Business West November 2013 by Star News Group

AS ST STAR TA AR R NEWS NEWS EW GROUP PUBLICATION | $4.95 EW

CAREER CHANGE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

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BLOOMING BRAS KICKING GOALS BUSINESS AWARDS BEHIND A GREAT PIE ISSN 1837-9869

9 123456 789013

ISSUE 26 NOVEMBER 2013

CONTENTS 3

BUSINESS AWARDS Keys to success

PIE HIGH Best in the West

KICKING GOALS Post company looks to expand

6-7

CHANGING CAREERS It’s not too late to change jobs

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HEALTHY LIVING Online business

10-11 ROLLING STONES Building a rock solid business

BRAS BLOOM Unique bra business

14-15 WATER SAFETY Light at the end of the rainbow

DAIRY INNOVATION Headquarters expansion

SWITCHED ON Custom lighting business

REGULARS 22-23 Q&A Josie Kearsey

24-25 SMALL TALK 26 BW NETWORK 27 OUT OF HOURS

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MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Linnell stephen.linnell@starnewsgroup.com.au EDITORIAL Charlene Macaulay charlene.macaulay@starnewsgroup.com.au

As an older person, yo bring life skills into it, and that’s a really good thing… JEFF BELL

6-7

ADVERTISING Charles Ferraro charles.ferraro@starnewsgroup.com.au Mobile: 0421 555 404 DESIGN Mark Dinnie mark.dinnie@starnewsgroup.com.au BUSINESS WEST Cnr Keilor Park Dve & Thomsons Rd Keilor Park 3042 Phone: 9933 4800 Fax: 9933 4844 Business West is a division of Star News Group Pty. Ltd. Celebrating our 102nd year as a family-run business. Proudly Australianowned and independent. Produced and published by Paul Thomas for Star News Group Pty. Ltd. ACN 005 848 108. Star News Group Trading Terms and Conditions can be found on www.starnewsgroup.com.au Find an electronic version of Business West online. Keep a copy for yourself or share with your contacts. Visit: www.businesswest.com.au Cover MICHELLE KNIGHT HAS CHANGED CAREER TO BECOME A DOG GROOMER. READ MORE ON PAGES 6-7. Picture DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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NEWS

KEYS TO SUCCESS BY CHARLENE MACAULAY WYNDHAM City Council rolled out the red carpet and shined the spotlight on some of its finest businesses recently at the 2012 Wyndham Business Awards. The council awarded businesses across 15 categories, reserving the coveted Business of the Year Award for Laverton North’s AusLock and Safe Company, which also won the Manufacturer of the Year Award. AusLock is a leading locksmith, safe and security business specialising in highly restrictive commercial, industrial and residential security. It sells a range of locks, safes, door handles, deadlocks, chains and cuts keys, and has forged strong distribution networks so that they can service clients anywhere in Australia. The business has been operating for more than 25 years and began as a father son operation in Melbourne’s West providing professional security services. As the business has grown and developed,

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AusLock’s client base has extended on a national level and now operates as a fully functional organisation that employs 14 staff. “The company has developed policies and procedures that drive greater efficiencies and uses innovation to set it apart from its competitors, while maintaining an acute understanding of the importance that organisational culture plays in sustaining and growing a business,” Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus said. “With a strong community focus, the company has also been involved in assisting local young people and people with disabilities to develop their capacity to gain local employment. Other winners included Harcourts Wyndham City (Best Franchise), Werribee Open Range Zoo (Best Not For Profit Large), The Park Hotel (Best New and Emerging Business), and the Werribee Automotive Group (Best Retail Large). [BW]

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NEWS

PIE HIGH BY CHARLENE MACAULAY THERE’S nothing better than a meat pie and sauce. At Ray’s Patisserie in Taylors Hill, husband and wife team Quyen and Ailene Luu are onto a winning recipe or two. The pair recently won Best Gourmet Beef Pie, Best Vegetarian Pie and Best Apprentice Gourmet Pie by the Baking Association of Australia. It’s a major coup for the couple, who bought their first Ray’s Patisserie franchise in Flemington two years ago before taking over Taylors Hill only months later.

From left at Ray’s Patisserie, business owners Quyen and Ailene Luu with apprentice baker Kevin Pham. Picture: NICOLE SULTANA extensive range also includes pizza pie, smoky dog, as well as a variety of cakes and slices.

The Luus submitted 10 of their pies to the annual awards, which had more than 256 entrants.

Mrs Luu said the achievement was a great honour in the baking industry.

Pies were judged on their colour, thickness of pastry, the quality of the meat and, most importantly, taste.

“It’s a pretty good result for our first year. Now we’d like people to come and judge for themselves.

The big winner, their Ned Kelly pie, features eggs cheese, bacon, tomato and onion. Their

“We think the Ned Kelly pie is very Australian.”

“We were surprised,” she said.

The couple, who are originally from Sydney, got into the bakery industry when Mr Luu came to help his brother at a family run bakery and a franchise opportunity through Ray’s Patisserie came up. Ray’s Patisserie is a Queensland franchise and multi-award winner for its pies. Today, the pair employs nine staff through its two stores. Mr Luu does all the behind the scenes work and baking, while Mrs Luu handles the front of house. [BW]

business news west

What’s new in the business community?

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Have you signed up?

Workshops

Hobsons Bay City Council has launched its new online business The Council is hosting its ﬁnal business workshop for 2013. directory and is encouraging all businesses registered in The Starting Your Business workshop will help you consider Hobsons Bay to sign up today. Free to register, the directory whether starting a business is right for you and will provide the is the one-stop-shop for customers looking to ﬁnd a business essentials for turning your dream into a successful business. in Hobsons Bay. Part of this workshop involves a free session with an experienced business mentor. The workshop will be held at Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/directories to register. the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre on Wednesday,13th November commencing at 6.00pm. Become involved We are currently planning our business workshops for 2014, If you want to stay across current issues and network with fellow business colleagues, join a local business group. There so why not let us know what you would like to see on our business calendar next year. are four recognised traders’ associations in Hobsons Bay – To view all the upcoming business workshops or to register Altona, Laverton, Newport and Williamstown, with many business networks also operating in the area. These groups for a workshop, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business represent like-minded business people whose focus is on Newsletters marketing their area and addressing local issues that may affect your business and the region. And don’t forget the Council publishes a free fortnightly e-newsletter titled Hobsons Bay Business e-Works, subscribing Why not join a local business group today? For more is easy; simply send an email to the address below. information visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/business

For more information please call Sally Curtis, Business and Tourism Ofﬁcer on 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

