Business News 233

“The future depends on what you do today.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

September 2014

• THE FUTURE IS NOW

• CAPTURE YOUR CUSTOMERS

ISSUE 233

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

16. COVER STORY

5/ Biz News 8/ Comment 9/ Inside Word 10 / New Appointments

“The future - ready or not is upon us.”

12 / Feature

12. FEATURE

21 / Governance 23 / VECCI 42 / After Hours 50 / Stuff

36. ARTS ISSUE 233 SEPTEMBER 2014 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au

32. TRAVEL

51 / Books

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EDItOR

Less government, more expertise

Roads. Rail. Ports. Airports. Urban planning. Water. Power.

When it comes to the big picture stuff, we have seen successive governments make foolish, self-interested decisions to the detriment of us all. We don’t need to look any further than the proposed East-West Link, with its many flaws, or the arguments over Bay West versus Hastings as the state’s second container port, with the modelling around both options raising serious questions, to see that it doesn’t look like changing.

The four-year election cycle has constrained governments into seeking answers that fulfil their almost constant election promises and party (not to mention vested interest’s) agendas. And the distaste of successive oppositions to provide bipartisan support for vital infrastructure and planning projects has generated report and counter-report ad nauseum. When projects do get off the ground we end up with huge cost overruns and costly underperformance – the desalination plant and Myki are two shining examples.

Perhaps the problem isn’t so much with the governments or with politicians, but with our expectations of them. If we want to take the politics out of big picture planning, then perhaps we have to take governments and politicians out of the big picture planning process and institute commissions of highly qualified, highly experienced people who’s work is centred not on winning on argument, but on getting the job done, within commercially-driven timelines and commercially-driven budgets. We’ve seen this before with the development of the Geelong Waterfront by the Geelong Regional Commission. Would it ever have happened if a Council was running the project? Will we ever see Vision 2?

We need people who understand how to plan long term projects, how to plan cities, how to plan transport and public transport systems to be at the head of our city’s, of our state’s and of our nation’s key infrastructure and planning projects. We need the decisions about what we need and how those things that we need can be delivered to be made on hard facts, not wobbly figures.

Part of the problem is the expectation of governments, from local to federal, to fund the big picture projects. It is easy to forget that the money doesn’t come from government; it comes from the public purse. If a new road is built but isn’t tolled, it’s not free; it just means we’ve all paid for it. But if a government is signing off on the cheques, they will want to have a big say in where that road goes, or doesn’t go.

The very idea that an elected representative – who may never have worked outside of the political/lobbying system – has the knowledge, insight and skill to make these sorts of highly complex forward planning decisions with any level of efficacy is flawed. We don’t vote in politicians because they are industry experts; we vote them in on the basis of politics.

And yes, they have expert advice available to them, but how often do we see that advice sought on the basis of a specific agenda, or, if the advice doesn’t fit the agenda, that it is simply ignored.

Look at the Henry Tax Review and the Gonski review of education.

Nothing is more effective at buggering up a big picture plan than putting a bunch of politicians in charge of it.

That may be facetious, but at the same time, just because governments fund hospital operating theatres doesn’t mean I want a politician doing my surgery.

Local councils should be focused on bi-laws garbage collection, parks and parking. State governments should be focused on health, education, law and order and community services. Federal governments should be focused on the economy, trade, foreign affairs, national laws and defence.

But when it comes to the big picture stuff, governments could serve us best by getting out of the way of those best equipped to do the research, crunch the numbers, formulate the plan and put it in place.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY BUSINESS NEWS | 4

BIZ NEWS

Bamboo ceiling blocking the rise of Asian talent

P

eople from Asian backgrounds are well represented in entry level and mid-level jobs in Australian business, yet they are significantly under-represented in leadership roles, representing an enormous waste of talent, according to Diversity Council Australia’s latest research.

While 9.3% of the Australian labour force is Asian born, only 4.9% make it to senior executive level. In ASX 200 companies, only 1.9% of executives have Asian cultural origins, compared to 9.6% of the Australian community. DCA’s new research, Cracking the Cultural Ceiling: Future Proofing Your Business in the Asian Century, help identify why so few Asian leaders are reaching the top.

Key findings include: 1. Asian talent is ambitious, motivated and capable: 84% plan to advance to a very senior role, 91% say challenging work is very important in their next career move, and 97% have Asia capabilities.

2. Asian talent is under leveraged, undervalued and likely to leave: Only 17% strongly agree that their organisation uses their Asia capabilities very well, one in five are very satisfied with career progress and opportunities, and 22% strongly agree that they have worked in organisations that value cultural diversity. 30% say they are likely to leave their employer in the next year.

3. Key barriers are locking out Asian talent in Australian organisations: 1) C ultural bias and stereotyping: Only 18% of Asian talent feel their workplaces are free of cultural diversity biases and stereotypes. Many regularly experience bias and stereotyping, including about their cultural identity, leadership capability, English proficiency, and age. Women from Asian backgrounds experience a ‘double disadvantage’.

2) Westernised leadership models: 61% feel pressure to conform to existing leadership styles that are inherently ‘Anglo’, e.g. over-valuing self-promotion and assertive direct communication, while undervaluing and misinterpreting quiet reserve, deference and respect for seniority.

3) L ack of relationship capital: Only one in four has access to mentors or professional networks and even less has access to sponsors; similarly low levels feel included in workplace social activities.

4) The case for culture not understood: Only 15% strongly agree their organisation leverages its workforce cultural diversity to better service clients. Organisations often fail to fully grasp the strategic value of Asian markets, capabilities and talent for Australian organisations operating in the Asian Century.

Lisa Annese, Diversity Council Australia’s CEO said ‘the bamboo ceiling’ urgently needs to be addressed.

“It is inconceivable that in a country where nearly 10% of the population is born in Asia or identify as having an Asian background that they should have such a low rate of representation in Australian corporate leadership. DCA’s new research represents a ground-breaking step in identifying the blockages and addressing them so that organisations can stop wasting talent and truly harness this cultural capital.”

Ms Annese said Asian markets, both in Australia and in the region, have enormous significance for Australia’s economy, pointing out that Australia’s two-way trade in goods and services totalled more than A$600 billion or 41% of GPD in 2012 and eight out of ten of Australia’s ten largest trading partners are in Asia.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 5

BIZ NEWS

Central Geelong truck trial to continue

G

eelong Council has agreed to support the continuation of the Central Geelong truck restrictions trial and will start working with stakeholders to develop options for stage two of the trial, which involves extending restrictions to Ryrie Street.

Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said he is in full support of continuing the trial.

“The trial to restrict trucks using Malop St as a thoroughfare was an important step in making our city heart more attractive and liveable. Now let’s do the work to include Ryrie Street, which is also one of our people hot spots.

“Picture the world’s great cities. Do they have trucks powering through their main pedestrian areas?

“The vision for Central Geelong is a place that people love to be.

I’m talking about lots of alfresco dining, outdoor cafes and public spaces where people can enjoy the city and catch up with friends and family. I want to build a city in a park,” the Mayor said.

“Ryrie Street has experienced a 17% increase in truck volume and one of the common questions we are asked is why isn’t this busy pedestrian street included in the trial?

“Ryrie Street is managed by VicRoads and, although it has always been on our wish list, we now have the backing of Council to explore options to extend the trial south of the existing restricted area. In the meantime we’ll be looking at short term works to improve traffic management on Ryrie St and McKillop St,” Cr Heagney said.

“We will also be seeking approval to apply heavy vehicle restrictions in McKillop St East Geelong between Ormond Road and Boundary Roads.

“The big prize is a revitalised city centre, but it’s a complex task to reduce trucks without impacting amenity of residents elsewhere and ensuring the efficient functioning of the transport network as a whole.

Chair of the Central Geelong Taskforce and Brownbill Ward Councillor Michelle Heagney said the trial has been a consultative process.

“Ultimately I’d love to see all trucks travelling to the south of the city and using Breakwater Bridge as an east-west thoroughfare, but this will be dependent on future funding and whether the community supports the concept of fewer trucks.”

“Since Council resolved to undertake the trial in October last year we have been working closely with VicRoads, traders, residents and the freight industry to find the optimal solution.

Cr Heagney commended the trucking industry for their involvement and cooperation.

“Our aim was to reduce the numbers of trucks using Malop St as an east-west thoroughfare and we’ve achieved a 25% reduction”, said Cr Heagney.

“Interestingly, the data tells us that truck volumes have also dropped marginally on McKillop Street by 5% Latrobe Terrace to Ormond Road and by 1% east of Ormond Road. Truck volumes are similar to those recorded in 2004.

“The local freight industry has been fantastic throughout the trial.

They have been easy to work with and cooperative - and this is reflected in the high level of compliance with restrictions. Feedback from the industry is that travel times have not generally been affected,” Cr Heagney said.

She said the next step is to work with VicRoads, the freight industry, and Central Geelong traders and residents to develop options for weight restrictions for vehicles on Ryrie Street.

Hewson questions Australia’s ‘Open for Business’ stance

D

r John Hewson spoke of his concerns about what would sustain Australia’s economy past the mining boom at the opening of the 12th National Small Business Summit in Melbourne last month.

Dr Hewson said the next 18 months would be a tough time for small business and criticised the latest federal budget as lacking an overall policy that provides a strong direction for the country or one that translates the value of small businesses into policy.

“Small business are the largest employers and yet they face major difficulties such as getting equity investment, securing bank loans and dealing with business interest rates, which are still too high compared to where the official interest rate sits.

“We’ve also lost a massive opportunity to build a lot of new businesses in response to climate change with the rescinding of the carbon tax.

“We keep getting told we are open for business, but what business? Where is the growth going to come from after the mining boon?” asked Dr Hewson.

Dr Hewson said he believes that government has a unique opportunity to make a difference to small businesses through tax reform.

“I believe it is time that we have a mature debate about structural tax reform so we can ensure equity and longevity in our taxation system.”

BUSINESS NEWS | 6

BIZ NEWS

Physical activity in decline among Australia’s over 50s

T

hree quarters (77%) of Australia’s over 50s say they are committed to living a healthy and active lifestyle, yet almost half have decreased their level of physical activity in the past five years, according to new research by over 50s insurer Apia.

Worryingly, Apia’s research found that almost a quarter (22%) of those who had decreased their level of activity admitted to being very inactive.

David Skapinker from Apia said, “Growing older shouldn’t mean growing inactive. People tend to think that as they age they no longer need to exercise as often as they did in their younger years, they may injure themselves while exercising if they are frail or weak, and only vigorous activities have any real health benefit, however this is simply not the case.”

Dr Ross Walker, one of Australia’s best-known and most respected health experts said, “You’re never too old to exercise and most physical activity can be modified to accommodate injuries or weakness, so there’s always a way to stay active, no matter what your age.

“To maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in your 50s and beyond, the key is to focus on changing the nature of what you do as you get older, instead of just reducing the amount of what you currently do.”

Dr Walker suggested opting for lower impact forms of exercise: “These can be easier on the body while still providing all the benefits of more vigorous physical activity. For example; people who love to run or play tennis should try mixing up their exercise routine with different types of activities such as walking, cycling or swimming, to take the stress off their hip bones and joints.

“Keeping yourself physically active is one of the best ways to increase your chances of aging well, as it helps to maintain and increase joint and muscle movement, strengthen bones and prevent falls and injury. Regular exercise is also vital in preventing many age related diseases including: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. And best of all it makes you feel good, through the release of endorphins, and is a great way to relax and unwind.

“A regular exercise program ought to include a combination of cardio or aerobic training, but also regular strength and resistance training,” he advised.

Dr Walker urged older Australians to undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, which raises the heart rate, and provided the following simple tips to help stay fit and healthy: • Incorporate small incremental exercise into your daily routine to increase activity levels. For example; where possible take the stairs instead of the elevator, try walking instead of driving to the local shops and do stretches or sit on an exercise bike while watching TV. • Mix up the type of activities you do to ensure you don’t get bored, and remember to combine resistance and strength training with low impact activities such as swimming, cycling & yoga.

• Find a hobby that involves physical activity. We’re much more inclined to do the things we find enjoyment in.

• Stay active and socialise at the same time by joining a gym, fitness group or cycling and walking meet-ups in your local area.

“Mindfulness exercises such as yoga, tai chi or qigong are undeniably important as well as they cultivate health, reduce stress and can be done at any age or fitness level.”

• If you haven’t done much exercise for a while, it’s important to gradually build up activity levels to prevent injury and allow yourself time to regain strength and flexibility.

Dr Walker warned that over 50s who don’t maintain a regular exercise program risk missing out on the important health benefits.

• And remember to have a thorough check-up with your doctor before commencing any intensive exercise program.

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coulterroache.com.au Geelong | Anglesea | Bannockburn | Barwon Heads | Portarlington | Torquay BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 7

COMMENT

What is our competitive advantage?

I

t was announced last month that the Victorian State Government through Regional Development Victoria, The City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University, G21 and the Committee for Geelong would all put funding towards completing an analysis of ‘Brand Geelong.’ What a great idea and all of those organisations should be congratulated.

