Find Maroondah - December Edition

Maroondah The

DECEMBER 2020

WHAT’S INSIDE: 03

LOCAL STORIES

10

COLUMNIST ARTICLES

26

TAX UPDATES

29

REAL ESTATE - RENTAL LISTINGS

49

MAROONDAH COUNCIL NEWS

53

FIND CACHE

67

FIND COUPONS

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COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS FOUNDER | ACCOUNTANT

LIFE COACH | FACILITATOR

WARREN STRYBOSCH

LESLEY-ANNE BANTON

EDITOR | WRITER

BOOKKEEPER

SUSAN PIEROTTI LACTATION CONSULTANT

JOANNA STRYBOSCH

GENERAL INSURANCE

MARI NGUYEN

CRAIG ANDERSON ARCHITECT

MORTGAGE BROKER

KATHY ISMAIL

NEHA NAYYAR GARAGE DOORS

REECE DROSCHER JOURNALIST

SIGNAGES

CHANTAL DJURIC

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

SARAH ZEMIRAH

GLENN MARTIN

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COMMERCIAL COFFEE MACHINE HIRE

SOLICITOR

ELECTRICIAN

MARKETING

IVANA SMITH

Are you our next solicitor?

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

OUR NEWSPAPER The Find Maroondah was establish in 2019 for the purpose of bringing together everyone in the community in one place. Our core focus is the support all the Not-For-Profits in the region by providing NFP’s with FREE advertise and helping them raise funds for their respective organizations.

A core of business owners attend the Find Network luncheons held one a month to discuss the paper and how best to make it even better fo the local commnunity.

The Find Maroondah has a strong editorial focus and is financed predominately by the business community.

ALL THINGS MAROONDAH The City of Maroondah is a loacl government area in Victoria, Australia in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Maroondah had a population of approximately 118,000 as at the 2019 Report which includes 9000 business and close to 46,000 households. The City of Maroondah was created through the amalgation the former Cities of Ringwood and Croydon in December 1994.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Find Maroondah acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Maroondah now stands, the Wurundjeri 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 Maroondah 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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Victorian Budget 2020/21: New Homeowners are the winners

The Victorian Government has announced stamp duty concessions of up to 50 per cent for homes valued at up to $1 million.

By Warren Strybosch

The new stamp duty discount will apply to those people who are going to be building new homes or purchasing “offthe-plan” homes. Existing homes that are purchased will only receive a 25% discount. This will go a long way to helping new homeowners obtain a loan.

Treasurer Tim Pallas, stated “With a waiver on stamp duty, we’ll help more Victorians find their home and get more Victorians back to work.”

“We will encourage Victorians back into the property market, by waiving up to 50 per cent of stamp duty on eligible homes, for the remainder of the financial year.”

Also, the government has announced that anyone who purchases a commercial or industrial property from January 2021 in regional Victoria will receive a 50 per cent discount on the stamp duty. They are hoping to entice people to relocate

to regional centres and help build those areas back up that were hardest hit during COVID.

every dollar of Victorian wages paid in 2020-21 and 2021-22 above the previous year’s wages. As a result, the more these businesses re-hire staff and employ new workers, the less payroll tax they’ll have to pay.

Special rules will apply for new businesses;

First Home Buyers Grant Extended The First Home Buyers Grant (FHBG) has been extended up until the 30 June 2021, allowing first home buyers to receive the $20,000 grant if they buy or build a new home in regional Victoria.

This extension gives more Victorians the opportunity to live locally and enter the property market for the first time, while also supporting jobs in regional Victoria,” the Treasurer said.

Additional Tax Relief measures from the Budget: •

New Jobs Tax Credit – businesses with annual Australian group wages less than $10 million will receive a non-refundable credit of 10 cents for

•

Threshold for paying payroll tax annually increased from $40,000 to $100,000 - the State government estimates that over 7,000 extra businesses will be able to pay their payroll tax annually, rather than monthly;

•

Build-to-rent sector in Victoria from 1 January 2022, Victoria’s Big Housing Build will provide a 50% land tax discount for eligible new developments until 2040. These developments will also be exempt from the Absentee Owner Surcharge over the same period.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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FIND MAROONDAH | DECEMBER 2020

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THE SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER - We Wish You An Enjoyable Break We thought this summer might be all about the mask and we were wondering how many of us would be returning from holidays with tan marks on our faces from wearing them.

I had to laugh when I saw this meme:

Thankfully, restrictions have eased and it looks like we won’t be needed to wear them as much as we first thought when we were coming up with the front cover illustration.

We want to thank everyone who has supported this paper and for those who have contributed to it. It has been a difficult year to try and establish something new, but we are still going. I don’t think we will ever forget COVID 2020.

I truly hope 2021 is a great year for you all. For myself and my wife we are labelling 2021 as the ‘Year of Completion.’ I hope to complete my post grad studies, our first child will have completed schooling, I hope to have reached our coupon targets for the Find Cards, to name a few.

Have a blessed time with your friends and family, Warren Strybosch Founder of Find Maroondah

International Travel - Banned Until March17

By Warren Strybosch

If you were thinking about an international holiday during the summer break, well this is going to dash your plans.

The government has extended the international travel ban until the 17th of March as concerns about the COVID-19 virus still pose significant threats to the public health of Australians.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the coronavirus situation was still escalating in many other countries.

“The disease is spreading as quickly as ever,” he said.

“The international world remains a challenging and dangerous environment and Australia won‘t be fully safe until the international community is safe.”

The extension will also mean that no cruise ships during this period will be able to arrive in Australia.

If you wish to travel overseas you need to apply for an exemption. Already, over 95,000 exemptions have been granted since March 18.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly said it was a difficult, but necessary decision.

“We weighed up all of the issues, as the Minister has pointed out, but particularly the ongoing situation internationally and the sort of risks that could come to Australia if we relaxed at this point,” he said.

This announcement was made shortly after the first international flight arrivedin Australian this month. All passengers were taken to quarantine hotels where they will have to remain for at least two weeks under strict supervision. Let’s hope this does not lead to the third wave COVID cases in Australia. If the security guards can keep their pants on, we might have a good chance.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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COVIDSafe Summer - Restrictions apply from 11:59pm Sunday 6 December 2020 From 11:59pm on Sunday, 6 December 2020 Victoria moves to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions.

•

These eased restrictions will let Victorians get back to doing the things they love, while also protecting everything we have worked so hard to achieve this year.

This means that: • •

•

•

•

•

You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home.

Wearing a face mask is only mandatory on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when going to large retail venues, including shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores.

Wearing a face mask is strongly recommended indoors and outdoors when you can’t keep 1.5 metres distance from other people.

You can have up to 30 visitors to your home per day. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from. Front and backyards are considered part of the home.

Up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from.

Record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria to stay safe and stay open. Businesses that are required to record the details of visitors should use electronic record keeping or QR codes. The Victorian Government has a free QR code service.

•

•

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Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs can open for seated and unseated service. They must use electronic record keeping and apply the two square metre rule to ensure that customers have enough room to keep 1.5 metres between themselves and others. There are no other limits on the number of customers. Venues can have up to 25 people before the two square metre rule needs to be applied.

Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can occur with no limits on the number of guests or attendees. To ensure people can keep 1.5 metres distance the venue must apply the two square metre rule. If a service is conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit applies (30 visitors).

Dance floors can reopen in bars and pubs as well as at weddings. The foursquare metre rule must be applied to limit the number of people on the dance floor and there can only be up to 50 people on the dancefloor at one time, if space allows.

There are also changes to the number of people allowed at community facilities such as libraries, sporting facilities (such as gyms), and entertainment facilities (such as cinemas).

Summary of the changes COVIDSafe Summer

Victoria moved to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions from 11:59pm on Sunday 6 December 2020. These restrictions are expected to be in place for summer. The restrictions will be reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current public health advice.

These changes reflect the need to give Victorians certainty about their summer, while protecting the trend of low cases that Victorians have worked so hard to achieve.

Everyone wants to get back to normal, but we also need to stay safe over the holiday and summer period, so we can stay open. You can help by getting tested if you feel unwell, and following COVIDSafe practices. This is especially important as we see friends and family, celebrate together, travel together and move around Victoria and Australia during the summer. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is still present in Australia and we can all help to stop the spread.

Victoria’s COVIDSafe Restrictions - Downloads • • • •

CovidSafe Summer - How we live Victoria (Word) CovidSafe Summer - How we live Victoria (PDF) CovidSafe Summer - How we work Victoria (Word) CovidSafe Summer - How we work Victoria (Word)

in in in in

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SEND US YOUR NEWS! editor@findmaroondah.com.au

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FIND MAROONDAH | DECEMBER 2020

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Home Builders Extention Details Revealed

By Sarah Zemirah

Insight surrounding the extension to the HomeBuilder program have been announced. On Sunday November 29 2020 the Treasurer announced that the HomeBuilder program will be extended to March 31 2021, though in a changed program.

The initial program offers grants of $25,000 to owner-occupiers renovating or building a new home is available for contracts signed up to December 31 2020. Then after this time the extended HomeBuilder program will apply. The extended homebuilder program offers a $15,000 grant for building contracts signed between January 1 2021 and March 31 2021.

There has also been an increase to the property price cap for new build contracts, in New South Wales the cap is $950,000 and in Victoria $850,000. The existing new build property price cap of $750,000 will stay in all other states.

Requests for an extension on time for construction to start have been given, the start timeframe has been extended from 3 months to 6 months for all HomeBuilder applicants.

The Federal Government noted that there has been a shift in licensing requirements

and registration developers.

for

builders

and

Where an appropriate contract is signed on or after the November 29 2020, the builder or developer must have a valid licence or registration before November 2020.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison Says “HomeBuilder is a key part of my government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia. We are keeping people in jobs and putting Australians’ dream homes within reach. It’s critical we keep the momentum up for Australia’s economic recovery.

Extending HomeBuilder will mean a steady pipeline of construction activity to keep tradies on the tools.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says “The Homebuilder program has delivered the stimulus the housing sector needed. The sector is worth $100 billion dollars a year to the Australian economy or around 5 per cent of GDP and more than a million people are employed in the sector across Australia. The success of this program has not only meant an increase in work on the ground to keep the pipeline of construction flowing but it has also protected jobs in the construction sector as well as across the economy.”

MP Michael Sukkar also commented saying “that he most recent data showed HomeBuilder had already had around 24,000 applications, on track to exceed expected take up levels. This has been a highly effective programme that’s delivering real results for home buyers and has kept tradies in work throughout the COVID pandemic.

There is no better proof of HomeBuilder’s success than the latest Housing Industry Association’s new home sales data, which shows sales are 31.6 per cent higher in the three months to October 2020 when compared with the same time last year”.

Sukkar followed on to say “This is a temporary and targeted programme and we want to give buyers the confidence and support to enter the market right now at a time when the economy needs it most.”

The statement also builds upon the extension of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme announced in the Budget, which provided 10,000 guaranteed loans to allow first home buyers to attain a loan to build a new home, or purchase a newly built home, with a deposit of as little as five per cent.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Get your $200 Travel Voucher

By Warren Strybosch

Let me get this right? Most Melbournians have been in lockdown nearly all year and want to leave the city…they want out. Most are already heading to either regional towns or, if they are lucky enough, interstate.

So, why are the Victorian Government giving out $200 gift vouchers? It is likely that the only people who are going to benefit from this are the ones who have already booked their regional holidays.

Wouldn’t the money best be spent on those industries that are going to take the longest to recover?

What is this $200 travel voucher? The travel voucher is an initiative to try and boost tourism in regional centres. Ironically, I have spoken to those in regional centres and they are talking about going to the city where no one will be.

To qualify for the $200 travel voucher, a Victorian must spend at least $400 on accommodation, attractions or tours in regional Victoria.

“Whether it’s a day trip with the family or a tour along our stunning coast, we’re helping more people get out and enjoy the best Victoria has to offer,” Mr Andrews said.

This announcement was made shortly after the NSW government announced a similar voucher scheme but their vouchers were only for $25 and it was to support only restaurants and entertainment.

“This funding will help tourism businesses bounce back from the challenges of this year.”

It is not know yet how people will be able to access the vouchers.

Mr Andrews is hoping the travel vouchers will be ready by Christmas.

Consumer Confidence Hits 10-year High Matt Coughlan (Australian Associated Press)

Wage theft will be made a federal criminal offence with beefed up civil penalties to crack down on bosses who underpay workers.

