Find Maroondah - July 2025 by Find

MAROONDAH

By Joe Lam

COLUMNIST CONTRIBUTORS

COPYWRITER / ACRREDITED EDITOR

Are you our next Copywriter? ?

Are you our next Wedding Planner? ? ?

Are you our next Life Coach?

Are you our next Bookkeeper?

CLUB SPONSORS

joanna srtybosch erryn

JODIE

About the Find Maroondah

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Maroondah is a community paper that aims to support all things Maroondah. We want to provide a place where all Not-For-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-andcoming events in the Find Maroondah for Free.

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

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

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

To help support the paper, we invite local business owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.

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

The

and rolling out over the coming years. Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating. Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you. We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised. Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.

We value your support,

The Find Maroondah Team.

Maroondah

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES: Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 editor@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: editor@findmaroondah.com.au

WEBSITE: www.findmaroondah.com.au

OUR NEWSPAPER

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

ALL THINGS MAROONDAH

The City of Maroondah is a local 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

Introducing Find Group’s Newest Offerings: Find aged Care, Find Cards, Find Wellbeing

By Joe Lam

Find Aged Care

Like it or not, you or someone you know is going to need aged care advice. That is why we believe every adviser should be knowledgeable about aged care advice. There are three great reasons we incorporate aged care advice into your service offering.

1. The critical third phase: By breaking retirement into three distinct phases, (active, quiet, and frailty years) we help our clients understand and plan for their future.

2. Growing demand: There are now more than half a million Australians who are aged 85 and over and at age 65, a person’s chance of needing aged care during their lifetime is also high. Aged care is complicated, and great advice can make a big difference.

3. Meeting the Code of Ethics: The Code of Ethics, while initially causing stress, aims to strengthen the advice profession by prioritising clients. Given the high probability of clients experiencing frailty, aged care planning is crucial.

Ready to get the right aged care advice? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you get things right when it comes to your Aged Care needs.

Find Cards

Find Cards is a fundraising initiative set up by Warren Strybosch who wanted to help as many Charities, Not-For-Profits, Schools, Sporting Clubs and other organisations in his local community and other regions throughout Victoria.

ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

In today’s increasingly digital world, protecting sensitive financial information is more important than ever. For tax clients, this means moving away from outdated practices like emailing tax documents and embracing secure online portals designed to safeguard personal data.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made it clear: emailing tax documents is no longer considered a secure method of communication. Tax returns, identification documents, and financial statements sent via email are vulnerable to interception, phishing, and data breaches. As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, the risks to both clients and tax agents have grown significantly.

The revenue generated from the Find Cards will support the above organisations as well as provide the necessary funding to support the Find Foundation, a Not-ForProfit organisation that is setting up and operating community papers across Victoria.

The community papers provide a place where those above organisations can tell their story via the ‘NFP of the Month’, and enables those organisations to promote themselves for Free, let the community know what services they provide, and when they will be holding fundraising events in the future.

With the Find Cards, everyone wins. Become a Find Card Member today for less than a coffee($4.99) a month and help everyone win. Businesses gain more business through offers. Members save money and can access giveaways. NFPs, clubs, schools, and charities receive revenue. Local community papers provide information and benefit the community.

For more details go to www.findcards.com. au and check out how to register and become a member,

Find Wellbeing

Ensure Your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Plan Management Remains Compliant - Partner with Experts You can Trust.

With the changes that occurred in April 2025, the NDIS now requires Plan Management to be conducted by qualified and currently practicing accountants and/or bookkeepers. For those currently providing Plan Management services who are not practicing

accountants and/or bookkeepers, it is highly likely that after the business' next audit, which occurs annually, those Plan Management providers will be required to become practicing accountants/bookkeepers otherwise they will have their authorities by the NDIS to operate in this space revoked.

At Find Wellbeing, we’re already ahead of the changes. As qualified and practising accountants and bookkeepers - and with our founder, Warren Strybosch, an award-winning accountant and financial advisor - you can trust that your Plan Management is in expert hands. We’re also on track to becoming a registered NDIS Provider, ensuring full compliance now and into the future.

