions decision was another demonstration of how about the future. every arm of government was working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in “And as you know, the economic lifeline that business. is being provided through the many things that are being done, particularly at the federal Meanwhile, the Australian Bureau of Statistics level, but also at the state level, they have a has revealed two-thirds of businesses have finite life,” he said. “Because that is finite, that seen their cash flow or turnover drop because cannot go on forever, that will revert, that will of the coronavirus crisis. go back to where it was before.”

APRIL 2020 | FIND GEELONG

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24 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

By Colin Brinsden (Australian Associated Press)

The federal government should be prepared to maintain its assistance to business for as long as a year because it will take time for firms to get back to normal once the coronavirus crisis is declared over.

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox also believes the impact of COVID-19 has exposed gaps in the economy that are too reliant on overseas supplies.

The Morrison government has already legislated for tens of billions of dollars worth of financial support for business over coming months to help keep their doors open and their staff employed.

The Australian government has given up on its much-pledged return to a budget surplus this year in attempt to cushion the blow to the economy from COVID-19 and now looks set to run up massive deficits.

While thousands of jobs have already been lost as the hospitality industry shuts down in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus, more are expected to be lost. Mr Willox said businesses are trying to hang on to staff where they can because they know once they lose them they will be hard to get back.

Westpac economists expect a deep recession – the first in nearly three decades – and a spike in the unemployment rate to 11 per cent by mid-2020, more than double the rate it is now.

“My prediction will be that post this there will be a significant push towards doing more back in Australia,” Australian Industry Group “One day when this is over business won’t just chief executive Innes Willox told ABC radio on return to normal the next day, it is going to take time for business to get up and running Wednesday. again,” he said.

“I think self-reliance will become more of a “So whatever assistance is in place has to last mantra.” maybe three to six months longer than this.”

From the early stages of the crisis, supply chains broke down given Australia’s Despite all the doom and gloom, Australian dependence on Chinese imports, which more shares rallied a further four per cent on recently has been felt in medical goods, such Wednesday on hopes that a massive US stimulus will support the world’s largest as face masks. economy.

As such they expect the budget position will deteriorate sharply over this year and next.

From a balanced position in 2018/19, they expect the budget will sink into a $90 billion deficit in 2019/20 and than $160 billion in 2020/21, which take into account the government’s stimulus measures and the deterioration in the economy.

“We would caution that the situation is very fluid. It remains highly uncertain how long the widespread shutdowns and cancellations wreaking havoc on the economy will persist,” Westpac economist Bill Evans said in a note to clients.

MOBILE, BROADBAND USE SOARS, TELSTRA SAY (Australian Associated Press)

Mobile phone calls and broadband usage have risen by up to 30 per cent as more Australians work from home or try to contact Centrelink during the coronavirus crisis, Telstra says.

Mr Penn warned once that was exhausted, due to the high volume of internet traffic, more physical infrastructure might be needed “which we’ve got the ability to do, but that does take a bit more time”.

The telecommunications giant said call volumes to 1800 and 13 prefix information “We can all learn how to adapt and manage numbers spiked this week. our internet use, which would be helpful,” he added.

“They have increased up to 20 fold,” CEO Andy Penn told Nine’s Today show on Wednesday.

Internet users are being advised to download programs they want to watch, rather than use “On data and fixed broadband networks, what real-time streaming, and practice “internet we use at home, we’re seeing data volumes up etiquette” in the home. about 10 per cent and on the mobile data side, they’re up about 20-30 per cent.”

“You have the kids studying and mum and dad working from home at the same time [so] just a But Mr Penn said while the Telstra network was little bit of patience and sharing [is needed],” experiencing “pinch points”, overall it was Mr Penn said. holding up and performing pretty well.

findgeelong.com.au

LATEST SNAPSHOT OF THE CORONAVIRUS IMPACT

play centres, social sports that involve large groups, outdoor and indoor markets, outdoor playgrounds, skate parks.

• School holidays in Queensland, SA and WA also brought forward with only children of parents who have essential jobs allowed to stay.

