April 2018 page 1
April 2018 BUSINESS UPDATE
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
Last Friday night 200 hundred people gathered at the Muswellbrook RSL Club to celebrate the finalists and find out the winners of the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business Awards.
Thank you to our sponsors: AGL, Bengalla Mining Company, Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Local Buying Foundation, MACH Energy, Mangoola Open Cut, and Muswellbrook Shire Council.
ANZ Bank, Muswellbrook Branch Blackrock Industries Pty Ltd Commonwealth Bank, Muswellbrook Branch Double Picc Elegance Hair & Beauty Design Final Form Regeneration Game On, Muswellbrook Hair by Maddi Hollydene Estate Wines and Vines Restaurant Hunter Belle Cheese Hunter Valley Mediation itravel Muswellbrook Joblink Plus Merton Living
Muswellbrook PCYC Muswellbrook Post Shop Muswellbrook Home Timber & Hardware MV Solar Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Muswellbrook Northwest Mining Company Pty Ltd Railway Hotel Raine & Horne Muswellbrook Southside Newsagency The Remington The Chop Shop Butchery Two Rivers Wines Upper Hunter Computers
Congratulations to the finalists...
April 2018 page 2
And the winners are... Community Groups/NFP Muswellbrook PCYC
Financial Services: Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Muswellbrook
Health & Beauty Services: Hair by Maddi
Hospitality & Tourism: The Remington
New Business: Double Picc Professional Services: Raine & Horne
Retail (Small): Southside Newsagency
Retail (Large): Muswellbrook Home timber & Hardware
Trades & Industry (Small): Northwest Mining Company
Trades & Industry (Large): Blackrock Industries
Business of the Year: The Remington
Best Presented Business: Muswellbrook Home timber & Hardware
April 2018 page 3
YOUR MCCI
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Executive
President
Mike Kelly
0417 408 127
Vice President
Ross Peasley
0478 180 175
TREASURER
Lorraine Skinner
0429 329 353
Secretary
Sue Milton
02 6542 3555
Directors
Jennifer Lecky
0419 268 130
John Sunderland
0427 437 455
Kylie Wilcox
0402 641 819
Phil Farquharson
0439 936 830
Business
Development Officer
Katherine Murphy
0411 794 554
Our new MCCI member: Hunter Valley Elite Window Tinting
April Chamber Breakfast
It was another full room at the Muswellbrook Race Club, with Stephen Galilee commenting it was the most hi-vis he had ever seen at a breakfast event.
Stephen Galilee with MCCI President Mike Kelly
MCCI collaborated with the Hunter Coal Festival for our breakfast at the Muswellbrook Race Club on the 10th April. NSW Mining CEO Stephen Galilee gave an industry update with a cautious and measured optimism, referencing recent stats demonstrating strong coal export volumes and sustained higher coal prices.
Mr Galilee explained that mining remains to be NSW’s biggest export and although it is unlikely it will ever return to the “glory days” of the boom it is certainly out of the downturn which resulted in one in five workers losing their jobs since 2012. Although a strong advocate for the massive contribution mining continues to make to the local economy, he emphasised the industry needs to listen to the community and work collaboratively with groups like the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue.
Key note speaker: NSW Mining CEO, Stephen Galilee.
April 2018 page 4
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
Member News
April 2018 page 5
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
Game on Muswellbrook invites local business to register for the inaugural Business House Bowls league, commencing Tuesday 8th May. This is a way to get your team together out of work in a competitive but fun environment. Teams are made up of four with one sub and businesses are able to enter more than one team. The cost is $20 per person per week and Game On has a fully licensed bar, coffee and food available. They are also stocking Where there's a Will socks, as often people forget their socks when they go bowling! Please call 6526 2222 to register your team or find our more information.
gameonmuswellbrook.com.au Follow on Facebook HERE
April 2018 page 6
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
MCCI membership entitlements MCCI is part of the Chamber Alliance Program, which means members are entitled to Chamber Alliance Benefits within the cost of membership. These include:
• Workplace Advice and Support • Marketing, events and networking opportunities • Workplace Solutions • Policy and Advocacy
In terms of Workplace Advice and Support, there three webinars and seminars coming up in May. These are free to MCCI members, but you will need to RSVP/register.
