GEELONG | BALLARAT | WERRIBEE FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS ISSUE 206 APRIL 2012

Rethinking business events.

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BUSINESS NEWS | 3

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CONTENTS

13. Old Style Banking Returns

30. Business Events

ISSUE 206 APRIL 2012

Rethinking business events.

16. Whybeboring?

FEATURES

4. Editor

5. Biz News

8. Comment

10. New Appointments

12. Competition

19. Business of the Month

22. VECCI

23. Small Biz

24. Legal

25. Recruitment

26. TAX

28. The Tech Guy

40. Arts

42. Community

44. Wine

45. After Hours

50. What’s On

EDITOR

4 | BUSINESS NEWS

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TAKE the bulldozing that was the Queensland election, where the overwhelming backlash against not only the public assets sell off of the electricity grid, but also of the way that the sale was handled and the complete disregard of any opinion voiced that it might be a good thing for large-scale infrastructure to remain public assets. Guy Rundle quite rightly described the Queensland asset sale as “one of the single most politically destructive moves in the history of Australian politics”. The people didn’t like it, and voted accordingly.It would be simplistic to suggest that the wipeout in Queensland was as much a vote on party politics as it was about the electorate being fed up with the kinds of policies that have wiped out governments past of both red and blue tints (anyone remember the Kennett Government’s demise here in Victoria?)You cannot treat Australian voters with contempt and expect to retain their support, regardless of where traditional political sentiment might lie.

You just can’t.Politicians have to get better at reading the mood of the electorate. At a time when people have tightened their belts, focused on saving, not spending, and are trying to reduce their costs, policies that promise to spend countless millions or billions of dollars out of the public coffers without any expectation of return is not going to win you the support of the folks filling in the forms at the ballot box – and that has big implications for Federal Labor. But again, this is a cross party issue – look at our state Coalition government, for example. How is a new coal power station in the Latrobe Valley going to be anything other than yet another enormous debt burden on Victoria? It is Baillieu’s equivalent to Brumby’s desalination plant, and just as short sighted – a case of short-term gain for long-term pain.If there has to be a grand plan – and when you are talking about politicians, you just know there is a monorail or similar just around the

corner – why can’t it be a grand plan that delivers a real return to its investors – the taxpayers? Instead of a new coal power station, has any consideration been given to community-owned solar generation programs? What would the cost difference have been between building and operating the desalination plant and putting water tanks and simple grey water systems in homes and businesses across Victoria?There are innovative systems being developed in our state that are struggling for development funding. What if we all bought in, developed and implemented power-generating, water saving systems that we could not only benefit from, but also maybe even get a return on? What if SME businesses could produce their own power, capture and use their own water, and no longer have to pay utilities bills?We need new ways of thinking, because covering your ears and chanting, ‘I can’t hear you’ is, as Anna Bligh and the QLD Labor Party have demonstrated, is not a way forward.And don’t get me started on brown coal mining plans in Victoria. Really, Ted? Really?

DAVINA MONTGOMERy

How wrong can they get it?When it comes to our political leaders – quite far.

BIZ NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS | 5

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A UNIVERSITY of Sydney expert on financial regulation has sent a warning to the Federal Government that the failure to retain the opt-in requirements of the government’s current suite of reforms for the financial advisory sector (FoFA) will see a high proportion of Australians paying for little or no advice on an ongoing basis and eroding their wealth. “The opt-in preserves the right of consumers to enter into an ongoing advice relationship if they want to, but protects a large group of Australians – including many super fund investors - who either unknowingly enter into, or forget they entered into, an ongoing advisory relationship,” says Associate Professor Joanna Bird from the Sydney Law School.Associate Professor Bird, who has prepared written submissions on FoFA on behalf of consumer groups, says the remuneration models of many financial advisers are unusual, possibly even unique. She says they are paid on an ongoing, indefinite basis, without any active step by the client to effect payment.“When combined with the average consumer’s lack of

interest and engagement in their own financial matters, we get the current situation where many Australians are paying for financial advice that they do not receive,” she says.“Those who see a financial adviser may soon forget – if they ever fully comprehended – they have agreed to pay their financial adviser a regular advisory fee out of their investment products, and that this will happen every year until they actively stop it or sell their investment product.” FoFA reforms currently before Parliament feature a creative regulatory device, the opt-in, designed to deal with this problem. If the Parliament passes the opt-in, a client who has entered into an ongoing advisory relationship will receive a notice every two years explaining that, if they want to, they can renew their arrangement with their adviser. If they fail to tell their adviser in writing that they want to renew, the arrangement will come to an end. “The financial advice industry has lobbied hard against the opt-in, arguing it is unnecessary and costly,” says Associate Professor Bird.“The first argument flows

from a misunderstanding of the other FoFA reforms. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the proposed ban on conflicted remuneration, where advisors receive commissions for products they sell, or the new best interests duty for advisers that will prevent advisers taking fees out of their clients’ investment products on an ongoing basis. Periodic disclosure of fees will also not help the large number of disengaged clients. “The requirement that advisers provide those clients, who

they have put into an ongoing advice relationship, with a new document every two years will increase advisers’ costs. But this has to be weighed against the cost to consumers of the current situation in which a significant number of Australians are paying for little or no advice services on an ongoing basis, and seeing their wealth eroded.”Associate Professor Bird has previously worked for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

FoFA opt-in clause preserves wealth

CONFIDENCE in the Australian property market climbed 45 per cent in the three months to March, reversing a 35 per cent slump the quarter before, according to the latest Smart Investor Index of retail investor sentiment.

“This is perhaps the first concrete indication that confidence in the beleaguered

market, which saw price falls of 3 per cent nationally in 2011, might have bottomed and prices may start to improve,” said Smart Investor editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon.

“But the recovery will be far from homogenous, with our research this month showing New South Wales and the Queensland regions are likely

to lead the recovery.”

Looking beyond property, the Smart Investor Index reveals Mum and Dad investors are 22 per cent more upbeat overall than they were three months ago, apparently shrugging off relentless reporting of the European debt crisis, slower growth and spiralling job losses.

Confidence grew in eight of nine key measures and fell only for job security, by 4 per cent. Australians are feeling a whole lot more optimistic about their finances in general (18 per cent), about investing (25 per cent) and about the share market specifically (62 per cent). The view of the Australian economy has also improved by 10 per cent and, of the global economy, a remarkable 218 per cent.

“This is more than triple the previous reading in December, suggesting the second Greek bailout fund has significantly buoyed confidence,” Pedersen-McKinnon said.

The Smart Investor Index is derived from a quarterly online survey of Australian Investors.

The survey contains questions

that gauge investor optimism in relation to their personal finances, job security, investing, the Australian economy, and the property, shares and bonds markets. The index values for all questions are averaged together to form the Smart Investor Index.

Smart Investor Index March 2012 (Quarterly

movement)

Overall sentiment +22%

Individual finances +18%

Job security -4%

Property market +45%

Share market +62%

Personal cash levels +12%

Bonds +16%

Investing +25%

Australian economy +10%

Global economy +218%

BIZ NEWS

6 | BUSINESS NEWS

ALL governments want to close loopholes around tax obligations, but recent moves by the Federal Government to tighten anti-avoidance provisions in the tax law has, according to CPA Australia, added to uncertainty across the business sector at a time when uncertainty is already resulting in productivity losses.Don’t know what we’re talking about? As a parting gift prior to his departure, the former Assistant Treasurer, Mark Arbib announced that the Government would move to tighten anti-avoidance provisions in the tax law, known as the anti avoidance provisions Part IV A. The cause of the uncertainty

is that despite Arbib’s announcement, what the details of those provisions will be won’t be apparent until the spring sitting of Parliament in five months time. The CPA says that the announcement essentially means that it would be prudent for businesses to put on hold all key decisions, at least until the proposed legislation is introduced into parliament.“These rule changes, which come into effect immediately, inject a heightened element of risk for companies should they take any significant business decisions until there is greater detail,” said CPA Australia Head of Business

and Investment Policy Paul Drum. “In effect, the message to businesses is: don’t sign a major contract or embark on a significant undertaking until the bill is introduced into Parliament. The lack of clarity around the tax implications of such decisions mean it would be wise to put such actions on hold.”Mr Drum said the prevailing economic circumstances made the timing of the changes even less ideal.“At a time when there are serious concerns about Australia’s ongoing international competitiveness, with some non-resources sectors of our economy struggling, creating a situation

of greater uncertainty is unhelpful, to say the least. “The need for Australian businesses to be innovative, enterprising, forward thinking and most importantly, boosting productivity, has never been greater. Fostering these qualities becomes doubly difficult in an atmosphere of uncertainty however. In addition, this, along with a number of other unresolved tax legislative and enforcement issues, including the minerals tax and private equity, could give the distinct impression that Australia represented a sovereign risk, with obvious implications for foreign investment.”

Nothing certain about new tax legislation

Property downturn over?

BIZ NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS | 7

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A NEW report from Juniper Research finds that a growing user acceptance of ‘push’ mobile banking and a sharp rise in smartphone adoption will drive users of transactional mobile banking services up from 185 million in 2011 to over 550 million in 2016.

The ‘Mobile Banking for Developed & Developing Markets’ report found that mobile phone banking is gaining considerable traction, thanks to the exploitation of advanced functionalities such as banks bundling Mobile Bill Presentment and Payment (MBPP) services within their overall mobile banking platform and additional momentum from easy-to-use smartphone apps.

Additionally, those users that do make bill payments are expected to continue conducting transactions actively as they become more accustomed to usage.

As consumers engage in increasingly mobile lifestyles, approximately 80% of total mobile banking customers

will pay their bills via a mobile device by 2016.

According to Juniper’s Research Director, Windsor Holden, “Customers are becoming increasingly more confident in using basic informational mBanking services.

The natural progression is to engage in transactional banking, as they demand tighter control over their finances within a turbulent economic environment and busier lifestyle which are at odds with a 9 to 5 branch-based service.”

However, the report cautioned that user security concerns, heightened by the rapid growth in spyware and malware, would act as a brake on adoption, particularly amongst older demographics.

It argued that this situation would continue unless and until consumers are convinced that mobile device security is of the same grade as online security, if not better.

Small local firm scoops national award

Mobile banking moves from push to pull

SMALL firm scoops big recognitionIt’s not always easy being one of the little guys, and in the big pond of the Australian insurance industry, one local little fish recently scooped a big prize. Allsure Insurance, a

family-run Geelong firm, was named insurance heavyweight CGU’s National Authorised Representative at the 2012 National CGU conference in Queensland last month.Congratulations to the Allsure team!

COMMENT

8 | BUSINESS NEWS

AUSTRALIA’S economy has been the envy of the developed world since the global financial crisis began to bite in 2008.While other developed nation economies, including the US and Britain endured significant recessions, Australia has trudged along on the coat tails of China and only sustained one quarter of negative growth – the fourth quarter of 2008. Australian employment has also remained relatively low, and the mining sector has been booming.But when we look at how Australia’s equity market has performed relative to its global counterparts, investors might start to question whether that strong bias to Aussie shares has been such a smart decision.Over the three years of recovery since February 2009, the ASX 200 has grown by 28.6%, at an annualised rate of 8.7%. Now, this in itself is positive, and certainly higher than what people would receive had they been sitting in a term deposit account. However, when we compare the results to our international peers, the picture begins to look pretty woeful.The US is far ahead of Australia, with the S&P 500 gaining 85.8% over the same period, at an annualised rate of 22.9%, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong has grown 69.2% at 19.2% p.a., and even through some of the strictest austerity in the developed world, the FTSE 100 in the UK has grown 53.3%, at 15.3% p.a.So what explains this gap? Some people have argued that the share market in Australia is behind the eight ball in terms of the types of companies it comprises. While the S&P 500 has companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft aiding its growth, the ASX 200 is stacked with resources

companies and banks, which take the driving seat.Another argument is that by having a major recession, companies in the rest of the world were forced to adopt a range of changes, sorting out their balance sheets, firing unproductive workers, and increasing productivity, which in turn has greatly increased productivity, and shareholder returns.The reasoning goes, that by not having this recession, and hitching a ride on China’s coat tails, Australian companies still have a fair degree of catching up to the rest of the world in terms of productivity growth. It does seem clear that there are productivity gains to be had in Australia. However, we’d like to hope that it doesn’t take a major recession to realise them!While it’s no quick fix, the best way to increase productivity growth could be to start fostering some home grown innovative companies. This could be done by leveraging the proceeds of our resources boom to foster long-term innovative companies that drive growth in other sectors.

The only certainty is uncertaintyWhile super funds are working hard to develop products and services to entice members to remain with their fund at the critical life stage of retirement, many members are grappling with more fundamental problems such as uncertainty about the future, a sense of financial insecurity and a general lack of understanding about the options available to them.CoreData’s 2012 post-retirement report, which canvassed the views of the over 50s, reveals two thirds (65.9%) of mass market respondents (those with less than $50k in investable assets) believe they are unlikely to achieve their desired retirement income.

A majority of mass affluent (55.3%) respondents (those with investable assets of between $50k and $350k) and one third (33.3%) of core affluent respondents (those with investable assets of $350k to $750k) also feel this way.Fewer pre-retirees feel they are able to choose the date of their retirement, with the proportion of people who claim they will need to keep working as long as they can increasing to 38.3% in 2012, from 32.1% last year. Around half of pre-retirees intend to keep working on a part-time basis after they retire from full time work (51.3%), while almost two in five (37.9%) say they will work a little bit here and there. Further, three in five respondents (60.9%) feel at least a little overwhelmed by retirement and superannuation financial arrangements, up from 53.3% in 2011. Key advice needs in retirement include tax minimisation (46.6%) and investment advice (43.7%), however the need for simple advice around budgeting has jumped year-on-year (33.9% vs. 27.2%)

suggesting the continued market uncertainty is making it harder for members to manage their income.The need for financial advice is greater across most areas among the pre-retiree segment than the post-retiree segment, suggesting that super fund advice offers and education campaigns should be targeted at this demographic.When it comes to retention, three quarters of respondents (73.7%) say funds will need to provide low fees to keep their business, with the pressure on fees increasing, having been selected by only 60.9% of respondents in 2011.Financial advice is by far the service members would most value from their super fund in retirement (58.0%), followed by financial counseling (52.9%) and online information tools (49.4%) – the latter dispelling the myth that the online engagement is only for the younger generations.

[This has been another article from the insightful minds at burning-pants.com. Burning Pants is a product of CoreData.]

Is our economy boom a bluff?

BURNING PANTS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

HUMAN RESOURCES

REAL ESTATE

FUNERAL SERVICES

When it comes to the introduction of the Carbon Tax, data knowledge will be the key to making informed decisions about your business. Mirela Halilovic has joined Mentor HR as a consultant. Mirela is a qualified Chemical Engineer with a Graduate Diploma in Environment and Planning and can assist clients in data collection, managing information, reporting and verification in preparation for the Carbon Tax.

As a true people-person, Duncan Skene loves nothing more than exceeding his clients’ expectations. Having previously been No 1 agent for a leading real estate company in Geelong and previous to that being the director of sales & marketing for some of the country’s finest hotels, the move into real estate was a natural one. Duncan brings a firm belief in building strong working relationships.

With over 20 years’ experience in the funeral industry, Brad Tattersall is a welcome addition to the dedicated team at Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Service. Previously, Brad spent many years leading Tattersall Funeral Care allowing him to experience many different roles within the industry. He is enjoying his role as Funeral Director, contributing to the high standard of service that Tuckers provide.

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

Carrie Moore has joined BacLinks at Karingal as Communications & Program Administrator. Formerly Administration Officer for Karingal’s Individual Support branch and a member of the Karingal Public Relations team, Carrie is thrilled with her new role that will benefit from her journalism studies and passion for the non-profit sector. She is looking forward to working within the innovative BacLinks program.

