14 December 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

11 December 2007. Welcome to new member Cyrius Media Group. Director Stefan Sojka has provided digital media, website, graphic design and marketing services to companies in the Ryde area for the last 12 years. Also a member of Ryde Chamber of Commerce, Stefan looks forward to getting to know more RBF members at our events in 2008. You can contact Stefan on 98775544.

11 December 2007. Australian Industry Productivity Centres - NSWBC & Govt initiative. Free advisory service for SMEs seeking to deal more with the export market or improve/start a global presence. Find out more here!

6 December 2007. "A sensational night" was how Colin Stibbs, President of North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce, described this year's Combined Chambers of Commerce Christmas party. Members of Ryde Business Forum and Eastwood, Gladesville, North Ryde Macquarie Park, Ryde and West Ryde Chambers had a fantastic evening at the Stamford Grand North Ryde and raised more than $4500 for local charity The Shack Youth Outreach. Click here to read more.

28 November 2007. Welcome to Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, who joined us earlier this month. This is certainly one of the oldest businesses in Ryde, established in 1922. Many of you may have met Tom Sweeney, Community Relations Officer, at some of our events this year. We're delighted to welcome Tom and the team on board. For enquiries about available services, contact Tom and his team on 9805 0499.

28 November 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

26 November 2007. Tall tales of almost-hole-in-ones, putting games with a toy golf set, and chips that went over the fence...it could only be RBF's corporate golf day! Competition was close with only 3/4 of a point between the first two teams. We also raised more than $500 for Minimbah Challenge. Who were the winners? Click here to read more/see photos.

15 November 2007. NSW Green Business Program and Awards: The NSW Government is offering financial support to help companies undertake projects to reduce water and energy consumption. Applications are currently open for projects that:
• stimulate structural and behavioural changes in the marketplace; or
• deliver immediate water and energy savings to a company’s operations.
Activities eligible for funding under the NSW Green Business Program include:
• education and trials of technologies that increase the adoption of efficient technologies and practices; or
• projects that improve the efficiency of buildings, appliances and industrial processes, that reduce peak electricity demand, or reduce the demand for electricity or water supplied from electricity or water supply networks.

The NSW Green Business Program is administered by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Applications for the initial funding round of the program close on 12 December, 2007.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change is also currently calling for nominations for the 2008 Sustainability Green Globe Awards. These awards close on 19 December, 2007.

These awards recognise achievements in environmental sustainability by government bodies, businesses and individuals. One award, the Small Business Environmental Sustainability Award, targets businesses with less than 100 employees that are demonstrating commitment and innovation in environmental sustainability.

14 November 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

14 November 2007. Welcome to new member The Shack Youth Outreach. Based in Epping since 1992, The Shack provides a youth drop-in centre with free services to youth in need in the Ryde/Epping area - counselling, job search assistance, educational workshops, court support, legal assistance, food hampers and more. Your contact at The Shack is Jackie Pettit, Youth Development Officer. If your company can help The Shack financially or with support ideas, please contact Jackie on 9876 3543 or 0415 174459.

6 November 2007. Birdsong and bushland set the scene for our November Business After Hours. Despite threatening skies and a chilly breeze, members and guests enjoyed the great outdoors and a delicious BBQ at Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Click here to read more and see photos.

6 November 2007. Today's e-news is available here

22 October 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

9 October 2007. Business After Hours October 2007. Lady Anne Funerals Sydney only opened last year, but has already picked up a coveted TrueLocal Business Award - and when you meet Karen Laing and her team, and look through their beautiful premises, you can see why! Karen welcomed around 40 members and guests and answered frank questions about her industry, and the service Lady Anne Funerals provides. Click here to read more/see photos.

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28 September 2007. TWT wins at Community Newspapers of Australia Awards for Excellence 2007: John Booth and his team at The Weekly Times have every reason to be proud of their achievements, as once again they have won multiple awards. These include:

• Best colour advertisement for Cox's Road Mall 50 years of service
• Best ad campaign for Good Fuel Inn
• Best spot colour Ad for No Meters advertisements
• Best editorial category "Uranium and PM"
• Best Website
• Community Service Award

TWT, an independently-owned newspaper, faced strong competition from the major newspaper groups in the awards judging. Well done John, Ulrike and the TWT Advertising team.