People convicted of wage theft would be disqualified from managing companies for five years.

The offence will not apply to one-off underpayments, inadvertent mistakes or miscalculations.

The Morrison government’s industrial relations omnibus bill will include a strengthened compliance regime after years of underpayment scandals.

Aside from a new criminal offence, the government will also introduce a new type of civil penalty linking fines to the amount of underpayment.

Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said it would be the first time a commonwealth wage theft law exists.

Mr Porter said a “benefit gained” principle would be applied to effectively allow employers to be fined the higher of two or three times the amount not paid to employees or the maximum fine.

He said last week’s revelations that some blueberry workers were paid as little as $3 an hour on NSW farms showed why the government was acting.

“It shouldn’t happen. It’s disgraceful,” Mr Porter said.

The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of four years’ jail and fines of up to $1.1 million for individuals and $5.5 million for companies. It will apply to national system employers that deliberately underpay one or more workers.

Increased business fines will range from almost $20,000 to $666,600 depending on the size of the company.

“The offences should only apply to deliberate, dishonest and serious conduct.”

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox is against criminal penalties for wage underpayments.

Wage scandals have engulfed the hospitality and retail sectors in recent years, with high-profile cases including celebrity chef George Calombaris, 7-Eleven and Woolworths.

“If the government’s bill includes such penalties, it is important that the provisions are fair and balanced,” he said.

Horticulture has also come under fire as farmers seek more labour amid ongoing exploitation concerns.

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New Rules to Detect, Trace and Block Scam Calls

By Sarah Zemirah

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today registered new rules that require telcos to detect, trace and block scam calls. The Reducing Scam Calls Code, developed by the telco industry, was a direct recommendation of the ACMA’s Combating Scams Action Plan.

The ACMA has worked closely with telcos and peak body Communications Alliance to develop the new rules and successfully pilot initiatives to reduce the scale and impact on Australians of scam calls. Major telcos report blocking over 30 million scam calls across the last 12 months as they undertook work to trial the identification and reduction of scam calls.

Chair of the ACMA’s Scam Telecommunications Action Taskforce Fiona Cameron said the code is a significant step toward providing better protections for consumers and making Australia a ‘hard target’ for scammers.

“The code is a unique and groundbreaking contribution to global regulatory efforts to prevent the harms caused by scammers. It is a holistic, end-to-end framework for effective scam reduction activity,” Ms Cameron said.

“There is no silver bullet to reduce scams, but these new rules place clear obligations on industry to do more

to protect their customers and build confidence that it’s safe to answer a ringing phone.”

According to ACCC Scamwatch data, Australians have lost $35.6 million to scam calls in 2020 so far. Scam calls accounted for 46 per cent of all scams reported.

“Scams have a devastating impact on their victims and scammers are unscrupulous in taking advantage of people. They quickly adapt to changing circumstances, as we have seen, for example, in scam activity targeting Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Cameron said.

“Industry’s initial efforts to block scams are an encouraging step towards the substantial and sustained work required before consumers will see a real reduction in scam calls.

The new rules build on recent scam reduction and awareness-raising activities by the ACMA, including the introduction of new measures to fight mobile number fraud earlier this year and the recent release of comprehensive consumer awareness resources.

“Reports of mobile porting fraud have markedly decreased since new rules were introduced in April this year, however we are still closely monitoring industry compliance with the new obligations,” Ms Cameron said.

Phone scams are a current ACMA compliance priority, and telcos will face penalties of up to $250,000 for breaching ACMA directions to comply with the code.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank and phone company immediately and report it to Scamwatch.

“The end game is to stop scammers in their tracks wherever possible and the ACMA will enforce this code to make sure telcos are meeting their obligations to their customers.”

For information on how to spot – and stop – phone scams, visit acma.gov.au/ scams

Under the new rules, telcos must also publish information to assist their customers to proactively manage and report scam calls, share information about scam calls with other telcos, and report identified scam calls to authorities.

For more information, please contact ACMA Media on 0438 375 776 or media@ acma.gov.au.

MR 41/2020

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States edges closer to Christmas Reopening

By Michael Ramsey (Australian Associated Press)

South Australia looms as the last domino to fall in the return to full interstate travel as Western Australia prepares to open its doors.

WA will reopen its borders to NSW and Victoria from December 8, Premier Mark McGowan has confirmed.

Travellers from those states will no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days, having endured almost nine months of restrictions.

It will leave SA as the lone outpost as states and territories edge closer to tearing down all borders in time for Christmas.

There are 33 cases linked to a worrying COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide, although only 11 of those are still considered active infections.

WA has banned entry to anyone from SA, while Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania are restricting travel from Adelaide hotspot areas.

Mr McGowan on Tuesday said the WASA border controls will be reviewed next week and won’t change until at least December 11.

He added that his government retained the option of reintroducing other border restrictions.

“We will not hesitate to reinstate the hard border if there are outbreaks over east and we get medical advice to do so,” he told reporters.

The premier said he was hopeful of soon reuniting with his NSW-based parents. “”As a country, I’m so relieved we’ve gotten to this point,” he said.

“It’s a credit to all Australians that we are nearly at the point of eliminating the virus in the community.”

Travellers entering WA from NSW and Victoria will still be required to undergo health screening and a temperature check at the airport, complete a G2G pass outlining recent travel and take a COVID-19 test if necessary.

Victoria has already reached WA’s criteria of 28 days without community transmission to qualify for eased border rules, while NSW has now gone 24 days without a locally acquired infection.

Meanwhile, there were emotional scenes at Brisbane airport as family and friends welcomed travellers arriving on the first flight from Victoria after Queensland eased border restrictions.

The Palaszczuk government lifted its COVID-19 virus hotspot declarations and travel restrictions for people from Victoria and Greater Sydney early on Tuesday morning.

Thousands of southerners are expected to start flocking to the Sunshine State, with hopes it will lead to a much-needed jobs boom.Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the changes, saying Australia “was not built for borders”.

“We said we would work to get Australia open by Christmas,” he told parliament.

“And on the record of the achievements so far, we are well and truly on that path and so I thank the premiers and the chief ministers for the way we have worked together patiently. “There’s been a few disagreements but the outcome is what matters.”

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Think twice before setting up a SMSF. The ATO cancels hundreds of newley registered SMSFs. ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Director Kellie Grant of the ATO, stated that the Tax Office continues to focus on its compliance work with newly registered SMSFs. “This is a high priority for us to ensure that individuals aren’t setting up funds for the wrong reasons and rolling over their super from an APRA-regulated fund and then illegally accessing it early,” Ms Grant said, speaking at the Tax Institute National Superannuation Conference.

“One of our key compliance strategies remains targeting individuals and promoters who are registering SMSFs with the sole intent of using that fund as vehicle to illegally access their benefits without meeting a condition of release.”

During 2020, registrations had increased for the first time in 5 years. There was a spike during March when COVID started.

This was of a particular concern to the ATO, as the spike was very large and unusual.

Ms Grant explained that when an individual’s register for a new SMSF or looks to join an existing SMSF, the ATO puts them through its “secure front door” process.

“This involves putting them through our risk model, which uses a series of risk attributes to try and identify individuals who may be potentially trying to enter the system for the wrong reasons,” she said.

Of the 22,018 SMSFs registered in the 2020 Financial year, approximately 19.9 per cent or 4,393 of those funds were reviewed because the ATO’s model actually rated those individuals looking to set them up as being individuals that were likely to early release their money, she stated.

“As a result of these reviews, 288 funds had their details withheld from Super Fund Lookup, which means they were unable to receive SG contributions or APRA fund rollovers, and we also cancelled 963 newly registered SMSFs,” she said.

Before setting up a SMSF, it is important to seek professional advice. At Find Accountant, we can provide advice to help you understand whether or not it would be in your best interest to set up a SMSF or if you should consider another option e.g. an Industry super fund. If you have more than $200,000 in super, consider talking to the Find Group and organising a FREE Super Report to compare your options.

Warren Strybosch You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email

“Almost 46 per cent of the cases picked up by our risk models had further action taken, and because of that, we were able to actually protect $126 million worth of retirement savings leaving the retirement system illegally.”

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WHY THE FESTIVE SEASON IS A GREAT TIME TO REVIEW YOUR FINANCES MORTGAGE BROKERING

By Reece Droscher

As the Christmas and New Year period approach we are focused on spending time with family, perhaps getting away for a well-earned break and preparing to put a difficult 2020 behind us. This time of year is a great time to relax and enjoy being with our loved ones, but it is also a time where a lot of us find ourselves in a difficult financial predicament due to over-indulgence with spending. That’s why the festive season is a great time to review your finances and help yourself into a better position going into 2021.

I have listed below some areas where taking the time to review your finances could have a major impact on saving you money.

CREDIT CARD DEBT The most common problem we have once Christmas is over is looking at our credit card statement and wondering how it managed to get so out of control.

Should you find yourself in this situation there are a number of potential solutions to help get your credit card debt back under control.

1. Consolidate your credit card debt into a Personal Loan or Home Loan.

By consolidating your debts you will have a set term to repay the amount owing at an interest rate which is generally much lower than what your credit card costs. However this may also mean you are paying the debt back over a long term, so you need to be disciplined to ensure you repay the debt quickly. You don’t want to still be paying off the kids 2020 Christmas presents 5 years from now. Set yourself a maximum two year term to repay the debt in full.

2. Reduce your available credit limits.

Once your credit card repayment arrangements are in place reduce your available limits to ensure you cannot get yourself into this position again. By having a small limit you will be able to manage the repayments more comfortably and clear the debt without further assistance.

3. Look for balance transfer deals. A number of lenders will offer either low or even zero interest rates on balance transfers of credit card debt. These offers usually come with a time limit to repay the amount owing in full. On the surface this is a great way to manage paying your accumulated debt, however there are potential traps that you should avoid. If you are able to access a balance transfer deal you should cut up the card, so you are unable to use it and add to the level of debt.

You can then set up a budget to repay the amount owing within the agreed term.

AFTERPAY/ZIPPAY ACCOUNTS Many people are unaware that these types of buy now/pay later options come with a credit limit, and also now appear on your credit records. Banks treat them exactly like a credit card when assessing finance applications, so minimising their use will ensure your credit score is not negatively affected.

If you do get into a predicament with these types of accounts then the tips to helping with credit card debt will also apply here.

REFINANCE TO A BETTER HOME LOAN Now is also a great time to review your Home Loan to make sure your lender is providing you with the most suitable loan

to suit your needs.

During the year we are generally so busy with life in general that reviewing what is usually our largest expense is put in the too hard basket. By taking some time now to see whether your current Home Loan is the best option you could save yourself thousands of dollars in interest and several years in time taken to repay your loan.

BUDGETING To avoid getting yourself into a financial predicament in the future set a realistic budget to keep a track of your spending and, most importantly, stick to it. Why most budgets fail is that we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. By setting realistic goals we are more likely to achieve them. Being consistent and putting smaller amounts into savings on a regular basis is more effective than making larger deposits at random. Your spending habits will also be aligned to your savings goals, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a period where you are unable to reach your savings goals due to unexpected expenses.

Things happen.

At SHL Finance we would love the opportunity to discuss your finance requirements with you. Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 to find out how we could help you save money or improve your financial situation.

On behalf of the team here at SHL Finance I wish you a happy and safe Festive Season and look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

Reece Droscher Managing Director of SHL Finance Pty Ltd www. shlfinance.com.au reece@shlfinance.com.au DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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CHANGES TO INCOME PROTECTION FINANCIAL PLANNING

By Mari Nguyen

In this months article will examine some changes that are happening to income protection insurance. One of the main changes has already taken effect, with a couple of others slated for 2021. This article will discuss the change that has already taken place and we will publish further articles in the coming months discussing the changes that are yet to come.

Income Protection Insurance – a Recap As the name suggests, income protection (‘IP’) insurance allows you to protect your personal income if you become sick or injured and cannot keep working as a result.

IP insurance usually only relates to income that comes from your labour – generally known as ‘personal exertion’ income. Personal exertion income is the wages, salary or business revenue that is lost if you cannot physically work.

The alternative form of income is usually called ‘passive’ income. This is income generated from assets which do not require active management, such as listed shares or interest on bank accounts is typically not insurable. There is generally no need to insure this income, however, because it should not stop just because you are unwell and cannot work.

If you or someone else would suffer financially if you are unable to keep working, you should strongly consider IP insurance. Premiums are often tax deductible, so it is important to arrange type of insurance properly. If you do not have IP, or you think your IP needs a review, please contact us immediately.