If you have any issues with registration please email Katherine on: [email protected]
Seminar - Workplace Update – Thursday 10 May: Are your casuals really casual?
When: Thursday 10 May
Time: 12 noon to 2pm
Where: Singleton Diggers Club
Presenter: Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors
Cost: MCCI members FREE, non-members $30
RSVP: by Tuesday 8 May HERE
Webinar - What to do when a complaint hits your desk (Workplace Investigations)
The #metoo and Wienstein scandals have had a flow on effect to Australian workplaces. This means that business owners and HR practitioners alike must be vigilant in ensuring complaints and other ‘red flag’ events in the workplace are investigated appropriately.
• When you must investigate
• Best practice investigations
• Minimising risk for the business and individuals
• Avoid common errors
• General tips and tricks
When: Tuesday, 8th May 2018 Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm Where: Online - join via your computer! Presenters: Nigel Ward, Joe Murphy and Luis Izzo Cost: FREE but you must register in advance to be sent link to webinar. More information and registration HERE
Webinar - Making your mark with country of origin branding
Research shows demand for Australian-made products is on the rise globally. Review findings, along with the changes to the requirements businesses must meet to make ‘Made in Australia’ claims, in this session about marketing products your products as authentically Australian, here and around the world.
When: Wednesday, 9th May Time: 12 noon to 1pm Where: Online - join via your computer! Presenter: Ian Harris from the Australian Made Campaign Cost: FREE but you must register in advance to be sent link to webinar. More information and registration HERE
April 2018 page 7
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
Last year, the Fair Work Ombudsman responded to a staggering 385,700 enquiries (73% higher on the previous year),
with the majority of employee issues relating to entitlements and termination.
The trip wire of non-compliance is found in the complexity of Fair Work legislation, with employers and managers struggling
to cover the complex detail of modern awards.
Union movement renews campaign on ‘wage theft’
Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary, is seeking to make job security the hot button topic at the ballot box of the next Federal
Election. Dubbed the biggest union campaign since Work Choices (as covered by the ABC’s 7.30 Report, click here to view),
ACTU’s ‘Change the Rules’ campaign targets casual work arrangements.
“Workers in Australia can get trapped in casual employment,” says McManus. “We shouldn’t have two classes of workers …
some with rights, and some without.”
The power to disrupt your business
McManus’s comments and the campaign at large have the power to disrupt employer-employee relations.
Most businesses are shocked to discover that what they’ve always done is in fact extremely risky. Now is the time to get
up to speed with your obligations, so when the Ombudsman or the union issues you a notice to produce documents, enter
the premises to interview employees, or access records, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Casual misconceptions fuelling risk Common misconceptions are rife. Are casual workers easier to hire, pay and dismiss? In many scenarios, the answer is a costly ‘no’. Every breach can bring a severe fine:
Special Feature: Casual Workers The Emerging Crisis
HIGH RISK: ‘Regular and systematic’ casuals
slipping quietly into permanent status
The line between a true casual and a permanent
employee is mired in complexity, especially
when the worker is engaged on a ‘regular and
systematic’ basis.
A recent Federal Circuit Court decision saw a
casual labourer receive 15 years of annual leave
after successfully claiming he was a permanent
employee. The bottom line: you can’t call the relationship ‘casual’ and expect that intention to prevail when a claim occurs.
Where to start: FREE Workplace Update Seminar: Are your casuals really casual? Thursday 10 May at Singleton
Click HERE to RSVP
April 2018 page 8
Web: www.muswellbrookchamberofcommerce.com.au
PO Box 683, MUSWELLBROOK NSW 2333 Phone: 02 6541 1285
Email: [email protected]
The most common challenges faced by the small entrepreneurial business community is digital and financial literacy, taxation and general business management, and access to capital. So the NSW Government and TAFE NSW have partnered to form Skills for Business to help eligible business owners with 200 employees or fewer to tackle these issues with training in Financial and Digital Literacy. And, because TAFE NSW knows that small business owners and employees are busy, this training is online and available 24/7. It’s also fully subsidised so, if your business meets the eligibility requirements, there’s no cost! You and your employees can choose a formal qualification or a short course in the training areas of: • Financial and Digital Literacy Skills for small business • Business Bytes tutorials (available from July 2018). And between: • a single training unit • multiple training units • a set of training units to qualify for a Statement of Attainment in Skills for Business, or a Certificate IV New Small Business. And there is no limit to the number of training units you or your employees can complete! Find out more at tafensw.edu.au/skillsforbusiness
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter Chair, John Turner and Board travelled to Scone on Wednesday 4 April to meet with local government and business organisations to hear about priorities and opportunities for economic development within the Upper Hunter region.