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KICKING GOALS BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IF YOU’RE kicking a goal at the MCG, AAMI Park, or Gosch’s Paddock, you are most likely kicking it through posts that have been made by Sunshine-based company Abel Sports. Abel is Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of premium quality flag poles, banner poles, AFL and rugby goal posts, soccer goals, futsal goals, rugby/soccer combos, coaches’ boxes, team shelters and other sports equipment, safety and barrier netting, storage units and sports systems. The business was started in Flemington more than 20 years ago by Bruce Merrett, who wanted to take advantage of government grants for flag poles in schools. Mr Merrett’s wife took over the company a decade ago when her husband passed away, and Abel turned its focus to sports-related tenders and contracts. The change of focus saw Abel move premises to North Melbourne and most recently Sunshine to accommodate the rapid growth in business. The business has grown by 40 per cent in the past two years, thanks to a dedicated push into the sports goals market and associated accessories. “We did the sports goals years ago, but it was mainly AFL goal posts and flag poles,” general manager David Vesely said. “Now, we do every conceivable type of sports and flagpole you could want -

banner poles, sports goals, AFL, soccer, juniors and seniors - there’s not much we don’t do. “We’ve expanded into different areas. “The tenders were opening up avenues where coaches’ boxes were needed, barrier net poles were needed, on-site storage units – all the accessories with ovals, and you just build on. So now we do all of that.” Abel Sports has done the goal posts for the MCG, AAMI Park, Olympic Park, NIB Stadium in Perth, Adelaide Oval and Homebush Stadium in Sydney.They are also the preferred suppliers for FIFA. Mr Vesely told Business West that Abel was now focusing on expanding into the interstate market, particularly New South Wales and Queensland. The business is looking into the viability of setting up offices there. “We’re finding that there’s a certain amount of market here in Victoria, we look after probably a dozen councils, sporting clubs and we’ve got a fair share. “We’ve found that there’s more opportunities interstate and a lot of our calls are coming from interstate.” [BW] Right: David Vesely is the general manager of Abel Sports, Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of flag poles and goal posts. Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

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COVER STORY

TRADING PLACES EVER wanted to change careers? CHARLENE MACAULAY talks to two people who say a professional seachange is never too late… GONE are the days when you spend your working life with one company. In fact, gone are the days where you spend your life in one career or industry. Today, the average person changes jobs 10-15 times, and can have around seven careers over their working life. And only half of Australia’s 11.5 million employees believe they are in the right line of work, according to SEEK Learning. In November 2012, the company commissioned researchers Pure Profile to interview 1257 Australian adults about their careers. It found 51 per cent of people believed they were in the right career, while 22 per cent said they were not. The remaining 27 per cent remained unsure. When asked how they had ended up in their career, 41 per cent admitted they had fallen into it.

Another five per cent said they had followed their parents’ advice, while five per cent said they had chosen their career because it would earn them a lot of money. The report found a quarter of Australian workers were planning to change careers in 2013. So how do you know when you need a change? You may need to consider making changes if you feel bored, overwhelmed, underappreciated, or are no longer challenged by your job. Sometimes, the need for a career change is foisted on you. External factors such as illness or redundancy may force you to reconsider your line of work. Business West spoke to two people who made the plunge - and are happy they did. THE PRINCIPAL TURNED POLICE OFFICER IN 2011, veteran educator Jeff Bell made the life changing decision to give up his post as principal of Laverton P-12 College and join Victoria Police. “I always wanted to be a police officer from a very early age, but when it got to the stage of making a decision on my career, I was too short,” he remembers. “They had height restrictions back in the

Jeff Bell 70s, and when they got rid of that in the 80s, my career was well embedded in education... but I always had that burning ambition to be a police officer.” Mr Bell had been in the education industry for 32 years when Victoria Police kick-started a major recruitment drive – and he put his hand up. “I got to a stage where I’d achieved what I wanted to achieve in education. I led the merger of three schools, which was a fairly

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COVER STORY big job... when they ramped up the police recruiting campaign a few years ago, I thought, now’s the time. “I was earning a pretty good wage and I’d be going down – but money wasn’t the main consideration. I thought, if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it, and I wanted to have a crack at it.” Mr Bell completed Victoria Police’s 33week program, which included fitness training, defensive tactics, legal theory and work placement at police stations. At 55, he graduated from the academy and started out as a Constable at Keilor Downs Police Station. The Essendon resident has since been transferred to the Brunswick Police Station. “One of the Sergeants here – I actually was his teacher – and now he’s my Sergeant,” he laughs. “One of the interesting things is, when we go to a job, people look at me and start talking to me because they think I’m the senior person, but quite often it could be a person that’s 23 years of age who’s the senior member. “As an older person, you bring life skills into it, and that’s a really good thing. “The weeks go very quickly. The paperwork is a challenge, but apart from that, it’s a really good career. “I encourage anyone to actually have a go. It’s certainly worth the while.” THE OFFICE MANAGER TURNED DOG GROOMER MICHELLE Knight spent 20 years in sales administration and customer service roles in the UK and dreamed of a career outside the office. “It’s just something that I started doing,

Michelle Knight and I enjoyed it for a while, but through each job change I just felt uninterested and a bit disillusioned with it,” she said. “I found I was dealing with more office politics than the job, and it became mundane. “I always loved animals, and dog grooming always crossed my mind in England, but I wasn’t in a position in the company I was at to take the six weeks off that I needed to take the grooming course. “That’s always what held me back, plus the fact that we had a mortgage that needed to be paid – I couldn’t just give up work.” Then Michelle and her husband Charles holidayed in Australia five years ago and decided to immigrate. It took three-and-a-half years to get the appropriate visas in place, but once here the new Williamstown resident decided to give her dream a go. She did some work experience at a pet salon to see if she had what it took to make dog grooming into a career.

Ms Knight then did her grooming course and started grooming dogs from home parttime. Her business, Four Pampered Paws, has since become a full-time role. “It didn’t happen straight away, because I felt I needed some experience working in a salon ... it was quite challenging to start off with, and it still is challenging, but I love it. “I’m glad I did it. I’m finding it challenging, the different aspects, but the customer service skills that I have helped me in growing the business. “The one thing I didn’t anticipate was the loneliness, because I’m used to working in a team and having the office banter and the phones ringing. I miss that side of it... I’d say that’s the most difficult thing I’m finding at the moment.” Ms Knight said people considering a career change should try and get some experience and see if their dream job really is all it’s cracked up to be and to get feedback from people already in the job. [BW]

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HEALTHY LIVING BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IF YOU’VE ever read a women’s magazine, you will be all-too familiar with the pressure celebrities put on themselves to get back to their pre-baby weight. It’s a pressure that has trickled down to everyday society, with every new mum keen to get back into their skinny jeans. Point Cook’s Amanda Steidle was one of them. The former personal trainer and high-level athlete piled on the kilos after a difficult first pregnancy and health complications with daughter Zoe, and was determined to throw herself back into her old exercise regime. Despite the hard yards, the weight wouldn’t budge. “She was very tired, she kept getting injuries... she was trying to burn it off and it wasn’t working, so she started to look at the food and researching what she should be eating and what she couldn’t be eating,” husband Adrian said. “It only took a few months for people to notice.