APRA’s Review of Income Protection Insurance The main regulator of risk insurance is the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (‘APRA’). Over the last couple of years, APRA has reviewed the way in which IP insurance is provided by insurers. The review has been largely in response to changes in how people work and how they sometimes become injured or ill.

APRA’s review has led to a number of changes which were recently discussed and summarized in a letter from APRA to life insurers on September 30 2020.

A key thing to remember about these

changes is that they are prospective– that is, they impact on new policies being taken out after the various key dates that relate to them. Policies that were in place before the dates in APRA’s announcement remain unchanged.

pays will be ‘pegged’ to the actual income being earned at the time of the claim. Amongst other things, this means it will no longer make sense to insure yourself for more than you are actually earning.

APRA’s announcement sets out a number of changes and the dates on which these changes take effect. For one of the changes, the key date has already passed. We discuss that change in this article. Other changes will take effect in 2021 and we will discuss those changes in future articles.

The premium paid for an IP policy is directly related to how much income is being insured. The higher the sum insured, the higher the premium (other factors affect the premium as well, but higher income always increases the premium).

So, by moving to indemnity-type policies only, the system will discourage people from over-insuring themselves: if you insure for an amount higher than you actually earn, the ‘excess’ premium is simply wasted because you will only be paid based on what you actually earn.

Change #1 – No More ‘Agreed Value’ Policies. It’s all About Indemnity.

A key question when taking out IP cover is also a simple one: how much income should I insure? The amount of income you insure relates directly to the benefits you will receive if you make a claim.

Traditionally, there were two ways to decide for how much to insure. These two ways gave rise to two broad types of policy: agreed value and indemnity.

Under both types of policy, the amount of insured income was established when the policy was first written. However, in an agreed value policy, the insurer checked the actual income of the policy holder at the time the policy was taken out. So, if you insured yourself for $100,000, the insurer would confirm that you actually had an income of at least this much when you took out the cover.

Agreed value policies often suited people with variable incomes, such as consultants or casual workers whose income may fluctuate across time.

People sometimes took this kind of policy out when their income was relatively high and this relatively high income remained what they were insured for in future years.

In practice, this sometimes meant that insurance benefits paid on an eventual claim replaced more income than the person had actually lost when they became ill or injured.

Alternatively, under an indemnity policy, the insurer does not confirm the insured level of income when a policy is first established. The insurer only confirms actual lost income if a claim is eventually made. This actual lost income then determines how much benefit was paid.

As of March 2020, new policies are effectively all indemnity policies. This means that the amount that the insurer

In most cases, if a claim is made the income compensated for will be assessed over the 12 months prior to the claim. This time period can be varied if a person’s income for a given level of work really does vary from year to year – think, for example, of farmers whose income might vary according to grain prices, etc, even though the amount of work might not change from year to year. It would be unfair to assess such a person’s income in a year when grain prices were unusually low and then ‘lock’ those prices into the benefits paid over all future years.

The key date here was March 31, 2020.

Agreed value policies written before that date can remain in operation.

Policies written after that date are now all effectively indemnity policies. Policies that pre-date March 31. 2020 remain in place with all the terms and conditions that they had when they were established.

APRA’s review has led to changes to new policies, not pre-existing ones.

If you would like to obtain income protection or a review of your current Life or Income protection policies, please give us a call.

Information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute financial advice. Please contact us if you would like an insurance review to determine the appropriate levels of insurance based on your individual circumstances.

Mari Nguyen Financial Adviser Canopy Financial Group Pty Ltd 0415 658 611 www.canopyfg.com.au

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Is Anger a negative emotion? Or is it there something more beyond what we see? Can Anger be a positive indicator wonderment and connection. Creating a space for gaining awareness and challenges what rules no longer serves in the nurturing of child’s uniqueness.

PARENTING

By Lesley-Anne Banton

ANGER, is complex and can have many levels to it, in a simplified version is said to be from suppressed sadness or fear that is imprinted in the years 0-7 years where a child perceives an event or multiple events where their needs weren’t met, their boundaries were violated or not respected and their emotions were denied to them, this builds a belief about themselves and starts to create and experience ‘anger’.

Anger can be subjective and may be misinterpreted by the observer based on how they see the world and how they have had their own emotions labeled or mislabeled, what they have been allowed to express or not and what they make this mean to them.

In my experience, it can be this and it can be even more than this. In some situations it can be an accumulation of many things that then comes out as an expression of anger and isn’t actually anger.

The person or child who is expressing ‘anger’ may not actually be expressing anger. What it may be is an accumulation of different emotions, heightened or over loading of the senses, working memory issue, auditory processing issue and or not being able to resourcefully manage their internal world. Not having language or the emotional language to express what is going on for them and it comes out in a way that is perceived by the observer as anger and label that way. A child may then be shut down, shamed and misunderstood. All too often ‘anger’ is shut down and shamed in a child, including when it is not actually anger, and has lifelong consequence for the child/ person.

There are resourceful and unresourceful ways to express anger, appropriate and inappropriate way to express this emotion, and most of the time this is not shown or taught to us as children and therefore has a snowballing effect on to the next generation if not worked on and changed. Anger can be an indicator that the person/child is having challenges managing their internal worlds, for whatever reason that is, it can also be

Explore with them what is going on in their internal world, help them understand what their needs, emotions and boundaries are within themselves and in others, through a range of emotional language that will help them to be able to appropriately express their right emotion for how they are feeling in that moment in a respectful way to themselves and others.

an indicator that their boundaries, needs and or emotions have been violated or not respected by themselves or others, in that moment. Generally when this happens, the child or person may create an internalised perception that they don’t have a right to use their voice or have never been allowed to without getting shut down or shamed. Therefore, they choose to stay silent and the anger has the potential to erupt.

Most people who express their anger unresourcefully and or inappropriately are not aware of what is driving this and lack the understanding of their opportunity to empower themselves with a more functional way to express anger.

They can do this by going on their own personal development journey and get incredibly curious about what drives them, however in my experience seek out a coach to accelerate the journey to help them see what they are not yet seeing - As Einstein once said, “you cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them”.

There is no blanket approach as each child and person is uniquely individual and has experienced the world in which has formed their unique perception.

Be curious; seek to gain a clear understanding of the child/person who is expressing the emotion and fully see through their eyes to gain understanding of what is going on for them. Helping them to understand themselves, this may mean you need to seek professional help and services. Coming from curiosity, especially when supporting a child through a moment of ‘anger’ helps parents to bypass old embedded family rules, that of discipline and control, which empowers them with tools of compassion,

Examples of questions you could ask yourself in that moment: •

•

• •

“I wonder for what purpose is my child doing that” and then seek the answer from them rather than fill in the gaps.

“If my child is not bad/ naughty for what reason are they behaving this way? What do they need? Who do they need me to be in this moment?

“If there were no rules or expectations how would I see my child in this moment?”

“How can I love my child in this moment in the way they need to be loved?”

Is Anger a negative emotion, or is there something more beyond what we see?

Not everyone can create and maintain this change by themselves, if this is you and you want to have a coach get you there quicker and with support, contact Lesley at theparentwhisperer1@gmail. com

Lesley-Anne Banton Leadership and Parenting Disruptor and Coach THE PARENT WHISPERER www.theparentwhisperer.com.au 0432 848 418

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HOW PRINT ARTICLES CAN MAGNIFY YOUR BUSINESS

ACCREDITED EDITOR

By Susan Pierotti

Think of all the ways you market your business. Some businesses find flyers in letterboxes do the trick, others use brochures in shop windows, even car detailing, to name a few. How about all the social media channels available – LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Google reviews…

I would like to suggest another way to advertise. It’s cost-effective, could take as little as five minutes of your time and would make you look like the go-to person in your industry. Get into print!

First of all, work out which magazine or paper your target market is reading. Is it a trade journal, the local newspaper, a magazine they browse through at a coffee shop after dropping off the kids to school? Contact the sales person of the magazine (contact details of staff are usually on the inside front cover) and ask how much it would cost to submit an article – some don’t even charge. Ask to read their contributor guidelines as some are very strict regarding self-promotion.

(But there are ways around that!)

cleverer scientists in his day whom he acknowledged when he said that ‘if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’.

So why is Newton famous and not the others? Because he wrote his ideas and discoveries down and had them published!

If you write our own article, you appear to others as intelligent, hard-working and well informed, it does wonders for your reputation and you are judged as the expert in your field.

2 Get someone else to write it There are several advantages to employing an editor to write about you and your business.

First of all, it saves you time. Choose someone who you know writes well and get them to interview you. Giving them ten minutes of your time could produce marketing material for you that lasts for months.

When you’ve chosen the magazine or paper, decide if you’re going to write it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. An editing and writing service could write a whole page about you for the same price as a ¼ page ad in the same magazine.

We know so much about your businesses that we often don’t know what we know.

Getting another person to write about you can draw out information you thought was unimportant but didn’t realise was vital to your customers. It also provides an unbiased and different perspective which can validate you as trustworthy to some potential customers who are suspicious of people who heavily selfpromote. (And imagine the boost to your confidence seeing yourself favourably through someone else’s eyes!)

3 ways to writing that article 1 Write it yourself Isaac Newton was the scientist who discovered gravity, the colours in the rainbow and how the eyes work, among other things. There were many other

3 Get quoted If your chosen paper or magazine is prohibitive about self-marketing, or they charge a hefty advertorial fee for doing so, write your article in a way that hides your name and business but promotes

your ideas. In other words, the article is written on a specific topic and ‘quotes’ you throughout the article. You may even choose to reinforce your brand by paying for that ¼-page ad to position alongside your article.

Being quoted also makes you look as if you are the authority in your industry.

Yours is the name they will remember, especially if you are able to set up a regular column (series of articles) in the one paper or magazine.

When it comes to the local newspaper, journalists are often grateful that the public comes to them with ideas for articles. Be quick to think of opportune times to contact them. For instance, coming into summer, the local rag may be keen to hear from plumbers on cleaning the gutters, insurance brokers on insuring for full replacement value (quoting stories and figures from last year’s bushfire tragedies) and carpenters on DIY projects.

So, next time you pick up a local or trade magazine, have a read though and study the articles, who wrote them and how they promoted their business.

If you would like to see your business on the page of a magazine or newspaper but have no time to little confidence to write it, feel free to contact Susan at Creative Text Solutions, susan@ creativetext.com.au.

Susan Pierotti Accredited Editor Creative Text Solutions 0437 127 159

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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When it walks like a duck...

GENERAL INSURANCE

By Craig Anderson

We have all heard stories about a business owner who realised far too late that they have not taken out the right kind of cover, or not enough cover. You may even have heard about how they had the right type of policy, but the Insurer did not offer the same features as their competitors, leaving the business owner exposed; no trigger for a successful claim, which would otherwise have been paid had they only selected the “better” policy.

How does a business owner spot the differences between policies and avoid costly losses? Just because it walks like a Duck and looks like a Duck, that doesn’t guarantee it is a Duck.

Starting with the most basic principles, one of the first things a broker would do is gather all of the information necessary to allow a proper business description to be defined. Once the business activities are accurately, and fully noted, the potential loss exposures can be determined and a list of required covers established. A program can be built which adequately covers the business exposures either using a “business pack”-type policy, which combines several covers into a neat package, or it is established that different standalone policies are needed.

What could go wrong when you do it yourself? The short answer is: a lot. Let’s take a look at theft as an example. Theft Without Forcible Entry may be covered inside a building at the risk address, however Theft in the Open Air may not, depending on which Insurer you ask. This can pose a problem for clients who store a significant value of goods outside, such as in a yard which is kept locked at night, but is unsecured during the day. If your business regularly takes deliveries which are offloaded by forklift in your yard, and not shelved for some time, these goods may not be covered whilst at their most vulnerable to theft.

If you want to take the guesswork out of the insurance process, and get a fresh set of experienced eyes on the case, talk to your broker. After all, good advice can pay for itself many times over saving you heartache as well as money and time.

For tradespeople, the back of the ute is considered “open air” when it is sitting in the yard, on the street, or on a worksite.

Even if a canopy exists, it is not usually treated as secure by the Insurer, due to the lack of alarm and the high incidence of losses from canopy utes. The news is not all bad though as tools locked in the cab are usually covered.

Craig Anderson

As always, any advice in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, you should consider its appropriateness (having regard to your objectives, needs and financial situation).