Book a time with Find Wellbeing today and secure your Plan Management with professionals who meet the NDIS’s new standards.

At Find Group, we’re committed to creating services that empower individuals, support communities, and provide peace of mind at every stage of life. Whether planning for aged care, supporting local causes through Find Cards, or ensuring NDIS compliance with Find Wellbeing, we're here to make a meaningful difference. Get in touch with us today to learn how our solutions can help you and your community thrive.

To combat these threats, more accounting and tax professionals are using secure client portals—encrypted online platforms that allow for the safe upload and download of sensitive files. These portals not only comply with the ATO’s expectations but also protect client data, offer audit trails, and streamline communication.

Adopting a secure portal is not just about compliance—it's about peace of mind. By using encrypted platforms for document exchange, both clients and professionals can focus on what matters most: accurate and timely tax outcomes, with confidence their data is protected. As the ATO continues to prioritise cybersecurity, secure document sharing is quickly becoming the new industry standard.

At Find Accountant, we encourage all clients to upload their documents via

our online secure portal so as to protect their data and personal information. In the coming financial year, we are trialling a new secure portal called Advisor Logic. Advisor Logic will not only enable our tax clients to upload and download documents securely, but it will enable clients to see their financial position in real time. As a business that provides both tax and financial planning services, we see this move to Advisor Logic as a necessary one. We believe it will add value to our accounting clients and be of benefit to our current financial planning clients who will be able to view their data online.

If you are looking for a proactive accounting firm that looks after both tax and financial planning clients, then book an appointment with the Find Group which consists of Find Accountant, Find Wealth, Find Retirement, and Find Aged Care.

How lucky are we to have 4 creeks running through Maroondah?

NATURE & CONSERVATION

By Liz Sanzaro

Mullum Mullum is a precious resource starting in Croydon, south of Birt’s Hill (the high spot above Richardsons Road). Runoff from this part of the Wicklow ridgeline collects behind the Yarra Valley School to begin the creek. Once a small stream is formed it then flows south downstream passing both bushland and parks through Ringwood and behind Eastland Shopping Centre, and eventually into the Yarra River in the City of Manningham.

The other 3 creeks are also of significance are Tarralla Creek (at the top of the map), Bungalook Creek and Dandenong

So, what are these species, and more importantly what do they look like? They are the Mistletoebird, the Blue-Banded bee, the Galaxias fish, the Glossy Grass skink, Sugar Gliders and the Superb Fairywren.

The Blue-Banded bee is a solitary bee so it does not live in a colony, but will happily live in its own chosen hole, like a bee hotel. It is a great pollinator.

Bungalook, in the middle between Tarralla and Dendenong Creeks, has its origins around Montrose where it runs off the ranges at the foothills travelling through Dr Ken Leversha Reserve, then following the low contours of Sheffield Road, across Liverpool Road into the Colchester retarding basin, where it goes underground at Canterbury Road and emerging across Dorset Road in land previously known as the Healesville freeway reserve.

Once on flattish land it then flows behind the industrial areas that front onto Canterbury Road, veers south going under Bayswater Road near Anaconda, before heading under Canterbury Road again at Greenhill Road. There it joins with Tarralla Creek and both then flow into Dandenong Creek.

Creek lines are areas of great significance to our Environment as a permanent water supply is of paramount importance to wildlife. Maroondah Council is working with a wide group of people from all these areas, some of whom are members of the Friends of Dandenong Creek – our local Environmental Scientist Dr Graeme Lorimer and Shea, also a member of Croydon Conservation Society.

This working party aims to protect, enhance and keep safe all of these three corridors with an added bonus of attempting to provide the exact conditions required for several species. We will know that the work and care has been successful when we begin to see these species appear.

iNaturalist is a worldwide group that anyone can add to their phone as an app and upload evidence of seeing these animals in a particular location which you have to identify with a pin on a map.

The Superb Fairywren is seen around Montrose, in gardens free of pesticides and where cats are not allowed to roam. We used to have them in Croydon, but now they are very patchy, probably due to cat and fox predation. This photo is courtesy of Jules Farquhar who is an iNaturalist contributor.

