Find Geelong 2021 - December Edition

Geelong The

DECEMBER 2021

WHAT’S INSIDE: 04

LOCAL STORIES

06

COLUMNIST ARTICLES

26

TAX UPDATES

28

NOT-FOR-PROFITS EVENTS & ARTICLES

38

RENTAL LISTINGS FREE ADVERTISING

40

GEELONG COUNCIL NEWS

68

FIND FAITH

92

FIND BIRTH, DEATHS & MARRIAGES

94

FIND COUPONS

SUPPORT LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, DISCOVER GEELONG

MarkMogato Mark Mogato

See full article on page 4

DAN NICHOLLS

DEB FRIBBINS

SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES

BUSINESS COACH

info@findaccountant.com.au| www.findaccountant.com.au

dan@salarypackagingpeople.com.au |www.grow.g21.com.au

PLATINUM SPONSOR

DECEMBER SPONSOR

deb@debconsulting.com.au | www.developingexcellenceinbusiness.com.au

DECEMBER SPONSOR

COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS ACCOUNTANT| FOUNDER

TEAM/LEADERSHIP COACH

WARREN STRYBOSCH

SALLY HIGOE - FACILITATOR

SALARY PACKAGING

WEB DEVELOPER

BUSINESS COACH

LIFE COACHING

ADAM SIMS

DEB FRIBBINS

LOUISE LUGSDIN

BOOKKEEPER

FINANCIAL PLANNER

PROPERTY SERVICES

FINANCE BROKER

MARY-CLARE SWITZ

MARK KRUGER

DANIEL TOMLINSON

ALLAN HOULISTON

ELECTRICAL OPERATIONS

BRANDED APPAREL & MARKETING

SOLICITOR

PLUMBING

MARK CLUTTERBUCK

KERRY KASPI

Are you our next Solicitor?

Are you our next Plumber?

?

HAIRDRESSER

TRAVEL AGENT

Are you our next Hairdresser?

?

PERSONAL TRAINER

Are you our next Travel Agent?

Are you our next Personal Trainer?

DAN NICHOLLS

MARKETING

Are you our next Marketer?

?

LAWYERS

JOHN VAN BEVEREN

?

CLUB SPONSORS

PAINTING & DECORATING

STEVE DAHLLOF

?

?

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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About the Find Geelong

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Geelong is a community paper that aims to support all things Geelong.

We want to provide a place where all NotFor-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-and-coming events in the Find Geelong for Free.

We do not proclaim to be another newspaper and we will not be aiming to compete with other news outlets. You can obtain your news from other sources. We feel you get enough of this already. We will keep our news topics to a minimum and only provide what we feel is most relevant topics to you each month.

We invite local council and the current council members to participate by submitting information each month so as to keep us informed of any changes that may be of relevance to us, their local constituents.

We will also try and showcase different organisations throughout the year so you, the reader, can learn more about what is on offer in your local area.

To help support the paper, we invite local businesses owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists.

Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.

Lastly, we want to ask you, the local community, to support the fundraising initiatives that we will be developing

and rolling out over the coming years.

Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating.

Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you.

We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised.

Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.

Follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/findgeelong) so you keep up to date with what we are doing.

We value your support, The Find Geelong Team.

Geelong The

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

OUR NEWSPAPER The Find Geelong was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with is core focus of helping other Not-For-Profits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Geelong has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

ALL THINGS GEELONG The City 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.

DISCLAIMER Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in 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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NEXT ISSUE Next Issue of the Find Geelong will be published on Friday February 08, 2021. Advertising and Editorial copy closes Friday February 4, 2021.

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

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Our Local Communty: Wishing Everyone A Good End To The Year

Mark Mogato

By Warren Strybosch

We would like to wish you all a happy end to the year, and we hope that everyone can find some time to recharge over the holiday break.

It has been a very difficult year for many people in Victoria and some people and families are still have some challenging times ahead.

We want to thank you all for supporting our community paper.

We look forward to continuing to grow this paper next year and finding new or better ways to serve our local community through this initiative.

We want to especially thank the small business owners, those who have contributed articles, the in-kind sponsors, and those who have given up their time and provided resources to this community paper. Your support has not gone unnoticed.

We would ask the local community to support those businesses listed on page 2, who have provided financial support towards this endeavour and look forward to other businesses joining us in 2022 as well as some corporate sponsors.

From all the team at the Find Foundation, Thank you.

SUPPORT LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, DISCOVER GEELONG Do you have photos from a local event or even a great story you would like to share?

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Geelong

editor@findgeelong.com.au

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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By Warren Strybosch

Cryptocurrency Has Gone Mainstream

Cryptocurrency has become very popular in Australia. According to the 2021 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index, more than 28.8 per cent of people in Australia own or have owned cryptocurrency at one point or another.

More women compared to men, in the 24 to 34-year-old age group bracket, are having a punt on cryptocurrency today, according to a survey by the leading exchange and the proportion of women investing in crypto doubled from 10.3 per cent to 20 per cent.

By Warren Strybosch

Whilst Crypto might be very volatile, 89 per cent made money or broke even this year. However, it is likely most are down now given the 20-30% drop in Crypto currencies that occurred in early December.

According to Mr Przelozny crypto has gone from fringes to the mainstream even though Aussie regulators and government agencies have taken time to accept cryptocurrencies and other digital businesses or assets.

The Independent Reserve chief executive Adrian Przeozny said that the sector should have regulation on this to provide security for the investors and cryptocurrency businesses. Since the survey of 2000 respondents found that some 26.6 per cent would buy crypto if the security regulation was improved.

At this point in time, Bitcoin and Ethereum, remained the most popular cryptocurrencies that people invest in.

Treasurer To Lift Growth In Budget Review Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent (Australian Associated Press)

September and retail sales rebounding with more than $5 billion spent at the recent Black Friday sales alone.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the government’s forecast for economic growth next year will be stronger then predicted in the May budget when he hands down his mid-year review later this month.

He also told the ABC’s Insiders program that a stronger growth forecast will come as a result of having one of the highest vaccination rates and lowest mortality rates in the world.

The treasurer confirmed last week the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook will be released on December 16.

He also noted that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development now expects Australia to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2022 and the Reserve Bank of Australia is predicting 5.5 per cent growth.

“It’s too early to make any conclusive decisions or estimates about the economy as a result of Omicron,” Mr Frydenberg said.

In May, Mr Frydenberg had forecast growth of 4.25 per cent for the 2021/22 financial year and 2.5 per cent for 2022/23.

He said what is known is that it is highly transmissible but there are also early signs it may be less severe than the Delta variant and no evidence as yet that the vaccines currently being used are not a defence against it.

quarterly

“We’ll make those upgrades to our forecasts in MYEFO,” the treasurer said.

“I don’t think we should be panicking,” he said.

But Mr Frydenberg said the economy is coming back strongly with 350,000 jobs added to the workforce since the start of

New predictions come at a time of uncertainty surrounding the new coronavirus Omicron variant.

“I think everyone should keep their heads and we should be calmly and safely reopening as we have been.”

Last week the national accounts showed the economy contracted by 1.9 per cent in the September quarter as a result of the COVID-19 Delta lockdowns in the nation’s two largest states, NSW and Victoria.

It was the third largest contraction on record.

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Not all gifts are equal.

It is important to make sure that the gifts qualify. Some gifts that cannot be given to employees are movie tickets, sporting event passes, tickets to music events, and trips overseas are considered a no-no with the ATO. However, you can give gift vouchers to your employees, alcohol, hampers, flowers, etc, are acceptable, deductible and avoid FBT. We suggest, when it comes to alcohol, so as to avoid any issues with the ATO, as they seem not to like alcohol being given, is to provide the employee with a gift voucher instead.

The Staff Christmas Parties – what can be claimed?

ACCOUNTANT

•

Work Christmas parties are considered entertainment (although many are less than entertaining) and therefore can be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). In Australia, in the financial year 2020-21, the FBT rate is 47%, which is a great reason to try and avoid it.

What is the location of the Christmas Party?

If you hold the Christmas party at your office or work premises, and supply food and drink to your employees, then this is normally exempt from fringe benefits tax.

If you hold the Christmas function at a restaurant or any type of function venue, then you must keep the cost below $300 per staff person. Given the event is held ‘infrequently’ and below the minor benefit exemption of $300, this should avoid FBT implications, and the cost can be deductible to the business.

Who you invite may be an issue.

Inviting current employees, their partners or family, and clients to a Christmas party held either at the business or off-site: •

Employees only and costs per head less than $300 each - no FBT as minor benefits exemption applies. More than $300 each: at business - no FBT, at a restaurant - FBT applies.

If you are not sure what is deductible or not, just give your friendly accountant a call to discuss your Christmas party plans. Better a quick phone call then a few thousand dollars of expenses you cannot claim.

What about a gift to your employees?

From the team at Find Accountant, we hope you have an enjoyable Christmas party, holiday break with friends and family, get to recharge – as this year has been one of a kind, and feel refreshed for the next year. We hope next year you will be kicking goals in your business.

You need to be careful with this one. A gift to an employee is deductible and avoids FTB implications if it is under $300 and given infrequently e.g. at Christmas time.

At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice.

Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.

By Warren Strybosch

As a business you might be able to claim some, if not all, of the costs but it really depends on when and where you hold your Christmas party, who’s invited, and how much it costs per guest.

Partners or family and cost per head less than $300 each - no FBT as minor benefits exemption applies. More than $300 each - FBT applies.

Seek professional tax advice

•

Clients - at business or at a restaurant - no FBT & no tax deduction.

The only care you need to take here is when you give the gift to an employee or their family member at the Christmas party. If the meal and gift is more than $300 in total, then you might have an issue with FBT. Our advice, is to give the gift on a different day if both the meal and gift will be over $300.

Warren Strybosch You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au www.findaccountant.com.au

WARREN STRYBOSCH Find Group The founder of the Find Group of companies draws on his diverse background, which ranges from teaching, to serving in the army, to taxation and accounting, to coach and help clients live their best financial lives. A multi-award winner, Warrens’s innovative approach in business means he was a champion of virtual financial advise long before the pandemic. Warren established the Find Foundation, which owns and operates acroos Victoria.

TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA The financial advisers featured in this guide are a diverse group: some specialise in responsible investment advice, some provide financial advise to specific professions, and some focus on addressing market gaps, mwith several finding themselves on the list for the very first time. But they all have one thing in common: they all wield influence that can create the blueprint for the future of financial advice in Australia. Not all of them are faniliar names but just because they are not making a lot of noise doesn’t mean they are not making waves. Meet our Power 50.

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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7. Be patient. Continue to rehearse what needs to be done until all the basic steps are there... remain available and open.

How To Avoid The Great Resignation RESILIENCE COACH

By Sally Higoe

Yep, it’s a thing! ‘The Great Resignation’ is heading to Australia.

According to Microsoft research, The pandemic has caused more than 40% of the global workforce to consider leaving their employers this year– and it’s predicted to hit Oz in March ‘22.

More and more, employees are tapping into their OWN needs, and placing them before that of their employer – they seek appreciation, they seek gratification.

People want what they’ve been promised... and more than that, they want a role that will enrich their life as a whole.

No longer, do employees just want a job!

Your employees are whole – they are more than their job, and a leader that recognises this, will listen.. and hear... and will sell the role, catering to human needs – they’ll find a way to “reconfigure work so that it’s actually designed for this new world that we find ourselves in”.

(ABC Radio National) It’s time to get up with ‘the times’.

So what does this look like exactly?

Without overthinking it, it really is quite simple.

Fulfillment. That’s what people want.

As a leader, you “need to focus on the needs of your employees, and find a way to drive their growth ambitions

without overstretching already fatigued staff” (Behavioural Scientist, Aaron McEwan shared on ABC RN’s ‘This Working Life’ – full podcast herehttp://t.ly/ohGn The ability to drive ambitions whilst respecting balance is achieved by the leader through empowerment, care, respect, and growth. Here’s how; 1. Don’t leave your team guessing!

Teach them exactly what’s required for their success, ensuring that they have – and know how to access – ALL resources needed.

2. Reduce overwhelm! Initially, make any task, role, or project simple – remove complexity – and then build from there.

3. Be available! Show your team that you are there for them by empowering them to ask questions – literally do this, do not presume that they know you are accessible.

4. Demonstrate how it needs to be done. Replication is powerful and so is giving your time.

5. Demonstrate through questioning.

Seek understanding, show interest – “What outcomes are we looking for”, “How is this moving us towards the outcome we want?”

“What skills will you need to bring?”

“What’s missing?”

“What’s your level of confidence?”

“What new choices do we need to make to get this done?”

6. Be compassionate. Your people want to succeed, so tap into curiosity mode, remove any judgement, and seek to understand.

8. Sit back and DO NOT micro-manage.

At this stage you want to be letting the team member apply what they’ve learnt.

9. Be comfortable with mistakes. This is how we learn even more effectively and how we grow. It’s also how amazing ideas can be formed!

10. Observe and periodically checkin - to determine commitment, build resilience and support growth.

“What needs to happen next?”

“What is the deadline, what are the incremental benchmarks you’re aiming for?” “How will we know when we’re on track?”

“How will we know when we’re done?”

11. Champion their success – See progress, provide feedback, remind them of their abilities and skills.

12. Remember to always stay curious.

Leading and inspiring in this way will promote fulfillment.

I believe fulfillment comes through working towards the best version of yourself and achieving what you set out to do (& especially what you thought was never even possible) When your team feel fulfilled in their role, respected in their individuality, and supported in their growth, one thing you won’t have to worry about is The Great Resignation.

If you’d like to create a detailed growth plan for your team, contact me on sally@ team-resilience.com.au and let’s chat, I have a wonderful model that I work through, with leaders, to help build an empowered team that is collaborative, productive, effective and happy... and the results are amazing.

Sally Higoe Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method 0490388017 sally@team-resilience.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Victorian Ombudsman Criticized COVID Border Exemption Scheme

By Warren Strybosch

Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, has found the Department of Health’s COVID border restriction exemption scheme to be ‘unjust’ and ‘inhumane’.

Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, declared New South Wales as an “extreme risk zone”. Thus, Victoria closed its border with NSW on July 9.

In September, Ms. Glass made an investigation into the handling of the Department of Health’s border restrictions.

She discovered a lot of complaints were submitted, including many denials of exemptions despite people being fully vaccinated and/or returning negative COVID test results.

Even Castlemaine resident, Marianne Allan, who had multiple letters from her doctors stating that she needed medical treatment for her advanced pancreatic cancer at home, still received many denials for related to her permission for an exemption to return to Victoria.

Ms. Glass found that many of the complaints relating exemptions not being provided for what she considered legitimate reasons. For instance, people were denied entry to attend funerals, attend vital medical appointments, to take care of an ill family member, to care for their animals, and to obtain employment. This led some people to become broke and homeless because they were unable to return to their home of origin.

Ms. Glass fully understood the need to close the border which was based on the DOH’s advice, but she believes the regulations relating to the border scheme need to be reviewed in light of what transpired.

“I recognise that the Department of Health’s intentions were to protect people in Victoria from a dangerous virus that had already seeded through crossborder incursion and that the department was under enormous pressure dealing with the exigencies of the public health emergency.” She said.

She also added, “While we did not review all decisions and I do not suggest that all were unfair, the overwhelming majority of applications did not get to a decisionmaker at all, and the guidance did not change even as case numbers in Victoria grew and the risks evolved.”

“People felt caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare.

The result was some of the most questionable decisions I have seen in my over seven years as Ombudsman,” Ms Glass said.

“I think what is really important is that the government acknowledge that the narrow exercise of discretion caused enormous distress, real anguish to many people.”

“There is no doubt the government provided explicit warnings to Victorian residents interstate.

“But people still reasonably relied on a traffic light system which previously would have seen them come home under strict conditions.”

‘People felt caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare’ She said even in a global health emergency, some people needed to cross state borders, and too many found themselves bereft.

“The effect of a complex and constrained bureaucracy meant some outcomes were downright unjust, even inhumane,” Ms Glass said.

“It appeared to me that the department put significant resources into keeping people out rather than helping them find safe ways to get home.”

Many requirements need to be met to be granted an exemption, like statutory declarations, proof of residence or ownership of animals, letters from doctors, and statements of relationship to people who were dying.

Ms. Glass suggested the government needs to improve policy and guidelines for the type of schemes in the future, and to allow people to apply for ex gratia payments who may have lost money as a result of not being able to enter or reenter Victoria.

Meanwhile, the government replied that it would consider the suggestions made

by Ombudsman in her report, with but some of her suggestions already being reflected in the new legislation.

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

Five Mythbusters For Painting Outside In Summer

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For a start, long periods in the sun can lead to heat stroke. You must cover your head with a broad-brimmed hat, preferably with a neck flap, and liberally apply sunscreen every one or two hours.

Soak a flannel in cool water and apply around your neck or forehead for instant relief from heat stress. Better still, buy a polyester and cotton wrap: it stays cool for up to 2 days, is non-toxic and lasts for years.

Always remember to keep yourself hydrated with water – coffee, tea, juice or even a beer aren’t nearly as effective.

If paint fumes tend to make you feel queasy, wear a face mask. (Yes, they’re useful for more than Covid protection!)

5. Painting won’t take long because it’s hot Nope. The actual painting process may be quick, but the best paint jobs require preparation that may take longer.

Spending time to prepare the surface will deliver the best results.

PAINTING & DECORATING

By Steve Dahllof

With summer holidays approaching, what better time to paint your house! Here, we smash five commonly held myths about outdoor painting in summer to give you a happier painting experience.

1. The hotter the better as the paint will dry faster This seems logical but in fact extreme heat causes paint to dry too fast. The paint blisters, flakes and peels, doesn’t stick well and can leave possible brush marks on the surface.

Ideal painting temperatures are 15–30 degrees with humidity around 20–70%. The wall you’re painting may be a different temperature from the surrounding air and will need to remain at 10–35 degrees throughout the painting process. Always check the label on the can before beginning.

Acrylic paints dry within 20 minutes at 25 degrees; that’s only a moderately warm day. If the thermometer rises above 35 degrees, put down the tools and go somewhere cooler!

2. Midday is the best time to paint You’d think that painting when the sun is at its highest in the sky would give you an advantage, but no. A golden rule is – follow the shadow. Painting earlier in the morning or towards sunset is much better for you and what you’re painting.

Avoid the glare and heat by painting the surface on the opposite side to the sun.

In the hottest part of the day, you can remove detachable shutters, door and window frames and paint them in the shade, and for inside paint jobs, open the windows and doors to release any paint fumes.

3. Any hot day is the best day to paint You could rely on this if you were painting in the Sahara but Victoria’s weather is liable to change swiftly from one extreme to the next. A bright summer’s day can quickly become a thunderstorm. So plan your painting day with the aid of the weather forecast, and keep an ear out for possible conditions such as dust, wind, bushfire smoke (hopefully not!) and rain.

4. I’m fit so I’ll have this house painted in no time!

Warning: after Covid lockdowns, you might not be as fit as you were this time last year...or two years ago? And there’s physically more to painting than just stretching and lifting cans and brushes.