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Northern District Times True Local Business Awards: Congratulations to the following Forum members who won their category in the recent True Local Business Awards:

• Macquarie Community College: Business/Professional Services
• Macquarie University Sports & Recreation: Fitness/sport
• Epping Floral Centre: Florist
• Eden Gardens & Garden Centre: Home & Garden Retail
• Midway Cellars: Liquor stores
• Harvey World Travel Eastwood: Tourism & Travel
• Lady Anne Funerals West Ryde: Trades & Services

For quite a few of these companies, it's not the first time they have taken out first place in their category. These are businesses achieving outstanding customer service, and we're proud to number them among our members.RBF also received a special award at the Awards Night for Community Contribution.

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Lane Cove River Tourist Park picks up top award: It's a very congratulatory e-news this week! Andrew Daff and his team have been awarded the Conservation/Eco-Tourism Award at the 2007 Hotel Motel Accommodation Association Industry Awards for Excellence. This latest award is the 20th environmental award the Park has won in four years. The Lane Cove River Tourist Park is rapidly becoming an Australian leader in eco-tourism. This is an award well-deserved - congratulations to Andrew (who is also RBF's Tourism & Hospitality Committee Chairman.

4 September 2007. Today's e-news is available here (opens in new window).

4 September 2007. In the last month it's been our pleasure to welcome the following new members to Ryde Business Forum:

• John Priddy of LJ Hooker Epping. John has been to several of our events this year and we're delighted to welcome him to the membership base. You can contact John for your real estate needs on 9876 2999
• Raymond Mouwad of Diplomacy Consulting. Raymond provides industrial relations and human resources advice and services - you may have met Raymond at RBF breakfasts and luncheons over the last twelve months. Contact him on 9024 5126
• John Glass of Ausnac-Atel. Atel works with employers to promote apprenticeships and traineeships. Have you considered the benefits of taking on an apprentice or trainee? Talk to John to find out what's involved on 8875 6100

4 September 2007. Small Business September. The State Government, NSW Business Chamber and our own City of Ryde have events for small business owners this month. The first one we want to bring to your attention is the Innovation in Action Breakfast Seminar on Friday 21 September, from 8am to 11am at the new Optus facility in Macquarie Park. Click here to download your invitation. This event is FREE to RBF members and guests and is presented by the Dept of State & Regional Development and the City of Ryde. Enquiries to Paul William-Smith, Economic Development, City of Ryde, Tel: 02 9952 8051, Email: pwilliam-smith@ryde.nsw.gov.au

More Small Business September events can be found at http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/sbmonth/

The NSW Business Chamber is also running events for Small Business September - click here to visit the page on the NSWBC website.

4 September 2007. When Eastwood Chamber of Commerce hosts one of our Business After Hours you know you're in for a night that is not only outrageous fun but also educational about the Eastwood business precinct - and our September BAH was no exception. Almost 70 people joined us at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club following our packed Annual General Meeting, wondering what President Lydia Scuglia and the Eastwood Chamber team had in store. Click here to read more/see photos.

4 September 2007. A Spring Sustainability Expo will be held at Eden Gardens on Saturday 22 September 2007 from 10am - 4pm in conjunction with the City of Ryde. Click here to read/download flyer. This event is free of charge - come along, learn and enjoy!

3 September 2007. New Board for the Forum! We held our AGM today and elected a new Board. For full details, visit this page.

3 September 2007. True Local Business Awards. Congratulations to Forum members who picked up awards at the Cumberland Newspapers True Local Business Awards last Friday night - George Papallo from Macquarie Community College, Lydia Scuglia from Harvey World Travel and Karen Laing from Lady Anne Funerals. George also collected a special award for Ryde Business Forum itself - for community involvement over the last year.

September 2007. Review of NSW tax system announced
NSW Premier Morris Iemma has announced a wide-ranging review of state taxation that would deliver recommendations on how to make NSW taxes simpler, more efficient and competitive with other states.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will conduct the review, due to be completed by May next year, which will include the expertise of noted tax economist Professor Neil Warren.

It will:

Mr Iemma said in 2007-08 NSW was expected to have the second lowest revenue per capita of any state or territory.