The Galaxias fish is about the length of your hand and should be a common fish in freshwater. It had been reintroduced into Dandenong Creek but chemicals washed down stormwater drains resulted in them dying.

In Australia, Galaxias are found in coastal streams in southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, eastern South Australia, and parts of southern Western Australia. Reintroducing them should therefore be viable but is heavily dependent on widespread education about water quality.

Sadly, some think streams are suitable for waste like petrochemicals, paint etc. For industry, there are some companies that will collect this waste, just like we have a residential collection offered by Maroondah Council. Never be tempted to wash anything out near stormwater drains.

Paint is best left with the lid off until set rock solid. This helps prevent spills during collection.

Last is the spotted marsh frog. A sculpture of this species is to be found in the park opposite the old Croydon Council facility offices in Civic Square. Opened in 2018 the sculptor, Ian Bracegirdie, has provided these three sculptures to create an awareness of the species as well as adding interest to the park.

Blue Banded Bee.

Photo by Nat from Montrose

NB.

Glossy grass skink, is a threatened species.

This photo is courtesy of Jules Farquhar who is an iNaturalist contributor

Courtesy ABC News. Dandenong Creek under thick foam from contamination further upstream.

AI Agents and the Future of Not-for-Profits: Disruption or Opportunity?

DIGITAL MEDIA

By Ethan Strybosch

I just watched The Diary of a CEO episode featuring Amjad Masad, Bret Weinstein, and Daniel Priestley, and one idea stopped me in my tracks:

AI agents, digital employees that think, search, decide, and act on their own.

They’re already being used to replace thousands of jobs in some of the world’s biggest companies. And you can build one in minutes.

It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by that.

But working in the not-for-profit space, my mind went somewhere else entirely:

What if this same technology, so disruptive to business, could actually unlock capacity for the organisations doing the most good?

Most NFPs don’t have 100 staff. Some don’t even have 10.

They’re underfunded, overworked, and still out here changing lives.

Imagine if they had access to smart, ethical AI agents that could:

· Write donor emails

· Analyse data

· Draft reports

· Schedule campaigns

· Handle admin

· Run operations 24/7

Not to replace staff, but to give them time back.

Time to connect. To build. To breathe.

At Good Cause, we haven’t rolled out AI agents for our clients (yet). But we’re watching closely. Testing the waters. Asking better questions.

How can we make this accessible to small teams?

How do we protect ethics and data?

And how do we use this power to lift people, not just profits?

Because the future isn’t waiting.

But we can shape how it shows up.

By Erryn Langley

As the calendar flips to July, a new financial year begins — and with it, a fresh opportunity to take stock, realign your goals, and build strong financial habits for the year ahead. Whether you're planning for retirement, growing your wealth, or simply trying to get better control of your cash flow, July is the ideal time to get organised.

Here are seven smart steps to set yourself up for a financially successful 2025–26.

1. Review the Year That Was

• Assess income, expenses, savings

• Did you meet your financial goals? What surprised you?

2. Reassess Your Financial Goals

• Update your short- and long-term goals

• Consider life changes (job, family, health, retirement plans)

3. Rebalance Your Portfolio

• Consider your preferred risk profile, do you need to rebalance your investments so that they are in line with your preferred asset allocation?

4. Plan Your Super Contributions Early

• Do you wish to set up monthly contributions (such as a salary sacrifice) to spread out cash flow?

• Consider carry-forward and bring-forward rules – if you are not sure what these are do you need to seek professional financial advice?

5. Budget Refresh and Spending Audit

• Review your monthly cash flow

• Identify your planned budget, do you need to review your spending in any areas?

• Consider reviewing providers for things like car insurance, home insurance and health insurance. Could you save money by taking time to go through this process?

6. Documentation

• Would it help you to start the year off by keeping better records this year?

• Ensure you're keeping accurate records from the beginning of the financial year. Digital tools or apps can make this easy and efficient.

7. Estate Planning and Insurance Check

• Do you need to review beneficiaries, wills, powers of attorney?