• Funerals are limited to no more than 10 people, but states can provide exemptions; weddings restricted to the couple, celebrant and two witnesses.

• All elective surgery in public facilities put on hold.

• Testing extended to include anyone with a fever or acute respiratory infection who works in health care or aged care, lives in areas with an elevated risk of community transmission, or where there are two or more plausibly linked cases.

• All patients will be able to access Medicare-funded online consultations from next week.

By Paul Osborne (Australia Associated Press)

LATEST NEWS ABOUT COVID-19 NUMBERS • Australian deaths: 16 (eight in NSW, four in Vic, two in WA, two in Qld).

• Confirmed cases in Australia: 3984.

• NSW remains the worst hit with 1791 after 186 new cases were confirmed on the weekend.

• Victoria recorded 84 new cases, taking the state’s total to 769. A fourth Victorian died overnight.

• A Queensland woman died, while the state recorded an extra 31 cases, taking the total to 656.

• SA was up 12 to 299, while WA was up 33, to 311.

• ACT has six new cases and 77 in total, Tasmania has risen to 66 and the NT has 15.

• Rate of case increase is now nine per cent, well down on 25 per cent last week.

KEY QUOTE •

“There have been some disturbing incidents of people hiding their symptoms in order to get treatment for other health issues,” AMA (NSW) President Dr Kean-Seng Lim.

LATEST MEASURES • $1.1 billion package to help with mental health, domestic violence prevention and other health measures.

• A federal government WhatsApp group and a coronavirus app have been set up to provide Australians with updates.

• Australians returning home from overseas will be quarantined for two weeks in hotels or other accommodation before being allowed home.

• People flouting social distancing, isolation or quarantine orders face fines of $1000 or more in most states.

• Around 350 Australian Defence Force personnel are supporting state and territory authorities to enforce quarantine compliance.

• Borders closed in Queensland, Tasmania, SA, NT and WA. Freight and essential travel excepted.

• Tasmania and SA has banned gatherings of more than 10 people.

• Non-essential travel should cease.

• Australians, excluding aid workers and compassionate travel cases, are banned from international travel.

• A limited number of international rescue flights will be made for stranded Australians.

• Groups of more than two people in public are discouraged, unless members of the same households (e.g. families). States still have to enforce the new rule, from the current rule limiting groups to 10 people.

• People aged over 70 or 60-plus with chronic illness are discouraged from leaving their homes unless essential for medical care.

• Still open: supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, public transport, some schools, hairdressers, petrol stations, postal and freight services, bottle shops, newsagents, retail shops. Restaurants restricted to take-away/ delivery in most states.

• Closed: schools in Victoria and ACT, gyms, indoor sports venues, pubs, cinemas, nightclubs, casinos, places of worship, theme parks, auction houses, food courts in shopping centres, beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlours, galleries, museums, libraries, youth centres, community halls, clubs, RSL clubs, swimming pools, amusement parks, arcades, indoor and outdoor

SPORT

• A Newcastle Jets player became the first professional footballer in Australia to test positive.

• The AFL, NRL, A-league soccer, Super Rugby and netball competitions are postponed.

ECONOMICS

• • • • • • •

• Federal parliament has passed two packages worth $17.6 billion and $66 billion in response to the outbreak of the virus; states have also announced stimulus packages.

Government is expected to announce a form of wage subsidy as soon as today as part of a third support package.

The federal government has tightened foreign investment rules after global fears about the economic impact of the coronavirus caused the value of Australian businesses to fall.

Moratorium on renters being evicted for the next six months.

Commercial renters will see new rules in the coming days.

Struggling regional airlines were promised $198 million and offered an additional $100 million if needed.

Major retailers including Myer, Premier Investment, and fashion chains such as Country Road have closed retail shops, but continue to trade online.

Supermarkets Woolworths and Coles are hiring thousands to meet demand.

An economist has predicted an unemployment rate between 1517 per cent by Easter.

GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS • • • •

Cases: at least 715,551 Deaths: at least 33,656 Recovered: at least 150,889 Source: State government updates and worldometer website at 1600 AEDT

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Tradespersons Register Launched for Bushfire Relief The Insurance Council of Australia has introduced an online disaster-affected trades register to assist local tradespeople in helping rebuild communities affected by disaster. Qualified builders and tradespeople who have the relevant skills and capacity to work on property repairs and rebuilds are invited to register online. This initiative will assist tradespeople in bushfire affected areas by making themselves available for insurance work.

This will also assist with the rapid recovery of the communities affected by the bushfire disaster.

Announcement Consultation Introduced Passed Royal Assent Date of Effect

Bushfire Tax Assistance tax exempt for volunteer firefighters The Federal Government has passed a Bill that addresses the compensation of volunteer firefighters for the 2019/20 bushfires and those affected by the 2019/20 Australian bushfires. This payment is meant to compensate their loss of employment income when working with the State or Territory fire service during the 2019/20 year.

All payments made to people for bushfire support or as a volunteer firefighter will be non-assessable nonexempt income. The payment for loss of income caps at $300 per day, with a total cap of $6,000 for the year. The payment is not means tested, and multiple applications for the payment is excepted, provided the annual cap of $6,000 has not been reached. The payment is applied through each state or territory department which deals with the volunteer service. Some states and the territories have yet to implement it yet.

Announcement (4-Feb-2020) Consultation Introduced (5-Feb-2020) Passed (7-Feb-2020) Royal Assent (13-Feb-2020) Date of Effect (14-Feb-2020)

Superannuation guarantee amnesty Employers who have not paid their superannuation guarantee (SG) in the past now have a one-off amnesty from penalties to make good on their compliance. The previous rules relating to SG charge denied the tax deductibility of late super payments, and applied additional penalties.This Bill has now passed both houses of parliament and will receive royal assent shortly. The amnesty applies from 24 May 2018 to 6 months after the Bill receives royal assent. The disclosure period that applies to the amnesty can be made from the quarter starting 1 July 1992 to the quarter ending 31 March 2018.The main qualification for the amnesty to apply for the employer is that the ATO must not have previously declared an investigation into the financial quarter in question. The passed legislation also has strict penalty provisions which the ATO must charge if an employer fails to declare a SG shortfall post-amnesty period.

Announcement (20-SEP-2019) Consultation (18-SEP-2019) Introduced (18-SEP-2019) Passed (24-Feb-2020) Royal Assent Date of Effect

Construction labour costs to be capitalised: TR 2019/D6 issued Labour costs and other associated cost for employees involved in the construction and creation of capital assets will no longer be deductible due to s 8-1(2)(a) of ITAA 97. The draft ruling issued by the ATO states that not only are wages and salaries expenses affected by this ruling, but also other employee entitlements such as long service leave, annual leave, sick leave, bonuses and allowances will all be affected. However, not all capital asset labour costs will not be deductible. The functions undertaken by employees or contractors will determine whether their labour costs are deductible or form part of a capital asset.

Announcement (19-NOV-2019) Consultation (14-FEB-2019) Introduced Passed Royal Assent Date of Effect

DPN regime extended to GST liabilities The Director’s Penalty Notice regime will be extended to include GST liabilities, with legislation now passed parliament. Also, the legislation extends the regime for LCT and WET, taxes which are paid as part of activity statement lodgements. From the quarter following royal assent (at this stage likely 1 April 2020), the Commissioner of Taxation would be allowed to declare a GST liability estimate. From there, the director has 21 days to ensure an outstanding amount is dealt with to avoid a personal liability of outstanding GST. The extension will mean that a director may become personally liable for PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee or GST owed by the company they represent.

Announcement (20-Nov2018) Consultation (27-Sep-2019) Introduced (4-Jul-2019) Passed (5-Feb-2020) Royal Assent (17-Feb-2020) Date of Effect (1-Apr-2020)

Investment strategies and SMSFs An SMSF must hold an investment strategy as part of the requirements of the SIS Act, and it must be reviewed at least annually.