You will need to clean your brushes, wash the dust and cobwebs off walls, windows, fascias and gutters, and then let them dry. Remove mould and scrape away all blistered old paint before beginning. Lay out drop sheets where you want them. Tie back or prune plants to give yourself clear access. You may wish to apply masking tape around window glass, door handles and other such items to prevent paint splashes and smears. (Remember to remove the tape before the paint has thoroughly dried as lifting it off later can leave a ragged, jagged edge.)

If you follow these precautions, you will end u with a beautiful house, without damaging your health!

For all painting advice, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@bigpond.net. au. We will be happy to answer your painting inquiries.

Steve Dahllof PAINTING AND DECORATING Dahllof Painting services 0407 365 372 www.stevedahllofpaintingservices.com.au

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The Rise, Fall And Risks Of Cryptocurrency

By Warren Strybosch

The Rise, Fall and risks of Cryptocurrency In early December the crypto market saw a staggering $570 billion wiped off the crypto market due to fears of further ATO and government intervention.

Bitcoin dropped down by over 16 percent with most other coins following its lead.

The drop took Bitcoin below $62,000 and back to October pricing. In early November Bitcoin was valued at over $94,000 and this drop reduce that price down by 30% from November pricing.

What was interesting is that the drop to below $62,000 took only 60 minutes. Blink and you miss the opportunity to buy at that price.

Graph: Bitcoin falls in early December

So, what was the news that was being spread around? It simply was greater regulation. However, this is old news so why has it caused such a flurry? We already know that the ATO is monitoring cryptocurrency platforms operating in Australia and that investors now must disclose their profits and losses in their tax returns.

Others are speculating that the Fed will jump in and tie up crypto with red tape, making it harder to invest in this asset class. Others have gone so far to state that they believe Bitcoin will drop down to $14,000 in the not-too-distant future.

Again, this seems so unlikely given crypto, whilst not new, is only really starting to get noticed by dad and mum investors and it is likely that as more of these punters enter this space, the price of crypto coins will only increase in value and not decease

begin to reverse, and much of the price increases of recent years could be unwound,” he told the Australian Corporate Treasury Association in November.

Whilst no one really knows where the price of Crypto currency is going to be next week or next year, every investor needs to be aware that investing in crypto currency is high risk and the possibility of losing all your money could happen.

This was only too real for investors who had their money invested with Blockchain Global Limited, a Melbourne based company, that has recently gone into administration.

Blockchain Global Limited operated a cryptocurrency trading platform called ACX and had been managing millions of dollars of investors’ money in crypto coins.

In February 2020, the platform stopped working leaving many investors high and try and the company owing over $21 million to creditors.

What makes matters worst is that the administrators are trying to obtain a laptop owned by one of the overseas directors which was holding the credentials required to access the crypto wallet holding all the investors’ money.

Apparently, the laptop was stolen from the director at a China airport.

Source: Coinspot It only took a couple of days for most coins to rebound back to their pre-fall price and Bitcoin, once again, starts its upward trajectory to a value no-one knows where it will end.

Why did this occur?

The reason is speculative at best, and one must wonder if the information was disseminated to simply cause fear amongst current investors with the sole purpose of trying to reduce the price so others with money could purchase these investments at a lower value.

as some are led to believe, even if there is greater regulation.

However, some commentors, like Tony Richards, who heads up the RBA payments, believes there might be crash in crypto soon, especially if the central banks try to intervene.

“I think there are plausible scenarios where a range of factors could come together to significantly challenge the current fervour for cryptocurrencies, so that the current speculative demand could

I am not sure about you, but if I had the only laptop holding the credentials to a crypto wallet holding millions of dollars of other people’s money, I would not let that laptop out of my site. One must question the validity of the statement made by Mr Yeo regarding Mr Allan Guo, who was in possession of the laptop at the time it was allegedly stolen in China.

With all of China’s security, it is surprising they have not been able to track down the missing laptop.

This collapse highlights the challenges of getting access to investors’ crypto money when the credentials are stolen or go missing. It is unlikely these investors will see all their money returned to them.

Cryptocurrency is designed to be difficult to trace, which has made it popular for those involved in criminal activities, including drug dealing and money laundering. This collapse is likely to be one reason why we will see more regulation in this space.

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Yes, You Can

Salary Yes, You Can Package A Smartwatch SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES

By Dan Nicholls

No. It isn’t too good to be true. These highly sought-after smart devices are officially approved for salary packaging, so if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to buy one, read on. When most people think of salary packaging applications, they think of getting a work laptop or using pre-tax income to save on their mortgage, bills or other expenses.

Most people don’t realise that you can salary package a range of work-related devices. When you get a smartwatch through salary packaging, it even comes with a big tick from the tax office.

The main caveat, of course, is that you have to use your smartwatch for work purposes.

Smart Savings Getting a new smartwatch through salary packaging is going to cost you less than buying one at full retail price, but just how much? Let’s say in this example, your employer will purchase the smartwatch, then you will pay back your employer using your pre-tax income. In other words, your repayment amount will be deducted from your pay before you receive it and before tax is taken out.

This means the actual amount you save on the smartwatch will depend on your income tax rate. If you want a brand new stainless steel Apple smartwatch that is currently priced at $1,119 on the Apple site, your first saving is the GST. Your employer will cover this cost as part of the salary packaging agreement, so you’ll save 10% or $102 upfront.

•

•

•

•

If you’re on an income of $80,000 on a 37.5% tax rate, here’s how the cost is calculated:

•

Cost of smartwatch: $1,119 (RRP) Your tax rate = 37.5% Tax rate x RRP = $419.62 $1,119 minus $419.62

•

By paying for your smartwatch using salary packaging, your new smartwatch will only cost you $699.35. You will be able to pay this in installments set up by your employer or salary packaging provider.

ATO approved technology If that’s not enough of an excuse to finally get that smartwatch, enjoy approval from the tax office. In 2018, the ATO made a ruling that allowed a popular smartwatch to be deemed a portable electronic device for fringe benefits tax purposes under the following circumstances: •

•

The watch is provided in respect to employment and is used primarily for the employee’s employment; and The watch is not considered a second item purchased in the past 12 months that has a substantially identical function.

•

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to that of a mobile phone, the functions between the two are substantially different due to the following considerations: The watch can receive and display text messages and emails, but sending/replying is limited to pre-set phrases or dictating a reply as an audio file.

A keyboard cannot be used with the watch as it can with the paired phone.

Purported seamless transition between the watch and phone when needing to utilise more complex functions.

The watch cannot download or use the majority of mobile phone applications (ie apps).

Only specifically designed applications work on the watch.

The watch is not capable of viewing complex web pages on the screen, thus requiring the use of the phone in a lot of cases.

These limitations of the smartwatch were enough for the Commissioner to consider that the device was substantially different to the phone.

Therefore, a smartwatch is eligible for an exemption where both devices are provided to an employee within the same FBT year.

This means you could salary package a smartwatch in the same FBT year that you’ve already packaged a laptop, phone or another work-related device.

Want a smartwatch? Let’s chat.

At The Salary Packaging People, we’ve helped thousands of employees save on a range of devices through salary packaging solutions. Contact us or call 03 5229 4200 to talk to someone today.

While the ruling was originally intended for Apple smartwatches, it now applies to both iOS and Android smartwatches.

Bundle Your Devices Normally, two devices with identical functions can’t be packaged in the same FBT year. For example, you couldn’t package a smartphone and then decide you want a newer smartphone model in the same 12 months. In 2018, the Australian Tax Commissioner ruled that while a smartwatch has similar functions

Dan Nicholls SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES Salary Packaging People 0400 479 998 dan@salarypackagingpeople.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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You May Be Liable For Tax When Transferring Funds Into Australian From Overseas

By Warren Strybosch

Some Australians transfer funds from overseas into Australia from various sources and do consider it to be income for tax purposes. However, a recent court case has concluded that income brought into Australia, if it cannot be proved it was not from income generating sources, may be considered assessable income and tax accordingly.

Recently, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) found that an Australian citizen who conducted much of his business in Malaysia was a resident of Australia for tax purposes in the 2016 income year.

The AAT concluded that he was subject to tax in Australia on amounts he transferred to his Australian account from Malaysia.

The reason being is that he was unable to prove the income

transferred to Australia was not assessable income. As such, the AAT deemed the money to be assessable and ordered tax to be paid on the amount transferred across.

In finding that he was a resident for tax purposes, the AAT affirmed that there was sufficient “continuity of association with Australia” as indicated by such things as maintaining a home in Australia, the number of times he visited Australia in the 2016 year (11 times for a total of 83 days) and his business interests in Australia. (Sanderson and FCT [2021] AATA 4305, 16 November 2021.)

This is a warning to all Australian Citizens bringing money into the country. If you are found out to be doing so and cannot prove the money was obtained from non-assessable sources, it is very likely you will be liable to pay tax on that money.

Special Tax Return Offer $99 Returns - PAYG Only We have made it cheaper and easier for you to get your returns completed & you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Here are the steps involved: 1. Email to returns@findaccountant.com.au requesting your PAYG return to be completed. Provide us with your full name, D.O.B and address.

2. A Tax engagement letter will be emailed to you for signing via your mobile (no printing or scanning required).

3. You will be then sent a tax checklist to complete online. Takes less than 5 minutes.

4. We will then require you to upload your documents to our secure portal.

5. Once we have received all your documentation, we will complete the return.

6. We will email you the completed return with our invoices. Once you sign the return and pay the invoice we will lodge the return on your behalf.

1300 88 38 30 Important: This offer is only available new clients to Find Accountant Pty Ltd. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

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Poor Awareness About Repeat Heart Attacks

(Australian Associated Press)

An estimated 57,000 Australians are admitted to hospital with heart attacks every year. Thirty per cent of them are on their second and one-in-10 will experience another event within 12 months.

underestimate the support they need and may not know educational resources can help achieve a better quality of life.

But if that’s not enough to set alarm bells ringing, research suggests survivors of the nation’s single-biggest killer aren’t sufficiently aware of the ongoing risks.

“Many people report feeling confused, scared and emotional after their heart attack and are often concerned about having another event or even dying.

A Heart Foundation survey of 400 heart attack patients reveals many weren’t given resources to help them understand their condition or support their recovery when they left hospital.

“If you’ve had a heart attack, you are at a much greater risk of a repeat event.”

Despite the heightened chance of suffering a repeat episode, nearly one-infive were uncertain about how to safely manage their lives when discharged.

A further 27 per cent weren’t provided with material that might have enabled them to overcome the challenge.

The foundation’s general manager of health Bill Stavreski says patients often

“A heart attack is a confronting, lifechanging experience,” he said.

Mr Stavreski says survivors often need to make significant lifestyle changes but can’t do it alone.

To help them feel empowered, connected and understood, and to avoid ending up back in care, the Heart Foundation last year piloted My Heart My Life in partnership with 38 hospitals.

The free, six-month national program, which offers practical advice to help people understand and manage their health following a heart event, has so far attracted 5000 participants.

Also available to family members and carers, it provides booklets about attacks and angina that discuss risk factors, as well as the importance of attending cardiac rehabilitation and taking prescribed medications.

The program is open to patients from the moment they enter hospital or after their return home.

In partnership with Westmead Applied Research Centre, regular educational texts are sent to participants, along with emails linked to Heart Foundation resources like fact sheets, videos, walking plans and recipes.

Of more than 200 people who have completed My Heart My Life 80 per cent have reduced smoking, 84 per cent have undertaken regular blood pressure checks and 67 per cent have had regular cholesterol checks.

Seven-in-10 have upped their level of physical activity, 64 per cent have lost weight, 84 per cent have improved their diet and 69 per cent cut down on alcohol.

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Getting Ahead

OMICRON

By Warren Strybosch

Australia is not planning to stop Omicron variant from entering the country, instead they will try to get ahead of it by slowing down its spread, according to the leading health officials.

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly announced at a senate inquiry examining COVID- 19 that there were already infected people in the country with Omicron. Ten cases were acquired from overseas and 17 cases were locally.

None of these cases, however, showed any symptoms of severe illness and no one was hospitalised except for a sevenyear-old from NSW. Recently, Professor Kelly told the Senate committee “At this stage, there are no definite signals anywhere in the world that Omicron is more severe than other variants that have preceded it, but we are watching closely.” He also added that “It’s clear this is not the last variant.”

He also mentioned that there was no evidence to suggest a specific vaccine would be used to deal with Omicron variant and that there was no need to bring forward the booster shot program.

The majority of Australians will be eligible for the booster shot from March of next year. By the end of January, more than 4 million people will be eligible to take the Booster and by the late May this number will increase to 17 million. For these millions of eligible people, LieutenantGeneral John Frewen, the head of the vaccine rollout, said that there would be more than enough supply of vaccines for boosters in the coming months.

He also said that “I certainly think primary care will be the backbone, but we are in constant negotiation with the state and territories as to what role they can play”.

Thus, GPs and pharmacies would be the key rivers of the booster rollout.

Already, Australians are receiving the booster letter from the Government encouraging everyone to take their booster shots. It is purported that Australia has purchased enough booster shots to enable everyone to have at least 6 shots each.

Soon, children from ages 5 and up will be able to take their first vaccine shots as well. It seems the government is keen to get everyone, regardless of age, to take the vaccine.

To encourage the take up, the government, state and federal, are applying pressure on the unvaccinated by withdrawing much needed services e.g., elected surgery, to ‘encourage’ them to get vaccinated.

The unvaccinated are already feeling the pain of not being vaccinated, with many losing their jobs and being restricted from attending social events.

There are already discussions amongst the unvaccinated of setting up unvaxxed communities whereby those who are not vaccinated can go and live with other unvaxxed people.

We are living in unprecedented times and only the future will decide whether or not we did the right thing or not.

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Capturing Xmas for Retailers enables a focused strategic approach for each facet of the business identified when determining your consumer needs. Your planning needs to cover: • •

• • • •

BUSINESS COACH

By Deb Fribbins

As Xmas looms the information we capture is paramount for planning Xmas 2022. Dissecting your business each week this month will help you make the right decisions to increase business NOW. Whether you are an Online or Bricks and Mortar Retailer, the principles are the same. In order to ensure you grow your Christmas business you need to start Planning NOW for 2022. The best plans are based on History. What worked, how can we do it even better? What did not work? Why did it not work? There could be many reasons. Identifying the 5 rights is the best way to start.

Was it the right Product for the season?

For your customer base?

You have a strategic plan that relates to your specific clients for your products.

The first step is to go back and DEFINE your goals.

• • •

•

DETERMINE your business needs for your consumers to enable you to plan accurately for the future.

• • • • •

Was it out at the right time? Too Early?

Too late?

Was it the right Quantity? Did you buy too much or too Little?

Was it displayed, marketed or advertised in the right place?

Was it the quality your clients expect from you?

Now is the time to plan, but where to start? Any good strategy has five stages.

Were your goals in line with consumer demand?

Have you updated the offer to reflect today’s consumers?

The last two years has seen consumers spend very differently due to the conditions we have lived in.

Have your goals changed to be proactive to consumer demands

• •

Refer to your history? Do you have on actual sales by item by date, by category?

Who is the market you are selling to?

What are your competitors offering, both online and in stores?

What is your differentiator this year?

What makes up a comprehensive range that suits your clientele?

Cover price points, colours, market segments that suit your business.

What display material did you have and do you need to change or add?

What advertising did you do last year that worked or didn’t? What attracted you to someone else’s advertising?

DEVISE Planning developed from the information identified and analysing the effects will bring greater results. This

•

Is your product range cohesive and focused for your consumer?

Do you have regular drops of new items to keep your range fresh and keep your customers coming back to see new products?

Are your marketing strategies maximizing exposure while minimizing costs?

Devise Advertising plans to promote the right products at the right time Are your visual merchandising aides display your products to their best.

Do you have enough information that assists customers to make the right choice in your store or site before they move on?

What are your lost leaders to draw your customers into action?

Deliver Once you have determined the possible issues and devised plans to maximise the opportunities for your consumer base, ensure they are being delivered the way you intended. What changes have been made by you or your staff that may impact on the sales?

Dissect all actions as they happen and record the results. Modifications may be required as the market opens up which if not recorded may be forgotten by next year.

• • • • •

Are your products selling at your planned rate of sales?

Are your displays adequate and enticing enough?

Is there enough information for the consumer to make an informed decision.?

Do you have enough or too much stock?

Have you priced your goods to sell?

Strategic business planning for your Xmas sales will give you the clear focus you need to steer your business in the right direction to achieve your desired goals, both this season as you dissect through the month, and with your planning effort for the following year.

Deb Fribbins Developing Excellence in Business 400 524 451 deb@debconsulting.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Labor Has A Very Short Memory: To win votes they will scrap the new education requirements placed on financial planners

By Warren Strybosch

This would have to be one of the most frustrating announcements I have heard from Labor. Labor has provided no help to financial planners and pretty much has supported all recommendations laid down from the Royal Commission which has led to the demise of the financial planning industry.

Prior to the Royal Commission there were about 33,000 financial planners in Australia and since the Royal Commission, we have seen those numbers drop down to an alarming 18,500 and it is predicted those numbers will fall below 15,000 in the next few years.

At every turn, when financial planners were seeking support from local MP’s, most Labor MP’s believed that financial planners deserved everything they got. They were in support of all the recommendations from the Royal Commission.

Not only have many financial planners left the industry but the mental and financial toll has been huge on many financial planners who run their own small businesses. Nobody has really talked about all the suicides that have occurred; the loss of family homes, and the mental illnesses that many financial planners have suffered with over the last few years. Has any other industry lost nearly 50% of its profession in such a short period of time?

Don’t get me wrong, I think the financial planning industry had to have a shakeup. It was long overdue. The result has led to an industry that was once looked down upon to now a profession that now has some respect amongst other professionals and is finally, amongst the community, starting to be seen as a more trustworthy profession to deal with.

Even accountants, who thought financial planners were no better than the stuff they would wipe off their shoes only a few years ago, now have a respect for anyone who is able to remain a financial planner since the Royal Commission.

Many accountants are giving up their limit financial planning licences because it is all too hard and costly to remain in this space.

Now, we have Labor coming out and stating that they will scrape the education requirements for existing financial planners. They are stating that anyone with 10 years’ experience in the industry should remain and should not have to obtain the necessary degree or education requirements to remain in the profession.

So, Labor wants to go back to a standard that was sub-par at best and keep people in the profession who likely only did a weekend course to obtain their diploma.

Do we really need to have another Royal Commission in the future simply because Labor wants to try and win a few votes?

What about all those financial planners who have worked hard to obtain their necessary qualifications? Many financial planners have already completed their bachelor’s degrees or gone further and obtained post grad qualifications.

How will they feel if Labor scrapes the requirements?

What do you think? Should the financial planning profession allow existing advisors to remain in the industry if they only have a diploma? Do you think a profession like financial planning, that deals with complex issues and people’s money, should have people working in it who have only Diplomas? Wouldn’t you rather know that the minimum standard for all financial planners is a bachelor’s degree?

I personally think that people in Australia want to know that financial planners have at least a bachelor’s degree. For Labor to scrape this education requirement is nearly surmountable to them saying they don’t care what has happened in the past; that they don’t care that people lost their money to ‘salespeople’ who had little or no qualifications and were only in the industry to sell you something.

I think Labor has a very short memory. It was not so long ago that the profession had to be clean-up, but Labor seems to want to take us back to the dark ages of financial planning – all to win a few votes.

www.findgeelong.com.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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The 12 Days of Christmas - How to Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

LIFE COACH & COUNSELLING

By Lou Lugsdin

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Some time-out to just be free!