“The weight fell off her, and mums at the playgroup were asking what she was doing. “Her dad, who’s a doctor, did some blood tests on her and all her results were improving, so what she was doing was working, not just from a weight perspective, but from a health perspective, and she started writing programs for her friends.” From that, Healthy Mums was born. The business is a 30-week online program that helps mums control their weight and get healthy through food rather than exercise. Clients are given a welcome pack and sent daily emails that discuss the benefits of healthy eating and different foods. Amanda has also assembled a panel of health experts that help and support members on their journey through the members-only discussion forum, where mums can raise questions and help each other out. “It’s all about making it gradual and realistic. You shouldn’t try and shock your system by making massive changes all at once,” Amanda said. “It’s best to make step by step changes

over the long term and to bring your family along with you on the journey. “You also need to be flexible enough to adjust your behaviour for whatever situation you are faced with. “That’s why we teach what’s right and how things work, rather than give strict meal plans. We empower mums to do the right thing themselves.” Both Amanda and Adrian work on the business and take it in turns looking after their two children and managing the day-to-day operations. Since going live in February, Healthy Mums has had more than 10,000 visits to the site and has gained more than 2600 followers, including mums from the UK and Malta. The business was also nominated as a finalist for this year’s Startup Smart Business Awards. Although they were not winners on the night, the Steidles were encouraged by the nomination and look forward to seeing the business flourish while helping people get healthy. [BW]

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BUSiNESS PROFILE Amanda Steidle, pictured here with daughter Zoe, started up Healthy Mums after she battled to lose her post-baby weight. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

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NO STONE UNTURNED BY CHARLENE MACAULAY APEX knows the stepping stone to success. The Laverton North company started out in a small East Keilor factory in 1987 and is now one of Australia’s most well respected and prestigious stone companies, specialising in the production of stone for commercial projects and high-end quality residential projects. After years as the industry leaders in commercial stone work, Apex Stone is now focusing on achieving the same results in the residential space. From single kitchen bench-tops right through to flooring and bathrooms – the move is part of a push to create a steady stream of work. “It’s part of a process of evening out the ebbs and flows of the commercial industry,” Special Projects Manager Andre Cristiano said. “With that, you get big jobs, and then nothing for a little while, then another big job, and we’d rely on those big jobs. “This is a way of evening out those peaks and troughs. “At the same time, stone is becoming accessible to more people, it’s becoming more of a standard item in homes rather than

a luxury item, so we’re happy to jump on that and make it as available to as many people as possible.” Andre’s dad Ralph, who is busy “trying to” retire, started up Apex 26 years ago, taking on small jobs from an East Keilor factory. “They did a good job – they paid a lot of attention to quality and they made a bit of a name for themselves and progressively got bigger jobs,” Andre said. Then, in 1995, Apex Stone got its big break when they won a massive contract to do the stone work for Crown Casino. “At the time, he didn’t have the capacity to do it, and he said no first up, but they were really insistent that he did it and he spent a year almost living at the Casino, living on site and making it happen.

Some of their other jobs have included Parliament House, the Park Hyatt, Media House, the RACV City Club, the MCG, Qantas First Class Lounge and the University of Melbourne. In 2002, Pringle Robertson –- who ran an installation company and had done work for Apex – bought into the business as a codirector. Andre joined the team this year, while Mario Siketa joined Apex from a rival to head marketing and business development. The changes are all part of a push to expand Apex. “We intend to grow as much as possible.

“From doing a good job there, they managed to be the go-to company for work in the commercial industry.

“We’ve never put as much attention to business development and marketing as we are now, and hopefully with all the good work we’ve done before, we can leverage that and provide this product to as many people as possible – whether it’s residential, commercial or heritage. We feel we can do everything that needs to be done in the industry.”

“Whenever there was a big apartment building or hotel that required a lot of attention to detail, Apex was the company that was approached first.”

And it seems the industry is standing up and taking notice, with Apex taking out the Mayor’s Award at this year’s Wyndham City Awards. [BW]

“From that, they were able to buy a lot of new machines that we still have today.

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Andre Cristiano has just joined the family business Apex, which is one of Australia’s most respected and prestigious stone companies. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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BRAS BLOOM

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY TWO years ago, Josie Chapman took her daughter shopping for a bra and they struggled to find anything that they both agreed on. The Williamstown mum would not buy a padded bra, and her 11-year-old would not try on anything her mother suggested, complaining that it looked liked something her Nanna would wear. By the end of the day they still had not found anything. Talking to other mums, Ms Chapman soon realised she wasn’t alone – so she decided she’d try and make her own. Along the way, Ms Chapman spoke to friends and two of them – Jo Konstandinou and Rebekah Hancock – loved the idea so much they decided to invest in the business. Two years later, after many late nights and weekends, lots of samples, testing bras, building a website and some very funny but also stressful moments, BlossyBloom was officially launched in January this year. BlossyBloom provides a wide range of comfortable bras with age-appropriate designs for the first bra market via their online store and bra parties. The business delivers Australia-wide, and has also had enquiries from Malaysia and Israel. The range features two collections, the

Josie Chapman, Jo Konstandinou and Rebekah Hancock run online store BlossyBloom. Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI

Nina and Allegria, with a total of 17 different designs that each come available with matching knickers.

The trio all juggle day jobs, families and the usual everyday chaos as well as running BlossyBloom.

The range also features no underwires, and no padding.

Ms Konstandinou handles BlossyBloom’s sales and marketing, Ms Chapman heads production and design and Ms Hancock covers IT, finance and production.

The women hope to expand their line to include pyjamas and other garments. Ms Konstandinou said BlossyBloom had been well received by mums and young girls. “I’m very much against the sexualisation of young girls, and I think this is a fantastic way to get them into bras,” she said. “We’re at the coalface (when doing parties). “We’re with mums – and girls – it’s like being in a store watching that interaction with mum and daughter. We know that we’re onto a fantastic concept, it is just being able to put more time into it to build the business.”

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Ms Konstandinou will resign from her job at the end of this year to focus on the business full-time, while the other two women hope to follow suit in due course. “I think, because we really want this to work, you fit it in,” Ms Chapman said. “We just work well together.” Ms Hancock adds: “Plus, we’re all in the same situation, so in any given week, if someone’s having a crazy week, someone else picks up the slack.” [BW]

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Economic Development is a core function of Local Government yet very few people know or understand what services the Council provides. Brimbank City Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Development Unit is working toward Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal of positioning the municipality as a prime investment location and a destination for quality business development. The Unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities focus on a number of areas including investment attraction, business training and development, retail enhancement and supporting better business practices. Sunshine offers a prime development opportunity within Brimbank and the Council has recently commenced an Investment Attraction Program to improve the investment proďŹ le of Sunshine. The program will inform the private sector regarding development opportunities offered in the Sunshine Town Centre and its surrounds, including the Sunshine Health and Well-being Precinct. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Investment Attraction Programa builds on Sunshineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classiďŹ cation as a Metropolitan Activity Centre and emerging National Employment Cluster in the State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s metropolitan planning strategy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plan Melbourneâ&#x20AC;?. The program will promote the growth potential of Brimbank, attract interest from quality developers and help Council to forge strategic partnerships with government agencies, investment organisations and individuals who can assist in putting Brimbank on the investment radar. As part of this program, a Sunshine Investment Prospectus was launched at Eureka 89 on Friday 22 November 2013. At the event, well-known demographer and journalist Bernard Salt delivered his message about the opportunities that exist in Sunshine, as part of Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast growing region. Mr Salt is one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading population analysts and a champion of the opportunities that the West has to offer. A second forum will be held in 2014 to consolidate the work being undertaken now. SigniďŹ cant public and private investment is already taking place in Brimbank with the municipality undergoing major revitalisation and transformation, focusing on quality urban development. This includes Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $32 million strategy to upgrade Brimbankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks and open spaces; and $800 million being invested through the Regional Rail Link Project including the signiďŹ cant redevelopment of the Sunshine Station. Private investors are also realising the