• Check personal insurance cover (which may include Total and Permanent Disablement, Life cover, income protection and trauma cover), are these still appropriate for your circumstances?

The start of a new financial year is more than a date on the calendar — it’s an opportunity to take control of your finances and build momentum toward achieving goals.

Erryn Langley

Director and Financial Adviser - GradDipFinPlan Authorised Representative No 1269525

T:1300 557 144 Email: erryn@cherrywealth.com.au

Website: www.cherrywealth.com.au

Office Address: Suite 4 / 4 - 6 Croydon Road, Croydon 3136

Postal Address: PO Box 657, Croydon VIC 3136

Financial Planning is offered via Cherry Wealth Pty Ltd Ltd ABN 14 653 375 458

Cherry Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 1314769) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221). Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance. com.au/

Erryn Langley is Authorised representative (No. 1269525) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

This information has been provided as general advice.We may not have considered your financial circumstances, need or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice.You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek assistance from an authorised financial adviser before making any decisions regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material. It is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws as at the publication dates. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up to date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

Financial Planner

UNDERSTANDING CASH FLOW IN BOOKKEEPING: WHY IT MATTERS AND HOW TO MANAGE IT

BOOKKEEPING

By Jodie Moore

When it comes to running a successful business, profit often takes the spotlight. However, there’s another equally—if not more—important financial metric that can make or break a company: cash flow. While profit is a measure of success, cash flow is the lifeblood of day-to-day operations. Understanding cash flow and how to manage it effectively is a key skill in bookkeeping and financial management.

What Is Cash Flow?

Cash flow refers to the movement of money in and out of a business over a given period. It includes all sources of income (cash inflow) and all payments or expenses (cash outflow). The goal is to maintain a positive cash flow meaning more money is coming in than going out.

There are three main types of cash flow:

1. Operating Cash Flow – Money generated from a company’s core business activities, such as sales of goods or services.

2. Investing Cash Flow – Cash related to the buying or selling of long-term assets, like equipment or property.

3. Financing Cash Flow – Cash received from or paid to investors and creditors, such as loan repayments, dividends, or capital injections.

Why Is Cash Flow Important?

Even a profitable business can fail if it doesn’t manage cash properly. For example, you might have strong sales and show a net profit on paper, but if customers are slow to pay invoices, you might not have enough cash on hand to pay your bills or employees. This is where cash flow becomes critical.

Positive cash flow allows you to:

• Pay suppliers, rent, and wages on time

• Reinvest in your business

• Weather financial setbacks

• Plan for growth

On the other hand, negative cash flow— when expenses exceed income—can quickly lead to debt or insolvency if not addressed.

The Role of Bookkeeping in Cash Flow Management

Bookkeeping is the foundation of good cash flow management. Accurate, up-todate records help you understand where your money is going, where it’s coming from, and how much cash is available at any time.

A bookkeeper tracks every financial transaction and classifies it correctly— ensuring that inflows and outflows are recorded in real time. This detailed recordkeeping makes it possible to:

• Generate cash flow statements, which summarise cash movements over a period

• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable

• Forecast future cash needs

• Identify trends and potential shortfalls

Bookkeepers also play a key role in reconciling bank statements and ensuring that your recorded cash balance matches what’s actually in the bank.

Tips for Improving Cash Flow

1. Invoice Promptly and Clearly: Delays in billing mean delays in payment. Send invoices as soon as a job is completed and make sure payment terms are clear.

2. Follow Up on Late Payments: Don’t be afraid to chase overdue invoices. Consider offering discounts for early payment or charging late fees.

3. Monitor Expenses: Regularly review your spending. Look for areas to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

4. Plan for Seasonality: If your business is seasonal, plan ahead by saving surplus cash during peak months.

5. Build a Cash Reserve: A buffer of a few months’ operating expenses can provide security during lean periods.

Conclusion

Cashflowismorethanjustabookkeeping buzzword—it’s a vital component of financial health. Bookkeepers provide the structure and accuracy necessary to track, analyse, and improve cash flow. By keeping a close eye on where money is coming from and going to, businesses can make smarter decisions, avoid cash shortages, and create a more stable financial future.