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two healthy snacks and some time-out to just be free!

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six self-help, personal development books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven days of walking Six self-help, personal development books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight rounds of box breathing Seven days of walking Six self-help books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine yoga poses Eight rounds of box breathing Seven days of walking Six self-help books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten rays of sunlight Nine yoga poses Eight rounds of box breathing Seven days of walking Six self-help books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eleven different vitamins and minerals Ten rays of sunlight Nine yoga poses Eight rounds of box breathing Seven days of walking Six self-help books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve red roses Eleven different vitamins and minerals Ten rays of sunlight Nine yoga poses Eight rounds of box breathing Seven days of walking Six self-help books A five-minute body scan Four positive affirmations Three litres of chilled drinking water Two healthy snacks And some time-out to just be free!

Lou Lugsdin Life Coach and Counsellor 0408370757 info@my-y.com.au www.my-y.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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WHAT is a

Testamentary Trust?

LAWYERS

By John Van Beveren

Testamentary trusts are created within a Will to provide a greater level of control and protection over the asset when they are distributed to the beneficiaries. This form of trust does not come into effect until after the death of the person making the Will.

When a testamentary trust is formed, instead of assets passing directly to an individual, they pass to the trustee of the testamentary trust to hold and look after the assets.

WHY use a testamentary trust?

To protect your assets The main purpose of a testamentary trust is to ensure the beneficiary’s inheritance is safe from misused. It can also protect against claims by spouses or partners on the beneficiary’s assets due to any marital or commercial breakdown.

How testamentary trust works in family law disputes is discussed in more detail below.

Reducing tax Other benefits are the reduction in tax by beneficiaries from any income earned from the inheritance. This is useful where the beneficiary has a high personal tax rate or have a partner in a lower income bracket.

There is also no Capital Gains Tax payable when your assets are transferred from the trustee of a testamentary trust to a beneficiary. As with the income of the trust, the trustee can select which of the beneficiaries of the testamentary trust should take the capital gain. By choosing to distribute the capital gain to a beneficiary on a low income, the capital gains tax liability can be significantly reduced.

Trustees need to obtain specific advice regarding taxes payable for a testamentary trust.

Protects trust assets from bankruptcy Testamentary trusts can also protect beneficiaries from the ramifications of bankruptcy. A creditor cannot obtain assets held in the trust, as the assets are not owned personally by the beneficiary and they do not form part of the beneficiary’s personal estate.

What are the TYPES of Testamentary Trust?

There are two common testamentary trusts:

types

of

Discretionary testamentary trusts.

This is where the executor gives the beneficiary the option to take part or all their inheritance via testamentary trust.

The primary beneficiary has the power to remove and appoint the trustee.

They can even appoint themselves to manage their own inheritance.

Protective testamentary trusts.

Beneficiaries must take their inheritance through the trust and does not have the option to appoint or remove trustees. This method is useful where the beneficiary is not able to responsibly manage their inheritance due to age, disability or prone to be reckless with the money.

HOW does a Testamentary Trust Work?

The trustee of the testamentary trust selects from the class of beneficiaries which person will receive a gift of trust income. Until the trustee elects to distribute to a beneficiary, no person has a vested interest in the assets of the trust.

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How does Testamentary Trusts work in FAMILY LAW DISPUTES? As mentioned, testamentary trusts are useful to protect a beneficiary from family law breakdowns. With the inheritance held in a testamentary trust, the beneficiary can isolate inherited assets from personal assets following a divorce or a de facto break- up.

However, it is important to note that a testamentary trust does not always guarantee exclusion of inherited assets from the matrimonial pool of assets between spouses.

Asset protection of a testamentary trust are not achieved simply through the structure of the trustee and appointor the indirect control of the beneficiary over the trust, ongoing administration of the trust, the way the trustee carries out their role and the records maintained by the trustee are all important and relevant factors in determining whether the asset held in testamentary trust form part of the matrimonial asset pool.

In a recent Family Court case of Bernard v Bernard, the wife argued that the assets of the husband’s testamentary trust should be included in the matrimonial pool. The Husband did not agree and considered it as a financial resource given that he had no direct control over the assets or income earnt as he was not a trustee nor the appointor.

The Husband was a primary beneficiary of his trust. His sister was the trustee.

In a testamentary trust situation in a family law property dispute, the court will also look at any evidence that suggests that the beneficiary indirectly controls the trust, including:

•

•

The requirements for the beneficiary to provide consent before the trustee can make decisions; and the dealings of the trustee and whether they are acting in accordance with the wishes or at the direction of the beneficiary.

In Bernard v Bernard , the Court reviewed the conduct of the sister as trustee of the husband’s trust, including her resolutions relating to distribution of the trust assets and decisions to accumulate income, along with the trust’s tax returns.

Having concluded that the husband did not have any direct or indirect control of the trust, the Court considered that the husband only had an entitlement to the testamentary trust as a mere beneficiary.

On this basis, the assets of the trust were not included in the matrimonial pool.

WHAT are the disadvantages?

Disputes over the way the trust is managed The trustee essentially controls the trust and determines the future of its assets.

The trustee can distribute all or any part of the income to one or more of the beneficiaries, at such times and in such amounts as they see fit.

If the trustee restricts access to capital or income, a beneficiary may challenge the terms of the Will. This can be reduced by the Willmaker communicating their clear intentions in their Will.

Administration of the trust also requires a level of cooperation between family members who may share the role of trustee of the trust. This could lead to potential disharmony and cause of legal disputes if not everyone agrees.

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Administration Costs Assets held by a testamentary trust must be sufficient to justify the expense of administering the trust. For example, accounts will need to be prepared and maintained, and a tax return will need to be lodged each year.

Capital Gains Tax If the trust has capital assets that are sold at a loss, those capital losses cannot be distributed to the beneficiaries, and must be carried forward in the trust and set off against future capital gains (if any).

Pension Eligibility If a beneficiary is a pensioner, you will have to ensure that the pension eligibility is not put at risk by their inheritance in the testamentary trust, as any inheritance may affect their income test.

Importance of a carefully Testamentary Trust -

drafted

It is crucial to ensure that the testamentary trust is properly drafted in the estate planning phase to ensure that the control of the trust is structured properly – balancing the need for protection and the practical circumstances.

There could also be confusion or a lack of clarity within the will, and after a person passes away, the testamentary trust may not be established properly. There is a risk that certain details could be overlooked, and the wishes of the deceased are not properly executed.

GEELONG’S PREMIER NEWLAW FIRM WITH A PERSONAL APPROACH. WE PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY, TIMELY & TAILORED LEGAL SOLUTIONS WITH PRICE CERTAINTY AUSTRALIA WIDE. CONTACT US

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CONVEYANCING & LEASES

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PROBATE

Suite 3, 50-58 Moorabool St Geelong VIC Australia 3220

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Available 24 hours

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0429 312 986 john@vanbeveren.com.au

John Van Beveren DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Good Branding Is Great Business EMBROIDERY SPECIALIST

By Kerry Kaspi

I was chatting to a plumber working on a neighbour’s house the other day and his whole behaviour was based around his brand.

Here’s what I noticed •

his logo looked great (and was readable) from his business card, shirts, safety boards and vans

•

all vehicles were branded amazingly - bright bold and clear. Phone number right in your face and a clear message as to why you should choose his company.

•

the tradies wore branded shirts and shorts that stood out from every other company employee on site - there were clean, pressed and look almost new.

•

he spoke positively about everyone and his staff were happy and friendly

•

his older supervisor joked with the other companies workers and generally encouraged everyone

•

the work site was tidy as well

The plumber gave me a business card, fridge magnet and voucher for $40 towards the first job I booked with him. This guy was a branding gun. He knew that if his brand reflected his level of operation everything in his companies day to day dealings would improve.

This gives you a good idea of how branding can work for you. No clipart logo and unmarked vehicle. You never know who you may talk to and where it could lead.

(I booked the plumber by the way. And referred him to a cycling mate.)

Good branding is great business.

Best Quality Embroidery

Geelong Industrial Monogramming has been established since 1982, and is proud to be a family owned

and operated business. During that time we have seen it grow from a small cottage industry to a fully operational factory and retail store with 20 experienced staff, servicing some of Australia’s biggest suppliers, including: YAKKA, Ford Motor Company, Rays Tent City Cant tear em’ and many more. We were Geelongs first embroidery business, and we strive to excel in our customer service and satisfaction by producing quality workmanship with garments made to last.

We are Geelongs first embroidery business, and we strive to exel inour customer service and satisfaction by producing quality workmanship with garments made to last.

57 Morgan st North Geelong, Australia 3215 0412 670 310

Kerry@gim.net.au www.gim.net.au

Kerry Kaspi Branded Apparel & Marketing

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Safety Switch ELECTRICAL OPERATIONS

By Mark Clutterbuck

Christmas is fast approaching, and many Australians are all set to get into the festive spirit and deck out the interior and exterior of their homes in Christmas decorations and lights. And so, we should, 2021 hasn’t been the most celebratory of years so we are more likely than ever to really brighten up our homes and our hearts with some festive bling. But before you do… make sure your 100% sure your switchboard and safety switch are up to standard and doing its job, your family’s safety depends on it.

Safety switches turn off the power immediately if an electrical fault is detected – preventing the risk of electric shock, death and fire.

It’s so important to ensure you aren’t overloading your electrical systems or putting your family’s safety at risk.

Electrical Christmas decorations and lights can be unsafe or faulty or can put too much pressure on your home’s electrical capacity. That’s why it’s absolutely vital you have a working and effective safety switch on your switchboard.

A staggering 40 per cent of the 4,500 house fires in Victoria each year are caused by electrical faults and appliances.

These fires could have been prevented by a licensed electrician checking the electrical wiring and installing safety switches.

Check your switchboard in your home, it is the old ceramic fuse, and hasn’t recently been updated, you’ll need to upgrade to a new one to ensure your home and family is properly protected.

If you are not sure, get it checked out by one of our licensed electricians. Whilst we all want our homes to be “beginning to feel a lot like Christmas” we also want to stay safe and alive in the process.

To be fully protected, you need to have safety switches installed on all your circuits by a licensed electrician.

But one safety switch may not be enough Victorian legislation states that a safety switch must be installed on the power point circuit and the lighting circuit of new

homes, however, many older homes are still without the protection of a safety switch or only have coverage on the power point circuit.

Electrical safety regulators are now recommending homeowners and landlords install a safety switch on each circuit including lights, air conditioning, oven, hot water unit, and pool equipment circuits to provide full electrical protection for residents.

Regular safety switch testing is essential Having a switch/es installed by your licensed electrician is not the end of the story, regular testing is also essential to ensure the switch will activate freely in an emergency.

Testing your RCD or safety switch is easy simply press the Test button on the device (sometimes marked with a ‘T’). The switch should activate cutting the electricity supply to that circuit. To reset the safety switch just flick back to the ‘ON’ position.

We recommend you test your safety switch/es every quarter, when the power bill comes in is a good reminder.

So, when looking for the perfect gift this Christmas, think of the one gift that will last all year. A Safety Switch is the perfect gift to give a loved one. The reassurance that they will be safe and protected in their home all year round.

Mark Clutterbuck Electrical Operations Clutterbuck Electrical | 0414538394 mark@clutterbuckelectrical.com.au www. clutterbuckelectrical.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

www.findgeelong.com.au

DIY Finance Can Be Costing You Thousands!!

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Mark Kruger

Why pay for something when you can DIY? I am 100% onboard. I love educating myself. But reading Grey’s Anatomy does NOT make me a doctor. And reading a few finance books does not make you a financial expert. I see so many cases of people with the right intentions either getting things wrong or not optimising what they have. Let me explain.

Super I love making people better off in their super. It’s a passion! Tens of thousands of dollars is not unusual. 18 or 60 years old - it doesn’t matter. “That’s awesome!” you say. And I can hear it coming...“I’m gonna give it a crack myself. How hard can it be?” Let’s ask a couple of recent clients, Nick and Stacey. They had a crack... read the books, did some research.

Nic THOUGHT he knew what they were paying super. Thought they were set.

I saved them about $4,500. Per. Year. And that will increase as their super balances increase over the next 15 years. Let’s just say my fee paid for itself straight away. And they have the peace of mind knowing that it has been professionally looked at.

Insurance “Yeah, Mark, don’t worry about my Income Protection, I’ve got some in super.

It’s pretty cheap too!” Ok, great that this person knew they had it and what they were paying. But it was cheap for a reason. The benefit period was only for 2 years. This is for a family with a significant mortgage and limited resources beyond a single income.

What is the cost of getting that wrong?

It’s a personal choice to bear the risk or not, but at least make sure you have ALL relevant information. You don’t know what you don’t know.

Can I buy shares for kids?

Another week-intentioned sentiment.

But it isn’t necessarily the right question.

Depending on the purpose, timeframe, age of kids, tax rates and other things, buying shares for kids may not be optimal for you. Working through your intentions and knowing what else you have going on could be worth thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your situation. Why wouldn’t you ask?

Look, I don’t want to pay for things I can do myself. But again, you don’t know what you don’t know. Finances are HUGE in your life! Why would you assume you are equipped to make the optimal decisions?

I don’t know about other advisers, but if I can’t make you better off, I am not going to be charging you advice fees. So isn’t it worth finding out?

“There are various reasons people don’t seek financial advice: fear of cost, of looking dumb, not thinking they have enough going on, lack of time etc. I will address some of these in the next edition of FIND.”

This article is general in nature only. It is not a recommendation to start contributing more to super as this may not be right for you. You should seek personal financial advice from a financial adviser to consider your situation holistically.

www.findgeelong.com.au

BOOKKEEPER

By Mary-Clare Switz

The year of COVID, Cash Flow Boost and JobKeeper highlighted to many businesses how fragile their cash flow is. Cash Flow in simplest terms is the art of having enough money to meet your payment obligations. BUT, Cash Flow needs to also be about having enough money saved to get through slowdowns and tough times.

My top 10 tips for improving Cash Flow that can be implemented now: 1. Keep your Sales invoicing up to date For retail business this is easy as they are taking payment for goods and services at the time of sale. Services and supply businesses who invoice on terms need to ensure that the invoice their sales regularly so that the payments from customers come in regularly.

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

5. For repetitive monthly invoices set up direct debit …

9. Set up Holding accounts for your GST, PAYG & Super …

For those invoices that are a fixed fee each month, set up a regular direct debit using a payment gateway. Customers will not forget to make payment as it will be sucked out of the bank account monthly ensuring a regular injection of funds.

Paying a BAS or the quarterly Superannuation obligations are a common pain point across all businesses, no matter how small or how big. Set up 1 or 2 new bank accounts for holding GST, PAYG Withholding and Superannuation ready for payment on their due dates.

We find businesses who move money into these holding accounts regularly improve their ability to manage cash flow across their entire business.

6. Increase your pricing This one is not always so obvious to businesses. You do need to consider that since your last price increase your costs have risen … is it now time to introduce a price increase? If yes, this is a simple way to get a quick lift into the bank account.

7. Control costs

Debt collection is never fun, but the squeaky wheel gets results. Be very strict with pursing overdue debt.

Just because something is shiny and bright does not necessarily mean you or you business neeeeds it. Look out how much stock you are buying in to sell … assess if you can buy less more often. A lot of money can be tied up in stock sitting on shelves. Create a ‘build to’ list for all your regular stock … this is a list nominating at what quantity of an item do you get down to before you reorder. Review all costs for your business and consider where you can change purchasing habits and choices to help slim down your costs this includes looking at your staffing too.

4. Offer more than one way to pay

8. Reduce Inventory

Businesses now have a myriad of ways to take payment from customers. Aside from internet bank transfer, add a ‘Pay Now’ button on your invoice which is connected to a payment gateway such as Stripe, Pin Payments or Square.

Take stock of what you have on the shelf. Consider selling excess stock at a discount. A sale can be a good way of sparking interest in your business as well as reduce the amount of cash being tied up in inventory.

2. Review your Payment terms Are they 30 days End of Month?, 14 days? consider tightening up the length of your payment terms to a shorter period.

3. Monitor your Accounts Receivable OUR SERVICES

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10. Upgrade from Software …

Spreadsheet

to

It is surprising how many micro and small businesses have not yet moved into modern bookkeeping software such as Xero. By using online bookkeeping businesses are far more up to date and across their cash flow as well as allow their Tax Accountant real time access to their financial records. No business is too small for modern bookkeeping software!

Talk to us at Biscuit Business Services if you are ready to make the move.

Mary-Clare Switz Bookkeeper BISCUIT BUSINESS SERVICES 0448 887286 mc@biscuitbooks.com.au DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

www.findgeelong.com.au

The Lawn of your Dreams…or at least one you are not Embarrassed of your Neighbours seeing!

PROPERTY SERVICES

By Daniel Tomlinson

Perfection takes time and being realistic the vast majority of the population either don’t have the time or, quite frankly have better things to do with that time than monitor and tend to their lawns 24/7.

Then there is the cost, you can spend $000’s to make sure every blade of grass is in perfect health.

If you are one of the 99% then this guide may well be for you!

Here are five simple tips you can implement to set you on the right path and improve your lawns health. There are many different ways to care for your lawn and its always worth seeking the advice of a professional.

Tip 2 - Water regularly Why? • Promotes new growth and deeper roots • All living things need water to survive

Tip 4 - Weed Removal Prevention

Why? • Aesthetics • Less competition for the grass of the available nutrients in the soil • Little and often to prevent spread How? • Combination of hand pulling and treatment. The market is full of great products (consult a professional on what products otherwise you could undo all your hard work, products vary depending on grass type and can be harmful) • Pre-emergent to prevent weeds from making an appearance • Post-emergent to get rid of existing weeds

How? • In the morning before the heat (not late evening as this can promote fungus with sitting water) • Depends on costs but simple as a soaker hose, sprinkler or if you want the human error taken out of this use a timed irrigation system • At least once but 2-3 times per week with a deep soak to imitate a downpour for 30-60 minutes and adjust frequency and volume according to local weather

Tip 5 – Sit back and relax. Enjoy your awesome achievement and healthy vibrant lawn!

Tip 3 - Feed/Fertilise

To this

From this

Tip 1 - Mowing Regularly Why? • Promotes new growth • Supresses weeds and prevents pests • Looks awesome How? • Don’t go too low. You might think it looks good but is not healthy in extreme heat or cold temperatures (general rule of 30-50mm) •

Mulching if you have a mulching mower can act as a natural fertiliser to the lawn

•

Weekly/fortnightly during peak growing season Sharp blades for a clean cut

•

Why? • Healthy growth • Required nutrients How? • Every 4-6 weeks • Use the best fertiliser you can afford.

However, anything is better than nothing • Slow-release granules as per instructions to save you mixing liquids

Following these simple tips for 6 months (Comparison taken September to February)

Daniel Tomlinson Property Services Pristine Outdoor Property Services 0468 485 122 danatpops@gmail.com www.pristineoutdoorpropertyservices.com.au

www.findgeelong.com.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Could you Leverage the Power of Your Super with an SMSF Property Loan FINANCE BROKER

By Allan Houliston

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) loan or limited recourse borrowing arrangement, as they are also known, are a great option if you are not able to buy an investment property outright.

