Business News 224

ISSUE 224 NOVEMBER 2013

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ISSUE 224 NOVEMBER 2013

FEATURES 12. Enterprise Geelong 14. Farmers are Going Social 16. Get Into the Swing 29. New Business

CONTENTS 4. Editor 5. Bloke’s World 6. Coming Up...

7. Biz News 10. New Appointments 15. Market Update 19. Small Biz 20. Insurance 21. Legal 24. Document Management 25. Legal 26. Tax 27. VECCI 28. Governance 30. Tech Guy 32. Travel 35. Strategic Marketing 36. Community

16. How the Victorian Open at 13th Beach is changing the sport for the better

38. Arts 42. After Hours 46. Stuff 47. Books

BUSINESS NEWS | 3

EDITOR

Give us something to believe in Once again, just over twelve months on from the city’s first mayoral election, we are approaching another election. Voting for Geelong’s new directly elected mayor will close on November 23rd, with 16 candidates putting their hand up for the Council’s top job.

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Because, you see, I know what I want. I want our own Boris Johnson (Lord Mayor of London – posh bloke with the white blonde hair who is always laughing). While Boris may not have the overwhelming support that Keith Fagg seemed to have – although I don’t think it’s too long a bow to assume that Mr Fagg in fact didn’t have universal support during his time as Mayor – he is undeniably a superb ambassador for his city. Everyone talks about Boris; he is an attention magnet, and that’s what a mayor should be.

his feels like a very different election to the first, but I think we can all be forgiven for feeling a little deflated this time around. Keith Fagg romped to Victory last October, riding a big wave of public support. But all too soon it became clear that for someone who cared so much At the end of the day, the directly elected about doing good, it mayor model was put had all became too forward as a way of much. It was a genuine setting a new direction loss for Geelong for Geelong. We liked that Keith Fagg felt It would be nice to believe that all what Keith had planned compelled to step of them are genuine candidates – he was going to target down from the role. new business investment - that there are no stooges But he left a legacy of through a proposed new amongst them public expectation and unit of the City, Enterprise showed that the public Geelong. The body is now can and do believe up and running, and as in civic leaders when you can read about on those leaders are worth believing in. page 12, they are getting down to business – That’s the challenge then, for the 16 who have nominated. Freed of the restriction of having to nominate for either Council or the Mayoral role, there are more councillors who have put up their hand this time around. There are old faces, new faces and a few relatively unknown faces. It would be nice to believe that all of them are genuine candidates - that there are no stooges amongst them - but I can’t imagine many do believe that. It’s all just a little disheartening.

stay tuned on that front…

We liked that Keith was so passionate about Geelong, and that he cared not only about business and economic development and big picture plans, he cared about the people, especially the people who need the most help in our community.

This is the benchmark that has been set. Vote wisely.

Davina Montgomery

ISSUE 224 NOVEMBER 2013 Read online at: www.biznewsmag.com.au BUSINESS NEWS, an Adcell Group publication, is mailed to more than 6000 businesses across Geelong, Ballarat and Werribee.

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BLOKE’S WORLD

You are what you wear When one local bloke swapped his work suits for work safe fluoros, he found himself on the wrong side of a bit of apparel prejudice. When it comes to work wear, it’s black and white that the winner is grey.

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ife in a budding manufacture business is very different.

Not so long ago my biggest daily calamity was if I dunked my tie in my soup at one of the corporate lunches or said something politically incorrect when the office thought police were on patrol. It is surprising just how much you get used to the flow of a business, so much so that when you change it, you are out to sea. One thing I don’t miss is the gastric distress from five-hour meetings…

now I was doing something practical. Shouldn’t that count?

When you think about it, our society has a really warped sense of value. Take a look at child care workers or kindergarten teachers, who do what any sane adult would tell you is the hardest job in the universe, but the pay! Technically their pay is well within the totally sucks category, whereas our government representatives who have gained their jobs by being the least worst alternative can give themselves a bonus that could pay for 18 employees on minimum wage for at least three McDonald’s shifts. I ask you, is that fair? And let us not think of the golden executives that become directors of some massive national conglomerate whose only talent is to have been to one of the grammar schools with someone who knows someone else. What is the value to the average Australian from these careers?

To get massive incomes in Australia I think has something to do with grey. It’s obvious when you think about it. The grey haired old farts, in their grey business suits sitting on some grey tribunal in the city will consider their job to be highly valuable and grant themselves a minor pay increase of, say, $30,000 (a small percentage, of course) and then “When you think about it, our deliberate and begrudge increasing society has a really warped nurses’ wages.

Once I would buy the corporate suit and now I shop for high visibility anything wear at Big W. By the way, I don’t get why we need to wear high visibility underwear? Is this in case catastrophic failure of the sewerage system leaves you stranded and you need to call for assistance?

The biggest surprise is the treatment I get when I am in civilian areas. I was Geelong last week and a mate sense of value.”

Why don’t we just agree that the highest called and wanted to meet for lunch. paid in our country get rewarded for the Old habits and all; I agreed to the actual physical things that they produce? appointment. Decked out in yellow, If we paid the farmers well, and the builders and the nurses lime green and some weird blend of orange I arrived early and the shoe makers and boat builders (just thought I would and asked for a table only to be told that bar meals might be slip that one in) instead of this emperor’s new clothes style of a cheaper option, if I liked. The truth is I didn’t like. I wasn’t economy we might get out of the doldrums. offended, just amused. We all make assumptions, as it is the most efficient way to get through life - if we waited to verify But we know it is not going to happen. The ones with the grey everything we would end up on Big Bang Theory acting the jobs have control of the process. The power to run a country part of Sheldon. Let’s not get precious about it. Like the like ours is not gained from running everything but being able other day, I went through the supermarket and come across to congregate around the pinch point. Control the market one of my previous clients. When they saw me in my new pinch and you effectively control the whole damn show. But style of work clothes they asked, in a derisive tone, what had then again, now that I wear high viz work clothes I don’t have happened to me? meaningful opinions, so I should shut up while I am ahead.

Man! I was doing okay, I was just working in an honest job now. After years of a cerebral job, which is one where I think Kurinto I am doing something of value but in reality I am not, at least

BUSINESS NEWS | 5

BIZ NEWS

Coming Up...

9 November Gala Day Parade and Family Fun Day Help celebrate Geelong’s 97th Gala Day, still raising funds for the Geelong Hospital Appeal. The Morris Finance Gala Day Parade will commence at 11:00am on Saturday the 9th of November from the intersection of Garden St and Malop Street. Over 40 floats and walking entries will proceed down Malop Street before turning into Moorabool Street and concluding at Brougham St. And the fun continues afterwards in Steampacket Gardens with children’s entertainment and food stalls. The GForce Family Fun Day will be held from Noon to 5:00pm on at Steampacket Gardens on the Waterfront.

Info: www.geelonghospitalappeal.com.au 14 November Mayoral Election Forum Breakfast The Geelong Business Network hosts this Q&A forum with leading candidates going into the mayoral election. Hosted by the Committee for Geelong and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce at The Mercure.

Info: www.geelongbusinessnetwork.com.au 15 – 16 November When Dad Married Fury Hit Productions presents a two-day run of David Williamson’s new play, When Dad Married Fury.

Following a sell-out premiere season at the Ensemble Theatre, When Dad

6 | BUSINESS NEWS

Married Fury comes to the Potato Shed in Drysdale. Two brothers arrive in Sydney to celebrate their recently widowed father’s 75th birthday only to find that Dad and is $100 million fortune has married Fury, an American beauty queen half his age. And there’s no pre-nup…

30 November – 1 December Geelong Revival Motoring Festival

17 November

Bringing Classic Sprints back to the Geelong Waterfront, the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival attracts tens of thousands of classic and veteran motoring fans. See Quarter Mile Sprints, classic and exotic cars and bikes on display and on the road, Motoring Expo, live Blues music stalls, stunts and kids entertainment.

Run Geelong

Info: www.geelongrevival.com.au

Info: www.geelongaustralia.com.au

Run Geelong 2013 will see 12,000 people running, walking, crawling and rolling for a brand new cause – the redevelopment of the Special Care Nursery at Geelong Hospital. The success of Run Geelong 2012 saw the Children’s Ward redevelopment complete and the Cotton On Foundation Children’s Ward officially open. Join thousands for either 12km or 6km events.

Info: www.rungeelong.com.au 22 – 24 November Queenscliff Music Festival Now in its 17th year, the iconic Queenscliff Music Festival returns to the historic seaside town with the event’s trademark eclectic blend of musical styles.

Headliners for 2013 include The Living End, John Butler Trio, The Grates and The Screaming Jets. Catch The Voice stars Darren Percival and Geelong’s own Imogen Brough. Go for a day or stay for the weekend.

Info: www.qmf.net.au

7 December A Day on the Green Concert – Leonard Cohen The legendary Leonard Cohen and his nine-piece touring band will perform at The Hill Winery. The 78-year-old singersongwriter’s star has not dimmed over his six-decade career, with the Canadian loved and admired by critics and fans alike.

Info: www.adayonthegreen.com.au 7 December Denis Walter Carols by the Bay Sing along to Christmas hymns being performed by some of our region’s talented artists as well as some notable Australian performers. Watch out for special appearances from annual favourites, Humphrey B Bear and Santa!

Hosted by Denis Walter, Carols by the Bay will leave you feeling festive with the spirit of Christmas.

Info: www.deniswalter.com.au

BIZ NEWS

Quality and Reliability Top Business Priority for NBN With national attention focused on possible changes to the National Broadband Network model, the Australian Industry Group has released a timely business survey giving greater insight into what business wants from high speed broadband.

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ur report highlights that the number one priority for business users in a high-speed broadband service is quality and reliability (44 per cent), followed by access and connection costs (30 per cent), upload and download speeds (15 per cent) and the timeframe for the rollout (10 per cent),” Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox said.

not have a high-speed broadband connection. According to ABS data, only 13 per cent of business and government users have high-speed broadband connections, and the figure is significantly lower for SMEs. Most businesses - over 70% - still access the Internet via lower-speed ADSL. “Australian businesses recognise that access to high-speed broadband is increasingly important to their business.

Seventy-five per cent of the businesses we surveyed rated access to high-speed broadband as important to their business over the next two to three years.

“Our research also found that nearly 40 per cent of businesses rate their existing telecommunications infrastructure as inadequate. The problem is particularly acute for businesses in outer metropolitan and regional areas. Accelerating access to better infrastructure for these businesses should be a priority in any revision of the rollout timetable.”

Mr Willox said of particular concern were the findings that around 60 per cent of businesses have not begun to prepare for the rollout of the NBN, and 30 per cent say they do not expect to. Investment in NBN infrastructure needs to be The AiGroup is calling on NBN Co and the Federal accompanied by targeted investments Government to consider business in digital capabilities – such as skills, users’ needs in the reviews of awareness raising, and its links to the NBN and to ensure that the innovation and R&D – to maximise the final NBN model delivers high Around 60 per cent of businesses business opportunities enabled by the quality and affordable services have not begun to prepare for NBN,” Mr Willox said. to business as well as household the rollout of the NBN users now and into the future.

Amongst the Ai Group’s recommends “Affordability is also a key issue, particularly for small to medium enterprises. While we welcome the new Government’s focus on reducing access prices, we will be looking to the reviews to provide more detail on how this commitment will be met,” Mr Willox said.

“While the needs of households have received considerable attention in the debate over the NBN in recent years, less attention has been paid to the needs of business users.

High-speed broadband presents many opportunities to businesses, yet the vast majority of Australian businesses do

are giving greater priority to rolling out infrastructure to poorly served businesses and industrial estates in outer suburban and regional areas; taking into account the needs of different user groups, including business users; ensuring affordable access to fibre to the premise (FTTP) services for those businesses that desire it and the release of key details about these services such as availability, provisioning and pricing; and outlining the types of enterprise product packages on offer to businesses and the impact of a revised model on the small, medium and large enterprise products currently offered or under development by NBN Co.

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www.morrisfinance.com.au BUSINESS NEWS | 7

BIZ NEWS

Journey to a positive future An inspiring example of Geelong businesses working together to support disadvantaged young people will see around 25 unemployed young women aged between 16 and 25 participating in a motivational program designed to boost their confidence and improve their chances of gaining work.

The Journey to Work program, specifically developed to assist young women from socially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, is an initiative of Karingal’s business and community partnerships broker BacLinks in partnership with MatchWorks and Coulter Roache Lawyers and has been designed to complement the learning styles of the young women taking part, many of whom are early school leavers with significant barriers to seeking and gaining employment. The women will receive professional presentation advice, including makeovers, participate in programs addressing self-esteem issues and be mentored

by Coulter Roache and MatchWorks workplace volunteers.

“At MatchWorks we assist many people who are experiencing significant challenges in their lives, and sometimes it’s not as simple as whether they have a job or not,” General Manager Michael Wasley said. “For this reason, we’ve decided to run a program that will address some of their broader barriers to employment, such as learning about presentation skills in a workplace and the importance of a healthy attitude.

State economy remains resilient The release of the 2012-13 Victorian Annual Financial Report has been welcomed by VECCI, with the peak business body saying the general government sector surplus result of $316 million in 2012-13 demonstrates Victoria’s economic resilience despite the backdrop of challenging economic conditions at home and abroad.

VECCI Chief Executive, Mark Stone, says, “Victoria is now the only jurisdiction in Australia forecasting a budget surplus in every year over the forward estimates period. With a Triple A credit rating, our strong financial position provides a solid foundation for further growth and investment.

“The Napthine Government has kept to its commitment to keep expenditure growth in check, with expenses increasing by 2.1 per cent over the previous year.

“It is also encouraging that general government net infrastructure investment was $5.2 billion for 2012-13.

“Infrastructure is a key driver of productivity and employment and the investments made in a range of transport, health and education projects over the past year will help raise business competitiveness and improve services to the wider community.

“The Government must maintain its disciplined approach to fiscal management and build Victoria’s growth momentum into 2014 and beyond.”

Mr Stone said that VECCI’s recent 2013 Victoria Summit has advanced a range of integrated reforms that are designed to make Victoria even more competitive, build an even smarter Victoria, increase Victoria’s international focus and make Victoria even more liveable.