Dr Lawrie Dooley, recently appointed Director of Postgraduate Programs at Marcus Oldham College, is also Director of The Centre for the Study of Rural Australia. Lawrie has taught agribusiness at Melbourne, Monash and La Trobe universities. Dr Dooley established and managed the Agribusiness Awards for Excellence, and executive development programs.

BacLinks welcomes Jane Littore as its new Business and Community Partnerships Coordinator. Formerly a teacher, Jane has worked in her family business, Littore Family Wines, is current Chair of the St Joseph’s College Board and a senior committee member and junior coordinator of the St Joseph’s Football and Netball Club. Jane brings a wealth of energy and experience into her new role.

10 | BUSINESS NEWS

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Morris Finance Ltd welcomes Aredi Kyprios to the Marketing and Promotions team. She has a Bachelor degree in Marketing and over six years experience in customer service and has gained valuable experience in PR working with Virgin Garden Tea. Aredi’s role will involve her managing all marketing, advertising and sponsorship enquiries, along with organising events for Morris Finance Ltd.

Tim Davies has joined DDG as a Web Producer partnering with DDG’s broad range of local and national clients to create, develop and implement successful online strategies. Tim has an extensive background in managing small to medium businesses together with broad business acumen. His passion for the web and IT sees him now mid-way through his Bachelor of Technology.

MIGRATION

LEGAL

Manon Asarfi is back with Diversitat working as a fee for service Registered Migration Agent. In her new role, Manon combines previous experience with Skilled Migrants and her knowledge of immigration law. Manon can assist with affordable advice and professional assistance; and determine the best migration pathway for you, your family or your employee.

Coulter Roache Lawyers are pleased to announce that Jeremy Hallett has been admitted as a Lawyer. He joined the firm in November 2011 as a Paralegal and is currently assisting the Litigation Department with General and Commercial Litigation, Debt Recovery and Industrial Relations matters.

IT

John Kontogeorgis has re-joined DDG as a Senior Web Applications Developer to compliment the current development team. John is an accomplished IT professional with almost 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He specialises in software analysis, design and development. He has a high attention to detail with a strong internal and external customer focus.

RECRUITMENT

Phillipa Powers joined Gforce Employment Solutions as Executive Director: Organisational Development. “The fundamental aim of any organisational development function is to work out what needs to happen in an organisation to make things better for people and better for business.” Phillipa previously worked for the Southern Tasmania Area Health Service (STAHS) and as an HR Business Partner.

BUSINESS NEWS | 11

THE charming sequel to The Gruffalo – The Gruffalo’s Child brings together physical theatre, music and puppetry to provide songs, laughs and scary fun for all ages.The Gruffalo’s Child is based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really

exist… does he?Family Magic continues on May 26, when young audiences will be invited to enter the fantastic world of Beatrix Potter with Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit marking 110 years of the popular children’s character.This mischievous new musical from the producers of Possum Magic, Wombat Stew and My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch will delight all ages.Then on July 7, see the brilliant imagination of Roald Dahl brought to life on stage in the stunning musical adaptation of James and the

Giant Peach, featuring larger-than-life creature characters living in a peach the size of a house! Finally, join Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver on October 6 as they set sail for Treasure Island - the original pirate tale filled with swashbuckling adventure, dazzling swordfights and a heart-pounding race to find buried treasure!

Family Magic is proudly sponsored by centralgeelongmarketing.com.au and children are invited to join in the free ‘Kid Around’ activities after each performance.Tickets can be purchased to all Family Magic shows from the GPAC Box Office - in person or on 5225 1200 - or by visiting our website at www.gpac.org.au

COMPETITION

Win a magical family day outGPAC will take young theatre-goers and their families on some magical adventures in 2012. The popular Family Magic series of family entertainment returns with four fabulous shows, each of them based on a beloved children’s book. This April, we have a family pass of four tickets to give away to the first of the series, The Gruffalo’s Child. To enter, simply fill in your details on the competition page of our website at adcellgroup.com.au.

12 | BUSINESS NEWS

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FEATURE

IT was how businesses used to get their start, those nervous meetings with the local bank manager, dressed in suits and trying hard to impress. Over the years, the bank manager would become part of the business family, and even a family friend. Then, between 25 to 30 years ago, those relationships began to disappear, branches closed and, inexorably, bank queues gave way to call centre hold queues. But the tide is turning, and a secure line of business credit may once again require a suit and tie and a meeting with the manager at the local bank. Professor Ian Harper, partner at Deloitte Access Economics, tells us why.“We have experienced, as a

result of the financial crisis, a return to traditional methods of banking, as opposed to the use of markets. Effectively, what’s happened over the past twenty-five to thirty years, is that financial activity moved out of traditional bank lending – which was overseen by bank managers, and used traditional (as we say in the industry) balance sheet methods, credit analysis and so forth – to instruments being traded on financial markets,” Professor Harper said.“The global financial crisis has essentially brought a lot of that unstuck. Now, whether it will continue forever, of course no one can guess, but certainly for the foreseeable future, those markets are severely traumatized. What’s

been happening in Europe has merely served to reinforce that, so the markets have not really recovered at all. As a result of which, institutions much larger than small business, who need to secure their sources of finance, are having to find themselves back dealing with the banking system in its former guise, rather than dealing with either the banks as traders in financial markets, or dealing more directly with the financial markets themselves.“Now, what’s interesting for the small business guys, is that at one level this was all they have had access to. They were never going into financial markets, because they are small businesses, and so they were always

dealing with banks. The difficulty for them now is that much larger institutions are having to go back into the banking system, and the banks themselves are being forced by the regulators to be much more cognizant of the risks they are taking on. So, you’ve two effects really, on small businesses: one, is that by the time they get to the waterhole, the waterhole has been drunk almost dry by elephants who wouldn’t have turned up for the last twenty years. Secondly, that the big institutions have a large appetite, if you like, and are very thirsty for cash. So they have the capacity to gazump small businesses in respect to the risks that they represent to the banks. And the banks are being forced

BUSINESS NEWS | 13

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Back to the FutureWhy old-fashioned banking is on the rise and why small business operators need to start building a relationship with their local bank manager. Now!

by bank regulators to reduce the riskiness of their loan portfolios.“So, how does the smaller institution approach those circumstances? It can’t go off to the market, it doesn’t have the opportunity to do that; it needs to play the game with the cards that it’s got in its hand. One key thing that a small business can do is to reduce the riskiness that it represents in the eyes of the bank, by making sure the bank has a clear sense of the business proposition, where the risks lie and it has an open and accountable relationship with the small business operator. So when the instruction comes down from on high within the bank to cut back lending, or to sift through the clients and pick out all the ones that represent too much risk, the small businesses who have a very strong relationship with the bank manager, whose businesses the bank manager understands well, and who’ve got a regular relationship finance-wise – that even though it might not be a large amount of lending, it’s regular lending to the small business – that makes it more difficult for the bank to then to pull the pin.”Are we then seeing a return to the days of bank loyalty among business customers – harking back to the days when a small business operator’s business finance, mortgage, personal banking and, more often than not, the personal banking of everyone in the business operator’s family, including the kids, was done through that bank?“That’s right, you’re going back to all of that. Because the small business has to press the right buttons – it has to find some good reasons why the bank won’t toss it over board. Risk is one of those reasons, that we’ve mentioned, and the volume of business is the other one. My point is that what we’ve gotten used to over the past 25 to 30 years is the financial markets being essentially commoditised. You could securitise your house mortgage, you could

securitise your personal loans, you could do a whole bunch of things effectively through markets by slicing and dicing your financial arrangements. Now, I’m not suggesting that those days will never return, but they’re certainly not going to return in the foreseeable future, because the markets have been traumatized by the GFC, and much of what happened in the GFC has been recognised as carrying too much risk for financial systems,” Professor Harper said.“The financial regulators around the world have been clamping down on some of those riskier activities. Some obvious examples being that sure, it was easy for a person to borrow money for a house – they used to chase people down the street in bubble-shaped cars and throw money at them. Well, they’ve sold all the bubble-shaped cars. They’re all gone now, because what happened in the worst cases with that sort of activity, was that the bank would lend you the money, and then promptly sell the loan to somebody else, and then that was the last the bank ever thought about it. “So, the person who had bought the loan, thinking that the bank had done all its homework and making sure that the person who took out the loan was making all their payment, well, the bank was

nowhere to be seen, was it. That, aggregated up, was what produced the sub-prime crisis in the United States. “I don’t mean to imply that our banks were as irresponsible as that, we didn’t have the same extent of crisis, partly because our regulatory arrangements weren’t as lax as those in the United States, but that whole lesson has flavoured the regulations that are now imposed on banks, and that has affected how our regulators operate as well. “They’ve had to come back to the banks and say, ‘Oh no you don’t, if you lend money to these people, you are on the case, these loans are on your books, and you are going to make sure that these loans are performing properly. We are going to be forcing you to hold capital against those loans and be much more vigilant on risk than you’ve ever been before.’“The bank is sitting there in the middle and thinking, ‘Alright, so how do I manage in this sort of a world? Firstly, I’ve got this lengthening queue of medium and large businesses coming back to my door – I thought I’d seen the last of them - they were off dealing with the markets. Now the markets have closed and they’re back in my office, and I’ve got the smaller businesses, who are always pretty risky, and some of them are looking pretty shaky, and

to perfectly frank, I might be better off without them on my books.’ Now, my point to small businesses is that is the environment that you are now in,” Professor Harper said.“When I first went along to the bank when I was in my 20s, so that’s thirty years ago, we had to go through all of this embarrassing business, where the bank would say, ‘Okay, well we want to know all about your financial affairs. How many bank accounts have you got, and who are they with? How many building society accounts have you got and who are they with? And we want you to close this, and close this, and close this – and you were sort of thinking, well, why should I do all that? And they would say, ‘Do you want the money or don’t you?’ and that was the bottom line. “Everyone was glad to see the end of that, and hopefully we won’t go back to quite the situation we were in, in the late 70s and early 80s, but between now and any change back to it being a bit more competitive, people have to recognise that for the moment, and for the foreseeable future, the premium is being placed on reduced risk. “My answer to that is to build that relationship. The bank itself is looking for that, it’s looking for information, it’s looking for loyalty, it’s looking for a capacity where it can then say to its regulators,

FEATURE

14 | BUSINESS NEWS

Professor Ian Harper.

FEATURE

‘We’ve got this particular business that we’re going to keep, because we’ve got the risk under control, and because it’s generating a lot of income for us, and it’s a good sound business.’”In some ways, this change in the business banking and credit environment marks the beginnings of a return to traditional business. Professor Harper said small business people should see this change as an opportunity, not a threat. After years of being stuck on the end of telephone line, unable to see the local

bank manager – if there even was a local manager – as the banks brought its operations further back into head office. Now, the banks are reaching back out into communities.“The downside is that the small business person has to go and buy a decent suit to go in and visit the bank manager. The upside is that the bank is looking for that sort of thing. “The bank has to reinvent mechanisms for sorting the good businesses from the bad businesses, and it is looking for a relationship where it can

rely on steady flows of interest payments on loans and steady business on fees, and that it can satisfy itself that the business that it’s doing is sufficiently low risk. The bank needs this information. It’s a classic situation where the two sides of this discussion are sort of searching for each other in a darkened room, if you like, and when they find each other, it’s a beautiful thing, because the bank needs the small businesses that are prepared to enter into a relationship like this, and the small businesses need the

bank to do that. “So, what I would like to advise small businesses is to get yourself into that frame of mind, and be proactive. You may well find that the bank is a bit stunned that you’ve done this and the bank itself will have to respond as it changes or adapts to the new environment. But I still think it’s true that the small businesses who are proactive about this, and understand the situation that the bank is in, by looking after the bank’s interests, they are looking after their own

interests. This is enlightened self-interest on the part of small businesses,” Professor Harper said.“Get on the bike, get out there and take the bank manager out to lunch, or go for an interview or whatever you’re going to do, and let the bank know that you’re interested in providing them with regular business – ‘I need you and you need me, and here are my books, and this is what I want to do, and I want us to sit down and talk about how we can serve each other’s needs in the old-fashioned way’.”

This diametric shift in the business banking environment may be just the opening that smaller lenders, the community banks and the credit unions have been looking for to claw back at least some of the overwhelming market share enjoyed by the big four banks in Australia.“I’ve spoken to a number of meetings of credit unions and smaller lenders and using pretty much exactly the same line. That, in some respects, what we’ve got here

is back to the future, and institutions like credit unions and building societies and the smaller mutual banks – and particularly credit unions and building societies – they were invented in an era which looked a whole lot more like the era into which we are passing than at any time during the previous thirty years. Over the past thirty years, they’ve been hanging on by their fingernails, trying to retain some presence in the financial markets, when basically the whole thing had been securitized and globalised.“Well, it’s now going back the other way. It’s being balkanised – that is to say localized – as the international financial regulators break the system up to try to prevent it from being so susceptible to contagion. At the same time, they are effectively insisting on mechanisms that will produce old-style relationship banking – and that is precisely the environment into which the building societies and credit unions were born and where they thrived.“So, my message to the smaller lenders is, the band is finally playing your turn again - get up and dance.”

DAVINA MONTOGMERY

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“ …it was easy for a person to borrow money – they used to chase people down the street in bubble-shaped cars and throw money at them. Well, they’ve sold all the bubble-shaped cars.”

Picture this: you’ve been at work all day. You rushed home to get changed, kiss the kids on the head, wave to your significant other, and have raced out the door again, tripping over the cat on the way. You’re running late, so you’ve parked blocks away and rushed over to the event that you’re now wondering if you really want to be at anyway. You grab a drink at the door, scan the room for someone you know, sidle up to a likely group and just when you catch the scent of something enticing on the other side of the group (you haven’t had dinner), the waiting staff sweep back to the kitchen as the speeches have started. An hour later, with your back aching, your stomach rumbling and your eyes beginning to close over, the speeches end, and you find yourself cornered by someone you’ve been trying to avoid at work because they want to sell you something you have no interest in buying. An early rush for the door means that when you do manage to extricate yourself, there are no goody bags left, but you don’t care because you are OuttA tHere.All too often, this is what we experience when we go to a business event. You feel like you have to go, only to find yourself regretting responding to that invitation in the first place.“A lot of people, unless

they’ve got a really good marketing head on their shoulders, often think that events mean just throwing on some food and some alcohol and everyone will be happy,” said roxie, who had recently launched her new event management company, Plan.it. roxie. “But i believe that in today’s society, we are so busy that for anybody in the business world to take time out to go to a business event, not only does it have to be enjoyable, not only does the wine have to be at least palatable, not only does the food have to be really good and better than a sausage roll, but you have to get something back for all that.“Our time is so precious and everybody is so pushed, that if you put on a boring event, it not only reflects so badly on your business, but it actually draws resentment from the people who attend who have given their very precious time, and almost feel like they’ve been ripped off.”Business people are busy people, and with more and more event invitations crossing people’s desk, your event has to be something a bit special to capture their attention in the first place.What Makes a Good Event?