However, they are one of the most complex forms of finance in the current market and there are some very strict rules that you must adhere to that have been set out by the ATO. Self-managed super fund property rules

•

the sole purpose test - this means your fund needs to be maintained for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits to your members, or to their dependents if a member dies before retirement.

•

not be acquired from a related party of a member.

•

not be lived in by a fund member or any fund members’ related parties

•

not be rented by a fund member or any fund members’ related parties. The main exception to this rule is when the fund purchases a commercial property and then leases the property back to the fund member. This is acceptable but the acquired property must be leased at the market rent.

For anyone that already has an SMSF set up or are thinking of moving from either a more traditional retail or industry fund, the first step is to obtain both financial and accounting/taxation advice.

Several accountants have an Australian Financial Services Licence, which is required to give advice on self-managed superannuation funds. However, if you would prefer to deal with your regular accountant and they don’t hold an AFS licence, then you will also need to seek the advice of a financial adviser who does. They can then give both the advice in relation to the benefits of moving to an SMSF, ongoing advice concerning the property & lending and diversification of other investments within your fund.

If property investment is in line with your overall retirement planning strategy, then you will also need to factor in the differences with purchasing an investment property through an SMSF when compared to a standard investment purchase outside of your super.

SMSF borrowing • Higher Costs - SMSF loans tend to attract both higher interest rates and set up fees than standard investment loans.

• Single Acquirable Asset – you can purchase land for investment purposes, but you can’t construct on it under a separate contract. You can however purchase a property

under a single combined contract, such as properties that are purchased ‘off the plan’.

• Hard to Cancel - If your SMSF property loan documents and contract aren’t set up correctly, you can’t unwind the arrangement. You may have to sell the property, potentially causing substantial losses to the SMSF • Cash Flow - loan repayments must come from your SMSF. Your fund must always have sufficient liquidity or cash flow to meet the loan repayments. This will be offset by the fact that your rental income will also be paid into your SMSF account.

So, there are a lot of facts to consider when looking at this strategy, but the main thing is to do your due diligence and to get the right advisers on board including a finance broker who specialises in this form of lending, which is not common due to the complexities of the arm’s length arrangement.

Allan Houliston Finance Broker

Aisling Financial 405 140 003 allanh@aislingfinancial.com.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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2021 TAX Temporary Full Expensing of Depreciation Assets The majority of businesses are eligible to claim an outright deduction for the cost and installation of new assets. To qualify for full expensing, the asset must be first held and first used, or installed ready for use, between 7:30pm AEDT 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022. Unlike prior rules on instant asset

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

write-offs, no limit applies to the cost of an asset under the full expensing rules. That is, an asset of any

Consultation (6-Oct-2020)

value may be fully deducted in the appropriate income year. For a business to qualify for the outright deduction, the entity must have an aggregated turnover of less than $5 billion. Since the legislation has been enacted, further amendments will be made to the laws to allow businesses a choice in using full

Intoduced (7-Oct-2020) Passed (9-Oct-2020) Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020 Date of effect (6-Oct-2020)

expensing or not. In certain situations, it may be beneficial to spread out tax deductions over multiple years. Also, certain large entities will have separate eligibility criteria.

Accelerated Depreciation via Backing Business Investment Businesses with less than $500 million in aggregated turnover can accelerate depreciation deductions for new assets in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 income years. Accelerated depreciation rules for these entities have subsequently been superseded by new ‘temporary full expensing’ legislation in November 2020.

However, the option to use accelerated depreciation continues. Accelerated depreciation is available for assets in the first year the asset would ordinarily claim a deduction. In the first year a deduction is allowable for 50% of the installed cost of the asset plus regular depreciation rates for the remainder.

The Backing Business Investment measures are in concert with the extension of the instant asset write-off.

Announced: 11-Mar-2020 Updated: 7-Dec-2020

However, it may only be relevant for some clients until 6 October 2020, when the full expensing regime commenced. Small businesses using pooling can use a 57.5% write-off for assets purchased after 12 March 2020 that do not qualify for immediate write-off in the 2019-20 income year. Small business entities are also covered by the new full expensing legislation.

Instant Asset Write-off - COVID-19 Tax Stimulus Package The instant asset write-off will be available for the majority of businesses during some part of the 201920 and 2020-21 income years. For purchases between 12 March 2020 and 6 October 2020, businesses under $500 million in turnover can get an immediate tax deduction for assets costing less than $150,000.

In the purchasing time frame, the asset needs to be first used or installed ready for use by 30 June 2021.

In the legislation, the update also extends to the low value pool for the 2019-20 income year. An entity with a small business pool balance of less than $150,000 will be able to write off the entire balance (up

Announced: 11-Mar-2020

from $30,000). For the 2020/21 income year, general small business depreciation pools may be written

Updated: 7-Dec-2020

off in full in accordance with the full expensing rules. 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 lodgment of the tax return. Subsequent legislation introduced into parliament will allow businesses an option of using the instant asset write-offs or to depreciate new assets over their effective life.

Payment Times Reporting Scheme The Payment times reporting scheme is commencing 1 January 2021, providing small businesses with greater understanding of the corporate treasury management processes within large business. In the publicly available report, information about how quickly a big business pays a small business for goods and services is delivered. This can provide a small business a snapshot regarding how quickly they

Announcement (10-Oct-2020) Intoduced (13-May-2020) Passed (6-Oct-2020)

could expect payment for work with a big business, which may help decision making. Small businesses

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020

also will have the option of opting out from the reporting scheme. This will mean that their identify as a

Date of effect (1-Jan-2021)

small business will remain unknown to a big business throughout the relationship.

X UPDATES Corporate Residency Test to Change for Foreign Companies A ‘significant economic connection to Australia’ test is a rule proposed to be added to Australian tax

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

residency for foreign incorporated companies. Announced in the 2020 federal budget, this measure

Consultation (6-Oct-2020)

draws on a key recommendation of a Board of Taxation report into corporate residency. The new test

Introduced

will be applied to foreign incorporated companies prior to determining the central management and

Passed

control test. As part of the announcement, foreign incorporated companies will be required to pass

Royal Assent

both tests to have their worldwide income taxed in Australia.

Date of effect

Small Business Entity Threshold to Increase Many more businesses will be eligible to access income tax concessions with the passing of legislation which extends thresholds currently reserved for small businesses. These concessions include: •

immediate deduction of certain start-up and prepaid expenses

•

exemption from FBT for car parking and work-related portable devices provided to employees

•

access to simplified trading stock rules

•

access to PAYG instalments based on GDP-adjusted notional tax

•

settle excise and excise-equivalent customs duties monthly, and

•

businesses will have a two-year amendment period to apply to income tax assessments for income

Passed (9-Oct-2020)

years starting from 1 July 2021, excluding entities that have significant international tax dealings or

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020)

particularly complex affairs.

Date of effect

Announcement (6-Oct-2020) Consultation Introduced (7-Oct-2020)

A business will be eligible to access these concessions if their aggregated turnover is less than $50 million. Mostly, the change in aggregated turnover threshold will take place from 1 July 2021, with different dates to line up with the FBT year. Also, the eligible entity can access the simplified accounting method determination for GST purposes from 1 July 2021.

WA COVID-19 Stimulus Package A range of 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 Announcement: 17-Mar-2020

will be allowed a waiver of payroll tax for four months. A payroll tax exemption has been extended for

Updated: 23-Dec-2020

new apprentices and trainees in the 2020-21 income year. Also, the future uplift of payroll tax thresholds will be brought forward to assist some businesses with their future obligations.

ACT COVID-19 Stimulus Package Starting in March 2020, the ACT government has announced a series of measures which provide waivers or deferrals of payroll tax. These waivers and deferrals are an attempt to combat the economic fallout Announcement: 22-Mar-2020

from the COVID-19 pandemic. Waivers of ACT payroll tax are available for businesses in hospitality,

Updated: 23-Dec-2020

creative arts and entertainment industries. Deferrals are available for other small and medium-sized businesses. Initially lasting 6 months, some of these assistance measures have been extended into 2021.

FBT Exemption for Retraining and Reskilling Proposed An employer may receive a future exemption from fringe benefits tax when providing employees with retraining or reskilling opportunities. This 2020 federal budget announcement will take affect from 2 October 2020, subject to the passing of legislation. The government has also released a consultation

Announcement (6-Oct-2020) Consultation (22-Jan-2021) Introduced

paper with respect to possible changes to the self-education deduction section for individual taxpayers.

Passed

These measures may provide a tax incentive for employees to change careers, in particular if they are

Royal Assent

about to be made redundant.

Date of effect

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

27

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Not-For-Profit of the Month

2021

Elf Squad Inc. How YOU Can Make a Meaningful Difference this Christmas Can you imagine the stress of facing Christmas, without having ANY gifts for your kids to open on Christmas morning? No wonder so many caregivers end up in debt for months, just to get through December.

However, there is positive news - even while community need is at an all-time high.

Since 2017, an innovative little charity called Elf Squad Inc. has transformed festive giving in the Geelong region with a heartwarming experience enjoyed by hundreds of local Geelong businesses, their teams and families!

What is Elf Squad Inc. and how can YOU get involved?

Elf Squad Inc. is a fully voluntary registered Christmas charity based in Geelong. They unite hundreds of local volunteers and supporters from the business community to provide lots of local children in need with Elf Sacks full of new toys, treats and tech.

In December, volunteers gather in the Elf Squad Elf Factory in Geelong to stencil Elf Sacks, hand print paper, make and write cards and wrap thousands of donated gifts that go out to families in the days before Christmas.

Elf Squad makes a big impact thanks to hundreds of people and businesses each doing their little bit. With Christmas now so close, Elf Squad Inc. still urgently needs YOUR help.

1. Donate NEW Toys & Gifts Elf Squad Inc. welcomes donations of NEW and UNWRAPPED gifts for ages 0 to 21. Art supplies, stationery, sports gear and games are always in high demand, as are gift cards and toiletry sets for older kids.

2021 Elf Squad Donation Drop Off Points:

• • • •

Salon 7 Hair & Beauty - Westfield, Market Square, Leopold, Armstrong Creek www.salon7geelong.com.au Hayes Winckle Real Estate - Highton, Newtown, East Geelong, Drysdale, Lara www.hayeswinckle.com.au Eye Gallery - Highton - www.eyegallery.net.au Visit www.elfsquad.com.au for the full list of Drop-Off Points, or to register as a Drop-Off Point.

For goods purchased from K-Mart, Target, Big W or Myer, please leave price tags intact, so that Elf Squad can exchange items if needed to match the interests of every child on their lists.

And to help you shop local, the lovely people at Little Earth Nest in Grovedale are offering you a special 10% discount on its beautiful range of toys with code ELFSQUAD21. https://www.littleearthnest.com.au 2. Donate Cash If you would rather leave the shopping to the elves, please use the options below to make a tax-deductible donation. 100% of cash donations are used for the purchase of toys, gifts and wrapping supplies. Elf Squad Inc. is a fully registered charity with deductible gift recipient status.

• • •

PayPal - accounts@elfsquad.com.au PayPal Giving on Facebook: www.facebook.com/elfsquad Direct bank transfer: Elf Squad Inc. BSB 633 000 / A/C: 163 458 607

3. Sign up as an Elf Squad Toy Drop-Off Point or run a Toy Drive To run a toy drive in your school, kinder, workplace, gym or even at your Christmas do, please register at www.elfsquad.com.au. Elf Squad will supply you with signage, flyers, digital imagery, website listings and shout outs on their social media and radio spots, to help you get the word out, and the donations in!

4. Join the Elf Squad Committee Lots of rewarding roles are still available for this year, and for 2022. If you would like to help the team organise toy collections, set up or run The Elf Factory, do marketing and PR or anything else, do contact Elf Squad Inc.!

5. Donate Goods and Services Elf Squad Inc. is still looking for donors of the following things. If you can help out, please get in touch.

• • • • • • •

Photographer Videographer Printing Graphic design Rental vehicles Catering Raffle prizes

6. Volunteer in the Elf Squad Elf Factory in Geelong Help stencil Elf Sacks, print paper, make cards and wrap thousands of gifts to go out before Christmas. Shifts are announced daily and fill quickly, so here’s how to stay in the Elf Loop...

7. Stay in the Elf Loop!

LIKE the Elf Squad Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/elfsquad Visit: www.elfsquad.com.au Email: hello.elf@elfsquad.com.au

Thank You For Elfing Your Community!

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

www.findgeelong.com.au

Woo Hoo!! eelong Laughter Club G thanks has it’s own logo support to the generous of Find Geelong

Our new logo will soon appear on our Facebook page and on flyers. Next year when Laughter Club Geelong celebrates 20 years of laughing every Saturday morning, the logo will be on our web site which is about to be created.

In addition to the benefits of laughter being listed for everyone to read, there will be tips on how laughter can improve your health and wellness, plus other information for laughers to be joyful and happy.

There are hundreds of stories and memories from over the years. If you have one you’d like to share please email them to me, along with any photos you have, so they can be included for others to enjoy.

To learn more about Find Geelong I encourage you to go to www.facebook.com/findgeelong and like and follow them.

It would be great to share a laugh or two with you on a Saturday morning at 9:00am in front of the Eastern Beach swimming enclosure. We are there every week no matter what the weather.

Laugh Lots!

Phillipa

phillipa@livelifelaughing.com.au

Phillipa Challis OAM Leader, Laughter Club Geelong Founder, Laughter Clubs VIC Inc Ambassador, Laughter Club International CEO, Live Life Laughing 0418 52 12 65

www.findgeelong.com.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

33

Leopold Primary School PO Box 42, Kensington Road, Leopold Vic 3224 Phone: (03) 5250 1233 Email: leopold.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Web: www.leopold.vic.edu.au

Lock Downs and Other Scenarios ‘When issues arise (and they will – that’s life) stay calm and positive, ………. we learn and develop in resilience the most through difficult situations, so it’s important to face them and to deal with them well.’

2020 and 2021 have been trying to say the least. I hope you coped okay. What attitude did you choose to have?

I came across people who approached it with a ‘Let’s make the most of it’ attitude and other people who found it to be a gross imposition and massive inconvenience. And fair enough, for some people the latter may have been an apt description. However, we can still approach these life events with a positive and opportunistic type attitude. For every difficult situation we face there is opportunity to learn, grow and perhaps even to blossom.

I have vivid memories of my father listing all the things he was thankful for on the morning of my mother’s sudden death – how she didn’t have to suffer, that he’d been able to care for her in her final moments, that they’d had 50+ years of a wonderful marriage and so the list went on…..

Some suggestions in helping deal with difficult situations:

• • • •

Stay calm, stay positive Believe that good can always come out of bad Remind ourselves of the things that we can be grateful for and speak them out Consider it an opportunity to model a healthy response for the sake of our children

One of the scenarios that we encounter with our children is when they come home upset after a clash with other children or a teacher. How we handle these issues is really important and has a lasting effect. As well as the above points it may be helpful to consider the following:

•

Give time for the dust to settle – we all need the time and space to take a deep breath, particularly children – time to sit down and relax, have a drink of water or something to eat

•

Allow time to talk things through in a composed manner – ask clarifying questions, empathise with their feelings, reassure them of your love Remember that there is always two sides in any conflict with faults on both sides Maintain a kind and patient attitude towards others, recognising we all make mistakes Help children to honestly recognise their fault Acknowledge children’s errors without condemning Encourage children to make apologies where appropriate Consider helpful strategies that will help make the situation manageable going forward – open communication with the school is always helpful

• • • • • •

All the best everyone.

Rob Hunter LPS Chaplain Robert.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

Looking for the perfect Christmas Gifts

www.findgeelong.com.au

Beautifully presented gift boxes supporting Geelong region businesses Great gift for family, friends, staff or clients Funds raised support Rotary projects Free Delivery within 50kms of Geelong CBD Deliveries early December or by arrangement Two sizes to choose from - $80 or $120

$120 BOX

$80 BOX

Daryl’s Fresh Roasted Peanut Butter 375ml

Daryl’s Fresh Roasted Peanut Butter 375ml

Lighthouse Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml

Lighthouse Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml

Adelia Raspberry & White Chocolate Pancake Mix 450g

Wildings Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Mustard 160g

Wildings Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Mustard 160g

Freckleberry Chocolate Tree 40g

Freckleberry Chocolate Tree 40g

Totally Pickled Zucchini or Beetroot Relish 170g

Totally Pickled Zucchini or Beetroot Relish 170g

Jennings Cold Extracted Honey 500g

Jennings Cold Extracted Honey 500g

Penny Royal Raspberry 300g

Penny Royal Raspberry 300g

Penny Royal Garlic, Olive & Parmesan Pita Crispbread 120g

Penny Royal Garlic, Olive & Parmesan Pita Crispbread 120g

Gorges Salted Cashews 150g

Fudge Man Fudge 80g

Dairylicious Chocolate Coated Caramel Fudge Slice 150g

Geelong Confectionary Chocolate Honeycomp 130g Gorges Salted Cashews 150g Screaming Seeds Butter Curry 60g

www.findgeelong.com.au

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

35

VOLUNTEER MAKE A LIFE-LONG IMPACT ON A YOUNG PERSON'S LIFE

OUR VOLUNTEERS CHANGE LIVES.

OUR VOLUNTEERS CHANGE LIVES.

EdConnect Australia supports volunteers to in local EdConnect Australia trainstrains and and supports volunteers to work work in local schools to provide a safety netwho for might youngotherwise schools to provide a safety net for young people people who might otherwise- struggle realise struggle to realise their potential in schooltoand life. their potential - in school and life.

We offer two volunteering roles:

We offer two volunteering roles: MENTORING MENTORING Provide one-on-one support to a student to improve Provide one-on-one to awellbeing student toas improve their emotionalsupport and social well astheir theiremotional and social wellbeing as well as their academic performace. academic performace.

CLASSROOM LEARNING SUPPORT CLASSROOM LEARNING SUPPORT

Provide general support within the classroom such as Provide general support skills within the classroom such as reading, reading, numeracy or assist with various school numeracy skills or assist with various school projects under the projects under the teacher's guidance. teacher’s guidance.

If you know someone who would make a great role model, share our info!

EdConnectAustralia.org.au

P 1800 668 550 E edconnect@edconnect.org.au Facebook @EdConnectAustralia DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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FIND GEELONG | DECEMBER 2021

www.findgeelong.com.au

Day Out With Thomas

8-9 & 22-23 January 2022, The Bellarine Railway - Queenscliff Station

Spend some time with Thomas, Henry, Oliver, those Troublesome Trucks and even Sir Topham Hatt!

Enjoy a ride with Thomas at Queenscliff, a scenic train ride along Swan Bay, photo opportunities galore and more - plus every child will receive a pack to take home.

Session times are 2.5 hours each: 9.30, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 and 1.30 - a 2.30 session will be added on demand.

Please visit the website for details, COVID requirements and tickets. bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas/

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Our Virtual Giving Tree is Back!

We’re giving our community the opportunity to virtually come together and give a gift that will make a difference to the animals in care this Christmas.

Pin a gift in the name of your family member that is impossible to buy for! Why not pin a gift in honor of your special furry or feathered best friend? Or simply pin a gift because you care!