General Insurance Small Business Insurance Brokers 0418 300 096

At this point it is imperative to mention that all businesses who communicate by email and keep records of transactions and client details should consider Cyber insurance to cover first party financial losses. Although you may have Professional Indemnity or Crime cover in place, they are different covers and usually do not extend to Cyber exposures, or do so in a quite limited capacity.

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Squares, Square feet, Square metres Why you need to know the Difference ARCHITECT

By Kathy Ismail

Your architect or builder has just handed you the plans for your new home or first office – how exciting! Now you can start dreaming of the interior layout, what colours you’ll use, what furniture to buy...

But do peruse the plans. It pays to read the fine print carefully, and to ask your architect and builder specific questions about things you don’t understand, no matter how ‘stupid’ you think they will sound. Planning documents might seem boring, especially when you begin to imagine what the prize at the end, your new home or office, could look like and how you will use the space. Who wants to read all the fine print, especially all those measurements? We can trust our architect and builder, can’t we?

Yes, you can and should, but when building a new home or office, an architect or builder will follow the plans agreed upon. After signing off on the plans, your dream concept of what you think your new building will look like may change. People have differing concepts of space and how large you think your new home or office building will be might not match reality.

One unit of measurement that can inadvertently fool people is the figure for the total floor plan. Has it been calculated in squares, square feet or square metres – and does it matter? They sound similar so aren’t they almost the same anyway?

1 foot, a square metre is 1 metre by 1 metre. A square is 100 feet by 100 feet, so it should be the largest. But it isn’t.

trees into a square, but you could fit up to 100 Christmas trees into 100 square metres.

The square is an Imperial, as opposed to a metric, unit of area that is used in the construction industry in the United States and Canada, and was historically used in Australia by some home builders who used squares as a unit in floor plans to customers. The measurement was often used by estate agents to make the building sound larger as the measure includes the areas outside under the eaves, and so was measuring more than the internal floor area.

How does this apply to building your home or office? If your building plans are in square metres and not squares, you now have a lot more space to play around with – nearly 10% more space!

An extra desk in the office or a breakout area, another cupboard or a second bathroom, perhaps a pantry or an indoor garden…the choices are endless!

Buildings in Australia no longer use the square as a unit of measure, as this has been replaced by square metres.

Nevertheless, residential buildings in the state of Victoria are still sometimes advertised in squares so it pays to check your plans carefully. One square equals 100 square feet but that equates to only just over 9 square metres, a loss of nearly 10% of floor area.

Let’s visualise this – and as it’s December, let’s do it with Christmas trees. Take an average sized live conifer Christmas tree of 6 ft; that’s 183 cm or roughly 1.8 metres in height Conifers of this height generally have an average diameter of around 105 cm. Let’s round this off to 100 cm, or 1 metre.

If you planted or lined up enough Christmas trees so that each of their outer branches were touching the next tree, you would be able to fit 81 Christmas

So read your projected building plans carefully. You may find that your new home or office is going to bigger than you thought!

KIR Architecture is available for consultation through the holiday season for your 2021 building plans.

Contact Kir Architecture at contact@ kirarchitecture.com.au for help with planning your building projects. We have a questionnaire that could potentially help you in narrowing down your ideas for your next dream home. We are always happy to answer any inquiries.

Kathy Ismail ARCHITECT www.kirarachitecture.com 0422 026 962

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Garage Door Safety Tips the Holiday GARAGE DOORS

By Chantal Djuric

Make sure your New Year is a happy one with these simple but effective garage door holiday tips.

When at home •

Garage doors are the largest and heaviest moving item in your home.

They can cause serious harm if neglected. Get your door regularly inspected and lubricated by a qualified garage door technician.

•

Make sure your kids understand that they should never stand, run or play near the garage door, especially when it is open and even more so when it is moving.

•

The garage door remote and the button on the wall are not toys and should only be touched by an adult.

•

Never touch any part of a garage door when it is moving as your fingers and hands could be seriously damaged.

if you don’t want to invest in a new door opener, you can secure the release cord to the body of lift with zip ties, which cannot be pulled using a hook. If you need to pull the release in case of an emergency, simply break the ties by hand.

While out

Preparing for holidays

•

•

•

•

Check to see your garage door is a heavy exterior door. Not only will this improve insulation, but these doors are also much harder to kick in or break down.

Don’t leave your garage door remote in your car, no matter how inconvenient it is. Someone could use it to gain access to your garage without having to bash through the exterior, sides or windows. Some cars or trucks have a garage door open button installed, which means extra safety as it can’t be stolen. If you don’t have that feature in your car, you can buy a keychain remote. That way, any time you leave your car to go shopping or whatever, you’ll have your garage remote with you.

The emergency release, a dangling pull-cord that often has a red handle, allows you to disengage the motor from the garage door, essential if you ever lose power and need to lift your garage door by hand. Newer garage door openers often place the release at such an angle that it’s nearly impossible for a burglar to pull it using a wire hook. However,

•

•

Is your garage part of your home security system? Newer security systems have great connectivity features that you can even control with your smartphone! You can integrate your security system into your garage door lift mechanism, giving you incredible control over how you activate your lift. With a simple tap on your phone, you can raise and close your garage door, very handy if you suddenly remember you left it open! You can also check on your garage door while you’re away on holidays.

Garage door security timers ensure that your garage door is always closed and secure. Door timers automatically close your garage door after an established length of time. That way, if you’re halfway to your holiday destination and can’t remember if you closed the garage door or not, you don’t have to worry about your home and garage being exposed.

working in your garage and closed when you are elsewhere.

Mount a motion detector light on the outside of your garage door. If anyone approaches your garage door, they will be bathed in light, making it hard for them to break in undetected. Also consider install motion detector lights inside your garage so that whenever someone enters your garage, the interior of the garage will be safer to move around in.

A simple and obvious precaution is to manually lock the manual garage door (usually a handle in the lower centre portion of the door) before you leave on holidays. While this will be annoying when you return, activating this security feature will give you peace of mind when you’re going away for a long period of time.

Cruzin Garage Doors wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. We’ll still be here for all your garage door needs.

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

Chantal Djuric GARAGE DOORS 427 894 603 www.cruzingaragedoors.com.au

If you have exterior windows in your garage, consider adding blinds.

These can be opened when you’re DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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How to Survive Christmas With a New Baby LACTATION CONSULTANT

By Dr. Joanna Strybosch

Anticipating your baby’s first Christmas is really special and everyone loves it when there’s a new baby in the family at Christmas time. However, as is often the case in situations that are emotioncharged, there can be a reality gap... where the expectation and the reality don’t meet. In order to set yourself up for a more realistic and happy Christmas Day, consider the following tips:

1. Work out where your baby is going to sleep on Christmas Day. If you’re planning to spend time in someone else’s home on Christmas day, it will pay dividends to have a good preemptive think about where your baby will take their naps. Whilst there may be a house full of willing relatives prepared to nurse, rock and cuddle your baby non-stop, this will only work for so long.

Eventually your bubba will become overstimulated and exhausted from all that handling and at some point you will have to extract your baby from grandmas arms and find a suitable sleeping place.

Ideally you’ll need the use of a quiet room, away from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities, with either a bed for you to both lay down on, or a cot of some description (porta-cots can be great option and tend to work better than a pram in scenarios like this.)

And just remember that an over-tired baby is even more difficult to get to sleep, so don’t be tempted to give in to requests to keep the baby up past her nap time. Unless the same well-meaning relatives are willing to settle your baby to sleep when she’s a crying, exhausted mess! Be firm and leave the room before your baby is over-tired, which is likely to be sooner than you think with all the extra stimulation going on around them.

2. Better still, have Christmas at your house In the end, it may just be the very best decision to have everyone come to your house this Christmas. After all you’re the one with the new baby. The benefit is that your baby can nap in their normal sleeping environment and you don’t have to lug all of that extra gear with you and set it up in someone else’s house, when all you really want to do is relax

and enjoy the gathering. That doesn’t mean that you do all the cooking either! Make sure to delegate when it comes to who’s bringing what food and accept all offers of help. Especially help with washing dishes and cleaning up afterwards.

3. Have realistic expectations Chances are your baby’s first Christmas may not go exactly as you hope it will.

Your own stress levels will probably be running higher, you may be extra tired, your baby may not have slept the night before, and you may have a long car trip before you get there. And if your baby was born during Covid they are probably about to see more people in one day than they have done on any other single day in their life. Expect them to find it overwhelming and expect to find it tiring yourself. Then, if things don’t go quite to plan, you can be kind to yourself and willingly let go of the expectations that you may have had for the day.

Parenting is not picture-perfect. It’s hard work and it’s messy at times and that’s okay. Next Christmas your baby won’t be a baby anymore!

4. Enjoy yourself but go easy on the alcohol and plum pudding If you’re breastfeeding, just be mindful that what you consume, your baby does too. A lot of rich food or unaccustomed food can lead to fussiness later on. Better

to not indulge in too much that varies greatly from your usual food choices.

And if you are planning to consume alcohol, you need to do so carefully around the timing of your feeds. It takes approximately 2 hours for a standard drink to leave your bloodstream and your breastmilk. That means you should not breastfeed your baby within two hours of consuming alcohol. The best time to have an alcoholic drink is just after feeding your baby so that you have as much time as possible for your body to break down the alcohol before your baby needs to feed again. It’s a really good idea to consider expressing a feed and taking it with you so that you don’t get caught out. Any milk you express whilst you have alcohol in your bloodstream is not safe for your baby and will need to be thrown away.

If in the end everything goes to pieces and you end up with an over-tired baby who hasn’t slept or fed well all day, just remember you can start again tomorrow. Be grateful for the time you’ve had with your loved ones and for the gift of your new baby and take some photos to remind yourself of your baby’s first Christmas. You’ll be glad for the memories in years to come.

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

Lactation Consultant www.childrensosteopathiccentre.com 9876 3011

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Vaccine Boost Sparks Hopes of Normal Life

By Matt Coughlan

(Australian Associated Press)

Australia is eyeing a path to normal life after the latest positive coronavirus vaccine trials boosted hopes of ending the world’s pandemic nightmare.

AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s candidate reported a 90 per cent effectiveness rate in late-stage trials and will seek Australian regulatory approval in coming weeks.

The federal government has a deal for 33.8 million units of the vaccine, one of four with Australian agreements.

“We have a pathway to not just a COVIDsafe Australia but a fully safe Australia – a return to normal,” Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

Mr Hunt said health workers and elderly people would be the first to receive the free vaccine, with the wider population set for the jab before the end of 2021.

“The news from overseas means we are on track for first vaccines from March,” he said. AstraZeneca’s vaccine is considered easier to transport because

it requires normal refrigeration rather than ultra-cold temperatures. Pfizer’s candidate, which Australia also has a deal to source, has also reported 90 per cent effectiveness but requires temperatures below minus 70C. Mr Hunt said the mix of vaccines meant the nation was closer than ever to finding a solution.

“We have enough to vaccinate the Australian population three times over,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all of Australia’s contracted vaccines were on the road to being safe, successful and effective.

“It’s my sincere hope that we’re another step closer to really beating this pandemic,” he said in a social media video. Labor’s health spokesman Chris Bowen criticised the government for not sealing more vaccine deals.

“World’s best practice is to have five or six contracts in place with various vaccine providers,” he told reporters in Melbourne.

“It’s important that we spread our risk as a nation.” Australia is also edging closer to having open state borders at

Christmas, with Queensland committing to drop travel restrictions as infection rates remain low.

Victoria now has no active coronavirus cases and on Tuesday extended its streak to 25 days without a new infection after crushing a deadly outbreak.

NSW has gone 17 days without a locally acquired case, while South Australia appears to be on top of a cluster that spread to 27 people. Queensland will open its NSW border on December 1, when the travel restrictions for Victoria will also be dropped provided there are no new infections.

A Queensland decision on SA has been delayed as health authorities keep a close eye on case numbers.

WA remains defiant with Premier Mark McGowan unapologetic for his hard border stance that continues to shut the state off from large parts of the country.

About 150 Australians will land in Canberra on Thursday to start two weeks of hotel quarantine amid sustained high demand to return home.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Prepare for Christmas In Your Business BOOKKEEPER

By Neha Nayyar

Christmas is a joyous and festive time of year, however, when it comes to money we can all feel the pinch. As business owners coming out of a global pandemic there can be even greater issues around money and cashflow. So with only a few weeks to Christmas here are my top tips to get your business prepared for the holiday season and ahead. Whether you are taking a holiday or continue to remain open, we’ve got you covered:

1. Get set Budgets and planning for 2021 With Pandemic a lot of businesses have changed direction. With changed direction you might want to set new budgets for the business. Set new goals.