“i think in anything you do, there’s got to be a value-add. there’s got to be a reason. if i’m going to an event, i have to be getting something out of it. So from that perspective,

it has to be interesting, it’s got to be different from every other event you’ve been to, and it’s got to be unique. “the food and drinks are really important. Some people think that if they’re spending $5 on a bottle of wine, then that’s enough, and it’s just not – particularly when here in Australia you don’t have to spend a lot to get a good bottle of wine. taking the time to think about what is being served at your event is really important. “the aesthetics of where you are at an event is really important. i’ve held an event in the middle of the Geelong jail, which is a pretty oppressive environment, but made it so vibrant and so interesting that people loved it. Handled properly, any space can be fabulous.”As with so many things, when it comes to putting on a great event, the devil is always in the detail. there are the obvious factors, like the location, the food and beverages, the entertainment and the speakers, but often the things that people remember most about an event are not those obvious things.“One things is, and a lot of men simply don’t think about this, if you are a woman and you’ve been working all day, nine times out of ten you’re wearing a heel. For you to stand on your feet, at the end of the day, for another couple of hours, it’s going to have to be mighty good to make that worthwhile. Provide seating – it’s such a simple thing,” roxie advised.Location, Location, Location

“i remember one event we did for Kommercial, part of Karingal, where we brought everyone to our factory and used the factory as an event space. We got the lighting, the AV, the seating, everything set up in this factory environment, and people loved it. they were telling me that they felt like they were somewhere interesting and somewhere different.

“So, you can look for somewhere different for an event space. i often wonder why, when people are having an event for their business, that they always take it somewhere else, which is all okay if you don’t have the space or a space that can’t be altered to suit. But if you can use your own space, not only are you promoting your business, you’re promoting in a hands-on, face-to-face way, where people can really see what is going on with your business. Of course, if the space isn’t right, that could be a disaster.”Look Who’s Talking

“i can’t tell you how many events that i’ve been to where this has happened, and it’s one of those things that people always complain about, and that’s long boring speeches. Nothing will kill an event more than that. i’ve worked in the media and done a lot of public speaking for years and years, and when i launched my business my speech went for about four minutes,” roxie said.“the thing is, your business is great and you love it passionately, but not everybody else does. to give [guests] too much information will just make them switch off to you. When i am speaking to people who are going to be doing speeches, i ask them how long they want to spend on speeches. i will almost always halve that figure, and maybe even halve it again. “Keep it short and sharp. Give them a bit of information, make them want to have more information, and give them a reason to visit your website, or email you, or look at the material you’ve given them. Don’t bang on up the front for hours, because honestly all those women who are standing there in their heels at the end of the day are going to resent you more every for every minute, trust me!”the thing to remember about events is that you only have people’s attention for a couple of hours, so it’s about how you make the most of the short time you have. Giving

COVER STORY

Why be boring? The new event horizonWhether it is launches, branding events, marketing events or even your standard celebratory events, events have become an everyday fact of doing business. But putting on an everyday event can become a big loss of time and money, not to mention reputation and client goodwill.

16 | BUSINESS NEWS

COVER STORY

guests some bad canapés and a long-winded speech is certainly not the best way to capitalise on your investment in your event.“One of the things that i see time and time again is that you have an event, and as soon as the speeches are done, people disappear. You’ve still got the venue, you’re still serving food and there are still things happening, but half of your audience has essentially disappeared. At that point you need something to keep people’s interest and keeping them enthusiastic and entertained.”The Public Speaking Nightmare

Speeches at events play an important role – they are there for you to talk directly to your clients and potential clients, and the effectiveness of those speeches does reflect on your business. if you are not a confident speaker – and many very good business people even at the highest levels of the business echelon hate speaking in public – then roxie suggests getting someone else to do the dreaded deed. “Public speaking to me is second nature. it’s something i don’t have to think about and i’ve been doing it all my life. But if it’s a very difficult thing for you to do, don’t do it, it really is that simple. “there are enough really good Mcs and really good public speakers out there. You get somebody like that, and if you get somebody who is really good at what they do presenting on behalf of your business, then their impact will be profound compared to somebody who is terrified, stumbling, feeling awful and is just not able to get the message across, or who is droning on for hours or reading a speech for hours. there’s nothing worse. “the other thing too is that if you have a look around your business and look at who is it that’s a bit outgoing that could speak on behalf of your business. You would

always be introduced along the lines of ‘Here is the owner or manager of the business, thank you for having us here tonight. Let me tell you a little bit about the business …’”The Wow Factor

Great events always have a point of difference, and most often they are not over the top or expensive ideas,

just well thought-out ways to make sure the guests have a good time and go away with something to remember. “i think it is about finding something different. You want people to think, ‘Wow, i’ve never seen that before’, or ‘Look at this, i’ve never been given one of these before,

what a great idea’,” roxie said.“You want to create a buzz after the event. You spend a lot of money on events – we have to do them, but they are not cheap things to do once you have paid for your drinks and your food and your venue and all the other stuff. there is a lot of staff time

involved in putting it together. You do all of this, and at the end of it, you want the buzz to continue, you want, in the ensuing twelve months, for people to be thinking about you when they are thinking of a product or service. that’s how you want it to work. it’s all part of your marketing strategy and you want it to

pay you back. A bad event will not pay you back, but a good event will pay you back in spades.”It’s the Thought That Counts

What is that certain something that takes an okay event to a good or even a great event? it can be something as simple as a help yourself lolly bar

for guests to choose from before they leave. it can be as extravagant as a theatrical or magic performance in the middle of an event. it can be the location – a marquee at a vineyard, a building rooftop or at a wildlife park or zoo. it can be an experience such as a cooking class or even

BUSINESS NEWS | 17

“Think how you can engage business people

in a way that hasn’t been

done before.”

paintball. it can even be as simple as fantastic, really entertaining or really moving speakers that can add that wow factor.“if you have an event that falls around a major celebration, you can make the most of that in your event. if you had an event around chinese New Year, you could have a chinese dragon come in as a surprise. Something like that would add that wow factor. it’s about adding another dimension to your event, something that connects with people in some way.”Network, Network, Network

i know plenty of people for whom ‘network’ is akin to a dirty word (and not in a good way). these people are

uncomfortable approaching people they don’t know or don’t know well. But networking is essential when you are hosting a business event. “every corporate event is about promoting your business and you or representatives of you need to try to get around to as many people as you possibly can,” roxie said. “unfortunately, it is so rare that you see that. i can’t tell you how many times i’ve been to an event and seen the person whose company it is or who runs the organisation, standing there in their suit – male or female – and only talk to a couple of people and not network the room. i don’t understand that. if this is your event, try to go to as many groups

of people and introduce yourself, and get your staff to do the same thing. Make sure that everybody in your organisation is selling your business to all the people that are there. it’s just so important to do that.”What’s In a Name Tag?

“Another important thing to do, particularly for business events, is to get name tags. i know they can seem a bit daggy or whatever, but so often at these types of events,people want to know who they’re talking to, and if you’ve got a name tag on, it makes it easier for them,” roxie pointed out.And again, if the standard name tag in a clear plastic holder is just too boring for you, the opportunity is there

to do something a little bit different with the nametags. if you are a car company, why not get tags printed to look like number plates? if you are a children’s charity, have them shaped like balloons or teddy bears. if you are a building supply business, have small timber tags. Making the most of every opportunity to tie elements of your event back to your business or organisation help you to get more out of hosting the event in the first place.Think Outside the Square

“theming is really important in events, and not enough people put enough thought into that,” roxie said. “if your invitation has a lot of blue in it, use blue in everything else to tie it all together. Sometimes you go to things and you

think, ‘that all just works’ and you don’t necessarily even know why, and other times it feels like things just don’t work and is a bit disjoined. When everything is tied in together, people enjoy the event more.”if your guest list includes a lot of parents, consider a family-friendly daytime event rather than a mid-week evening. Set up children’s entertainment or choose a location with the entertainment already in place. Many family fun venues offer event catering and with a few simple additions like lolly bags to pass out as guests leave, yours would certainly be an event to remember.“People often don’t think outside the square, and one of the things that i really want to do is to challenge people a little bit around what they’re trying to do. Part of my role as

an event organiser is to find out exactly what it is you’re trying to achieve then let’s have a look at how we might do this in a way that hasn’t been done before so that it engages people in a different way.”At What Cost?

Any business person reading this would have asked at least a dozen times at this point, ‘Sure, but how much is that going to cost?’ there is no real answer to that, but great events really aren’t about how big your event budget is.“Look, if you chuck enough money at something, then sure, it can be incredible and have a lot of wow factor. But it can also be pretty lousy. it’s not necessarily about the money. Yes, you have to spend a certain amount, but it’s about the creativity and the execution,” roxie said.

“As an example, i was at an event recently where, when the speeches finally went on, which took forever, everyone was so disinterested that they talked loudly right through it all and no one could really hear anything. i didn’t organise it, but i was there and i thought, ‘What a disaster’. i almost felt like stepping in and find who had speeches to do and getting them up there, because i could see the event was gradually losing control.”if you and your staff are lacking the event planning gene, then employing a professional event manager can be a very wise investment – it also means you don’t have to worry about it, leaving you free to get on with your real job!“the execution of an event and having somebody who can keep control of

everything can be nine-tenths of the key to a good event. And it’s some of the finer details that are the most important,” roxie said. “there are so many things thatyou don’t often even notice, but you do notice it if they’re not done properly. Simple stuff like access to enough car parking for guests or appropriate transport options, and having enough space at the event to move around in, without it feeling empty. even things like being aware of access to toilets. the reality is that women need more toilets than men at events – they just do – and you need to be aware of that when you’re planning events. Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, you just have to be smart about how you do it.”

COVER STORY

18 | BUSINESS NEWS

DAVINA MONTGOMERY

“ Our time is so precious and everybody is so pushed, that if you put on a boring event ... it actually draws resentment from the people who attend who have given their very precious time, and almost feel like they’ve been ripped off.”

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Acer is well known for its Pc’s, laptops and tablets for home and commercial use, and Acer is now No.3 in the world as a hardware manufacturer, and assembles its Pc’s in Sydney for the Australian market. What is becoming increasingly more apparent is the quality and reliability of Acer’s intel range of tower and rack servers for small to large businesses. Barwon computer Solutions has been providing best-practice Server and LAN installations for small to medium businesses in Geelong for 28 years. they are currently implementing new and exciting technologies to best support its client-base.Acer servers

in line with a solid strategy for commercial products, Acer has advanced its server line with a whole new line up of refreshed server products. this time around, Acer has not only updated the specifications to support the latest intel Xeon processors e5 family, but has expanded its business portfolio and management tools to provide greater flexibility in modern datacentres.Greater performance and expandabilitythe new product designs feature intel’s latest line up of intel Xeon processor e5 family of cPus, which give up to two times the performance for certain benchmarks, and up to 8 cores per cPu. the F2 generation, also provides greater expandability and more robust specifications built into every platform. Hardware-aside, the F2 generation will improve on operating system support to include mainstream and open source platforms, and its management tools are enhanced to improve it ease of use.Datacentre management for the SMB

the new generation of servers from Acer offers the same set of standard management tools including Smart Setup, Smart console, Smart Server Manager and Smart integration Pack. it also enhances the toolset with such features as remote BiOS/firmware updates and power monitoring. to ensure the F2 line is as at home in the Data centre as in a standard small or medium-sized business, Acer has also integrated a power management

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BUSINESS NEWS | 19Catherine Keagan Ad Vector.indd 1 2/04/2012 10:44:17 AM

Best Practice ITIn November 2011, Barwon Computer Solutions, announced to the Geelong region that it was the only reseller in the area with Acer Gold Status.

Normally, losses are of the time and money variety, while for some the losses are too great to overcome. But take heart, weary travellers, moves are being made to clear the way for businesses under national systems, including the registration of business names.The australian Securities and Investments Commission (aSIC) is expected to commence a new national business names registration service on 28 may 2012 (subject to the passage of legislation through State parliaments). In a boon for business owners and operators, existing business names currently registered in a state or territory will be automatically transferred to the new register and aSIC is conducting a national roadshow prior to the rollout of the service, to inform businesses about the changes.“Businesses throughout australia will soon be able to register their business name in each state and territory through one simple, national process,” said aSIC’s Deputy Chief of operations, Kathrine morgan-Wicks. “This is an important development for australia’s 1.8 million business name holders - as it not only simplifies the process, but also considerably reduces the cost of registration.”ms morgan-Wicks said that under the new service, businesses would be able to search existing business names, apply to register or renew a business name

online, and, in most cases, receive confirmation instantly. and, the new service will be a cost saving to businesses registering their business name in multiple states. “Currently, a business operating and registering their business name in every state and territory faces a cost of more than $1,000 for three years registration. Businesses will soon pay just $30 for one year’s registration, or $70 for three years,” ms morgan-Wicks said. “our new service

also benefits consumers by enabling them to search online free of charge for contact and ownership details of any business name currently registered in australia.“Efficient registration and licensing is a key priority for aSIC, so we’re keen to build awareness about our new business names service. our (roadshow) presentations will also provide a preview of aSIC’s new online service, aSIC Connect.“Essentially, we’re aiming to ensure our registry services are well equipped to meet the growing needs of our customers. our new business names register will provide an easier, quicker and cheaper service for australian businesses and is just one

of a number of initiatives we hope to introduce this year to provide a seamless and efficient online registry service,” ms morgan-Wicks said.local business owners are invited to learn about the new national business names registration service at information sessions hosted by the australian Securities and Investments Commission

(aSIC) in melbourne on 26 and 27 april. led by aSIC senior executives, Kathrine morgan-Wicks and rosanne Bell, the sessions will help business name holders and industry professionals better understand aSIC’s national business names register and hear first-hand how the transition from state and territory agencies will take place.

REGULATION

A business by any other name ...These days, operating a business often means negotiating your way across a minefield of differing state and territory regulations and requirements, and it is a given that you and your business will lose things along the way.

20 | BUSINESS NEWS

ASIC National Business Names Roadshow:

- melbourne -Thursday 26 april and Friday 27 april

The Spring Street Conference and Events Centre, 1 Spring Street, melbourne

10am and 1pm Cost: Free of charge

rSVP: Visit asic.gov.au/business-names to reserve your seat. Places are limited.

“ This is an important development for Australia’s 1.8 million business name holders - as it not only simplifies the process, but also considerably reduces the cost of registration.”

THE overarching goal of the aCCC is to serve the long-term interests of consumers. as an independent statutory authority, the agency achieves this aim by enforcing compliance with the Competition and Consumer act 2010 (CCa), which in turn ensures the market economy functions effectively and competition strives.This is important as the aCCC’s work is underpinned by the belief that an effectively functioning market economy – where competition is maintained and enhanced, and monopolies regulated – is in the public interest.The aCCC promotes effective competition by, for example, making sure that market power is not abused, particular agreements and mergers do not substantially lessen competition, and consumers are not misled or treated unconscionably.The aCCC seeks to approach its critical compliance, regulation and enforcement work in a proactive and strategic manner. aCCC Chairman rod Sims has said publicly on several occasions that he wants to see the agency take on more enforcement cases where the outcome may be less certain, and communicate effectively so the public knows what the aCCC is doing, or not doing, and why.The aCCC’s high-level objectives for 2012 have

been developed against this important background. These objectives include:• focusing on vulnerable

consumers• invigorating debate on

the effective regulation of monopolies

• increasing engagement internationally and especially within our region.