Give from your heart, give to one another and give to support the animals at GAWS. Your generous donation helps us continue to provide essential veterinary treatment, enrichment and the best possible care for every animal that arrives at GAWS. Pin a gift today - https://bit.ly/3174qyJ

DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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DECEMBER 2021 REALESTATE

REALESTATE FIND AUSTRALIA’S #1 PLACE FOR PROPERTY

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HOUSE OF THE MONTH

FREE RENTAL LISTINGS ADVERTISING

Email your Rental Listings to Find Geelong each week and we will update your Listing in the online community paper for FREE.

If you have any questions, contact Warren on 1300 88 38 30 or email to: editor@findgeelong.com.au

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2022 Geelong Calendar Winners Revealed Photographs from our region’s top photographers are represented in the 2022 City of Greater Geelong calendar, which will be posted to 128,000 households this month.

The popular calendar features the winning images from the City’s annual photography competition which this year attracted more than 1300 entries.

The 13 winning images were selected through an online public voting process.

An image of the much-loved, historic Geelong Carousel by Tash Dear was voted the most popular among the 2221 votes and was selected for the cover of the calendar.

In a surprising twist and amidst some family rivalry, Tash’s mother, Danka Dear, also has her photograph of the Floating Christmas Tree selected as the image for the month of December.

Amateur and professional photographers were invited to submit photos in the following four categories: nature, events and people, architecture and urban spaces, and landscapes.

Calendars are scheduled to be delivered mid-December and additional copies will be available from January.

The calendar helps to foster community pride, share important dates and information, and recognise the talent of local photographers.

For more information view our Geelong Calendar page.

Mayor Stephanie Asher “The free calendar is immensely popular with our residents and helps to highlight the beauty of our region and the vitality of our community – whether it’s our stunning coastline, diverse community, fabulous events or incredible wildlife.

We’ve been through a tough year so it’s heartening that so many talented people in our community captured images showing what they love about our region. They represent the resilience we have all demonstrated as we’ve grasped the moments of light and joy amongst so much sacrifice.”

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan “I’m sure lots of residents will want to put the calendar up in their home and send copies to friends and relatives as gifts.

We received over one thousand entries and we were thrilled with the outstanding photography on show.

Our calendars are hugely popular with the community and each year we get to see a familiar landmark from a perspective or angle which gives it an entirely new impact. I’m looking forward to receiving my calendar!”

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Fireworks return to

Geelong for New Year’s Eve

Free Fireworks displays will return to Geelong Waterfront this New Year’s Eve, as the City of Greater Geelong helps the local community to say goodbye to 2021 with a bang.

The City has worked hard to make sure the free community event can go ahead during the vital holiday season.

The fireworks will be safely discharged from a barge on Corio Bay, so anyone with a view of the bay and city skyline will be able to enjoy the display.

The event includes an early 9:30pm fireworks display for children and families and the traditional midnight event. Both displays will run for eight minutes.

Revellers are asked to please ensure they adhere to all COVID-safe directions throughout the evening.

Pet owners are urged to keep their pets safe on New Year’s Eve.

Mayor Stephanie Asher

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan

“We’re thrilled to be able to host our free fireworks display and help the community kick-off the New Year on a positive note.

“Whether you want to have a gathering at home, enjoy free family entertainment at the beach, or book a table at one of our fabulous restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this New Year’s Eve.

We know that similar events had to be cancelled in Lorne so we wanted to make sure we could offer entertainment not just for Geelong, but for the entire Surf Coast and Bellarine region.”

Please stay safe, look after your friends and family, and we wish everyone in the Greater Geelong community health and happiness in 2022.”

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Keep Australia Beautiful Re-Launches Summer Litter Campaign

Do the Right Thing – the historic antilittering campaign run by Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) is back to remind and motivate Australians to look after our country.

Originally launched in 1979, the campaign is considered to be the most effective behavioural change campaign in Australian history.

Forty-two years on, the campaign has been modernised to engage the next generation of Australians on an environmental issue that has only increased in relevance with the rise in the nation’s population.

With Christmas and school holidays approaching, Australians get out more to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The campaign urges everyone to leave nothing but footprints behind.

The refreshed KAB Do the Right Thing campaign retains its original message that outdoor recreation and smoking can create litter.

KABs 2019-2020 National Litter Index counted over 56,000 pieces of litter, with cigarette butts and packaging accounting for 40 percent and takeaway packaging making up 16 percent of the total.

The Do the Right Thing campaign relaunches on Wednesday 8 December 2021 on the Keep Australia Beautiful social channels and runs until the end of January 2022.

Val Southam - KAB Chief Executive Officer I believe the campaign’s timing is critical, particularly given the ongoing pandemic.

COVID-19 is a powerful reminder for all Australians to do the right thing to keep communities safe.

We see this campaign as a continuation of that spirit, calling on all Australians to protect the natural environment as they would each other.

Whether highway driving, visiting parklands, heading to the beach or enjoying a public space these holidays, we are reminding all Australians that we all have a responsibility to reduce and manage our litter to achieve a litter-free and sustainable environment.

It will be instantly recognised by the older generation whilst inspiring the younger generation to Do the Right Thing.

It is about prevention, rather than cleaning up, and about creating an emotional connection to the environment for everyday Australians. We want to influence change in littering behaviour.

Keep Australia Beautiful Chief Executive Officer Val Southam

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Community Groups Share in $731k in Grants A total of 135 local clubs and organisations will share in $731,840 in funding through a range of grants awarded as part of Council’s 2021-22 Community Grants program.

The grants, ranging from $260 to $10,000, will support arts projects and festivals, community events, environmental sustainability initiatives, equipment purchases and community-based projects.

Mayor Stephanie Asher said the grants were a vital way for the Council to assist community groups who make a huge contribution to Greater Geelong.

“Most of the clubs and groups we support through the grants program are volunteer-led, and they almost always run on a very tight budget,” Mayor Asher said.

“We hope these grants will relieve some financial pressure, and help the recipients continue making a positive difference in our community.”

Among the successful applicants is the East Geelong Little Athletics Club, which has received an $1860 grant to buy discuses, hurdles, shot puts, a rake, agility equipment and an equipment trolley.

Club President Kylie Harris said she was overjoyed for the 47 little athletes in the club who will benefit from the funding.

“The club name might be old but the club as a whole has transitioned over the past two years to all new members and as the smallest club of the Geelong Little Athletics Centre I want to establish East Geelong as a club that can provide team training with proper equipment – something we have been unable to do since I took over the club two years ago,” Ms Harris said.

Mayor Stephanie Asher and East Geelong Athletics Club President Kylie Harris with Ivy, 6, Mia Rose, 9, Tai, 10, Aio, 6, and Sawyer, 10, at Landy Field. (Image: Mike Dugdale.)

•

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twenty-six groups receiving up to $2000 for equipment purchases, including the Bellarine Keen-agers Table Tennis Club, Geelong Mums, Grovedale Toy Library and Waurn Ponds Deakin Cricket Club; thirty-two groups receiving support for community projects, such as the Victorian Skateboard Association with its ‘Greater Geelong Skate Park Activation Project’ ($10,000) – a 15-event development program; and thirty-six community events, including the Bellarine Agricultural Show ($3000), City of Geelong 2022 Lunar New Year Discovery Experience ($5000), and the Geelong Classic Truck and Machinery Show ($5760).

“With the purchase of this equipment the kids will be able to not only do running but also learn warm-up skills and practice for field events, and the best thing is that it will help build confidence in a fun team environment.”

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The list of grant recipients also includes:

For the first time this year, community event organisers were able to apply for funding specifically to support COVIDsafe compliance.

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sixteen environmental sustainability projects, such as Geelong Sustainability Group’s ‘100 per cent Electric Vehicle Project’ (awarded $10,000); seventeen arts projects and eight arts festivals, including the Jazz in a Hat Festival, Reconciliation in the Park and the Geelong Arts Festival – Youth Edition (each awarded $10,000);

All grant applications were assessed by an independent panel using set criteria before being signed off by the Council.

Councillor Anthony Aitken, Chair of the Council’s Finance portfolio, said further grants would be announced soon.

“Our major grants of up to $350,000, which help fund new community facilities, will be awarded before the end of the year, as will our Geelong Heritage and First Nations Cultural Heritage grants,” Cr Aitken said.

“We have also just allocated an extra $590,000 for a new round of COVID recovery grants for the arts, community groups and events.

“So the Council absolutely recognises the importance of grants in terms of supporting community-based groups, and we continue to heavily fund the program through our annual budget.”

A full list of recipients for this initial group of 2021-22 community grants is available here.

A second round of applications for Environmental Sustainability grants will open early in 2022 to award the remaining budget of $44,438.

With the addition of the newly allocated $590,000 in COVID recovery grants, the Council’s total Community Grants budget for 2021-22 is now just over $4.934 million.

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Geelong Wins 2021 Sustainable City Award

The City of Greater Geelong has won the overall Keep Victoria Beautiful 2021 Sustainable City award, along with three other awards for clever and creative projects that save energy, reduce waste and protect the environment.

The annual awards program celebrates action on climate change and initiatives to protect local environments.

City Project Award winners • Zero Carbon Buildings Program (Energy Award): The program has reduced the ecological and carbon footprint of the City’s community facilities, through renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements. Measures include rooftop solar systems, energy efficient lighting upgrades, automated building control systems and upgraded heating and cooling systems.

• Ramblers Road Artificial Reef (Environment Award): The awardwinning coastal protection solution has been effective in preventing further erosion, limiting the over topping of waves and stabilising and widening the beach at Ramblers Road, Portarlington. It has also delivered co-benefits in terms of habitat creation and restoration of seagrass.

• Recycled Roads (Waste Award): The City’s innovative road construction projects incorporate materials collected via their kerbside recycling services. The first roads built using crushed glass as a replacement for

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sand are now open and other road construction projects have been completed using PlastiPhalt, which incorporates plastics destined for landfill in road construction materials.

These projects are keeping tonnes of glass and plastics out of landfill and the highly efficient construction process is reducing project CO2 emissions by as much as 30 percent.

• Community Green Achiever Award: Andrea Dennett from Bellarine Friends of the Hooded Plover was recognised at the awards with the 2021 Community Green Achiever Award for her work to protect threatened bird life.

• Other finalists in the community award category from our region include:

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Mik Aidt – Climate Emergency Declaration Campaign (Education Award) – highly commended

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Geelong Sustainability - Sustainable House Day 2020 (Education Award)

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Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek – Waurn Ponds Creek Restoration (Environment Award)

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Lids 4 Kids – Saving Plastic Lids from Landfill (Waste Award)

Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre was also highly commended by the judges for its Sustainability Champions of Tomorrow program.

Full details of the Keep Victoria Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards are available at Sustainable Cities - Keep Victoria Beautiful.

Mayor Stephanie Asher “We’re thrilled to win the overall Sustainable Cities Award because it recognises how hard we’re working to keep the Greater Geelong region sustainable and liveable.

Our community wants to see the City proactively showing leadership to reduce our environmental impact, prevent waste, and protect our world-class biodiversity.

These projects are good for the environment but also make economic sense over the long-term. Whether it’s using crushed glass to build roads, putting solar on City facilities, or installing an artificial reef at Portarlington, we’re leading the way on sustainability action at the local government level.

Andrea Dennett has shown real leadership and commitment over almost 14 years to nurture and care for threatened birds and protect our precious coastal habitat Andrea has brought people together and shown we all have a part to play in protecting our beloved Hoodies.”

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GEARING UP

for Festive the Season

So, whatever your cultural background or faith, let’s all make this Christmas a period of reunion, connection and nurturing our important relationships. Many of us will welcome visits from family and friends and we hope you get out and enjoy all of Geelong’s Christmas cheer with them.

For those of you who can afford to give, we encourage you to contribute to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal and support those in greatest need. Last year, community support brought joy to more than 2000 families. To donate, visit the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal.

While you’re spreading joy, remember to support local by purchasing your Christmas gifts and food for your Christmas lunch from local shops. Your support will mean a lot to our local small business owners.

Finally, we know that Christmas isn’t always a happy time. Stresses and strains can come to the surface and arguments, family violence, drug and alcohol issues, depression and anxiety can all be a very real part of Christmas for many.

If you’re finding the Christmas period overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help from one of the many services that are available.

• • •

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: 1800 015 188

A Tree-mendous Christmas While the tree is the highlight of our Christmas in Geelong program for many, it is only one part of a bigger program that attracted over 261,000 people in 2020, generating more than $20 million in economic output for the region.

This year, you can either visit the tree in-person, or tune-in to our live feed from the comfort of your home. The spectacular sound and light show is on nightly until 7 January at the Waterfront between 8.30pm and midnight. Each show runs for six minutes and repeats every 15 minutes.

Our Christmas in Geelong program wouldn’t be possible without our Floating Christmas Tree sponsor, GeelongPort. Christmas comes early for those working at GeelongPort with assembly of the 10-tonne, 25-metre Floating Christmas Tree beginning as early as October.

According to Chris Anderson, Head of Service Delivery at GeelongPort, it’s an annual event that everyone looks forward to: “GeelongPort is thrilled to again partner with the City in bringing Christmas cheer to the stunning waterfront – it’s such a great spectacle for the entire community.”

Our thanks goes to the team at GeelongPort for providing the safe storage, Hanlon Industries for the assembly and Total Events, who produce the sound and light show every year.

Find out more about the Christmas activities.

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Do you have photos from a local event or great story would like to share? Email your events to editor@findgeelong.com.au and we will place it in the Paper for FREE.

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

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Daily from 04 October 2021 to 10 December 2021 cwalker@geelongcity.vic.gov.au www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ct/forms/form.aspx?form_id=20544

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Cathy Walker 0418 148 391

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VICTORIA’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS add to an epic lights display full of LIGHTS FESTIVAL These animals, giant toys, enchanted gardens, 6pm-10.30pm | 27 November to 24 December 2021 6.45pm-10.30pm | 26 December 2021 to 9 January 2022 See the magic of Christmas and fairy tales come to life in 2.7 million lights with more rides, more lights and a bigger trail!

This year has an additional 700k lights over a newly expanded walking trail, plus new rides and more awesome Christmas activities for the kids.

Be amazed by the brand new Lunar Lanterns Exhibit complete with oriental lanterns, a 20m long majestic dragon and animals from the zodiac in our undercover pavilion.

There are more immersive installations such as a 25m psychedelic tunnel, a Loch Ness Monster, enormous Angels and a Fantasyland with 12m smoke breathing dragon, 8m caterpillars and butterflies to name just a few.

fairy-tale scenes, winter wonderlands and the popular shimmering sparkle archway, plus loads more jaw-dropping installations where you can snap a beautiful family photo.

Santa will return to the Park’s magical Christmas Cave where kids can write letters to the North Pole and have professional photos taken with the jolly man himself.

And there are new rides this year... the popular classic spinning Tea Cups ride (open now) and a unique Air Balloons ride (coming soon) adding to the Crazy Coaster, Carousel, Red Baron, Little Buggy Speedway Cars, Wave Swinger and Ferris Wheel (Water rides will not be open during the Christmas Festival).

It’s a massive glowing wonderland full of enchanting trails, glistening paths, magical glittering bridges and dazzling displays, and not to be missed this When Christmas!

Various dates from 27 November 2021 to 9 January 2022 Where Adventure Park Wadawurrung Country, 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington, Geelong VIC 3222 Contact Adventure Park Geelong Email: havefun@adventurepark.com.au Phone: 03 5250 7200 Associated organisation: Adventure Park Website: http://www. christmasfestivaloflights.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ adventurepark/

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Piccadilly Christmas Market A wonderful opportunity to show your support by shopping local in the lead up to Christmas at the Piccadilly Christmas Market.

Grab your friends and come out to support our local makers. We’ll have plenty of food operators outside the venue to keep you all fed. There will be an outdoor seating area to catch up with friends and relax.

There will plenty of Christmas goodies, and lots of original gift ideas. $2 entry for adults 16+ Plenty of Free Parking PLEASE NOTE WE ARE A PLASTIC BAG FREE EVENT When 11 December 2021, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Where Barwon Valley Activity Centre Wadawurrung Country, 1 Barwon Heads Road Geelong, VIC, Australia 3216 Cost Adult: $2.00 Adults 16+

Contact: Janina Lear Email: janina@piccadillymarket.com.au

Website: http://www.piccadillymarket. com.au

Phone: 0411 131 064

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ piccadillymarket

Associated organisation: Piccadilly Market

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ piccadillymkt

Morning Tea with Santa The kids will love this special morning tea experience with Santa!

Enjoy a magical ride on the Carousel, a morning tea pack plus a meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa!

Book online now

When Various dates from 1 December 2021 to 23 December 2021

Cost Child: $6.00

Tickets are $6 per child (plus booking fee) and are only required to be purchased for each child attending. Adults do not require a ticket. A limit of one accompanying adult per child applies.

Where The Carousel Contact Wadawurrung Country, 1 Eastern Beach Leah Wolfe Road, GEELONG VIC 3220 5224 1547

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Coleen Caday is a Filipina emerging artist who explores the notions of identity and representation within her practice.

Born in San Juan, Metro Manila, Caday migrated to Australia at the age of 5. It is through Caday’s creative practice that she begins to unpack the significance of the people and places that she encounters in her life. Caday graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2020 with a double major in Anthropology and Photography. She then proceeded into her honours in creative Arts in 2021 with a focus on decolonizing methodologies to preserve Filipino culture.

Presents

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ANG AMING PAGKAKAKILANLAN / THIS IS OUR IDENTITY details migratory and diasporic studies, retracing my ancestral roots and understanding the complexities of the two places I call home - The Philippines and Australia.

Through photography, audio-interview, video work and archival materials, this body of work explores the question of ‘what is the importance of decolonizing methodologies to preserve our Filipino culture?’. Unpacking this question through an autoethnographic lens, I begin to uncover memories that have been lost, people who have departed, and lived experiences that shape one’s identity.

This is reflected through the themes of ‘Lupain/Land’, ‘Lengguwahe/Language’, ‘Kultura/Culture’, and ‘Kusina/Kitchen’, where I begin to explore colonial influences within Filipino culture but conclude with the importance of indigenous

practices that these influences have been adapted from. the themes of Kultura and Lupain display an avenue of reconnection to my ancestors, where the interconnection of my Filipina and Australian identity is uncovered by weaving together physical photographs with woven fabrics and archival material.

Lengguwahe uncovers the significance of language, which ties us to certain events and environments we are associated with.

Kusina becomes a visual representation of intergenerational practice that bind ogether three generations.

Each theme reflects on the interconnection of my Filipina and Australian identity, where I pay my respect to my ancestors, to my family, and to those who have contributed to our Filipino identity.”

From Friday 22 October 2021, all patrons over the age of 16 must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition of entry. Before you arrive, please make sure you have added your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app or bring printed proof of vaccination with you. You can find more details about how to add your certificate by visiting coronavirus.vic.gov.au PLATFORM ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE.

ARTS IS WHEELCHAIR VIA GHERINGHAP STREET

When Daily from 06 December 2021 to 17 December 2021 Where Platform Arts Wadawurrung Country, 60 Little Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Contact Platform Arts Email: hello@platformarts.org.au Phone: 5224 2815 Associated organisation: Platform Arts Website: https://platformarts.org.au/ events/ang-aming-pagkakakilanlan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ platformartsgeelong

SUPPORT LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, DISCOVER GEELONG Do you have photos from a local event or even a great story you would like to share?