development potential of the municipality with projects such as the $150 million Foundry Towers residential and mixed use project (ďŹ rst stage of three on Hampshire Road, Sunshine). Besides being home to large, long standing organisations, Brimbank is also attracting new and exciting businesses, such as Vistaprint at the Paramount Estate in Derrimut. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Development Unit also has a strong business development focus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it provides a range of training sessions for small business, a quarterly breakfast networking event, an online local business directory, and, disseminates information through the quarterly Business Link Magazine and a monthly e-bulletin. The business development program presents a range of complementary activities that support business growth. Business training focuses on areas including marketing for growth, going online, ďŹ nancial management, time management and a range of other topics that grow your business knowledge. The training is presented in conjunction with Small Business Victoria. At the business breakfasts, participants enjoy listening to a speaker presenting about what they have done to overcome challenges and achieve success. The underlying principle for these events is that they be entertaining whist delivering a business message. The next breakfast is on Friday 13 December 2013 and in keeping with the day, there will be a mystery speaker. The speaker could be a German grocery guru, a Moldavian wine expert or the Chief Executive OfďŹ cer of a Texan oil company â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to ďŹ nd out you will just have to attend. Whoever it is you will receive a high quality presentation on lateral thinking. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarterly Business Link Magazine and the e-bulletin disseminate information about business development and each magazine edition features a story highlighting the achievements of a particular Brimbank business. The Summer edition features a story on Cornell, a Sunshine-based company at the forefront of technological advancements in the Victorian diesel injection industry. The Economic Development Unit at Brimbank City Council is working hard to help your business. Every program presented offers an action, a thought or a process that can help you grow your business. Simply attend the events or register for regular online and print articles to take advantage of what is on offer.

Would you like to learn more about the activities of the Economic Development Unit in Brimbank? Contact ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au or 9249 4000.

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WATER SAFETY Club was growing rapidly across the state.

REPORTER CHARLENE MACAULAY finds that, for some special kids, there is light at the end of the rainbow…

The group is currently sponsored by Sharp Australia, but are keen to get more corporate sponsors to expand the program. “What we find is that children with an intellectual disability, particularly autism spectrum disorder, is that it’s very difficult to fit them into any mainstream class, and so the parents are often very isolated,” he said.

BEING safe around water is a concern that any parent has for their child. For Steve Morgan, that concern has spawned a not-for-profit swim club that caters for more than 150 kids with a disability.

“We’re also very anxious, because our children have a natural affinity for water, but at the same time they have no water sense - so when they walk in above their heads, they’ll just keep breathing. That’s very scary.

Three years ago, Mr Morgan hired a private swim instructor to help teach his autistic son Corey to become more water safe after a spate of child drownings across Victoria.

“Regular swim schools don’t seem to be able to provide for our children. So now we as parents hire our instructors directly and train them in disability care.

The instructor said that he knew of two other special needs children and, by the time lessons started, six students were signed up and the Rainbow Club of Point Cook was born. All the students are somewhere on the autism spectrum, or were born with other special needs. Each child gets a 20 minute one-on-one class in a closed-off area of the pool. They then progress according to capability to two-on-one, three-on-two lessons, or even to the 40-minute lap squad for good swimmers. Today, the Rainbow Club now has 16 instructors, 150 kids on its books and ran

“The need is overwhelming.”

Steve Morgan started the Rainbow Swim Club for kids with special needs. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI around 18,000 swimming lessons across two centres in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay over the 2012/13 financial year. Mr Morgan said demand for the Rainbow

Barbara Zimic’s son Taylor started classes this year. He had learnt more in one term doing Rainbow Club than in an entire year of mainstream swimming lessons. Meanwhile, Mr Morgan’s son Corey is now 10 years old and loves his lessons. “He’s as drown-proof as any other 10-yearold boy would be,” Mr Morgan said. For more information on the Rainbow Club, email steve@rainbowclub.org.au [BW]

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Instructor Samantha Smolski gives Chase a one-on-one lesson. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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NEWS

DAIRY BOOST BY CHARLENE MACAULAY DAIRY Innovation Australia Limited (DIAL) is celebrating after opening its redeveloped state-of-the-art premises in Werribee. The $4.3 million expansion took just over a year and tripled the size of the existing building. It includes state of the-art research laboratories, a manufacturing pilot plant, food technology laboratories, sensory laboratory, culture production and meeting facilities to drive research and innovation in areas crucial for dairy manufacturing. DIAL has seven core members, including Dairy Australia, who invests to support margin growth in the supply chain. DIAL’s other six core member companies - Bega Cheese, Lion Dairy & Drinks, Murray Goulburn Cooperative, Parmalat Australia, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and United Dairy Power - process over 70 per cent of the milk and 65 per cent of all manufactured dairy products in Australia. Through the Dairy Health and Nutrition Consortium and the Dairy Manufacturing Sustainability Council the DIAL reach extends to encompass Fonterra Australia, Norco, Burra Foods and Bulla. DIAL CEO Lesley MacLeod said the redevelopment would help achieve the organisation’s vision to accelerate the discovery and delivery of innovative dairy products and processes to drive growth, productivity and nutritional value across the dairy industry. “Our projects have led to improvements in product quality and consistency across the industry, improvements in sustainable dairy processing technologies and added value for domestic and export dairy markets,” Dr MacLeod said. “DIAL is among the few organisations in the world dedicated to dairy research, led and funded by industry. “We have an extensive network of partnerships within the Australian and the wider international research community, providing a vital hub for innovation and research.” DIAL Chairman Peter Boyden said the expanded facility was pivotal to industry growth and to help secure the long-term future of dairy manufacturing in Australia. “Our expanded site will enable us provide knowledge, capability and critical services to the industry as well as create opportunities to assist member companies achieve growth in markets in Australia and overseas,” Mr Boyden said. [BW]

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NEWS NEWS

GREASE GROWTH BY CHARLENE MACAULAY IT’S the Sunshine operation that keeps growing and growing. Leading German lubricant manufacturer Fuchs has further consolidated its growth in Australia with a new, state-of-the-art 5000 square metre warehouse. The new warehouse is part of a greater investment strategy in the Asia Pacific region to establish Fuchs as the leading lubricant research, development and operations hub in the region. Fuchs is the largest independent lubricant company in the world, with Australia comprising its fourth largest market. The recent investment into Fuchs’ Australian

operations began with the development of a $2.5 million Grease Plant in 2010, and a world class $1.5 million Regional Lubricant Laboratory and Technical Centre in 2011, fitted with over $1 million worth of equipment. Fuchs Australasia Managing Director Wayne Hoiles said investment in local Australian operations was a high priority for the company.

consumers with the highest quality lubricants, greases and oils.” Fuchs Petrolub AG Executive Board Member Georg Lingg, who is responsible for the Asia Pacific and Africa regions, was at the Fuchs Australasia Sunshine plant recently to officially open the new warehouse.