In short, managing cash flow well doesn’t just keep the lights on—it keeps your business moving forward.

Chinese population studies show that just 1 cup/day of green tea or Oolong tea significantly reduces the risk of developing hypertension. It has been found to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and

Aerobic exercise improves atrial stiffness in hypertension and also improves other risks for cardiovascular disease. It is recommended that in order to reduce blood pressure, a combination of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise as well as strength training should be incorporated into your routine. If you need further support to reduce your blood pressure, there are many other natural products that can help.

Maroondah Council News

Savvy tricks to make your food go the distance

Discover practical tips and tricks to reduce food waste, minimize soft plastics, and extend the shelf life of your food. Join Maroondah Council's Waste Educator for an engaging session on storing herbs, utilizing your freezer, and making smart choices at the supermarket. Plus, participants will have the opportunity to take home their own salt seasonings, adding a fl avourful touch to their meals.

Event details

• Date: Thursday 31 July 2025

• Time: 2pm to 3pm

• Venue: Croydon Library

• Presenter: Maroondah City Council

• Cost: Free

• Registrations are essential

Discover

Gina Hogan - Women of the 60s

This high class show will take you back in time to the fabulous music of the 60’s, featuring songs by artists such as

The show features the amazingly versatile talents of Gina Hogan who has a string of music theatre credits to her name, including Cats, Mamma Mia! and Beauty and the Beast to name but a few. So come along and enjoy being taken back in time as Gina, backed by her slick 4-piece band, captures the essence of this exciting era, one of the most memorable decades of our time.

WHEN:

Tues 29 July, 10.30am

$25 | Ticket

For further assistance contact our team on 9870 2888 or email our box office at karralyka@maroondah.vic.gov.au

More Information

Every Morning Music show ticket includes tea, coffee and delicious treats one hour prior to show time at 9.30am. All shows start at 10.30am. Performance Duration 1hr 15mins (no intervals)

Tagged as: Morning Music

Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, The Supremes, Petula Clarke, Lulu and more.

Maroondah Council News

Reducing Single- Use Plastics in the Bathroom Webinars

Get green and clean as Mademoiselle Organics joins us once again this Plastic Free July!

Join Lily, founder of Mademoiselle Organic and One + Nature, for this engaging webinar designed to help you live more sustainably—starting in your bathroom!

You'll learn how to:

• make your own natural scrubs and deodorants

• use simple ingredients to replace everyday products

• reduce packaging waste and hidden plastics

• choose minimalist and eco-friendly skincare solutions. Whether you're just starting your low-waste journey or looking for new DIY recipes, this session will empower you with practical skills, environmental tips, and product alternatives that are better for you and the planet all whilst being in the comfort of your home!

Event details

• Date: Wednesday 23 July 2025

• Time: 7.30pm to 8.30pm

• Venue: Online Webinar

• Presenter: Mademoiselle Organics

• Cost: Free

Discover more

Urban Nanna: practical ways to save money and the earth

Discover more

Local permaculture legend the Urban Nanna is here to share tips from her new book, Everyday Permaculture.

They'll be sharing practical and simple ways to incorporate sustainable living into your life. Whether you live in a small place or large, are renting or in your forever home, Anna Matilda will empower you to help the environment and your bank account at the same time. Learn about saving money and resources, through organic waste management, gardening, foraging, and even 'scraptastic' cooking.

Come along to fi nd out how Permaculture can help you live a great life, for less.

After the discussion, there will be a short Q&A session.

Event details

• Date: Thursday 31 July 2025

• Time: 6pm to 7.30pm

• Venue: Realm Library Ringwood

• Presenter: Urban Nanna

• Cost: Free

• Bookings are essential

NOT-FOR-PROFIT of

On a chilly Saturday afternoon in Hobart this past May, something magical happened. Forty women stood shoulderto-shoulder on stage, dressed not in sequins, but as everyday Melbournians, channelling the very essence of Melbourne’s café scene. With rich chords and a cheeky sense of humour, they brought the house down. When the audience cast their vote for the ‘Brava Award’ - the Sweet Adelines Australia Audience Choice award - Vocal Vibes Chorus walked away with the win.