Further information on VECCI’s reforms to accelerate productivity, investment and employment can be found at www.vecci.org.au/vicsummit

“Employment, and the satisfaction of receiving income in return for a hard day’s work, is an important component of social inclusion and feeling like part of the local community. We hope the program will give these job seekers a confidence boost and assist them in gaining sustainable, long-term employment to ultimately make a difference in their overall lives.”

Kevin Roache, Chairman of Coulter Roache Lawyers said the company was committed to understanding and contributing to the local community. “Our staff are really looking forward to the opportunity to mentor and support the young people involved in the program,” he added.

Michael Wasley also encouraged local employers to maintain an open-mind when hiring new employees. “The person looking for work may not be who they would have traditionally hired, but with a good attitude and a bit of support they may turn into their most reliable employee,” he said.

8 | BUSINESS NEWS

Sarah, Daria, Jane, Stephanie & Jeene from Coulter Roache

ADVERTORIAL

Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware Takes Top Gong at Victorian Hardware Association Awards Drysdale hardware store, Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware, was awarded the prestigious 2013 Small Retail Store of the Year at the annual Hardware Association of Victoria and Tasmania (HAVT) awards ceremony held in October.

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he industry awards recognise and reward individuals and businesses that have excelled in their respective field over the past 12 months.

The award follows a significant eighteen months of growth for Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware, following the business’ transition to the Home Timber & Hardware group in early 2012.

Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware store owners, Grant and Kerri Maher, said they were honoured to receive such an industry accolade.

“Winning this award is a testament to the tremendous team we have working here in the store. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and the great culture we have in our store plays a vital role in the success of our business.

“At the end of the day, it’s our customers who are the ultimate judge of what we do, and we’re grateful for the support they’ve shown us over the last 18 months under the Home Timber & Hardware brand, and the previous 9 years trading as an independent non-group store. This award will spur us on to serve them even better.”

The HAVT awards are judged on each nominee’s performance in core business areas including delivering exceptional customer service, innovation and general business strategy.

Award categories include Small Retail Store, Medium Retail Store, Large Retail Store and Trade Store.

In the Small Retail category, there were 10 nominees competing for the title.

Home Timber & Hardware Regional Manager (VIC/TAS), Andrew Toomey, said the HAVT annual awards recognise retailers that are helping pave the way for the future of Victoria’s hardware sector.

“We congratulate Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware on this industry acknowledgment. Seeing our stores feature very strongly in the HAVT awards highlights Home Timber & Hardware’s credentials and success in delivering exceptional service and quality products to customers. The service and dedication displayed by Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware epitomises our “Go Where the Tradies Go” motto,” Mr Toomey said.

“It’s great to see a cross-section of our stores represented in each award category. In fact, 28 of the 46 finalists were Home Timber & Hardware, demonstrating the strength of our group in the hardware industry,” Toomey said.

Drysdale Home Timber & Hardware is located on a two acre lot at 36 Murradoc Road, Drysdale and caters to both retail and trade customers.

WINNER HARDWARE STORE OF THE YEAR 2013 Drysdale HOME Timber & Hardware Pty Ltd ACN 162 414 575 ABN 20 162 414 575

36 Murradoc Road DRYSDALE VIC 3222 Ph: 03 5251 2852 Fax: 03 5251 5455 www.drysdalehome.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 9

NEW APPOINTMENTS COUNCIL Dr Russell Walker comes to Enterprise Geelong from a 20 year international career encompassing research, investment attraction and strategic guidance. Dr Walker will lead the Enterprise Geelong team in promoting Geelong to the world, attracting new investment and fostering existing local enterprise.

ACCOUNTING Kym Scherf joins the team at S.J. Canny in a management role. Kym is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters in Applied Taxation. With more than 10 years in the industry Kym has extensive knowledge in the taxation field and is passionate about providing a high quality and personalised service to all of her clients.

BEAUTY Helen Hochreiter has opened her new business, Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic in Thomson St Belmont.

Previously Helen was a partner at Geelong Hair Removal. Helen is a qualified Electrologist and Laser Technician, with 15 years experience. A nurse is also employed to carry out laser treatments.

Property Management Lauren Hunt has joined Release Property Management, bringing with her a wealth of property management experience.

Exposed to ongoing training and development, managing large portfolios and embracing forward thinking practices has seen Lauren develop a reputable standing in the real estate industry.

Accounting S.J. Canny also welcomes Susan Scott. With over 25 years experience in the financial sector, Susan joins the team as Client Relationship Coordinator. Susan will be assisting Geoff with maintaining our Self-Managed Super Fund accounts to ensure we provide quality and efficient service to all of our valued SMSF clients.

Accounting S.J. Canny also welcome Gabriella Gibney as an Accountant. Gabriella holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Graduate Diploma Chartered Accounting along with nearly six years experience working in all areas including tax, SMSF’s and audit. Gabriella enjoys the challenges of assisting a diverse client base.

SJ Canny Accountants proud winners of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards “Commercial Services - Small Business Award” SJ Canny Accountants were announced recently as the winners of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards Commercial Services – Small Business Award. SJ Canny has provided services to the Geelong community for over 50 years and prides itself on being pro-active and always putting the client first.

www.sjcanny.com.au

Our business is unique in that it doesn’t try to be everything to everybody. It concentrates on three important sectors: 1. Small Business. We are a small business and we understand small business. We are able to help streamline your business and your time, leaving you free to run your business.

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3. Individuals. SJ Canny has always, and continues to, support individuals throughout their career.

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As recent winners of the Proactive Accountants Network “Rising Star Award” SJ Canny is proving that enthusiasm and energy don’t dim after more than 50 years in business!

Call SJ Canny today on 03 5278 9500

10 | BUSINESS NEWS

NEW APPOINTMENTS SPORT

Accounting

Netball Victoria welcomes Michelle Gerdtz as Sponsorship & Partnerships Manager. Michelle comes with over 10 years experience in the sporting industry, with previous roles with Australian Masters Games, Netball Victoria, Football Netball Geelong and Harness Racing Victoria.

LBW Chartered Accountants welcomes Ange Jones as HR Manager. Ange is a highly experienced leader in Organisation Development and Human Resources. Her career includes strategic and management roles at City of Greater Geelong, GMHBA and Barwon Water prior to joining LBW.

Insurance

REAL ESTATE

Roderick Insurance Brokers welcomes Darren Halley as Sales Manager. Darren brings 24 years General Insurance experience working for Insurance Underwriters across Australia. Darren has managed Sales Teams in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and Queensland, with his most recent role working for Allianz as Sales and Distribution Manager for Regional Victoria and Tasmania.

As part of the Gartland Real Estate team, Nathan Ashton has a mission to put ‘real’ real estate, and to provide outstanding service, exceptional communication, brilliant results and uncomplicated advice. Nathan is committed to challenging himself to get the absolute best out of every aspect of his life and is extremely dedicated to his career in real estate.

COUNCIL

COUNCIL A qualified Civil Engineer with over 25 years experience in Local Government, Vicki Shelton manages the development of CoGG’s infrastructure asset management systems, asset maintenance and the corporate capital works program. Vicki is also the IPWEA Vic Geelong Regional Group Chairperson.

In this new role David Goldie will manage the maintenance of CoGG’s civil assets and construction of new infrastructure. This includes maintenance of roads, footpaths, drainage, CBD cleaning, street sweeping, facility cleaning and street furniture. David will also oversee a large component of road, drainage and footpaths construction.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 11

FEATURE

Advocating for an enterprising future

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How do we shift the economic environment in Geelong from one that recognises that it needs to attract more investment to one that actually does attract more investment? That is the challenge before the newly appointed Executive Director of Enterprise Geelong, Dr Russell Walker, and we recently spoke to him about how he plans to met that challenge.

here is a tremendous sense of energy around Russell Walker and I walked out of his office with the very strong sense that this is a man who gets things done. Highly intelligent, focused, determined and a realist were other impressions of the man that has taken up the position of leader of Enterprise Geelong after an extensive recruitment process.

Whatever it’s past, the building is beautiful, and Dr Walker’s corner office has sweeping views over the bay – although at 10am, the morning sun made it so warm as to invite a morning nap rather than a business conversation. As we talked about Geelong’s economic development potential, Dr Walker waived his hand over the bay.

“Avalon Airport – Sydney would kill to have a second airport like Avalon! We have so much embedded advantage here.”

While it’s true that Dr Walker is a Geelong local, his career has been both international and eclectic, and includes executive roles at the North Carolina Centre for Nanoscale Materials and Ireland’s National Microelectronics Research Centre. He has worked as a consultant to Singapore’s Gintic Institute of Manufacturing Technology and run laboratories for the United States Military.

Having returned to Australia in the aftermath of 9/11 (he was in the States during the attacks and the Anthrax scare, a time he describes as bizarre) he became a Senior Program Advisor at the Victorian Government’s Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development and most recently has served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at Deakin University. During his five years at Deakin, Dr Walker oversaw more than $160 million of investment, including the establishment of the Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre (AFFRIC), the Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET), the Centre for Automotive Steel Research and Innovation (CASRI), and the Sino-Australia Initiative for Automotive Materials and Technologies (iAMT).

W hile the City has evolved and grown in sophistication from the dark days of the Pyramid collapse and the recession years, the process of change has not happened quickly. That’s been okay, up until now. We’ve said it often and in response to a wide range of issues this year that the pace of change within the business world has picked up exponentially. With the operating environment for businesses changing so rapidly, all levels of government need to step out of the tangled bureaucratic systems of times past and be able to meet the market, and that includes local government.

Dr Walker brings a globally rare nexus of industry, business, research and academic experience to Enterprise Geelong, the entity that we first heard of as an election platform of Keith Fagg’s mayoral campaign. While it may seem like Enterprise Geelong has been around for many months, it has in reality been in operation for more like two months, but already moves are being made.

First amongst these are streamlining the processing of business investment and development applications through the City.

“I’ve seen some very successful regions around the world, and the majority of them don’t have anywhere near the imbedded advantages that Geelong has,” Dr Walker said.

“A large part of what Enterprise Geelong will be doing, and should be doing, is articulating Geelong’s specific areas of competitive advantage and taking that message out to the world. We do need to be specific about it. There are a lot of economic development plans and waffle, which talk about engaging with global supply chains and being highly innovative, facilitating networking opportunities and that’s fine. But exactly what is it about Geelong?

What specifically is it and what is the message that we need to be taking out to the world and how do we need to be taking it out to the world.”

There is a sense of poetry in the fact that the body tasked with facilitating greater investment in the local economy is housed in the same building that was home to a body that once wreaked such enormous damage on the local economy, the Pyramid Building Society.

12 | BUSINESS NEWS

“From a City perspective, it’s not our role to generate jobs or provide investment, but we need Geelong to be an environment where those things can happen by themselves or through business investment. We need to make it easy for a business to increase its workforce, to make an investment or to come and establish in Geelong instead of any other region in Australia. To do that we need to be responsive and to let businesses be responsive.

“We need to have the systems and the processes in place, whereby a business can be confident that if the external environment changes - if Ford Australia makes an announcement and a business needs to change its focus from supplying into Ford to supplying into the United States aerospace sector, for instance – that we won’t impede that. That gets down to a whole range of things that need to be in place that we don’t have in place at the moment. We need to be a facilitator rather than being an impediment,” Dr Walker said.

“If you’re a business and you’re trying to respond to a particular market opportunity or specific client request and you have to wait five or six years for the practices to be put in place [at the City] to allow you to respond to that… well, how many generations is five or six years in the business world? The customer who made that request would now be set up in Guangzhou and they would have set up four years ago, dealing with a Chinese company.”

Dr Walker said the City and Council is already moving to streamline business processes in what will be welcome news particularly for the city’s manufacturing sector. Geelong has long been a manufacturing city, it is still a manufacturing city and it needs to be a manufacturing city into the future. With a population boom looming, we need to be a city that makes and sells things to generate revenue. As transformative as the growth in health and education sector employment has been in the local economy, these service industries do not generate revenue, they largely just circulate it. This isn’t just a challenge for Geelong; it’s a challenge for the state and for Australia as a nation.

“I absolutely agree. We need to stay a manufacturing city, because

i a c t a o t p r

W b m r m

“ e t d w e e a n N t n i t r h f i

L l

“ h s t t

“

FEATURE if you lose that capability, you never get it back. Across Australia, as a whole, we don’t have a very diversified economy. Sixty per cent of the heat map of the ASX is in finance and mining, and those two sectors are each dominated by three or four players. We’ve got an incredibly concentrated economy with very few parallels across other first world countries. We are the only first world economy that is majority commodity based, so at a macro level – and I’ll probably get in trouble for saying this – but at a macro level we’re really third world rather than first world,” Dr Walker said.

one of only two in the world – and they do absolutely phenomenal work that is largely overlooked here. I’ve often thought that if you had the Animal Health Laboratory in Europe, in Prague or Lodes or somewhere like that, it would be the centre of a $50 billion cluster of industrial activity. There it would have companies built around it, here it’s sitting in the middle of a saltpan and many people aren’t quite sure what it does. We need to be making much more out of resources and assets like that. And Geelong has much more than that.”

While we are riding the massive wave of the global commodity boom, the concentrated nature of our currently sterling economy means change will come hard and fast, and that is just another reason why Australian business and industry needs to be able to move fast in response.

The challenge then is to identify, target and attract investment in sectors that are high value and that match the relatively unique skills set Geelong has to offer.

“Aerospace manufacture could be one of those industries. We’ve got the carbon fibre manufacturing that we could leverage off, and we’ve got automotive manufacturing and aircraft engineering skills sets that would fit very well into that sector.

They’re the sorts of conversations While we are riding the massive wave we need to have – who and what do of the global commodity boom, the we want to target, and why; what are concentrated nature of our currently the benefits that we should expect if sterling economy means change will we’re successful in those areas and come hard and fast then how to go out and do it,” Dr Walker said.

“Just because we have a national economy that is fairly concentrated and, to be honest, fairly unsophisticated, doesn’t mean that at a regional level we have to parallel that. There are examples of very successful regional economies around the world that are embedded in not so successful national economies. Piedmont in Northern Italy is a good example of that. Italy, at a national level, is probably not the envy of the world at the moment, nevertheless, Piedmont is a very successful, highly value-added manufacturing region that is consistently considered to be in the top ten manufacturing regions in Europe. They have a very clear focus on a couple of highly value-added areas – tooling, being one of them, and they focused on developing those at the local universities, which fed into the mix. Having the EU there didn’t hurt either.”