Plan ahead if the third wave comes, what’s your plan of action for business.

2. Holiday or no holiday - Dilemma!!

Many businesses find that this is the best time of year to take holidays as it often aligns with their clients holidays. We know the challenges of taking a holiday when you run a business but this might be the only opportunity you have all year and it may be the most cost effective time to take a break. Afterall, we all deserve a little holiday after several months of lockdown.

Skipping a holiday this year? You’re not alone. Many businesses are opting to work straight through the holiday season and/or shorten their regular shutdown period to recuperate some of the loss in income due to the pandemic.

3. Pre-orders and package up service If you sell a physical product you could reduce your chances of being left with excess stock by asking customers to pre-

order now for Christmas. This will also help give you some guaranteed income over this period. If you offer services, talk to your customers now about what their needs might be over the Christmas period or plans 2021.

4. Have a pre-Christmas clean up Use this time to clean up and prepare for next year. Decluttering can be a great way to reduce stress and leave you feeling more prepared for the new year. A clean up can look like cleaning up your databases, archiving old clients, filing documents, reviewing processes, reviewing anything that leaves you feeling unorganised and reduces efficiency. It’s also a great time to start planning for the new year and set some goals that you want to achieve.

you require any assistance automating your Accounting and Bookkeeping systems in the new year, please feel free to contact us at info@sumsubstance.com. au or (03) 9424 9447.

5. Personal connection can be a great gift Christmas will look a little different this year as many business owners won’t have the expendable cash to spend on client gifts or celebrations. There’s no denying that gifting can be a great way to build client relationships and brand development, however it’s important to remember that memorable isn’t always expensive.

Something as simple as sending an e-card or making a personal phone call to check in can leave a lasting impression on your clients.

This year has challenged us emotionally, mentally and financially and it’s important to take some time over the holiday season to reflect, relax and have fun. If

Neha Nayyar Bookkeeper | Sum and Substance 0401 409 573 info@sumsubstance.com.au

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Did you know illuminated signs are one of the most popular advertising solutions?

Lightbox Signs are a uniquely effective way to brand and draw attention to your business. Get seen from high traffic areas by using a lightbox for exterior fascia or pylons. Inside they can highlight your brand above counters, in reception areas and shopfronts, giving your brand a sleek, professional look. We generally fabricate our lightboxes out of acrylic or aluminium. The faces of our lightboxes are digitally printed on opal acrylic or flex face front. They may be either single-sided or double-sided. We also offer different lighting options for your lightbox.

SIGNAGES

By Glenn Martin

Illuminated signs work day and night to draw attention and double your visibility, driving your marketing message 24/7 and delivering maximum impact. If your business is competing for attention in a busy area, bright signage will help you get noticed. LED technology has advanced the ways in which your signs can be lit – from 3D fabricated letters, backlit logos and under awning lightboxes, we will help you craft the perfect sign.

Why LED Signs? LED signs are fast becoming the most common answer for attractive and cost-effective signage. LED (light emitting diode) is a small electronic semiconductor that converts electric energy into visible light. Due to their low power consumption and durability, LEDs have become a popular illuminated signage option, delivering long-term cost savings. The efficiency of LED reduces the need for ongoing maintenance and labour – some LED signs running ten hours a day can produce bright and stable light for more than ten years!

We use a wide variety of materials including: *Acrylic – Also known as perspex, acrylic comes in many thicknesses and colours, including clear acrylic. It can be used in a range of applications, both internally and externally. Great for lightbox faces (opal), 3D lettering, channel and fabricated lettering to get different light diffusion effects. *Aluminium – Aluminium can be powder coated with a high quality, baked-on high-gloss enamel for a premium finish. Sheets vary in thickness.

Ideal for small to medium size indoor and outdoor signage.

At Signarama, we offer manufacturing, design and installation to suit all your LED signage needs. Reach out today to book a free consultation from one of our signage experts, and ensure you get current promotions by following us on Instagram @Signarama_Mitcham.

Glenn Martin

LEDs contain no lead, mercury, or glass, allowing for easier disposal. For any business looking to obtain a “greener” image, LEDs are an environmentally friendly alternative to other forms of lighting. At Signarama, we offer manufacturing, design and installation to suit all your LED signage needs.

Managing Director | Signarama Signages 0411 835 668 mictham@signarama.com.au

*Composite Panels (ACP) – Aluminium composite panels are a relatively new sign making product. It is lightweight, yet strong, and will not warp, rot, or rust.

Its unique core does not swell, absorb water, or corrode from the inside. Great for custom-cut graphics for daytime and outdoor applications. *Flex Face – A PVC banner material, used for larger illuminated sign boxes where a continuous, join-free surface is required and acrylic sheeting is not a suitable option. Best for wind resistance. The impact on the environment is also reduced.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Overseas Travel ‘Not Impossible’ in 2021

By Colin Brinsden (Australian Associated Press)

Senior federal cabinet minister Simon Birmingham says it’s not impossible that international travel could be back on the cards next year, but to do it in the first half of 2021 would be challenging.

Such travel will depend on the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines.

“Then of course the manufacturing rollout, distribution, uptake, all the other factors that come into how it is that a vaccine could change the way we look at things around this pandemic,” Senator Birmingham told Sky News’ Sunday Agenda program.

“It’s not impossible … I think the first half may be challenging.”

Aside from the various vaccines Australia is involved with, a new nasal spray with the potential to fight COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections will be tested in the hopes of manufacturing it domestically.

The federal government said that along with a private partner it would provide $11.7 million to fund the testing, as part of the Biomedical Translation Fund.

“This investment will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation that saves lives and improves lives,” Health MInister Greg Hunt said in a statement.

Meanwhile, South Australia emerged from its hard lockdown on Sunday, earlier than envisaged after a pizza shop worker on a temporary work visa was found to have lied about how he contacted the virus.

Of the pizza worker, federal Labor frontbencher Brendan O’Connor said people shouldn’t lie, noting there had been similar problems in his own state of Victoria which made it harder for health teams to deal with.

will come to an end for Melbourne along with a further easing of other restrictions.

Even so, SA Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said she had no regrets about ordering the the lockdown after modelling showed her state had a 99 per cent chance of enduring a “significant wave”.

But he also said actions by the federal government that leave people without support do have consequences.

“However you need to carry the mask with you because you will have to wear the mask outside if you can’t socially distance.”

SA recorded just one new case on Sunday, a woman in her 20s who is quarantined in a hotel after travelling overseas.

Among its list of easing restriction, South Australians can now attend pubs and restaurants in groups of 10, hold private gatherings of up to 50 people and go to beauty salons and gyms.

“We did say there should be modest support for people on temporary visas,” Mr O’Connor told the ABC’s Insiders.

“You can’t give them nothing because they will end up being in a difficult situation as clearly is the case with respect to this particular individual.”

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that from midnight on Sunday compulsory face mask-wearing

“Masks will be required inside in all settings, they will not be required while outside,” Mr Andrews said.

At the same time, NSW’s three-month border checkpoint operation with Victoria will come to an end, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian championing her state as the only Australian territory “which welcomes everyone”.

“All Australians are welcomed in NSW, all New Zealanders are welcome to NSW without quarantine,” she told reporters from nearby the Albury checkpoint.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Aussies Due To Buy Less This Christmas

By Cindy Wocker (Australian Associated Press)

Shoppers are expected to buy less for their near and dear this Christmas and to search for sales and deals before parting with their money.

Surveys of shoppers across the country paint a picture of frugality this year but retailers are not so gloomy, saying the Christmas spend will be past $50 billion.

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has impacted sharply on earnings and spending, many people are, according to surveys, reluctant to buy presents if travel restrictions mean they won’t be seeing relatives.

The Australian Consumer and Retail Studies centre at Monash University Business school surveyed 1500 shoppers across Australia during October about their Christmas retail plans.

Compared to shopping habits of previous years, the 2020 Christmas spend is expected to be more conservative, polling showed.

Of those surveyed, 66 per cent said they would be looking for sales and special deals and 58 per cent said they expect to be conservative.

Compared to their usual Christmas shopping habits almost one-quarter said they intend to spend less than usual on their immediate family this year. Slightly less, 23 per cent, said it was the same for spending on other relatives and 24 per cent will spend less than usual on friends.

Kate Browne, a personal finance expert at Finder, said COVID-19 had forced many to reconsider their spending.

It expects retail sales for the Christmas period to surpass $50 billion, up from $49.9 billion last year.

“This year has been tough on many of us, with some Aussies needing to cut back on any and all discretionary spending.

And the association is forecasting that online sales in 2020 will be up 53 per cent from last year to $5.2 billion.

Chief researcher Stephanie Atto, said a growing number of people were starting their shopping earlier than usual this year due to anticipated longer delivery times and uncertainty over stock levels.

“You might not have the luxury to splurge on sales items for yourself but you should make the most of discounts to save on your Christmas shopping,” Ms Browne said.

Comparison site Finder surveyed 1011 people and found 46 per cent plan on doing their shopping during the sales including Black Friday and Boxing Day.

The survey found that 29 per cent planned to shop at Boxing Day sales and 26 per cent at Black Friday sales.

“With people unable to travel overseas, the continuation of government assistance measures and a thirst from shoppers to get out of the house following lockdown periods, we’re confident that consumer spending will be solid,” CEO Dominique Lamb says.

The Monash team have been doing shopper pulse surveys around Australia since September, looking at attitudes and behaviours towards Christmas retail in the context of COVID-19.

But another 54 per cent said they won’t be shopping during the sales – double the number who said they would not be shopping at sales, compared to last year.

But only 13 per cent plan to spend more than $500 at the sales.

The National Retail Association’s projections however are not so gloomy.

“Christmas online sales are set to break the $5 billion barrier for the first time.

The pandemic forced many retailers to expand their digital services and saw more shoppers embrace the convenience of online shopping.”

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Facebook to send bushfire Emergency Alerts (Australian Associated Press)

Australia’s bushfire response is set to be bolstered with social media giant Facebook to provide local emergency alerts.

Approved state fire authorities will be able to send urgent notifications to people who follow their Facebook pages using the Local Alerts tool.

The tool, which also allows posts to be marked as alerts so they stand out in a user’s news feed, will be extended to Australian fire services by the end of the year and to other eligible state and local government departments throughout 2021.

Most state fire services already have geographically-based SMS emergency alerts and ways of disseminating information through traditional media.

Resilience NSW commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, who led NSW’s response to the deadly bushfires that ravaged much of Australia last summer, said fire services were investing considerably in new communication systems.

“We were using social media and Facebook as an information-gathering tool,” Mr Fitzsimmons said in a statement on Tuesday.

“It all helped build our intelligence and ratify our understanding of where things were up to. We learnt extraordinarily through that period that the more we provided, the more people wanted to know, and the more people were happy to share.”

The Black Summer bushfires raged across 10 million hectares, took 33 lives

and destroyed 10,000 homes and other structures. More than 80,000 head of livestock were killed and millions of native plants and animals were lost.

Facebook’s local head of policy programs Alisha Elliott said Australians were increasingly turning to social media to find information.

“We’re thrilled to be the second country globally to expand Local Alerts and provide local fire authorities and emergency services with another avenue to relay vital information in affected areas,” she said.

“As we approach another tough summer, Facebook will continue to support communities and keep them connected.”

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Improving Signs for Jobs, Consumer Happy

By Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent (Australian Associated Press)

There are improving signs in the Australian employment market, particularly for Victoria as it comes out of its tough COVID-19 restrictions.

But that won’t stop the jobless rate rising just yet as more people rejoin the market seeking work.

Still, further positive news on the prospect of a coronavirus vaccine has seen consumer confidence jump to a ninemonth high, a potential bonus for retailers heading into Christmas.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows payroll jobs grew 0.5 per cent nationally over the fortnight to October 31 and by one per cent in Victoria.

RBC Capital Markets head of strategy Su-Lin Ong expects the more substantial relaxation of Victoria restrictions from early November will lend further support to the payrolls data in the coming months.

“In addition, the likely lift in business confidence recently … further fiscal and monetary stimulus plus encouraging vaccine news should also be supportive,” Ms Ong said.