Vocal Vibes, based in Ringwood, Victoria, is an a cappella choir made up of approximately 45 singers ranging in age from 18 to 80. The group is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month, and while their recent accolades shine brightly, it’s their ongoing commitment to connection, learning and harmony that keeps them thriving.

Each week, members come together from across the central and eastern suburbs of Melbourne, driven by a shared passion for music and community. While their rehearsals are filled with vocal technique and musical refinement, they’re also filled with laughter, encouragement, camaraderie, and the quiet joy of doing something challenging together.

Vocal Vibes sings in four-part harmony, in an a cappella vocal style known as barbershop that relies entirely on the human voice, with no instruments. The result is a rich, resonant sound made possible by four distinct voice parts. Unlike traditional choral music, in barbershop harmony the four parts are denoted tenor, lead, baritone and bass regardless of the gender of the ensemble. The melody is sung by the lead part, with the tenor harmonising above it, baritone weaving around it, and bass holding the foundational notes.

At its best, barbershop harmony produces a shimmering overtone ring - an additional ‘fifth voice’ that seems to float above the sound. It’s one of the most technically demanding, but also most rewarding forms of a cappella singing. Learning to tune to others, match vowels, and lock into perfect chords requires focused listening, commitment, and practice - but the results can be breathtaking.

For the members of Vocal Vibes, it’s about more than just the music. Singers often join for the challenge but stay for the community. Whether they’re nurses, students, engineers, or retirees, members are drawn together by the bond of shared goals and a passion for personal growth. Many describe the group as a second family - supportive, vibrant, and deeply welcoming.

Much of the chorus’s success can be attributed to Musical Director Henrietta Farr. A long-time member of Vocal Vibes, Henrietta stepped into the leadership role in 2019 after time as a singer, Section Leader, and Assistant Director. She received the Marian Reinsch Award for excellence in the Sweet Adelines International Director’s Certification Program in 2018 and brings a rare mix of musical precision, warmth and creativity to every rehearsal.

members learn from recordings rather than sheet music. The key ingredients are a willingness to learn, an ability to hold your part, and a love for making music in harmony.

Finding Harmony in Ringwood: Vocal Vibes Chorus Turns 15

with Song,

Community,

and a Splash of Coffee Culture

While Vocal Vibes welcomes all upper voiced singers, the group is particularly keen to hear from those with higher voices. There’s a strong place in barbershop harmony for every voice, especially those looking to explore a different and rewarding style of ensemble singing.

New singers are invited to attend up to three rehearsals free of charge. On the first night, there’s a short voice placement session to determine vocal range and assign a voice part. New visitors are then paired with a buddy for the evening and are welcome to watch, listen, or sing along as they feel comfortable.

After three visits, interested singers can begin preparing for their audition. Rather than performing solo in front of others, singers record themselves singing their part along with the full chorus and submit it for feedback from the director and section leader. The process is designed to be supportive and encouraging, with guidance provided every step of the way.

In a time when many people are searching for meaningful connection, creative outlets, and a space to learn and master new skills, Vocal Vibes offers all three. It’s not just about the performances or the applause - it’s about learning to listen closely, to blend your voice with others, and to build something beautiful together.

Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply someone who loves to sing in the car or the shower, there’s a place for you at Vocal Vibes. This year, as they celebrate 15 years of harmony, the group is more excited than ever to welcome new voices into the fold.

Interested in singing with Vocal Vibes?

Visit www.vocalvibes.org.au

or follow Vocal Vibes Chorus on Facebook and Instagram for updates, videos, and upcoming events. Your voice might be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

Open Night: Monday 28 July 2025, 7:15pm - 9:45pm

To register your interest, please email info@vocalvibes.org.au

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

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/vocalvibesacappella/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@VocalVibesChorus

WHAT IS A RAD?

AGED CARE

By Warren Strybosch

In aged care, both RAD and DAP are ways of paying for accommodation, but they differ in how the cost is structured:

RAD – Refundable Accommodation Deposit

• A RAD is a lump sum payment made to an aged care provider when someone enters residential aged care.