Like Piedmont, Geelong has a strong collaboration between a local university and advanced manufacturing.

“Geelong has Deakin and should be very grateful to Deakin, but it has a number of other things as well which make Geelong, I would say, in the top five per cent of non-metropolitan regions globally in terms of potential. We need to start articulating what we have and taking that out to the world,” Dr Walker said.

“Geelong has the Australian Animal Health Laboratory – now that’s

“There’s a lot to do and where Enterprise Geelong fits in. The experience around the world shows that the regional economic development initiatives work best when they’re part of the regional government, but also slightly decoupled from the regional government. Up until now, if you’re contacting CoGG, the vast majority of inquiries are coming in via the Planning Department, which isn’t appropriate. It just isn’t appropriate to have Planning and Economic Development under the same choke point, and it’s a credit to the people involved that it’s worked as well as it has up to this point. But Enterprise Geelong needs to be the client advocate and we need to be seen to be the client advocate.

“We will fight the good fight [delete internally] and walk people through the system.”

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

BUSINESS NEWS | 13

FEATURE

Going Social: rural Aussies take to Twitter They may have had a slow start, but social media and rural Australia have become a perfect fit in recent years. Over the past two years, rural Australians have taken to social media like ducks to water, with Australia’s largest rural social media network, AgChatOz regularly reaching more than 275,000 people a week.

It is now one of the nation’s largest social media networks.

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his success well and truly debunks the stereotype of the farmer as an unsophisticated, weather beaten, oldfashioned character, happy with his own company in the hayfield. While the majority of participants are aged 3855, there has also been an influx of young farmers and people flocking to AgChatOz. Network co-founder, Tom Whitty (@tweetingtwhitt) , is delighted with its success.

Mr Whitty is a passionate advocate for the rural community, having established, as a volunteer, both AgChatOz and Rural Mental Health (#RuralMH) – a social media platform for raising awareness about mental health issues affecting country Australia. This has been in addition to his day jobs, previously as Co-ordinator of the Australian Year of the Farmer for the ACT Government and his current role as Public Affairs and Media Advisor for the Victorian Farmers’ Federation. Still only 26, Mr Whitty was recently in Geelong to share his experiences at the Public Relations Institute of Australia’s first-ever regional conference. Mr Whitty believes that social media fulfills a whole range of needs for rural Australians - from connecting people who are often geographically isolated to professional support, access to best practice knowledge and enhanced international competitiveness, transparency, lobbying power, and connecting with consumers.

“Three years ago, there was a clear lack of rural and agricultural representation online,” said Mr Whitty. “Since then, farmers and rural communities have relished the opportunity to engage directly with media, politicians and especially urban consumers.

The tyranny of distance has been broken down and allowed for free-flowing conversations.”

Rural Australians are not the only rural people relishing access to social media. Over the past 12 months the AgChat concept has taken off around the world. Mr Whitty has assisted the establishment of AgChat New Zealand and Agrichat in the UK - which has already gained 8,000 followers in only four months – and has led to new networks in Ireland, France and the Netherlands. The movement began in the US, where there is

14 | BUSINESS NEWS

now an AgChat Foundation that provides training and additional services to farmers. In August, Mr Whitty was awarded the inaugural Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria’s 2013 Emerging Leader in Victorian Agriculture Award. He intends to use his grant money to visit the AgChat Foundation in the US, so he can return with the skills to establish an AgChatOz Foundation in Australia.

Shelford farmer, Sam Trethewey (@Sam_Tretheway) , is a striking example of the new breed of farmer, with a sophisticated understanding of technology, agriculture and communications.

Mr Trethewey has taken to AgChatOz with gusto, as well as writing and blogging on agricultural issues for various other sites.

He cites “immediacy” as an important benefit of the network, with farmers from all over Australia able to instantly join a conversation.

“It gives rural people a voice, where everyone is equal and able to add value to a discussion. We have gained a tremendous sense of empowerment,” Mr Trethewey.

The type of influence that social media provides farmers with was shown in the huge backlash earlier this year against a proposal for Coles to sell branded re-usable shopping bags to raise money for the activist group. Coles subsequently withdrew the campaign. The platform has also helped farmers to have their say about the increasingly prominent conflict between produce prices at the checkout and fair pay for producers.

Let the dialogue begin!

Claire Whiteley Claire Whiteley is a writer and PR specialist with over 15 years experience, in sectors ranging from tertiary education, finance and transport, to government bodies and UNESCO. Claire currently manages Reach PR – a Geelong-based PR consultancy – helping businesses, research organisations and government agencies to get their message heard in the right places.

MARKET UPDATE

Market Update We now think that the US economy will achieve only 1.6% growth in 2013. Growth would be much stronger were it not for the tightening fiscal policy and the US budget deficit being reduced from 7% last year to 4.7% of GDP this year. Normally that level of fiscal tightening would result in a recession, however ongoing quantitative easing has provided enough support to domestic demand to result in a period of growth.

I

ndicators suggest Europe is expanding at the fastest rate in two years led by an upturn in manufacturing. In spite of the fact that we are beginning to see a recovery in demand, the labour market is still soft and unemployment continues to rise. Europe has finally shaken off the effects of the Euro banking crisis and we think the resurgence of Europe will be increasingly important in supporting world growth in 2014.

In China, the pace of industrial production has picked up.

Of particular interest to Australia was the growth rate in steel production, rising 7.2% for the year to June. It rose to 10.9% for the year to July and 15.6% for the year to August.

Recent employment numbers show that Australia remains in a growth recession.

The Australian economy is growing by 2.6% per annum and the growth rate needs to rise to at least 3.2% to stabilise unemployment. Since the Federal election, business confidence has risen to the best levels since 2011.

We think the RBA will need to undertake two more rate cuts of 25 basis points to take the cash rate down to 2%. Rates will need to be maintained at that low level for some time.

Australian Market Update The Australian market was significantly influenced by actions in the US in the last quarter.

Firstly, in late September we saw the US Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, express concern that “fiscal headwinds” from the heated Congressional debate over its budget and recent jump in interest rates could slow the US economic recovery and, as a result, stimulus was not reduced.

Our Chief Economist, Michael Knox, had forecast the Federal Reserve to continue stimulating the US economy at current levels due to high unemployment. In contrast, the market view was that the Fed’s bond purchases would be tapered.

Consequently, the move by Bernanke surprised the market, which resulted in solid share market gains.

Secondly, we have seen market volumes stall as a result of US Congressional brinkmanship over lifting the debt ceiling, which resulted in the US Government shut down. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we went through a similar fiscal gridlock two years ago, which saw the S&P 500 fall ~7% until it was resolved.

In our view, the default threat is actually greater than the affect of shutting down the US Government. As Minority leader Nancy Pelosi expressed: “shutting down the government is one bad thing, but you shut it down, you open it up again. Not lifting the debt limit is unleashing a torrent, a river of no return. It is beyond cataclysmic.”

In our view, the default threat is actually greater than the affect of government. As Minority leader Nancy Pelosi expressed “shutting is one bad thing, but you shut it down, you open it up again. Not l unleashing a torrent, a river of no return. It is beyond cataclysmic

The US has never defaulted on its debt, so there is no trend or hi which we can look at, but this will create volatility in equity marke historical performance that we can look at, but this will create volatility in equity markets in the near term.

Investment Thematic

Investment Thematic

So, how we playing these markets?

So, how are are we playing these markets?

We have seen volumes stall, volatility increasing and a large We have seen volumes volatility increasing amount of investors waiting on stall, the sidelines for resolution of and a large amo on the sidelines for resolution of ceiling. these issues, particularly to the U these issues, particularly to the US debt We feel this volatility creates an opportunity to reposition We feelfrom thisdefensive volatilitystocks creates an opportunity to reposition portfolios into global and domestic into global and domestic cyclicals. cyclicals.

portfolio

Domestically, we anticipate the cyclicals to return to favour Domestically, we anticipate the cyclicals to return to favour on the on the back of a change in Government, a low interest Government, a low interest rate environment and increase in bus rate environment and increase in business and consumer confidence. this theme, like infrastructure confidence.

On On this theme, we like we infrastructure (industrials),(industrials), con consumer & consumer services) andsector. the (retail &discretionary consumer (retail services ) and the energy energy sector.

Post resolution the in issues inwe the US, the we ASX expect Post thethe resolution of the of issues the US, expect 200 rally towards fair value targetinof2014.

5503 points in 2014. fairtovalue targetour of 5503 points

the ASX 20

BEN WILLIAMSON Director - Geelong RBS Morgans Geelong assists clients with wealth Ben Williamson creation and protection through direct investment and Director - Geelong strategic planning solutions. Visit rbsmorgans.com/ branches/vic/geelong.

RBS Morgans Geelong assists clients with wealth creation and protection through direct in

This is information only Visit and readers should not rely or planning solutions. rbsmorgans.com/branches/vic/geelong. act on the information provided without first obtaining This is information and readers professional advice only on these issues. should not rely or act on the information provided without first obta issues.

The US has never defaulted on its debt, so there is no trend or

BUSINESS NEWS | 15

COVER STORY

OdeThE to the GET INTO swing

When the powers that be decided to shift the Victorian Open outside of Melbourne to Barwon Heads, they were taking a risk. It was a risk that paid off handsomely and now other tournaments around the world are looking to this new model of running golfing events.

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he Victorian Open is one of Australia’s oldest and most traditional golfing events. Founded in 1957, it counts Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Rodger Davis and Robert Allenby amongst its past winners.

It had also seen its crowd numbers dwindling away as it competed on the Melbourne sporting calendar with the likes of the AFL, the Australian Open, the Grand Prix, rugby, soccer, netball… the list goes on. Rather than tinkering at the edges of the event, Golf Victoria and the Australian PGA made a bold decision, to not only regionalise the event, but to also combine the Men’s and Women’s Open tournaments at one week-long event.

Andrew Langford-Jones, PGA Tour of Australasia Tournament Director, explained what was behind the move to 13th Beach Golf Links.

“The year before, we put a toe in the water with the Surf Coast Knockout down at the Torquay Sands and we were absolutely blown away by the local support and how the community in the Geelong area supported that event. So we suspected that coming into something as special as the Victorian Open that the reaction we would get from the local community was going to be very positive.

“To be honest with you, last year was just wonderful, and it’s given us the impetus to try and take the next step and take it from being an Australian Order of Merit event to part of the OneAsia Tour, which basically means that it would then be seen by the whole of Asia and beyond.”

16 | BUSINESS NEWS

Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse, said the decision to move the event was made relatively easy thanks to the support the idea attracted from both the City of Greater Geelong, through Geelong Major Events, and the State Government, who also supported the regionalisation of the event.

“It turned out to be fantastic and we couldn’t happier with the support from the Geelong community and the Bellarine community in particular. The crowds were as big as they’ve been in thirty years, and a lot of that came down to the fact that the people there support local events,” Mr Brookhouse said.

The event attracted over triple the crowds at 13th Beach than it did at Spring Valley the previous year, and the bringing together of the Men’s and Women’s events, and with the likes of British champ Laura Davies on course, organisers saw a whole new audience coming through the gates – with not only male and female spectators, but also families.

“One of the largely unknown facts is that the Geelong and Otway region has the highest concentration of golfers in Australia per capita,” Mr Brookhouse said. “The area down there is just full of golfers, and that helps. The quality of the golf courses in the area is just fantastic and there are obviously plenty of keen golfers down there.

“Then there is the unique nature of the event. It’s a more family-friendly, easy-going event. There is a bit more of a community-feel about it that a roped-off high-level event just Photos courtesy Golf Victoria

COVER STORY doesn’t have. I mean, you can’t follow Tiger Woods down the middle of a fairway; it’s just not possible. Whereas with our event you can, you can follow the likes of Laura Davies and Sophie Gustafson in the Women’s and Craig Parry and Peter O’Malley in the Men’s down the middle of the fairway, which is just fantastic.”

Mr Brookhouse said the calibre of the players at the 2014 Open is expected to be even higher again.

Oates CEO, David Birch, lives in Geelong and as a member of 13th Beach Golf Links, saw enough of the Open when it was first held at the course in February to be impressed.

“When I got the email [about sponsorship] I initially though it wasn’t for us. But I never say no to something until I know what I’m saying no to, and the more information I got, it became harder to say no, because the opportunities just got bigger and better.

“We’re really fortunate this year that the Australian Women’s Open is at Royal Melbourne the week before. That allows “There are things like spots in the Pro-Am, which for us us to tap into the European and the American players, and means we can invite a lot of our key customers to come, see if we can entice them to stay another week to play the and those that really love golf would appreciate having Vic Open. We also don’t clash with any major event on a hit around in the Pro-Am with its mix of up and comers the men’s tours, so we’re hoping that some of the bigger and internationals. There was Laura Davies from the UK, names, and particularly the European Tour men and the but also Peter O’Malley and Craig Parry this year – there’s Asian Tour men will be able to play some fantastic names – so for us, to this year. We clashed with an event give our customers the opportunity in Asia last year, which took away six to rub shoulders with them and have or seven of the players that would a hit with them was a really good Mr Brookhouse said the calibre normally play the Vic Open. So we’re opportunity. of the players at the 2014 pretty confident that we’ll have even Open is expected to be “As naming rights sponsor, we can stronger fields this year than we had even higher again. really do something a little different. last year.”

I often describe a lot of advertising The incredible turnaround in the event as grey – people run for the remote has made entry into the European control when the ads come on, and and/or Asian tours a real possibility there are very few ads that make over the next few years, and that is something that has you smile. I think most people would remember the Telstra everyone involved very excited. ad where the Dad tells his little boy that the Great Wall of China was to keep the rabbits out. For me, we talk to our The international exposure and prestige that would come marketing department about being a little bit different and from being part of an Asian or European tour would be that it’s perhaps time to do something a little disruptive extraordinary, but it will take a lot of work, and the support that people probably wouldn’t associate with a cleaning of corporate sponsors to get the event to that standard. company.

“Once it gets to that level, you get a lot of other countries supporting the event. You would see players from Korea, China, Singapore and Japan coming here to play in the event,” Mr Langford-Jones said.

But with a house in Barwon Heads, the PGA Australasian Tournament Director couldn’t help but see the potential, not just for the event, but for the region, in pushing the grow the Vic Open as a Geelong-based event.