“The warehouse, which is currently fully operational, was built to cater for the growth of the business and future expectations of growth in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Hoiles said.

“Our Australasian business is of significant importance to the Fuchs Group, and the construction of this new warehouse in Melbourne is part of our global investment program to invest in the future,” Dr Lingg said.

“Fuchs are proud of our over 100 year heritage in Australia, and we will continue to invest and develop in the region to meet growing demand and achieve our mission of providing the Australian industry and

“The Australasian business plays such an important role in the South East Asian region, and we are consistently looking at ways to invest and improve efficiency in high performing markets like Australia.” [BW]

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SWiTCHED

BY CHARLENE MACAULAY

FOR Jan Flook, lighting isn’t as simple as flicking the switch on a set of down lights.

Mr Flook is the namesake behind Jan Flook Lighting, a company started in 2009 to service the architectural and interior design community with extraordinary and original lighting and luminaire design. The business, which is based in Williamstown, gives Mr Flook the chance to indulge in his passion of making beautiful lighting that is functional. “Lighting is an unusual thing. It has a duality about it that nothing else has in the universe. It’s a particle and a wavelength at the same time,” he said. “I do very unusual light fixtures that push the boundaries with materials. “I have this philosophy that currently there’s design, and there’s art – and the two don’t cross over – in fact, it’s considered naff to try and cross them over. “But the irony of this is the arts and crafts culture from the 1900s did exactly that, and I see a very strong revival in that particular area. “We have such an opportunity for mass

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Jan Flook makes custom lighting fixtures. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

produced items from all around the world that people are building a resistance to this cheap lighting. It’s not delivering the spirit that lighting needs to deliver.

crystal chandeliers that are about 2.5 metres tall.

“Lighting is all about setting a mood, and it’s about creating an atmosphere that people can operate within. People actually want something that’s a little more crafty, and a little more custom.”

“My base comes from the arts side of things. My passion is to create beautiful objects that appeal.”

Mr Flook, who trained as an industrial designer in New Zealand and Italy, got into lighting design when he moved to Australia and struggled to find work in his field of expertise. Under two bosses, he learned the creative, production and development phases before being headhunted by The Flaming Beacon to become their Feature Lighting Developer Designer. Six months in, he started Jan Flook Lighting on the side and within 12 months he had enough work to go out on his own. His business, which takes orders Australiawide, covers everything from large chandeliers to limited edition production-run lighting. When Business West spoke to Mr Flook in September, he was working on four classical

He was also working on a range of fixtures made out of felt.

His designs have won him numerous design awards, including the Post Picasso Furniture Design Award, the International Student Design Award, and the prestigious International Luminaire Design Award in 2011 for a light fixture made out of copper tube. “It was a bit rebellious, because it was going into an $11 million house of a property developer. “Basically, this guy started off as a gas plumber’s assistant and developed his skills into becoming a builder and picked up some really big government projects. “So I designed him a chandelier that, as you walked into the property, looked like one chandelier, but as you got into it, this whole thing stretched out across the entire length of the hallway. “He was really thrilled.” [BW]

NEWS

GOING GREEN BY CHARLENE MACAULAY SCHENKER Australia is doing its part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions right in the heart of Altona. The business recently unveiled its new $8.5m distribution centre in Drake Boulevard at a cocktail function that featured State Roads Minister Terry Mulder. The Altona Distribution Centre is a specially adapted, eco-friendly building that consolidates two other distribution facilities at Sunshine. The 18,000 square metre logistics centre operates eight recessed docks and a 2000 square metre awning, allowing transport and logistics operations to co-exist on the one site safely and efficiently. It features low emission T5 lighting an innovation that operators say will save emissions equivalent to the output of 13 residential homes annually. The new centre is significantly larger than the two sites it replaces and has allowed for future growth.

It is also located closer to major roads and port facilities. At optimum operation, the new Schenker facility will employ 30 staff, including some locally-sourced casual positions. Schenker Australia is the local arm of DB Schenker, the world’s second largest transportation and logistics service provider based on sales and performance.The company, which hires around 1200 people, is in its 51st year of Australian operations.The development has made the Altona site the fifth largest site in the Schenker Australia network. “The T5 fluorescent lighting installed at Altona is one of the smartest options around as an alternative to LEDs, offering comparable energy savings and low cost replacement parts,” Schenker Australia CEO Ron Koehler said. “The new facility also harvests rainwater to deliver significant savings similar to one of the company’s other centres at Tullamarine. “We’ve made a serious commitment

worldwide to being a more sustainable company and this is just one more step we’re taking. “Altona becomes the fifth largest site in the Schenker Australia network. “This is in line with the strategy to further develop DB Schenker in Australia and demonstrates our commitment to the Australian marketplace.” Schenker’s customers include the international automotive industry and its suppliers, aviation, entertainment electronics, the retail and consumer goods industry as well as pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Schenker Australia offers the full range of freight forwarding, contract logistics services and supply chain management, national distribution as well as customs clearance. The business was an official service provider for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. [BW]

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Hear from some of the most successful businesses working in the West. Thursday 14 November 2013. Contact partner@collinsco.com.au for further information

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BILLS TO PAY BY CHARLENE MACAULAY

EARLY on in his corporate career, Kris Bondin came across a startling fact – many people, regardless of age or job status, did not know how to handle their money. Even those bringing in a good wage were living week to week, running up credit card debt, missing a bill here and there, and being in mortgage arrears. Three years ago, he decided to do something about it. While holding on to his full-time job, Mr Bondin started up Bills to Pay, which helps people in financial stress by taking control of their cash flow on a day-to-day basis and developing a budget plan for them. The model prioritises an allowance for the client that covers their food, petrol and other staples.The rest of the money is allocated to clearing away debt and any surplus is put towards a savings account.

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Mr Bondin said clients must be working fulltime and have some glimmer of hope – whether that’s payment plans through creditors, the ability to refinance and consolidate debts, or another channel. “We can turn someone’s life from being $40-$50,000 in debt to a $20,000 surplus in 18 months through our model,” Mr Bondin said. “Some people have good income, but they can’t save, they don’t have a disciplined approach to money. “It’s not a skill set everyone has. A service like this can give someone hope to get out of that situation and achieve their financial dream - such as their own home. “People are obviously afraid to get help, that’s one of the biggest things that we find and it gets them into an even worse position.” After doing an interview on Today Tonight, Mr Bondin ended up having to resign his fulltime job.