RDA Hunter held its meetings at the Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre (HVERC) in Scone and heard from Chair, Bill Rose and Director, Derek Field regarding the horse breeding industry region and the potential for growth in employment by linking the industry with a skilled workforce. Local government bodies, Upper Hunter Shire Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Singleton Council were in attendance to promote their current projects and priorities within the region with the hopes of building investment and industry development opportunities. The Board also met with Scone, Muswellbrook and Singleton Chambers of Commerce and Industry to discuss the challenges for local business and communities and priorities for the economic development of the area. The opportunity to meet with local organisations within the Upper Hunter region was the first step in delivering the RDA's charter, as provided by the Federal Government. The charter includes: • Developing and maintaining positive working relations with local government bodies • Assisting in delivery of Australian Government programs including public and private sector decentralisation • Promoting and disseminating information on Australian Government policies and grant programs and supporting community stakeholders in the Hunter to develop proposals to access funding.
April 2018 page 9
Legal News
Single Touch Payroll starts from July 1. What's expected of employers? Three-quarters of businesses aren’t ready for the introduction of Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, according to a recent poll by Accountants Daily.
The new system, which comes into effect from 1 July for many businesses, requires employers to report information such as salary and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and superannuation to the Australian Taxation office via a Single Touch Payroll-enabled system at the same time as they pay employees. Businesses can also ask a third party, such as a payroll service provider or tax accountant, to report on their behalf through an enabled service.
More information and a handy checklist HERE.
Seven-year sentence for industrial manslaughter flags a new era of WHS accountability for business With penalties of up to $10 million and 20 years imprisonment, the cost of not meeting your WHS obligations just got personal. Business owners and managers are on notice after a Queensland electrician who traded as Cold Spark Pty Ltd, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years jail. The court found that the business owner did not pay enough attention to his safety obligations, resulting in the tragic death of a young labourer working on a building site that the business was contracted to do work for. More information HERE.
The Fair Work Commission has handed down two important decisions. The first decision concerns unpaid domestic
violence leave. The second decision concerns an ACTU claim for employees to effectively dictate their hours of
work.
Unpaid Domestic Violence Leave Decision
The Commission has made a decision to include standard clauses into all modern awards providing unpaid domes-
tic violence leave of five days to all employees, including casuals. The unpaid leave entitlement will be made avail-
able in full at the commencement of each 12 month period rather than accruing progressively throughout the
year. The entitlement will not accumulate from year to year. More information HERE.
Family Friendly Working Arrangements Decision
The Commission heard a claim by the ACTU to override an employees right to reject employee requests for flexible
work arrangements on reasonable business grounds. The ACTU was trying to fundamentally change the employer/
employee relationship in Australia and cross the ‘Rubicon’ to a system where an employer no longer had control of
when people worked leaving it to employees to decide when they wished to work. The evidence heard in the case
was that the vast majority of employees who request flexibility are being granted their requests. Employers and
employees are getting it right.
The Commission has made a decision to include a model clause into modern awards that facilitates flexible work-ing arrangements in relation to parental and caring responsibilities of employees. The model clause is intended to moderately expand the scope and process of requests for flexible working arrangements in the Fair Work Act. More information HERE.
April 2018 page 10
Page 10
OUR MISSION
‘To represent, promote and encourage business enterprise in Muswellbrook and its districts’.
April 2018 page 11
Page 11
Hunter Economic Breakfast – 11 May Special focus on Economic Prosperity and Inequality featuring: Melinda Cilento, CEO of Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) – How Unequal? Insights on inequality Hugh Mackay, Social Research and Author – Australia Reimagined Dr Anthea Bill , HRF Centre – Indicators of Social Inequality in the Hunter Wests Newcastle, 7am -9am, Tickets and more information available HERE.