“The players and the people that I spoke to that had been to the wineries and the golf courses, to the Great Ocean Road and Bells Beach, the coffee shops and the restaurants - they hadn’t realised what a fun destination it is. So for me, it probably came of age as a tourist destination for the golfing community.”

Mr Brookhouse said that moves towards being cosanctioned on the European Tour for the Women’s Victorian Open are already being made. But for the Men’s event to be co-sanctioned by one of the big Asian tours, the current prize money would need to effectively double.

“It’s a bit chicken and egg – the more support you get, the more publicity those corporate partners get, because your TV audience becomes wider and the quality of players the event attracts increases as well. Raising our corporate support also raises our government support, because it becomes more of an international event.”

And there are some very attractive benefits that come from sponsoring an event like the Vic Open.

It may not be the most direct link – a cleaning products company and golf – but for Oates, signing up for three years as the naming rights sponsor of the Victorian Open… well, let’s just say the company is cleaning up.

“I passed the proposal on to our National Marketing Department and they had a look at the signage opportunities and the branding specifically for Oates.

They all came back and said they thought it was a great idea, that the benefits of getting our brand out there in a different arena would be a good opportunity. But because I’m a member there and because I’m from Geelong, I did run it by our Group CEO and stepped away from the final decision, just to avoid any potential conflict of interest.”

And branding isn’t about seeking out the obvious, it’s about connecting with people, and even Peter O’Malley and Laura Davies have to have their floors and toilets cleaned. For Oates, this deal is all about branding. Not just for its residential products, but also to support its large market share of commercial cleaning products.

“It made sense, because for me, advertising is about repetition in many senses, that you see the brand often enough. We’re not Coca Cola, so we’re not going to spend $30 million, $50 million or $100 million on television or whatever it is, to be a part of a short moment in time. In an environment like the Open, it’s very relaxed and the action is going on for eight hours or longer. The opportunity for your branding to sink into people, because they’re seeing it again and again over that period, is great.

Simon Brookhouse said that moving the event down to the coast and into a regional area has opened up opportunities that had not even been considered by golf event organisers before, including attracting a broad demographic of spectators.

“This is the only event that simultaneously runs both its Women’s and Men’s events like this, however we have had interest from the European Tour, who have asked us how

BUSINESS NEWS | 17

COVER STORY a goal of playing well, because it’s probably as close to playing at home as I’ll get. It’s rare that my family and friends get to watch me play, and to be able to do that in front of them was pretty special.

“I can’t wait for next year. Again, I’d like to play well and hopefully I can just enjoy it,” she said.

“It was a huge buzz this year. The amount of people that were out there watching, I mean we don’t get that many people watching at a senior European event. It was great, although I’d have to say the women’s event was more supported,” she added, laughing.

we went about it and what our blueprint was. It’s really not that difficult. You make a decision to get a venue and play a Men’s and Women’s tournament concurrently and there’s not much more to it than that. It’s just that there are hundreds of years of history that has stood in the way of doing it before.

“The world of golf is very segmented between men’s tours and women’s tours, but we’re certainly hopeful that we’ll see more of these Tier 2 events run like this in Australia. The New South Wales Open is looking at joining the men’s and women’s events together and Western Australia is looking to introduce a women’s event to compliment their men’s event as well,” Mr Brookhouse said.

“The one thing that we do know and there’s no question about is that the players love it. They love the opportunity to be on tour and to be on a par with each other. The men like watching the women play and the women like watching the men play likewise, and it has a really good feel about it around the clubhouse, with the male and female players able to relax and catch up together, which you just don’t get anywhere else. It’s been very successful for the major tennis tournaments, so I don’t see why it couldn’t be for golf.”

One player who is a big fan of the event is Stacey Keating.

The 27 year-old Australian professional, who hails from Cressy, took out the Women’s Open this year, ahead of Laura Davies and others. Stacey is continuing to rise up the Rolex Rankings and spoke to us from on tour in China.

After a nine-hour battle with traffic, I would have absolutely understood if Stacey had been a little short, more than a little tired and probably more than a little cranky when we finally caught up over the phone, but the bubbly 27 year-old just laughed it off. I couldn’t help but be reminded of David Birch’s words of ‘couldn’t do enough’.

“This year was pretty unbelievable. I wouldn’t say I went there with a goal of winning, but I definitely went there with

“There were lots of people out there and it was great to see families there over the weekend as well. The weather was perfect and I guess that helped as well and it was a great atmosphere really for the whole four days, but especially on the weekend.”

Of course, Stacey wasn’t the only Victorian who made the local crowds proud at the 2013 Open. While local Steve Jones took an early lead in the Men’s Open, it was a young Melbourne player. Nathan Holman, who would push the eventual winner to within one shot of a play off.

“I have a lot of good memories from the week, which is nice, and it gives you a bit of a confidence boost knowing that you played well at that course.”

Nathan said the atmosphere at this year’s event was May The something he hadn’t experienced before in Australia. “It Force was nice to play in front a big crowd of spectators and supporters. I don’t know whether it was the girls being Be… involved or where it was held, but I’d played in three or four Vic Opens prior to that one and the spectators and the support this year was just great.

Attracting a family audience means getting the next generation of kids interested in golf, something that Nathan says his sport – and ever sport – needs. “It’s great having young kids interested in golf. Growing up and in high school, you were almost ashamed to say that you played golf and it’s my favourite sport. So it’s good to see kids getting out there and enjoying it.”

And while we all can’t be top ranking amateurs or pros, we can all take part in the 2014 Oates Vic Open.

Spots in the Pro-Ams are highly coveted and there will be two Pro-Am events running at the Open, on the Tuesday and the Wednesday, that are made available to sponsors.

There will be corporate entertainment packages running throughout the whole of the Open week, and the addition of a tent village – with not only sponsors’ marquees, but also plenty of food and beverage stalls for spectators, is expected to add to the community carnival atmosphere of the event.

The highly anticipated 2014 Oates Vic Open will host its official launch at a special invitation-only business breakfast on Tuesday 3rd December at The Grovedale Hotel.

The event itself will run from Monday February 17 to Sunday February 23. Monday is a practice day. Tuesday and Wednesday will feature Pro-Am events and competition begins on the Thursday, concluding on the Sunday.

Spectators are welcome on all days.

Anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship packages for the Vic Open can contact Simon Brookhouse or Greg Oakford at Golf Victoria on phone: 03 8545 6200 or visit the website at www.golfvic.org.au.

DAVINA MONTGOMERY 18 | BUSINESS NEWS

SMALL BIZ

Is your business hiding in the crowd?

Travelling out of town for a few days and in a strange territory - I think it was called Melbourne - when I met up with Mary, who had succumbed to the old entrepreneurial spasm and started a little café 6 months ago. It was a reaction that she had come to regret.

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hapter one:

The initial dream, like all dreams, was a captivating little café with artwork and many adoring customers.

She even imagined the tiredness that she would be experiencing at the end of a busy day – counting out the day’s takings.

But in the middle of the windy days of spring, the tiredness was coming from the sleepless nights waiting for the bank manager to give her a call and pull the pin on the overdraft. Mary may not have the number of customers to keep her company, but she certainly had many other small business owners that are experiencing the same dismal plight as potential companions in doom. Sadly, they very rarely meet to swap strategies, as they prefer to suffer alone.

Let me jump in here. Mary may have opened the doors of her café months ago, but she was not yet in business. She was like so many other people, in that she was well and truly beyond the honeymoon phase. Do you remember when your mind was filled with the fear of being inundated with customers? So at first she was in a rush to be prepared for the slam. But now she was living the dog days of despair.

We spoke of her dream then came to the point, the crux of the matter, by asking what had changed. The building was still the same; the street traffic and the local residents were all as they were at the beginning. So, what had changed?

Mary had been deluded and had not looked at the reality of her business and the environment.

While it is true that Victoria is an aspirational café state, customers rarely hunt for a good latte by the aromas alone – people visually navigate - and Mary had put a lot of effort into camouflaging her business. Everything looked just like every other café in the city. Green umbrellas and retro chairs; she even completed the picture with either the bicycle or dog bowl.

The Japanese have a wonderful comment when they hear about Whoops! Perhaps I had made a mistake, because Mary ‘thinking outside of the box’. They ask: “Didn’t it occur to us that was now looking dejected and she the box was wrong in the first place, if we began to verbally bash herself up with have such a need to put our brain power “While it is true that Victoria is recrimination. Time to back track… The to being outside it.” an aspirational café state, business opportunity was the same Mary needed a new metaphor. Her idea of customers rarely hunt for a at it ever was. Sure, it was not the best a great café was leading her in the wrong location, but it was adequate, and she good latte by the aromas alone – direction; it had created a same–same certainly had great coffee and the cakes people visually navigate” place. were excellent.

Now the solution is very dependent on In my opinion, it NOW was time for Mary to get into business, to let go of the fluffy wishes and dreams and the business owner, but with Mary being a very talented artist, two-bit motivation stuff that you buy as a poster to pin on the back I grabbed some chalk and walked back to the café and drew a big rectangle on the pavement and said, “This is your stage; what of a toilet wall. acts are you going to perform that will attract customers?”

Up until this point Mary had been a dreamer, a barista, a hostess Now Mary’s mind was buzzing. She laughed and said that a and many other things, but she was not a businessperson. group doing life drawing would certainly attract attention – or at Chapter two: least the view of the nude model would.

We took a walk down the busy road and turn around and looked at her business. From 25 metres away you could not see her signage. In fact, we could only see the rust of the canopy on the next business. She objected and said that she could see the bright green umbrellas. We walked another 25 metres and even those had disappeared into the background of other businesses.

Mary was like many other businesses and had camouflaged her business. This is similar to the green design of most gardening businesses or the white tradie truck for handymen – there is simply no better colour to hide your business, mix this with a confused array of writing (sometimes called as a joke “Signage”) and you effectively disappear into the background.

This is time for me to bow out of the visit to Mary’s café, but at last she was starting to think like a businessperson. The exact execution of her marketing program is not all that germane, the important thing is that she was underway and building a customer acquisition program rather than relying on this vague idea that if you make a great cup of coffee the masses will bypass the other 27,000 cafes and beat a path to your door.

Clint Jennings Thinker on big ideas for small business

BUSINESS NEWS | 19

INSURANCE

Statutory breaches, fines or penalties imposed – can this be insured?

While WorkSafe provide the most frequent inquiries, also consider an equal opportunities complaint from an employee, or a noise pollution complaint from a neighbouring business/ resident, or a complaint from a customer on not complying with a relevant law pertaining to your industry, such as the Building Act for builders.

Would you be surprised to know that in 2012 there were 207 bills passed federally, and in 2013 so far there have been 133? This is not including State or Territory bills. For business owners it can be an incredible task keeping up with the ongoing changes, and whilst not all new and amended bills will relate to business owners, some will, and the risk of major breaches following a non-compliance can be disruptive, costly and can have significant medium to long-term ramifications.

O

f course, the risk of non-compliance is not only for new or amended bills of parliament, it’s also for preexisting legislation that may have been active for several years. Occupational Health and Safety laws for example are far reaching, and the compliance with such is strict and specific.

In just the past 4 months alone we have been assisting organisations with investigation notices that have been served upon their principals/directors of the organisation by major state and federal regulatory bodies, including the EPA, the ACCC, WorkSafe Victoria, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the Australian Crimes Commission.

It must be said that each principal/director in these circumstances are innocent until proven guilty, and initially it’s just an investigation with no allegations of breaches, yet it is a requirement that the principal/directors comply with the investigation, and this usually requires legal assistance.

The cost of this can vary, depending on the extent of the investigation, however in our experience, legal costs incurred purely for assisting in the initial investigation have not been lower than $4,000.

Unfortunately, traditional Business Pack policies and Public/ Products Liability policies will not cover costs associated with assistance and representation required as a result of official investigations from a regulatory body. They will not cover the legal costs of preparing for a defence in the courts if an actual breach of a related law is alleged and pursued, nor will they cover the fine or penalty imposed at judgement. This is an ongoing and very real risk to business and one requiring our increased attention as we restructure individual insurance programs for our clients.

So where to from here? Enter the relatively new insurance product called Statutory Liability Insurance, also referred to as Pecuniary Fines and Penalties. Introduced approximately 12 years ago by one insurer in Australia, and now offered by several insurers, Statutory Liability or Fines and Penalties cover intends to protect business principals, officers and their employees of these risks of costs of representation, defence and any fine or penalty imposed resulting from a breach and when held responsible for any action or omission due to a related law in Australia.

Few companies, large or small, will be exempt from these risks of non-compliance investigations and prosecutions.

Business principals need to consider compliance as a given, but consider the risk management of insurance in the event of accidental and unintentional non-compliance.

BRAD TRESIDDER Brad Tresidder is Managing Director of Tresidder Insurance Group, President of Geelong Lawn Tennis Club and board member of the Barwon Sports Academy.

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

20 | BUSINESS NEWS

Members of

LEGAL

Taxi owner bailed up by decision that a driver was an employee A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has challenged previous cases which found that taxi drivers were bailees and not employees of taxi owners, holding that previous decisions of the Federal Court relating to taxation are “not helpful when dealing with a jurisdictional challenge in an unfair dismissal case or in matters which involve compliance with modern awards of the Fair Work Act 2009”.

H

istorically, taxi drivers have frequently been found to be mere bailees (hirers) of the cars they drive, rather than employees of the owners. Consistently with that position, the owner of the taxi in this case asked the FWC to find that the relationship between himself and the driver was one of bailment, where the driver hired the taxi and could use it when he saw fit, operate it when and where he wanted to in the course of his own business, without being controlled by the taxi owner.

In making his decision as to whether or not the driver was an employee, and therefore entitled to bring an unfair dismissal application against the owner, Commissioner Ryan of the FWC considered various factors of the relationship between the driver and the owner of the taxi, including that: 1. The driver had driven the owner’s taxi from 1996 until late 2012; 2. The arrangement between them had never been the subject of a written agreement, and entitled the driver to keep 48% of his takings, while the owner took 52%. 3. Throughout the relationship, the driver worked exclusively for the owner for either 6 or 7 days a week, typically on a shift starting at 5:00am and finishing at about 4:00pm. 4. The owner exercised little control over the driver’s day to day work, and could not exercise substantial control given the nature of the taxi industry.