“Even with the GST rip-off that this year will see NSW taxpayers pay around $2.4 billion more in GST than they will get back from Canberra, our taxes are lower than some other states,” he said.

“However, we should always be looking at ways to improve the efficiency, equity, competitiveness, simplicity and transparency of our taxes."

Mr Iemma said the NSW Government has a good record on cutting taxes with 15 tax cuts and reductions in workers compensation premiums since August 2005, worth a total of $9.9 billion dollars through to 2010-11.

NSW Treasurer Michael Costa said Australian states had to rely on a range of relatively inefficient, volatile and cyclical taxes such as transfer duties, while the Commonwealth had access to a range of much more efficient and stable taxes, such as income tax.

He said a report by Professor Warren last year found the Commonwealth collects around 82 per cent of national tax revenue but is responsible for only around 54 per cent of total government expenditure.

“On the other hand the states and territories collect around 15 per cent of total tax revenue but account for around 40 per cent of government expenditure," Mr Costa said.

“In addition to being more dependent on grants from the Federal Government than in most other federations, the range of taxes available to the States is generally inefficient and narrowly based.”

(this article courtesy Paul William-Smith, City of Ryde)

September 2007: Chinese trade office opens in Sydney
A major Chinese trade and investment office has opened in Sydney, highlighting NSW’s position as a leading financial centre in the Asia Pacific.

Shenzhen, with a population of 10 million, is one of the fastest growing cities in China and part of the province of Guangdong, an economic powerhouse of China and the Asia Pacific.

Minister for State Development Ian Macdonald said the Shenzhen Municipal Government had chosen Sydney over other possible locations in Australia for its trade and investment office.

The Shenzhen office will encourage Shenzhen companies to invest in NSW, as well help to further develop trade between NSW and Guangdong. Guangdong already accounts for 20 per cent of Australia’s trade with China.

China is now NSW’s largest trading partner – total bilateral trade was valued at $14.8 billion in 2006.

A number of Shenzhen companies have already set up in Sydney. For example, Huawei Technologies, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing telecommunications, wireless and networking companies, has set up its east Pacific headquarters in Sydney.

The facility is the centre of Huawei’s operations in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the South Pacific Region.

“The NSW Government places a high priority on further developing Sydney as a global business and financial centre in the Asia Pacific,” Mr Macdonald said.

(this article courtesy Paul William-Smith, City of Ryde)

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23 August 2007. Today's e-news is available here. (link will open in a new window)

17 August 2007. Today's e-news is available here. (link will open in a new window).

17 August 2007. NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER REJECTS CALLS TO EXTEND APEC PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO NON SYDNEY AREAS

NSW’s largest employer organisation NSW Business Chamber has called on to the NSW Government to reject the calls of UnionsNSW to extend the APEC Public Holiday on Friday 7 September to the rest of NSW.

UnionsNSW boss John Robertson made the call to extend the public holiday on radio this morning.

“This public holiday is a difficult ask of businesses anyway and to seek at the last minute to extend it throughout NSW makes no sense,” said Kevin MacDonald, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.

“The idea that you can shut down the Hunter, Illawarra and other areas of NSW with three weeks notice is nonsense – and the Government should reject this 11th hour union bid out of hand.

“The NSW Government to its credit is supporting a campaign to encourage Sydneysiders to see the rest of NSW during the APEC long weekend. The additional long weekend should provide a boost to regional NSW – the UnionsNSW approach would cost regional NSW businesses in excess of $200 million."

Mr MacDonald said the decision by the NSW Government to limit any public holiday to the Sydney Metropolitan Area was sensible.

“It makes no sense to close down the Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Riverina, Tweed, North Coast, the Tweed and other areas of NSW all because parts of Sydney CBD are locked down.

For more information contact Paul Ritchie on 0438 670 851

16th August 2007. What a fantastic day! Business is booming in Ryde - and it certainly was for exhibitors in our inaugural Ryde Business Expo. One exhibitor had enough orders on the day to pay for his stand, and that was early in the afternoon. We've had terrific feedback about the expo - click here to read more, find out who are exhibitors were (and their contact details) and see a few pics from the day.

15th August 2007. John Priddy of LJ Hooker Epping has joined the Forum. Many of you will have met John, who has attended several of our events this year. As a Sales Consultant he is the person to contact if you're considering selling your own property or buying. LJ Hooker Epping also offers commercial and residential leasing properties. Contact John on 9876 2999.

