NEWS DESK
Creativity is par for U3A’s course THE creative results of from attending courses at Hastings U3A were on show at the “university’s” Community Art and Craft Show. Held in the Hastings Community Hall over two days, the show gave members of the public a chance to find out more about the activities and courses run by Hastings U3A (university of the third age). The name U3A derives from the number three signifying a lifetime of three segments: childhood independence; employment, parental responsibility; and the third age of being over 45 and retired or semi-retired. The not-for-profit organisation provide opportunities for its members to share knowledge and skills. Courses and activities are based on an annual membership fee. There are cultural, social and physical activities, with no ability limits, no exams and no certificates. Tutors, leaders and office bearers provide their services free. Courses and activities include table tennis, angling, book club, walking group, computer courses, acrylic and watercolour art groups, French and German language courses, gourmet and lunch society groups. Anyone paying their 2020 membership this month (October) will get up to three months free 2019 membership. Details of courses and activities at www.hastingsu3a.org.au or call into the U3A office, 13 Teal Court, Hastings 10am-1pm Monday and Tuesday 1-4pm Thursdays.
Creativity: Janis Taber shows some of her creations at this month’s two-day art and craft show run by Hastings U3A. Picture: Yanni
Better deal call for ‘small business’ Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is being urged to be a “small business friendly council” by joining 18 municipalities that have signed a charter with the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC). Agreeing to sign the charter and would see the shire partner with the VSBC to “provide small businesses with the support they need to run their businesses”. The suggestion for the shire to sign up comes from the business-backed Committee for Mornington Peninsula (C4MP), which is lobbying for the shire to be recognised by governments as “regional” rather than “metropolitan” (“Call to reclassify peninsula” The
News 5/8/19). "Small businesses are the heartbeat of the peninsula economy and deserve the support of the local council in their work providing jobs, services and a crucial economic contribution to our community," C4MP president Bruce Billson said. The former MP for Dunkley and federal small business minister, said signing the charter would commit the shire to “create a more positive and encouraging enterprise environment for local businesses”. "Committing to becoming a small business friendly council and carrying through on the expectations this creates will be an important statement that the shire understands, values and respects the positive and vital contribution of the business community to the wellbeing of the region and local resi-
dents", Mr Billson said. Municipalities to have already signed the charter include Frankston, Casey and Kingston. Signing the charter, will see the shire pledge to: n Pay small businesses within 30 days; n Support local businesses in managing the impacts of infrastructure projects; n Streamline the approval process when starting a business; and n Help set up and support local business networks. Mr Billson said there would “no direct cost” for the shire, although there was “an expectation” the council would show “genuine respect and support for small businesses”. Ways for councils to reduce the impact of infrastructure works on businesses included ensuring access is maintained and “promotional activities
to keep customers coming to disrupted areas, publicity support that businesses are still operating despite the works and street festivals and prizes to bring people back after works have concluded”. Regarding streamlining approvals, Mr Billson said he had heard of councils having “single-entry point/onestop shop processes and application facilitation”. “Councils presenting clear parameters that, when met, mean a permit or approval is not required and ‘tell us once’ processes where a business provides one set of documents and the council navigates its own various departments and multiple approval channels,” he said. “C4MP is the only organisation of its kind that we are aware of that receives no support whatsoever from the council.”
“Other more favoured organisations do attract council funding, but support can come in the form of being interested in our members’ views, meaningful consultation, an office space or partnering of projects of shared interest such as C4MP’s leadership in pursuing a regional not suburban designation for the peninsula.” Mr Billson said there were often advantages when decisions to buy goods from local suppliers was not based solely on price. Judy O’Connell, head of the VSBC, will outline advantages of the shire becoming a small business friendly council, at a lunch organised by the C4MP on 28 October at Mornington Racing Club, Details: email info@committeeformp.com.au or visit www.committeeformp.com.au
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Western Port News
9 October 2019
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