5. The owner reimbursed the driver for the taxi’s fuel and paid

Confused by Workplace Laws?

for its maintenance, repair, registration and insurance, while the driver only provided his labour. 6. The owner did not provide the driver with any paid leave or superannuation. And 7. The owner did not deduct or remit tax from the driver’s share of the takings – instead the driver had supplied an ABN (at the request of the owner) and arrangements in relation to PAYG and GST tax were conducted in accordance with a presumption (supported by information issued by the ATO) that the driver was not an employee.

Having reviewed previous authorities and the relationship in question, Commissioner Ryan held that the driver was “clearly and unambiguously providing his personal labour to the [owner] for the benefit of the [owner’s] business. The [driver] was an employee of the [owner].” Commissioner Ryan also found that information published by the ATO as to when a taxi driver will be considered an employee (when the driver is not entitled to keep any of the takings, but is paid an hourly rate or weekly wage) was “very much at odds with the case law.”

Whilst the immediate outcome of the decision was that the driver’s unfair dismissal application was referred for hearing of the merits of his case, Commissioner Ryan also found that during 2012, the driver had received a share of takings in the amount of $35,617.15. If paid as an employee during that year he would have earned at least $66,576.01, in addition to receiving other employment entitlements, such as superannuation and paid leave.

The broader impacts of this decision for the owner and driver concerned, and the taxi industry as a whole, are potentially huge. The decision serves as yet another reminder to businesses to carefully consider how workers are engaged.

Sonia McCabe Lawyer

Jim Rutherford Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations Law

Get specialist advice you can rely on.

• Advice on ever changing workplace laws • Assistance with redundancy and termination issues • Preparation of workplace / employment agreements • Protect your business from former employees • Assistance with OH&S prosecutions • Help to avoid and defend discrimination claims • Advice on workplace law compliance regime • Assistance with workplace investigations

Sonia McCabe, Associate

Jim Rutherford, Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations Law

70 Gheringhap Street Geelong t. 5225 5225

Monique Hutchinson, Lawyer

Rohan Kux, Senior Associate

www.harwoodandrews.com.au BUSINESS NEWS | 21

Tax & Accounting Setting up a business or managing your superannuation fund Individual, company & trust income tax returns Business Activity Statements (BAS)

www.apstax.com.au

Personal Loans Need an unsecured personal loan?

Donʼt pay credit card interest rates again.

Need cash for a car, holiday or school fees?

Apply online and have approval within 24 hours.

www.apsbs.com.au

Funeral Cover Instant cover up to $15,000 Guaranteed acceptance Only $2.60 per week Childrenʼs funeral cover only $39 per year for $7,000 of cover

www.apsbs.com.au

Wills & Estates

General Insurance Broking Home & Contents, Motor Vehicle, Boat or Caravan Landlord, Public Liability, Professional Indemnity & Business Packs

www.apsbs.com.au

Fixed Term Investments 6, 12 or 24 month fixed term investment Compound your interest Provide a regular income stream Interest Rate Card available upon application

www.apssavings.com.au

Mortgage Broking We find the best lender to suit your needs Let APS do all the paperwork Benefit from over 40 yearsʼ experience Re-finance options available

www.apsbs.com.au

Financial Planning

Wills & Powers of Attorney tration Estate Planning & Estate Adminis Do you have a will?

.a www.apswills.com

ly?

Have you reviewed your will recent

u

www.apsfinplan.c

om.au

Superannuation & In vestments Pre & Post Retiremen t Planning Life Insurance, Incom e Protection Disability & Trauma Insurance

1300 131 809 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 Futuro Financial Services Pty Ltd (‘Futuro’). Financial services provided by APS Financial Planning Pty Ltd are provided under Futuro’s AFSL No. 238478. 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.

Australian Public Service Benevolent Society Ltd

Notice the difference a NOT-FOR-PROFIT financial service provider can make to the public sector, their families and friends.

The Australian Public Service Benevolent Society (APS Benefits) is a not for profit organisation

that provides a wide range of financial services to all 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 27,000 members and clients now offering the following financial and personal services listed below:

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 $15,000 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!

Further to this, APS is owned by its members, so any profits are channelled back to members.

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.

PROUDL Y NOT FOR PROFIT 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

MANAGEMENT

Are You Storing Too Much Paper?

If you’re typical of most businesses, you probably are…

L

ike most things, paper records and documents have a useful life, and there comes a time when they need to go.

Most businesses need to retain their records for a 7-year period. In a perfect world, this should resemble a conveyor, with new records added at the front end, and records that have reached their use-by date being securely destroyed at the back end.

It is a fact however, that keeping paper is much easier than getting rid of it, and as a result businesses generally store much more than they need to.

locate old documents – maybe a tax audit or litigation. This is where the problems start.

The absence of inventory listings and poor box labeling makes the task of retrieving a file a long and costly (as well as an unpopular and dirty) exercise in moving cartons and rooting through unlabeled boxes. Ten minutes quickly becomes an hour, and any organization system that may exist quickly breaks down.

It has never been easier for businesses to generate vast quantities of printed paper, but the management of documents after their initial useful life is a delegated The absence of inventory listings administrative task, usually conducted and poor box labeling makes with little management oversight.

the task of retrieving a file

With no controls, it is impossible to determine which documents have reached their use-by date. Nothing gets discarded, the problem gets bigger and bigger, and document storage becomes a black hole of chaos, cost and risk that no one has the appetite to deal with.

Documents typically get packed into a long and costly exercise. cartons, without an inventory list, and cartons themselves are poorly Business records provide objective labeled, then you add in staff coming evidence of the activities of an organization, and their effective and going over the years, and we all know different people do management is a critical risk management and cost control things in different ways. As your office space is too valuable to activity deserving senior management attention. store documents and business records, cartons get shipped to a storage area, such as a basement or a self-storage lockPeter Newland up. Out of sight and out of mind… until you need them!

Almost every business will, at some stage, have a need to

Advanced Records Management

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24 | BUSINESS NEWS

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LEGAL

What’s in a name?

The key question before the Full Court was whether Cantarella’s Trade Marks were “inherently adapted to distinguish” the goods from those of other traders.

The answer is: a lot - especially if you are seeking to enforce a Trade Mark registration.

I

n the recent decision of Modena Trading Pty Ltd v Cantarella Bros Pty Ltd [2013] FCAFC 110, the Full Court of the Australian Federal Circuit Court highlights the importance of owners of Trade Marks to take their time when deciding how they’d like to brand or name goods or services. Failure to create Trade Marks, which are inherently adapted to distinguish goods or services from those of other traders, can be fatal to enforcing rights under the Trade Marks Act 1995.

Cantarella Bros Pty Ltd had two registrations for ORO and CINQUE STELLE in relation to coffee and related products. The Italian word “oro” means “gold” and the Italian words “cinque stelle” means “five stars”. Cantarella sued Modena Trading Pty Ltd for Trade Mark infringement because it too used the words ORO and CINQUE STELLE in related products.

Central to the Full Court’s decision was the distinction of whether traders were likely to want to use the words in issue, or whether a consumer’s familiarity with the particular words were more important. The Full Court believed that it might not be appropriate in cases where the word is a foreign word, or an English word with a meaning that is not commonly understood, to judge or test inherent adaptability to distinguish by considering a consumer’s familiarity with the word.

The Full Court found that ORO and CINQUE STELLE were not inherently adapted to distinguish the goods from those of other traders. They were considered not to be distinctive. The Court took into Failure to create Trade Marks, consideration the English meaning of which are inherently adapted the Italian words, the continuing and to distinguish goods or services developing growth of pure coffee in from those of other traders, can Australia, the notion that pure coffee is associated with Italy, the fact that there be fatal to enforcing rights under were many Italian speakers in Australia the Trade Marks Act 1995. and that other traders had used those words as a description of the quality of relation to coffee and the coffee products being sold in Australia.

Ordinarily, such a claim would be straightforward. In fact, Cantarella was successful in the first instance of proving that Modena had infringed their registered Trade Marks.

Modena appealed to the Full Court of the Australian Federal Circuit Court. It argued that the trial Judge had erred in determining that the Trade Marks were inherently adapted to distinguish the goods and services of other traders. In turn, Modena sought to have these Trade Marks removed from the Register because they did not meet the requirements of registrability under the Trade Marks Act.

The Court reaffirmed the test for distinctiveness, and as a result of the decision, both of Cantarella’s Trade Marks were ordered to be removed from the Trade Mark Register.

Gizelle Manoli Lawyer

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BUSINESS NEWS | 25

TAX

Calculating the True Cost of Products and Services

I

There is more to accounting than just completing a tax return at the end of the year. One function that is underutilised by many accountants is the process of cost accounting; this is a specialisation that classifies, accumulates, assigns and controls costs to various products and/or services businesses offer to their customers.

t’s fair to say businesses need to know the full cost of their products/services before they set the sale price, however this is not always the case. Businesses which understand the true cost of their products/services perform better in these economic times and are more successful than their competitors. Businesses often don’t realise they have a problem until it’s too late to do something about it.

Redundancy fund

6.00%

36.05

Long service leave

2.7%

36.86

Work cover

4.00%

38.17

From here we need to then allow for the following: i)

1 week sick leave

Businesses need to measure their costs and then understand ii) 4 weeks annual leave the behaviour of those costs over varying iii) Unproductive time e.g. training, conditions, such as changes in the cleaning etc. Say 2 volume of goods or services produced. hours per week.

Once this has been considered, the costs can be assigned to the items produced Every tradesperson needs to know This example then increases the $38.17 or services provided and the profitability in wage costs to a productive hourly rate their costs and always monitor of each can be determined. of $44.58.

any changes in costs.

Now to the obvious question: “How do I cost the products and services I offer?”

Firstly, there is no ‘one size fits all as all’ process for all businesses, even if they are in the same industry. All businesses have unique factors which can alter the outcome. I will take you through an example of calculating the hourly rate for a commercial builder.

Commercial Builder Hourly Rate This is a fairly simple costing example, however every tradesperson needs to know their costs and always monitor any changes in costs. Please note: some employee expenses are only attributable to certain industry awards.

Description

Cost

Running tally ($)

Hourly rate

$30 p/hr.

30

Superannuation

9.25%

32.78

Payroll tax

4.90%

34.25

26 | BUSINESS NEWS

To ensure your business survives, and thrives, you need to understand the true cost of your products/services you are selling.

“If you can measure it, you can improve it.”

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.

Matthew LeMaitre Principal, Business Advisory, Crowe Horwath

VECCI

Time for the Federal Government to get on with business VECCI is calling on the Federal Government to keep its ongoing focus on the economy and business conditions by implementing the national reform blueprint, Getting On With Business, prepared by the national business body the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

T

he survey reveals that confidence in the Australian exports and profitability will begin to recover and may therefore economic outlook has strengthened considerably, with lead to an investment pick up in the second half of 2014. At 40 per cent of the survey’s respondents anticipating present, there still appears to be excess capacity in many stronger national economic growth over the year businesses, with 50 per cent of survey respondents reporting ahead. This is an improvement of 21 percentage that they are not operating at a satisfactory level of capacity. points on the June quarter 2013, and In stark contrast to recent surveys, an improvement of 26 percentage regional respondents were particularly In Victoria, 32 per cent of points on the same time last year. optimistic about near-term economic respondents expect stronger prospects for both the national In Victoria, 32 per cent of respondents and state economies.

Regional expect stronger state economic state economic conditions over respondents also experienced stronger conditions over the coming year, the coming year. sales, exports and selling prices than an improvement of 15 percentage their metropolitan counterparts in the points on the previous quarter and 20 September quarter. percentage points on the same period last year.

The positive shift in business sentiment is encouraging However, despite the renewed optimism for the year ahead, and makes clear that the previous parliamentary term was the current experience of Victorian businesses, who reported characterised by considerable indecision, policy inconsistency another challenging trading quarter in September, provides and uncertainty for business. a sobering reminder of just how difficult trading conditions With business confidence on the rise in a tough trading continue to be for many businesses. environment, now is the time for the new government to deliver Reduced sales, falling selling prices continued to fall, and its pro-business pre-election commitments. declines in profitability remained widespread. The level These include: of overtime declined, while employment was flat. With the exception of the education, health and community services - Reducing red tape sector, business performance over the September quarter - Reversing the former government’s FBT changes to motor 2013 was weaker across all surveyed sectors, with the vehicles building and construction industry experiencing a particularly challenging period.

- Abolishing the carbon tax While renewed longer-term confidence has emerged in the post-election period, it has not yet translated into further business investment, with survey respondents reporting continued declines in investment in both plant and equipment, and buildings and structures in the September quarter.

VECCI members can view the VECCI – Bank of Melbourne Survey of business trends and prospects by logging into the members’ area of the VECCI website at www.vecci.org.au

Expectations for the December quarter are that selling prices,

VECCI Regional Manager

James Gulli

BUSINESS NEWS | 27

GOVERNANCE

An ineffective board: what are the signs?

T

Generally, it’s not that hard to identify an ineffective board of management the real challenge is how to transform the board to one that fulfils its duties and responsibilities as governors of the organisation and provides leadership, direction and support to management and staff. he first requirement is to determine effectiveness and there are a number of early warning signals that generally point to an ineffective board.

A poor culture within an organisation is one sign that all is not well at the board level, as is the lack of a clearly articulated strategic plan. Amongst other early warning signs are inadequate reporting and monitoring systems; a lack of diversity on the board – age, gender, cultures and capabilities; and a lack of training – no real understanding of what the position of a board member entails.

A short-term bias, with priorities focusing on the here and now, rather than the future and where the organisation is going, and being reactive rather than proactive – it is always easier to react to a situation, rather than try to create a preferred state for the future, are other red flags on board performance.

When a board lacks time management, board members find themselves in meetings that waffle on for hours without any real decisions being made. This, along with constant reviewing, rehashing and redoing speak for themselves as indicators of the effectiveness of a board.

A well-performing board will have a clear separation of accountability between the board and the CEO and management.

An imbalance of strength – either on the side of a CEO or board – or low standards of performance at board or management level are also signs that a board is not functioning as well as it could.

Rounding out the list of warning signs on board performance are: confusion between ends and means – the board should focus the ends, management on the means to get there; poor structure – insufficient or inadequate resources to achieve the organisation’s business goals; and inadequate succession planning and board renewal.

