17 minute read
ICING ON THE CAKE WITH SUSIE DUNN 48. ICING ON THE CAKE
by Focus
McLean Care
Please introduce yourself and your business? For the past 20 years I have been working within the Health and Aged Care industries, and since 2013 I’ve had the privilege to spearhead a very innovative, proactive and passionate team of people that make up our not-for-profi t organisation, McLean Care. What are your greatest strengths in business? As Company Secretary, I have a deep understanding of fi duciary, strategic operating governance models and how they contribute to a thriving board and organisation. My leadership strengths as the CEO involve fostering innovation, relationship building, negotiation, challenging status quo and push ing boundaries in pursuit of innovation. Tell us about your involvement in the local
community. I work with Inverell chamber of Commerce and am the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Business Chamber Advisory to progress the interests of local community business. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Like most people, work commitments demand a lot of my time. I’m very invested in my family life and planning time away to see older parents, children and grandchildren all around NSW and QLD. I try my best to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but my best wind down time is hitting the open country roads with my husband motoring or riding where there is no connectivity!
Icing
ON
Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh
CAKE
“CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER”… Politically the world seems to be rocking and fragmenting in shark-infested waters - internationally and nationally. However, when seven ARC Councillors called for an Extraordinary Meeting requesting the Mayor, Simon Murray, stand down, it bewildered many. The timing seemed surprising - and who would want a “poisoned chalice” just now, with problems like drought/water/fi re emergencies and a chronic lack of rate money income?
This will all play out, and elections are in September. Importantly, electors want a Council united, listening to their concerns and focusing on the main game, rather than personal side issues. We want sensitive performance from all levels within the set governance rules. Looks like we’ll be negotiating a swim across Alice’s Pool of Local Government Tears for some time, as things aren’t happy. We seem to have sidelined our responsive, can-do bush abilities. [I looked to my Alice in Wonderland for appropriate words. She always has a comment. The fi rst copy I found was Alitji (Alice) in the Dreamtime in Pitjantjatjara! (It’s been published in 174 languages) so I visited Boobooks to pick up a pre-loved English copy for reference.]
With retail generally changing focus, CBD business happenings here are interesting. Boobooks and its relaxed “emporium” style for its secondhand sales is increasing its engagement with the Mall. At the same time, the thriving Readers’ Companion move into its own building in the Eastern Mall sets a strong note of confi dence. Its personalised style of retail bookstore business has proved their formula such a success. Both businesses deserve our congratulations for their warm service ethic, engagement with their customers and the way they complement each other. Concepts of Armidale has moved into the Richardson’s complex. Its personalised mini-department store approach again demonstrates knowledge of and engagement with its customers. Regional small business is integral to our communities.
The Signor Vertelli Bar soon opening in Marsh Street joins the Welders Dog and Charlies Last Stand as the sort of small businesses marking current trends. The new Great Hops Brewery and Bar is another adding to the craft beer wave. New generations generate new markets, offering service and buzzy atmosphere. Pop-ups defi nitely contribute. It’s to be hoped that landlords respond to the new business realities. It’s people with innovative ideas who’ll reinvigorate the Malls. Socialising, joining others in our public spaces is good for us - all the more important for us to plan attractive programmes at times people are free to meet and relax. Time for a new look at opening hours?
When it comes to it, Bernie Shakeshaft’s win with Backtrack as Australia’s 2020 Local Hero is a perfect demonstration of the power individuals can achieve against the odds. It’s people who make things happen and somehow shake out the bureaucratic tangles. Too many of us stand back, even perhaps bluffed by bullies. Individuals who believe in their projects generate energy and can convince others from a position of strength. Those people have the ability to take people with them. Congratulations, we’re proud of you, Bernie, and your whole team.
NERAM’S Director Rachael Parsons’ cuttingedge approach shakes things up and draws new audiences, as well as old. The re-opening of the café can’t come soon enough.
Andrew O’Connell, Creative Arts Director at TAS, is another who’s stepped up with his 2020 Arts in Armidale initiative, bringing together local arts organisations. What depth of talent there is here! The cultural richness in our community is extraordinary - we should take more advantage of it.
Margaret Sims writes columns in the Express I always fi nd interesting. A passionate defender of academe, she speaks out against the rising tide of bureaucratic management which can seem to dominate the process, rather than serving it. Isn’t education’s main game content delivered by teachers to students, facilitated by management but not overtaken by it? A bevy of management-speak “change adopters” and “academic concierges” now jostle for attention - I’m all for new jobs, but the KISS principle still applies.
Was interested to attend the InAg. tech cluster launch at Tatts - same night as SteamDreaming’s Aboriginal Astronomy at Oorala. Run, Susie, run. Susie Dunn.
UNIPLAN’S
uniplan ASSISTANCE BUSHFIRE
20019 - 2020 has seen unprecedented bushfire activity across NSW, and many have lost their homes during the devastation. Ben Scott, Managing Director of the Uniplan Group, explains how those affected by the fires can be in a new home much sooner than they think …
For those who aren't aware, what does Uniplan specialise in?
We build modular homes and cabins. By modular, I mean a house that is built in our factory. Once it is completely built with all internal and external finishes, then it gets split, depending on its overall size, into two or three modules. These modules are transported to and installed on your site. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and produce about 15 buildings a month. Some folks call it pre-fab homes or transportable homes. Whatever the terminology you use, we say it is the smarter way to build! Why/how did Uniplan come up with a plan to help those affected by bushfires?