• It is fully refundable when the resident leaves or passes away, minus any agreed-upon deductions.

• Think of it like an interest-free loan to the aged care home, which helps them fund infrastructure and services.

DAP – Daily Accommodation Payment

• A DAP is a daily fee calculated from the RAD amount using a government-set interest rate called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR).

• Instead of paying the RAD upfront, the resident can pay the equivalent cost over time as a non-refundable daily charge.

• This suits residents who prefer to keep their assets invested or don’t have access to large cash reserves.

Combination Option

• Residents can also choose a part RAD, part DAP arrangement.

Significant changes to RADs are set to commence on 1 November 2025 under the new Aged Care Act. From this date, aged care providers will be permitted to retain 2% per annum of the RAD as a daily rate, capped at five years, totaling a maximum of 10% retention . Additionally, the maximum accommodation price that providers can charge without prior approval has increased from $550,000 to $750,000, effective from 1 January 2025, with annual indexation to follow .

These reforms aim to enhance the sustainability and fairness of the aged care system, ensuring that providers can continue to offer quality care while maintaining financial viability.

Warren Strybosch Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant

Part of the Find Group of Companies

Financial Planning, SMSF, Super, Insurance, Pre-Retirement & Retirement Planning (Financial Planning) are offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth, Find Insurance and Find Retirement. Find Wealth Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221). Part of the

Warren Strybosch

Authorised Representative (No. 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd. Centrepoint Alliance group (www.centrepointalliance.com.au/fsg/aw).

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice.You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-to-date information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

How much do I need and where does the money go?

RETIREMENT

By Warren Strybosch

The average amount retirees spend in retirement in Australia depends on their lifestyle and whether they are single or part of a couple. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a widely used benchmark:

As of 2024, ASFA estimates:

Comfortable Retirement (per year):

• Single: Around $51,000

• Couple: Around $72,000

Modest Retirement (per year):

• Single: Around $34,000

• Couple: Around $49,000

These figures assume retirees own their home outright and are relatively healthy. A comfortable lifestyle includes things like private health insurance, regular leisure activities, some travel, and eating out. A modest lifestyle covers basic living costs but with less room for discretionary spending.

Total Spending Over Retirement

Assuming a 25-year retirement:

• Comfortable couple: ~$1.8 million

• Modest single: ~$850,000

Of course, individual spending varies based on health, housing, and personal choices.

Retirees in Australia spend most of their money on the essentials, with some variation depending on their lifestyle and health needs. According to ABS data and ASFA research, the main spending categories for retirees are:

1. Housing and Utilities

• Even if the home is owned outright, costs like council rates, home maintenance, and utilities (electricity, gas, water) are significant.

• Renters face higher ongoing housing costs.

2. Food and Groceries

• This remains a consistent expense, though many retirees adjust spending by cooking at home more often.

3. Health Care

• Includes private health insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs, pharmaceuticals, and dental care.

• Health costs tend to increase with age.

4. Transport

• Includes car expenses, fuel, registration, and public transport

• Those in regional areas often rely more heavily on private vehicles.

5. Leisure and Travel

• Many retirees allocate funds for domestic or international travel, hobbies, and dining out, especially early in retirement.

6. Insurance

• Health, home, car, and in some cases life insurance are ongoing costs.

Spending patterns typically decrease as retirees age, particularly after 75, when travel and discretionary spending reduce and health costs often rise.

At Find Retirement, we help clients to answer the important question as to how much money they need in retirement and whether or not they will be able to afford all of their future gaols.

Ifyouareabouttoretire,considerspeakingtooneofAustralia’s top retirement specialists about your retirement needs.

Warren Strybosch Award winning Financial Adviser and Accountant

Part of the Find Group of Companies

Centrepoint Alliance group (www.centrepointalliance.com.au/fsg/aw).