14th August 2007. Welcome to our newest member Transurban Limited, best known locally for being the developer, owner and operator of the HIlls M2 Motorway. The M2 plays a huge role in Ryde's infrastructure, delivering motorists into the heart of Macquarie Park. Your contact at Transurban is Debra Minto, Community Relations Adviser, who can be contacted on 9254 4940. More about Transurban's activities can be found at www.transurban.com.au.

Transurban Group is a leading international toll road developer and investor with interests in six major assets in Australia. The Group focuses on the long-term ownership and management of advanced electronic toll roads.

Transurban’s key areas of expertise include:
• Traffic modelling
• Full electronic (open road) tolling
• Customer service
• Road performance
• Project delivery
• Stakeholder engagement
• Concession management
• Financial management

Hills M2 runs from Dehli Road, North Ryde to Old Windsor Road, West Baulkham Hills, providing 20 km of continuous high capacity motorway between the Lower North Shore and the rapidly developing North West Region of Sydney. The M2 has emerged the principal arterial link for Sydney’s north-west, now attracting more than 80,000 vehicles per day. It provides efficient access to employment zones and educational facilities in Sydney’s CBD, lower north shore, and north-west. Hills M2 connects with the Lane Cove Tunnel and Westlink M7, providing access to emerging employment zones in the Greater West, such as Norwest Business Park and the new employment hub at Eastern Creek.

7th August 2007. Around 60 members and guests joined Colin Kerr and the team from the Northern District Times at their Epping office at our August Business After Hours. The NDT team gave a short presentation on the ethics of the NDT, and the background and impact of some of the headlines and popular stories published over the last six months. Click here to read more/see pix.

We had the pleasure of welcoming a new member who joined on the night:

• Karen Laing of Lady Anne Funerals. Karen moved her business to West Ryde at the beginning of this year, and provides a personalised, sensitive all-female service for families who have lost their loved ones. Lady Anne Funerals is completely Australian-owned and operated. Karen is already using the services of some other Forum members: Roseanne Gallo of RG Music, who provides beautiful music for services, and floral arrangements from Len Gallo of Inflower. You'll find more details on the website: /www.ladyannefunerals.com.au/

Our Business of the Month winner was Shirley Harris of Luxottica, optical retailer whose well-known brands include OPSM, Laubman & Pank, Budget Eyewear and Sunglass Hut. Luxottica is in the process of joining RBF and we look forward to welcoming them on board in the next few days.

7th August 2007. NSW Business Chamber News:
Invitation: Business Leaders Dinner. Join State Opposition Leader and Member for Kur-ring-gai The Hon Barry O'Farrell MP for dinner on Wednesday 22 August 2007.

Where: Dee Why RSL Club, 932 Pittwater Rd, cnr Hawkesbury St, Dee Why.
Parking via Clarence & Hawkesbury St
Time: 6.00pm for 6.30 pm start
Inclusions: 3 course dinner excluding drinks
Cost $55 per person.
Event code: SN010708
To book: call 132696

7th August 2007. Member News:
New President for West Ryde Chamber: Congratulations to David Hamley, proprietor of the "World Famous and Fabulous" West Ryde Hotel, who has reassumed the Presidential role at West Ryde Chamber, taking over from Frank Renner of BestPlace.

BizStar offering $6000 to young entrepreneurs: The Dept of State & Regional Development is running the BizStar competition for young people with their own business. $6K of business development prizes are up for grabs. For more information, download the entry form from our website. Entries close 1 September 2007.

Stamford deal for Amex holders: For a limited time only, when you book the American Express 'Selects' Offer and pay with your American Express Card for 2 nights or more at participating Stamford Hotels, you will receive up to 50% off the full rate and a $100 food and beverage credit. This offer is valid to 30 September 2007. Visit Stamford's website for more information, or call the Stamford Grand North Ryde and as for the "Selects" offer when you book.

Small Business Management course at Macquarie Community College:MCC's Small Business Management course is running over 16 weekend and evening sessions from 14 August to 11 November. Book asap, there may still be some places vacant. For more information download the flyer here.