Nationally, payroll jobs remain three per cent lower than mid-March, when the impact of the pandemic was first felt, and by six per cent in Victoria.

The payrolls series was introduced by the ABS to give a more frequent assessment of the labour market during the pandemic.

The full labour force report for October is released on Thursday. It is expected to show a 30,000 drop in the number of people employed and a rise in the unemployment rate to 7.1 per cent from 6.9 per cent in September.

The Reserve Bank’s cautious base case is that unemployment peaks at a little below eight per cent by the end of the year.

“It had become clearer that unemployment would remain high and inflation subdued for an extended period, and that further information in coming months was unlikely to change that assessment,” the minutes released on Tuesday say.

But Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe believes it is possible the Australian economy could perform better than the central bank is predicting if there is good news on the vaccine front.

“If we do get further good news on the health front, we could have a rapid rebound,” he said in a speech on Monday night.

Consumers seem to agree.

The weekly ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index has risen a further 3.4 per cent, building on a 3.2 per cent gain in the previous week, reaching its highest level since February.

The index has climbed for 11 weeks in a row.

“The news about the successful vaccine trial no doubt played a major role,” ANZ economist David Plank said.

“The strong result points to a potentially strong Christmas season ahead for retailers.”

Last week, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said it was having ongoing successes developing a vaccine, which has a 90 per cent effectiveness.

On Monday, rival Moderna said trials of its vaccine showed a 95 per cent efficacy.

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

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editor@findmaroondah.com.au DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

25

New Look

New Website

Your library has a whole new look. While we were closed we have designed a new logo, built a new website and installed a new library management system.

As with any large project there have been some teething issues and we are working to resolve them as fast as we can.

Restrictions Easing With restrictions easing, we are able to have many more people in the libraries. Social distancing requirements still apply, and everyone will be required to scan or log in for contact tracing.

Other changes include no limits to PC bookings and PC bookings from home have been enabled.

Click+Collect and Home Delivery Service are still availble.

The website always has the current information - please check Current Services for any changes.

More Information

From Monday 7 December Libraries are opening for more visitors at a time, depending on building capacity. Socail distancing requirements still apply.

Win a Book with Your Library Christmas Advent on Facebook Think you all know? all about your library? You can put your knowledge to the test and win a book with our Library Advent competition. Each weekday at 1pm we will ask a question about libraries live on Facebook. A book prize will be hidden in our advent calendar. The first correct answer will win the book of the day.

Visit Our Facebook

Library Hours The libraries will be closing at 1pm on Thursday 24 December (Christmas Eve.) All libraries except Realm will be closing at 1pm on Thursday 31 December (New Years Eve). All libraries are closed for the public holidays, except Realm which will be open on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 December from 10am5pm. The Box Hill Institute Lakeside Campus in Lylidale will be closed for road access from 1pm on 24 December until Tuesday 29 December.

Holiday Opening Hours

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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2020 TA Personal Income Tax Cuts Brought Forward Previously enacted individual income tax cuts and offset increases have been brought forward in the 2020/21 federal budget. These changes have passed both houses of parliament and awaits royal assent.

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

The ATO has released updated tax withholding schedules and have advised employers to update their

Consultation (6-Oct-2020)

payroll systems from no later than 16 November 2020. It is prudent for advisers to be in touch with payroll

Introduced (7-Oct-2020)

software providers to ensure the changes are reflected in software as soon as practicable. The tax cuts

Passed (9-Oct-2020)

include a change to the upper limit of the 19% and 32.5% personal income tax brackets, originally slated

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020)

for the 2022/23 income year. The low income tax offset is due to rise to $700, and the low and middle

Date of effect (1-July-2020)

income tax offset will remain for one final year.

Employers of Apprentices To Get COVID-19 Stimulus Package All eligible businesses who employ apprentices are eligible to receive a 50 per cent wage subsidy, up to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter per apprentice, capped at 100,000 places. This wage subsidy is a stimulus payment announced to combat an expected national economic downturn due to COVID-19.

These payments will be received via the Australian Apprentices Incentives Program. This program currently services employers by providing cash payments when apprentices meet certain targets. The program previously commenced for employers from 1 January 2020 and runs through to 31 March 2021. It has

Announcement (12-Mar-2020) Updated: 16-Oct-2020

since been extended to 30 September 2021. Originally, only small business employers were eligible to participate. As of July 2020, the government extended the measure to include medium-sized businesses from 1 July 2020. And as of October 2020 the measures were extended to all eligible businesses of any size.

Small Businees Entity Threshold to Increase The small business entity threshold will be increased from $10m to $50m for some small business concessions.

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

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

•

access to simplified trading stock rules

Consultation

•

access to PAYG instalments based on GDP-adjusted notional tax

Updated: (7-Oct-2020)

•

settle excise and excise-equivalent customs duties monthly, and

Passed (9-Oct-2020)

•

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

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020)

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

Date of effect

particularly complex affairs.

Also, the eligible entity can access the simplified accounting method determination for GST purposes from 1 July 2021.​

Temporary Full Expensing of Depreciating Assets The majority of businesses are eligible to claim an outright deduction for the cost and installation of new

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

assets. To qualify for full expensing, the asset must be first held and first used, or installed ready for use,

Consultation (6-Oct-2020)

between 7:30pm AEDT 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022. Unlike prior rules on instant asset write-offs, no limit

Updated: (7-Oct-2020)

applies to the cost of an asset under the full expensing rules. That is, an asset of any value may be fully

Passed (9-Oct-2020)

deducted in the appropriate income year. For a business to qualify for the outright deduction, the entity

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020)

must have an aggregated annual turnover of less than $5b.

Date of effect (6-Oct-2020)

Loss Carry-back Available for Companies For three income years, many corporate tax entities will be eligible to claim a refundable tax offset when

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

they incur a taxable loss. This optional offset is available only to business and is a recoupment of prior year

Consultation (6-Oct-2020)

income tax paid, but only available for recent income years. The loss carry-back is available to businesses

Updated: (7-Oct-2020)

with turnover under $5b. Any refundable tax offset is limited to prior year tax paid and the balance of the

Passed (9-Oct-2020)

franking account.

Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020) Date of effect (1-Jul-2021)

AX UPDATES R&D Tax Incentive to Change The research and development (R&D) tax incentive has been amended for income years commencing 1 July 2021. Under the new legislation, the incentive will be based on an uplift of the entity’s corporate tax rate in the particular income year. Further changes apply to companies that have an aggregated turnover of $20m or more. An “R&D intensity percentage” will apply, being the percentage of R&D notional deductions compared to total expenses. Company’s with a higher intensity percentage will have a higher rate of offset for some notional deductions. The offset will apply on an incremental basis. The maximum amount of R&D expenditure eligible for the increased tax offsets will be raised from $100m to $150m.

Announcement (6-Oct-2020) Consultation (6-Oct-2020) Updated: (7-Oct-2020) Passed (9-Oct-2020) Royal Assent (14-Oct-2020) Date of effect (1-Jul-2021)

Coronavirus Supplement Payment Extended Again to March 2021 The Federal Government is extending the payment period again for Coronavirus Supplement to 31 March 2021. It was previously extended to 31 December 2020. However, during the extension periods the level of payment is falling from the original $550 per fortnight. Up to 31 December 2020 is new supplement is $250 per fortnight and this will be lowered to $150 per fortnight to 31 March 2021. The full Coronavirus Supplement amount is payable to the individual, provided they qualify for an eligible income support

Announcement (23-Mar-2020) Updated: (12-Nov-2020)

payment. Other changes to the supplement will include the re-introduction of means testing and liquid assets waiting period. However, original COVID-19 adjustments, such as increased cut-off levels for partner income and reduced waiting times will still apply.

Granny Flat Arrangements Set for CGT Exemption A “targeted” capital gains tax exemption relating to granny flat arrangements has been proposed in the 2020 federal budget. The announcement intends to remove financial impediments to the creation of formal and legally enforceable granny flat arrangements. Often, it is informal arrangements which can inevitably

Announcement (6-Oct-2020)

lead to financial and elder abuse. Any proposed announcement must go through the legislative process.

Updated: (12-Nov-2020)

The proposed CGT exemption will have effect from 1 July in the following income year after Royal Assent.

JobMaker Hiring Credit JobMaker Hiring Credits will be available to eligible employers who hire new employees between 7 October 2020 and 7 October 2021. The credit is available for up to 12 months of employment and is capped at $10,400 per new employee. The new employee will be required to work at least 20 hours

Announcement (6-Oct-2020) Consultation (27-Nov-2020) Intoduced (7-Oct-2020)

a week and previously been receiving JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance (Other) or Parenting

Passed (11-Nov-2020)

Payment. They also need to be under 35 years of age and sign a relevant nomination form. The ATO is

Royal Assent (13-Nov-2020

facilitating the scheme, with quarterly claims commencing in February 2021.

Date of effect (7-Oct-2020)

NT COVID-19 Stimulus Package - JobMaker “Booster” Announced On 10 November 2020, the NT budget announced the JobMaker “Booster” wage subsidy for small businesses in the Northern Territory. This wage subsidy intends to run alongside the federal government subsidy, ensuring that employers will get $200 per week for any new hire during the scheme. This subsidy is on top of the other NT government stimulus packages announced and extended since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Payroll tax exemptions, deferrals and waivers are available for most businesses affected by the pandemic. For small and medium businesses in the Territory that can

Announcement (9-Apr-2020) Update (18-Nov-2020)

show that they have suffered substantial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, payroll tax will be waived for 13 months. Larger businesses will get a 12-month deferral. The Territory Government will also lower power, water and sewerage bills by 50 per cent for businesses until 1 July 2021.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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DECEMBER REALESTATE 2020

REALESTATE FIND AUSTRALIA’S #1 PLACE FOR PROPERTY

COMING SOON

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

31

The Impact on Property Due to Covid

By Sarah Zemirah

Pre COVID-19 the average price of a family home was priced from $700,000 to 1.4 Million in the local Maroondah council areas. Post Covid-19 the property market has not changed drastically at all.

David Moskovic, Sales Consultant for Jellis Craig Real Estate Ringwood said “before covid-19 and after lockdown prices have not changed much. Buyers hit the road running when restrictions were eased, people could attend auctions and inspections”.

Jellis Craig Ringwood saw a strong advertise from buyers with multiple offers been made on one property.

David continued to say buyers “have no hesitation and are shopping around looking for great value in a property”.

Sellers on the other hand have not had a smooth transition out of lockdown and post Covid-19. “There is not much property stock, sellers are hesitant to sell. This hesitation comes from what the market performance is due to the economic impact Covid-19 has had on the state of Victoria said David.

Graham and Vicki, Property sellers in Heathmont have recently sold their 5-bedroom home in Heathmont fresh out of stage four restrictions. Graham said, “We didn’t get our desired sale price at Auction and we believe the effects of Covid-19 and no international buyers allowed in the country to buy property has played in the sale price”.

Even though the property market seems steady now predictions are saying 2021 will change the property market due to mortgage repayments on hold. Banks cannot hold repayments long term and Job keeper finishing in March. David Moskovic from Jellis Craig said “next year we may see a dramatic lowering of prices on Property”.

Graham, Property Seller in Heathmont said “we chose to sell while the market was still buoyant before job keeper finishes in March 2021, After March I believe there might be properties that banks foreclose on and that will drive down prices even more”.

The Daniel Andrews Government has released a budget that may help buyers break into the Property Market pledging $500 million Going towards a Victorian Homebuyer Fund for people who cannot afford a 20 per cent deposit and $290 million to halve stamp duty for new homes worth up to $1 million. This can be a lifeline to young families wanting to break into the property market to either invest or owner occupy.

Despite the budget showing support for the property market buyers are encouraged to shop around and sellers are encouraged to understand where the market sits and research how well your property can do in this changing market.