Whilst it may be relatively easy to recognise an underperforming or ineffective board, it is another matter altogether to resolve these issues. Here are some suggestions that will assist in this process: A good Chairman is a good place to start – without a capable leader the challenges are exacerbated. Introduce an Induction program for all new board members and agree on mutual expectations at the beginning of the relationship. Develop a

28 | BUSINESS NEWS

strategic plan and annual business plan – this will provide a framework for managing the business and a focus for the board.

Put in place a performance management system for the organisation, the CEO and management and the board itself.

Introduce an annual agenda that plans out the priority areas to be addressed by the board during the year, including the strategic plan, annual budget, risk management plan; CEO review and business review.

Keep everyone informed. Board papers with appropriate information should be provided on all agenda items that require board input and decisions, and should be delivered to board members at least 5 working days prior to each board meeting.

A detailed monthly meeting agenda should be developed and, unless there are extreme circumstances, only agenda items are discussed at each meeting. Introduce a no discussion without notice policy.

Manage the meeting – all members should be given a chance to contribute but not dominate, and then the board as a whole should make decisions.

If possible, conduct the meeting at the start of the day rather than after the end of a normal working day – energy levels and brainpower are greater at this time of the day. At the end of each meeting, briefly discuss the effectiveness of the meeting and identify ways to improve the process if necessary; and on an annual basis, undertake a formal board evaluation process that includes a section on board effectiveness. Discuss the outcomes form the review and then develop and adequately resource a plan for improvement.

When it comes to poor performance at board level, like any affliction, you first have to recognise there is a problem before you can start working on the solution. Given that there is a genuine aspiration by board members to be part of an effective board, there are many ways to enhance performance and improve the contribution the governors can make to the success of the organisation – it just takes application and commitment to achieve good governance.

Mark C Schultz For further information, go to www.governancetoday.com

NEW BUSINESS

New Business

B

renda Bowell is the new face behind Seaweed Flowers, having taken over the business in July this year. Brenda was one of the original owners of Seaweed Flowers when it was first established 14 years ago.

“It’s so nice to be back after all these years, catching up with old clients and meeting new ones.”

With many years’ floristry experience behind her, and a Fine Arts Degree as well as a Business Degree both of which are fully utilised within her recently renovated shop and evident in the quirky changing window displays.

Seaweed Flowers caters for corporate reception arrangements,

Seaweed Flowers 133 Shannon Avenue, Geelong West P: 5224 1234

corporate gifts, weddings, functions and events as well as new born, birthday, sympathy, thank you, I love you or for any reason you would need flowers.

All of the staff at Seaweed Flowers take a lot of care when putting your flowers together, from small posies to large arrangements, you can see the love put into each piece.

FREE DELIVERY within the inner Geelong Region when you spend $40 or more.

W

hat we offer:The Workplace • Promoting the health & wellbeing of each individual within a business.

• Offering basic healthy food for work preparation and taking control of your health The individual • One on one consultations • Assessment of your Health, Supplementation and Nutritional needs • Access to The Wellness Network practitioners and links to organic suppliers Cooking classes • Back to basics cooking • Bulk and Weekly meal

D

o you want to feel secure in the knowledge that your investment property is in great hands?

At West End Real Estate Gina Tobolov and Rosa Romano are experts in residential property management and strive to give landlords optimum service so they can be confident in their investment plan for the future.

West End Real Estate provides personalised

West End Real Estate 125 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218 P: 5291 3529 W: www.westendrealestate.com.au

service to landlords and as proud members of the REIV, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in real estate.

Talk to the professional property management team at West End Real Estate today.

H Goldenhealth and Wellness Network Give Gail a call to discuss your needs P: 0405 346 200 W: www.goldenhealth.com.au

preparation • Special dietary needs • Additive, Preservative free, Sugar and Wheat free cooking Advice & Education • Online meetings and Support groups • Webinars & Newsletters

elen Hochreiter has opened her new and inviting HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC in Belmont. After 8 years as co-owner of Geelong Hair Removal P/L, Helen has moved to a delightfully, modern and spacious premises. The clinic offers privacy, discretion and a relaxed atmosphere with ample parking.

Helen has 15 years experience as a qualified Electrologist and Laser Therapist. She has the only business in the Geelong Region that offers the

Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic 49 Thomson St Belmont P: 5243 0431 E: helen@geelonglaserelectrolysis.com.au W: www.geelonglaserelectrolysis.com.au

‘Soprano’ diode, specifically for permanent hair reduction. The ‘Soprano’ delivers a pain free option for large areas of the body such as backs, chests, and legs. Helen offers all of her new clients a free no obligation consultation and test patch.

BUSINESS NEWS | 29

THE TECH GUY

The Tech Guy

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

Let’s imagine you’ve already crashed the Maserati into next door’s garage. What else are you meant to do with your money? Thankfully, Hasselblad is happy to take around $11,000 off your hands in exchange for the Hasselblad Solar. In every other respect, this camera is just a re-badged Sony A7, currently priced at $1,700, albeit clad in a fancy wooden grain body.

Bargain An absolute bargain, wouldn’t Hasselblad? you agree?

Not!

A SMART KETTLE?

Surely, as I speak, there’s now an iKettle. It’s a $175 appliance that sends you an SMS when your water boils or hits that perfect temperature.

For those of us who never let our smartphone drift away more than a metre in our lives, it connects via WiFi to your iPhone or Android phone and then ask if you want to “pop the kettle on” when you wake

30 | BUSINESS NEWS

up, or offer to keep the water warm after it’s boiled. It also features such culinary touches as precise temperature control (for the perfect cuppa), a stainless steel design and a filtered spout. The iKettle’s now up for pre-order and should be available before Christmas.

Well, of course I’m getting one, aren’t you?

May The Force Be…

Fitbit has released their Force activity tracking watch for $US129.95. The Force is deeply influenced by the Flex, with a clean rubberised design and small dark display.

The Force is able to deliver detailed tracking information like the time and even caller ID information when paired with an iPhone iOS 7.

Luggage found

Including an OLED screen and adding an altimeter to the mix to track how many steps you’ve climbed, Fitbit still claims the Force can last up to ten days on a single charge. It counts steps, tracks the quality of your sleep, has a silent alarm and syncs wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0 for all you fitness fanatics.

Over 26 million bags go missing via transit every year worldwide, which means airlines are losing over 3000 bags every hour! Lug Loc uses cellular signals (GSM) a state-ofthe-art technology that is able to locate within minutes your misplaced baggage in ANY airport in the world. Lug Loc has: a 40 day battery, an easy to use app to track baggage and is available to buy online or in all David Jones stores for $49.00.

For more information visit www.lugloc.com.au

THE TECH GUY

desk with USB 3.0 ports, and dual display out ports for display extension.

The Dell Venue 8 Pro and Dell Venue 11 Pro feature the new Intel Atom quad-core processors, code named Bay Trail.

The Venue 11 Pro offers up to 4th Generation Intel Core i3 and i5 processor options and Intel vPro for manageability.

Dell comes out fighting

In addition to the versatile new Dell Venue tablets, Dell is introducing new XPS laptops, each with vibrant, crisp images in any available screen size.

One of technology’s most trusted brands, Dell, has taken a bold step in unveiling a new family of tablets and new laptops, including a 2-in-1 Ultrabook.

With a touch screen, Microsoft Windows 8.1 and Office to boot, it’s a killer at $499.

Dell is number one in Australia for display screens and it’s a battle with HP for computers of all kinds.

The Dell Venue line of tablets is comprised of four new ultrathin models designed to address the huge growth in this format.

There are 8 and 11-inch Windows-based tablets complete with keyboard and stylus.

Dell is out to give the market a big shake with the new Inspiron 3000, 11-inch Ultrabook.

The new XPS 11 is claimed to be the thinnest, most compact 2-in-1 in the world, featuring the first Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display on an 11.6-inch 2-in-1.

The XPS 15 multimedia powerhouse boasts a stunningly thin design, and offers as an option the first 15.6-inch Quad HD+ (3200 x 1800) display in the world, which is the highest resolution available on a laptop of that size.

Office 2013 Home & Student are included at no extra cost.

Dell is also refreshing its award-winning XPS 13 Ultrabook with faster processors, touch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display and improved battery life. With these three laptops, Dell is leading the industry with the highest resolution displays possible.

The Dell Venue 11 Pro, also based on Windows 8.1, provides ultimate 2-in-1 flexibility, with the power of an Ultrabook, convenience of a detachable keyboard and the experience of a desktop.

The new XPS series feature machined aluminium, carbon fiber, vibrant displays, and Corning Gorilla Glass NBT for performance, durability and the ultimate experience.

The thing I like most about this tablet is the removable/ replaceable battery, like its worthy predecessor, the Latitude 10.

The Dell Venue 7, Venue 8, Venue 8 Pro, and new XPS 15 will be available from October 18 on www.dell.com in the United States and select countries around the world.

Starting prices are as follows: Venue 8 Pro: $449, Venue 11 Pro: tbc, New XPS 15: $1,799, XPS 11: $1199 and the XPS 13: $1,199.

The lightweight Dell Venue 8 Pro runs Windows 8.1, has a bright HD IPS display, advanced connectivity options and provides long battery life.

The optional slim keyboard also serves as a cover for the screen when folded up.

The larger full-sized mobile keyboard with integrated battery provides all day productivity while extending the battery life.

The Dell Tablet Desktop Dock delivers full productivity on a

The Venue 11 Pro, XPS 11 and the updated XPS 13 with touch will be available in November.

BUSINESS NEWS | 31

TRAVEL

Ode to the

Great Australian Camping Trip ‌ Northern New South Wales

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TRAVEL

T

urquoise water. Perfect white sand stretched in an arc between two rocky headlands.

Immediately behind the beach we camped in a small national park camping ground. Grassy sites were scattered amongst sub-tropical bush and tea trees.

Fires were allowed.

The (September) days mostly ranged from the low to mid twenties: perfect t-shirt weather. It got cool at night, but it was definitely warm enough to sit by a campfire under the stars.

Life quickly took on a rhythm that featured surfing, fishing, reading, eating, cooking, walking, and snoozing in the sun.

Up and down the beach there were empty right and left-hand waves. When the swell got bigger, one of the nearby points started to work. If you wanted to you could drive along the beach to find a break.

Thanks to the Internet, some of our fellow Surf Coast refugees stressed about missing 6 to 8 foot waves at Bells Beach. But in September at Bells you’re talking about a water temperature of 13 degrees, not 21. I might be a wimp, but give me 21 degrees and a little wave any day of the week!

This paradise is a just-possible-in-one-day drive from Victoria - but unfortunately I can’t tell you where it is.

There is a complicated set of work rules for members of the Federated Steam Driven Union of Travel Writers. One FSDUTW rule that is normally considered sacrosanct is that you must always reveal the location about which you are writing. But two exceptions are allowed.

The first exception, not relevant to the current situation, is that you must never reveal a location if you have been critical about it. This is primarily to avoid alienating possible advertisers and partly to avoid the risk of any legal action.

The second exception is a special dispensation that was granted to a unique sub-chapter of the union: the Surf Writers.

A surf writer is not required to reveal the location of secret surf spots. This recognises the fact that revealing details about a secret surf spot is likely to lead to a writer’s death or serious injury.

Whilst I am not a surf writer as such, I cannot safely say more than this: this article is about the beaches of northern New South Wales. There is no doubt my health would be seriously jeopardised if I were to reveal specific locations – so I therefore, hereby and forthwith claim the full FSDUTW Surf Writer Exemption.

This year, at one ‘secret’ spot of my own, my family and I shared a holiday park with fourteen other Surf Coast families.

That meant that people who knew each other and normally live within 20km of each other occupied 15 of the 115 park sites. Although ‘secret’ is hardly an appropriate term for this place, there is no doubt that if I name names I will unleash a lynch mob of angry Surf Coasters. And, yes, they do know where I live.

So, the best I can do is to say my family and I visited a number of heads, capes, points and rocks. These descriptors are signposts to beaches that lie north of Newcastle and south of the increasingly suburban Gold Coast. A little pre-departure research is required. Find a decent map. Look for national

and state parks associated with the aforementioned heads, capes, points and rocks. Look for dirt roads (even better, 4WD tracks if you can) and camping grounds along these dirt roads (private and national park). Locate suspects. Then jump on the Internet.

There are some striking similarities between all the possibilities: white sand and warm water; empty beaches and wide rivers; palm trees and pandanus; bananas and oysters; big goannas and bigger spiders; plus schooners of Tooheys Old in the nearest pub.

And there are some striking differences. At one extreme there’s the strangely schizophrenic sophistication of Byron Bay, where a chai latte served by a barefoot and dreadlocked Danish backpacker of unparalleled beauty will cost $4. At the other extreme, there are little towns (nah! I’m not telling) where they look at you suspiciously if you ask for a café latte, which is not available at any price anyway, and threaten to run you out of town if you suggest changing channels on one of the local club’s TV screens (so you can watch an AFL Preliminary Final).

This is also the land of the Great Australian Road Trip, although many of the traditions for this cultural institution are lost. Critically, there are no longer cars with two bench seats (without seatbelts!) to accommodate two parents and four children. No longer does air-conditioning mean winding down the window to allow a hot wind to whip through the car and evaporate everyone’s sweat (except the bits where your legs stick to the vinyl seat).

But, and this is an important qualification, there are some things about this essential right of passage that remain unchanged. Packing the car still challenges the most resilient of marriages. The ‘Are we there yet?’ questions still start at Kalkallow, just outside Melbourne. Australian motels that fit a certain budget still have the dowdy but romantic patina of bad country and western songs. And, for children, the excitement of a motel breakfast - warm milk and cold eggs coming through a little hatch - has never dimmed.

Instead of the long drive across inland New South Wales on the Newell Hwy, past the wonders of West Wyalong, Dubbo and Tamworth, the best route to the sun these days is via the Hume, Sydney’s ring road, and then the Pacific Highway.

Most country towns are now bypassed and there are four lanes until you get well past Newcastle. Unbelievably, from there to the Queensland border there are still long sections with two lanes. Nonetheless, the overall quality of roads is good – although not appealing at night when the trucks rule.

Much of the time the speed limit is 110 km.