No doubt the aim of this project, as is the case with most brand analyses, is to build competitive advantage for the region.

Competition amongst regional centres for business and public investment is extreme. Building competitive advantage isn’t easy though and will involve looking at the region’s resources and capabilities. That is, what do we as a region control or physically have, and what activities do we perform more proficiently than other regions, that will provide us with an advantage?

By no means are these easy questions, particularly when every other region will lay their claims to many of the suggestions put forward.

An honest, and I suspect at times difficult, assessment of Geelong’s resources and capabilities needs to occur. This won’t be a time for blind optimism and cheerleading, nor will it be the time for prophecies of doom or naysaying.

The good news is that there is no doubt that Geelong does have genuine competitive advantages to build upon. These should be developed, enhanced and highlighted in our new Geelong brand proposition.

One such capability that I hope is highlighted, is the incredibly supportive nature of the community and region. Businesses supporting other businesses, businesses supporting charities and individual residents donating and volunteering are all examples of this support.

Geelong embraces and supports its own.

Such support has led to what I think is a major competitive advantage for the region. The social assistance sector in Geelong is as strong, if not stronger, than anywhere in the country.

The support that this sector receives is reciprocated and given back to the community through the myriad of programs and projects that are undertaken each and every year. What family,

couple or individual doesn’t want to live in such a community?

What business wouldn’t want to operate in such a community?

Organisations like Karingal provide best practice disability services. Diversitat is acknowledged as one of the leading settlement agencies in the country as well as leading the way through its entrepreneurial, social enterprises in Wholefoods Café and The Pulse radio station.

One of the biggest success stories and best social enterprises of its kind is Geelong’s own ‘Dial a Lunch’, while Bethany Community Support and Glastonbury Family Services continue decades of high quality family support.

Give Where You Live is also unique to Geelong. To my knowledge there is not a like organisation in the country. No other region’s residents and businesses support an organisation like Geelong supports Give Where You Live. No other regional organisation has a million dollar workplace giving program and no other regional philanthropic organisation distributes $2 million per annum in grants. Give Where You Live started in Geelong, is supported by Geelong and helps build a better Geelong. That’s something that other regions don’t have. There are many more community service organisations, far too many to name.

I hope that the social assistance sector is specifically invited to contribute to the Brand Geelong analysis. The Health and Social Assistance sector in the region provides over 12,500 jobs which represents 16% of the workforce. Combined, it contributes 10% of gross regional product or nearly $1 billion. In reality these figures are considerably higher when you consider that the economic value of volunteerism in the region is worth $300 million. Much of this could be attributed to the social assistance sector.

Brand Geelong will not and should not be solely about the health and social assistance sector in the Geelong region – but it should be highlighted. The sector is economically critical and helps create many of the lifestyle attributes the region has to offer.

What person, what family, what business wouldn’t want to be a part of a community in which you receive support simply because you are a part of the community?

Now that’s a competitive advantage.

Bill Mithen, CEO of Give Where You Live BUSINESS NEWS | 8

New head judge for Business Awards After 10 years as Chairman of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards Judging Panel and 15 years as a judge, Dan Simmonds, Managing Principal of Harwood Andrews, has handed over the reins to Simon Flowers, a Principal of chartered accounting firm, LBW and an Awards judge for the past 6 years.

“Under the coordination of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, the Awards have grown significantly and I am confident that they will continue to grow and innovate for many more years to come,” Mr Simmonds said.

Mr Flowers said he looked forward to working with the Chamber and the judging panel in 2015 for what will be the Awards’ 30th anniversary.

Building on NZ opportunities The Geelong Manufacturing Council’s Engineering Network Geelong (ENG) have returned from a productive visit to Christchurch where work is well underway to re-shape and rebuild New Zealand’s second largest city following the devastating earthquakes of 2011.

ENG Manager, Kevin Foard, said the visit enabled him to see firsthand the scale of the recovery and identify potential opportunities for Geelong businesses to support that process as well as connect with other business, both NZ and Australian-based, already involved in the massive rebuild.

The Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Project is expected to take up to 15 years to complete, with an estimated cost of around $45 billion. The rebuild will require the construction of 800 new commercial buildings, 25,000 new homes and the replacement or repair of more than 400 kilometres of roads. A population of around 20,000 is expected to be living and working in the ‘new’ Christchurch city centre by 2040.

Mr Foard attended a Constructions Sector Market Engagement day and Meet the Buyer session organised by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. Both events brought together around 370 businesses, including 32 Australian companies with attendance by Australian companies coordinated by the Industry Capability Network (ICN), a joint government-supported business

gateway between Australia and New Zealand.

The extraordinary scale of the rebuild project brings significant opportunities, including construction work particularly to provide accommodation for the rebuild workforce of around 25,000 as well as shortages in building trades and supervision, fire services, engineering and quantity surveyors.

Mr Foard said the Geelong group were looking at options to supply fit-out or complete temporary accommodation solutions, as well as high end steel and alloy fabrications, amongst other products and services.

City announced new CEO Congratulations to Dr Gillian Miles, who has been appointed as the new CEO of the City of Greater Geelong.

Dr Miles is a highly qualified professional with a 25-year background of senior public sector roles, most recently as the Head of Strategy & Performance at the Transport Accident Commission. Other roles include Executive Director Regional Services at VicRoads, and senior roles with the Department of Planning and Community Development and the Department of Transport, Planning & Local Infrastructure.

Dr Miles lives locally and is a Doctor of Business Administration (RMIT), holds a Bachelor of Education (Deakin University) and Master of Letters – Cultural Theory (University of Central Queensland.

Jirsch Sutherland is an established firm, close in size to the largest practices in its industry with a network of offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Our Geelong office (formally Jenkins Peake) is at 200 Malop Street, phone 03 5223 1000.

We specialise in:

• • •

Corporate and Personal Insolvency Management Business Restructure and Turnaround Manangment Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support

Call Phil McGibbon, Geoff Ridgeway (Partners) or Ben ti Wierik (recently appointed Senior Manager).

We have built lasting relationships with financiers, accounting and legal firms of all sizes and in all corners of the country.

These businesses know that we will deliver results, whatever the issue, whatever the size of the project and whatever the circumstances. www.jirschsutherland.com.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 9

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Community Services Karingal has appointed Brandon Howard to the new role of Chief Operating Officer for Karingal. This role will be responsible for a wide range of corporate services including finance, facilities management and building projects, marketing, people and culture, information technology and public relations. Brandon has over 15 years of commercial experience with the last nine years in senior health management roles in large private and public hospitals. His community associations and memberships include President of Australian Health Services Financial Management Association, Director of Baptcare, Director of Churches of Christ Properties Corporation. Brandon is also a full member of CPA Australia.

Finance

Finance

REAL ESTATE

Michael Noonan was appointed as a Director of ID Accounting & Wealth Solutions on 1 July 2014.

After working at a firm in Melbourne, Michael joined ID in 2008 as an Accountant and quickly progressed to the role of Manager. Michael assists clients from a range of industries with their business, taxation and superannuation affairs.

Illingworth David Financial Planning Pty Ltd is proud to introduce to you Brad Walker. Brad has been in the finance industry since graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2002.

Brad has been employed as a Financial Planner at the NAB for the past 8 years and comes to us as our Risk Protection Specialist and is also a Financial Planner Member of the FPA.

Gemma Hedges has risen quickly to Property manager at G.J McDonald & Co real estate by demonstrating dedication, great attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

With a passion for real estate which drove Gemma to complete her Agent’s Rep qualification, and continue to study towards her Real Estate Licence.

Finance Brooke Lambden joined the Geelong Financial Group Planning team in June 2014 after working over 14 years within the banking and lending sector bringing a wealth of financial planning knowledge and experience. Brooke, an authorised representative of Australian Unity and is highly knowledgeable in all financial planning services.

Advisory Ben te Wierik joins Phil McGibbon and Geoff Ridgeway at Jirsch Sutherland’s Geelong office. Jirsch Sutherland provides Corporate and Personal Insolvency Services, Business Restructuring & Turnaround Management, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Support. Ben is a commercially focussed Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency & Turnaround Association.

BUSINESS NEWS | 10

FINANCE Patrick Rowan & Associates, Accountants, Planners and Business Advisors are pleased to announce the appointment of Damien Allott to Partner. Damien’s technical expertise and extensive experience ensures business owners are provided with the options they need to grow their businesses whilst having in place the structures to minimise taxation as they grow and expand.

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

FINANCE

Ray Colenso is leading the Advisory Partners team with his famous ‘RayTax’ service after 8.5 years at WHK Day Neilson (Crowe Horwath). Ray provides practical and appropriate advice and believes individual tax returns are more than just an anniversary of lodgement; it is an great opportunity to complete a financial health check.

Tahlia Sinnott joins the Advisory Partners team as a Tax and Business Advisor with over 7 years’ experience in the industry. Tahlia is working with many of our business owners to make the switch to a cloud based accounting system after experiencing the benefits from the cloud concept in her own family business.

Marika Johnson joined the Geelong Financial Group team in mid-2013, after 19 years at a local bank as a Home Loan Specialist. She brings in vast knowledge of the local markets and finance networks as well as experience with all finance structures and solutions.

Marika specialises with home and investment loans.

Business Professional Women (BPW Geelong) is pleased to announce its new board for the 2014 -15 year.

Newly appointed President, Belinda Lyle, is keen to see BPW grow under the leadership of some very energetic and inspiring women.

IT SOLUTIONS Annie Vogel is a welcome addition to the Evongo team. Annie has a wealth of knowledge and experience in IT, working with the largest IT companies in the country. She is focused on listening to, understanding and assisting business owners to turn their IT systems into the productive business asset they should be.

BUSINESS

Belinda, who is a CPA and Business Development & Marketing Manager at Patrick Rowan & Associates, is looking to further build on the strong position that BPW Geelong has achieved over the years, making it more visible, respected and relevant within the community.

BPW continues to strategically empower the women in the Geelong region by providing them with professional development tools, opportunities, networks and support. Belinda takes over as President of BPW Geelong from outgoing President, Jenny Gretgrix, who served as President of the group for more than three years.

Business and Professional Women Geelong has built a strong reputation of hosting events showcasing powerful and inspirational speakers.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 11

FEATURE

Don’t let your customers walk away

Business is tough. So wouldn’t you make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your customers happy?

When we talk about customer service, most people think retail.

But every business has customers, from big retail operations to self-employed tradies, and how you interact with your customers could be having more of an effect on your bottom line than you think.

It’s a general belief that people will pay more for something if the accompanying service has been great, but a 2011 American Express survey of a random sample of 1,012 Australian consumers confirmed it: seventy-three per cent of respondents were willing to pay more for a better experience in choosing their merchant. That same 73 per cent would also be willing to pay up to 12 per cent more for a product if accompanied by excellent customer service. According to Business Insider Australia (businessinsider.com.au), “While these findings do not claim to reflect every individual, or even affect every business sector, it gives a staggering insight in to the importance of factoring in how well you treat your customers.”

You might think this would be obvious, but with some of the customer service experiences I’ve had lately, I wonder just how many businesses are really paying attention to what poor

customer service is doing to their profits and their reputation.

After all, “happy customers tell four others of their positive experience, dissatisfied customers tell 12 how bad it was,” (Business e-coach). And you may never know they were unhappy: according to Business e-coach, only one out of 25 dissatisfied customers will actually express their dissatisfaction.

To you, that is. They’ll be too busy telling it to those other 12 people.

So here, from my experience on both sides of the customer service counter, I offer some tips to keep your customers happy.

Because it’s no less true for being obvious: if you don’t have any customers, you don’t have any business.

Train your staff not to have personal conversations in front of customers… It’s just awkward. Do you interrupt the animated discussion about weekend adventures or what shift who is working next Saturday in order to make your purchase and risk the eye rolling, or do you join in said discussion (even more awkward)? And if I can’t get someone’s attention so I can give your business my money, I’ll just put my purchase back and walk away, especially if I can get the same item from your competitor.

BUSINESS NEWS | 12

FEATURE The same goes for phone calls that are obviously of a personal nature. … Or keep on cleaning, sending emails or doing anything else on a computer screen while a customer is standing there waiting for attention. Once, in a holiday town during peak holiday season, I entered a store, with difficulty, because the sales person was vacuuming behind the door and I was in danger of tripping over the stretched tight power cord. She didn’t stop what she was doing. Nor did the only other employee in the store, who was putting away stock. Neither of them acknowledged my presence.

Needless to say, I didn’t buy anything.

In a shop closer to home, my transaction was interrupted by a staff member who demanded to know of the woman serving me if she knew what was going on with such and such an order, as so and so at another store needed her to email the details. Could it not have waited another 30 seconds until my purchase was finalised and I was out the door?

Nothing is more important than the customer standing in front of you, and if your frontline customer service staff have so much administrative work to do that it’s affecting their interaction with customers, maybe that should be addressed.