Two aCCC priorities likely to be of particular interest to small business are that the agency plans to raise awareness of and enforce the australian Consumer law. It will also focus on competition in concentrated markets and particularly on unconscionable conduct between businesses. Making full use of the Australian Consumer Law

Consumer law in australia has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of the australian Consumer law (aCl). This national law, which is part of the CCa, took effect on 1 January 2011, replacing a number of consumer regimes that previously existed across the states and territories and introducing one law that applies australia-wide. The aCl has improved protections in a number of areas including unfair contract terms and consumer guarantees. Ensuring these protections are upheld is the responsibility of several agencies. The aCl was developed under ‘one law, multiple regulators’ model

which means the aCCC and every state and territory fair trading authority has a regulatory role. The aCCC is working in a more integrated way with these authorities to enforce the law, which results in greater protection for australian consumers and extends the regulators’ collective reach.The aCCC also has new powers under the aCl. In fact all the regulators, the aCCC and the state and territory offices of fair trading, now have the ability to issue substantiation notices where a business can be asked to provide information in response to allegations about misleading or false representations. This new power enables the aCCC or another regulator to obtain more information about an issue and to do so quickly.Finally, there are new penalties for breaches of the aCl, which enable the aCCC to seek pecuniary penalties before the courts, and to issue infringement notices for minor issues that do not need to go to court. The civil pecuniary penalties regime – which provides penalties up to $1.1 million for corporations and $220,000 for individuals – addresses the fact that consumer cases are not necessarily criminal ones and that civil pecuniary penalties may be the most appropriate remedy in some situations. These strong consumer protections are in the long-term interest of australian small business as well, as they help the public maintain and enhance their belief in the benefits of a market economy. Therefore, educating businesses and consumers about these laws, and enforcing them, is an important priority for the aCCC.Maintaining or enhancing competition in concentrated markets

Some australian markets are dominated by two to three main players, and in a few sectors there is only one dominant player. It is important that, in these

sectors, any obvious market power is not misused to lessen competition. Some sectors, such as fuel and supermarkets, have generated considerable community interest in recent times, and the aCCC will focus on these in 2012 to determine whether breaches are occurring in these sectors. Unconscionable conduct between businesses is another area of focus for 2012, and one particularly relevant to small business. The aCl contains a prohibition against unconscionable conduct; that is, under the aCl, businesses cannot act unconscionably in their dealings with other businesses or towards their customers.Unconscionable conduct can be difficult to define, as it varies on a case-by-case basis. It can generally be described as conduct that is so harsh or oppressive that it goes against good conscience. However, it requires something substantially more than just being ‘unfair’ or hard commercial bargaining. Because of these underlying issues in its definition, proving unconscionable conduct can prove challenging but where this type of behaviour does occur, the aCCC will not hesitate in taking action.Further information

more information is available on the aCCC website (www.accc.gov.au). The agency’s recently updated Compliance and enforcement policy, which sets out the principles adopted by the aCCC to achieve compliance with the law, is also available online. Enquiries can also be directed to the aCCC’s Infocentre on 1300 302 502. The aCCC’s small business information network (SBIN) is a free email information service that keeps subscribers informed of recent fair trading updates which relate to the small business sector. To subscribe to this service, visit the aCCC website.

REGULATION

BUSINESS NEWS | 21

The ACCC: The Commission’s focus for 2012As a business, you will be aware of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) but how much do you know about the agency and what it does? The ACCC recently outlined its key priority areas for the year ahead, some of which will be of interest to small business.

IN this environment, the State Government must look at what it can do to responsibly promote the role of the private sector as the key driver of economic growth, jobs and improved living standards. The good news is that the Government has a solid base from which to grow. The Victorian economy is performing well under difficult circumstances. The state’s overall financial position remains strong and is forecast to strengthen.Having successfully met its pre-election commitment to deliver improvements in

front-line services for the wider community, the State Government must now turn its attention to supporting Victorian industry through practical actions that lower business costs, raise productivity and improve the environment for investment and jobs growth. With the Government set to hand down its second Budget in a few weeks, it’s timely to focus on what specific and practical actions need to be taken.VECCI believes that the Government must use the 2012-13 Budget to:

• implement the important business-related pre-election commitments that remain outstanding

• set key short-term policy and expenditure priorities for the next 12 to 24 months

• deliver the vision and accompanying actions that will drive increased state competitiveness over the next four years and beyond.

Outstanding commitmentsThe report Achievements and Policies Implemented in the First Year of Government shows the Victorian Government has successfully delivered a number of important initiatives over the past 12 months.There are a number of highlights from a business perspective, including the maintenance of a budget surplus, commencing reviews into new rail lines including the Avalon Rail Link, working with firms to develop new export opportunities in emerging markets like India and continuing support for business and tourism events.The momentum of reforms currently underway must be maintained in the budget, with business hoping for government action regarding:• a response to the final

Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission reports into the tourism industry and a state reform agenda

• the release of a Small Business Statement

• maintaining funding for the Regional Growth Fund

• installation of boom barriers and flashing lights at up to 75 country level crossings.

Short term priorities

The short term priorities for businesses over the next two years include:• delivering an operating

budget surplus of at least $200 million each year

• the release of a Green Paper that outlines options for shifting Victoria’s revenue base toward more efficient, productivity

enhancing taxes• implementing a Major

Projects Act to fast-track and streamline planning approvals for major projects

• addressing ongoing issues of disengaged students and early school leavers with a review of state education curriculum frameworks.

Locally, we hope steps are also taken to improve capacity at the Port of Geelong to handle bulk trades (while retaining trade at Melbourne’s Webb Dock) and to achieving international airport status for Avalon.Long term vision

As well as immediate action to alleviate business pressures, VECCI hopes the budget contains a focus on the foundations of Victoria’s medium to long term growth.Tax reform remains an ongoing desire for many businesses; a timetable for state tax reform and, in partnership with the other states, the harmonisation of state taxes, will not only lower costs, but also achieve greater administrative consistency.Opportunities for Victoria’s regional airports to take greater traffic must also be investigated to boost the numbers of tourists and business travellers visiting our regions, while the range of educational programs available locally to young people in regional Victoria should be widened, with an expansion of local access to educational technologies, academic support and learning resources.The implementation of reforms in these key areas and more will be fundamental to underpinning economic investment and job creation in 2012, and beyond.

VECCI

Difficult times require pro-business BudgetThe time ahead is a crucial one for Victoria – and for Victorian business. Domestic economic conditions, while positive, are softer than they were a year ago. Global economic recovery is still patchy. Rising cost pressures have hit business profitability hard and confidence remains fragile. Jobs and investment are now at risk across many industries, especially our key trade-exposed sectors.

JAMES GULLI

22 | BUSINESS NEWS

VECCI Regional Manager, Geelong & South West Region

SMALL BIZ

BUSINESS NEWS | 23

IN a previous article I outlined the process where we gave our manufacturing industry to China in 6 easy steps. There is not much of the original industry remaining, but that is not to say we have to roll over and give up the best industry that Victoria could have. Victoria and the south-west portion of the country in particular, is not as endowed with natural wealth such as Western Australia or Queensland so we have to be smart to gain income.In a recent ABS report, it was shown that most of the country’s current economic

boom is solely as result of mining and export minerals. The rest of the country is back sliding to greater or lesser degrees – some say Tasmania is now three kilometres further away. For years we have been using the service industries as a crutch, but even that is coming to an end. We desperately need manufacturing to make a resurgence, but with the internet revolution bringing a level of competition that is unprecedented, we need to do far more than throw some tax dollars at the problem.If you have read any of my

previous comments, you will know that I am against government subsides, as they artificially prop up businesses that should have been able to stand on their own merits, but I do think that in this case it is important that we immediately provide money or huge tax incentives to Victorian manufacturers of all kinds. I suggest this for the simple reason that we can’t afford to let our skills base diminish further. Even now, some of the old skills are disappearing like the Leadbeater’s possum.But money in this form is a short-term solution as part of a bigger holding game. If the manufacturing sector is taught to exist with tax benefits, the natural trend is for the protected businesses to become fat, lazy and less competitive.So the real move is to build new manufacturing businesses or give the current ones a huge new market, and I can see two streams that might lead to the construction of a new, stronger force.The first is to provide the equipment for manufacturers to play with. I remember Geelong and Ballarat in the 1950’s, and the older generation that grew up with a pair of pliers in their hands and fencing twine in their pockets. With these simple resources they could build tractors, aeroplanes and replicas of the Titanic and many other useful things. Today, we know that spirit and skill still exists – we are a resourceful lot, but the clunky chunky tractors that could be built with twine and fencing wire and Uncle Tom’s axe handle have already been invented. The tools of invention have changed. These tools form the basis of manufacture. We use exotic materials and instruments and techniques far beyond the imagination of those who formed the manufacturing boom times of the mid 20th Century. We need to be accomplished at plastics and electronics

and qubits and rare earth magnetics and cyclotronic flappy things. We need these tools and the skills to use these tools and we have to place them in the hands of the masses. If the old economy was the province of the owners of the capital, the current economy is the province of the guardians of technology. Share the access to technologies to ten lucky businesses and you have an insignificant chance to sponsor resurgence, but open it to ten thousand and that chance causes a huge tidal wave of manufacturers. Some will survive and create the new industry.The second strategy is to change the access to education. Over recent years, the University numbers and TAFE numbers have been burgeoning and yet there is a significant decline in manufacturing. I like Universities and TAFEs, but they are not the solution at this point. Clayton Christensen is a provocative thinker at the best of times and despite the fact that he is a renowned professor of innovation at Harvard University, he suggests that it is time to change the education model. Get rid of three year courses and assessments and certificates. He suggests that we pal our budding manufacturing stars with the best thinkers in the field of manufacture. Build an open workshop that gets people to share ideas – educate through the network of people that are actually doing things. But we would need to be patient with a process like I have suggested, as a transfer of skills of this depth takes a decade; it will never be a quick fix.By doing these two things I think that we may be able to kick start a new manufacturing industry. One thing is for sure – it won’t look like the old industry…

CLINT JENNINGS

Australian Business Development Centre www.abdc.com.au

Why we need new economy manufacturingHalf a century after the heyday of manufacturing in Victoria, we are facing a new economy – one that needs a smarter, more competitive manufacturing industry. Yes, the industry needs the support of taxpayers right now, but handouts cannot and will not last. We need to build a new industry for the new economy and we need to build it fast.

THE applicant had been employed by the employer for more than 5 years when she fell pregnant. The applicant was previously working as a direct support worker, however at the time she became pregnant, the applicant had been promoted to the position of program supervisor for the fixed term of 1 year. The applicant had been led to believe that she would be offered the new role on a permanent basis. On requesting maternity leave, the applicant was not offered

the program supervisor role on a permanent basis and the position was advertised externally. On returning from maternity leave, the applicant was given a casual rather than permanent role, and was not offered as much work as would have been the case if she was a permanent employee. Some months later, the applicant was informed that work would no longer be made available to her and her employment was effectively terminated.Following this, the applicant made a formal complaint to

the employer. The employer responded by acknowledging the complaint and arranging mediation, however the mediation never took place. The applicant was later contacted directly by the employer’s CEO, and subsequently a law firm, which had apparently been engaged to investigate the applicant’s complaint. The complaint was not resolved and the applicant filed a claim with the Federal Magistrates’ Court.The employer was ultimately found to have discriminated against the applicant on the basis of her pregnancy and ordered to pay $44,000 damages. This amount included general damages of $9,000 for the applicant’s anxiety and distress. The employer was also ordered to apologise to the applicant for the discrimination itself, but also the inadequate management of her complaint. This case highlights the need for employers to fully consider their obligations when dealing with not only pregnant employees, but also employees with childcare or general carer responsibilities. The Fair Work Act 2009 not only enhanced the entitlement to parental leave but also created an employee’s “right to request flexible working conditions”.As most employers would now be aware, where an employee requests flexible working conditions due to having a child under school age (or a child under 18 with a disability), the employer is obligated to consider the employee’s request and respond to it within 21 days. However, the obligations on employers as far as discrimination goes, are far reaching, in that there is now a positive duty on employers under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 to accommodate employee’s responsibilities as a parent or carer.Employers who are unsure how to respond to employee requests for leave due to pregnancy or for flexible working conditions due

to child care or carer responsibilities should seek legal advice. As this case indicates, the potential implications for employers that fail to meet their obligations can be quite serious.In addition, employers should aim to achieve fairness in complaint handling and dispute resolution by ensuring that they respond appropriately and adequately to employee complaints. This may be done by having clear policies in place setting out the procedures for how complaints are made and how they will be dealt with. To this end, employers should have their policies regularly reviewed and where necessary, re-drafted by a competent workplace relations lawyer.

LEGAL

24 | BUSINESS NEWS

Discrimination is a costly businessA recent case heard in the Federal Magistrates’ Court serves as a warning to employers to consider the needs of pregnant employees and those employees with childcare responsibilities. It also highlights the need for employee complaints to be delat with in an appropriate and prompt manner.

Monique Austerberry, Lawyer

Jim Rutherford, Principal

FIndIng good people with the right skills remains a challenge for employers across Asia Pacific, despite current global economic conditions.

“Across development, infrastructure and business, organisations are now considering strategies to bridge the skills gap,” said Peter noblet, Senior Regional director of Hays Information Technology in Asia Pacific. “One of these strategies is the use of global mobility to move talent, not only from city to city, but also from country to country. By taking a strategic approach to talent supply across the region as a whole, organisations are able to

attract and recruit from a much wider geography.

“It’s a strategy we’ve started to use, and it’s effective as a means of overcoming local skills shortages. It gives employers an edge in an increasingly competitive skills market and significantly increases the talent pipeline.”

According to figures from the department of Immigration and Citizenship, the number of subclass 457 primary visas granted from July to end december 2011 was 50.7 per cent higher than the same period last year.

during this period, the number of applications granted increased by 37.1 per cent in Information Media and

Telecommunications.

Peter notes: “Many organisations are receptive to sourcing talent from overseas to address their skill needs. Some employers who have never considered sponsorship are now considering this option and are looking at candidates through our Hays global network.

“With offices in 31 countries, we can look at the needs that exist in one country and match these with the talent supply in another. For example, right now we are working with several organisations to actively source specialist talent from not just across Asia Pacific, but also as far afield as the UK.

“But some organisations are still resisting global mobility. While it is widely recognised that migration is vital to ensuring economic growth and overcoming skills shortages, it is also a topic that generates heated discussion. Just look at 2010’s fierce “big Australia” debate,” Peter said. “The irony is that recruiting from overseas can be a simple process, and it is one that, properly done, yields very good results.”

TIpS for EmpLoyErS

Using the services of an international recruitment specialist may prove the most effective solution for employers - with the recruiters able to source, meet, interview and assess candidates in an overseas location. Once a shortlist of suitable candidates is developed, employers can elect to go to the destination to interview groups of screened candidates, or utilise video conferencing facilities for interviews. This has been proven to succeed both in the APAC region as well as globally.

When recruiting from overseas, it is important to use a recruiter capable of assessing a candidate’s eligibility to work in Australia, and provide such information to candidates as rates and salary guidelines, visa and work permit requirements, and other general advice.

rECrUITmENT

BUSINESS NEWS | 25

Talent mobility can tackle IT skills gapThe mobility of talent across Asia Pacific can ease the IT skills shortage, according to Hays Information Technology. But the recruiting expert notes that while employers may be slowly embracing this solution, it is far from universally accepted.

Hays, the world's leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

1. Check last year’s FBT return

The good news is that there have been no significant legislative changes to FBT over the past year, so you can use your 2011 FBT return as a guide. However,be mindful of those changes made during the last twelve months.2. Cross reference your

company tax return

The ATO scrutinises both the FBT and Company Tax Return for discrepancies. Areas to watch for are car expenses and employee contributions. 3. No need to lodge

The ATO now accepts that employers with no FBT liability do not need to lodge a FBT return, even if they provide fringe benefits to their employees. However, if you choose not to lodge, you may

need to have evidence to support your ‘nil’ FBT payable position in the event of an ATO audit. 4. Changes to other taxes

Under changes to income tax rules, company assets used by employees who are shareholders or associates of shareholders can be deemed dividends. It’s critical to be aware of these provisions as they often result in a large tax bill for the employee/shareholder.5. Check car receipts

Many employees who salary sacrifice cars make after-tax contributions in order to reduce or eliminate FBT, often in the form of a cash payment and unreimbursed petrol costs. Yet employees frequently ignore the non-car expenses on their receipts.