The bottom line is that the Hume/Pacific Highway route is quicker than the inland route. For example you can reach Port Macquarie in 13 driving hours (and 1300 km) via the coast, versus nearly 17 driving hours (and 1500 km) via the inland route. (N.B. – I am most definitely not recommending Port Macquarie, although it is convenient to some great places!)

With two or more drivers, Port Macquarie is reachable in one day, although if you want time for some decent pit stops and you don’t want to pitch camp in the dark, an overnight stop is recommended. And who would want to miss the experience of the Bulahdelah Motor Lodge?

BUSINESS NEWS | 33

TRAVEL

Partly because towns are bypassed, the staple road trip diet of salad rolls and pies from country bakeries has been replaced by fast food from the ironically named highway service centres. This is not all bad. Decent coffee is available from McDonalds and our experience is that two days of takeaway food is equivalent to aversion therapy. Even children have been known to beg for fresh food after three consecutive takeaway meals.

So, what is the expense of the Great Australian Camping Trip?

Well there’s fuel and the cost of running a car (see the kms above). Then there’s accommodation. A budget family motel room en route will cost from $120 to $140. A powered camp site at the most popular beach-side spots can cost upwards of $70 per night, but at national park camping grounds (potentially with toilets and water and nothing else) you’re looking at more like $30 per night. And if you organise your own food, the costs you have on the trip won’t be substantially different to the costs you have at home.

On balance, the Great Australian Camping Trip is still considerably cheaper than Bali, although on the other side

34 | BUSINESS NEWS

of the coin, Bali has the distinct advantage of hot and cold running servants. In fact, some things never change. If you are the on-duty adult on a camping trip - you are the servant! But camping experiences (like the carpet snake in the toilet) are definitely character building - and a priceless and unforgettable part of family lore.

Richard Everist Richard Everist started work with Lonely Planet in its early days, wrote a number of guidebooks, and spent five years as global publisher. He was the CEO of Peregrine Adventures before moving to Geelong. Richard and his wife, Lucrezia Migliore, now run Around The Sun, a travel company that organises small group tours and private adventures to amazing corners of the world. See www.aroundthesun.com and/or ‘like’ www.facebook.com/aroundthesuntravel

STRATEGIC MARKETING

Diamonds in your backyard Late last year GMHBA’s marketing manager parked out the back of an old Geelong building, navigated his way through a cluttered rear entrance, up the stairs and into the RedStick office. He had to look, but he found us.

G

MHBA was about to embark on a complex campaign against the then Federal Government’s plans to cut the private health insurance rebate and they needed a firm that could help them design and execute a national campaign strategy.

To their credit, they decided to look in their own backyard to see what capability there was here in Geelong. They found us - a local firm with the expertise to deliver what they needed.

The result was the My Cover Matters campaign.

Recently awarded the Victorian Golden Target Award for best Public Affairs campaign, My Cover Matters effectively combined community education with high-level political engagement.

The campaign secured grass roots support from more than 42,000 people, as well as support from national health organisations and political leaders; including then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott and the then Shadow Health Minister, Peter Dutton.

It was a genuine collaboration between two Geelong companies and it achieved national impact.

Geelong’s talent pool is deep. If organisations take the time to look they will find a great number of professional service firms and solo consultants right here. The fact is that there is an amazingly sophisticated range of skills and expertise ingrained in the region.

And engaging locally brings with it wide ranging benefits.

There is, without doubt, a heightened level of accountability that comes with conducting business in in your own backyard. A microscope, if you will, that is not as apparent in a capital city.

It amplifies the importance of relationships and reputation and drives a higher standard of performance.

Overwhelmingly though, a local firm is more likely to take real

ownership of the outcomes clients want to deliver. It’s more collaborative. This comes from knowing clients, having a real and ongoing relationship and an intricate understanding of their operating environment. Because of this collaboration we are more creative, more accountable and more responsive to our client’s needs. Good for the adviser, good for the client.

Local Geelong firms not only partner with their clients, they also make a tangible investment in the community.

Across a wide range of services, local organisations should look for local providers first. What they will find are professionals that can get the job done as good as, or better than, any Melbourne firm can.

GMHBA is an example of a major company that could have gone to Melbourne to service a complex and demanding brief. Instead they looked local. As a result they got less of a client–supplier relationship and more of a partnership and collaboration.

And collaboration gets better outcomes for all.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, a wise man once said to me: “James, why do you prospect so far and wide, why not pick up the diamonds in your own back yard?” Wise words indeed…

So, next time you or your organisation is looking to engage a professional services adviser, take the time to look in Geelong’s backyard and ask the question: “Is there anyone local who can deliver this?”

If you look, you’ll be surprised what diamonds you just might find.

James Baird James is a Strategist with RedStick Communications

BUSINESS NEWS | 35

COMMUNITY

Making a very real difference Nature gets a helping hand Ford Australia workplace volunteers spent a full day assisting Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary in completing maintenance tasks that are essential to the everyday running of the non-government funded wildlife and rescue park.

The volunteers worked around the property painting fences, spreading gravel, weeding garden beds, hand trimming shrubs and planting drought tolerant plants. They also cleaned animal enclosures at the animal hospital and prepared food for the animals. All tasks are vital to the parks’ survival.

Jirrahlinga owner, Tehree Gordon, said the volunteer’s assistance has reinvigorated the park.

“We’re going through a tough time like a lot of businesses and to have the extra hands working beside us, laughing and chatting, has given everyone a huge morale boost.”

Ms Gordon said the assistance couldn’t have come at a better time, with clean-up tasks mounting after a long and difficult winter.

The Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary sits on two hectares of land a few minutes north of Barwon Heads. It was established in the 1970’s by Tehree Gordon to look after injured wildlife. The sanctuary received local and international publicity following the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 when it was inundated with calls to help rescue and treat animals with burn injuries. Jirrahlinga receives over 5,000 calls a year to attend to sick, injured and orphaned animals.

“We understand that places like Jirrahlinga rely solely on public donations and fundraising activities to continue their work and were delighted to have Ford involved in helping to improve the look and feel of the park,” said Sheree Holdsworth, Manager BacLinks. “It was also a wonderful opportunity for their employees to assist with the care of animals during the volunteering activities.”

Support for vulnerable families On Thursday 3 October, Alcoa workplace volunteers assisted Glastonbury Community Services and the Salvation Army to clear a site and lay gravel in preparation for the construction of a much-needed outdoor area for vulnerable and disadvantaged families.

Two years ago, Glastonbury set up playgroups to provide peer support and interaction opportunities for vulnerable families at the Salvation Army North Side Community Centre. The Salvation Army provided a large room for the groups, but there was no suitable outside play area at the site, with the closest play area three kilometres away.

Families who attend the service were involved in the design of the outdoor space, which includes the construction of playground equipment and awning shades to create a safe and secure environment.

36 | BUSINESS NEWS

Joanne Cresswell, Business Manager with the Salvation Army, said that 500 people seek support at the centre each week, over 26,000 people per year.

“This venue is the gateway for disadvantaged families who may not otherwise seek support from community agencies,” Ms Cresswell said. “We thank Alcoa for their assistance, which allows us to continue to provide these important programs.”

Glastonbury applied for funding from the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual. The funding was granted in June 2013. Glastonbury and the Salvation Army worked together to plan and implement the playground project.

“We understand that organisations like Glastonbury and the Salvation Army rely heavily on public donations and fundraising activities to continue their work and are delighted to be involved in helping to support vulnerable members of our community,” said Kate Martin, Alcoa Australia Community Relations.

Glastonbury delivers a play-based parent and child enrichment program to families and children at the Salvation Army site each year to promote optimal and healthy development for young mothers aged 15-22 and their children. The program focuses on developmental progress, social interaction, active play and the parent/child relationship.

Karingal Inc. facilitated these projects through its initiative BacLinks. BacLinks specialise in linking relationships between the business and community sectors for mutual benefit. Find out more about how you can contribute to community in a meaningful way by contacting the BacLinks team on 5249 8989 or visit www.baclinks.org.au.

COMMUNITY

Big Day Out for summer fun Geelong’s business and community sectors will join forces on Thursday, December 5 as Karingal, through its initiative BacLinks, hosts the annual Summer Workplace Big Day Out at Wallington’s Adventure Park.

More than 100 employee volunteers from local businesses, organisations and sporting associations are expected to participate in the day’s activities, along with over 140 program members from community agencies across the region.

Presented by the Alcoa Foundation and sponsored by MatchWorks, Telstra Country Wide and Barwon Water, the Summer Workplace Big Day Out highlights the enormous potential of employee volunteering to provide significant benefits for both the community and volunteers.

“The Workplace Big Day Out is not only a great day out for all of the program members but it also offers enormous personal and professional rewards for all the employee volunteers and other individuals and groups who participate,” says Karingal CEO Daryl Starkey.

The inclusive activities on the day will include martial arts, soccer, bocce, cricket, boating, mini golf, archery and a range of Adventure Park activities, as volunteers engage socially with people with disabilities. Local businesses are invited to get involved and send along employees to join those of Alcoa, the event’s major sponsor since its inception in 2002, Telstra Country Wide and Barwon Water.

“The Workplace Big Day Out is a very worthwhile event to be involved in and a popular way for our employees to contribute to their community in a meaningful, rewarding way,” says Alcoa Community Relations Officer Kate Betts.

The Summer Workplace Big Day Out is facilitated by Karingal through BacLinks, a service that brokers relationships between businesses and community groups, identifying needs, matching appropriate partners and coordinating and reporting on activities.

For further information on the Workplace Big Day Out and to get involved, contact BacLinks on 5249 8989 or visit www.baclinks.org.au to register your interest.

Taking action to prevent violence against women It’s somewhat unbelievable, but if you browse enough comment threads and forums online, you’ll find that violence against women, and whose “fault” it is, is a heated and controversial subject. However, some facts are difficult to argue with, although they may be hard to take in, so let’s start with those: One woman is killed almost every week in Australia by a male partner or ex-partner.

Up to 57% of women have experienced sexual or physical violence perpetrated by a man in their lifetime.

Intimate partner violence is the largest contributor to death, disease and disability for women aged 15 – 44.

In 2009-10, almost half of women with children seeking assistance from homelessness services in Australia said escaping family violence was the main reason for seeking assistance.

As G21 CEO Elaine Carbines says, those figures are “appalling”.

Unfortunately, we can’t pretend that it doesn’t affect our community as well, as another fact is that in 2011-12, for every 100,000 people in the Barwon South West region, there were 865 reports of family violence to authorities.

“That’s a significant increase from the 569 reports in 2008-09 and is very concerning when you realise family violence largely focuses on women,” Ms Carbines says.

“The G21 region sees examples of violence against women regularly, and in so many forms: domestic violence, sexual assault and rape, workplace harassment, intimate homicide and stalking, to mention a few.

“The international battle to stamp out violence against women, no matter what type of violence, can only be won if every community tackles the problem in its own backyard. Everyone has a role in opposing any forms of violence against women.”

G21 has taken steps to educate both men and women about the extent of the problem and what we can all do to help stop violence against women, declaring a Month of Action beginning on October 25 with the Reclaim the Night - Geelong’s WOW Fest, a women’s night market at Market Square from 6 – 9 pm and concluding with White Ribbon Day on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The Month in between comprises a series of events and activities to highlight the issue in our local communities.”

“The G21 Month of Action is an opportunity for individuals, groups and organisations to think seriously about what we can do to stamp out violence against women,” says Carbines.

“Signing the G21 Accord to Prevent and End Violence Against Women also sends a strong message that you’ll not tolerate violence against women in our community. The more people who sign it, the stronger the message.”

To sign the G21 Accord visit: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ct/forms/accord.aspx.

For more information about events during the Month of Action visit www.g21.com.au/g21-month-action

City of Greater Geelong International Day of People with Disability- Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all This year marks the 21st anniversary of International Day of People with Disability, a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.

Join in as Central Geelong celebrates the Day on November 29 in the Little Malop Street Mall. Together with service providers, retailers, artists, performers and community members, an allability day is planned to support the full and equal participation of people with disability in their local community. For more information, contact City of Greater Geelong. www.geelongaustralia.com.au

BUSINESS NEWS | 37

ARTS

Anne Zahalka The Bathers 1989 digital type C print ANMM Collection Reproduced courtesy the photographer

ARTS Stories from the shore – Joel Wolter 19 October - 1 December Artist’s Floortalk 3 pm 17 November (no bookings required) Stories from the shore, a contemplative and evocative exhibition by Barwon Heads-based printmaker, Joel Wolter, depicts intricate still life images and broody scenes of the Geelong region and provides a rare opportunity for visitors to the Geelong Gallery to view Wolter’s new series of oil paintings.

The special exhibition, which forms part of the Geelong region artists program, features around 30 small to large scale prints and paintings that reflect on Wolter’s home town, each telling a story of the human impact on the natural world and the transience of time and place.

According to Wolter, whose work is represented in numerous public and private collections in Australia, including the Geelong Gallery and the State Library of Victoria, the still life paintings, “are not only individual and unique objects that are accurately depicted, but they can also be seen as vessels and may present to viewers as metaphors of life cycles,

38 | BUSINESS NEWS

transience and recursion, much as traditional still life artworks have done in the past.”

A selection of prints inspired by the artist working along Geelong’s shoreline and the region’s coastline also examine transience, with abandoned man-made structures depicted as monuments of humankind within the presence of nature.

The works on display also reinforce the artist’s enduring fascination with the city’s skyline.

“I look to my home town and immediate environment for inspiration and subject matter,” says Wolter, who was born in Geelong and studied visual arts at The Gordon, fine art at the Victorian College of the Arts and education at the University of Melbourne. “I also believe the skyline of Geelong and its surrounding area are distinctly unique.”

Wolter has exhibited regularly since 1999 and been shortlisted for a number of awards, including the Geelong acquisitive print awards. He will present the Artist’s Floortalk on Sunday 17 November at 3pm, discussing his artistic practice and a selection of works displayed in Stories from the shore.

Geelong Gallery www.geelonggallery.org.au

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ARTS

Robyn Rankin: Recent Paintings 2 – 16 November Portraying images of children playing beach cricket, on the swings, fishing or just hanging out with the dog, Robyn Rankin’s delightful paintings express a rich visual language filled with the joy and innocence of a simple life.

Children at play is an enduring and universal theme in Rankin’s work.