Don’t ignore me... When I was in customer service, this was Customer Service 101. Greet each customer as they walk through the door. Even if you’re serving someone else, you can still acknowledge a new customer’s presence with a smile, or a quick “I’ll be with you soon.” Apparently, customers who know you are aware of their presence in the store are less likely to think they can just walk out with your stock without paying for it. Also, people generally don’t like being ignored, especially if they want to give you money for something they want or need.

Train your staff – even the weekend ones – to know your product.

I’m always a little nervous if I have to place a product order with weekend staff. Sometimes they seem so unsure of what product they are selling me that I’m not convinced the order will ever go

customer has to wait for someone who should have helped you in the first place to make their way to the checkout so they can, on paper at least, provide that service. …And please consider ditching the cash only policy. A recent survey commissioned by creditcardfinder.com.au discovered that only about one third of Australians prefer to use cash when buying things from an actual shop. The other two-thirds would rather use credit or EFTPOS and 28 per cent of them would walk out and not return on finding there was no EFTPOS facility. Fortyone per cent would withdraw cash from an ATM and return for the product, but 31 per cent would go elsewhere.

Answer the phone with your name and have a proper voice message. I can’t believe how many small businesses answer the phone with “Hello?” leaving me to wonder if I’ve dialled the right number for Steve’s Roof Cleaning. Especially if I found Steve’s phone number in an ad that invited me to ring Steve now for a friendly, no obligation, free quote. What’s wrong with answering the phone with “Hello, this is Steve from Steve’s Roof Cleaning”?

Which leads me to businesses that can’t always answer the phone (I guess Steve can’t while he’s balancing on someone’s roof). Please set up a proper, business like message. I don’t want to be told that your number is not available and if I leave a short ten second message it will be sent as a text message.

Who knows how that will appear once it’s been translated by the phone service? It makes you look unprofessional and, again, how do I know I’ve dialled the right number in the first place?

Have a useful website. Useful is important. Fancy and beautiful, not so much. If I’m researching what product I need, my first point of call is going to be your website, so I can find out if you’re the right person to buy that product from and how much it might cost me. I don’t want to find a one page website with a generic picture and your contact details, I don’t want to wait ages for the home page to load because there’s something fancy your website designer sold you going on in the background. And

“Happy customers tell four others of their positive experience, dissatisfied customers tell 12 how bad it was.

And you may never know they were unhappy: only one out of 25 dissatisfied customers will actually express their dissatisfaction. To you, that is. They’ ll be too busy telling it to those other 12 people...” to where it needs to – and previous experience suggests this is likely. Often I will just wait until a weekday so I can talk to the regular staff member in that area. My point? There really isn’t any reason for your weekend staff to be more poorly trained than your regular weekday staff.

Make it easy for me to give you my money … There is a store in Geelong I usually avoid because there is never anyone to help when I need it. That’s a pretty common customer complaint, but is exacerbated here because the register staff can’t sell you the goods without a salesperson’s name on the invoice. So, if you dare to turn up at the register with a product you have walked in and found yourself because you don’t have time to wait for someone to notice you and help you, you’ll still get held up at the counter while they think about who should have served you and then escorted you personally to the counter. It’s good in theory, being escorted personally to the counter, it doesn’t work if your

I’d really like to be able to read your site properly on my mobile device while I’m out and about.

Pass on positive feedback to your staff when you receive it. This final point is not so much about customer service, but important nevertheless. Although I most likely fall in with the 95% per cent of customers who don’t complain when they’re dissatisfied, I am in the category of customer who likes to share with someone’s boss if they have done a great job, in the hope that they will be encouraged to keep on offering great customer service. I still remember, from my days behind a reception desk, the customer who rang up with praise for a staff member and wanted to let management know. Unfortunately, for both of us, she was not a happy customer at the end of the call – management were all too busy to talk to her. If customers are going to go to the trouble of letting you know your staff are great, at least do something positive with that information.

JUDY BAULCH BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 13

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Level 1, 16-20 Howard Street, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051

Membership of APS Benefits automatically entitles you to a funeral benefit issued by APS Benefits. You should consider the Combined Product Disclosure Statement & Financial Services Guide (available from APS Benefits or our web site on www.apsbs.com.au) before making a decision to become a member of APS Benefits or buy any products offered by APS Benefits. Financial services provided by Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd are provided under its AFSL No. 244115. APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 305923) of Patron Financial Advice (“Patron”). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Patron’s AFSL No. 307379. APS Savings Disclaimer: This is not a bank product, it is an unlisted APS Note. No independent assessment has been made about the risk to investors losing any of their principal investment. Applications for APS Notes can only be made on the Investment Application Form which accompanies the prospectus issued by APS Savings Ltd. Please read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to make an investment. APS Wills & Estates: Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

The Australian Public Service Benevolent Society (APS Benefits) is a not for profit co-operative that provides a wide range of financial and professional services to all current and ex-government department employees and contractors, their families and friends.

Having been in existence for over 100 years, the APS Benefits family has earned the trust of over 28,000 members and clients now offering the following financial and professional services listed.

APS Tax & Accounting

Richard Ferraro at APS Tax, Accounting and Business Services is an experienced CPA taxation accountant. Whether it is setting up a business, managing your superannuation fund or just obtaining quality service, Richard can help you.

APS Financial Planning

Timothy Foster provides access to advice and information on the important financial decisions we all face, whether it be superannuation, investments, pre and post retirement planning, life insurance, gearing, disability and trauma insurance, managed funds or savings plans.

APS Mortgage Broking

Sam Athans treats every mortgage as if it were his own. He has access to 20 mortgage lenders and has over 40 years experience in banking. Let us do the leg work for you.

APS Insurance (General Insurance Broking)

Danielle Rowe heads up our insurance broking team and is a salaried employee of APS Benefits.

With over 15 years experience in the industry, Danielle has access to products that include home and contents, motor vehicle, boat/caravan, landlord, public liability, income protection, life, disability & trauma insurance. The next time you receive your insurance renewal notice or want insurance for the first time, call Danielle on 1300 131 809.

APS Personal Loans

The APS Benefits personal loans team can assist members to obtain an unsecured loan, or they can apply online at www.apsbs.com.au. Either way, loans can be approved within 24 hours.

APS Funeral Cover. Adult & Child Cover Available.

APS Benefits Membership Coordinator Jesse Clarke can assist members to gain immediate funeral cover up to $20,000 for adults and $7,000 for dependent children (aged 2 to 15 next birthday). Do you have cover in the greatest time of need? Call us on 1300 131 809.

APS Savings

APS Savings Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of APS Benefits and offers a Fixed Term Investment product. Ask Sam Athans about the interest rate on offer and you will be pleasantly suprised. The term can be 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. Call us on 1300 131 809.

APS Wills & Estates

Phil Lambourne from APS Wills & Estates has over 25 years experience as a lawyer. Phil can help you with wills, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration. Is your will up-to-date?

Have you reviewed your will recently? It affects more than just you!

APS Benevolent Foundation

Recently launched, the Foundation is a registered charity and a deductible gift recipient.

Donations above $2 are tax deductible. The Foundation will enable the Society to expand our level of benevolence. Need to know more? Call us on 1300 131 809.

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Help spread the word by introducing new members and APS will send you, your nominated charity or your staff social club $50 for each new member you nominate. For more information call us on 1300 131 809 or visit www.apsbs.com.au.

Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd Level 1, 16-20 Howard Street (PO Box 326) North Melbourne VIC 3051 Toll Free 1300 131 809 Phone (03) 9322 2000 Fax (03) 8327 8200 info@apsbs.com.au ABN 64 077 846 809

AFSL No. 244115

www.apsbs.com.au

COVER STORY

BUSINESS NEWS | 16

the future IS NOW T

here’s a State election in the air. Candidates are being rolled out, but no one is making Big Promises - yet. Meanwhile, what we’ve feared for so long has happened – the Alcoa and Ford era is over. We’re hearing a lot of words about how Geelong is moving forward, how hard our representatives are working to make things happen. Meanwhile, business and industry in Geelong are quietly working together, forming alliances, mentoring each other, making the most of what Geelong has to offer and lobbying for more of what we need.

One of the keys to Geelong “moving forward” seems to be partnerships of all kind – businesses supporting each other to make Geelong a successful place to do business. In recent times, a number of alliances have sprung up around the region – the Geelong Defence Alliance, Inverleigh’s Southern Farming Systems (see our July cover story), Cleantech Innovations Geelong and various projects and arrangements between Deakin University and other enterprises to help develop new industries in Geelong to take us into the future that ready or not - is upon us.

And it seems that many Geelong businesses are ready. Manufacturing in Geelong may be very bruised by the withdrawal of Ford and Alcoa, but it’s far from beaten and companies are being urged to look in new directions, at new marketplaces, as many Geelong firms are already doing with great success, like Carbon Revolution and its award-winning “one-piece” carbon fibre wheels and IXL Solar.

There are international companies with factories in Geelong like RPC technologies and Winchester Australia with its US based parent company, who are firmly established and continuing to grow.

“There are as many companies in Geelong who are having good experiences right now as there are those who are having not so good experiences,” says Winchester Australia’s General Manager Clive Pugh, who, as Chairperson of the Geelong Defence Alliance, is encouraging local businesses to consider becoming part of the defence force supply chain as a way forward.

For engineering or automotive companies it might be an obvious move. Other companies may require more thinking outside the box about what kind of niche their products might fill, but defence contracts represent an enormous opportunity, with an estimated acquisition budget of $6.3 billion for the 2014-2015 financial year and an estimated sustainment budget of $6.2 billion.

“Defence purchases anything to do with the support of Australia’s Defence Forces and defence effort, manufacture of equipment,

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 17

COVER STORY servicing of equipment and provision of services,” Clive says, “so companies that do provide services, whether that’s say an accommodation service or a catering service have an opportunity.”

However, while the opportunities for supplying to defence are broad, it’s far from an easy sell. Procurement for the whole of the Australian Defence Forces is facilitated through the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), a government department with many layers of bureaucracy. A contract with defence may also come through what is referred to as “prime contractors” – the large multinational companies who are awarded the big projects and then subcontract for supply of individual components. The requirements of supplying to defence are also complex.

“What defence wants is subject to quality parameters specific to defence and it’s not uncommon for that to be a complex set of contractual requirements,” Clive says. He speaks from experience, as Winchester has a number of contracts with defence. “So, if you’ve never worked with defence before and they agree to buy your product and ask you to provide all the technical data that goes with your product, a lot of companies will hesitate. For a small business, the cost of providing that information can be high.”

The opportunities offered by supplying to defence versus the extra knowledge required to take advantage of the opportunities led to the forming of the Geelong Defence Alliance (GDA) earlier this year as a group of Geelong-based companies with an interest in increasing their involvement in the defence industry supply chain.

An industry led umbrella group for a wide range of organisations,

chairperson, Clive is encouraging all businesses and organisations in the Geelong region to consider joining the delegation.

“It’s vital that our region is well represented at the Land Forces expo so we can promote our great capacity and capabilities,” he says. “As we’ve said, many businesses and organisations may not realise their skills and products could be promoted to the defence industry. This expo provides a great opportunity for our region’s businesses and organisations to diversify and explore those opportunities.

“It’s interesting: some of the companies that have put their hands up to come along weren’t the ones we expected might put their hands up and I guess that’s part of the whole point. For example, Undercover Marquees are looking to provide a marquee type product to defence as shelter for troops, so they are looking at it as a market opportunity. Then there are businesses, like Four Points Sheraton, that are coming along because they have existing contracts with defence but they also want to support Geelong as a place to do business because, long term, that’s a benefit to all businesses.

“What we’re saying to Geelong businesses is that, for the cost of an airfare, you could travel up and back in a day and you could spend a day walking the hall and getting a feel for the scale of this part of defence, remembering that it’s really only army we’re talking about here, we haven’t even touched on navy, airforce or systems, and see if your business can find a niche to sell into. You’ll be able to talk to a large range of people, not only the end users but also the prime contractors about what they have on the go and other SMEs about

“ ... many businesses and organisations may not realise their skills and products could be promoted to the defence industry.”

GDA is supported by a steering group comprising Winchester Australia, RPC Technologies, the Committee for Geelong, Geelong Manufacturing Council, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, G21, the Industry Capability Network, Regional Development Victoria and Enterprise Geelong Opportunity.

what they’re displaying and how being part of the defence supply chain works for them.”

As a mentoring body, GDA hopes to facilitate learning for companies by providing information on key defence projects, the defence supply chain and how to do business with defence, skilling for defence and how to interact with the Department of Defence and DMO and the prime defence contractors. The alliance also plans to play a role in promoting the Geelong region to defence and defence prime contractors and to support Victorian government initiatives on any defence project.

“We have the right industry capability, skills, networks and development-ready land,” he says. “Importantly, we also have world class research labs and brain power which - combined with our other advantages - create the perfect opportunity for defence industry development.”

Although the formation of GDA is supported by government bodies who are keen to see industry grow in Geelong, “There was a real desire that GDA be industry rather than government led,” Clive says. “There are a number of reasons for that, one of which is that government has to take an agnostic sort of view of support and we are talking one very specific sector. But what we’re doing as a model for GDA could equally apply to the information and communications technology industry, or food, or recreation or sport. It’s really a group of companies with a common interest coming together, and our specific focus is to help those companies that know nothing about defence to learn about it.”