Recently, the ATO has provided guidance to where an investment strategy is not considered valid under the SIS Act. This includes tailoring the strategy to be specific to the SMSFs circumstances rather than a document which merely repeats the words in the legislation. Advisers are being encouraged to review their SMSFs investment strategy to ensure it does meet these and other areas such as risk. In particular, using asset investment ranges of 0-100% for all classes is considered invalid when formulating an investment strategy.

Announced: 17-Feb-2020 Updated: 28-Feb-2020

WA Payroll tax stimulus measures A range of payroll tax stimulus measures are being implemented in Western Australia to assist business with cash flow issues resulting from COVID-19. In particular, certain businesses in WA will receive grants, while others will be allowed to defer payments of payroll tax for months. Also, the future uplift of payroll tax thresholds will be brought forward to assist some businesses with their future obligations.

Announced: 17-Mar-2020 Updated: 18-Mar-2020

NSW releases COVID-19 business support package The State Government of NSW has released a business support package to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The State Government has mainly focused on providing assistance through the payroll tax relief, as the intention is to help businesses keep their employees on the payroll. NSW has opted to waive payroll tax for businesses with Australian taxable wages of up to $10m for the three months leading to 30 June 2020.

Announced: 17-Mar-2020 Updated: 18-Mar-2020

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Victoria payroll tax refunds in COVID-19 stimulus package At the top of the Victorian economic stimulus package is a refund of payroll tax for small business. Effectively, the payroll tax threshold applies to Victorian entities with Australian taxable wages less than $3m for the 2019/20 income year. As well as the payroll tax refunds, registered businesses in the hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts/entertainment and retail industries will receive tailored support. This is in the form of a grant, and specifically not a loan. Other measures announced include deferral of certain land tax payments, and rent relief for businesses renting government premises.

Announced: 20-Mar-2020 Updated: 23-Mar-2020

Tasmania COVID-19 stimulus package Recently,the Tasmanian state government announced stimulus measures designed to assist businesses in crucial state-based industries who could be decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.These measures include interest-free loans, waived payroll tax liabilities and incentives to hire a new staff member. Specifically, businesses in hospitality, tourism, seafood production and export sectors are directly targeted. Also, any other small business who is directly affected due to COVID-19 will get some payroll tax support.

Announced: 20-Mar-2020 Updated: 23-Mar-2020

QLD release COVID-19 business support package The Queensland State Government has released a business support package to ease the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The State Government has mainly focused on providing assistance through the payroll tax relief, as the intention is to help businesses keep their employees on the payroll. QLD has decided to extend its small business 6-months tax deferral program to all businesses in the state. A $500m concessional loan facility will also be made available to affected businesses.

Announced: 16-Mar-2020 Updated: 20-Mar-2020

JobKeeper payment wage subsidy measures announced Eligible businesses will receive wage subsidies to pay staff as a result of being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.This Government payment scheme, titled JobKeeper, will be available for sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies.

The payments will comprise of a payment of $1,500 per fortnight, for each eligible employee, for a maximum of 6 months from 30 March 2020. Businesses can register their interest in applying for the JobKeeper payment via ato.gov. au from 30 March 2020. Upon the scheme being made available for registration, eligible businesses can apply for it via an online application. Eligible businesses must identify eligible employees and provide monthly updates to the ATO. All eligible employees must receive, at a minimum, the amount of $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.

Announced: 30-Mar-2020 Updated: 31-Mar-2020

Accessing Coronavirus supplement payment for sole traders and casuals The federal government has expanded eligibility access to social security payments in response to the economic fallout from COVID-19. Any person, whether a sole trader, casual, full-time or contract worker will become immediately eligible for payments should that meet the relevant income tests. This includes an additional $550 per fortnight Coronavirus supplement payment. The Coronavirus supplement payment is paid in full regardless of income or asset levels. An individual, who is a citizen or permanent resident, just needs to qualify for a payment to receive the full $550.