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Geelong

editor@findgeelong.com.au

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

The Geelong Chamber of Commerce After 5 is your go-to business event every month to meet and network with other professionals in Greater Geelong. Our December After 5 will be held at Avalon Airport.

Registrations essential.

Finger food and drinks supplied.

Contact Geelong Chamber of Commerce

The After 5 is FREE for Chamber members to attend. Non-members can join for $25 +GST.

Email: reception@geelongchamber. com.au

The International Terminal will soon be bustling with travellers again, so don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to network with other businesses in a unique location.

When 15 December 2021, 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM

Register for the event here: https://www. geelongchamber.com.au/_events . registration/step1/eventid/11853

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Phone: 5222 2234 Associated organisation: Geelong Chamber of Commerce

Where Avalon International Terminal, Avalon Website: https://www.geelongchamber.

Airport com.au/_events.registration/step1/ Wadawurrung Country, 80 Beach Rd, eventid/11853 Lara VIC 3212 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ geelongchamber

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Geelong Connected Communities Gala Christmas Concert The Geelong Connected Communities Gala Christmas Concert will include performances by Stella Perry, Imogen Brough, Luke Biscan, Taylor Henderson, Kim Cooper and The Mik Maks as well as community acts such as Karen Feldman Dance Group, Cheer Geelong, With One Voice Choir, Geelong Memorial Pipe Band, Highland Pipe Band, Aerosport Allstars and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs Claus.

Cost • Free & Ticketed areas: $20.00 Child Ticket - includes 1 x drink, 1 x small popcorn, 1 x choc top •

This is a free event Free live stream on social media and broadcast to Channel 31

Contact Hayley Johnston Email: hayley.johnston@barwonhealth. org.au Phone: 03 4215 8900 Associated organisation: Barwon Health Foundation Website: www.barwonhealthfoundation. org.au Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ barwonhealthfoundation

Strictly limited tickets are also on sale for an exclusive viewing at Village Cinemas Geelong with all proceeds contributing to the cause.

Tickets: $25 for adults and $20 for children under 15. Includes a drink, popcorn and choc top ice cream per person.

When 18 December 2021, 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM Where Village Cinemas Wadawurrung Country, 194-200 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220

New Year’s Eve

Fireworks Display Free Fireworks displays over Corio Bay return to the Waterfront this New Year’s Eve as we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022!

Proudly presented by the City of Greater Geelong, There will be a 9.30pm display for children and families, plus the traditional midnight display.

Pet owners are urged to keep their pets safe during this time.

If you’re keen on even more FREE evening entertainment, make sure you

If you’re keen on even more FREE evening entertainment, make sure you catch our amazing Floating Christmas Tree (8.30pm - midnight) and brilliant Christmas Projections on City Hall (8.30pm-11.30pm).

We remind attendees to follow all Covidsafe practices while visiting our Christmas and New Year’s activities.

When Various dates from 31 December 2021 to 31 December 2021

Contact Hannah Sidebottom Email: hannah.sidebottom@geelongcity. vic.gov.au Phone: 5272 5272 Associated organisation: City of Greater Geelong Website: www.eventsgeelong.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ eventsgeelong

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The Bay Crits have featured a Tour de France winner, Five Yellow Jersey wearers, Two Tour de France Green (Sprinters) Jersey winners and eight Tour de France stage winners.

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The Stars of Australian cycling have all ridden in the Bay Crits during their careers, including Phil Anderson, Cadel Evans, Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady, Simon Gerrans, the current national criterium champion Cameron Meyer and national road champion Luke Durbridge.

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It has been a catalyst in the development of the Australian summer of cycling.

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Played a pivotal role in the launch and debut races for the Orica Green Edge men’s and women’s world tour teams in 2012.

History: Established in 1989 by Race Director John Trevorrow, the Bay Cycling Classic, or the ‘Bay Crits’ as they are affectionately known, has been an instrumental part of cycling in Australia.

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It provides a chance for club level riders to test themselves against the best domestic and international riders to encourage development and competition at both a local and national level.

Over its 25 years, the event has expanded beyond an elite race for men and women to now include races for the next generation of stars. With its home in summer, the Bay Classic has become an integral part of the Geelong sporting landscape with large crowds enjoying the colourful and exciting racing.

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Attracts large numbers of cycling and sporting fans to view the “world’s fastest criterium series”.

Bay Cycling Classic

The prestigious Bay Cycling Classic will be held at Eastern Park over two days in 2022.

The Bay Cycling Classic is recognised as the fastest criterium series in the world, and offers a spectacular way to kick start the new year.

The series is contested in four divisions: • • • •

Support teams Support individual for men Women’s Elite teams Men’s Elite teams

This iconic event offers Australian teams and riders the opportunity to take on international athletes and has been the starting point for many illustrious cycling careers including national road cycling legends Robbie McEwan, Baden Cooke, Chris Sutton, Kate Bates and Oenone Wood.

More than 200 cyclists will compete in the men’s and women’s elite Criterium and a support men’s event.

16 teams contest the international men’s race, each containing five riders – plus 10 teams in the men’s support race and elite women’s event.

Prizes are awarded for the three best teams but the individual award is the most prestigious.

Each day, the top 10 cyclists receive points and the rider with the most points at the conclusion of the last day is the winner.

Only twice in the previous 26 years has the race been won before the last day.

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Check out the action from this fastpaced event:

The Bay Crits have always attracted enthusiastic crowds to watch “the world’s fastest criterium series”.

Highlights:

When Various dates from 8 January 2022 to 9 January 2022 Where Eastern Park Wadawurrung Country, 1-45 Street, East Geelong VIC 3220

Garden

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School Christmas Trees This Christmas, 31 individually decorated Christmas trees will be displayed along Little Malop Central and in the forecourt at Johnstone Park.

Each tree has been decorated by students from the following schools: • • • • • • • • • • •

Anakie Primary School Ashby Primary School Bellaire Primary School Fyans Park Primary School Geelong East Primary School Geelong Lutheran College Hamlyn Banks Primary School Highton Primary School Lara Lake Primary School Lara Primary School Mandama Primary School

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Manifold Heights Primary School Mirripoa Primary School Montpellier Primary School Mt Duneed Regional Primary School Nazareth Catholic School Nelson Park School Newcomb Park Primary School Northern Bay College Portarlington Primary School Roslyn Primary School St Anthony’s School

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St John’s Lutheran School St Margaret’s Primary School St Patrick’s Primary School St Robert’s, Newtown St Thomas Aquinas St Thomas Primary School Surfside Primary Tate St Primary School Wangala Primary School Whittington Primary School

Enjoy wandering through these brightly coloured artistic trees in two distinct locations for Christmas In Geelong 2021.

Remember to tag your beautiful photos and share the festive spirit on social media: #GeelongChristmas When Daily from 24 November 2021 to 07 January 2022 Where Wadawurrung Country, Little Malop Street and Johnstone Park forecourt, Central Geelong Cost This is a free event Facilities Children’s activities Contact Sarah Breen Email: sbreen@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 5272 5272 Associated organisation: City of Greater Geelong

Coming up 2021 Christmas Projections

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Check out what the Festival of Sails has to offer: When Daily from 22 January 2022 to 26 January 2022 Where Royal Geelong Yacht Club Wadawurrung Country, Waterfront Geelong Cost Free & Ticketed areas Participant Entry Fee This is a free event Free Contact Royal Geelong Yacht Club Email: info@rgyc.com.au Phone: 03 5229 3705 The Festival of Sails annually attracts around 300 yachts and 4,500 sailing competitors to Melbourne and Geelong over the Australia Day holiday period.

With over 15 different race series catering from the highest performance Grand Prix racers to trailable cruisers, the varied race action is sure to offer something for everyone, and spectators will certainly not be disappointed.

The shoreside waterfront entertainment will feature: > Free live music across two precincts > Great food and wine > Children’s entertainment > Free Discover Sailing experiences for the whole family > Food trucks and market stalls > Plenty of interactive activities!

Associated organisation: Royal Geelong Yacht Club Website: www.festivalofsails.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/Festival. of.Sails Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ festivalofsails

First held in 1844, the Festival of Sails is Victoria’s oldest ongoing sporting event, and the largest annual keel boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

For those not competing on-water, there is plenty of shore-side excitement taking place with over 100,000 people flocking to the stunning Waterfront Geelong over the Australia Day holiday period to be part of the excitement.

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Looking For A Place To Collaborate With Other Creatives?

Looking for a place to collaborate with other creatives?

Look no further than Creative Engine, a collaborative, co-working space that is your place to make and create.

Located on Level 2 of Geelong Arts Centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building, Creative Engine offers a contemporary open plan office space and a range of purpose-built studios, enabling you to get shoulder-to-shoulder with local creatives and connect with like-minded, creative practitioners from all disciplines, in a space where you can foster new ideas, collaborations, networking and skill sharing.

Whether you’re looking for flexibility, or a more permanent long-term workplace solution, Creative Engine offers coworking spaces to local creatives that are both accessible and value for money.

All memberships offer users 24-hour access to the Creative Engine co-working spaces and full suite of amenities, access to the Creative Engine presentation space

for pitch meetings during specified times, and access to Creative Engine networking and professional development opportunities.

Priced at $85 per month, Casual Membership provides users with flexibility to suit their needs, including the ability to book a desk for one day each week, work from a shared space at any time, and access to meeting rooms for up to two hours per month.

A reliable option for users in need of a more long-term creative workspace solution, Anchor Membership is priced at $500 per month (with six-monthly term hires available) and provides users with a dedicated single, permanent desk, access to meeting rooms for up to three hours per month, and a permanent secure storage locker.

To learn more about Creative Engine desk membership and the stunning, sleek and professional co-working space, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/ creative-engine/workspace.

For any questions, enquiries or to register your interest in hiring a desk, please contact creativeengine@ geelongartscentre.org.au or call 1300 251 200.

When Daily from 05 October 2021 to 31 December 2021 Where Geelong Arts Centre Wadawurrung Country, 81 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220 Contact Geelong Arts Centre Email: boxoffice@geelongartscentre.org.au Phone: 1300 251 200 Associated organisation: Geelong Arts Centre Website: https://geelongartscentre.org.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ geelongartscentre/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/geelongarts

North Bellarine Farmers Market The North Bellarine Farmers Market showcases the best of fresh local, regional and Artisanal produce from the Bellarine Peninsula and the wider Greater Geelong and Surf Coast region.

When Various dates from 30 October 2021 to 14 May 2022 Where Bellarine Estate Wadawurrung Country, 2270 Portarlington Road, Bellarine VIC 3223 Contact North Bellarine Farmers Market Phone: 0407 411 198 Associated organisation: North Bellarine Farmers Market Website: https://www.facebook.com/northbellFM

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Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree Sound and LightShow Our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree will return to the bay for Christmas In Geelong 2021 soon!

Similar to last year, you can choose to visit the tree and witness the spectacular sound and light show in-person. You can also choose other viewing options to enjoy the tree.

Watch a live feed of the tree (no audio) from the comfort of your home or enjoy the sound and light show recording that we have filmed for your enjoyment 24/7.

COMING SOON! Until Christmas In Geelong 2021 kicks off, please enjoy this recording of the spectacular sound and light show from 2020.

Please note that due to music licensing rights, this recording features a different soundtrack from the live show that you can experience at the Waterfront. We think both versions rock!

Coming soon! Enjoy our spectacular floating Christmas tree live!

Of course, you’ll still be able to visit the tree while observing COVID-19 safety measures including physical distancing and wearing a mask.

Our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree sound and light show will be staged each night between 8.30pm and midnight. The shows are approximately 6 minute in length and plays every 15 minutes.

This is the eighth installation of Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree!

For Christmas in Geelong 2021, there will be three different shows to experience.

• • • •

Coming soon until 30 November 1 December - 25 December 26 December - 7 January 2022

Make sure you tune it to see them all from home or visit the Waterfront. Each has a different light show and music production worth catching!

The tree is 25 metres tall and is moored at Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong, near the Carousel.

The tree will be a prominent feature of the Waterfront throughout the festive season.

Much thanks goes to our Floating Christmas Tree sponsors, Geelong Port.

The team at Geelong Port provides safe storage and assembly space every year.

As you can imagine the space required is rather large and the assistance of Geelong Port is essential.

Christmas is a magical time in Geelong.

Don’t miss other inclusions, like:

• • • • •

Projections on City Hall Art Trail Interactive Windows School Trees Christmas at Home

Find these inclusions and more in our Great Geelong Christmas Trail program COMING SOON! Remember to tag your beautiful photos and share the festive spirit on social media - #GeelongChristmas When Daily from 10 November 2021 to 07 January 2022 Contact Email: sbreen@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Phone: 5272 5272 Associated organisation: City of Greater Geelong DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Melbourne Renegades School Holiday Camp Junior Renegades - we want to see you in Geelong these summer school holidays!

Renegades School Holiday Camps are designed for 7-10 year olds and feature fun cricket activities & games, mascots and giveaways.

When 20 December 2021, 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Where GMHBA Stadium Wadawurrung Country, 370 Moorabool St, South Geelong VIC 3220 Cost Child: $99.00 Contact Cara Matsa

Facilities • Children’s activities • Parking available • Toilets available Email: cmatsa@

melbournerenegades.com.au

Phone: +10419314167 Associated organisation: Melbourne Renegades Website: https://www. melbournerenegades.com.au/ holidaycamps

One Day Less @ Third Space Gallery + Digital Open 24hrs / 7days in the Centrepoint Arcade Geelong and at thirdspacedigital.online Current Exhibition: Rona Stern ‘One Day Less’ www.ronastern.com Where Third Space Gallery + Digital Wadawurrung Country, 132 Little Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Contact Sarah Jones Third Space Gallery + Digital is an experimental contemporary art platform.

Email: sarah.v.jones@me.com Associated organisation: Creative Geelong Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeGeelong

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Rip to River A 10 km surf beach run from “The Rip” at Point Lonsdale to Ocean Grove near the Barwon River.

Arguably the oldest Fun Run in Australia, RT Edgar Rip to River, held early every summer, is one of Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club’s most iconic events. It is also our single biggest fundraiser and each year we welcome approximately 1000 runners to the pristine hard sand track from the Pt Lonsdale lighthouse to the main beach at Ocean Grove.

When 27 December 2021, 09:30 AM - 01:00 PM

Cost • Adult: $50.00 10km Run 10km Walk 5km Run • Child: $20.00 1.4km Ripper Nipper Run • Concession: $30.00 Under 18 10km Run 10km Walk 5km Run

Contact Anna McDonald

Where Club Italia Wadawurrung Country, 515 Bellarine Hwy Moolap VIC 3224

Contact Josie Gumina

Associated organisation: Club Italia

Cost Adult: $20.00, Child: $14.00

Email: info@clubitalia.com.au Phone: 5250 2349

Where Pt Lonsdale Beach, nr lighthouse (10km Classic Run & Walk start); Ocean Grove Main Beach (5km Run & Ripper Nipper 1.4km Run start) Wadawurrung Country, Ocean Grove SLSC

Email: admin@oceangroveslsc.asn.au Phone: 03 5255 1382

Associated organisation: Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club

Christmas Family Disco Celebrate a night of Christmas at Club Italia with some fun, dancing and great food! $14 for kids which includes a kids meal. $20 for adults which includes adult meal.

Book your tickets now When 18 December 2021, 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Website: http://www.clubitalia.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ clubitaliageelong/ DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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We invite you into a labyrinth of magic and adventure where reality and dreams collide.

The Dream Laboratory is part narrative, part roaming, part “choose your own adventure” immersive theatre show, providing a unique interactive live experience.

In this time of limited travel and human connection, we are all desperate for experiences that will lift us from the mundane. A reimagining of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” ignites this experience and propels our story.

What awaits you on the other side of the door is open to your imagination.

This show is sure to delight and surprise its intimate audiences capped at 35 per show, and being held in the Little Malop Street precinct in the heart of Geelong, with two performances daily 6pm & 8.30pm - 60 minute duration.

Opening Night Thursday 6 until Sunday 23rd Jan. Where Westend Geelong Wadawurrung Country, Rear of 96 Little Malop Street Geelong VIC 3220 Contact Essential Theatre - Amanda LaBonte Email: amanda@essentialtheatre.com.au Phone: 0407 543 822 Associated organisation: Essential Theatre Website: http://www.essentialtheatre.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ essentialtheatreaustralia/

Book now before it’s too late!

Life drawing - adult workshop All attendees are asked to adhere to Geelong Gallery’s COVID safety procedures and will be required to check-in upon arrival.

When 16 December 2021, 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM Where Geelong Gallery Wadawurrung Country, 55 Little Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Contact Geelong Gallery

Join us for a life drawing workshop— practice observation and explore drawing techniques while experimenting with rendering and the relationship between forms.

Email: assistant@geelonggallery.org.au Phone: 5229 3645 Associated organisation: Geelong Gallery Website: https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on/events/life-drawingadult-workshop-2270 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geelonggallery Twitter: https://twitter.com/geelonggallery

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Carols by Candlelight Geelong CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT GEELONG EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT The show will go on....despite not being able to stage this magnificent annual community event with a 57 year tradition at its home in Geelong - Johnstone Park, we are delighted to be broadcasting on Christmas Eve on C31 (Channel 44).

You will be able to get a sneak peak on December 17th at 7.30pm on C31 (Channel 44)!

When 24 December 2021, 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM Where Wadawurrung Country, C31 - Channel 44 Cost This is a free event Contact YMCA Geelong Email: geelong@ymca.org.au Phone: 0400 179 369 Associated organisation: YMCA Geelong Inc Website: http://www.geelong.ymca.org.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carols-byCandlelight-Geelong-109890744781238

Drysdale Community Market The Drysdale Community Market has been delighting market-goers for almost 40 years and is a major fundraising effort of Drysdale Primary School.

With a variety of stallholders, food vans and a playground for the kids, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

The Drysdale Community Market is held on the 3rd Sunday of the month from October through until May each year, from 9am - 1pm.

Offering locally made and produced items including plants, flowers and food, as well as entertainment and food vans, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

When Various dates from 17 January 2021 to 18 December 2022 Where Drysdale Recreation Reserve Wadawurrung Country, Duke Street, Drysdale VIC 3222

Cost This is a free event Facilities Catering and/or dining Toilets available Contact Drysdale Community Market Email: drysdalemarket@outlook.com Associated organisation: Drysdale Primary School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drysdalemarket DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Side Hustle Makers Market Special Guest Food Trucks Time 11AM - 5PM Last Saturday of every month - 27th November - 29th January - 26th February - 26th March - 30th April + SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION 18th December

The now monthly “Side Hussle Market Feat. Food Trucks” will take over “The Bin Chicken - South Geelong”.

The space can accommodate 40 stalls selling their unique handmade goods, alongside a line-up of delicious food trucks, as well as entertainment for the kids and live music.

Host: The Bin Chicken - South Geelong Address: 46 Little Fyans Street, South Geelong

More about the Venue: The Bin Chicken is set to take over South Geelong. This outdoor space is a quirky lot of land transformed into a fun and inviting space to host events, markets, Food trucks, and even has a resident sailboat boat. This new space is well and truly an outdoor oasis.