A big learning experience is available at this month’s Land Forces Expo in Brisbane, billed as “Australia’s premier land defence exhibition and a leading land defence forum for Australia, Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.” GDA is co-ordinating Geelong’s presence at the expo, held over four days from 21-25 September. As GDA

The delegation has the support of the City, with Mayor Darryn Lyons describing Land Forces 2014 as “a timely opportunity to showcase Geelong’s capability to an interested market”.

Promoting those advantages to the decision makers will become even more vital as decisions are made in the next six to 12 months regarding the defence project Land 400, a $10 billion plus program to build new armoured combat vehicles for the Australian Defence Forces. It’s a massive, ongoing project which could bring an estimated 2,450 jobs to the Geelong region. Members of the GDA are working with other stakeholders to lobbying strongly for the contract for building and servicing of the vehicles to be based here.

The G21 Economic Pillar presents a strong case at www.g21.com. au/land-400, stating that “strategically, the G21 region is the best possible location for the design, production and maintenance of this new combat vehicle for the Australian Army”.

“The program will require high-technology manufacturing, advanced composite production, software development and maintenance, vehicle system integration and logistics skills. Geelong has advanced capability in all of these disciplines, and is well on the way to becoming an internationally competitive, advanced manufacturingled economy.

BUSINESS NEWS | 18

GDA Chair Clive Pugh with Carbon Revolution CEO Jake Dingle

“…Adding considerable weight to the argument is the fact that the project would help the transition of Geelong’s existing manufacturing sector through the re-employment of trained industry workers.”

The Victorian Government has committed $60,500 to support the appointment of a specialist defence consultant to advocate Geelong as the centre of expertise for the LAND 400 project. In a February Herald Sun article, the Premier Denis Napthine was quoted as saying, “the Government is fully behind securing defence contracts for Victoria and the thousands of jobs they would bring…In particular, we have been working with the City of Greater Geelong to push its case for the multi-billion contract to build Land 400 combat vehicle systems. Geelong has a great heritage in manufacturing and, increasingly so, in advanced manufacturing. Its skilled workforce is immensely equipped to undertake this important work. A positive decision by the Federal Government in favour of Geelong could see thousands of jobs created.”

According to Clive, the Victorian Labor party has given a commitment to fund a Geelong Defence Procurement office if they win November’s election. Member organisations of the GDA are also calling for a Federal Government commitment to nominate Geelong as the National Centre of Excellence for the LAND 400 capture project. The lobbying continues, not only to State and Federal governments, but bureaucrats, the armed forces and those contractors that are likely to end up the prime contractor for the project. However, as Clive says, “We’re under no illusion that it’s an easy thing to make happen”.

In the meantime, GDA continues its work of promoting the defence industry to Geelong businesses and industry, and Geelong businesses and industry to the defence industry. As well as the delegation to Land Forces, GDA is also seeking expressions of interest on collaborating to showcase Geelong at next year’s Avalon Airshow, believing that the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition is another opportunity for Geelong businesses to explore working in the defence industry.

Clive’s take on the future of Geelong’s manufacturing industry remains positive. “There is no single recipe that explains why one

business will be successful versus another, yet there are reasons around exchange rate change that make manufacturing less competitive now,” he says. “In Winchester’s case, we’ve been successful because we have a unique product and that provides some barriers to entry for potential competitors. We’ve also been supported by our US based parent company.

“Those factors won’t be true for every company, but we have examples of successful manufacturing companies for the future right here. What we need is to find other companies we can bring to Geelong that have a large footprint, because that’s what employs a large number of people. You can achieve growth in employment with fifty companies of 20 people in size, but you have to find reasons for them to be here. What Geelong has going for it is that it’s a great place to live and the cost of transporting goods into Melbourne is not a barrier to being based in Geelong. Plus, we have great assets associated with Geelong, great education, a university, a TAFE college: they are all the foundations for being able to support multiple industries in Geelong. We have road, rail and ports infrastructure that can be used in different ways for different people, we just have to find businesses that can use those things.”

However, he believes there is certainly a role for government to play in supporting the continuing future of Geelong manufacturing.

“Why did Winchester come to be where it is in Geelong 50 years ago? It’s because back in the 60s the market was big enough to sustain a local manufacturing operation and foreign companies decided to invest in foreign places. It’s interesting that, at that time, the land on which we sit here was provided to us by the Port of Geelong Authority – they were the developers of industrial land in the 50s and 60s because they wanted businesses to use the Port of Geelong for import and export. That doesn’t happen nowadays, but that’s not to say that government, both local and State, doesn’t have a role to play in providing incentives for people to be based here by facilitating the release of land, planning guidelines, all of those things. They are the direct, tangible things that government can do to support industry coming here.”

Judy Baulch BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 19

ACCOUNTING

Risk protection for you and your business

A

client with a thriving business decided to take out a business loan to finance further growth. Without any warning, the client was diagnosed with an illness so serious they were expected to be away from their business for at least a year whilst they recovered.

Sadly, not all business owners have such foresight and are inadequately prepared for major illness or injury. It is also important to think about what you would do if your spouse suffered a serious illness or injury. If you had to take time off to help them recover, would a lump sum insurance payment come in handy?

While coping with the news of their illness, the client faced a major financial and lifestyle choice: to retain or sell their business?

Fortunately, when he obtained finance, we helped him to arrange personal insurance, which provides a lump sum payment following a serious illness or disability.

The Risk Insurance Team at Crowe Horwath work closely with our business clients to assess their exposure to risk. They also liaise with our General Insurance experts, Lending Brokers and Financial Advisors to assist with all your financial affairs – reviewing your exposure, negotiating and obtaining quotations and handling all the paperwork on your behalf. In most instances their services to you do not incur a fee.

With a carefully constructed risk management strategy in place, our client did not have to worry unduly about the immediate future of their business. As soon as we were advised of their illness, we helped our client to make a claim on their insurance policy.

How would your business cope if you suffered a serious accident or illness? The much-needed insurance payment means the client has been able to continue their business while assessing their options. It has also allowed them to focus on what is most important – getting better!

This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material.

Crowe Horwath Financial Advice Pty Ltd is the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence number 238244 ABN 51 060 092 631.

Andrew McDougall, Risk Insurance Manager, Representative, Crowe Horwath

BUSINESS NEWS | 20

GOVERNANCE

The Foundations & 7 Pillars of good governance

• Free from any conflicts of interest or duty; and • In accordance with the spirit as well as the letter of the law.

Application of these core principles will establish a value’s based framework to guide and mange an organisation.

The Practices of good governance can be represented as 7 Pillars, incorporating: Direction: what business are we in, what are we trying to achieve and what are the values and principles that frame the way we do business? The board is responsible for these key strategic issues and for proving leadership in establishing the right culture to drive the performance of the business. Without clear direction, the organisation will flounder and likely never to realise its long-term goals and potential.

Viability & sustainability: a key priority in today’s dynamic, ever changing environment. Is the business built on a foundation that provides relevant, client focused services/products and is there a market that will pay a fair price to enable the organisation to sustain its activities over the medium term at least? Are the assumptions on which the business model is based tested on a regular basis to ensure viability can be maintained? Does the board continually challenge itself on these most important matters?

Stakeholder engagement: Do the organisation in general and the board in particular, understand who the key stakeholders are, how they interact with the business and how they are engaged with to ensure the best outcome for the organisation?

Is stakeholder engagement included in the annual agenda and strategic plan?

Professional development & succession: are resources allocated for ongoing professional development of the board and is there an annual plan in place that demonstrates this has been thought about within the context of the board’s needs? Is there a plan in place for board renewal that both retains knowledge and experience and ensures appropriate representation?

In summary, the responsibility an individual assumes when accepting a position as a Director of an organisation is considerable and one that should only be taken with a clear understanding of, and commitment to, fulfilling this responsibility to the best of their ability. When an individual agrees to become a director of a non-profit organisation, that person moves from being a volunteer to being accountable. Having a clear understanding of the principles and practices of good governance will enhance the performance of both the individual and the organisation – so how do you and your organisation stack up against this checklist of good governance?

For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

Risk management: does the organisation have a risk management plan in place, is this reviewed over the year and updated on an annual basis? Does the board have a discussion

GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

Mark C Schultz, Principal, Governance Today BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 21

Professional development & successioN

• Solely for a proper purpose;

Compliance

• With due care and diligence;

Performance management

• In the best interests of the company as a whole;

Compliance: does the organisation have a culture of compliance - that it is the right thing to do rather than something that must be done to avoid penalties? Is a register in place to assist in compliance management and to provide evidence to the board of how this is being managed within the organisation?

Risk management

•W ith astute commercial judgement and a sound understanding of the company’s business;

Stakeholder engagement

• According to a well-informed conscience;

Performance management: the organisation, the CEO and the board itself – how is performance managed for each of these?

Does every board member have a real understanding of how the organisation is performing both historically and in terms of lead indicators? Does the board have a system in place to monitor the performance of the CEO and an opportunity to provide mutual feedback on an annual basis? Does the board review its own performance and seek ways to enhance its own functioning?

Viability & sustainability

Governance principles: Directors should act always to optimise and sustain the economic value and potential of the company:

each year on its appetite for risk, how this impacts on its risk management plan and how this will be managed during the year?

Is there a business continuity plan in place?

DIRECTION

A

Google search of the words “corporate governance” notes that there are 26.5 million references to be found in the www, however, in this month’s article, we will endeavour to simplify this search for meaning and summarise those references by providing our definition of what underpins the principles and practice of good governance.

VECCI

Positive outlook for regional businesses

A

s budget measures are announced and talk moves towards election commitments, Victoria’s businesses are seeing promising trading conditions on the horizon.

Geelong has been hit hard in recent years with a series of announced company closures and job cuts including from Ford, Alcoa and Boral. However, the Geelong economy is diverse and resilient and there are a number of opportunities being created through new investments in the region, including those by Cotton On, Coles, Carbon Revolution, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the proposed relocation of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

The VECCI-Bank of Melbourne survey of business trends and prospects provides a detailed insight into both regional and metropolitan economic conditions. The latest survey, taken after the state and federal budgets were released, shows a positive outlook for regional businesses, with almost 25 per cent of regional respondents expecting stronger state economic conditions over the year ahead; this is a significant increase from 18 per cent in the previous quarter.

The state-wide survey of more than 400 businesses covers seven major industry sectors and takes the temperature of business, asking about current economic conditions and the outlook for the upcoming quarter. Of all sectors, the building and construction industry reported a visible improvement in trading conditions, with sales, selling prices, general business conditions and exports all strengthening. There is an expectation this will continue in the September quarter.

The survey results indicate that Victorian business has responded well to state and federal measures that increase investment in infrastructure, lower business costs and remove barriers to growth. These include cutting the payroll tax rate to 4.85 per cent, confirming that the company tax rate will be cut to 28.5 per cent from 1 July 2015 and the creation of the $29.5 million Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund.

The optimistic outlook and performance of the building and construction sector appears to reflect a positive reaction to major infrastructure announcements in the recent state and federal budgets, along with the gathering momentum in housing construction that has characterised the first half of 2014.

Despite this lift in business confidence, the survey found actual trading conditions during the June quarter remained difficult for many businesses. Most respondents reported declines across a number of key indicators including employment, exports, profitability and building and structures investment, with conditions in the manufacturing and the transport and storage sectors showing particular weakness.

Regional respondents were less likely than their metropolitan counterparts to have experienced challenging business conditions, decreased selling prices and profits during the June quarter. However, it interesting to note that there is no difference between regional versus metropolitan respondents regarding business sentiment, with both groups equally likely to expect stronger conditions over the coming year.

Acknowledging the current difficulties faced by the Geelong economy, the challenge for policy makers is to build on this cautious optimism within regional businesses with further measures and election commitments that convert the improvement in business sentiment into new investment and employment.

Key priorities must be to lower business taxes and cut red tape, continue to invest in job-creating infrastructure, improve industry skills and get more Victorian businesses into exporting. Regional development, advanced manufacturing and supporting industries and workers in transition also need to be key priorities for both major parties. This will ensure that the Geelong region is well placed to attract new investments and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Support provided to Geelong business Carbon Revolution to assist it to undertake a $24 million carbon wheel manufacturing project and to Deakin University’s new Carbon Nexus research facility are great examples of how government can support the growth of high-tech, high valueadd industries.

VECCI looks forward to working with both major parties in the lead-up to the election to develop practical policies that support job creation, business investment and sustainable growth for the Geelong region and Victoria.

JAMES GULLI, VECCI REGIONAL MANAGER BUSINESS NEWS | 22

LEGAL

Take care when dismissing employees due to illness

A

recent decision by the Federal Circuit Court is a reminder to employers of the need to be careful when considering dismissal of employees who have been absent from work due to illness for an extended period of time.

The Court has confirmed that even if an employee has been away from work due to illness or injury for an extended period of time and the employee’s dismissal is not prohibited under section 352 of the Fair Work Act 2009, the dismissal may still amount to unlawful adverse action or discrimination against the employee.