The move forced him to take the plunge and focus on Bills to Pay full time. He moved into a shared office space in Melbourne’s CBD and hired two employees, plus his wife, to grow the business. He most recently moved the business to a more private office space along Keilor Rd. It’s been a tough slog for the 30-year-old. The work is seven days a week, there’s no holidays, and, like any relatively new business, cash flow remains vital. “It’s not easy,” Mr Bondin said. “The challenge is being able to know, if you spend $10,000, how much you’re going to get back. “A lot of time and effort is now going into building partnerships in the area – local businesses, advising them of what we do and how we can support them and their clients, and we’re finding that that’s working. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is not to make quick decisions.” [BW]

Dashboard reporting

A BUSiNESS WEST PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

MONITORING BUSiNESS PERFORMANCE MANY small businesses don’t take the time to prepare a budget and don’t find them particularly helpful, an easier way to monitor business performance is to implement dashboard reporting. The objective of Dashboard Reporting is to provide clear and concise information of the key drivers of business performance. This should in turn report on business performance and improve decision making. Most financial software systems provide a myriad of reports to help meet compliance requirements and monitor the financial results of a business. However those reports are rarely used on a regular basis to help improve the business. When preparing the Dashboard report it is important not to just include financial measures in the report – other areas such as marketing and OHS are just as important.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A DASHBOARD REPORT Step 1 – Identify key items which are critical to business performance and underperformance. Step 2 – Ensure that the items in the dashboard report are consistent with the key goals and plans for the organisation. Step 3 – Consider who will be using the report. This is important in the way you present the information i.e graphs or just numbers. Step 4 – Ensure that the information is easily obtainable. One of the benefits of the dashboard is that it is easily prepared, concise and easy to understand.

DEVELOPING THE INFORMATION The next step is to design and categorise how the information is to be presented in the report. For example, dashboard reports could be presented in the format of raw numbers, graphs, diagrams, trend analysis or even a tick or cross if goals are achieved. QUALITY OF INFORMATION The quality of information used in the report is critical - “rubbish in rubbish out”. Ensure the information used is accurate and timely. REVIEWING REPORTS The Dashboard Reports should be viewed at least monthly. This allows management to react to certain areas of their business if required. Example: Possible Dashboard Reports for a Retail Business may be: Example 1 Monthly Sales, Example 2: Top 10 Customers, Stock Purchases, Stock Days, Current Supplier and website hits) As all businesses move to Cloud Accounting (its not if it’s when!) most packages provide dashboard functionality that you can tailor to your business as your Home page.

For a more detailed explanation about Dashboard reporting or a copy of a Flyer on this topic call Maureen Puopolo, Business Advisor at Crowe Horwath on 9742 8444.

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Q&A

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Q&A

HiGH KLASS JOSIE Kearsey started out as a hairdresser and beautician, working in her own business. She then diversified to Call Centre manager for at least 10 to 12 years for inbound and outbound calls, managing a team of more than 80 staff. Following that, Ms Kearsey and her husband started their own consultancy business including lead generation, marketing and sales, as well as co-ordinating business events. In 2009 Ms Kearsey established Klass Events and Secret Girls Business, which she still runs today. 1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, AND WHAT SKILLS DID IT GIVE YOU TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My very first job was in hairdressing. I just loved making women feel and look beautiful for an event they were attending. The attention to detail, the outcome and the customer satisfaction steered me towards creating a business in events which encompassed all those feel good elements. 2. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER SUCCESS TO DATE? Creating an event for the community that literally sold out overnight with 1500 women in attendance. It proved to me that preparation and clever marketing achieved unbelievable results. 3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER FAILURE TO DATE? I learnt a very big lesson by putting all my eggs in one basket which resulted in losing out other business opportunities and contacts It took me a while to regain my equilibrium but it shaped how I do business now. 4. HOW DID THAT HELP YOU GROW AS A BUSINESSWOMAN? It’s only because of the tough road of failures that I have been able to define my business objectives and who I do business with. I have learnt to not assume anything, that the business world can be harsh and that as a businesswoman I am extremely clear about defining the lines of business expectations for all parties involved. I have also learnt that my capabilities are far greater than I give myself credit for and to not allow myself to be measured by someone else’s fear of failure. 5. WHAT IS THE KLASS EVENTS STORY? Klass Events is very special to me and was created to deliver exceptional event management services to clients by offering a complete range of meeting and event management services, cleverly designed, meticulously managed, I just love working with our clients for a stunning outcome. Under the Klass Events banner we have our suite of Secret Girls Business Events and Expos – No Boyz Allowed, which are designed specifically for women, whether they are in business or not. The events are well attended and include Exhibitors, Fashion Parades,

Guest Speakers, Product Promotions as well as exceptional opportunities to network, make new business connections and alliances. Klass Events is also very privileged to have secured a Major Sponsor in SHARP Australia who are supportive of our suite of events and expos on our Events Calendar. 6. WHAT IS THE WEST’S BEST KEPT SECRET AND WHY? The emergence of new and exciting businesses as well as growth in business events is really exciting. I get to meet so many amazing business men and women who are based in the West and it’s great as we have our own business community evolving and growing, and the best part is we don’t have to travel too far to meet high caliber business people to do business with. 7. IF YOU COULD GIVE SOME ADVICE TO AN ENTREPRENEUR STARTING UP A BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To absolutely surround themselves with four to five solid business mentors right from the get go, people that have been there done that and interview them to learn their recipe for success and failure. To stick to the dream no matter what others may think or say because sometimes it’s their limiting beliefs and opinions that dim the size of your success and achievements. To not be afraid to share their ideas and to get feedback if in doubt. 8. WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES EVERY BUSINESS OWNER NEEDS? Patience, belief and tenacity. 9. IF YOU HAD TO INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO A BUSINESS LUNCHEON, WHO WOULD IT BE? Ita Buttrose, Maggie Beer, Dr John DeMartini, Michelle Obama and Ketut (how does it end with Rhonda?) 10. HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? My greatest relaxation is when I escape into my cooking and entertaining world for my family and friends. I have grown up in a family who are extremely hospitable and who greet you with “Have you eaten today?” rather than “How are you?” I have continued this gorgeous tradition.

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SMALL TALK YOUNG MALES PREFERRED IT’S official: the ideal employee is a young, unmarried male. That’s the word from Kronos research, which questioned 500 business decisionmakers and 2000 employees within Australian organisations across a mixture of labourintensive industries including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. It found that both employees and decision-makers believe that being male and perpetually available with no outside responsibilities or interests, as well as prioritising work above all else are the most desired qualities for employment. “It seems that while we struggle with skills shortages in Australia, our businesses still have a belief that accommodating the work/ life balance of employees is either too costly or disruptive to creating a high-performance team,” Kronos Asia-Pacific Vice President Peter Harte said. “Instead, businesses have an inclination toward employing those people that fit the mould of least disruption. “As a result they’re missing out on a wealth of experienced talent that has to languish in the background because employers are unwilling to meet their needs and circumstances.” Almost 40 per cent of business decisionmakers prefer employees without children, while more than half looked unfavourably on mature age workers leading up to retirement.

NEW BUSINESS CONFIDENCE COMPARED to more established SMEs, start-ups worked less hours for better financial reward last year and are more confident about this year’s revenue performance. The MYOB Business Monitor report has compared the attitude, results, intentions and expectations of Australian businesses less than two years old with that of their peers. In the year to February 2013, start-up businesses reported stronger revenue performance than SMEs on the whole. More than one third (36 per cent) saw revenue gains in this time, compared to 18 per cent of all SMEs. Perhaps unsurprisingly given their length of time in business, start-ups were significantly less likely to report a fall in revenue, with 27 per cent seeing this compared to 39 per cent of SMEs overall. Start-up business operators believe their biggest challenge over the next year is attracting new customers. MYOB General Manager James Scollay said: “Starting a business is one of the most challenging - and rewarding – milestones an individual can reach for. “To help new business owners succeed, it’s important we understand the challenges they face and apply greater focus to making it easier to start and build a business. It’s just as important that we celebrate the success of start-ups and other small businesses.”