It’s important to reverse these amounts as they can’t be claimed as employee contributions.6. Cost of a car

The ATO has finalised the Taxation Ruling on how certain arrangements affect the ‘cost’ of a car. The Ruling deals with issues such as employee trade-ins and fleet discounts.7. Car odometer readings

When using the km method for calculating the taxable value of a car, it’s very important to have both opening and closing odometer readings. You can substantiate these readings with sales or repair invoices, or charge card records. Where no information is available, the ATO has indicated it will impose the maximum 26% statutory fraction in working out the taxable value of the car. 8. Use of utes

Many businesses believe they can provide an FBT-free ute to their employees because it is a ‘work’ vehicle. It is only FBT free if it is used for business purposes, home to work travel, and for other minor and infrequent private use. 9. GST

If employees make after-tax contributions in respect of their car benefits, GST is payable and must be remitted to the ATO by their employer.

10. Living Away From Home Allowances

It’s important that employers are able to demonstrate the employees are actually living away from their usual place of residence, that the work contract supports this conclusion and that a copy of the Living away from usual place of residence declaration is readily available.

TAX

10 FBT Tips You Can’t IgnoreThe Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year finished on 31 March 2012, but before you package it all off and send it away, here are 10 FBT Tips you shouldn’t ignore before lodging the 2012 FBT return.

26 | BUSINESS NEWS

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ALEX DUONIS

THE decision has caused much controversy and outrage amongst sporting organisations - such as the AFL or NRL - as it will devalue their media broadcasting rights. Many sporting organisations believe that they will have to completely renegotiate their exclusive licencing arrangements and their business models in order to maximise their earning in new technology.

Background:

Telstra is the exclusive licensee of broadcasts of games on free to air television through its internet and mobile services.

In July 2011, Optus launched its TV Now service. The service allows a user to browse an electronic television program, select a free to air television broadcast and stream that broadcast at a later stage. The recording is not downloaded onto a user’s device. Rather, it is accessed from Optus’ data centre (utilising cloud computing technology) and is streamed by the user when they wish to access the recording.

Optus allows users to access the broadcasts within 30 days on four compatible devices, namely PC, Apple, Android and 3G devices. Apple users can watch a broadcast approximately two minutes after the recording starts. Other users can stream the recording after the recording is finished.

The Decision:

The central question in the case was whether Optus, by operating the TV Now service, infringed the copyright of the AFL, NRL and Telstra (as the exclusive licensee).

The AFL, NRL and Telstra alleged that Optus’ equipment made cinematographic films of the broadcasts and then later communicated that copy to the users of its TV Now service when they viewed the recording on their compatible devices, thus infringing their copyright within the meaning of the Copyright Act.

Optus contended that it was the individual user of the TV Now service, rather than it, that has recorded or made a recording and played

it without infringement of copyright because of the operation of section 111 of the Copyright Act. That section allows a person to make a film, or copy of a broadcast for their private and domestic use by watching or listening to that material at a time that is more convenient than when the broadcast is made (known as “space shifting”). Under the Act, if a person makes a copy in those circumstances, then the making of the recording will not infringe copyright in the broadcast.

His Honor, Justice Rares held:

- It was a user, rather than Optus, who made the recording of the broadcast that was stored on Optus’ data centre, because it was the user who chose the broadcast to be recorded.

- Section 111 applied to the current circumstances because the user wished to view the broadcast

at a timethat was more convenient to them, and that such use was for their own personal and domestic use.

- When the user clicked “play” to view the recording, the user, not Optus, infringed copyright.

This decision highlights the struggles the law has in keeping up with technology on the one hand, and preserving the rights of copyright owners on the other. The music industry and the film industry in particular have, for many years, sought to strictly enforce their rights, in some instances to their benefit, but in most, to their detriment.

It is clear that the provisions of section 111 of the Copyright Act were established to allow users to freely record and replay their recordings

at a time that was more convenient to them. Whether this section requires legislative reform to limit its scope, is a matter which has yet to be decided. Every day users of the variety of technology do not necessarily take notice of these legal implications, but rather are more concerned with being able to access content in accordance with their personal needs. This decision confirms and upholds this want of the general public.

The decision is on appeal by the AFL, NRL and Telstra. A decision will be made in the coming months.

LEGAL

BUSINESS NEWS | 27

GIZELLE MANOLI

Disclaimer: This article contains general comments only. Specific legal advice should be obtained in relation to any matters associated with the topic discussed.

Gizelle Manoli Lawyer

Optus TV Now: Game changer for sports TV?On February 1 2012, Justice Rares held that Optus’ TV Now service did not infringe copyright in the broadcasts of the AFL and NRL games.

“ This decision highlights the struggles the law has in keeping up with technology on the one hand, and preserving the rights of copyright owners on the other...”

TECH GUY

28 | BUSINESS NEWS

Your worst nightmare? It might just be Felix Baumgartner’s breakfast. The famed mad skydiver successfully leapt from an altitude of more than 21 kilometres, and that was just a trial. Never mind James Cameron plumbing the depths, Felix Baumgartner is attempting to complete a record-breaking 36.5 kilometre “spacedive” later this year and, based on this jump, he seems well on his way. For his latest jump, he was protected only by a pressurised suit and capsule that hung from a 5000 centimetre helium balloon. Felix reached a maximum speed of 586 kph, with the entire free fall lasting a little over eight minutes, according to Red Bull Stratos, which is sponsoring the project.

Parachute from Space

Australian cloud and communications experts, OneNimbus, have released an essential services Godsend called UB Safe. It is focused on workers in the field to provide enhanced communications, alerting supervisors and managers in the event of a worker needing to send an alert via message or voice. The Ubi Safe work app allows at the press of a button to ring all configured supervisors or managers from someone in the field and play a message which will detail last known location from the phone’s GPS to help in coordinating resources to assist when someone is in a distress situation and for a meeting place for remote staff. Alerts can be sent simultaneously as emails, IM conversations and SMS to name just a few.

You be safe

Nothing quite says: “Check me out” to the ladies like riffing on a ukulele - until now that is. If you’ve got an iPhone or an iPad, Touch DJ app maker Amidio is releasing its latest ladykiller, the “Futulele.” Be still, your beating heart, this ukulele synthesizer connects the iOS devices via Bluetooth, creating a virtual four-string ukelele on which to swoon a rendition of “Tip-toe Through the Tulips”. You can select up to 12 chords per song and using the iPad to strum; chord sets also can be changed on the fly. The app should appear sometime in April, and will be optimised for the iPad 3 too.

Future uke now

TECH GUY

BUSINESS NEWS | 29

We’ve seen LEGO gurus create some pretty amazing projects by combining the iconic blocks with technology. A fourteen year-old LEGO genius, Leon Overweel, has used his skills to construct his very own LEGO printer, dubbed the LEGO Mindstorms NXT printer (or PriNXT). The machine uses three motors to control an attached pen, which draws objects and messages.

Lego printer

Put away the shredder, finally there’s an eco-friendly way to get rid of those ill-thought photocopy pranks. Toshiba Tech has developed a toner that can be erased, letting you use a sheet of paper up to five times. Unlike similar solutions, you don’t need special paper, but you will need one of the compatible copiers. The idea is similar to Pilot’s erasable ballpoint pen system, but uses heat instead of friction. A built-in scanner means you can archive documents and also lets the machine sort paper into what can and can’t be reused automatically. Just now, you can only print in blue, but Toshiba Tech promises more options are on the way, and a full-colour version is in the pipes. While the price is still undecided at this time, the creators hope that with the long-term paper savings, it’ll only be the toner, not your budget disappearing.

Erase that photocopy

At last, a truly innovative iPhone case… Looking like a normal hard-shelled iPhone 4 / 4S case from the front, flip it over and you’ll see two charging prongs embedded in the back. Click the button just below and they’ll pop up, allowing you to plug the handset directly into the wall - no cords or separate chargers needed. Of course, this initial version is made specifically for North American-type outlets, so the novelty for Geelongians might be lost for now, however, these are in your future.

iPhone Power

Currently wallowing in cash and can get to Japan quickly? Excellent, as we’ve found the purest camera just for you: the elusive white variant of Leica’s M9-P, restricted to only 50 units. The virginal shooter will go on sale in June for a cool 2,620,000 yen (or around $32,000) with an amazing f/0.95 50mm lens that can photograph busy people, virtually in the dark. If you simply can’t go there, you’re sure to be interested in the brand spanking new Canon 5D Mk III DSLR that is equally at home in the shadows, but more about that next month…

Leica virgin

THE agreement will see the award winning regional convention bureau donate $1 for every $100 spent on conference packages booked via its online booking system, with the aim of raising $5,000 per annum for breast cancer research.According to Danni Cookesley, Regional Development Executive (Victoria) for NBCF, one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and, although rare, breast cancer can also affect men.

“In 1994, when NBCF was founded, 30 per cent of women with breast cancer lost their battle,” Danni says. “In less than 20 years, through research, that percentage has halved, but there is still much to do. We still have 38 women being diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia alone. NBCF invests in research because we believe research is the most effective way to end breast cancer.”The decision to support NBCF was seen as “common sense,” says Andrew Hiebl, Manager

of Business Events Geelong. “The business events industry is one that is very proactive when it comes to corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and green initiatives. Beyond the simple economic and tourism benefits that conferences inject into a destination, many of Australia’s convention bureaux attempt to leverage from conference opportunities by seeking lasting legacies that can further benefit the destination or industry as a whole. Business Events Geelong had earmarked the concept of “giving back” as part of its business practises for some time, but actually engaging in CSR ourselves is significantly different from encouraging a conference organiser to leave a lasting legacy.“After discussion, our team of three, decided to link a CSR outcome within the industry

that we work nationally. The tourism and events industry across Australia is driven by women, so NBCF was seen as a logical corporate and social responsibility partner for our bureau.”Andrew and Danni say the agreement will also benefit the region.“The corporate supporter partnership with NBCF will raise awareness of the Geelong Otway region as a leading Australian business events destination and ideally result in more conferences held here,” Andrew says. “The link between conference spend in the region from bookings made via our online system with a viable charitable cause such as the NBCF should elevate our region in the destination decision making process – particularly with the corporate market. “Business Events Geelong will also be able to tap into many other opportunities provided by the NBCF to assist in raising the awareness of breast cancer. We have the opportunity of accessing speakers, either research-based or motivational, to add value to conferences held in the region. We can also promote NBCF merchandise such as the pink ribbon pin as an alternate gift for delegates.”“We are excited to be associated with such an iconic and beautiful part of Victoria and this is a great opportunity for NBCF to engage Victorians in our mission to reduce the impacts of breast cancer,” Danni says.

BUSINESS EVENTS

Business Events joins breast cancer fightBusiness Events Geelong announced in March that it had become the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) newest corporate sponsor, the first Victorian destination-based relationship the NBCF has entered into.

JUDY BAULCH

30 | BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS EVENTS

Geelong Racing Clubthe perfect backdrop for your next function

• 7 meeting rooms • Groups of 20-350 • Spectacular views • Superb catering packages • Ample off street parking

Our “can do” attitude and experienced conference team ensures that your every need is taken care of during your conference.

Package Inclusions:• Room hire• Morning tea• Working lunch• Afternoon tea• Conference stationary (pads, pens, water, mints)• Standard AV equipment• Internet Access

Please contact Danine Bourke on5229 4414 or emaild.bourke@geelong.countryracing.com.au

Geelong Racing ClubWhether you are planning a large or small conference the Geelong Racing Club can assist you in making your conference or meeting a success.

The Geelong Racing Club offers you a large selection of meeting, conference and seminar rooms which cater for anywhere between 20-360 guests. The Silks Room is situated on the upper level of the Briseis Stand and features a glass frontage with spectacular views over the track. This elegant room comfortably seats 240 banquet style with the option of opening the adjoining room to cater for 360 guests.

Our newest venue, the recently renovated Gargan Stand has 2 function rooms, the Media Puzzle Room which accommodates 140 guests, and the new Committee Room which overlooks the winning post and seats 90 guests.

The Dual Choice Café opens out to a relaxed grass courtyard, and is the perfect opportunity to create an alfresco feel to your next social event. This room will seat 300 for dinner.

You will find our staff creative, unobtrusive and completely dedicated and committed to ensuring quality service and meticulous attention to detail. We understand that your needs and requirements change for each type of function, so we take the time to listen and fully understand what you would like to achieve in holding your meeting or conference. Our “can do” attitude and experienced team ensures that your every need is taken care of leaving you free to relax and participate. What better way to impress your delegates than by incorporating a race day to add to the excitement?

Experience Peppers. Call 5264 3333 or visit www.peppers.com.au/sands

Peppers The Sands Resort 2 Sands Boulevarde Torquay, VIC 3228

We’re all

aboutyou

Conference• 5 flexible meeting rooms• Catering for groups from 10 – 800 guests

Accommodation• 112 beautifully appointed accommodation rooms & suites• Spectacular views of our golf course, costal dunes &

surf coast

Golf• Stuart Appleby designed championship golf course• Listed in the top 100 Australian golf courses

Mention the word Business News when booking your next event and receive 3 complimentary Sands golf balls

BUSINESS NEWS | 31

32 | BUSINESS NEWS

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Eastern Park Gardens East Geelong VIC

Ph: (03) 5226 2121 www.gcc.net.au

;; 6 conference rooms;; 46 hotel rooms and suites;; All inclusive A/V packages;; Wireless internet;; Pool, spa and gym;; Café and catering

naturally

Geelong Conference Centre… Naturally Geelong Conference Centre recently underwent a $2 million facelift, creating a first-class business and tourism facility in the heart of Eastern Park Gardens. The refurbishment has transformed the centre’s accommodation facilities to four-star standard, as well as providing state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and modernising the facility’s public areas.

Set in 80 acres of parkland, the centre provides a tranquil and distraction-free environment that is conducive to learning. The gardens provide a stunning backdrop for any corporate or community event, large or small.

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Eastern Park Gardens East Geelong VIC

Ph: (03) 5226 2121 www.gcc.net.au

;; 6 conference rooms;; 46 hotel rooms and suites;; All inclusive A/V packages;; Wireless internet;; Pool, spa and gym;; Café and catering

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Eastern Park Gardens East Geelong VIC

Ph: (03) 5226 2121 www.gcc.net.au

;; 6 conference rooms;; 46 hotel rooms and suites;; All inclusive A/V packages;; Wireless internet;; Pool, spa and gym;; Café and catering

naturally

This premier purpose-built residential venue offers the finest facilities, combining modern comfort with the very latest in technology, including wireless broadband internet and complete audio visual packages in every conference room.

Whether it’s an intimate meeting or a conference for 200 delegates, Geelong Conference Centre has your every event need covered.

Discover the many benefits of this idyllic conference venue for yourself. Call Geelong Conference Centre today on 03 5226 2121 to arrange a tour of our facilities.

High quality venue in the heart of the city Situated in the heart of Geelong’s arts and cultural precinct, Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) is the region’s premier venue for concerts, conferences, theatre productions, performances and community events.

A popular destination for artists and audiences alike, GPAC is able to cater for all your meeting and conference requirements, whether it is a board meeting for 10 or a conference for 1500.

GPAC boasts two theatres, four conference and event spaces and a café. Among these are:

Deakin’s Costa Hall, Geelong Waterfront

This grand 1500-seat space located at Deakin University’s

Waterfront Campus provides Geelong with a venue capable of

housing large-scale concerts, conferences, meetings and lectures.

The Playhouse

Recently refurbished, this 800-seat proscenium arch theatre

provides a first-class stage for major local, Australian and

international performers.