The case involved an employee who had been absent from work for a period of around 10 months as a result of stomach and liver cancer. During this period, the employee maintained communication with his employer and in 2013 he informed his employer that he was looking to return to work. The employer responded with a termination letter, stating that the employee’s extended period of absence left it no choice but to terminate his employment. The employer said that it had made a number of large-scale changes in the workplace during the employee’s absence.

The Court in this case made the express point that although a dismissal may be authorised due to the extended period of absence (i.e. the dismissal is not specifically unlawful under section 352 of the Fair Work Act), it may still constitute an unlawful dismissal under Commonwealth or State antidiscrimination legislation. In cases where an employee is ill or injured, the employee may be entitled to protection from discrimination or adverse action on the ground of a disability.

In this case, although the employee had been absent from work for 10 months, was on unpaid leave and was no longer protected from dismissal because of temporary absence due to illness, he retained his rights to pursue a claim for unlawful adverse action on the grounds of disability discrimination. The case was referred to mediation.

Whenever considering dismissals, particularly where an employee is ill, injured or has exercised workplace rights, employers should obtain proper legal advice and thoroughly consider the variety of protections available to employees under State and Commonwealth legislation before making a decision to terminate employment.

Generally, the Fair Work Act protects employees from being dismissed because they have been temporarily absent from work due to illness or injury for a period of up to 3 months in any 12-month period. However, if the employee has been absent from work for more than 3 months and is not on paid personal/carers leave for the duration of the absence, the employee does not receive this protection.

Jim Rutherford, Principal and Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations Sonia McCabe, Lawyer

Harwood Andrews is launching possibilities

We work in a collaborative partnership with our clients, to understand their business and bring to bear our expert judgement, to ensure the advice and service we provide is specific and tailored to their needs.

Geelong Melbourne Ballarat Bendigo harwoodandrews.com.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 23

LEGAL

Franchisor Unconscionable Conduct: ACCC takes action against Franchisor

F

grounds for making those representations. Where reasonable grounds do not exist, the representations may be found to be unconscionable, particularly in circumstances where the Franchisee has significantly weaker bargaining power.

In a recent case, the Deputy Chair of the ACCC has stated “unconscionable conduct affecting small business is a priority area for the ACCC”.

The ACCC Deputy Chair stated, “The ACCC will not hesitate to take court action to enforce compliance with laws that are specifically designed to protect small businesses from unfair practices.”

ranchisors should be aware that their behaviour may be called into question by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) where that behaviour is unconscionable conduct in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.

The ACCC recently issued proceedings against a Franchisor alleging the Franchisor made false or misleading misrepresentations, engaged in conduct that was misleading or was likely to mislead and contravened the Franchising Code of Conduct.

The case involved allegations that Franchisor, Coverall Melbourne, made representations to two Franchisees about the work they were likely to receive, which would result in particular levels of earnings through the Franchise. The ACCC alleged that Coverall Melbourne did not have reasonable grounds for making these representations.

If a Franchisor is uncertain about whether certain representations should be made or whether they may be putting themselves at risk, independent legal advice should be sought.

For further information please contact Tom White, Principal or Alicia Carroll, Senior Lawyer on 5273 5273.

This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances. You should seek professional advice before acting on any material. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (other than for the acts or omissions of financial services licensees) in each State or Territory other than Tasmania.

Franchisors should be aware that when making representations to Franchisees as to likely earnings, there must be reasonable

Tom White & Alicia Carroll, COULTER ROACHE

A new home for Gateways

T

he new Gateways Support Services Community Facility Development was officially opened last month, unveiling the new Geelong West facility that will support the delivery of services for children and adults with a disability or special needs.

The facilities include a new soundproof two-room autism assessment suite, containing a camera and microphone linked to video equipment to record and monitor a child’s behaviour during assessment. There are also occupational and speech therapy rooms, disability accessible toilets, a baby change area and a parent education, library and support room.

Gateways currently assists more than 1300 children and adults, and their families, operating from locations including Geelong, Warrnambool, Colac, Camperdown, Hamilton, Western Melbourne and Braybrook. The project has addressed the current shortage of quality Geelong facilities available to support the growing demand from children and adults with disabilities.

BUSINESS NEWS | 24

FINANCE

That really big R word

A

sk anyone of your fellow workers what treatment they most want at work and it’s most likely that at the very top will be their desire to be treated with dignity and respect.

The Oxford dictionary defines respect as: ‘a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements’, but on further thought, reflection and experience I believe a more well rounded definition is the due regard for the feelings, wishes or rights of others.

your boundaries clear, associating with people who respect you, stop apologising for everything, standing up for yourself, being ambitious and learning to say no at the outset.

Respecting opinions and efforts by being a good listener, asking lots of questions, learning about the perspectives of others, respectfully disagreeing, showing gratitude, speaking politely to everyone, complimenting the achievements of others, not prejudging others before you get to know them, deciding to like people and being sincere.

Simplistically, there are only two forms of respect: having selfrespect and having respect for others.

As Laurence Stern quite rightfully said, “having respect for ourselves guides our morals and respect for others guides our manners,” and at the outset one of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.

At Morris Finance we talk about gaining respect rather than demanding it and we have found some helpful tips on how to acquire respect.

Make a strong first impression by exuding confidence through your body language, managing your facial expressions, matching your body language to your words, thinking fewer, slower and lower and always remembering that you are never off camera or social media.

Having strong character by being a good role model, not taking advantage of people, treating everyone with the same level of respect, avoiding bragging about your achievements, praising people instead of gossiping about them, giving your time and living up to your promises.

At work we can all demonstrate respect with simple, yet powerful actions and these recollections can help you to avoid needless, insensitive, unmeant disrespect, too: treat people with courtesy, politeness and kindness; encourage fellow staff to express opinions and ideas; listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint; never speaking over, butting in or cutting off another employee; using people’s ideas to change or improve work but letting employees know you used their idea, or, better still, encourage the person with the idea to implement the idea; don’t nit-pick, constantly criticize over little things, belittle, judge, demean or patronize; treat employees the same no matter their race, religion, gender, size, age, or country of origin; and implement policies and procedures consistently so people feel that they are treated fairly and equally.

Until next month, onwards and upwards in your continued journey down that two-way street, where if you want respect you’ve got to give it too.

Having self-respect by taking care of yourself in a health and wellbeing sense, avoiding self destructive behaviours, making

MARTIN CARTER, BUSINESS MANAGER, MORRIS FINANCE

Q: Who allows you to preserve your working capital during periods of growth?

Whether you’re requiring business finance for motor vehicles, light & heavy commercial vehicles, equipment & machinery, properties or capital raising, contact the experts in intelligent structuring of debt.

A: Morris Finance does by providing the most effective finance solutions.

Call Abby, Megan or Fiona on (03) 5223 3453 now or go to our website for more information.

TM

WINNER

Abby Davis

Family Business of the Year

Megan Clarke

1300 4 MORRIS www.morrisfinance.com.au

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 25

Fiona Trotter

Matching businesses with the best people

We have lift off.

The new Gforce website has launched... gforce.org.au

Empowering the people People @ Work, a division of the Gforce Employment Solutions Group, is confident a job skills program will help open career doors for Alcoa Rolled Products staff after their workplace shuts its own doors for good late this year.

manufacturer closing its Geelong plant in 2016. The group’s Staffing Solutions division is assisting Ford workers through oneon-one assistance to find new jobs and transition into the next stage of their careers.

People @ Work’s Geelong regional manager, Mark Smith, has seen first-hand the anxiety rolling mill staff feel about the Point Henry plant’s closure. But he’s adamant Job Skills, a program crafted by the division specifically for Alcoa, will help provide employees with direction and practical advice about the next step in their working lives.

Gforce chief executive officer Rob Birch acknowledges it’s a tense time for Ford and Alcoa staff and urges them to embrace programs such as Job Skills, saying they can provide valuable market intelligence on which companies are hiring and where the jobs are. ``There are jobs in the region,’’ Mr Birch says. ``Having the knowledge of where they are and then teaming that with the right mindset, research and resilience is crucial.’’

``It’s all about understanding what that next step is,’’ Mr Smith says.

People @ Work started working with rolling mill staff in early August. The plant’s 230 staff will take part in the Job Skills program over about six weeks.

The People @ Work team wants Alcoa Rolled Products staff to start their search for a new job with confidence, armed with relevant information from the Job Skills program to help them stand out from the crowd. The program gives practical tips in areas including producing quality job applications, interview techniques, using social media and understanding growth areas in the regional employment market.

``We’re more than half way and the feedback has been really positive,’’ Mr Smith says. ``We’ve surveyed participants and they’ve applauded the program’s practical approach and to-thepoint information.’’

Mr Smith says job seekers should also acknowledge the skills they possess outside work and recognise these are an asset when it comes to gaining employment. And he urges people to realise the power that networking can play in finding the right job.

People @ Work recruitment specialists deliver the four-hour program to small groups of up to 20 staff at the mill three days a week. Employees also have access to an additional hour of assistance individually at People @ Work as their job search intensifies.

The regional manager says Corrections Victoria and Epworth Geelong, a new hospital under construction at Waurn Ponds, are potential avenues of employment for rolling mill staff.

``The Job Skills program is like a road map for your career -- it’s about understanding where you are, where to go and what you have to do to get there. ‘’

Mr Smith says Job Skills is about empowering rolling mill staff as they prepare to embark on careers outside the Alcoa family. ``The program’s aim is to give them valuable market intelligence, information about resume preparation, skills on applying for jobs in the current climate and a mindset on what their future career might be,’’ he says. ``Some of the staff have been there for 20 years and have the understanding that what they do at Alcoa can’t be used anywhere else. I think one of the program’s biggest successes has been getting these guys to realise, through creating a road map, that their skills are significant and transferrable to other organisations. There are opportunities out there.’’

Gforce, a Geelong-based not-for-profit organisation, is also working with Ford employees in the lead up to the iconic car

Mark Smith People @ Work 39 McKillop Street Geelong, Vic, 3220

``There are lots of trades involved in the hospital construction,’’ Mr Smith says.

He says a perception that mill staff will only work for a large wage is not always the case. ``These people have got families and mortgages and they need work - they’re not all going to get a massive redundancy,’’ Mr Smith says. ``The reality is that many of them just want a job -- they just want to work. ``And it’s our role, through Job Skills training, to empower them, arm them with practical skills for finding suitable work and make them realise that they have plenty to offer future employers in the Geelong region.’’

Mr Smith is encouraging Geelong-based companies to contact People @ Work if they are interested in employing Alcoa staff.

T (03) 5221 5599 F (03) 5222 3834 E enquiries@peopleatwork.com.au

Matching businesses with the best people gforce.org.au gforce.org.au

peopleatwork.com.au

Permanent & Temporary Recruitment

Human Resource Services

Apprentices & Trainees

Outplacement Programs

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 27

MOTOR

DRIVING OUT THE EMOTION

W

hen we purchase a motor vehicle there is usually a lot of emotion involved.

Some love the process, the negotiation, getting the best price, choosing the colour. Others loathe it and actually put off the purchase for as long as possible because they find it too confronting. Either way, there is emotion involved.

Deciding how to fund the purchase should be a much easier task, with little or no emotion involved. Financing a motor vehicle today is an easy process. As long as you have a sound credit history, and can show an ability to service the debt, then an approval for finance is almost assured.

Whether you use your car for personal or business use, the same questions will arise and decisions made.

1) Monthly payment (or weekly): make sure the monthly payment you choose is comfortable and sustainable. The cash flow of a business is likely to vary month to month. The finance contract will often run for 4 or 5 years, so think ahead and don’t put yourself under unnecessary stress.

2) Choose the term: choose a term that reflects the usage of the vehicle. Heavy usage may require the vehicle to changed over more frequently and the finance package should be tailored to reflect this.

3) A residual or balloon payment: opting for this type of payment at the end of the term will effectively lower monthly payments. If owning the vehicle at the end of the term is not a goal then this structure makes sense. However, some caution is needed. A large payment at the end of the term for a vehicle that’s value has diminished significantly could present a problem.

4) Which finance product: get some advice as to which finance product will be most effective for you. If you are able to claim business use for the vehicle then it is important to know what options are available. A call to your accountant is a good idea. Finance products include chattel mortgage, hire purchase, lease, or a secured loan. Know which one you should be using.

5) Get a couple of quotes: the finance person at the car dealership will tell you what a great deal he can do for you. If you believe him, fine, but just to be certain, call your finance broker or your bank. Always compare monthly payments, as quoted interest rates are not a reliable method for choosing where to place your finance.

50 Barrabool Road, Highton VIC 3216 Ph: (03) 5243 6399 Email: gordon@assetlease.com.au

Gordon Harten, Owner, Asset Lease Australia BUSINESS NEWS | 28

EVONGO

BE MORE COMPETITIVE

I

2. Communicate more easily with your customers.

n keeping with the theme of Good IT Management here is an article to help your business perform better and increase your competitive advantage.