ADAM APPOINTMENT SAVILLS Project Management Victorian general manager Chris Adam has been appointed adjunct associate professor with Victoria University’s College of Engineering and Science. Mr Adam, who is a sessional lecturer for the Master of Project Management course, was also appointed as an inaugural member of the course advisory committee for the same Masters course. Earlier this year Mr Adam was promoted to general manager after several years of providing specialist project management services for numerous large projects for corporate clients such as Dexus, Grocon, NAB, IBM, and Stockland as well as government departments including Human Services and Education.

LEASE REINFORCEMENT STOCKLAND Trust Management has leased a 1650 square metre office warehouse in Altona to Transfab Reinforcement Australia. The property at 215-219 Maidstone St is set on a large, fully fenced secure site with truck access, loading and car parking. The property also has a gantry crane and large power supply. It has been leased for two plus two years with two months’ rent free, at an annual rental of $120,000 in a deal negotiated by CBRE.

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PORT POCKETS MILLIONS THE Port of Melbourne Corporation has raked in a $65 million profit over the past 12 months. The port, which tabled its 2012-13 annual report in Parliament recently, boasted a strong balance sheet as it advances the Port Capacity Project and other port infrastructure. It recorded an overall profit after tax of $65.9 million for 2012-13 against the background of a small decline in overall trade of 1.6 per cent on the previous year. Ports Minister David Hodgett said that while total container volumes declined marginally from last year’s record peaks, new motor vehicles, dry bulk and liquid trades all recorded solid growth. “After growth in container throughput approached eight per cent in 2011-12, the Port of Melbourne handled a total of 2.51 million 20-foot equivalent units in the year to 30 June 2013, representing a modest decrease of 2.6 per cent,” Mr Hodgett said. “While container import volumes fell in soft retail conditions, full overseas export containers recorded an increase of 0.6 per cent despite the high Australian dollar.” The Port of Melbourne also retained its leadership position as the premier automotive terminal in Australia, handling more than 370,000 new motor vehicles in 2012-13, up 3.6 per cent on the previous year. COUNCIL GRANT BRIMBANK City Council has been given a $20,000 grant for its Retail Trilogy – Technology, Training and Tours program to help the municipality’s retailers. Moonee Valley Council has received a grant of $11,800 for a series of trader and community engagement workshops. The funding was part of the State Government’s $6 million Streetlife program. It is a four year program designed to help competitiveness and economic performance in local shopping precincts.

SMALL TALK SAIGON RENEWAL FOOTSCRAY’S Little Saigon is set to get a revamp. Maribyrnong City Council has endorsed the redevelopment of the popular precinct and will put a draft plan out for community consultation. The draft plan outlines six initiatives to improve Little Saigon, including: ■ A multi-level car park with ground floor retail shops; ■ A new plaza/pocket park on the corner of Byron and Leeds Sts; ■ Support for a Footscray Welcome Arch; ■ An upgrade to the Byron St streetscape; ■ Additional on street parking; and ■ Significant tree planting across the precinct. Community consultation will include key stakeholders such as local traders, residents and visitors to Little Saigon. The multicultural welcome arch being considered is an initiative by the Footscray Asian Business Association and Footscray Traders Association aimed at marking the settlement of Vietnamese refugees in Footscray. Proposals for a Footscray welcome arch have been discussed since the late 1980s. Mayor Catherine Cumming said that the draft Little Saigon Activation Plan had the potential to deliver real benefits for residents, traders and visitors. “Activating Little Saigon will give the area new shopping opportunities and deliver public improvements such as additional parking and a refreshed streetscape,” Cr Cumming said. The activation project is expected to see major initiatives completed by mid-2016.

MARKETING TOOLS RETAIL solutions specialist DC4G has brought together Eftpos terminals and Apple’s Passbook. Mobile gift vouchers, coupons and ticketing issued to Passbook can now be redeemed in store at existing Point of Sale Infrastructure. Using patented technology, DC4G makes it possible for small retailers to deploy sophisticated mobile marketing normally reserved for their larger competitors. “We all know mobile is the key channel for reaching consumers these days,” DC4G Head of Retail Katherine Ablinger said. “To date though apps, mobile coupons, loyalty, mobile gift vouchers and locationbased services have only been afforded to larger retailers with suitably large budgets. “We want to change that by making mobile marketing accessible to every retailer and redeeming it on existing point of sale infrastructure.” The platform allows consumers to be offered products and services direct to their mobile, which are not only appealing to them personally, but also are relevant to where they are located. Passbook passes now issued with DC4G unique codes can be redeemed at existing point of sale infrastructure, such as Eftpos terminals traditionally reserved for credit and debit cards. Passes can be scanned using barcode readers or keyed in.

LICENSED PREMISES POLICY MOONEE Valley City Council has adopted Amendment C131, which looks to implement the Licensed Premises Policy into the Moonee Valley Planning Scheme. Mayor Narelle Sharpe said the policy would help to reduce the potential for negative impacts on amenity associated with new late night licensed premises and the expansion of existing premises. “The policy addresses issues such as noise and amenity impacts, operating hours, safe venue design, patron numbers and transport availability,” Cr Sharpe said. Portfolio Holder for Land Use Planning, Cr Paul Giuliano, said there were almost 250 licensed venues in Moonee Valley. “The majority of these venues operate as restaurants and cafes. However, we do have 16 late night licensed venues operating until after 1am,” he said. “As Moonee Valley continues to grow in population, there will be demand for the local area to accommodate a variety of licensed venues. “This policy will help us to have a solid framework in place to minimise any future negative impacts associated with new or extended licensed premises.” More information is available at mvcc.vic. gov.au/licensedpolicy SUSTAINABLE AWARD THE Melton Library and Learning Hub has been awarded the Sustainable Procurement Award at the 2013 Procurement Australia Awards. The award recognised member organisations that have developed and implemented sustainable procurement policies and processes. The library is the first in Australia to achieve a Five Star Green Star – Public Building Design PILOT rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. As part of the procurement process Melton Council, together with the architect and the building contractor, developed an approved list of suppliers and contractors who fulfilled the rigorous requirements of the Green Star accreditation process.