Drama Theatre

A studio-style theatre with a capacity of 325, this venue is as

pleasurable for performers as it is for the audience. The theatre is

an ideal space for intimate theatre performances, acoustic concerts,

comedy, public lectures and seminars.

GPAC also offers:

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment, professional and

knowledgeable staff; full in-house catering; day packages available,

nearby car parking.

GPAC will ensure your conference or event runs smoothly from the

first phone call to the last cup of coffee.

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS NEWS | 33

The Pier Geelong is fast establishing itself as a leading conference and events space in regional Victoria.

Located at the end of the iconic Cunningham Pier and situated on the waterfront it’s an ideal venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) events boasting stunning water & city skyline views.

As Geelong’s largest purpose-built conference & events space, the Pier Geelong has the ability to cater for product launches, small group gatherings, conferences up to 1,000 theatre-style, and cocktail parties & events up to 1,300 guests.

STUNNING WATER VIEWS WOW MICE MARKET

‘Meet’ in Geelong’s most spectacular conference & events venue

Conferences & seminars

Exhibitions

Cocktail parties

Product launches

Major events

Private functions Cunningham Pier

Cunningham Pier 10 Western Beach Foreshore Rd, Geelong(03) 5222 6444 enquiries@thepiergeelong.com.au www.thepiergeelong.com.au

credo.GBNews.04.12

Since undergoing a major redevelopment only 2 years ago, The Pier Geelong has held a number of high profile events, product launches & conferences. Recently, they held the Official Launch of the MINI Coupé and Roadster vehicles. The Pier’s diverse facilities enabled MINI to house 4 cars within the events centre, and combine their launch with cocktail functions, training sessions, small meetings, & access to great driving roads. There are only a small number of venues in regional Victoria with these capabilities.

The MINI car launch followed on the back of the Official Davis Cup Dinner also held at The Pier Geelong only a few days earlier, where over 150 of Tennis Australia’s VIPs, including the Australian team, attended. The Pier Geelong prides itself on stunning panoramic views, high quality service and mouth watering menu choices. Couple this with our versatile and stylish venue and neutral colours (allowing clients to add their creative touch), The Pier Geelong is becoming a leading conference & events venue.

• Hassle-freeconferencingandevents• Professionalvenue• Greatservice• Freeparking• Easytofind• Disabilityfriendly

$45 Day Delegate Package-CallJamieMcGuane.

Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre

P:(03)52329531F:(03)52321046

E:jamie.mcguane@colacotway.vic.gov.au

W:www.copacc.com.au

“COPACC’s resources, expertise and support from staff have always been instrumental in my ability to deliver quality events. From event management advice, access to technology, or just having that spare roll of tape when you need it - COPACC always has my needs covered.” - Rachel Wood, President of Community Hub Inc

BUSINESS EVENTS

34 | BUSINESS NEWS

BUCkLEY’S ENTErTAINmENT CENTrE 54 Fellmongers Road, BREAKWATER VIC 3219 P: (03) 5248 4866 | E: info@buckleys.com.au

Buckley’s Entertainment CentreBuckley’s Entertainment Centre is emerging as one of the leading Conference and Function venues in Geelong. If it’s excellent service, while at the same time the freedom to run your function the way you want, then Buckley’s is the place for you.

Buckley’s Entertainment Centre is the ideal facility to accommodate companies and organisations of various sizes as we are among the larger venues in Geelong, whilst maintaining a reasonable rate. Being only 10 minutes from Geelong’s CBD and a short drive from the Bellarine Peninsula, Buckley’s provides ample parking in the front of the venue as well as an easily recognisable exterior.

BUSINESS NEWS | 35

BUSINESS EVENTS

WE have two separate function spaces available: the Conference Room can seat up to 50 people and our Auditorium which can seat up to 300 people. Both rooms feature ceiling projectors with screens and audio facilities. Our Auditorium also includes a retractable room separator to create two smaller rooms, stage, dance floor and a fully equipped bar. These are fully air-conditioned rooms with up-to-date technology, including wi-fi and cable internet connections. Our single storey design allows easy access for all people, with disabled parking and toilets available.

Buckley’s provides room hire and catering to a number of community groups and organisations from Geelong and the region, adapting to each groups individual needs. We have excellent menus available which have been specifically designed to cover a range of situations, but we are more than happy to sit down and discuss an option that best suits what the client is looking for in style and budget.

One area which is growing constantly is the use of our function room for training purposes

held by a range of organisations and facilitators. Our space allows numerous styles of training to be conducted, from class room style seating to hands on and interactive training sessions, with or without food and beverage. The possibilities are endless and with ample parking available it makes it easy for the participants to attend.

Buckley’s has been host to an assortment of exhibitions as the large Auditorium allows the room to be sectioned into both theatre style seating for guest speakers as well as tables for stalls and displays. The room’s size and layout means that exhibitors can expect a large turn out to view their showcase, and guests can also enjoy a meal in the public bar or bistro afterwards.

A private entrance is available for those occasions when your guests don’t want to enter through the venue. This way they can enter straight into the Auditorium through a small foyer. With a separate rear car park and entrance ideal for function hosts who may need to transport equipment and materials.

Buckley’s Entertainment Centre is a popular place to hold a wedding reception in Geelong as it is centrally located and an easy

journey from most ceremony sites around Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast. The Auditorium, with its minimalist design, is easily transformed to create a completely different experience for each wedding held at Buckley’s. Our experienced staff helps to make the most important day of people’s lives run smoothly, allowing them to focus on enjoying their day. We also make our Conference Room available for the bridal party to start the night allowing them to take a moment, and perhaps a drink, before heading through to the reception. Our wedding packages are extremely competitive compared to similar venues whilst including all the trimmings. We’re also happy to help source any extras that can help to make the evening even more special.

Buckley’s Entertainment Centre is renowned for throwing a great party! We offer both an elegant, more formal sit down birthday or a fun finger food/cocktail style party. Ranging from engagement parties, birthdays, graduation or presentations we ensure that all guests have the time of their lives and whether it’s with a band, DJ or the always popular juke box the dance floor will always be full.

Due to our large space and separate kitchen available for functions we are more than able to cater for parties of up to 250 people. Many groups, particularly sporting or social clubs will come to Buckley’s annually to hold their major nights, such as presentation or awards evenings.

We are extremely excited to announce that during 2012 the Auditorium and Conference room will undergo a facelift, and not just with a new coat of paint. The Auditorium Bar will experience a complete overhaul, similar to the renovations made in the main bar during 2010/2011. The reason for doing this is to make sure that Buckley’s keeps its place as one of the prominent function centres in Geelong, ensuring that our décor and equipment is always up-to-date.

Being a well-known venue in Geelong Buckley’s has a steady flow of functions but are always looking for exciting new ideas which can be brought to our attention. People who have not been to the club for many years tend to get quite a shock when they enter and see how Buckley’s has been transformed into the outstanding venue it is today. V

GEELONG CONFERENCE CENTRE

VUE GRAND QUEENSCLIFF

NEW 2012-13 GREAT OCEAN ROAD PLANNERS GUIDE

GEELONG • BELLARINE • GREAT OCEAN ROAD

GREATDEALSGREAT OCEAN ROAD

Order your free copy of the 2012-13 Great Ocean Road Planners Guide today.

Business Events Geelong’s new and innovative Planners Guide allows you to experience the region without even leaving the office.

By scanning an advertiser’s QR code with a smart phone you will be connected immediately to YouTube footage or an image gallery and taken on a journey of quality and professionalism.

T (03) 5223 2588 E businessevents@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Valid until 31 December, 2013

The Geelong Conference Centre is a purpose built residential conference centre located in the heart of Eastern Park Gardens providing a tranquil and distraction-free environment.

This Great Deal includes one main meeting room including full AV equipment, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, working lunch and afternoon tea, mints and water – refreshed throughout the day, conference stationery box and free onsite parking.

T (03) 5226 2121 E gcc.functions@aus.salvationarmy.org

Valid from 1 April – 29 June, 2012* Based on a min. of 10. Quote “Great Deal” when booking.

Conference in style. Escape to the coast and experience the charm the Vue Grand and The Bellarine has to offer.

This executive retreat includes full day use of executive board room, VIP accommodation for 1 night, ½ hour canapés on the roof top bar, 5 course tasting dinner, wireless internet, buffet breakfast, gourmet buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon tea.

T (03) 5258 1544 E conniet@vuegrand.com.au

Valid from 1 April – 31 August, 2012* Based on a min. of 10. Quote “Great Deal” when booking.

$282pp Executive Retreat*$55pp Day Meeting

Package*

The Geelong Conference Centre is a purpose built residential conference centre located in the heart of Eastern Park Gardens providing a tranquil and distraction-free environment. This Great Deal includes one main meeting room including full AV equipment, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, working lunch and afternoon tea, mints and water – refreshed throughout the day, conference stationery box and free onsite parking.

Business Events Geelong will donate $1 for every $100 spent on conference packages booked via our online booking system, to the NBCF. (Terms and Conditions apply).

Now there is even more reason to book these Great Deals

BusinessEventsGeelong.com.au

Victoria’s No.1 Regional Destination for business events

4218_GOT_GreatDeals_GBN_FA2.indd 1 26/03/12 4:23 PM

BUSINESS EVENTS

BUSINESS NEWS | 37

GEELONG CONFERENCE CENTRE

VUE GRAND QUEENSCLIFF

NEW 2012-13 GREAT OCEAN ROAD PLANNERS GUIDE

GEELONG • BELLARINE • GREAT OCEAN ROAD

GREATDEALSGREAT OCEAN ROAD

Order your free copy of the 2012-13 Great Ocean Road Planners Guide today.

Business Events Geelong’s new and innovative Planners Guide allows you to experience the region without even leaving the office.

By scanning an advertiser’s QR code with a smart phone you will be connected immediately to YouTube footage or an image gallery and taken on a journey of quality and professionalism.

T (03) 5223 2588 E businessevents@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Valid until 31 December, 2013

The Geelong Conference Centre is a purpose built residential conference centre located in the heart of Eastern Park Gardens providing a tranquil and distraction-free environment.

This Great Deal includes one main meeting room including full AV equipment, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, working lunch and afternoon tea, mints and water – refreshed throughout the day, conference stationery box and free onsite parking.

T (03) 5226 2121 E gcc.functions@aus.salvationarmy.org

Valid from 1 April – 29 June, 2012* Based on a min. of 10. Quote “Great Deal” when booking.

Conference in style. Escape to the coast and experience the charm the Vue Grand and The Bellarine has to offer.

This executive retreat includes full day use of executive board room, VIP accommodation for 1 night, ½ hour canapés on the roof top bar, 5 course tasting dinner, wireless internet, buffet breakfast, gourmet buffet lunch, and morning and afternoon tea.

T (03) 5258 1544 E conniet@vuegrand.com.au

Valid from 1 April – 31 August, 2012* Based on a min. of 10. Quote “Great Deal” when booking.

$282pp Executive Retreat*$55pp Day Meeting

Package*

The Geelong Conference Centre is a purpose built residential conference centre located in the heart of Eastern Park Gardens providing a tranquil and distraction-free environment. This Great Deal includes one main meeting room including full AV equipment, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, working lunch and afternoon tea, mints and water – refreshed throughout the day, conference stationery box and free onsite parking.

Business Events Geelong will donate $1 for every $100 spent on conference packages booked via our online booking system, to the NBCF. (Terms and Conditions apply).

Now there is even more reason to book these Great Deals

BusinessEventsGeelong.com.au

Victoria’s No.1 Regional Destination for business events

4218_GOT_GreatDeals_GBN_FA2.indd 1 26/03/12 4:23 PM

DISCOVER venues in amongst inspiring scenery, attractions and experiences. With waterfront views from its front yard and the Great Ocean Road in its back yard, Geelong is a stunning, feature-filled package. Geelong’s Waterfront is abuzz with action. Where else can you ride a jet boat, a sea plane, a chopper and an antique carousel, in one day?This vibrant city blends grand historical buildings with contemporary architecture, commercial hubs with brilliant cultural treasures, major shopping centres and multicultural dining and shopping strips.Just 15 minutes drive from Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula beckons with welcoming wineries, beachy lifestyle and the villages of Queenscliff, Drysdale, Portarlington, St Leonards, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.Some of the state’s most spectacular places are within easy reach of the Geelong CBD - The Bellarine Taste Trail, surf beaches and the iconic Great Ocean Road. WHo WE ArE

Business Events Geelong is the award winning convention bureau for Victoria’s premier meetings destination - Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. ‘LET’S mEET’

As a division of Geelong Otway Tourism, we represent over 1,000 professional businesses in every aspect of meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and the tourism industry. Let us assist you in planning your next meeting in one of Australia’s leading business events

destinations. Our role is to support you by locating exceptional conference venues, unique function spaces, quality accommodation, professional support services and amazing experiences. We guarantee you full support towards ensuring your next business event is a huge success, and Business Events Geelong’s convention bureau services are FREE!By working with the bureau, you will receive personalised service and assistance with:• Production of professional bid

documents• Managing request for proposals• Venue selection• Conducting venue site inspections• Hosting regional familiarisations• Connecting you to local industry groups

and research facilities• Referring the best of our locally based

professional support services• Suggesting motivational team building

activities• Assisting with incentive travel reward

programs• Sourcing local delegate and speaker

gifts• Providing delegate boosting materials• Assistance with pre and post touring

options• Supplying visitor informationAsk us about business event sponsorship!We acknowledge the support of Local Government and industry, enabling

Business Events Geelong services to be provided at no charge. mEmBErSHIpS

• Association of Australian Convention Bureaux

• Business Events Victoria• Meetings & Events Australia• Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau• Victoria Tourism Industry Council BUSINESSEVENTSgEELoNg.Com.AU

Our dedicated business events website provides you with key online tools at your fingertips including:• Search and book Hot Deals• Source venues and suppliers• View latest news and updates• Subscribe to receive our electronic

newsletter, attend familiarisations and request a proposal

• Explore the region• Access our events tool box Book or ENqUIrE oNLINE

Booking your next business event in Geelong and the Great Ocean Road has just become even easier! In three easy steps, Shortlead technology allows you to:• Request a proposal directly with our

venues• Search live meeting and group

accommodation rates• Search venue date availability• Compare and select the most cost

effective time to meet• Book your next residential conference or

day meeting package

Geelong and The Great Ocean Road, perfect for your next conference or event!

The Geelong and Great Ocean Road Region offers some of the state’s roomiest regional conference spaces, world-class hotels and incentives, making this the perfect backdrop for your next conference or event.

HALL of fAmE WINNEr 2008

Victorian Tourism Awards

NATIoNAL WINNEr 2004, 2006 and 2007

Australian Tourism Awards

NATIoNAL WINNEr 2009 and 2010

National Meetings Industry Awards

STATE WINNEr 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011

Victorian Meetings Industry Awards

- oUr AWArDS -

Located on the waterfront in Geelong, Customs House Restaurant & Wine Bar

provides a unique ambient dining experience, with professional and personalized service that

encapsulates the Geelong lifestyle, offering fresh local produce and one of the most

extensive wine lists in the region.

Our commitment is to create a Geelong venue that will be operated by the owners, all partners will be active members of the team with a daily hands on

approach. We will share our International experience with all employees and guests, adapting our knowledge to a service style and menu design that will be tailored

for the Geelong people.