When looking at industry players, there are usually a small minority that stand out from the pack. So what exactly goes into making some more successful than others? One of the core reasons is the way they utilise technology to gain a competitive edge.

Below are three examples of how you can use technology to advance your business and be more competitive.

1. Make sales faster.

In this fast paced world we live in, being able to provide your customers with the information they need quickly is critical to being competitive. Imagine if your team could have access to all the company documents they need while out in front of a customer; and all without the confusion of which version is the latest copy. Collaboration tools like Office365 or Google Docs makes this possible. You can access, update and store your documents with ease and provide faster service to your customers, resulting in more sales.

You can be face to face with a customer and have informative, valuable meetings and share proposals easily, without the need to travel for hours to be in the same room. Lync, Skype, Go To Meeting, to mention just a few, are all apps that can be used to help you connect to people more easily. They provide instant messaging, voice conferencing, video conferencing and simple meeting management tools, that will enable you and your team to be anywhere your clients need you to be.

3. Gain valuable insight into your customer satisfaction.

Customer satisfaction is an import part of staying competitive and customer surveys are a great way to ensure you are meeting their expectations. Creating surveys are quick and easy using Google, Microsoft or the likes of Survey Monkey.

You can collaborate all the answer in one spreadsheet and use these valuable insights to stay in touch with your customers and ensure you are meeting their expectations.

So, if you think your business could add a competitive advantage we recommend you speak to your IT provider or if you need advice call Rod Deacon at Evongo on 1300 765 975.

Rod Deacon BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 29

GEELONG LAWN TENNIS CLUB

We formally invite you to become part of a fun, friendly & family orientated venue

1. Home 2. Work 3. Make Geelong Lawn Tennis Club No.3 BUSINESS NEWS | 30

Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is calling on you!!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have access to a summer of fitness, tennis, squash, racquetball and social activities all in & for an affordable fee?

Then it’s time to join GLTC cause we are “NOT JUST TENNIS”.

Are you a:

Older Adult

Family

Adult

Teenager

Child

We are the most affordable Multi-Purpose venues in Geelong Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is the hidden secret of Geelong & Surf Coast.

Come in for a tour of the facility!!

Upfront payment & Direct Debit alternatives are available

We are:

Fitness Studio & Group Fitness Clas

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Present this upon joining and we will waive the start up fee.

Valid until October 31, 2014

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 31

y

n Hire Functio

Slowcoach

– be in the zone

BUSINESS NEWS | 32

TRAVEL

P

lanning a holiday can be almost as enjoyable as the holiday itself… Actually, in some cases planning can be more enjoyable – but I won’t pursue this thought because any travel writer who writes about bad travel experiences contravenes rules of professional conduct (see the Royal Association of Steam Driven Travel Writers’ articles of association, www.aroundthesun.com).

The first planning question is: How much can you budget? This will determine whether you end up catching the MV Queenscliff for a pub lunch in Sorrento, or you book a suite on the Seabourn Sojurn, which includes a day in (the other) Sorrento, as well as stopovers in a nice selection of Mediterranean watering holes.

The next question is: Where would you like to go? If you’ve got enough cash to join the Seabourn Sojurn at Sorrento, the world is pretty much your oyster. If you only have enough for a return fare to Sorrento (the local one), you’re a bit limited in your options, but still have choices that aren’t too shabby. Crayfish and chips at Apollo Bay harbour anyone?

The next question is: Where will you stay? Once again, your budget will have a big influence, but still there are choices. A floating resort? I’ve still got the Seabourn Sojurn in my head; damn, that ‘Owner’s Suite’ looks fine…. A terrestrial resort? A bed and breakfast? A Wicked Van (but only if the joke is funny)?

At this point, the travel agent, who will probably seem eighteen years old to you and extremely confident, will peer at you, disregard every answer you have given, and determine your real age and disposable income based on your appearance and key grooming-related criteria: have you got a real/fake tan, real/fake hair, leather shoes or runners…? There’ll be a sweet smile and five kilograms of brochures will be deposited in front of you.

Alternatively, you might ask your friends on Facebook where they went on holidays and then book flights and accommodation yourself – putting your faith in the hands of your friends and the internet. This always seems an extraordinarily risky approach. The decisions my friends have made in other areas of their lives give me no reason to have confidence in their travel recommendations.

There are actually two questions your agent should have asked, but did not. The first is: what do you want to do on your holidays? The second is a little bit less obvious: what kind of transport do you want to use?

A colleague of mine and fellow member of the Royal Association of Steam Driven Travel Writers once made the brutal point that most people want to travel so they can consume large quantities of food and alcohol, get a suntan, and buy t-shirts. This is undeniably true and your agent will, perhaps understandably, make this assumption about you.

The agent can confidently help this market segment.

There are a gazillion brochures for holidays that deliver on the promise of food, alcohol, sun and t-shirts – from the Seabourn Sojurn at one end of the continuum to the Gong Corner Homestay at Kuta Beach, Bali, at the other.

The remaining minority of customers will be a tougher challenge for the agent. By the way, by now you should

be getting used to the agent’s tongue stud; it’s not so much that it creates a lisp, it’s more that it makes you super-conscious of your own tongue and you have started lisping involuntarily yourself.

The basic idea is that you tell the agent what you love to do – and don’t have time to do while you’re at work – and that you want to do it while you’re on holidays.

So yes, that can include eating, drinking and sleeping, but it can also include surfing, cooking, hanging out in coffee shops, hiking, skiing, snorkelling, diving, golfing, riding horses, paddling kayaks, even stamp collecting.

It’s a pretty good bet that if you like doing something at home, it will be even more fun in an exciting, new environment where you don’t have to work, cook, do the dishes or make the bed.

The added benefit, if you are doing something you love, is that you’re not wandering around with sore feet, looking at old buildings because they are part of a compulsory pilgrimage. And, even better, you’re not surrounded by people who are all in a bad mood because they’d rather be back at their hotels beside the pool.

The question I think the agent should really focus on is: what kind of transport do you want to use? This is particularly relevant to people who are travelling purely and simply because they like travelling. For them, travel is about curiosity, especially about people. They like the surprises that come from waking up in a new culture, from being somewhere different, from finding out what is around the next corner. These are people who genuinely like moving for the sake of movement – not necessarily all the time, but some of the time.

If this applies to you, you will actually have to interrupt the agent, probably quite forcefully – perhaps after the mobile phone conversation about someone’s bridal gift registry – and insist you don’t want to spend your holidays sitting beside a swimming pool or on a bus.

The agent will need to be told the most important characteristic for any truly great mode of travel is speed.

Anything less than five kms per hour is too slow (e.g. a sun lounge). Anything more than 25 km per hour is too fast (e.g. a bus).

This speed zone is crucial. Anywhere in the zone between five and 25 km/h is sufficiently fast that you don’t get bored. You cover enough territory in an hour to ensure you see enough to keep you interested. Crucially, if you’re in this zone you travel at a speed where you can actually see what you’re travelling through. You can see flowers, birds, rusting cans, and all sorts of fascinating detail. If you’re in this zone, you’re travelling at a speed where you can say hello to people that you pass and easily slow down and have a proper chat if they’re friendly. And it’s no coincidence, but you will find if you’re travelling in the zone, most people you pass are incredibly friendly.

So what travels between five and 25 km/h? You can walk (five km/h), you can kayak (five, maybe six km/h), ride a horse or pony (walking, five or six km/h), travel by barge (maybe six km/h), canoe and raft (depending on the river, say 12 km/h), sail (depending on the wind, say 13

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 33

km/h), balloon (depending on the wind, say 15 km/h), or ride a bike (depending on lots of things, but let’s say 25 km/h).

It’s not a long list: walking, kayaking, riding, barging, canoeing, rafting, sailing and cycling. Plus ballooning. Which I threw in, because even though it’s not practical as a means of getting from A to B, it is fun! Less cruising. Which I left out, because looking at an expanse of ocean is not fun. All the other methods of transport in the list are practical ways of seeing a decent chunk of country. Often these methods are the only way you will actually be able to see some of the most amazing sights on the planet.

Walking and riding are still the best, and sometimes the only ways to explore countryside and wilderness; kayaking, canoeing and rafting can take you to beaches and down rivers that cannot be explored by any other craft; sailing can take you along untouched stretches of coastline; cycling and barging will take you down byways and back roads that are normally hidden.

Once you start raving about your last cycle trip, you might notice the agent is reassessing you on non-grooming-related criteria.

This could be a good thing. But be careful. That might be his $5000 graphite and carbon fibre road bike leaning up in the corner of the shop. And his idea of an average speed for a bike ride might be a lot closer to 45 km/h than the 20 km/h that you have in mind….

Richard Everist Richard Everist has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet and was the CEO of Peregrine Adventures. He recently founded Around The Sun, a travel company, with his partner Lucrezia Migliore. Around The Sun organises small groups tours and private trips – often using transportation with average speeds between 5 and 25 km/h. See: www.aroundthesun.com or call 5264 8667.

Corporate Authorised Representative of Roderick Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd. AFS Licence No. 246613 Car No. 366697

Tresidder Insurance Group Pty Ltd 116 Yarra Street Geelong Vic 3220 P: (03) 5226 5999 E: info@tresidders.com.au

www.tresidders.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 34

Members of

WINE

the

CRUSH

Bringing you the pick of the latest offerings from our region’s wineries

2012 Oakdene Bernard’s 2012 Oakdene Liz’s Cabernets Chardonnay

2013 Jack Rabbit Vineyard Merlot

2013 Leura Park Estate 25 d’Gris Pinot Gris

A red wine inspired by the wines of Bordeaux; a 3-way blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that expresses the vintage each year in different percentages. It offers a complex bouquet of red currants, black fruits, tobacco leaf and cedar oak, with a medium bodied palate balanced by a finestructured tannin backbone and firm acidity and classic ripe red fruit characters. The 2012 Bernard’s Cabernets is a classic dry red table wine that matches simply prepared meat.

Formerly knows as ‘Elizabeth’ Chardonnay, the 2012 Liz’s Chardonnay from Oakdene is a new release. With its fresh straw colour and vibrant hue, this delightful Chardy offers a complex bouquet, with notes of struck match, stonefruit, citrus and toasted oak. Fresh and bright, with a generous mid palate weight, and a creamy texture, nectarine, peach and citrus are balance by taut acidity and a toasty oak finish. The generous style and balance of this wine means you can enjoy it now with almost any food or cellar for 4 to 7 years.

Merlot as it should be – velvety, succulent, elegant.

The luscious fruit driven core harmonises with the mellow tannin soul to deliver a truly delicious wine. A vivacious crimson appearance precedes a magnificent bouquet of mulberry, blackcurrant and cinnamon.

The palate reveals lavish Christmas fruits – red currant, blackcurrant and mulberry with hints of freshly crushed eucalyptus leaves and dark, ripened plum. Abundant smooth tannins glide towards a refined finish. Enjoy now or well into the future.

Estate grown and handpicked, this is a commanding and true Pinot Gris in every sense, stylistically tending towards ‘Alsace’. With an appearance of elegant gold and hues of straw, the bouquet sees classic pear, apple and nougat lift from the glass. The palate uncoils a wine of length and precision, exhibiting rich flavours of pear and apple alongside hints of mineral and spice whilst retaining impeccable balance and a lovely, cleansing acidity. Delicate oak nuances provide additional complexity.

www.oakdene.com.au

www.oakdene.com.au

www.jackrabbitvineyard.com.au

www.leuraparkestate.com.au

What’s news: She’s Apples or, in this case, Pears!

Bellarine cider house, Flying Brick Cider Co has won the only trophy and only Gold medal awarded at the prestigious Royal Adelaide Beer & Cider Show held recently. The accolades came for the cidery’s Pear Cider. Amidst tough national competition, Flying Brick Cider Co also took home a Bronze medal for its Draught Cider. Flying Brick’s Cider Maker, Nyall Condon said the trophy was incredibly exciting for a number of reasons.“We were up against the big names in Australian cider - all the mainstreams and won, a seriously big deal for a boutique cider house on The Bellarine,” he said. The Flying Brick Cider House in Wallington is on track to open in December and will feature a spectacular state-of-the-art cider crafting facility, restaurant, dedicated tasting area as well as an accredited Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine Visitor Information Centre.

The Write Stuff

ARTS

Feature Artists Show

Until 30 November

5 - 20 September 2014

Geelong Repertory Theatre Company is inviting all playwrights, old, new, experienced or inexperienced, to submit original, oneact plays to The Write Stuff, an open-themed competition that gives entrants the chance to become Geelong Rep’s entrant into the Anglesea one-act play festival and receive on-going administrative and creative support. Entries close 30 November 2014. Visit www.geelongrep.com for information on how to enter or contact The Write Stuff coordinator, Christine Davey, at chriskppd@westnet.com.au

Showcasing new works by artists represented at Metropolis Gallery, the Feature Artists Show includes Dean Bowen etchings and lithographs and paintings by Steve Salo, Charles Moodie, Michael Parker and Gail Willoughby. The exhibition is also billed as a “great opportunity to view the diversity of works by other artists who exhibit regularly at Metropolis Gallery.” metropolisgallery.com.au

www.geelongrep.com

BUSINESS NEWS | 36

ARTS Bethany Arthouse Film Festival: Cloudburst

Queenscliff Music Festival

16 September

It’s the time of year music lovers look forward to – November and the Queenscliff Music Festival, the iconic QMF, and it’s time to book your tickets for 2014.