FREE OPEN INSPECTIONS IN THE REAL ESTATE Email your Open Inspections to the Find Maroondah each week and we will update your Open Inspections in the online community paper for FREE Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

Warren Strybosch 1300 88 38 30

editor@findmaroondah.com.au

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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

NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

RAY WHITE CROYDON VICTORIA 142 Maroondah Highway Croydon VIC 3136

03 9722 9755 croydon@hoskins.com.au www.hoskins.com.au

$370 Per Week

$410 Per Week

Property ID: 1P11065

Property ID: 1P11094

3/147 Maroondah High Croydon 3136 2

1

1

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1/886 Doncaster Road Doncaster East VIC 3109 2

1

$510 Per Week

$400 Per Week

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Property ID: 1P11064

1 Lexi Place Kilsyth VIC 3137 3

3

3

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2

1

$460 Per Week

Property ID: 1P11063

Property ID: 1P11075

3/9 Browns Avenue Ringwood VIC 3134 2

1

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9/199 Hull Road Mooroolbark VIC 3138

$450 Per Week

2

2

1

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11 Tania Court Ringwood VIC 3134 3

2

2

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DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

RAY WHITE CROYDON VICTORIA 142 Maroondah Highway Croydon VIC 3136

03 9722 9755 croydon@hoskins.com.au www.hoskins.com.au

$580 Per Week

$410 Per Week

Property ID: 1P11081

Property ID: 1P11083

14 Jull Parade Ringwood North VIC 3134 4

2

2

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9A Hooper Road Wonga Park VIC 3115 3

1

1

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$460 Per Week

Property ID: 1P11095

25A Joroma Place Wonga Park VIC 3115 3

2

0

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Looking to market your Building Company in Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

Warren Strybosch 1300 88 38 30 editor@findmaroondah.com.au

NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

SURREAL PROPERTY GROUP 2/732 Mountain Highway Bayswater VIC 3153

03 9723 5288 croydon.vic@raywhite.com www.surrealpropertygroup.com.au

$550 Per Week

$370 Per Week

Available 01 / 02 / 21

Available 01 / 02 / 21

24/346 Bayswater Road Bayswater North VIC 3153

2

1

1

MORE DETAILS

$600 Per Week

2

2

MORE DETAILS

Available 16 / 01 / 21

26 Glengarry Avenue Burwood VIC 3125 2

0

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2/12 Farnham Road Bayswater VIC 3153 2

1

1

MORE DETAILS

$425 Per Week

$330 Per Week

Available 18 / 01 / 21

Available 02/01/21

6/113 Surrey Road Blackburn North VIC 3130 2

4

$395 Per Week

Available 18 / 12 / 20

4

25 Narr Maen Drive Croydon Hills 3136

1

1

MORE DETAILS

5A Blandford Crescent Bayswater North VIC 3153 3

2

1

MORE DETAILS

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

35

NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

SURREAL PROPERTY GROUP 2/732 Mountain Highway Bayswater VIC 3153

03 9723 5288 croydon.vic@raywhite.com www.surrealpropertygroup.com.au

$335 Per Week

$385 Per Week

Available 14 / 01 / 21

Available 20 / 01 / 21

323B/1-19 Colombo Street Mitcham VIC 3132 1

1

1

MORE DETAILS

3

1

0

MORE DETAILS

$485 Per Week

$430 Per Week

Available 03 / 02 / 21

Available 02 / 02 / 21

4/22 Maida Avenue Bayswater VIC 3153 3

2 Casuarina Avenue Boronia VIC 3155

1

2

MORE DETAILS

Looking to market your Building Company in Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

3/392 Dorset Road Croydon VIC 3136 3

2

2

MORE DETAILS

Warren Strybosch 1300 88 38 30 editor@findmaroondah.com.au

NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

RAY WHITE CROYDON VICTORIA 71 Main Street Croydon VIC 3136

9725 744 croydon.vic@raywhite.com www.raywhitecroydon.com.au

$300 Per Week

$380 Per Week

Property ID: CRY22526948

Property ID: CRY22681347

202/32-34 Lygon Street Brunswick East VIC 3057 1

1

1

MORE DETAILS

1

0

MORE DETAILS

Property ID: CRY22716254

Property ID: CRY22617415

3/14 Wenwood Street RINGWOOD EAST VIC 3135 1

1

MORE DETAILS

$430 Per Week

1/4 Humber Road Croydon North VIC 3136 3

1

4

MORE DETAILS

$480 Per Week

Property ID: CRY22544696

Property ID: CRY2253817

4 / 29 Haig Street Croydon VIC 3136 3

2

$420 Per Week

$420 Per Week

3

81/13-15 Hewish Road Croydon VIC 3136

1

2

MORE DETAILS

48 Bellara Drive Mooroolbark VIC 3138 3

2

2

MORE DETAILS

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

RAY WHITE CROYDON VICTORIA 71 Main Street Croydon VIC 3136

9725 744 croydon.vic@raywhite.com www.raywhitecroydon.com.au

$550 Per Week

$580 Per Week

Property ID: CRY22689234

Property ID: CRY22713713

13 Campaspe Drive Croydon Hills VIC 3136 4

2

2

MORE DETAILS

5 Morecroft Avenue Croydon VIC 3136 3

2

2

MORE DETAILS

FREE OPEN INSPECTIONS IN THE REAL ESTATE Email your Open Inspections to the Find Maroondah each week and we will update your Open Inspections in the online community paper for FREE Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

Looking to market your Building Company in Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

Warren Strybosch 1300 88 38 30 editor@findmaroondah.com.au

NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

STOCKDALE & LEGGO RINGWOOD 1/23 Ringwood St, Ringwood VIC 3134 P: 03 9879 6335 | F: 03 9879 8987 ringwood@stockdaleleggo.com.au www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/ringwood $ 460 Per Week

$580 Per Week

Available Now

Available Now

1/317 Blackburn Road BURWOOD EAST VIC 3134 3

2

1

MORE DETAILS

2 / 15 Viviani Crescent Heathmonth VIC 3135 3

2

2

MORE DETAILS

$ 375 Per Week

Available Now

1 / 21 Harrison Street Ringwood VIC 3134 2

1

1

MORE DETAILS

Looking to market your Building Company in Contact Warren for all of your advertising needs.

Warren Strybosch 1300 88 38 30 editor@findmaroondah.com.au

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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NEW RENTAL LISTING

DECEMBER 2020

STOCKDALE & LEGGO RINGWOOD 1/23 Ringwood St, Ringwood VIC 3134 P: 03 9879 6335 | F: 03 9879 8987 ringwood@stockdaleleggo.com.au www.stockdaleleggo.com.au/ringwood $ 650 Per Week

$ 320 Per Week

Available Now

Available Now

4 / 1-3 Arnott Street Croydon VIC 3168 3

2

2

MORE DETAILS

$ 560 Per Week

1

1

MORE DETAILS

Available Now

202 / 8-14 Camden Street Balaclava VIC 3183 1

1

MORE DETAILS

G06/8-14 Camden Street Balaclava VIC 3183 2

1

1

MORE DETAILS

$ 450 Per Week

$ 495 Per Week

Available Now

Available Now

201/93 Burwood Road HAWTHORN VIC 3122 2

1

$ 550 Per Week

Available Now

2

218/951 Dandenong Road MALVERN EAST VIC 3145

1

1

MORE DETAILS

7 Carver Street BURWOOD EAST VIC 3151 3

1

1

MORE DETAILS

OPENS INSPECTIONS Phone 1234 4567 84 Mitchell Street, Bendigo www.realestatewebsite.com.au

REAL ESTATE LOGO Need help with Real Estate? We are here for you.

RENT OFFERS LOCATION

RENT OFFERS $0.00

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LOCATION A Short Description

LOCATION A Short Description

LOCATION A Short Description

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Contact: Warren Strybosch Phone: 1300 88 38 30

COMING SOON ADDRESS

$000,000 - $000,000

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Agent: Real Estate Company Phone: Agent Name 1234 567 890

Agent: Real Estate Company Phone: Agent Name 1234 567 890

Open for inspection: By Appointment Domain ID: www.websitename.com.au

Open for inspection: By Appointment Domain ID: www.websitename.com.au

Lifestyle: Looking for a first home or quality investment? Consider this recent listing in Huntly from the sales team at Real Estate Company.

Lifestyle: A stately home with impeccable street appeal and streamlined interior. The property has been lovingly maintained by its present owner and is now available for those looking for an elegant, spacious home.

Features: The tiled front entry opens to the formal lounge with bay window and main suite incorporating walk-in robe and suite. Three more bedrooms and the main bathroom occupy a seperate wing. At the heart of the home is an impressive open plan kitchen with

Features: In popular Viwepoint estates, this home was establised just five years ago and comes with a comprehensive builder warranty. The floor plan offers four bedrooms plus ensuite and family bathroom.

Enjoy two living zones, a carpeted lounge as well as fully-tiled family space. Fitted robes, walk-in dressing

ceiling fans, climate control options, dishwasher and pantry storage are include. Undercover alfresco living, a double garage and secure Colorbond fences completed this 476-square-metre property in new residential area.

Location: Viewpoint by Integra offers rural living on the urban fringe for families wanting relaxation and convenience. Huntly has local shops and schools, it’s a five-minute drive from Village Epsom.

timber cabinetry and corner walk-in pantry. The dining area overlooks the rear yard while the family room includes a concealed study nook. Glass sliding door provide access to the paved alfresco area. Also outside is a lovely backyard with sorrounding hefges.

Location: A short walk to everything, such as Strath and Kennington Village Shopping Centre, cafe, medical pratice, Kennington Reservoir, schools, university and sporting facilities.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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PROPERTIES FOR SALE DECEMBER 2020

132345 Feature Address Place Here A Short Description for this Property.

Offered at $000,000

COMING SOON Feature Header

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REAL ESTATE AGENT

www.findmaroondah.com.au

We invite all Real Estate Agents to list their profiles here. First in, first page. Be known in your local community and help support all things Maroondah.

For listing enquiries call 1300 88 38 30 or email editor@findmaroondah.com.au

Agent Name: 1234 568 75896 emailaddress@gmail.com.au

COMING SOON

www.insertwebsite.com.au

Agent Name: 1234 568 75896 emailaddress@gmail.com.au

COMING SOON

www.insertwebsite.com.au

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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Maroondah C

REALESTATE

Lighting Up the Christmas Season with cheer!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Maroondah and Council is delighted to be spreading some joy that is sure to get you into the festive spirit.

Will your home or street be Maroondah’s brightest this Christmas?

Residents have until Friday 11 December to enter our inaugural ‘Light Up Maroondah’ Christmas lights competition to be in the running to win a $250 Eastland voucher.

Entry is free and winners will be announced on Friday 18 December.

We have already received some amazing photo entries, with prizes to be awarded for Best Lit House; Best Novelty House; People’s Choice and Best Street.

Thank you also to those who cast their vote for our People’s Choice award from photos displayed on our social media channels.

The photo with the most votes will win a $250 Eastland gift voucher.

The winner of the Best Street category will win a novelty street sign!

Mayor Cr Kylie Spears said the competition was a way to safely share the joy of Christmas.

“2020 has been a challenging year for many in our community and I am excited to see homes lit up with dazzling displays once again,” Cr Spears said.

“If you enjoy Christmas and putting up light displays or have been waiting for an excuse to go all out, this is the perfect opportunity,” she said.

Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for the announcement of winners!

To enter, please fill out our Christmas lights competition entry form and email it to events@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Council News DECEMBER 2020

Prize up to grabs: Spotting the Strengths of our young people

Lockdowns, school closures and physical distancing have all had a big impact on children and young people.

Yet, in the face of routines being upended, friendships at a distance, and dealing with the loss of milestone events like graduations, young people continue to show remarkable resilience and strength. In recognition of World Positive Education Day on 4 November, and as part of Victorian Youth Week, Council is giving the community an opportunity to ‘call out’ the strengths of a child or young person (aged up to 25 years) in Maroondah.

Grab a quick video on your phone or other digital device pointing out a character strength you have seen in a young person and you’ll be in the running to win that young person a $50 gift card.

Led by the Maroondah City Council Youth and Children’s Services team, the aim of the videos is to demonstrate how young people in Maroondah are using their strengths and resilience to ‘bounce’ forward from the pandemic and to share these as messages of hope with other young people.

It could be how a young person has responded to challenges during home-schooling; shown leadership, gratitude or humour in uncertain times; or displayed kindness, humility and hope in helping others.

Character strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave. Research tells us there are 24 character strengths that are common to all of us. The submitted clips will be used to create a series of short videos to be shared on Council’s social media throughout November.

The Positive Education Day theme for 2020 is ‘From Strength to Strength in Tough Times’ and focuses on character strengths - your own, and the strengths of those around you, which have helped us get through a difficult year and support one another.

How to upload your video To upload your video, visit the Spotting the Strengths of our Young People page on the Maroondah Youth website, which includes examples and step-by-step instructions to help get you going.

To learn more about the 24 Character Strengths and what each means, visit the VIA website.

For more information, phone 9294 5704 or 1300 88 22 33.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

45

Are you Not-For-Profit in Maroondah Area?