Announced: 23-Mar-2020 Updated: 31-Mar-2020

Tax relief for businesses affected by COVID-19 Businesses affected by COVID-19 can now access support from the ATO on managing their tax affairs. The ATO will allow deferrals of payments for 6 months for income tax, activity statements, FBT and excise payments. Also, affected businesses will be able to apply for remission of interest and penalties. Affected businesses are being encouraged to change their GST reporting cycle from quarterly to monthly so that business can access GST refunds earlier. In addition, affected businesses that pay quarterly pay as you go (PAYG) instalments can vary their PAYG instalments to a lower rate or even zero. PAYG instalments made for prior quarters can also be claimed back from the ATO.

Announced: 19-Mar-2020 Updated: 26-Mar-2020

Instant asset stimulus package for 2020 purchases The instant asset write-off will be available for the majority of businesses during some part of the 2019/20 income year.

Between 12 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, businesses with up to $500m in turnover will get an instant asset write-off for assets first installed and ready for use under $150k. In the legislation, the update also extends to the low value pool.

Where a small business pool has a closing balance of less than $150k will be able to write off the entire balance (also up from $30k). The Government stimulus package, announced to prevent a large national economic downturn, includes this boost to instant asset write-offs. However, the stimulus will not be received until lodgement of the tax return.

Announced: 11-Mar-2020 Updated: 26-Mar-2020

South Australia provides COVID-19 payroll tax and land tax relief The SA Government has announced a $1b economic response package to provide relief from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.There will be payroll tax and land tax relief as part of the package. For the payroll tax relief, the State will provide for a 6-month waiver of payroll tax for all businesses with Australian grouped wages up to $4m. Employers with Australian grouped wages above $4m will be able to defer payroll tax payments for 6 months, on demonstrating that the business cash flow has been significantly impacted by the effects of COVID-19. There will be significant land tax relief under the new measures, as businesses with outstanding quarterly bills for 2019/20 will be able to defer payments for 6 months.

Announced: 26-Mar-2020 Updated: 31-Mar-2020

ACT rebates and waivers for COVID-19 affected businesses On Friday, 20 March 2020, the ACT government announced a series of measures which will provide businesses with rebates and waivers to combat the global pandemic downturn. These measures include a waiver of payroll tax for businesses in hospitality, creative arts and entertainment industries. Also, deferrals will be available for all other small and medium-sized businesses. Small business will also receive a $750 rebate on their next power bill.

Businesses will also be entitled to a credit on commercial rates of $2,622.

Announced: 22-Mar-2020 Updated: 23-Mar-2020

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HOW HEALTHY IS THE AIR IN YOUR HOME? BUILDING BIOLOGY

By Louise Copeman With many of us adjusting to a new normal of life at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our home has never been more important.

Many are heading to Bunnings stores for DIY supplies. Chemical cleaning products and sanitisers are in use more than ever. Heaters are on and windows closed as the cooler weather sets in. But what is all of this doing to our indoor air quality and what impact does it have on our health if we are spending such long periods of time indoors?

Those DIY jobs that have been on the todo list for a long time may finally get done, however, paints, solvents, sealants and building materials may contain high levels of toxic chemicals.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are carbon containing chemicals that have high enough vapour pressure to be a gas at room temperature and they are often found in the DIY products people are stocking up on.VOCs in the home can cause varying problems from unpleasant odours to physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea or skin and eye irritation, with children, the elderly and pregnant women being most susceptible.

If you are undertaking a DIY project during this ‘stay-at-home’ period try to choose products that are low-VOC, wear suitable protective equipment and ensure ample ventilation if the project is indoors. Some products can continue to off-gas for days or even weeks after application, so an air purifier may also be a good option.