Warren Strybosch

Authorised Representative (No. 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-todate information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

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Special Tax Return Offer

$99 Returns - PAYG Only

Here are the steps involved:

1. Email to info@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

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

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

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

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

1300 88 38 30

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We specialise in the following:

• Biz Pack Insurance

• Landlord Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance

• Professional Indemnity Insurance. General

DO NOT provide advice or quotes for the following (you need to go direct and save):

• Car Insurance

• Home & Contents

• Caravan

• eBikes We work with only the most reputable insurers to bring you a range of insurance options for you to choose from:

HELPING TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

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

• Income Protection (IP)

• Life Insurances or Death Cover

• Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Personal Insurances Include:

When your insurance are in place, our services do not stop there. We will provide you with an after care service that includes policy notifications, insurance report, help desk, reviews and help at claim time. We provide ourselves in providing honest advice that you can rely on.

warren@findinsurance.com.au

www.findinsurance.com.au

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Melbourne’s Best Kept Parenting Secret

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DR JOANNA STRYBOSCH

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy in Australia is a government registered, allied health profession. Osteopaths focus on improving the function of the neuro-musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, nerves and connective tissues) to optimise health and well-being.

Joanna is highly qualified and experienced in the osteopathic assessment and treatment of babies and infants.

She can assist with the following assessments:

• Gross motor development (milestones)

• Primitive reflexes

• Tongue function and it’s relation to sucking skills

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LACTATION CONSULTING

IBCLC lactation consultants are recognised around the world as the experts in lactation care. They provide evidencebased knowledge to assist mothers to establish and maintain breastfeeding. As professionals, they are charged with promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.

Joanna can help with a broad range of lactation consulting services, including:

• Teaching a new mum how to hold and position her baby to breastfeed

• Assess the suck, swallow and breathing of an infant

• Assess for tongue function and determine any evidence of restriction (tongue tie)

• Pre and post-frenectomy breastfeeding support

• Help increase or decrease milk supply

Buy 2 Sharetea x Smurfs Drinks to enter the draw!

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In-Kind Sponsorship with Find Maroondah Community Paper

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

For more information contact: Warren on 1300 88 38 30 or Email: editor@findmaroondah.com.au

Norwood Football Netball Club

Round 12 Teams

The women have a bye tomorrow so it will just be the men in action tomorrow. We'll be hosting our friends from up the road in Ringwood.

Senior changes:

Ins: J. Alleva, J. Holmes, J. Henry

Outs: O. Keleman, B. Linkin and K. West

Congratulations to Josh Holmes on making his debut. Should be a great day - get down and support Brett, Westy, Chris and the boys. #GoWoods

Congrats to premiership captain John Holmes on becoming a firefighter today. We can all feel a little safer now.

This week we take a look at Riley 'Rizz' McNicol's game against Mooroolbark. Rizz was fantastic across half back in one of his best games for the club. Finishing with 26 touches, 10 marks including 5 intercept and 142 fantasy points.

Fraser also had a great game with 26 disposals, 12 contested, 7 tackles, 11 inside 50s and 132 FP. Mitch had 22 with five tackles. Jacko Winter had 8 marks and four tackles.

Player Spotlight - Riley McNicol

We thank everyone who participated in our AGM last night and welcome on board the committee for 2025/26!

We thank all committee members from the previous season for their service to the Eastfield Cricket Club.

We look forward to a big season for Eastfield in 2025/26 and hope to see you all there again!

What's better than celebrating your Birthday? Celebrating it re committing to the Eastfield Cricket Club!

With great excitement we announce the resigning of Josh Holmes for the upcoming season. After cementing his place as the 1st XI opening bowler Josh continued his form in 2024/25 leading the bowling attack all season.

Josh also showed he is more than capable with the bat high scoring with 96 last season.

We cannot wait to see Josh continue to grow and develop at the nest!

Ringwood Bowls Club Inc.

Pre season training is almost upon us returning later this month.

A necessity to hit the ground running this season and give ourselves the best chance for success. Also a great opportunity for new players to come and have a look at cricket with new teams starting this year in seniors and women’s.

Get on down, bring your friends, bring your partners and let’s get the season started off right.

Simply upload your ad at www.findmaroondah.com.au/nfp-free-advertising or you can email the ad to the editor@findmaroondah.com.au and we will do the rest for you.