28-30 November

The 2014 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival winds up this month with an award winning, hilarious tale about a crackerjack lesbian couple on the run from a nursing home.

Dot and Stella (Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker) have been together for 31 years, faithfully accompanying one another through life’s ups and downs, but now Stella is hard of hearing and Dot is legally blind. Dot’s granddaughter decides Dot would be better off in a nursing home, forcing Stella and Dot to make a bold decision in a last-gasp bid to stay together: they will leave their hometown and make their way to Canada, where same-sex marriage is legal.

Along the way they pick up a young hitchhiker, Prentice, a small-town boy turned modern dancer returning to Nova Scotia to visit his dying mother. Despite his bravado, Prentice is a confused and wounded soul who has much to learn from Stella and Dot as they wage their own unexpected battle - after three decades, can they keep their family together? Tickets on sale now at GPAC. www.gpac.org.au

After a distinctly Australian line-up over the past few years, QMF recently announced five international acts for this year’s festival. Joining the growing list of 2014 performers is a sample of North America’s most exciting talent, including the act the Huffington Post compared to Bob Marley and proclaimed a “musical prophet,” Nahko and Medicine for the People, who will bring a party vibe to the festival; New Orleans outfit Hurray for the Riff Raff, headed by singer-songwriter Alynda Lee Segarra; Alabama’s Kristy Lee and her soulful country blues; Toronto trio Elliott BROOD who are amping up their signature ‘death country’ sound on their upcoming 2014 album, and; singer/ songwriter Hayward Williams, whose defining tenor vocals “can make time stand still” and who will be joined by South Australian duo, The Yearlings.

Other acts forming the soundtrack of the 2014 festival include Australian legends The Church, Kasey Chambers, muchloved folk rock group The Waifs, Xavier Rudd, 2013 Grammy nominees Hiatus Kaiyote with their experimental soul grooves, indie darlings The Jezabels, Western Australia’s dynamic blues and roots outfit Blue Shaddy, the 11-piece Bollywood-inspired party-starters The Bombay Royale, multi-award winning country soul rock ‘n’ roller Dan Sultan, Melbourne genrebenders The Delta Riggs, a dream trio made up of three familiar names synonymous with great songwriting and powerful live performances Dyson Stringer Cloher, two-time New Zealand Music Award winner described as “the impossible love child of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Townes Van Zandt” Marlon Williams, and many others.

Don’t miss out. Tickets are on sale now at www.qmf.net.au www.qmf.net.au

Top left: Michael Parker The Joy of Life Resin on board Left: Dean Bowen Bird with a Captured Insect Lithograph Far left: Charles Moodie Paris Street Oil on canvas

Above: Steve Salo Untitled 3 Acrylic on canvas

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 37

Katherine Kelly Lang

$1.5 million in funding to enhance Geelong landscapes Geelong community groups are encouraged to apply for some of the $1.5 million in funding available under a new Victorian grants program that aims to protect and restore the natural environment in partnership with local communities.

Local Landscape Enhancement Grants of up to $50,000 will be available to community groups for year-long projects that are locally-based and focused on practical measures to address local environmental needs. The projects may be new, or build on previously completed works.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries is partnering with Parks Victoria to deliver the Local Landscape Enhancement Grants program. “These grants will support the many community groups that undertake projects to protect our environment, contribute to our environmental knowledge and make a real difference to local communities,” says Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith.

“This is a great opportunity for groups such as Committees of Management, schools and kindergartens, youth groups, senior citizen groups, Rotary and RSL clubs and multicultural groups to help improve their local environment.”

For more information, eligibility guidelines and application forms visit www.depi.vic.gov.au

New prostate cancer nurse for Geelong Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 30 per cent of cancers diagnosed each year in Australian men and is the second most common cause of cancer death (in men) after lung cancer. However, when compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates (92 per cent) after diagnosis.

According to Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, Geelong has been identified as one of the areas that will benefit most from a new prostate cancer nurse as part of a Federal Government funding boost of $6.2 million to the Prostate Cancer Federation of Australia (PCFA).

Geelong will receive funding for a new prostate cancer nurse, one of 14 new specialist prostate cancer nurses across Australia. The initiative more than doubles the number of prostate cancer nurses employed through the pilot program already being undertaken by the PCFA with $3.6 million in funding from the Movember Foundation.

Ms Henderson said the nurses would help improve access to a range of specialists, coordinate patient care and ensure continuity of care throughout the treatment process. “This is all about providing a greater level of support to patients, their families and carers,” she said. [The nurses] are a crucial central point for patients, their families and carers. They will also work to ensure that patients better understand the enormous amount of information they receive during this process.”

It’s estimated that approximately 4,000 men and their families will benefit over the four years of the program.

An open letter from Give Where You Live This year, our 60th Anniversary year, Geelong has undergone dramatic and extraordinary change. The closure of Alcoa by year’s end and the slow withdrawal from manufacturing

by Ford has seen the beginning of the departure of two of the longest standing and largest supporters of Give Where You Live. Both Ford and Alcoa together with Shell (who will continue to operate under new owners) have been at the forefront of community support and have been the foundation on which Give Where You Live was built. As an organisation and as a community we owe a great deal to

BUSINESS NEWS | 38

COMMUNITY NEWS both of these iconic Geelong companies.

With this in mind, and with the help of long-time supporter and Life Member Barry Fagg, we asked the question – which organisations and businesses will step up and become the new icons of community support? We have been overwhelmed and humbled with the response we received.

The organisations, companies and individuals to the left have all made a concerted decision to either substantially increase or substantially contribute to Give Where You Live. This support will allow us to continue to grow our fundraising in other areas, which in turn, will ensure that we will continue to support Geelong’s most vulnerable people.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to our 60th Anniversary Support Campaign members who have truly stepped up to fill the void and helped us to ‘Build a Better Geelong’.

Now is the time to ask – RU OK? Three million Australians are living with depression and anxiety and about 60,000 Australians attempt suicide each year. “RU OK? Day”, held on the second Thursday of September every year (11 September this year), is a national day of action to remind all Australians of the importance of asking our mates, colleagues and family, “Are you OK?” Established in 2009, RU OK is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging all Australians to regularly and meaningfully ask anyone struggling with life, “Are you OK?”

set aside the haute couture of ‘Forrester Originals’ to pull on another familiar fashion choice - lycra.

A fitness enthusiast with a love of equestrian, triathlon and cycling events, Lang will join in one of Australia’s most unique cycling experiences alongside 5,000 other cyclists for Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo on 14 September.

With a clear passion for cycling, Lang’s twitter account (@ KatherineKellyL) shows a recent trip following the Tour de France, including fan snaps with Bradley Wiggins, Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara, and a cycling jaunt through Treviso, Italy.

Amy’s Gran Fondo will provide an equally inspiring experience for Lang. Participants depart from Lorne and embark on a ride that takes them along the Great Ocean Road, as well as through Apollo Bay and the Otway Ranges, providing an outstanding opportunity for the American actress to take in some of Australia’s most spectacular views.

There are three different rides on offer: the 110km Amy’s Gran Fondo, which Lang will ride, the 40km Medio Fondo from Lorne to Apollo Bay and the 14km Piccolo Fondo, a family, kids and community friendly course.

Lang is looking forward to the ride. “I love Australia, the people, the culture the way of life in Australia,” she says. “I’m a very outdoors person so Australia is a perfect place for me to visit.

My boyfriend and I always travel with our bikes wherever we go and look for new places to ride. We’re looking forward to riding on the Great Ocean Road and taking in the amazing views.”

“Three million Australians are living with depression and anxiety and about 60,000 Australians attempt suicide each year.” - Ask RU OK? this September 11.

because, according to RU OK, “Regular, face-to-face conversations can help us to build and maintain strong relationships with friends and family. In turn, research shows that people with these strong relationships are more likely to cope with life’s ups and downs.”

Don’t wait until 11 September to ask the question. Ask someone today.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636. There is also an anonymous online chat service available between 8pm and 4am AEST at Lifeline.org.au, or visit beyondblue.org.au For crisis assistance, call 000.

The Bold and the Beautiful (and the Bike) As one of the original cast members of the long-running daytime soap The Bold and the Beautiful, Katherine Kelly Lang has been the star attraction in the lives and loves of the Forrester and Spencer men, and the centrepiece of many scandals, tragedies, battles and epic stares since episode one in March 1987.

As Brooke Logan or, depending on which week you are viewing Brooke Logan Forrester, Lang is one of the world’s most famous fashionistas but this month she will momentarily

In its fourth year, Amy’s Gran Fondo is held in memory of Australian cycling team member Amy Gillett, who tragically lost her life on a training ride in Germany in 2005 when hit by a car.

Amy’s Gran Fondo is a vital event in generating fundraising that allows the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) to continue its mission of safe cycling in Australia. Helping fund Research Honours Students to further AGF’s leading research in bike rider safety, as well as deliver policy based campaigns nationally, are just some of the primary objectives.

David Lee, head of partnerships and fundraising at AGF, said Lang’s participation in the event will be a thrill, particularly for those who are devotees of The Bold and The Beautiful.

“We are thrilled that Katherine is joining us in Lorne. She’s a big supporter of charity cycling events around the world and it’s an honour for the Amy Gillett Foundation that she has chosen to support our event whilst she’s in Australia.

“We’re already excited that we have passed last year’s entry numbers and are edging towards a sold out event for the first time in the event’s history. With the Amy’s Otway Classic, it’s set to be a fantastic weekend for cycling.”

Amy’s Gran Fondo is the only cycling event on a fully closed Great Ocean Road. There are still spots available for all three rides. Join Lang, and enter now at www.amysgranfondo.org.au.

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COMMUNITY

Premier Denis Napthine helps cut vegetables in the kitchen

Karingal Kommercial open for business: let us help you Premier of Victoria, Dr Denis Napthine, officially opened the state-of-the-art Karingal Kommercial facility, which will provide invaluable opportunities for people with a disability.

The completion of the $5 million facility in North Geelong has enabled Karingal to expand the services it can offer to business and the local community across its newly-consolidated service areas of business solutions, food services and environmental solutions.

Karingal Board Chair, Rod Payne, encouraged businesses to think about how they can partner with Karingal Kommercial.

“There are numerous ways to become involved with Karingal - whether it is outsourcing time-consuming tasks such as packaging and mail services; engaging our mobile landcare crew, which specialises in commercial garden and ground maintenance; hiring us to cater your next event; or purchasing a Christmas hamper filled with our popular gourmet products including jams, chutneys and spices,” he said.

“Perhaps you have an idea that we haven’t even thought of yet we’re willing to give anything a go and provide services tailored to your needs.”

Mr Payne said it was heartwarming to assist people with a disability to achieve the social and economic benefits of participating in the workforce.

“I can guarantee that whatever service we provide you, it will be professional and top-quality, and it will empower our supported employees, ultimately fostering a more inclusive community in the Geelong region,” he said.

Premier Napthine was delighted to officially open the fully accessible Karingal Kommercial facility in Douro Street on Thursday, August 14 in front of more than 100 guests. The State Government contributed $650,000 to the complex through the Geelong Advancement Fund.

Premier Napthine described Karingal as an important part of the Geelong community and said that the organisation was a state, national and world leader in providing employment opportunities for people with a disability. He said the facility created valued work for supported employees and embraced their talents and abilities.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said the council used Karingal Kommercial for catering, and called on other businesses and community groups to support Karingal by using its services.

“When everyone is included, everyone wins,” he said.

To find out more about Karingal Kommercial, visit www.kommercial.org.au

30 in 30 Campaign Our 30 Members in 30 Days campaign has now concluded. It was wonderful to see the support offered to us, during what is a difficult time at the moment for businesses in Geelong. We would like to thank everyone who attended the campaign launch at our last 730 Breakfast and, of course, we are indebted to Keith Fagg, our campaign ambassador, who spoke so passionately about the work we do in the Geelong community.

We warmly welcome our new business members, look forward to working with them, and thank them for their invaluable support.

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Partnering with Geelong Business • Food services

• Employment services

• Business solutions

• Employee volunteering

• Environmental solutions • Business networking • Training

• Donations

For more information call 1300 558 368 or visit karingal.org.au Karingal Inc. (Vic) Limited Liability Reg. Assoc. A0038261E ARBN 158 375 903 ABN 97 468 305 401

Train your staff Nationally recognised qualifications in: • Disability • Mental Health • Community Services • Aged Care

• Home

and Community Care • Training

and Education •P re Vocation and Life Skills And a great range of short courses

With over 60 years of care industry experience, we are your best choice for customised training solutions.

Call 1300 582 687 or visit karingaltraining.org.au Karingal Inc. (Vic) Limited Liability Reg. Assoc. A0038261E ARBN 158 375 903 ABN 97 468 305 401

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 41

AFTER HOURS

1.