It’s understandable and absolutely necessary that people maintain a high level of personal hygiene with frequent hand washing and cleaning of high use surfaces during this time. However, it is not necessary to use antibacterial products in excess (particularly as we are dealing with a viral disease, not a bacterial one). Conventional cleaning products often contain a range of chemicals known to be allergens, skin irritants or range of contaminants including dirt, dead Contact Louise Copeman from Haven Building hormone disruptors and overusing them in skin cells, insect particles, mould spores, Biology to book in a healthy home consultation bacteria, viruses, pollen, pesticides and or for special offers on air purifiers. the home may pose their own health issues. dust mites. High levels of dust can increase The most effective thing you can do is wash symptoms of allergy, asthma and hay fever. your hands thoroughly (for 20 seconds) with soap and water, obey social distancing It’s a good idea to take shoes off at the front requirements and clean your home with door and wear a suitable pair of indoor more natural options where possible. shoes inside (such as slippers in the colder Laudy Cincotta, of Clean Fresh Group, has months). Give the home a good dusting using put together a great resource on cleaning, a damp microfibre cloth followed by drying sanitising and disinfecting during this with a dry tea towel and give carpets and soft COVID-19 pandemic, which you can read furnishings (such as couches and curtains) a thorough vacuum using a vacuum cleaner here: fitted with a HEPA filter. https://www.cleanfreshgroup.com.au/blog/ blog-post-2-corona-viruscovid-19sars-cov- Be sure to continue to ventilate your home daily 2-and-cleaning?fbclid=IwAR0YD0CmArH_ by opening windows to flush fresh air through 0wKsb_2OhWhwvDr8dLLP6CbzpHIU_iuw- the home and aim to keep relative humidity Louise Copeman levels below 65% (you can monitor this with a N8VXu66gUCPZxY cheap hygrometer). An air purifier may also Building Biologist With more time at home, it’s a great be a great investment for your home and your Haven Building Biology opportunity to get the dust load of your home health at this time to help reduce indoor air info@havenbuildingbiology.com.au under control. Dust can be a carrier for a vast pollutants, odours and contaminants. www.havenbuildingbiology.com.au

APRIL 2020 | FIND GEELONG

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30 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020 REALESTATE

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APRIL 2020

REAL ESTA

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APRIL 2020

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COMMUNITY CARE CONTINUES

Our Community Care workers will continue helping thousands of vulnerable residents Find out if you’re eligible for Community Care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 65 or Aboriginal and over 50, visit My Aged Care or phone 1800 200 422 Under 65 or Aboriginal and under 50, visit health.vic or phone the City on 5272 5272 Personal care and cleaning, meals on wheels and even deliveries of toilet paper have helped Geelong Mayor, Stephanie Asher: elderly residents and others with physical or social impairments to stay at home safely.

These essential services help keep our region’s most vulnerable residents safe and at home.

More than 5000 people currently receive assistance through programs delivered by the Thank you to our frontline care workers and staff for the amazing job they’re doing in these City: challenging times.

- Commonwealth Home Support Program Our Community Care Workers make a huge difference to the lives of more than 5000 people - Home and Community Care (for younger in our region while our Meals on Wheels team delivers more than 45,000 meals each year. people) - Home Care Package We’ve implemented additional precautions to ensure services can safely continue. The health and wellbeing of our staff and residents remains the top priority.

Services offered to existing and new clients include, delivered meals, shopping support, personal care and home cleaning and essential Cr Pat Murnane, Chair, Community Health, home modifications, such as ramps and rails.

In line with the latest advice from government health authorities, the City has implemented additional safety precautions to continue safely delivering these services.

These include extra Personal Protective Equipment for staff, reduced in-person contact where possible and reducing cleaning and home maintenance to essential jobs that keep people safe at home.

Wellbeingand Safety portfolio

The City’s frontline care workers are doing an admirable job during such uncertain times and I thank them for their dedication.

We’re committed to serving and supporting Greater Geelong’s most vulnerable. The safety precautions we have introduced will protect this section of the community and their families, as well as the City’s staff.

findgeelong.com.au

APRIL 2020

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GET INVOLVED IN THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE Be part of the worldwide City Nature Challenge this April.

To help pass the time while in isolation, members of the community are being encouraged to take part in the worldwide City Nature Challenge this April by searching for nature in their own backyards.