Advertise your events for FREE on the following pages.

Are you a NFP with an up-and-coming event? If so, email your event to editor@findmaroondah.com.au and we will place it in the paper for FREE.

Maroondah

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT

CACHE BEGIN YOUR FIRST ADVENTURE IN FIND MAROONDAH

1 2 3 4

SEEK

AND YOU WILL

CACHE

WATCH AND READ THE CLUES

Find a cache

share you exprience

Each month we will provide clues in the location of the Find Cache.

Once you found the Cache please notify us.

The winner will be published in the next Find Maroondah.

CACHE

ABOUT FIND CACHE Each month we will be hiding a Cache of items around the Maroondah area. Your job is to discover where the cache is hidden. The first person to find the container of items gets to keep it.

Each week we will place a clue on the Find Maroondah Facebook page to help you locate the cache of goodies. Make sure you Follow and Like the facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/findmaroondah/)

The Find Cache for November Has Not Been Found Yet Find Cache Items: This month you have the chance to find $50 in cash

1 2 3 We will provide more clues on the Facebook Page thoughout the coming month.

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

49

18 NOV --------31 DEC

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS Christmas is a time for giving back and our community partners are here to help you Vermont Lions Club The traditional and famous Lions Club Christmas cakes will be on sale again this year at Eastland but in a new location.

Location: Level one, Shop 1118 opposite Target Dates: Monday 30 November - Thursday 24 December Times: 9am - 6pm, 7 days As always, they have 1Kg (small) cakes, 1.5Kg (large) cakes, and puddings.

Every dollar raised form their cakes and all fundraiser goes back into the community and there are no deductions to cover administrative costs.

Vermont Lions Club are part of Lions District 201V5, which comprises about 65 clubs spread over a wide geographical area from south east of Melbourne to north eastern Victoria.

This District in turn is part of the Lions world-wide organisation with over 1.3 million members who are involved in helping those in the community less fortunate than themselves. We are dedicated to serving our local community by raising money and donating our time to carry out and support a wide range of community projects.

To find out more about Vermont Lions club visit https://vermont.vic.lions.org.au/

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@retirement.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.

PAGE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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.

1300 88 38 30

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.

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

INDEX

CANOPY FINANCIAL GROUP

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Architect ------------------------------ 54 • Find Accountant ----------------- 54 • Financial Planning ------------- 54 • Find Wealth ------------------------- 00 • Bookkeeping ---------------------- 55 • Editor|Copywriter --------------- 55 • General Insurance ------------- 55 • Signanges --------------------------- 56 • Marketing Consultant -------- 57 • Mortgage Brokering ---------- 57

Explore how we can help you achieve your Financial Goals SERVICES WE OFFER Business Advice

Centrelink

Aged Care

Financial Planning

Property

SMSF Advice and Administration

Tax Planning

Share Portfolio Management

Retirement

Finance and Debt Manangement

Investments Superannuation Risk Insurance

CONTACT US mari@canopyfg.com.au www.canopyfg.com.au

0415 658 611

KiR ARCHITECTURE Creating bespoke masterpieces that you’ll love

SERVICES WE OFFER ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES

SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. Feasibility Studies

• Feasibility Studies

• Construction Documentation

2. Design Only

• Concept Design

• Building Permit Submission

3. Design and Document

• Design Development • Contract Administration

4. Full service package (and more)

• Town Planning

• 3D Imagery

CONTACT US +61 426 188 744

PO Box 233 Eltham VIC 3095

contact@kirarchitecture.com

www.kirachitecture.com

KATHY ISMAIL ARCHITECT

PAGE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Make your writing ZING! CONTACT US

SERVICES • Book Editing • Indexing • Memoirs and Life Stories • Editing and Proofreading

susan@creativetext.com.au

• Business Content Services

0437 127 159 www.creativetext.com.au

Save Your Time & Grow Your Business CONTACT US

SERVICES WE OFFER:

Sum and Substance Bookkeeping,

• New and Micro Business Owners • Xero Training for Business Owners • Xero Health Check and Clean up • Virtual CFO • Training and Webinar • Small and Medium Size Business Owners • Setup, Training & Review • Phone and Email Support • Payroll • Bookkeeping

Training and VCFO services Neha Nayyar - Director 9/31 Dudbley St, Eltham VIC 3095 PO Box 759, Eltham VIC 3095 Office: (03) 9424 9447 Neha: 0401 409 573 Email: info@sumsubstance.com.au Website: www.sumsubstance.com.au

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

53

Signarama Mitcham Signarama Mitcham your one sign shop. Using the latest signages technology and highest quality products, Glenn and team at Signarama Mitcham produce eye catching, quality custom signs.

We can design, produce and install the perfect signs to advertise your product, or to inform your customer, while enchancing the image of your company.

If you can think it, we can make it.

PRODUCTS

SERVICES

• Plans & Permits

• Creative Services

• Sign Writing

• Installation Services

• National Projects

• Project Management

• Project Management

• Printing

• Fleet Graphics

• Resources

• Installations

• Finance Option

• Design • Brand Audits & Consultation • Manufacturing

We offer contact-free installation!

Call or email to discuss your needs. we can meet via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.

Importantly, we’ll work out how to keep your staff and our installers safe while on the job.

Get in touch today.

03 9874 0543

We are open and here to support your business.

Signarama Mitcham

SHL FINANCE CAN HELP WITH ALL YOUR FINANCE NEEDS OUR SERVICES

Get the Morthgage You Deserve

•

FIRST HOME BUYERS

•

INVESTMENT LOAN

•

COMMERCIAL LOANS

reece@shlfinance.com.au

•

STANDARD VARIABLE & FIXED RATE LOANS

•

HONEYMOON LOANS

0478 021 757

•

BRIDGING LOANS

•

INSURANCE

•

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

www.shlfinance.com.au 2/3 Ringwood Street, Ringwood VIC Australia 3136

PAGES

LOCAL TRADIES

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

INDEX

We are available for Emergency Repairs 24/7

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Garage Doors ---------------------- 58 • Builder ----------------------------------- 00 • Electrician ----------------------------- 00 • Painter ----------------------------------- 00 • Plasterer -------------------------------- 00 • Property Maintenance -------- 00

in Melbourne and Surrounding Areas

A Garage Door Specialist you can Trust Regardless of the type of garage door you own, we at Cruzin Garage Doors, have the skills and expertise to either repair or replace your current garage door. For new installations we are also the ones to call.

• • •

Roller garage doors Security garage doors Electric garage doors

• • •

Wooden garage doors Garage door locks Up and over garage doors

Trustworthy 24/7 Garage Door Installation We’re a team you can trust when it comes to installation your new garage doors. We work to the highest of safety and is realiably secure.

Not only that, but we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact us with you garage door emergencies at any time of the day or night.

CONTACT US 0427 894 603 sales@cruzingaragedoors.com.au www.cruzingaragedoors.com.au Hours of Operation • Mon to Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm • Sat to Sun: CLOSED

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

55

100% FREE, TWO-WEEK TRIAL FOR YOUR WORKPLACE

MACCHIATO

CAPPUCCINO

WE'R

E SO CONFIDENT YOU’LL LOVE IT, LATTE OUR OFFER IS UNBEATABLE!

▪

State-of-the-art Swiss technology

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Grinds fresh beans for each cup, no powders

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Automatically heats and froths fresh milk for each cup

FLAT WHITE

MORE THAN JUST ESPRESSO

DELIVERY & INSTALLATION

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW by calling

XPRESSO DELIGHT WARRANWOOD 0418 393 085

SHORT BLACK

LONG BLACK ....and many more!

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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PAGES

HOME & GARDEN

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

INDEX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Specialist Tree Services ------- 00 • Interior Design ---------------------- 00 • Mowing --------------------------------- 00 • Building Inspection -------------- 00 • Nursery ---------------------------------- 00 • Flooring --------------------------------- 00

TRADIES - FREE ADVERTISING Email your artwork to editor@findmaroondah.com.au If you wish us to create your ad, we will do this for a minimal cost.

Go to www.findmaroondah.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@findmaroondah.com.au *Available until your category is taken when a Tradie joins the Find Network Team.

PAGES

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.

INDEX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Lactation Consultant ----------- 61 • Hair Dresser --------------------------- 00 • Chiropractor ------------------------- 00 • Beauty Theraphy ------------------ 00 • Gym --------------------------------------- 00 • Massage Therapy ---------------- 00

The Children’s Osteopathic Centre is located within the grounds of the Melbourne Therapy Centre, a not-for-profit organisation. The Centre incorporates integrative doctors, nurses, naturopaths, masseurs, acupuncturist, maternal health nurse and a psychologist.

CONTACT US

Areas of Clinical Focus • Difficult Birth and Unsettled babies • Feeding and Tounge Tie • Baby and Child Muscoluskeleteal Check-Up • Head Preference to one side, Plagiocephaly and Torticollis • Tummy Time, Rolling and Crawling • Walking, Limping and Balancing • Sleep Challenges • Dental and Orofacial Myology • Breathing Retraining

Dr Joanna Strybosch Osteopath B.App.Sc(Clin.Sc)B.Osteo.Sc Grad Dip Paeds Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

03 9876 3011 info@childreansosteopathiccentre.com www.childrensosteopathiccentre.com

• Growing Pain • Migraines and Headaches • Poor Posture • Sport Injuries • Special Needs • Retained Primitive Reflexes • Pregnant and Prostnatal Women

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

59

SPORTS

We invite a representative from each sporting club to submit team selections, results and any interesting stories relating to your club/sport.

SPORTS

Do you have a Photos from a local sports event or even a great story you would like to share?

SEND US YOUR NEWS! For enquiries call 1300 88 38 30 or email editor@findmaroondah.com.au

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

61

MAROONDAH

Support your Local Not-For-Profit

Find Coffee

Find Dining

FundRaising

Buy 1 Get 1 Offers

Fine, Contemporary & Bistro

Support Your Local Community

Find Travel & Entertainment Fun for All Ages

Great Local Deals

Find Takeaway

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Offers Up to 50% Off

Fine, Contemporary & Bistro

FREE

Find Brekky, Brunch, Lunch Cafés & Bistro

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

01 January - 31 December 2020

Up to 50% of generated funds goes to Not-For Profit organisation.

FIND CARD LOCAL OFFERS

S

M A

E L P

PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS Registration of Find Cards Please go to www.findmaroondah.com.au/register Please refer to Page 86

LOCAL COUPONS OFFERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS BUSINESS NAME

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

FIND COFFEE COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

FIND BREKKY, BRUNCH & LUNCH Casalinga

001

63

The Burger Moore

005

73

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

FIND ENTERTAINMENT COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

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PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

FIND TAKEAWAY Casalinga Vulcan Pizza Sofia Croydon The Burger Moore Cafe

001 002

67 67

003 005

75 78

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

COMING SOON

CARD NO.

PAGE NO.

FIND TRAVEL

FIND DINING Casalinga

001

68

Sofia Croydon

003

68

The Quiet Vegan

003

68

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findmaroondah.com.au 1300 88 38 30

S S

M A

M A

E L P

E L P

BREKKY, BRUNCH & LUNCH DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF TASTE

The best memories are made when gathered around the table.

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findmaroondah.com.au 1300 88 38 30

NEW OFFERS COMING

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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COFFEE

TODAY’S GOOD MOOD IS SPONSORED BY COFFEE FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findmaroondah.com.au

1300 88 38 30

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Takeaway

Food brings people together on many different levels.

It’s the nourishment of the soul and body: It’s truly love.

FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findmaroondah.com.au

1300 88 38 30

DECEMBER 2020 | FIND MAROONDAH

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NEW OFFERS COMING

NEW OFFERS COMING

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NEW OFFERS COMING

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FIND ADVERTISING COUPONS editor@findmaroondah.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.

Customer Signature If you do not have the correct signature on the Find Cards and it does not match the signature on your license or another card with your photo on it, then the business has the right to not provide you with the discount. it is at the businesses discretion as to whether or not they allow the discount to apply if the Signature is incorrect.

PRESENT VALID FIND CARDS

VALID

Valid Find Cards have four folds and contain six different categories. Valid Find Cards will have the Find 2020 sticker placed in the circle and the “Find Ok” stamped on top of the sticker.

NOT VALID

Find Cards that DO NOT display the Find 2020 Sticker in the circle and DO NOT have the “Find Ok” stamp on the top of the sticker 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 2020 Find© Pty Ltd.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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