Inspired by her own children and memories of a childhood of “old fashioned, simple pleasures”, she has “secreted away moments that belong to my family and their friends and they have generously allowed me to expose them to the world.”

Rankin believes her paintings have such resonance because the viewer can recognise the emotions and joys depicted, recalling and cherishing their own childhood memories.

“We can all relate to this special place we call childhood,” she says. “My children are older now, and no longer involved in these pursuits, but these memories endure as long as you keep them alive... I steal a moment, and make it happen again with paint. These are the cherished images of a time when life is uncluttered and free.”

After graduating from Swinburne University, Rankin’s early career began in Melbourne as a graphic designer and photographer and she later taught art and photography in secondary

school. A move to Noosa with her young family provided the opportunity to change direction and her love affair with paint began in 2000. She is now well represented in private collections in Australia and overseas, and is featured in the publication ‘Selected Contemporary Artists of Australia’ by Michael Berry.

Metropolis Gallery www.metropolisgallery.com.au

Waves and Water – Australian beach photographs 25 November - 23 February The beach is dominant in Australia’s national identity, a physical and cultural landscape and a place for a shared, universal experience. Ever since late 19th century postcard images presented images of an increasingly popular pleasure ground, photography has been a vital tool in constructing our ideas about the beach, from Max Dupain’s Sunbaker to Jeff Carter’s depiction of 1960’s surf culture.

Waves and Water – Australian beach photographs features 35 framed photographs, the work of seven important Australian photographers: Dupain, Carter, Ray Leighton, Roger Scott, Ian Lever, Anne Zahalka and Narelle Autio. Each reveals differing and changing perspectives of the Australian beach and the swimmers and surfers who populate it.

There is also a local component to the exhibition, with a collection of photographs depicting iconic beach locations from Geelong, the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding regions, with thanks to Surf World Museum in Torquay.

National Wool Museum www.nwm.vic.gov.au

On Memory – Art and Conversations Living with Dementia and Memory Loss November 1 -4 Part of the annual Winchelsea Uniting Church Art and Photography Show, this exhibition by Springdale artists presents a series of haunting works depicting the experience of living with dementia and memory loss. Striking images of tangled tree roots and branches portray how “things go in one ear and come out the other all tangled” and that “language and memory are old growth forests of the mind,” while a chair beautifully decorated with painted flowers and gardening tools is poignantly titled, “I love gardening but have forgotten how to do it.”

The Winchelsea Uniting Church Art and Photography show presents a variety of works by local and regional artists and opens Friday November 1 at 7.30 pm in the Globe Theatre, Winchelsea.

Admission is $5 and students are free.

Ian Lever Yellow Cap Bronte 1994 Ilfochrome photograph edition 1/4 ANMM Collection Reproduced courtesy the photographer

BUSINESS NEWS | 39

ARTS

GPAC ends financial year on a high GPAC attendances are the highest in more than a decade, thanks partly to exclusive productions of Death of Salesman, starring Colin Friels, and a national exclusive of Back To Back Theatre’s Ganesh Versus the Third Reich.

“We had attendances of almost 235,000 patrons, out of a local population of 290,000,” GPAC General Manager Jill Smith said, adding that Death of a Salesman, Side by Side by Sondheim and Ganesh Versus the Third Reich arrived on GPAC stages after overcoming major logistical hurdles.

“In the case of Death of a Salesman, its postponement due to illness and subsequent rescheduling required changing dates and theatres for four other shows, re-issuing thousands of tickets and significant changes in travel plans. For all involved, it required enormous patience, hard work and goodwill. But the reward was a towering performance from Colin Friels as Willy Loman.

“For Ganesh Versus the Third Reich, the company had to return to Geelong in the middle of a North American tour to give Geelong audiences the only Australian performances of this internationally renowned work.”

Ms Smith said local productions and professional events had also contributed significantly to GPAC’s attendances, highlighting Footlight Productions’ staging of Les Miserables in January, with the director and some cast members recently announced as part of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of the iconic musical opening in Melbourne next year.

“It is such a privilege to be part of GPAC and have the opportunity to both present and host some of the finest performances you are likely to see anywhere in the world,” she said.

GPAC, which is now Australia’s first ‘one-stop-shop’ ticketing service, with both Ticketek and Ticketmaster services complementing the Centre’s own ticketing service, exceeded targets for all of its programs in 2012/13, including the Theatre Season, Musical Mornings, Family Magic and one-off shows and events. Other highlights for the year include 99 per cent customer satisfaction with GPAC’s services; recognition of the Centre’s partnership with the Bendigo Community Banks for the gpac:ed program with an Australian Business Arts Foundation Victorian Toyota Community Award; and an Arts Portfolio Leadership Award for GPAC’s partnerships with local organisations.

Ray Leighton Surf Siren, Manly Beach 1946 silver gelatin photograph printed 1998 edition 4/98 ANMM Collection Jeff Carter, Tribal Gathering 1964 silver gelatin photograph printed 1996

40 | BUSINESS NEWS

ANMM Collection Reproduced courtesy Van Carter

Looking for an Affair?

At Edge we can cater for all types of affairs, from an intimate affair to the more public Christmas workplace occasion.

5222 2666 | manager@edgegeelong.com.au 6-8 Eastern Beach Foreshore Road, Geelong | edgegeelong.com.au Edge Geelong

Proud supplier to GrapeCrushers 5223 1141 • www.randalls.net.au

eVeRY FRIDaY FROM 5pM Free Entry, Free Wine Tasting, Free Gourmet Platters For Patrons, Free Live Entertainment Each Week Friday 1st November—Melbourne Cup Weekend Who will win? What colours in? Which wine?

We have all the answers at Lambys Entertainment: Special guest Friday 8th November—Movember Support the Movember Appeal for Men's health over a few wines and beers.

Let's see the moustaches grow gentleman Entertainment: Chic

Friday 15th November—All Natural Take a look at some great natural wines from Australia and the World Entertainment: Special guest Friday 22nd November—Lethbridge Wines Showcase Some great wines being made just down the road Entertainment: Chic Friday 29th November—Did you hear?

We have a new cocktail list upstairs! Come and have a taste Entertainment: Special guest

(03) 5223 2536 | Cnr Moorabool & Brougham Sts, Geelong | manager@lambys.com.au | www.lambys.com.au

lambys bar & restaurant | lambys grapecrushers

Management reserves the right to refuse entry | Minimum age 18 | Photo ID required

Open for breakfast & lunch 7 days. Open for dinner Wednesday—Saturday.

Haven't booked your office Christmas function yet?

National Wool Museum, Cnr Moorabool & Brougham Sts, Geelong | 03 5223 2536 blacksheeprestaurant.com.au | manager@blacksheeprestaurant.com.au | Black Sheep Cafe + Restaurant

Everyone’s

a winner

Hockey

Swimming

Usually when we hear someone say, ‘It doesn’t matter if you win, lose or draw, it’s just taking part that matters’ it’s a trite and smug way of saying, ‘tough luck, you lose!’ But that wasn’t the case with the XIV Australian Masters Games, which took over Geelong across one week in October.

From the barely qualified 30-somethings to the still going strong 90-somethings, the Games were an extraordinarily positive example of why it really does matter to just have a go.

More than 8000 people

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from around the nation were involved in the Games, and when the week came to a close it wasn’t the winners who stole the accolades, it was the 1100 dedicated volunteers who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to making the Geelong-based event such a success.

And for all those that walked away with a sense of what could have been, there’s always Adelaide in 2015…

Congratulations to everyone who participated, volunteered or worked on the Games – it sure was a week to remember.

Golf

Archery

Baseball

Table Tennis

Golf

Lifesaving

Volleyball

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Tom Callaly, Tony Mcmanus, David Peart

Leaders urge mental health to be a priority for men Photos by Elisha Lindsay - EL Photography

More than 100 people from various Geelong businesses came together for the BacLinks Big Boys Don’t Cry: But They Should - Mental Health Forum for Men last month.

Tony Mcmanus (Manus Consulting)

Organised by Karingal, through its initiative BacLinks, the luncheon brought together men predominantly from Geelong’s manufacturing sector to raise awareness and promote discussion of the strategies for identifying and dealing with mental health issues, both personally and in the workplace.

Karingal CEO, Daryl Starkey, said that with suicide now ranked as the leading cause of death for adult men up to the age of 44, we need to be doing more as a community to support men.

Ashley Sahw (HR Coord. Karningal), Brett Cassar (Karingal Manager)

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The event was hosted by Tony McManus, Ambassador for Beyond Blue, with guest speakers including Professor Tom Callaly, Executive Medical Director for Barwon Health, Craig Wetjen, Men’s Shed Photography Project and Dr Mark Davies, Lara Medical Centre.

The forum was initiated in 2011 after Geelong Manufacturing Council’s Executive Officer, David Peart, contacted Baclinks when he observed an increase in mental health related incidences in the workplace.

“Increased stress is unfortunately part of modern life for many people. Us males are notorious for thinking we can often deal with problems alone, but in many cases we can’t and the results of this can be detrimental to other people around us. A problem shared is a problem solved,” said David.

“We are using this forum to encourage men to not only reach out and ask for help but importantly recognise signs in others of needing help before it’s too late” he said.

The event was proudly organised by BacLinks, and is supported by Geelong Manufacturing Council, the Alcoa Foundation, MatchWorks, St John of God Pathology, Mercure Geelong, McManus Consulting Services, Barwon Health, Karingal Training and Karingal’s mental health support branch Transcend.

Commercial Photography Staff portraits Product shots Marketing shots Events & Functions Guests from UGL, Barwon Medicare Local & Alcoa

Weddings & Portraits

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Tony Mcmanus(Manus Consutling), Nicci Marris (Alcoa), Craig Wetjen (Photographer )

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0439 353 958 Melissa Farrell (PR Karingal), Sharee Holdsworth (Baclinks Manager) Tracy Bull (Partnership Cordinator Baclinks)

elphotography.com.au

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STUFF

Bucket In a Bag $ 22.00

Compact Miracle Block Paving Brush $39.00

Design ideas for the

Great

Outdoors Kneelo $ 39.00

Hot pot BBQ $199.95

The Worm Swag + Stand $159.95

ezyGrow Water Saver Raised Garden Beds $ 299.95

Blunt Mini + Umbrella $89.00

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“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else” is the motto of Beezer.com.au – and it is clear that the sourcing and selling of seriously cool bits and bobs for those with an eye for design.

But what is really cool about Beezer is that when they say design they mean a genuine meeting of form and function, not a meeting of flashy labels and credit limits.

Seedling Labels Pack of 40 $14.95

With the sun back in town and just in time for the summer holiday season comes this collection of outdoor stuff to make heading outside just a little more fun…

Jump online to see more.

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BOOKS

The Tournament Matthew Riley He might have departed from the contemporary action settings of his previous novels, but the new book from Matthew Riley is in no way short on pace, tension and thrills. The year is 1546. A 13 year-old girl journeys from England into the heart of the Islamic empire, to the glittering city of Constantinople, as part of a delegation chosen by her father, King Henry VIII. At a tournament like no other, hosted by the Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, the barbaric deaths, unimaginable depravity and diplomatic treachery that unfolds before the young princess both shocks her and shapes her in ways that will resonate throughout her extraordinary reign as Queen. The Tournament will be released on November 12.

1914: The Year the World Ended Paul Ham Few years can justly be said to have transformed the earth: 1914 did. In July that year, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Britain and France were poised to plunge the world into a war that would kill or wound 37 million people, tear down the fabric of society, uproot ancient political systems and set the course for the bloodiest century in human history. Award-winning historian Paul Ham debunks several stubborn myths and seeks to answer the most vexing question of the 20th century: Why did European governments decide to condemn the best part of a generation of young men to the trenches and four years of slaughter?

Tony Greig: Love, War and Cricket Joyce Greig & Mark Greig In this wonderful memoir, Tony Greig’s life is recounted by two of those who knew him best - his mother, Joycie, and his eldest son, Mark. From schoolboy cricketing prodigy, to his early days playing for English side Sussex, Tony travelled the world meeting an array of cricket greats. He was eventually made captain of England, but then was removed from the job when he controversially threw in his lot with Kerry Packer and his World Series Cricket in 1977. Together, Tony and Packer changed the game forever and formed a friendship that lasted 28 years. With Packer’s offer of a ‘job for life’, Tony joined the Nine Network and became part of the fabric of the Australian summer.

Barracuda Christos Tsiolkas From the bestselling author of The Slap comes a searing new insight into modern Australia, at our hopes, our dreams, our friendships and our families. His whole life, Danny Kelly’s only wanted one thing: to win Olympic gold. Everything he’s ever done—every thought, every dream, every action—takes him closer to that moment of glory, of vindication, when the world will see him for what he is: the fastest, the strongest and the best. He’s going to show them all. This unflinching and provocative novel is about living in Australia right now, about class and sport and politics and migration and education.

It’s brutal and tender and blazingly brilliant; everything we have come to expect from this fearless vivisector of our lives and world.

The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles Katherine Pancol The European sensation has finally arrived. When her chronically unemployed husband runs off to start a crocodile farm in Kenya with his mistress, Josephine Cortes is left in an unhappy state of affairs. The mother of two is forced to make ends meet on her meagre salary as a medieval history scholar. By stark contrast, Josephine’s sister Iris has a wealthy husband, gorgeous looks, and a tres chic Paris address, but is secretly tres bored. When Iris meets a famous publisher at a dinner party, she spins him a tale of the 12th century romance she’s writing she finds her self with a lucrative publishing deal, but no book. Enter Josephine, who will write the book for her and be paid all the profits. But who would have thought the book would become the literary sensation of the season…

Happy Eva After Chris Harrison As a teacher at the Fawlty Towers of London language colleges, Sebastian Pink is accustomed to confusion caused by the complexities of the English language, and his home life isn’t any less confusing. His workaholic wife is now desperate for a baby, but these days he seem to have more in common with is dog, Claude, that with Sarah.

When an alluring Czech student called Eva becomes one of Sebastian’s students - and inadvertently provides him with the last solution in his morning crossword - he finds himself drawn into a sordid suburban tangle based mainly on his own misinterpretations and feverish imagination. Happy Eva After is a seriously funny comedy about a bloke, his wife, his dog, an alluring young woman with a mysterious past, and the nuances of the English language.

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