Leading the way A top cop, a Cats Captain and community-minded banker led the conversation at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club’s ‘Leadership & Balance’ Corporate Breakfast last month.

2.

Homicide detective, Charlie Bezzina, has been involved in hundreds of homicide investigations, police shootings and investigations into suspicious deaths, including the high profile cases of heart surgeon Victor Chang and former cricketer David Hookes. He was joined by Joel Selwood and Bendigo Bank’s Pat Murnane at the podium, with all three speakers sharing their insights into what it takes to lead and lead well.

Photos by Elisha Lindsay, EL Photography 1. Mary parker, josephine bezzina, juliE richardson.

2. ian cover (MC), CHARLIE BEZZINA (guest speaker).

3. PETER AND CATHY MCDONALD. 4. PAT MURNANE, BRENDAN PARKER. 5. TONY BUDGEN, TOBY LAWRENCE, MELISSA MORTIMER.

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THE E.L PHOTOGRAPHY CORPORATE STYLEGUIDE AFTER HOURS

THE E.L PHOTOGRAPHY CORPORATE BRAND

1. CMYK STACKED VERSION (ON WHITE BACKG

Elisha Lindsay (E.L Photography) is a Geelong photographer who was born to take beautiful photographs. Her love for the lens has followed a natural progression throughout each stage in her life.

6.

Elisha prides her business on being one that is multifaceted and has the ability to meet the needs of all clients. Whether it is commercial, weddings or portraits, E.L Photography can meet the needs of businesses, individuals and groups.

The logo represents the E.L Photography brand and is, therefore, the essence of the E.L Photography identity.

Do not attempt to redraw or rearrange it, or alter the colour in any way. It always, where possible, appears as a colour image.

2. CMYK HORIZONTAL VERSION (ON WHITE BAC Commercial Photography Staff portraits Product shots Marketing shots Events & Functions Weddings & Portraits

7.

8.

E.L

9.

Studio - 162 Bellerine St, Geelong elisha@elphotography.com.au

6. Leah wolfe, melissa mortimer, brett robinson, Beris Marshall.

7. Ingrid castricum, Nikki Cooke, Jennifer cromarty.

8. BRAD TRESIDDER, JOEL SELWOOD. 9. Jason Bakker, Matthew kennedy.

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0439 353 958 elphotography.com.au

AFTER HOURS

1.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST Around 100 of Geelong’s business community and decission makers attendend the August Geelong Business Network Breakfast sponsored by G Force to listen to Mayor Darryn Lyons talk frankly to MC Paula Kontelj about his eight months in office, the pitfalls he has encountered, where he see’s the future of Geelong heading and what legacy he wants to leave the city.

1. Michael King and Dan Simmonds 2. Brad Keating and John Van Klavaren 3. MC, Paula Kontelj with Darryn Lyons 4. Ross Haby, Paul Baranski, Rob Birch, Lucy O’reilly, Mark Smith 5. Stretch Kontelj and Bernadette Uzelac 6. Dr. Marie Harris and Pam Jewson 7. Sarah Henderson and Darryn Lyons

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AFTER HOURS

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BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 45

AFTER HOURS

1.

GWYL New Fundraising Campaign Unveiled 2.

Bill Mithen, CEO of Give Where You Live unveiled Geelong’s leading philanthropic organisation’s 2014 – 2015 fundraising campaign at the Waterfront Kitchen, Deakin University Waterfront Campus last month.

The evening brought together 150 people representing a cross section of the Geelong community, including personal and corporate donors, with the presentation of the 2014 Loaned Executive team forming a big part of the night.

The Loaned Executives are now out and about, promoting the Give Where You Live Workplace Giving program, which is the backbone of the organisation’s fundraising campaign.

1. Aaron Jolly, Andrew Katos & Murray Boyd.

2. Alison Hemingway & Mark Thomas 3. Rebecca Haywood & Cecie Yan 4. Melissa Van der Ploeg & Jennifer Greive 5. Bill Mithen & Keith Fagg

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BUSINESS NEWS | 46

AFTER HOURS

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Having allocated an amazing $2 million in grants to assist some of the most vulnerable people in Geelong last month, now the fundraising has started again in order to meet Give Where You Live’s Strategic Plan of allocating $6 million over the three years to June 2015, which the organisation is on track to achieve.

GWYL CEO, Bill Mithen said that across 2014-2015 there will be ample opportunity for individuals, businesses and major corporations to contribute to the organisation’s annual fundraising campaign.

You can hear the donation buckets rattling already!

Photos by: EL Photography

6. Jaki Tidmas & Greg Gow 7. Andrew Katos & Bill Mithen 8. Graham Morton & Genniveive Briese 9. Jake Belsar, Lisa Kingman & Tim Birchall 10. Tina Guilno, Gary Ridgeway & Virginia Todd

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BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 47

THE TECH GUY

Every month, our Tech Guy, Jon Mamonski, brings us the wildest, most mind-blowing gadgets he can find...

Feet directions Chairless chair

Google Glass and smartwatches can help you get around without being hunched over your smartphone, but you’re still staring at a screen instead of enjoying the scenery. That’s all set to change thanks to an Indian company that wants to put navigation equipment in your shoes.

Need directions? Ducere’s Lechal interactive haptic footwear hooks up to your smartphone and when you reach a junction, vibrates the left (or right) foot. The gear is expected to launch before Christmas and you’ll be able to choose between full shoes or just insoles that’ll fit inside your regular pair. By rights, a portion of the royalties should go to the creators of Red Dwarf, who came up with a similar idea 26 years ago.

Speaking of footwear how about a pair of RocketSkates? Well…. not exactly rockets, but these beauties have just been launched on Kickstarter. Acton’s RocketSkates have four hub motors and can zoom up to 20 kilometres per hour. You can wear almost any regular shoe with the RocketSkates, simply strap it on and you’ll be ready to get started.

To accelerate, simply tilt forward, and to slow down, just tilt back on your heels. Think of them as mini Segways for your feet. If that sounds like an enticing proposition, you’ll have to pay for it. The regular retail prices for these skates are $750. You can expect the first units to ship before Christmas.

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Swiss start up, Noonee, has cooked up the Chairless Chair. Once you get strapped in, all it takes is a press of a button to get settled. The aluminium and carbon fibre frame holds whatever position your legs take and essentially becomes, well, an invisible chair. It’s curiously wearable but still firmly in the prototype phase (though Audi and BMW will soon take the thing for spin on its production lines), but if it works as well as the team says it does, expect every haggard commuter to own one soon enough.

Rocket skates

THE TECH GUY

Did you see this coming? Two exApple and Google employees have launched the Sproutling baby monitor: a device meant to be worn around your baby’s ankle. That way, it can monitor parameters like heart rate, skin temperature and body movement, while also tracking the room’s temperature, humidity and light levels. All that data is sent to a smartphone app, which crunches it to create simple notifications.

For instance, it can tell you whether their heart rate is higher than normal, if they’re sleeping on their back, if it’s warmer than ideal in the room or whether they’re now awake and not in a good mood.

Baby tech care

When the apocalypse comes (zombie or otherwise), you’ll need to be prepared to leave quickly. Thanks to Motopeds, there’s a way out.

The Survival Bike - Black Ops Edition hits the road with a compound crossbow, fuel storage, shovel, tomahawk, harpoon, blade saw, climbing gear, lights and a smattering of tools and knives. There’s a handlebar mount for that trusty smartphone or GPS unit needed to navigate. This lifesaver is likely to cost around $2,500 but what price for your life? And remember, the zombies won’t have them.

HP

Smartwatch?

We already know HP is working on a smartwatch of its own, but this isn’t the first time the company’s tried to glam up your wrist. In 1977, (remember Star Wars) HP made the world’s first calculator watch. The HP-01 was a particularly garish monstrosity, its golden chassis festooned with tiny number and operator buttons, but it was the pinnacle of retro alpha nerd chic. It was a prototype and if you’re quick you may pick it up on eBay for only $14,500. Waste of money you say? What price is right for this astonishing piece of retro-tech?

Survive the Apocalypse

You can place action cameras pretty much, anywhere but they’re still not that portable. You probably won’t (or can’t) shove one in your pocket in case you want to document an adventure.

But now you can certainly try that with Polaroid’s new Cube camera. While its building block-like design is cute, it lets you record 1080p wide-angle videos seemingly anywhere with a built-in magnet that lets the Cube cling to any metal surface and even the mounting kits are tiny enough to come along on many trips. The cam depends on microSD cards for storage and only lasts for 90 minutes of video on a charge, but that still means that it can handle a quick mountain bike expedition or a few laps around the racetrack. It should ship in time for Christmas for less than $150.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 49

Video anywhere

STUFF

cool•

COOL STUFF A4 Framed Print : I like Nonsense Pierrot et Coco www.pierrotetcoco.com

Ply Peg Board Down that Little Lane www.downthatlittlelane.com.au

Get some inspiration for your office with these new and creative accessories!

Vision Globe Midnight Blue Designer gifts for men www.designergiftsformen.com.au

Pen Pen Designer gifts for men www.designergiftsformen.com.au

Dead Fred Pen Holder by Suck UK Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au

Slab Led Wooden Clock Zingness www.zingness.com.au

Scrabble Alphabet Letter Mug Z1 Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au

Support Kolmi - Filomen - chez Greeen Store Greeen www.greeen-store.com Ru Chair + T12 Straight Cult www.cultdesigned.com.au

Lapin ciseau trombone qualy MINIMALL minimall.fr/

SUCK UK - Home Guard Bookend Yellow Octopus www.yellowoctopus.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 50

BOOKS

Rules of Engagement Kim Williams FOXTEL, football, News and wine: The secrets of a business builder and cultural maestro … quite the title, but then, Kim Williams has a lot to say.

Williams is perhaps best known as Rupert Murdoch’s right hand man, who took the job of News Corp CEO after heading up FOXTEL, FOX Studios Australia, then walked out the door 20 months later. He is a former CEO of the Australian Film Commission and Musica Viva, a classically trained musician and composer, the newest Commissioner of the AFL and he was once a national Lego champion. In Rules of Engagement, he shares what he has learnt along the way. That he manages to do so in an erudite and occasionally mischievous manner is telling of the character that is Kim Williams.

BREAKFAST WITH the Borgias DBC Pierre There is nothing boring about DBC “Dirty But Clean” Pierre, and the offer of a new Hammer novella from the Booker Prize winner is an intriguing one.

A promising young academic is en route from the USA to an important convention in Holland when his plane is grounded by fog at Stanstead.

Discombobulated and jetlagged he finds a place to stay in a lonely guesthouse on the Essex coast. Outside, it’s dark, and very foggy.

Inside there’s no phone or internet reception, no connection with the outside world, but an attempt is being made to connect with another world. An ancient and malign matriarch in a wheelchair is presiding over a disconcerting gathering that includes a medium, charged with calling up the restless spirit of the old woman’s dead son. But it isn’t the dead the young man should be worry about, but the living …

Analogue Men Nick Earls Earls is back, and this time he’s trying to make sense of middle-aged men trying to make sense of a digital age.

Andrew Van Fleet is 49 and feeling 50 closing in. He’s bailed out of his private equity job for something that’ll let him spend more time at home, but the house is overrun by iPads and teenage hormones and conversations that have moved on without him. Plus his ailing father is now lodged in the granny flat, convalescing from surgery and with his scrappy bulldog in tow. And then there’s Brian Brightman, the expensive fading star at the radio station Andrew’s signed up to manage, whose every broadcast offers fresh trouble. He’s 49 too and, like Andrew, starting to wonder if the twenty-first century might prove to be his second best.

Montsalvat Sigmund Jorgensen From the son of the founder of the legendary Melbourne artists’ colony, Montsalvat, comes this colourful history of the place and the people it inspired. In the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Montsalvat is the home of the Holy Grail. Australia’s Montsalvat is an artists’ colony in Eltham, established by the architect and artist Justus Jorgensen in 1934. It is home to over a dozen buildings, houses and halls built out of local stone, recycled timbers and rammed earth and set amongst richly established gardens on 12 acres of land on the outskirts of Melbourne. But it is more than a set of beautiful buildings - it is a place steeped in the art and culture of Melbourne. And to walk around its grounds is to step into a bygone world where such a grand plan seemed more achievable… perhaps that is why Montsalvat has created its own myths and legends.

BIZNEWSMAG.COM.AU | 51

Harwood Andrews are launching possibilities.

We are proud to announce our new look.

We understand that being progressive means moving with the times, and being in touch with the business world around us.

After 170 years of serving our community, Harwood Andrews continue to demonstrate our commitment to clients by providing commercial and innovative solutions.

We work in a collaborative partnership with our clients, to understand their business and bring to bear our expert judgement, to ensure the advice and service we provide is specific and tailored to their needs.

Ask us how we can add value and help launch your business to reach its greatest possible potential.

Geelong

5225 5225 harwoodandrews.com.au

Ballarat

5329 6999

harwoodandrewsballarat.com.au