Open 7 days a week | 9am - Midnight Monday-Friday 8am - Midnight Sat/Sun & Public Holidays ALL DAY Dining and Grazing Tapas Menu

Intimate Dining available from 6pm | Coffee available from 8am Vegetarian, Gluten free meals available | Caters for children

Basement Level, Waterfront Facing, 57-59 Broughham Street, Geelong

Geelong Waterfront (Esplanade) opposite the Carousel (03) 5246 6500

www.customshouse.biz

INTIMATE ELEGANT SOPHISTICATED

Heritage meets the 21st Century

BUSINESS NEWS | 39

BUSINESS EVENTS

CuSTOMS House Restaurant and Wine Bar opened in mid-March and, according to one of the restaurant’s owners, has quickly found a home with local patrons, some of whom have already claimed their favourite chair in the cosy lounge and welcoming alfresco area.

“Since we opened, the feedback and reviews have all been extremely positive, with guests coming back for second, third and fourth visits. And already we have patrons who pop in daily,” says Natalie Spagnardi who operates the restaurant with co-owners Daniel Muhor and his parents, Jamal and Val Muhor.

Given the grandeur of the building and the reputation of the people behind Customs House Restaurant and Bar, the buzz surrounding its opening is not surprising. Jamal and Val, of Bellarine Street’s Fishbowl Restaurant and Bar fame, have operated hospitality businesses in Geelong for 35 years, while Daniel brings years of experience in managing

international hotels and restaurants to the Customs House venture.

Executive Chef Michael Giarrusso, along with his brother, Sous Chef Damian Giarrusso, also have a wealth of experience, having worked alongside Masterchef Gary Mehigan at Fenix Restaurant in Melbourne and Joseph’s at Werribee Mansion. They have a passion for quality, local produce and an emphasis on authentic flavours and recipes, simple presentations and healthier methods of preparation, for fast or leisurely dining.

“Our patrons can enjoy exclusive aged beef, fresh local seafood, an all-day tapas menu and pizza,” say Natalie. “We also have one of the most extensive wine lists in the region, concentrating on local wine, which gives every connoisseur the opportunity to combine food selection with the perfect wine.”

Customs House will also offer leisurely high teas once a month, starting on Mother’s Day.

Bringing the restaurant to life

has been a labour of love for the Muhors and Natalie, as the waterfront-facing basement of Custom House had been vacant for years and required significant work. It also meant liaising closely with Heritage Victoria, as Customs House, built in 1856, is a listed building and any interior or exterior work required the agency’s approval.

“The building was the perfect venue for our vision of a sophisticated, elegant and intimate restaurant, but it didn’t come without its challenges,” Natalie says. “Being Heritage listed, Council owned and requiring a total refurbishment, what we started with was a building with some grand walls and nothing else.”

Now, however, the basement boasts a Victorian themed restaurant with a modern twist in the stainless steel show kitchen open to the dining area; a European style alfresco area and the cozy Lounge Bar, “1856 @ Customs House”, where guests

are invited to relax with a cocktail or coffee by the open fireplace while perusing the many old books that fill the floor to ceiling bookshelves.

“For a more formal affair, there are two private VIP rooms oozing with sophistication and class that host up to 12 people,” Natalie says. “These are perfect for a business lunch or dinner, or for a more intimate special occasion. We also cater for functions such as weddings and engagement parties, cocktail parties and birthdays.”

The refurbishment of the 156 year-old building, while staying true to its heritage, has also added some very up-to-date comforts for patrons, including free Wi-Fi.

“If it’s a home office environment you’re after without having to be stuck at home, then Customs House can be your home away from home,” Natalie says. “You can sit in the alfresco area with a view of the waterfront or in the Lounge Bar or restaurant while you work.”

Geelong’s historic Customs House has a new lease on life, with the disused basement now a restaurant and wine bar paying homage to the building’s heritage.

Customs House Restaurant and Wine Bar is located on the Waterfront, opposite the Carousel, and is open seven days a week from 9am Monday to Friday and 8am on weekends and public holidays.

Call 5246 6500 | email info@customshouse.biz | visit www.customshouse.biz for more information.

ARTS

40 | BUSINESS NEWS

LITTLE does Anna (Emma Palmer) know that answering that ad will send her life into a spin as she is whirled and spun into a whole new world by her new dance partner, Jewish meatpacker, Henry Ribolow (Justin Stewart Cotta). The pair’s relationship, both personal and as dance partners, begins haltingly, even clumsily, but develops into something rare and extraordinary.The couple dance urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Berlin.

Henry and Anna are the show’s only characters on stage - soaring in amazing ballroom routines, their steps and lives growing in perfect syncopation. The delightful story is told through song and dance, as the infectious music of the early 20th century sets audiences toes tapping and has them itching to join the fun on stage.This heart-warming production is choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ Mark Hodge, under the direction of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.Writing the play, Knee was inspired by the early 1910’s created “a revolution of expression” – a phrase that in fact makes it into the character Henry’s mouth. This was exactly what Allan himself was looking for in his own work. In Syncopation, he has clearly created that with the only play in the world that combines the narrative and psychological power of ballroom dance into a theatrical form.As a young man, Allan’s parents sent him to ballroom dancing lessons and he says he found himself winning trophies at contests and “clearing the floor”. He danced right through university, but ultimately stopped dancing because the performance element was something he no longer enjoyed. In Syncopation he draws on his dancing past, and his continuing love for old New York of the pre-war period. He explains that visiting a whole new circle of relatives on the city’s Lower East Side was a formative experience for him as a boy, and the play is partly set in this area. Syncopation wowed audiences in New York – scooping an American Theatre Critic’s Award.This is a production that audiences will savour for years to come – a benchmark of artistry and entertainment.

The Age describes it as:

“A compelling story that promenades, foxtrots and tangos to life.”

SyncopationBursting on to the stage in a flurry of dance and song is the new stage show from playwright, Allan Knee. Set in 1912, New York City, a young Italian Catholic seamstress spots a curious ad in the paper: “Give your life a lift. Wanted: A dance partner to dance for royalty.”

ON TOUR ThROUghOUT

AUSTRAlIA:

26 April Wyndham Cultural

Centre, Werribee

15 May Wendouree Performing

Arts Centre, Ballarat

17 – 19 May Geelong Performing

Arts Centre

ARTS

BUSINESS NEWS | 41

Marion Manifold: Marie Antoinette through the Notebook

Throughout April

This exhibition started as research into Marie Antoinette’s ‘Notebook of Ladies’ Attire’ in the Archives Nationales, Paris. The book has fabric samples, which were presented to Marie Antoinette who pricked the pages with a pin to choose her attire.Using a facsimile of the book and researching places and images of Marie Antoinette’s life and era, including the revolution, Victorian artist Marion Manifold has created works that are richly beaded and/or embroidered, or painted, some with silk

appliqué, in keeping with Marie Antoinette’s lifestyle.Marie Antoinette’s fashion revolution was the beginning of her end on the guillotine. Her fate is omnipresent in the work - the attempted destruction of her identity through satire and as Prisoner No. 280 and the complete loss of identity by beheading and burial in an unmarked grave.This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body and is a result of a 3 month Paris residency.Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat. artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Women Painters from Kintore + Kiwirrkura

19 April – 5 May

In association with Papunya Tula Artists, this exhibition represents the rise of women artists and the importance of women’s Dreamings and ceremonial culture, reflecting a rich vein of stylistic diversity and experimentation by established and emerging Papunya Tula artists from the two Western Desert communities of Kintore and Kiwirrkura.The story of the women artists of Papunya Tula first came to prominence in a book in 1994. In ‘Aboriginal Artists of the Western Desert’, Vivien Johnson states that at the

time the book was published very few women from Kintore and Kiwirrkura painted regularly. For years many of these women, married to some of the most significant Western Desert painters, helped their husbands without recognition for their work. It is only recent years that these women have been painting in their own right, fast gaining acknowledgment for the beauty of their work and the stories they tell through it – representations of the traditional women’s business from their ancestral country in the Western Desert regions – a rare subject matter.Where: Metropolis Gallery. metropolisgallery.com.au

Womens’ storiesThis April, two very different exhibitions have two very different stories to tell. One tells of one of the most famous, and famously frivolous women in history. The other tells of the rarely told and, until recently unrecognized, traditional lives and duties of indigenous women in outback Australia.

THE KarnivART exhibition showcases the wonderful artwork created by artists with disabilities or mental illness from Geelong, Barwon South West and Southern Metropolitan regions of Victoria. This year the event, sponsored by Technology One, saw 48 entries, including both paintings and sculptures, vying for the coveted prize.“We always have a very high calibre of entries and this year’s artwork was absolutely terrific,” said Sheree

Holdsworth, BacLinks Manager. “It is always exciting to see the scope of talent represented at this special event.” Technology One State Manager, Behnam Roohizadegan, along with former curator of the Geelong Gallery Brian Hubber, renowned artist Jamie Daddo and art school/gallery owner Susan Haywood had the difficult task of judging the winners, who were announced on the night of the launch.

Damian Goralski’s’ papier mache creation, ‘The Car Transporter’ took out the top prize of $400 with the artwork purchased by Karingal for display around its branches. Second place, the Ian Scarlett Prize, dedicated to the gifted Karingallery artist who sadly passed away last year, went to Timothy McMahon for his complex painting ‘Consumer of Structure and Sense’ and there was a tie for third place, Janeen Blackmore’s ‘2 Drinks and a Bottle’ and Marcus Lovell’s ‘The Horse Race’.A week later, the Karingal Karnivale (presented by Westpac and sponsored by Adroit and Blood Toyota) was held in the beautiful Karingal Riverview Terrace grounds. Although the weather was overcast and rain ushered in the event, it turned out to be

one of the most successful events yet, with over 2,000 people of all ages enjoying the variety of stalls, fine food, drink, activities and entertainment and many staying late into the evening. The Kidzone activities included two jumping castles, a jumbo and a junior sized version, chair-o-plane, petting zoo, easel painting, face painting and airbrush tattoos, fairy floss, popcorn and cupcake decorating. While the kiddies were being entertained, the adults could amble around the stalls or enjoy an Otway Estate beer or wine sitting comfortably at tables that overlooked the grounds and entertainment area.“The whole family had a wonderful time. The kids had lots to amuse them and there was a great range of food and drink to choose from,” one guest enthused. Another, a little boy, summed it up when he said the event

was worth “10 out of 10”, describing it as “epic”.The Mik Maks set the scene for the great entertainment program by engaging the youngest Karnivale guests, who milled around the front of the stage to excitedly watch the group’s music and dance routine. Soul Sister Swing then took to the stage to entertain everyone with their swing style of music. They were followed by the 22 member Police Show Band, with local cover band Trojan finishing off the night in style.An event highlight was the celebratory cutting of the huge 60th birthday cake by Karingal CEO, Daryl Starkey and two of Karingal’s first participants, Leslie Murphy and Bev Ingles. The crowd joined in to sing happy birthday and pieces of the delicious cake were distributed around for

everyone to enjoy. Events such as these rely on sponsorship and the volunteer support from businesses and their employees. BacLinks facilitate a number of events and projects requiring a variety of support options to meet a range of community needs. If you are interested in learning how your business can contribute to our community in a meaningful way please talk to one of the BacLinks team on 5249 8989 or visit www.baclinks.org.au.

COMMUNITY

Fun for all ages and abilitiesMarch was an exciting time for BacLinks with both of Karingal’s signature events, the KarnivART and Karnivale, held during the month. This year’s events were particularly special, as 2012 marked Karingal’s 60 years in providing services to people with disabilities in the region, a testament to how far the organisation has come since its humble beginnings.

42 | BUSINESS NEWS

“[One] little boy summed it up when he said the event was worth “10 out of 10”, describing it as “epic”.”

COMMUNITY

THE Geelong Business Challenge, a challenge put out by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, encourages staff at organisations across Geelong to donate blood not only to support their community, but also in hope of their company taking out this year’s title.For the past two years, WHK has taken out the honours as the honours in the challenge, so the race is now on to topple the accountancy firm as title holders, with eleven leading companies already signing on to the challenge.The challenge runs between local companies for six months, between 1 March and 31 August, with keen office workers already booking appointments to give blood and ensure their company has a fighting chance. Whether you’re from a white collar or blue-collar industry, the challenge is on!Within the Geelong area, so far eleven companies have signed up to start saving lives, but it’s not too late for more to sign up. A spokesperson for WHK said that giving blood is a positive way of contributing to your community. “WHK staff saw the Blood Challenge as a great opportunity to personally contribute in a non-financial way to helping others, as well as an easy way to contribute to the community,” said Judy Brain of WHK. Stephanie Reynolds, Community Relations Officer for the Blood Service said that this was an excellent opportunity to support the Blood Service and to find out more about how donated blood saves lives. “In around the same time as a meeting or your lunch

break, you can help patients, including people with cancer, mothers-to-be and newborn babies” said Miss Reynolds. “We hope that offices workers across Geelong embrace this campaign and save lives by becoming blood donors.“Not only do you feel good about giving blood, but you’re helping to save three people’s lives with every donation,” Miss Reynolds said.One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 currently donates – chances are they could be your colleague. For more information about the getting your business involved in the Geelong Business Challenge, please contact Stephanie Reynolds on 5224 7413.Roll up your sleeves and give blood. To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.

The challenge is on, with these companies among those who believe they can give the most:

• WHK

• LBW Chartered Accountants

• Hodges

• Perisic & Thomas Lawyers

• Signature Homes

• Dennis Family Homes

• Bendigo Bank

• Morris Finance

• The Gordon

• St Laurence Community

Services

• Evologic Technologies

• PRD Nationwide

• QBE

• Degrandi Cycle & Sport

• Express Promotions

• Powercor

BUSINESS NEWS | 43

Classic for a reason

The Rotary Club of Geelong’s 18th Annual Charity Golf Day at 13th Beach Golf Links is a highlight on the corporate calendar. The Rotary Club of Geelong has been trail blazers in this now very popular form of charitable fundraising. Over the last 17 years the event has raised in excess of $450,000 that has been distributed to local charities in the Geelong Region.

THE 2012 event is proudly sponsored by Malishev World Class Homes. Director Paul Malishev said, “As the major sponsor we believed we could contribute so much more by actively engaging in the facilitation of the event. Our aim is to help the Rotary Club raise in excess of $100,000 for local charities while taking the event to a whole new level of corporate entertainment.” The Barry Bell Ambrose Classic is a corporate sponsorship event comprising a field of 180 players who will be treated to some very special novelty holes on the

course. Participates will relax after the game, dining on fillet steak and sumptuous seafood, while being entertained by host Rob Gaylard. For further information about the Malishev Homes Rotary Charity Golf Day contact the Barwon Health Foundation on 5260 3355 or email gavinse@barwonhealth.org.au. Proceeds will be distributed to the Geelong Hospital Appeal to aid the redevelopment of the Children’s Ward, Geelong Food Relief Centre and Bethany.

Classic for a reasonThe Rotary Club of Geelong’s 18th Annual Charity Golf Day at 13th Beach Golf Links is a highlight on the corporate calendar. The Rotary Club of Geelong has been trail blazers in this now very popular form of charitable fundraising. Over the last 17 years the event has raised in excess of $450,000 that has been distributed to local charities in the Geelong Region.

Business community, roll up your sleeves!Organisations across Geelong will be seeing staff rolling up the sleeves on their business shirts and saving lives over the next six months.