April 2018 page 12
Page 12
The Office of Envrironment and Heritage (OEH) will be running a Sustainability Leadership Development (SLD) Program for the Hunter Central Coast (HCC) Region. They have engaged the Centre for Sustainability Leadership (CSL) to deliver the 6-month program under the theme of “Transitioning HCC to a low-emission economy” from May to October for 20 emerging leaders. The program will provide participants with the skills necessary to participate in and/or lead local projects and contribute towards achieving net zero emissions in NSW by 2050. The program’s full value is worth $4,200 per participant with the majority funded by OEH and a small contribution from each participant. Eligible participants include those in Local Government, a business or social enterprise, community organisation or NGO in the Hunter Central Coast Region. An information session will be held on the 3rd of May and closing date for applications is 6th May. Interviews commence 10th May.
www.csl.org.au/sld
Have your say…MCCI wants to hear from you
One of the core functions of a Business Chamber is to lobby and advocate on behalf of their member businesses, so please engage with us to let us know how we can best do this! MCCI is committed to diversifying its member-ship base and representing all industries, and do not hesitate in contacting us with your comments, queries or feedback. Perhaps you have news you would like to share, or an event you would like to promote to other MCCI members? Perhaps you have a specific issue that adversely impacts you in running your business? Perhaps you have an idea for an event or workshop you would like to see MCCI organise? Perhaps you can offer feedback on how we can best ensure you see ROI on your membership fees? The MCCI board communicates regularly over email and meets once a month to collectively discuss and consider all correspondence raised. Feel free to contact Directors individually (contact details on Page 3 of this newsletter) or email Katherine (BDO) on [email protected] and correspondence will be forwarded to the MCCI
April 2018 page 13
Tuesday 1 May 6:15 - 7:15 pm
Michael Crossland's Community Presentation St Joseph’s High School, Segenhoe Street Aberdeen Free community event. More info on page 10 of this newsletter.
Saturday 5 May Upper Hunter Food and Wine Affair Ogilvie Street Denman www.upperhunterwineandfoodaffair.com.au
Tuesday 8 May 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Webinar: What to do when a complaint hits your desk Free for MCCI members but you must register HERE More information on page 6 of this newsletter.
Tuesday 8 May 6:30 pm
Business House Bowls League commences Game On Muswellbrook, 5 Mill Street Muswellbrook More info on page 5 of this newsletter
Wednesday 9 May 12 - 1 pm
Webinar: Making your mark with country of origin branding Free for MCCI members but you must register HERE More information on page 6 of this newsletter.
Thursday 10 May 12- 2 pm
Workplace Update Seminar: Are your casuals really casual? Singleton Diggers Club, York Street, Singleton More info on page 6 of this newsletter Free for MCCI members but you must register HERE by Tuesday 8 May.
Friday 11 May 7 - 9 am
Hunter Economic Breakfast Series: Economic Prosperity and Inequality NEX, Wests City, Corner King & Union Streets, Newcastle West More info on page 11 of this newsletter. RSVPs due by 6 May HERE
Tuesday 15 May 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Workplace Investigations Training - How, Why and When Level 15, 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney NSW Registration due by 9 May HERE
Wednesday 16 May 7 - 9 am
May Chamber Breakfast The focus will be on Muswellbrook Shire Councils Budget Announcement Full details to be announced shortly.