I’m sure we will all agree that this bushfire season has been devastating. To see how many families it has affected is heart wrenching. Knowing that modular building is an ideal way to build good quality homes very quickly, we knew we had to step up and support those who have lost their homes. We already have buildings under construction and nearing completion for areas that were affected by fires in November 2019. How can you help "fast track" a home build for someone whose property may have been destroyed in a recent bushfire?
I honestly don’t know of anyone else that can build a quality home like ours in a short a timeframe as we do at Uniplan. I’m not trying to brag; it’s just a fact. In our factory, we can build a small home in as little as 16 days or a larger three or four bedroom home in only 28 days. Of course, this is just the factory portion of the works, and we still need to deliver it to site and install it.
For us, it is quite possible to complete the entire house from scratch all the way through to ready to move in, in only 50 work days. That’s what we mean when we say “fast track”. Obviously, prior to construction we arrange all the council approvals, which would add to this timeframe. Our commitment to those who have lost their home in the bushfires is that we will do everything within our power to meet a 50-day build time after council approval. That sounds fast, but how good is the quality and finish of a modular home?
By building a home in a factory, we believe the quality is superior to building on site. If you ordered a new car, would you prefer it to be built in the factory with all the quality checks in place, or would you rather they delivered a whole bunch of parts to your garage and you get a mechanic to put it together for you? In our view, that is the difference with modular building versus a “tradie” building your house on site. If you’re in doubt, you really need to come check out our factory and display homes - a picture paints a thousand words … come see for yourself. Your bushfire offer also comes with a special bonus! Tell us about the appliance package and what it includes ...
We can hardly imagine how much you have lost if your home has been destroyed by fire. To help you get back on your feet, we’re offering you a complete appliance package at no cost. This is valued at over $5,000 and includes an oven, cooktop, rangehood, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and drier. It’s the least we can do to help you get back into a place you can call home. Also, you are welcome to choose different appliances than those included in the package. We will credit you for the item you swap out. What's the criteria for taking advantage of your bushfire offer?
All we ask for is some proof that your house was destroyed by the bushfires of 2019/20. How can eligible individuals apply for the offer? If you need assistance, please reach out to one of our helpful sales team by phone, email or come visit our displays. Or, you can jump on to this web page:
https://info.uniplangroup.com.au/here-to-help) and pop your details into the form. Thanks Ben. For us, it is quite possible to complete the entire house from scratch all the way through to ready to move in, in only 50 work days. That’s what we mean when we say “fast track”. Obviously, prior to construction we arrange all the council approvals, which would add to this timeframe.
5 simple tips for building the perfect compact home or granny flat DOWNSIZING?
Moving closer to the family?
Whether you’re building a secondary dwelling or granny flat on an existing property or starting on a new site closer to the family, Uniplan can help customise a compact modular home or granny flat that you can call home, with pride.
Let’s not pretend otherwise - downsizing from a family home where you’ve spent many years, to a smaller home or granny flat near your family is never going to be a “walk in the park”. Uniplan has been building modular homes and granny flats for over 20 years, and we’ve learnt five very simple steps we know will make it as stress free and easy as possible. 1. Before building, make sure you walk through a display home that is the exact size you’re thinking about.
Trying to guess how big a room will be just by looking at a floor plan isn’t easy. You may think it’s too big or too small. It’s not until you stand in a room of that exact size that you can be 100% comfortable that it will work for you. 2. You can never have too much storage space.
Downsizing means there is going to be some of your long held items that you no longer have space for. That is sad to even think about. Something you’ve used for years is hard to give up! That’s why having as much storage and cupboard space that you can possibly include in your new home or granny flat is a great idea. 3. Work out which furniture pieces you absolutely want to keep.
It’s unlikely you will be able to retain 100% of your existing furniture if you are downsizing. Unless you are one of the sort who want to start out afresh with everything new, you probably have some treasured items that you want to make sure fit into your new home or granny flat. Measure up these pieces of furniture and have them drawn on your new plans, to make sure they’re going to fit perfectly. 4. It’s easy to design big; designing small takes someone clever.
Designing a big home is easy. Designing a practical and functional compact home or granny flat takes skill. I’m sure it’s OK to blow our own trumpet a little bit … here at Uniplan we’ve been doing this for years and know some good tips and tricks to get the most out of a small space. No matter if it is Uniplan designing your new home or someone else, make sure they’ve had good experience with planning for this size home. Along with this, to allow for graceful ageing it is a good idea to give thought to access and mobility for the years ahead and design doorways and bathrooms that meet your needs. 5. Proximity and privacy, getting the best of both. In many cases when downsizing, you’re doing it to move closer to the family - perhaps even on their property or close to their home. Remember that while being close is a key objective, you still want some of your own privacy. Make sure your new compact home or granny flat includes a good verandah, sunny sitting space and somewhere you can relax in your own privacy.
Uniplan has helped, quite literally, hundreds of people through the downsizing journey. Let us show you how this very special time of your life can be exciting rather than daunting.
We make it easy to view a number of display homes and clearly understand what can be achieved in a modular home or granny flat. Our mission is to make it easy and smooth sailing for you, so that you can get into your new home as soon as possible and start the next chapter of your life.
SEARCH UNIPLAN GROUP
22 MYRTLE DRIVE ARMIDALE NSW 2350 1800 864 752 sales@uniplangroup.co www.uniplangroup.com.au
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