Inspired by Dixon’s similar past project ‘The Bird Watching Society’ in Prahran, the new outdoor event space intends to host food trucks, coffee vans, unique themed markets and stallholders, car clubs and sports groups, plant sellers, popup stallholders, and fitness groups/ teachers, offering Geelong a unique space to explore all the things we love.

To get involved please message our Facebook page.

When Various dates from 27 November 2021 to 30 April 2022 Where The Bin Chicken South Geelong Wadawurrung Country, 46 Little Fyans Street, South Geelong VIC 3220 Cost This is a free event Contact Aaron Dixon Email: aaron.dixon@outlook.com.au Phone: 0466 225 406 Associated organisation: The Bin Chicken - South Geelong Website: http://www.facebook.com/ TheBinChickenSouthGeelong/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ TheBinChickenSouthGeelong/

Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00am - 8:00pm (last entry 6.45pm) Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm) Thursday to Saturday 7:00pm - 10:00pm is ‘Pixar Putt After Dark’ evening sessions for adults 18+ Buy your tickets now When Daily from 23 December 2021 to 30 January 2022 Where Transvaal Square Wadawurrung Country, 1 Yarra St, Geelong VIC 3220 Get ready to kick some serious putt when Pixar Putt takes Geelong to infinity…and beyond, this summer!

Australia’s much loved open-air mini golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from some of Pixar ‘s most beloved films including Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Soul, The Incredibles, and more and will feature a new hole from Disney’s recent hit movie, Luca.

Putt your way around 9 or 18 holes at Transvaal Square, Geelong Waterfront for a limited season from 4pm Thursday 23 December until Sunday 30 January.

While perfect for players of all ages during the day, ‘Pixar Putt After Dark’ sessions for adults 18+ will also be available from Thursday to Saturday nights from 7:00pm10:00pm.

Opening Hours

Facilities • Children’s activities • First Aid available • Toilets available Contact Associated organisation: Pixar Putt Australia Website: https://www.pixarputt.com.au/

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 57

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Martin Gregus (Canada/Slovakia), Winner Rising Star Portfolio Award, Land time for sea bears.

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Gil Wizen (Israel/Canada), Highly Commended Behaviour: Invertebrates, Beautiful bloodsucker.

•

Wei Fu (Thailand), Highly Commended Amphibians and Reptiles, The gripping end.

When Daily from 17 December 2021 to 15 May 2022, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Where National Wool Museum Wadawurrung Country, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong 3220

The National Wool Museum is excited to be the exclusive Victorian home of the much loved Wildlife Photographer of the Year 57 from the Natural History Museum, London.

The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at National Wool Museum on 17 December 2021, featuring exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 55 years.

Launching in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives over 50,000 entries from all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.

This year’s award-winning images will embark on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people.

Cost • Adult: $10.00 • Child: $6.00 • Concession: $8.00 • Family: $30.00 • two adults and up to four children Contact National Wool Museum Email: nwminfo@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Phone: +44352724701 Associated organisation: National Wool Museum

Image credits:

Website: http://www.nwm.vic.gov.au

•

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ NationalWoolMuseumGeelong

Sergio Marijuan (Spain), Highly Commended, Lynx on the threshold

Love Central Geelong Christmas Windows & Craft Hub Drop into our Love Central Geelong Christmas Hub and create a free magic wand, enjoy wand decorating craft activities and lolly giveaways before heading off to discover six interactive Christmas windows around Central Geelong.

Children will love using their wand to magically bring the Christmas windows to life!

No wand? No worries! Download the free Love Central Geelong app for a digital wand and a closed caption option.

When Every Monday-Saturday of every week from 01 Dec 2021-24 Dec. 2021 Where Love Central Geelong Christmas Hub Wadawurrung Country, 111-113 Little Malop Street Cost This is a free event Facilities Children’s activities

Contact Love Central Geelong Email: centralgeelong@geelongcity.vic. gov.au Phone: 5272 4297 Website: http://www.centralgeelong. com.au/christmas DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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Circus Wonderland Circus Wonderland is a heart-warming hour of fun! Be astounded and amazed at the sideshow antics of a mesmerizing cast of world class circus performers presenting a hilarious and thrilling magical Circus Wonderland Adventure for the whole family.

This delightful hour of fun will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

“Absolutely Brilliant” …. The Advertiser “From the wooden floors and booths to the lighting that adorned the stage to shine brightly on the performers it was like stepping back in time to watch a great show with caramel popcorn and candyfloss. Enjoyed by the whole family” “Amazing show!! Fantastic and engaging performance! Would go back in a heartbeat!”

“Fabulous day out for all ages! Thoroughly enjoyed the entire show and will be back again”

When Various dates from 26 December 2021 to 26 January 2022, 6:30 PM - 07:30 PM Where Lahey Park Square Wadawurrung Country, Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads, VIC, 3227 Cost • Adult: $30.00 • Child: $25.00 • Concession: $25.00 • Other/More Information

Please see website for full ticketing options

Contact Melissa Head Email: functions@ wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au Phone: 03 9602 1311 Associated organisation: Wonderland Spiegeltent Website: https://www. wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ WonderlandSpiegeltent/

Werk It

From the team that brought you Neon and Can’t Face, Werk It is an all-new, latenight. high energy, acrobatic comedy romp.

Celebrating spandex, high-vis, vitality and vigor! The low carb love-child of a tradie, a spin instructor and a crossfit fiend. Werk It is a riot of colour and movement - big tricks delivered by an all-star cast with more sass and swagger than a TLC videoclip.

This over-the-top ensemble will be hip thrusting their way into an Aerobics Oz Style fever dream for three shows only!

Circus Trick Tease has been touring internationally for 10 years. Launching in 2008 with their award winning self-titled show at the Melbourne Fringe, they have gone from strength to strength creating a diverse range of work over the years, including the smash hit Can’t Face in 2018. They have 9 awards under their belt, 3 sell out seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and heaps of stars.

“Absolutely polished, jaw dropping, eye popping, laugh out loud hilarious.” See do Eat Review

“A goddamn riot.” The Fest “Werk it is a heart-stopping, side splitting ride.” The Upside News When Daily from 28 December 2021 to 30 December 2021

Where Lahey Park Square Cost Adult Website: https://wonderland. sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/18240

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Night at the Trots Night at the Trots at Geelong Harness Racing Club - Geelong’s ‘Home Of High Speed Racing’.

Offering fantastic window dining overlooking the spectacular action on the race track.

The Beckley Park Circuit is located at the gateway to Geelong on the Princes Hwy just 45 minutes from Melbourne.

When 29 December 2021, 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM Where Geelong Harness Racing Club Wadawurrung Country, 40 Broderick Road, Corio VIC 3214 Contact Jodi Wood Email: jodi@geelonghrc.org.au Phone: 0407 324 965 Associated organisation: Geelong Harness Racing Club Website: http://www.geelonghrc.org.au

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Santa Claus to Visit Mini Railway

Bring the family down to the Portarlington Miniature Railway on Sunday 19 December or Wednesday 22 December 2021. It is rumoured that Santa Claus will be making an appearance and he may even be handing out goodies to the kids.

Bring a picnic or have lunch with us on site. There is plenty of room to run and play. Picnic tables, seats, electric BBQ and toilets are all available on site.

This miniature railway is situated within the grounds of the Portarlington Bayside Family Park, Point Richards Road, Portarlington. (Melways Map No. 444 C5) and operates every Sunday during the summer season from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

New members welcome!

When 19 December 2021, 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM Where

Portarlington Miniature Railway Wadawurrung Country, Portarlington Bayside Family Park, Point Richards Road, Portarlington VIC 3223

Contact: Helen Email: secretary@miniaturerailway.com.au Phone: 0476 124 598 Associated organisation: Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Inc Website: www.miniaturerailway.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ miniaturerailway

Portarlington Market

Contact Portarlington Market

The Portarlington Market is a vibrant, volunteer run, community market offering a range of products and a fun day out, held the last Sunday of each month from Sept to April.

When Various dates from 24 October 2021 to 24 April 2022, 9:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Phone: 0490 060 574

Offering fabulous views overlooking the bay, visitors to the market have the opportunity to purchase handcrafts, clothing, fruit and vegetables and much much more.

Wadawurrung Country, W G Little Reserve Newcombe St VIC 3223

Where Parks Hall

Email: lionsportmarket@gmail.com

Associated organisation: Portarlington Market Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Portarlingtonmarket

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DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

Music and Street Serenades in the City - Steve Thew

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Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performer influenced by Ed Sheeran, Passenger and Sting.

Steve is a true blue Aussie entertainer performing a mixture of jazz folk / blues.

His versatile vocal range and masterful skill on the acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica and piano.

Steve is an avid performer in the city, coordinating and delivering Geelong’s Best Busker competitions.

When 21 December 2021, 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM Where Little Malop Central Wadawurrung Country, Little Malop Street, Geelong between Moorabool and Yarra Streets Contact: Helen O’Beirne Email: hoibeirne@geelongcity.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 5272 4804 Associated organisation: City of Greater Geelong Website: http://www.geelongaustralia. com.au

Shearers Arms Gallery Christmas Exhibition

Cost This is a free event Contact Shearers Arms Gallery This Christmas Exhibition at the Shearers Arms Gallery will feature various forms of art made by the Members or Students of the Geelong Art Society.

You may like to choose Christmas gifts from the paintings, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, drawings, jewellery and pottery on display.

When Various dates from 30 November 2021 to 8 January 2022

Email: geelongartsociety@gmail.com

Where Shearers Arms Gallery Wadawurrung Country, 202 Aberdeen Street, West Geelong VIC 3218

Associated organisation: Geelong Art Society

Phone: 5223 1825

Website: http://www.geelongartsociety. weebly.com DECEMBER 2021 | FIND GEELONG

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DECEMBER 2021

Free Advertising

Religious Groups and Churches Services Times Public Notices

Geelong

1300 88 38 30

editor@findgeelong.com.au

Religious Groups and Churches

Geelong

What’s on this

Christmas

at Westfield Geelong This Christmas, it’s time to bring it on! The decorations are going up and we can already taste the mince pies. Westfield is committed to making sure your Christmas experience safe and magical. From visits with Santa to gift ideas for the whole family, we’ve got everything you need to make Christmas easy. Read on for your ultimate guide to Christmas at Westfield Geelong.

What’s happening We’ve got entertainment for the whole family. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with what’s on at Westfield Geelong.

Join the Santa Squad adventure from 13th November to 24th December Santa and his elves need your help to deliver Christmas in our free fun-filled online mini games. Westfield Plus members can also access the bonus Delivery Squad challenge.

Find out how to play >

Gifting inspiration at your fingertips From your other half, to Mum and Dad, to the kids and everyone in between, we’ve pulled together a raft of options to take the stress out of gift-giving.

Find gifts for everyone on your list >

Shop with ease Westfield Direct Haven’t got time or just want to avoid the crowds? Shop online on Westfield Direct and pick up your purchases via Click & Collect from your preferred Westfield centre or get them delivered straight to your door.

Find out more>

Make the most of every shopping trip with Westfield Plus We’ve been dishing out plenty of incredible member exclusive offers, events, extended free parking, and lots more so download the free Westfield Plus App to avoid missing out.

Find out more>

Santa Photography Making Christmas Merrier Tis’ the season to be making merry memories. Create a Christmas memory and book your photo with Santa at Westfield Geelong. The much-loved tradition of visiting Santa will be balanced this year with ensuring the health and safety of our customers - and of course, Santa and his elves.

Online bookings are essential for Santa photography sessions.

View the variety of photo packages available and book here to secure a time that is convenient for you. All children who visit Santa will also receive a reindeer headband to take home.

Still with the magic you know and love, we will be offering a COVID-Safe Santa experience this year that reflects local requirements. The traditional portrait image will be replaced with a landscape shot, to allow for physical distancing. We encourage you to bring festive props or a favourite toy to create a unique and interactive Christmas memory.

Check out our other Santa photography options Sensitive Santa photography Santa is setting aside some time to create a sensory-friendly environment, so that families can visit our Christmas wonderland and have their photo with Santa in a relaxed environment.

These sessions are run before stores are open. Find out more > Pet photography: Santa photos with the whole family Don’t miss out on the chance to get a Santa photo with the whole family - furry friends included.

Find out more >

Masks will be required for anyone over the age of 12 in Victoria, including Santa, and our photography set will be assessed in line with state restrictions.

For your wellbeing, a few extra safety measures will be in place. Hand sanitiser will be available and a separate screen for families to view their Santa pictures. Santa’s elves will also support with cleaning throughout the day.

Westfield Plus members get more Great news for our Westfield Plus members – purchase the Santa’s Gift Pack and you’ll receive a second free digital photo, valued at $8.95. To redeem, simply ask a team member about the offer at the Santa Photography set before your session.

Not a member yet? Download the Westfield Plus App today to unlock member benefits from the palm of your hand.

Download the free app > Find out more about other Westfield Plus member benefits this Christmas >

Sat 11 DECEMBER 2021, 9:00am - 6:00pm.

BOOK NOW

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Geelong Waterfront Train & Bungy Trampolines If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Geelong, then the Waterfront is the perfect place for you.

Along with the kids’ activities we’ve already listed here, kids get a buzz out of the Waterfront train and Four Bay Bungy Trampoline.

The train runs return trips from the Carousel to the Eastern Beach pools. The ride takes around 20 minutes and leaves every half hour (every quarter-hour in peak season).

Kids can somersault and jump 7 metres high (!) at the Bungy Trampoline. Located near the Carousel, there’s a 5-minute jump guarantee (longer when there’s no queue).

Open weekends, school, and public holidays from September to May.

Cunningham Pier Geelong Cunningham Pier is one of the most recognisable structures on the Geelong Waterfront.

Opening in the mid-1850s it was originally known as Railway Pier. It was an important part of the Geelong Port and you can still see the train lines that were used to transport cargo to the end of the pier.

The pier stretches 250 metres out over Corio Bay and its bright white building is a standout feature of the foreshore.

The two-storey weatherboard building houses the Wah Bar and Asian food restaurant (bao buns!), Wah Wah Gee. The Pier Geelong function centre is also located here.

A large part of this Geelong pier is dedicated to car parking and a convenient covered walkway provides shelter as you walk along the train tracks.

Cunningham Pier fishing has always been popular and in keeping with tradition, local anglers continue to use it.

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The Poppy Kettle Playground This Geelong playground was inspired by a children’s book written by local author Robert Ingpen.

The story focuses on a group of miniature people from Peru, who set sail in an old tea kettle to find the land ‘beyond the horizon’ and eventually come to rest in Geelong.

Bronze statutes of the Poppy Kettle people are scattered around the park giving it a fairy tale quality.

Other features include an interactive water fountain, a sea dragon, an awesome slide and climbing tower, and a terrific pyramid climbing net.

There’s plenty of lush grass to picnic on, public toilets, and there’s usually an ice-cream and hot jam donut van parked nearby.

Geelong Skate Park Geelong is heaven for skaters as there are more skate parks in Geelong per capita than any other district in the country.

And there’s no better location for a skate park than right beside the bay at Waterfront Geelong.

The Youth Activities Area to the west of Cunningham Pier is an outdoor plaza-style park.

It has a variety of street obstacles including ledges, stairs, rails, and bank ramps.

The park also features a basketball ring, bench seating, open-air performance areas, and stereo music.

Events designed for young people are held here throughout the year, many of them are free.

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Western Beach People have been swimming, boating, fishing, and playing at Western Beach Geelong since the 1840s.

In those days there was an unwritten rule designating Western Beach for men’s bathing and Eastern Beach for women. But some ‘dastardly gentlemen’ would disregard the agreement scaring respectable women away.

Today the area is rarely used for swimming, but it’s still a popular stretch of foreshore connecting Rippleside to the rest of the Waterfront.

Here you’ll (Geelong’s Poppykettle area, and Boardwalk.

find the Boat House restaurant best spot for fish and chips), the Playground, a designated fishing the marvelous Western Beach

Curving out over the water the boardwalk has well-placed seats where you can sit back and watch the sea birds duck dive for fish. In the early morning, it’s perfect for watching the sun come up over the bay.

Rippleside Park Located on the western edge of the Waterfront, Rippleside Park Geelong is a pretty grass-covered foreshore reserve.

Popular with locals, Rippleside is less well-known to tourists who drive past en-route to more popular areas.

The park has magnificent bay views and is particularly appealing to families with young children who love the adventure playground.

The huge wooden structure has ramps, walkways, steps, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

When the kids tire of the playground the reserve has wideopen spaces to run around in. Don’t forget to bring your footy!

Tucked in next to the reserve is tiny Rippleside Beach where you can bask in the sunshine or splash around in the water.

Overlooking the whole area is the bright and spacious Ripples On The Bay cafe. This stunning cafe serves excellent coffee and has huge windows with to-die-for water views.

Other amenities include picnic and barbecue facilities, toilets, and plenty of car parking spaces.

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Steampacket Gardens Located right beside the water Steampacket Gardens Geelong is a big rectangle of lush lawn that’s perfect for a relaxing picnic or a game of frisbee.

A path on the northern edge connecting the gardens to the bay has seats where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the nearby helicopter toing and froing.

On the eastern side you’ll find the Wharfshed Cafe serving yummy meals and to the west sits the delightful historic carousel.

There are some interesting art sculptures dotted around the park. Be sure to check out the Volunteer Rifle Band bollards and The Buoys sculpture, a group of former channel buoys that have been turned into a powerful piece of artwork.

The Geelong Waterfront Makers and Growers market (Steampacket Market) is held here on the first Sunday of each month. This popular market offers local produce, beautiful art and handicrafts, and lots of tasty treats.

You can read about other popular Geelong markets here.

Geelong Helicopter Rides Geelong Helicopters specialises in scenic flights, private charter, aerial photography, and tours.

This is a wonderful way to see Corio Bay, the Geelong CBD, Barwon River, Torquay, and the famous Bells Beach.

Operating daily from the Yarra Street Pier, flights start at $59.00 pp for 5 minutes.

Geelong Carousel The Carousel Geelong is a rare 1892 Armitage-Herschell handcarved wooden carousel.

One of only a few in the world this beautifully restored carousel is considered by many to be the best that’s still in use today.

Housed in a modern steel and glass enclosure the pavilion has an old-world carnival atmosphere that’s enhanced by a pipe organ playing Dixieland melodies.

A ride on this enchanting carousel is a magical experience for children of all ages and abilities, with a mobility lift that assists wheelchairs onto the attraction.

Entry into the pavilion is free. Tickets to ride the Carousel are $5.00.

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RETIREMENT

LIFESTYLE

ACCOMMODATION

RETIREMENT ADVICE

RETIREMENT

We will look after your financial affairs so you can enjoy your retirement.

WHO WE ARE

WHERE WE WORK

Find Retirement is a part of the Find Group of companies offering Retirement Planning, Accounting, Super, and Insurance service to our clients.

We service clients throughout Melbourne, Bendigo and Geelong and surrounding areas. With access to the internet it does not matter where you live.

WHAT WE DO We don’t sell proucts but provide simple retirement planning solutions.

Bendigo | Geelong | Melbourne

info@findretirement.com.au

Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm

www.findretirement.com.au

1300 88 38 30

Sat: 10am -1pm

Sun: CLOSED

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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IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE YOUNGER? Blogs are easy – step 1. chose a descriptive name, step 2. register your blog, step 3. write and publish your first post.