Join people from 200 other cities to discover and record as many plant, animal and fungus species as possible from 24 to 27 April, 2020.

This year is the first that Greater Geelong is participating, so while in your backyard or exercising, get your phones and cameras ready to spot some wildlife.

All you need to do is to photograph or sound record wildlife in your backyard and upload to iNaturalist using your phone app or computer.

Coordinated globally by the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History and the California Academy of Science, the City Nature Challenge involves 200 cities around the world, where people will observe and record as many local plants and animals as they can in a ‘BioBlitz’.

Greater Geelong’s participation in the City Challenge is thanks to the great work of the Geelong Field Naturalists Club with support from the City and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

City Nature Challenge is about connecting people and communities with nature.

While observing and recording for the Challenge, it is important to follow the latest government advice regarding staying at home, not congregating, practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene.

For more information on the challenge and how to create an iNaturalist account visit iNaturalist.org

Geelong Mayor, Stephanie Asher In these challenging times, connecting with nature in your backyard is a safe and responsible way to cope with stress, while maintaining the health of ourselves and our communities.

The City Nature Challenge allows us to not only appreciate nature, but to help collect data on the plant and animal species we have living in our backyards.

Rod Lowther of the Geelong Field Nature Club I encourage all residents to find the ants, bees, bugs, birds, bats and possums that might live or pass through your garden. Take a photo and let us tell you what species it is. You can include your plants too.

Let’s discover and share the great biodiversity that exists in our region in a different and fun way.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Chief Executive Officer John Riddiford The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is proud to sponsor this year’s challenge, and we encourage everyone to get out in their backyards and celebrate the magnificent biodiversity of the region.

COMMUNITY GRANTS FUNDS TO BE REVIEWED

The Greater Geelong council has agreed to suspend its 2020-21 Community Grants program and conduct a review, aiming to re-tailor the funding to provide maximum support in the region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for next financial year’s grants were due to open on 27 April and close on 24 May, however the council has decided it would be inappropriate to go ahead with that timeline given the current crisis.

A Notice of Motion moved by Cr Anthony Aitken and supported by the council contended that suspending the grants program for now would: • Remove uncertainty around what projects and events could and could not be delivered; • Remove difficulties for community groups in trying to coordinate and complete applications during the current challenging time; and • Allow the council to review the grants program and potentially develop new grants specifically targeted to aid the recovery of the region once the COVID-19 crisis reaches that phase.

As part of the same Notice of Motion, the council has also agreed to review applications for remaining funding in the 2019-20 community grants program, to assess which proposals could and could not go ahead in the current environment.

Recommendations for this funding will now come before council by 26 May, once the review has taken place.

READ MORE

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NFP CALENDAR EVENTS

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CACHE

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BEGIN YOUR FIRST ADVENTURE IN FIND GEELONG

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AND YOU WILL

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Geelong

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APRIL 2020

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EAT

SHOP PLAY

Explore Westfield Direct retailers

The Coffee Club

Ferguson Plarre

Subway

Spud Bar

Roll’d

Schnitz

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APRIL 2020

RETIREMENT

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PLAY ACCOMMODATION

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info@findretirement.com.au findretirement.com.au This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. Superannuation, tax and Centrelink and other relevant information is based on our interpretation and continuation of law current as at the date of this document. The information contained in this document does not constitute legal or tax advice.You should seek expert advice in this regard. Warren Strybosch, Find Wealth Pty Limited ABN 20 140 585 075 trading as Find Retirement, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 236815 of ClearView Financial Advice Pty Ltd ABN 89 133 593 012, AFSL No. 331367.

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LOCAL TRADIES

We invite all who provide a Professional Services to advertise in the Find Pages - Professional Services section of the online paper. We want to support local tradies.

Email your ad to editor@findgeelong.com.au

INDEX

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Builder • Electrician • Painter • Plasterer • Property Maintenance • Cleaner

28

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9

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INSURANCE

HELPING TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY At Find we can help you find the ‘right’ personal insurance. Our aim is to help yu obtain and retain the personal insurances that are approriate for you and at cost that you can afford.