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BW NETWORK Business West Network – a growing directory of local businesses ready to do business with you. You can join the Business West Network by registering online at www.businesswest.com.au to make sure you receive your personal copy of Business West AND receive a free onetime 30-word listing for your business in a future edition. WERRIBEE NISSAN MITSUBISHI VOLKSWAGEN KIA ISUZU 17 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 9974 5800 New and used car sales, service and spare parts. LEADWEST LTD PO Box 2382 Footscray, Victoria 9317 5794 The objective of LeadWest is to foster and undertake actions that will support, sustainable growth and regional development of Melbourne’s western region. To this end it aims to build on the existing social, economic and environmental capacity of the region and to plan and create a sustainable future for the well being of the communities of the region. HOBSONS BAY CITY COUNCIL 115 Civic Parade, Altona, Victoria 0428 165 298 Hobsons Bay was created on 22nd June 1994 following the amalgamation of the former Cities of Williamstown and Altona with parts of Laverton and South Kingsville. It’s situated on Port Phillip Bay around 10 kilometres west of central Melbourne. It covers an area of approximately 66 square kilometres. It has over 20 kilometres of bay frontage, quality residential areas, a huge expanse of environmentally significant open space and a range of major industrial complexes, which contribute significantly to the economy of Victoria. These features contribute to the City’s culture, which is strongly linked to its maritime heritage, environment, industry and lifestyle. COLLINS & CO 127 Paisley Street, Footscray, Victoria 9680 1000 Collins & Co Accountants are the largest accounting firm in the Western suburbs, looking after small to medium sized businesses across Victoria, with a strong presence in the Western suburbs. FLEXI PERSONNEL 12 Neville Ave, Laverton, Victoria 0447 338 218 Flexi Personnel have been in business for 18 years in the western suburbs, supplying quality staff to local business. We consist of five units, Trades, Commercial, Industrial West, Industrial North and Excutive. TABCORP PARK PO Box 685, Melton South, Victoria 8746 0604 www.tabcorppark.com.au Home to harness racing in Victoria, Tabcorp Park also offers a four star 41 room hotel, bistro, sports bar and function, conference and meeting facilites. AP MARKETING WORKS PO Box 471, Yarraville, Victoria 0419 546 159 www.apmarketingworks.com.au Marketing Company providing marketing strategies, plans, implementation, training, workshops and coaching to service industries, education and small business. Head by professional marketer and speaker Ailsa Page.

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VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS 103 Pelham Street, Carlton South, Victoria 9347 2611 www.vaughans.com.au Vaughan Constructions have over 55-years history in construction and development of Industrial, Retail and Commercial facilities. Recognised industry leaders in cost effective Design and Construction solutions.

ALL METAL RECYCLERS (AUST) PTY LTD 379 Somerville Road, West Footscray, Victoria 9314 6509 www.allmetalrecyclers.com Proud to be locally owned/operated All Metal Recyclers are a specialist metal recycling company buying scrap metal from the public, trades, dealers and industry. AMR pay CASH for SCRAP.

LEGAL ESSENTIALS 292 Maribyrnong Road, Moonee Ponds, Victoria 9326 2627 www.legalessentials.com.au Boutique law firm in Moonee Ponds. Quality service at competitive rates. Home visits available. Services include: I Wills I Powers of Attorney I Probate/Administration of Estates I Business Wills

ROCHDALE INSTITUTE Level 1, 231 Hyde Street, Yarraville, Victoria 1300 889 846 www.rochdaleinstitute.com.au Rochdale Institute is a nation-wide Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Our specialty is in the development and delivery of tailored training in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and business services industries.

REGAL FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LTD 5/37 Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, Victoria 9336 2422 www.regalfinancialservices.com.au Regal Financial Services is a fully accredited MFAA member and offers: I A variety of homes loans I Sourcing the optimum loan to suit your needs I Fast, reliable and understanding service I Large network of financiers/products MELTON TOYOTA 143-147 High Street, Melton, Victoria 8746 0300 www.meltontoyota.com.au Leading western suburbs automotive franchise able to service all retail enquires, specialist in fleet & used vehicles. Complete finance options, dedicated service and spare parts/accessories centres. MELTON SHIRE COUNCIL PO Box 21, Melton, Victoria 9747 7305 www.melton.vic.gov.au I AM responsible for Project work within the Economic Developemnt Unit at Council. This includes events, data analysis, training etc. TRACY GROUP 45 Bakery Square, Melton, Victoria 8746 0400 We help both employers and jobseekers with all their education and recruitment needs; our specialised placement service ensures that we source the most appropriate candidate for the local employer. ADEPT SMALL BUSINESS IT 38/114 Mason Street, Newport, Victoria 0411 088 817 www.adeptsbit.com.au Adept Small Business IT offers fully managed solutions or occasional support. With 10 years of experience, we let you focus on your business while we worry about your IT needs.

THE WESTERN HEALTH FOUNDATION 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Victoria 8395 8062 www.whfoundation.org.au The Foundation is the official fundraising body for Western Health, the major acute health provider in the west. QUIT CIGARETTES IN 60 MINUTES PO Box 246, Deer Park, Victoria 1800 760 249 I help people Quit Cigarettes in 60 minutes using the combined benefits of Hypnosis and NLP – and I back it up with a lifetime guarantee. DELPHI BANK 278 Hampshire Road, Sunshine, Victoria 0417 666 527 Delphi Bank offers a wide range of banking services to customers from 14 branches across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. RSEA 41 Raymond Road, Laverton, Victoria 0412 430 125 www.rsea.com.au RSEA are a safety provider in the Western Suburbs providing,advice, recommendations and products to ensure health and safety is met in the workplace. PROCORD MANAGEMENT GROUP PO Box 3366, Caroline Springs, Victoria 1300 655 510 www.procord.com.au Commercial, Medical & Leisure Cleaning Services. QUEST FLEMINGTON 600 Epsom Road, Flemington, Victoria 9371 2200 www.questflemington.com.au Quest Flemington offers 48 superbly appointed and spacious executive one, two and three bedroom apartments in Flemington. All fully self contained and serviced daily, separate kitchen, living dining areas. 4 PAMPERED PAWS 65 Albert Street, Williamstown, Victoria 0403 301 839 4pamperedpaws.com.au 4 Pampered Paws, a dog grooming service based in Williamstown Melbourne, it also covers Altona, Newport and other surrounding areas. The grooming service is run and managed by Michelle Knight

OOUT UT OOFF HOURS

ON THE MONEY THE 2013 Atherstone City of Melton Business Breakfast had some star power with Mark Bouris as the keynote speaker. Mr Bouris, who is Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road and star of Celebrity Apprentice Australia, told how he has established a successful career from building disruptive businesses to challenge the market and provide smarter solutions for consumers. Luke Shannon, Melton City Council General Manager Planning and Development also brought attendees up to date on the key drivers behind Meltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptional growth and the opportunities for business. Pictures: KRISTIAN SCOTT

Lee Carney from Metash and Belinda Lee from WestWaters.

Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik.

HEALTH CHECKS THE Western Region Business Club called on businesses to conduct a human resources health check at their networking event at the Pound CafĂŠ recently. Martin Nally, Managing Director of HR Anywhere, joined Madgwicks Special Counsel Tim Greenall as the guest speakers on the night. Both men discussed people-related risk areas in business today, and into the future. PICTURES: KRISTIAN SCOTT

Milly Li from the Bendigo Bank.

From left: Fabio Cammarano (Collins and Co), Charles Ferraro (Business West) and Tanya and Ivan Lacy (intercept).

BUSiNESS WEST

Collins & Co 127 Paisley Street, Footscray VIC 3011 T 03 9680 1000 F 03 9689 6605 E fc@collinsco.com.au

1059795-SL04-13

Terry Considine, owner Secon and Fabio Cammarano, partner of Collins & Co

Accountants & Advisors to the Transport & Logistics Industry