4. Commit to a cause You up the voltage on living when you commit to a cause.

Earthquake relief, saving an endangered species or education for the marginalised would all satisfy – as long as you commit and become part of the team.

Then get further involved by watching relevant YouTube videos.

RETIREMENT

By Bernard Kelly

In 2002, Becca Levy’s (Yale University) research provided us with evidence that adopting a positive mindset on aging creates 7.4 years of additional life, all other variables being equal.

But how can you actually live younger in your retirement years?

With lifespan increasing significantly, we’re sure that this question has been on your mind.

Here’s a few ideas: 1. Get creative and stimulate your mind.

It’s fine to do a daily Sudoku puzzle, but to live younger, you really should go a few steps further - towards Creativity.

This is when you develop new and original ideas, methods or objects.

An example would be when you establish a $2 Travel Club – arrange excursions on your local metro network at the daily senior’s fare.

5. Learn from your younger self.

2. Engage with people of all ages.

If you are still looking for direction, reflect what were your dreams were at age eight, or twelve or as a late teen.

One of the attractions of volunteering is that you create friendships with likeminded people.

That’s where you’ll find your energy and excitement and the route to living younger.

You too can achieve this level of satisfaction if you commit to keeping yourself updated on social media.

As over half of us will live at least until our mid-nineties, our retirement years are likely to span several decades.

Just pick any platform and start conversions with your peers - on any topic that interests you.

That’s a long time to be bored, which is why attempts at living younger are so vital

3. Stand up for what you believe in.

Today, you don’t need to be out in all weathers on Sundays at Speakers’ Corner.

Today, all you need to do is write a blog.

Bernard Kelly 0414 778 518 Bernard Kelly MBA is a retirement coach.

Feel free to contact him anytime. His email is bernardkellygeelong@gmail.com

bernardkellygeelong@gmail.com

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FC LEOPOLD NEW COMMITTEE OF 2022 We would firstly like to thank our departing committee members from 2021. Karen Costelloe, Matthew Wright, Ciaran Barter and Emily Hamilton who are all leaving the committee next year.

It was another year no one imagined but it doesn’t make the work and dedication you all showed any less and we thank you all for your continued time and commitment. You have all helped make FC Leopold a better club and we wish you every success in your non committee aspirations and journey.

With such a complicated year for the second year in a row we were very lucky to have Karen at the helm. Karen stepped into the role when nobody else was able and committed to not only President, but also coached the women’s team and assisted with the junior girls team when able. This dedication to helping in all the roles that were needed all in the one year was a phenomenal effort and did not go unnoticed.

Matthew was an amazing asset to the seniors and juniors alike and he had a very busy year as senior coordinator. He will be helping behind the scenes next year still but is having a much deserved break away from committee roles.

Emily and Ciaran helped support the committee throughout the entire year as general committee members and we thank them for their time and dedication.

We now welcome the following 2022 committee.

• • • • • • • • •

Mitch Vials - President Aaron Browne - Secretary Oliver Lynch - Treasurer Nick Anderson - Senior Coordinator Lisa de Vries - Junior Coordinator Tamara Allan - Registrar/General Member Josh Murray - General Member Tom Andrews - General Member Alan Davidson - General Member

Our committee is already hard at work, planning and preparing for 2022 and beyond. We are eager to continue to build on the last few years on recovering after Covid seasons and are working towards increased numbers for next year. It is set to be an exciting year with the pavilion build and we look forward to what the season brings.

There is always a place for volunteers and we urge you all to approach us if you are interested in helping out throughout the season.

FC Leopold info@fcleopold.com.au fcleopold.com.au facebook.com/FCLeopold

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Lawn Bowls in Leopold Victoria

Social Bowls

Jack Attack

Social Bowls is just how it sounds, it is a social game of bowls with people from our own club and often people from other bowling clubs.

A fun bowls competition for those who want a bit more than social or barefoot bowls, but big on social. Teams of 3 over 6 weeks,

It is a nice way to meet other people who enjoy the game and to get a feel for how the game is played in a relaxed game.

Entry fee of $5 per player includes use of bowls and BBQ come and meet new people.

New-season resumes Friday 29th January from 6.30 pm

There a couple of different competitions through the year.

Winter Social Bowls Start time: Saturday and Mondays at 12.30 pm Cost: $6 per player. Raffles on the day.

New Bowlers welcome.

Name on the sheet in shed or Call the club on 5250 4666 or Barry Smallman on 0425133870

Pennant Pennant competition is played over 18 weeks (plus finals) where you represent your club in a team and play against other clubs.

Depending on which day and division you are selected to play, the teams will vary from 8-16 players. Rinks always consist of 4 players.

Pennant is played both on Saturdays and Tuesdays (Midweek).

Please call the club 5250 4666 to speak our Bowls coordinator/coach Paul Williamson

Bowls Victoria

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Western United is Returning to GMHBA Stadium!

The Green and Black will arrive in Geelong for the first time since January, kicking off the Club’s third season in the competition.

Saturday 11, December 2021 Western United vs Brisbane Roar - kick-off at 5.00pm Tickets: www.wufc.com.au Email: enquiries@kardiniapark.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 5224 9111

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Melbourne Renegades Big Bash League The Melbourne Renegades are back at GMHBA Stadium this January!

RENEGADES BBL GEELONG FIXTURES: Thursday 6 January, 2022 Renegades v Heat, 6:05pm GMHBA Stadium Tuesday 11 January, 2022 Renegades v Sixers, 7:15pm GMHBA Stadium Tickets on sale now Where GMHBA Stadium Wadawurrung Country, 370 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Email: enquiries@kardiniapark.vic.gov.au Phone: 03 5224 9111 www.melbournerenegades.com.au

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Do you have an upcoming events e.g. fair, sausage sizzle, production? Place your EVENT AD here for FREE in our community online paper.

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Simply upload your ad at Click Here or you can email the ad to the editor@findgeelong.com.au and we will do the rest for you.

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PAGES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Special Tax Return Offer $99 Returns - PAYG Only We have made it cheaper and easier for you to get your returns completed & you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Here are the steps involved: 1. Email to returns@findaccountant.com.au requesting your PAYG return to be completed. Provide us with your full name, D.O.B and address.

2. A Tax engagement letter will be emailed to you for signing via your mobile (no printing or scanning required).

3. You will be then sent a tax checklist to complete online. Takes less than 5 minutes.

4. We will then require you to upload your documents to our secure portal.

5. Once we have received all your documentation, we will complete the return.

6. We will email you the completed return with our invoices. Once you sign the return and pay the invoice we will lodge the return on your behalf.

1300 88 38 30 Important: This offer is only available new clients to Find Accountant Pty Ltd. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

INDEX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Find Accountant ------------------84 • Find Insurance --------------------84 • Financial Planner ----------------84 • Finance Broker --------------------87 • Bookkeeping -----------------------85 • Business Coach -------------------86 • Lawyers --------------------------------85 • Web Developer -------------------87 • Life Coach ---------------------------86 • Salary Packaging Service--86

Leadership and Team Development .....Imagine a team where each individual is so strong in self that their focus is how to move together as one....

SERVICES LEADERSHIP COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

Leadership coaching that connects your team and drives results

TEAM COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

BEHAVIOURAL PROFILING

CONTACT SALLY HIGOE

BUSINESS GAP ANALYSIS

IN-HOUSE & ONLINE TRAINING

WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS

Resilience Coach Team Resilience Method 0490 388 017 sally@team-resilience.com.au www.team-resilience.com.au

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CREATE WEALTH, CREATE CHOICES, CREATE YOUR FUTURE OUR SERVICES

PERSONAL ADVICE

MONEY COACHING

This is where we take the time to get to know you and your financial life in detail. You decide what you want us to look at and you will receive a deeply thought-out financial plan in writing. We stay in touch with you over the journey and make changes as needed so that your best interests are always served.

An example of this is reducing insurance when appropriate so you aren’t paying more than you have to.

This is where we take It’s not about super or investments or returns or anything ‘financy’. We aren’t going to discuss that. It’s about your attitudes to and behaviours with money. And having a program to take control. At the deepest level this is actually about self respect. For you and your family.

The Infinity Program DIY online course

Super, investments

Retirement planning

Cashflow PT 1-on-1 coaching

Insurance - Life, TPD, Income, Protection, Trauma

Centrelink Best uses for cash

CONTACT US

Saving for education Purchasing your first home

1300 667 141

Singles / couples, young or old

mark@moneyrocketadvice.com.au MARK KRUGER

www.moneyrocket.com.au

Financial planner

Biscuit Business Services Helping your business keep track of your bickies!

OUR SERVICES BAS Services

0422 800 012

Bookkeeping & Payroll

mc@biscuitbooks.com.au

Services

7A 9A-11 Leather Street, Breakwater VIC 3219

Business Services MARY-CLEAR SWITZ Bookkeeper

CONTACT

Biscuit Business Services provides professional, confidential and comprehensive bookkeeping, payroll, BAS and administrative solutions to small to medium businesses. We specialise in working with ‘in the cloud’ bookkeeping and document solutions to effectively keep your business up to date and on track. We believe in a strong team approach when working with our clients and their Tax Agents.

Geelong’s Premier Newlaw Firm With A Personal Approach. We Provide High Quality, Timely & Tailored Legal Solutions With Price Certainty Australia Wide.

OUR SERVICES

CONTACT US

•

CONVEYANCING & LEASES

•

PROBATE

•

COMMERCIAL & CORPORATE

•

CRIMINAL LAW

•

FAMILY LAW

•

ADVOCACY & MEDIATION

•

WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING

•

IMMIGRATION & VISAS

Suite 3, 50-58 Moorabool St Geelong VIC Australia 3220 0429 312 986 john@vanbeveren.com.au

Van Beveren Lawyers based in Geelong provide high-quality, timely and tailored legal solutions with price certainty Australiawide. We focus on quality services, building relationships and forging long-term partnerships. Together, we invest in your ongoing success

JOHN VAN BEVEREN Lawyers & Conveyancers

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Without why, we have no direction!

Find your WHY! Move Forward - Create Change!

At My Y, we believe you really can do anything if you know and understand your why! We work alongside you to help you find your why and show you how to use the information and skills to really do anything your heart desires.

CONTACT US

OUR SERVICES

Lou Lugsdin Life Coach

Performance & Career Coaching

Ocean Grove Bellarine Peninsula VIC

E -DISC Profiling

0408 370 757

Councilling

info@my-y.com.au

Beat Procrastination & Get More Done Discovery Call

www.my-y.com.au

Make great decisions, achieve personal and professional success and navigate life’s challenges.

Salary Packaging means you can pay less tax, use your pre-tax income to pay for everyday expenses and make your salary go further.

Services

Call us now

• • • • •

(03) 5229 4200

Packaging administration One-on-one customer service Staff and organisation resources Comprehensive and always on-time FBT reporting Direct to employee claim benefits paid in one working day

Dan Nicholls Salary Packaging Services

We ensure your staff get the full advantage of their entitlements, because taking care of your staff is our business.

DEVELOPING EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS SERVICES Mentoring Coaching Master Class In-House Training Workshops Online Training Strategic Planning

CONTACT 0400 524 451

deb@debconsulting.com.au

www.developingexcellenceinbusiness.com.au DICOVER MORE ABOUT THE 5D PROCESS

DEB FRIBBINS Business Coach

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Welcome to aWebpage, your one-stop-shop for brocure sites & bespoke web applications.

Our project delivery process maximises you project success.

our services

contact us

Plan a Webpage

1300 667 141

Build a Webpage Launch a Webpage

ADAM SIMS Web Developer

adam@awebpage.com.au PO BOX 4336 Geelong, VIC, Australia

No matter your business focus, we can help.

Discover how we can make your next web project a whole-of-business success.

Find out more. Engage us and begin your journey!

Finance with a different accent...

Services

ALLAN HOULISTON Finance Broker

Contact

Residential

0405 140 003

Investment Loans

Office address: 5/329 Pakington Street,

Commercial Loans

Newtown, Vic, 3220

Vehicle and Asset Loans

info@aislingfinancial.com.au

Self-Managed Super Fund Lending

www.cruzingaragedoors.com.au

The name Aisling is derived from the Celtic word for ‘dream’ or ‘vision’. Our company’s vision is that all our clients receive advice tailored to their individual goals and objectives, which will enable them to achieve their financial dreams.

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au.

If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are: 53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size 139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

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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.

Email your ad to editor@findgeelong.com.au

INDEX

PRISTINE OUTDOOR PROPERTY SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • • • • • • •

Property Services ------88 Specialist Tree Services Interior Design Mowing Building Inspection Nursey Flooring

SERVICES ( Covering Domestic and Commercial )

Mowing (small to acreage) Garden Clean Up/Maintenance Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Pressure Washing

DANIEL TOMLINSON

CONTACT

Property Services

0468 485 122 danatpops@gmail.com www.pristineoutdoorpropertyservices.com.au/ ‘Servicing Golden Plains and Geelong

A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself

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DECEMBER 2021LOCAL | FIND GEELONG TRADIES89

www.findgeelong.com.au

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 • • • • • •

Painting Services-------89 Electrician----------------90 Embroidery--------------90 Building Inspection Nursey Flooring

DAHLLOF PAINTING SERVICES OUR SERVICES PAINTING SERVICES INTERIOR PAINTING

CONTACT US We are lacated in Geelong, Victoria!

Stephen Dahllof Painting Services Servicing Geelong and Surrounding Areas

0407 365 372 kerna1967@gmail.com www.stevedahllofofpaintingservices.com.au

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PAGES

HOME & GARDEN

Best Quality Embroidery

Geelong Industrial Monogramming has been established since 1982, and is proud to be a family owned and operated business. During that time we have seen it grow from a small cottage industry to a fully operational factory and retail store with 20 experienced staff, servicing some of Australia’s biggest suppliers, including: YAKKA, Ford Motor Company, Rays Tent City Cant tear em’ and many more. We were Geelongs first embroidery business, and we strive to excel in our customer service and satisfaction by producing quality workmanship with garments made to last.

57 Morgan st North Geelong, Australia 3215

0412 670 310

Kerry@gim.net.au

www.gim.net.au

We are Geelongs first embroidery business, and we strive to exel in our customer service and satisfaction by producing quality workmanship with garments made to last.

Kerry Kaspi Branded Apparel & Marketing

Geelong Expert Electricians COMMERCIAL SERVICES

CONTACT

Quality Service for Commercial Fit-Outs 0414 538 394

Improving Existing Infrastructure

DOMESTIC SERVICES

mark@clutterbuckelectrical.com.au

Home Maintenance

www.clutterbuckelectrical.com.au

Domestic Electrical Repairs

Mark Clutterbuck

Property Improvements

Electrical Operations

CLUTTERBUCK has everything you need in a master electrician, whether it be for your home, office, business, or an area outdoors.

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au.

If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are: 53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size 139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

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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.

Email your ad to editor@findgeelong.com.au

INDEX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • • • • • •

Hair Dresser Osteopath Chiropractor Beauty Therapy Gym Massage Therapy

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING Email your artwork to editor@findgeelong.com.au. If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost. Go to www.findgeelong.com.au/graphic-design to upload your details and we will create this for you.

The Dimensions of the Ads are: 53 x 98 mm - 1/8 Small Size

139 x 96 mm - 1/4 Page Portrait

If you have any questions, contact the editor on 1300 88 38 30 or Email warren@findnetwork.com.au

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Birth, Deaths & Marriages December 2021

Free Advertising is available related to Death Notices, Funeral Notices, Birth and Marriages.

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Geelong

1300 88 38 30

editor@findgeelong.com.au

Birth, Deaths & Marriages

Free Advertising is available related to Death Notices, Funeral Notices, Births and Marriages.

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GEELONG

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

LOCAL COUPONS

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Up to 50% of generated funds goes to Not-For Profit organisation.

FIND CARD LOCAL OFFERS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BUSINESS NAME

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Dining

Part of the secret of success is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findgeelong.com.au 1300 88 38 30

S S

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Brekky, Brunch & Lunch The best memories are made when gathered around the table

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findgeelong.com.au 1300 88 38 30

NEW OFFERS COMING

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Coffee

COFFEE WITH A FRIEND IS LIKE CAPTURING HAPPINESS IN A CUP.

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findgeelong.com.au 1300 88 38 30

NEW OFFERS COMING

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Takeaway

You don't need a silver fork to eat good food

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findgeelong.com.au 1300 88 38 30

NEW OFFERS COMING

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Entertainment

Dance is the poetic baring of the soul through motion FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findgeelong.com.au 1300 88 38 30

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Coupons &

Any changes or updates to these ‘Terms of Use’ of the

Non-Transfer The barter trade, sale, purchase, or transfer of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards, by any person or entity, including but not limited to business placing offers in the Find Paper, printers, publishers, and distributors of the Find Coupons /Find Card, is strictly prohibited, unless expressly authorized by Find Pty. Ltd. Find reserves the right to make changes to the participants and their offers at its sole discretion. Members will be notified of these changes via email or via the Site.

The Find Coupons and its Offers are intended for the non-profits use of the individual purchaser of the Find Cards &/or Find Coupons.

Additionally, the use of the Find Coupons &/or Find Cards or any of the Offers placed in our Find Paper, for advertising purpose, in any form of fashion, is strictly prohibited. Any use of a Offers in violation of these Rules will render the Offer VOID, and violators will be prosecuted.

Offers may not be reproduced and are void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Find, will not be responsible if any establishment breaches its contract of refuses to acccept the Find Cards / Offers with in the Find Paper: we will however, use our best efforts to secure compliance, Find, will not be responsible in the events beyond its control. © 2020 Find.

Find Cards Policy

e Find Cards and/or Find Coupons can be found here.

Valid Periods Find Restaurant, Find Cafe & Find Coffee offers can be used at participating businesses any time except the following days: *Christmas Eve *Christmas Day *Boxing Day * New Year’s Eve *New Year’s Day * Valentine’s Day *Good Friday *Easter Sunday *Mother’s Day. Some restaurant/Cafe/Coffe establishments will have additional terms and conditions on the page where the business is advertising their offer).

Present Find Card You are required to present your Find Card at any participating businesses if you wish to secure the discount or goods/service being offered.

Authentication Code & Customer Signature All Find Cards must display an Authentication Code and a members signature to be deemed VALID. If your Find Cards does not display your signature and the correct code, the business can refuse to provide the discount offer advertised. You will receive your Authentication code after registering your Find Card.

PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS

VALID

Valid Find Cards have four folds and contain six different categories. Valid Find Cards will have its Regions logo sticker placed in the circle at the back and has an Authentication code display in front of the Find Cards.

NOT VALID

Find Cards that DO NOT display its Regions Sticker in the circle at the back and DO NOT display an Authentication code in front of the Find Card are INVALID. They will not be accepted at any participating businesses. Also, your signature must be present. You may be asked to present ID to verify that Find Card belongs to you.

Present the Find Card and ID prior to paying bill. Card is Non-Transferable. Each offer corresponds to a number on the card. Number will be crossed off once offer used. This is not a credit or charge card.

Copyright 2021 Find© Pty Ltd.

OUR NEWSPAPER The Find Geelong was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with is core focus of helping other Not-For-Profits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Geelong has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

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.

Readers are advised that the Find Geelong accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in 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.

DECEMBER 2021

www.findgeelong.com.au