Personal Insurances Include: o Income Protection (IP) o Life Insurance or Death Cover o Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) o Trauma Insurance or Critical Illness Insurance o Business Expense Cover o Child Trauma Cover When your insurance are in place, our services do not stop there. We will provide you with an after care service that includes policy notifications, insurance report, help desk, reviews and help at claim time.

We pride ourselves in providing honest advice that you can rely on.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Photography • Bookkeeping • Find Accountant • Find Wealth • Minuteman Press • Financial Planning • Computer Repairs/Services • Solution Based Coaching • Building Biology • Marketing Consultant • Garage Doors • Human Resources • Mortgage Brokering • Lactation Consultant • Architect • Editor

28

28

X1

X1

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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PAGES

HOME & GARDEN

We invite all who provide a Professional Services to advertise in the Find Pages - Professional Services section of the online paper. We want to support local tradies.

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S INDEX

M A

3x

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10

5x

Need a Professional Flooring or Tiling Installer?

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Specialist Tree Services • Interior Design • Mowing • Building Inspection • Nursey • Flooring

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We are Specializing in Carpet, Hardwood, Vinyl & Laminate Flooring. All Kind of Flooring & Tiling Services.

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HOME & GARDEN 5x

10

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M A

E L P x5 BUILDING INSPECTION

5

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5x

M E L A P S M Providing you with quality information about your property using Specialised Reporting System.

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4x

10

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M A

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

We invite all who provide a Professional Services to advertise in the Find Pages - Professional Services section of the online paper. We want to support local tradies.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Hair Dresser • Osteopath • Chiropractor • Beauty Therapy • Gym • Massage Therapy

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26

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SPORTS

APRIL 2020

We invite a representative from each sporting club to submit team selections, results and any interesting stories relating to your club/sport. For enquiries call 1300 88 38 30 or email editor@findgeelong.com.au

findgeelong.com.au

SPORTS

TITLE HERE

We invite a representative from each sporting club to submit team selections, results and any interesting stories relating to your club/sport. For enquiries call 1300 88 38 30 or email editor@findgeelong.com.au

TITLE HERE

We invite a representative from each sporting club to submit team selections, results and any interesting stories relating to your club/sport. For enquiries call 1300 88 38 30 or email editor@findgeelong.com.au

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YOUR

DREAM CAR TOD AY

We welcome car sales businesses to advertise their vehicles here. Email your enquiries to advertise@findgeelong.com.au

CAR NAME

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS GOES HERE IN THIS

CAR NAME

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS GOES HERE IN THIS

Mail: aqdvertise@findmaroondah.com.au Address: Your street address here

CAR NAME

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS GOES HERE IN THIS

Call us, +012-345 567 890 www.findmaroondah.com.au

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CAR SALES

TITLE HERE

We welcome car sales businesses to advertise their vehicles here. Email your enquiries to c

TITLE HERE

We welcome car sales businesses to advertise their vehicles here. Email your enquiries to editor@findgeelong.com.au

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TIMEEN We invite a students representative from each secondary college or private school write articles from a teen perspective. Email enquires to editor@findgeelong.com.au or call 1300 88 38 30

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STORY TIMEEN

TITLE HERE

We invite a students representative from each secondary college or private school to write articles from a teen perspective. Email enquires to editor@findgeelong.com.au or call 1300 88 38 30

TITLE HERE

We invite a students representative from each secondary college or private school to write articles from a teen perspective. Email enquires to editor@findmaroondah.com.au or call 1300 88 38 30

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56 FIND GEELONG | APRIL 2020

$5

Contact your Not-for-Profit to obtain your Find Card. Only Find Cards can be used in conjunction with the offers and must be presented to participating businesses.

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Registration of Find Cards Please go to https://findgeelong.com.au/register/

Please refer to Page 89

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DINING Experience a World of Flavors

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