Tuesday 29 May 8 - 10:45 am
HR Summit: Integrating Human & Artificial Intelligence: How to Survive & Prosper in The Digital Age Level 15, 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney NSW RSVPs due 24 May HERE
Wednesday 30 May 8am - 3:30 pm
Effective Capital Strategies: Grow your METS business through investment Newcastle NIER Conference Room Level 5, A Block 70 Vale Street Shortland This event is free but you must register HERE
Wednesday 6 June 8:45 am - 12 pm
METS Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) Showcase: “Tailings to Topsoil” UoN Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook More info to follow
9 June 5:30pm kick-off
Voice for Mining Family Day Newcastle: Knights Vs Roosters McDonald Jones Stadium, Turton Road, Broadmeadow More info HERE
2018 Diary Dates
If you would like MCCI to promote your event please email [email protected]
April 2018 page 14
Aaron Henry Optometrist
A Corp Computers
Advanced Personnel
Management
AGL Energy Limited
Allweld Services
ANZ Bank
Asquith Workforce Solutions
Austmine Limited
Baybrook Motor Inn
Bengalla Mining Company
Benson’s Hospital Shop
Berry & French
BHP Billiton Mount Arthur Coal
Big Lift Cranes & Heavy Haulage
Blackrock Industries
Bowditch Earthmoving
Brook Medical Centre
Brook Outdoors
C-Res
Catalyst Plus
Central Arcade Pty Ltd
Challenge Community Services
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Compass Housing
Coolmore Australia
Curtis Gant Betts
Darryl’s Bobcat Pty Ltd
Davies Thompson & Wright
Services
Denman Legal Pty Ltd
Double Picc
Doug & Roslyn Cleal
EMF Group Pty Ltd
Edmonds Joinery
Edward Higgins Parkinson—First
National Real Estate
Elegance Hair & Beauty
Elks Enterprises Pty Ltd
Fairfax Regional Media
Final Form Regeneration
Fyfe Pty Ltd
Game On Muswellbrook
GJ’s by the Lake
Godolphin Australia
Gowing Advisory
Greater Bank
Hair by Maddi
Harvey Recruitment
Hermitage Motel
Hitachi Construction Machinery
(Aust) P/L Muswellbrook Branch
Hollydene Estate Wines + Vines
Restaurant
Hunter Belle Cheese
Hunter Plant Mechanics
Hunter Prestige Catering
Hunter Region Business Hub
Hunter Valley Elite Window Tinting
Hunter Valley Mediation Services
Hunter Valley Printing
Ice Box Liquor
Integratedliving Australia Ltd
itravel Muswellbrook
JTS Realty
Jennifer Lecky & Associates
Joblink Plus Muswellbrook
John Flood Real Estate
Kevin Doherty
LJ Hooker Muswellbrook
MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd
MRS Services
MV Solar Pty Ltd
Mangoola Coal Operations
Mark Diggins Solicitor
Mark Wellham
Melanie’s Jewellers
Merton Living
Milwain & Sons,
Monadelphous Engineering P/L
Monteath Powys
MRS Services
Muswellbrook Coal Co
Muswellbrook & District
Workers’ Club
Muswellbrook Golf Club
Muswellbrook Home Timber &
Hardware
Muswellbrook PCYC
Muswellbrook Post Shop
Muswellbrook Race Club Ltd
Muswellbrook RSL Sub-Branch Club
Ltd
Muswellbrook Security Services
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Muswellbrook South Public School
Muswellbrook Steel Supplies P/L
National Australia Bank
New Lucky Star Bistro
Newcastle Permanent Building
Society
NJR Engineering
Northwest Mining Company
OAS Technology Group
Pirtek Muswellbrook
Prince of Wales Tavern
Pukara Estate
Pumps & Pipeline Services P/L
Radio Hunter Valley
Railway Hotel
Raine & Horne Muswellbrook
Reg Osborn Pty Ltd
Regional Australia Bank
Roger Skinner Photography
SGS Australia
SNP Security
Southside Newsagency
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
St Vincent de Paul Society - Ability Links
Success Tax Professionals
Telstra Shop—Muswellbrook
TAFE NSW
TFS Group
Teterin Supply
The Business Centre
The Happy Tooth Muswellbrook
The Chop Shop Butchery
The Red Door Community Kitchen
(Inc)
The Remington
TransCare Hunter Ltd
Tutt Bryant Heavy Lift & Shift
Two Rivers Wines
Upper Hunter Community
Services
Upper Hunter Computers
Upper Conservatorium of Music
Upper Hunter Fire Protection
Upper Hunter Show Inc
Warrior Disability Services
Wear Parts Services
Wideland Motor Group
Wild Group Pty Ltd
Yancoal Australia Limited
Yore Contractors Pty Ltd
Youth Express
OUR MISSION
‘To represent, promote and encourage business enterprise in Muswellbrook and its districts’.