WINE

44 | BUSINESS NEWS

WITH a few tough vintages and less wine in tanks across the country, many wineries are looking locally for a solution to depleted sales. Unfortunately for producers, beer sales are on the rise and wine consumption hasn’t met projected expectations. Perhaps there is a thirsty neighbour who might be able to help…In 2011 it became official, China surpassed the US as our biggest export market. That comes as no surprise

to most of us, you can hardly escape the publicity surrounding our mining industry’s booming trade with China, but there are also other Australian products the Chinese are embracing. Other than iron ore, Australia exports rice, wheat, lamb and wool in large volumes into China. The new kid on the block is wine, with exports up over 35% last year. According to Wine Australia, last year Australia exported

781 million litres of wine, valued at $2.1 billion. China imported 55 million litres, making it Australia’s fourth largest wine export destination and generating export earnings of some $164 million. Wine Australia also ranks China as Australia’s fastest growing wine export market.China’s demand for Australian wine has grown on average 20% a year from 1990, and is seen to be the great hope for our export future. Generated mainly by the big four in the past (Australia’s ‘big four’ wine companies are Southcorp, Beringer Blass, BRL Hardy and Orlando Wyndham), now not only the big companies are targeting the Chinese market. As export companies see the potential for premium products, many small wineries have gained access to the lucrative Chinese export opportunities. To help position Australian wine as a premium product, Wine Australia has launched its ‘A+ Australian Wine’ program in China. The program brings together a range of Australian wineries and brands with Wine Australia to promote a national image for Australian wine in China. Wine Australia has also launched a Chinese language iPhone app to promote higher end Australian wines to Chinese consumers. The app is part of a series of wine

education programs in China. Wine Australia’s Vintage 2011 program brought 100 Chinese wine professionals to Australia for a week of winery-hosted vintage experiences.Unfortunately, not all Australian exporters are trying to crack the high end of the Chinese market. Over half of Australian exports to China are bulk or cask wine, attracting very low prices. In 2010, 30 million of the 55 million litres of Australian wine sold to China was bulk wine. Much of this wine is later bottled in China to maintain the lowest possible retail price. Sadly, for many this will be their introduction to our wines.Now, the Chinese obviously see the potential for Australian wines in their market, as they have started investing in Australian wineries. Chinese investors have bought many local financially unstable wineries recently, and the forecast is for many more to be sold to Chinese investors in the future. So, let’s hope the Chinese continue to develop a taste for Australian wines in the future!

When not immersed in his work as Winemaker’s Assistant and jack-of-all-trades at the award-winning Witchmount Winery, Adrian preents wine tasting evenings at Lamby’s Restaurant + Bar.

ADRIAN MARCHIARO

Wine abroadWith the stronger dollar there has been a great depreciation in our export market. The US and the UK have closed ranks and the Australian wine export market has taken a real hit.

Free Entry, Free Wine Tasting, Free Gourmet Platters For Patrons, Free Live EntertainmentEach Week - The Ideal Post Work Get Together

eVeRY FrIDaY FrOM 5pM

5th April – Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! We love Easter!Celebrate Easter with a range of wines and liquors

to wash down all that chocolateEntertainment: Warm Sands

13th April – More than just magnificent red meat and MalbecsExcellent wines from the far reaches of Argentina

Entertainment: Chic

20th April – The greatest region of all, BurgundyCome and try the great wines from the much

admired Burgundy region of FranceEntertainment: Warm Sands

27th April – Fighting side by side again and taking on the world!A mix of great Australian and New Zealand wines

to celebrate ANZAC dayEntertainment: Chic

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ak_lambys_grapec_080312.pdf 2 8/03/12 4:43 PM

A new vision for retailingThe Gordon launched its new Diploma of Visual Merchandising course and studio on Wednesday 21 March 2012. Staff, students and industry guests gathered for the official opening at The Gordon, with representatives of many leading local retailers watching this latest development in the local industry with interest.

Guests included representatives from Westfield, Quicksilver, Target, Corio Shopping Centre, Mitre 10, The Laboratory, Sydney TAFE and

Deakin University.The course is a first for Geelong following a pilot program last year, and has been receiving strong interest with almost 40 students commencing this year, along with many enquiries from retailers and business owners seeking workshops and online packages for their staff.

Course coordinator, Caroline Buckle, says many retailers are realising that Visual Merchandising is the key to business survival in the current market. “With the onslaught of online competition and with global, high-profile savvy retailers such as Zara and Top Shop opening on our shores, local retailers must keep up with merchandising and product display trends in order to secure their share of the market,” she says.

AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS NEWS | 45

Grant Sutherland (The Gordon) and Robin Buckham (Deakin University).

Caroline Buckle (The Gordon), Julie Christy (Cotton On) and Helen Dunne (The Gordon).

Jane Trewin (The Gordon), Gerald Brennan (Deakin University) and Deborah Hyam (Sydney Insitute of TAFE).

Jaz Little (The Laboratory), Sally Aganetti (The Gordon) and Brooke Greison (The Laboratory).Kathy Mathieson (Target) and Donna Stokie (The Gordon.

AFTER HOURS

The challenges ahead for directorsCompany directors and business leaders gathered at the Geelong Football club last month for an Australian institute of Company Directors event discussing the challenges facing directors in 2012.

Australian boardrooms and businesses are bracing for even weaker business conditions in 2012. Directors need to know how to navigate the ever-changing business environment, steering their companies, organisations and businesses through the volatile global economy, skills shortages, domestic regulatory reform and political uncertainty.

Facilitated by Paul Geyer, Victorian State Manager of the

Australian Institute of Company Directors, the luncheon event brought together a panel of experienced directors – Mike Hirst (Chief Executive & Managing Director, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank), Elaine Carbines (Chief Executive Officer, G21 Regional Alliance) and Jodi Heath (Deputy Chair, Barwon Water) – to discuss the key challenges in the year ahead, and the trends that are integral to current and future success.

46 | BUSINESS NEWS

Photos: Elisha Lindsay, elphotography.com.au

AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS NEWS | 47

WEDDINGS • COMMERCIAL • PORTRAITS0439 353 958

elisha@elphotography.com.au

www.elphotography.com.au

AFTER HOURS

International Women’s Day celebrationIt was a celebration of womanhood as friends, families and colleagues gathered at the inaugural UN Women Geelong Chapter International Women’s Day event last month.

HELD at the Geelong Football Club, guest speakers shared inspiring stories of some of the challenges faced by women today, and what other women are doing to engender positive change. Guests heard about what it like growing up as an Aboriginal child in a mostly white community, what it is like being a single mother in Uganda, being a young woman in Vietnam and what services are

available for women and children who have experienced domestic violence in Geelong.

While there were some serious messages to be shared, this was a night of celebration, helped along by live music, art displays and plenty of shared laughs – and a farewell lolly bar considerably sweetened the end of the night.

48 | BUSINESS NEWS

Photos: Elisha Lindsay, elphotography.com.au

AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS NEWS | 49

10 - 11 April

Men in pink TightsMaking their World Premiere season in Australia, Les Ballets Eloelle are bringing their new production Men In Pink Tights - the most spectacular, talented and hilarious all-male comedy ballet ever. From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers (in male and female costumes) with brilliant choreography, to the side splitting humour, Les Ballets Eloelle’s new show, Men In Pink Tights, is a show designed for the young and old. The greatest troupe of it is kind around the globe; Les Ballet Elolle features over fifty ballets in its repertoire and an array of the best international professional male ballet dancers from thirteen nations.The New York-based Company is led by creative Director and lead dancer, Victor Trevino, who was artistic Director and Lead Dancer in 2007 with the hugely successful Australian and New Zealand tour of Men in Tutus. Les Ballet’s Elolle Men In Pink Tights combines magnificent dance proficiency, bantering and clamorous wittiness with designed mannerisms, dance misadventures and naturally outrageous hissy fits – laugh out loud family entertainment. Where: 10 April - Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.gpac.org.au 11 April – Her Majesty’s, Ballarat. www.hermaj.com

11 – 15 April

Books, Bats and Big TreesEnjoy story time in the Geelong Botanic Gardens with bat-themed school holiday activities for children and families. (Gold coin donation.)Where: Geelong Botanic Gardens. www.friendsgbg.org.au

13 – 28 April

Dancing At lughnasaWe meet the Mundys, an impoverished Irish family around the time of the magical festival of Lughnasa, the celebration of the pagan god Lugh, the season of harvest, hope, and possible reward.Where: Woodbin Theatre, Geelong West. www.gpac.org.au

14 April

Central Geelong Farmers MarketStroll amongst the stalls and sample some of the regions finest fresh produce. Where: Little Malop Street Central, between Moorabool & Yarra Streets, Geelong. www.geelongaustralia.com.auShe Stoops To ConquerOne of the great, generous-hearted and ingenious comedies of the English language, Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer offers a celebration of chaos, courtship and the dysfunctional family.Where: Her Majesty’s, Ballarat. www.hermaj.com.au

Australasian Fighting ChampionshipLocal boy Muay Thai legend Chris Bradford is ready to perform to his home crowd along side the ultimate fighter contender Matt ‘Jagerbomb’ Jaggers and many other contenders.Where: The Arena, Geelong. www.australianma.com.au

14 – 15 April

TiTANiC the musicalA free event commemorating the centenary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Where: Helen McPherson Smith Theatre, University of Ballarat www.hermaj.com.au150th Anniversary of the Geelong to Ballarat rail lineThe townships of Navigators, Yendon and Lal Lal will celebrate this historic event.www.navigatorsvictoria.com

14 - 16 April

Shellie’s StoryShellie Morris is an award-winning Australian Aboriginal singer songwriter whose earthy and honest performances have earned her an international reputation as a soulful and enigmatic chanteuse, having performed everywhere from outback Australia to London’s Royal Festival Hall.Where: 14 April – Wyndham Cultural Centre. www.wyncc.com.au 16 April - Potato Shed, Drysdale, Bellarine Peninsula. www.geelongaustralia.com.au

15 April

Tin Shed TalesShare an intimate night of tales and songs with one of Australia’s most iconic singer songwriters, John Butler, who returns to his laid back roots with this solo tour.Where: Her Majesty’s, Ballarat. www.hermaj.comGeelong Half MarathonA picturesque accredited Half Marathon along the Barwon River to Fyansford and return. Where: Belmont Park, Barrabool Road, Belmont. www.gccc.asn.auDynasty: The Bach FamilyHear the Australian Chamber

Choir directed by Douglas Lawrence with works by Johan Ludwig Bach, Johann Michael Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Johann Christoph Bach.Where: The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, Geelong. musicatthebasilica.org.au

UNTil 15 AprilFreshwater saltwaterThis exhibition features works by Indigenous artists who have used printmaking techniques to record their traditional stories, designs and clan totems. Where: Geelong Gallery. www.geelonggallery.org.au

18 April

living on the SpectrumA panel of local adults with an autism spectrum disorder tell five different stories and explain what is ‘living on the spectrum’ through their eyes. Where: Ballarat Golf Club. ballaratautism.comiLSundownerThe second 2012 Alcoa Theatre Season show. Sundowner is a story of lament and at times, grief and sorrow as it explores the challenges of Alzheimers. Where: Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.gpac.org.au

20 April

Twilight Street Market This will be the last market due to the colder weather before starting up again in October. Where: Watton Street, Werribee. www.experiencewyndham.com.auTap rhythmThe Arts Academy, University of Ballarat proudly presents three international tap dance stars in this not be missed event. Where: Helen McPherson Smith Theatre, University of Ballarat. Just Digitise itA free one-day workshop where you’ll learn how to digitise your cultural collection and gain hands-on experience in the process of digitisation from planning through to publishing online.

WHAT’S ON

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WHAT’S ON

BUSiNESS NEWS | 51

Where: Geelong Heritage Centre. www.geelongaustralia.com.au

21 – 22 April

Geelong Heritage Festival 2012The Geelong Region Festival is part of a National Trust nationwide Heritage Festival, 21 April to 20 May 2012, scheduled around World Heritage Day on 18 April 2012. www.nattrust.comWyndham relay for lifeRelay For Life is a fun, outdoor overnight fundraising event that brings communities together to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have battled cancer. Where: Victoria University, Wyndham. www.relayforlife.org.au

22 April

Werribee rSl Anzac MarchMarchers will assemble at the Cultural Centre, Watton Street at approx 2:30pm to march down Watton Street to the Cenotaph at Station Street for a wreath laying ceremony. experiencewyndham.com.au

22 - 28 April

The Gruffalo’s ChildThe team behind The Gruffalo return with this charming sequel. The Gruffalo’s Child brings together physical theatre, music and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 4 and up, and their adults… Where: 22 April - Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. www.wcpa.com.au 28 April – Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.gpac.org.au

24 April

The Eye of the StormPresented as part of the 2012 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival, this independent Australian film stars Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling. Rated MA.Where: Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.gpac.org.au

The roarin’ 20sMusic and images of the 1920s, that decade of hope, inspiration and relief following what had been termed ‘The war to end all wars’. With live music by Shirley Power & Colin Mockett.Where: Potato Shed, Drysdale, Bellarine Peninsula. www.geelongaustralia.com.au

26 – 28 April

TrappedThrough space and setting, this original contemporary dance work explores the concept of what it means to be trapped. Where: Potato Shed, Drysdale, Bellarine Peninsula. www.geelongaustralia.com.au

UNTil April 28Stephen Davidson: Island Relics - Inspired by his extensive travel experiences, from the Buddhist caves of Datong China, the Roman ruins in Europe, castles and Chateaus of the Loire Valley to the sacred cave sites in Australia.Where: University of Ballarat, Post Office Gallery. ballarat.edu.au

29 April

Andrew WishartThe X Factor 2011, finalist Andrew Wishart will be performing in regional Victoria this April. Where: Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.gpac.org.auThe Spanish French AffairNoted soprano Eleanor Kerr sings French Art Songs and Lyndon Kriss plays Spanish music on his guitar.Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat. www.artgalleryofballarat.com.auRoyal Melbourne Philharmonic ChoirWith 100 voice RMP Choir, soprano and barritone soloists, instrumental ensemble of strings and percussion, bells and Russian Othodox cantor.Where: The Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, Geelongmusicatthebasilica.org.au

ManonAnna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new production travels to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.Where: Her Majesty’s, Ballarat. www.hermaj.com

5 MAy

Busting OutDirect from sold out seasons in London, New Zealand and Los Angeles, the Australian made, international hit show Busting Out! returns in 2012. Where: Wyndham Cultural Centre. www.busting-out.com

THrOUGHOUT AprilThe Odd Couple“Where order meets chaos”, with works by Mick Kupresanin & Steve Parkhill.Where: The Wintergarden, McKillop Street, Geelong. www.artwintergarden.com.auKerrie leishman: A New Beauty?Inspired by wind turbines in the landscape, addressing the question of how an artist might create landscapes which incorporate these relatively new additions to the Australian countryside. Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat. artgalleryofballarat.com.auChina Today: Modern Development of an Ancient ArtThis internationally touring exhibition of over fifty contemporary Chinese ceramics - ranging from traditional to ultra modern pieces - comes to Australia as part of the year long celebration of Chinese culture in Australia. Where: Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. sovereignhill.com.au/museumindustrial desire – Gary SmithDepictions of industrial landscapes around Corio Bay that reveal an unexpected beauty and mystery in this often overlooked environment.Until 6 May. Where: Geelong Gallery. www.geelonggallery.org.au

27 April

Administrative professionals Breakfast

Workplaces around Geelong and surrounding areas are encouraged to send along their administrative professionals to the annual Give Where You Live celebration of those that operate at the heart of offices everywhere, as thanks and reward for their hard work and dedication.The fun-filled breakfast will be hosted by Mark Hyland, and includes a delicious breakfast, a neck massage by Endota Spa, a live fashion parade hosted by Westfield Stylist, Renee Enright and Rebecca Maddern, the chance to win one of an array of fantastic prizes and each guest receives a gift bag by Myer Geelong.Where: The Pier, Geelong. www.givewhereyoulive.com.au

hays.com.au

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Over the last year our Geelong office we placed around 95 local job seekers into permanent jobs with local employers and around 150 people into contract roles and temporary assignments. Our service is based on our belief that the right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform a business.

Our recruiting experts are available in the following areas:

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To find out more about our services and how we can bring you together with the right people contact us at geelong@hays.com.au or 03 5226 8000.

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