Special offer from Inflower: Forum members Len & Roseanne Gallo are celebrating 50 years of the family business this year (congratulations from all of us!) and have a special offer for you as a result. While the Gallo family business started off with a mixed retail business in North Sydney, Len now provides you with fantastic fresh flowers that last and last. Len is offering all his clients a free bottle of wine ($20.00 Value) or a box of chocolates to the same value with every order placed via Email valued at $77.00 or more(including GST) until the end of August. Email Len now on len@inflower.com.au or visit www.inflower.com.au

Taste Australia: The Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) is hosting a visit to Sydney on 13-14 August by buyers from supermarkets in five expanding Asian markets – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and China. They are looking for suitable NSW food and beverage products for their stores. Companies are invited to express interest in participation in this program by contacting Helen Pilakis, Managing Director, Bemco Australia, as soon as possible, on 03 9335 1300; 0419 335 336 or hpilakis@bemco.com.au. For full information, do read the DSRD flyer on our website.

Changes at Stamford Grand North Ryde: Farewell to John Morris and Garry Tanner! John has moved back to Queensland, and his role as General Manager has been filled by Bruce McLean. Welcome, Bruce. Garry, Business Development Manager, has left the SGNR to return to his home town of Melbourne.

Ace deal from AJH Sports: Tennis Coaching with Andrew Hill, Thursday Morning 7am till 8am $15, Have a Hit…Practice your shots...socialise with the other players...bring a friend. To book call Andrew on 0418 406921.

APEC week: Don't forget APEC week runs in Sydney from 2-7 September. If you have dealings in the Sydney CBD your travel there may be affected. Remember that Friday 7 September is a Sydney Metro public holiday. More details available on our website.

Ryde Chamber of Commerce next meeting: The August Function is Ryde Chamber AGM and is to be jointly hosted by Bahar Persian Foods and Bivianos Italian Trattoria, both in Church Street, Ryde. Sample the best of Persian and Italian food - what a taste sensation!

Date : Wednesday August 22nd
Time : 5.30pm to 7pm
Address: Bivianos Italian Restaurant, 16 Church Street Ryde
RSVP By August 16th 98092900 or info@spadental.com.au

Effision Launches FREE monthly HR news service: With the ever fast pace of change concerning your people, it can be a challenge keeping up with all the news and your requirements as an employer. Effision’s human resources news wrap is intended to bring you up to speed with what you need to know in the world of human resources whilst being information that is practical and useful to you in your business. RBF member Effision will be regularly posting news items on its website and subscribers will be alerted monthly of these items. Where news is released that is of immediate concern to your business, subscribers will be alerted via a ‘newsflash’ email.

Interested? Send an email with ‘subscribe’ in the header to hrnews@effision.com. Effision looks look forward to being of service to you and your organisation and would welcome your communication of this service to others you believe you may be interested.

Effision Launches Revised Up-To-Date Employment Contract Template: Effision has launched a revised, up-to-date employment contract template that can be used in businesses of all sizes. With its template, inclusive of the requirements of Work Choices and the Workplace Relations Regulations 2006, you will find it relatively straight forward to create and clearly state the responsibilities of all involved. The product provides the basis for your offer of employment to successful candidates and can be tailored and modified as appropriate to your company policies and protocol. Its all inclusive approach means you don’t need to think about what to include – you can merely take out what you don’t want to include – it’s that easy!

Designed to protect your interests as an employer with enforceable legal obligations it has been written to impart a friendly, warm welcome to your new staff member. For more information contact Director, Elisabeth Rasul at erasul@effision.com.

What's on at Eden Gardens in August: Eden Gardens has a packed educational program this mont (as well as being involved in Ryde Business Week!). Whether your interest is gardening, rainwater harvesting, lighting your garden or other aspects of outdoor living, click here to open up the full list of fantastic events.

Wind down at Atlantis: Atlantis Seafood Restaurant at Quest Apartments North Ryde offers you a special way to wind down the week. Relax and enjoy a drink after work in the cocktail and wine bar offering elegance and lounge room comfort or step out onto the terrace overlooking a bushland backdrop.
When: Every Friday
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Drinks will be served with Complimentary tapas
bookings essential, phone: 02 8899 8980 Email: bookings@atlantisseafood.com.au

Click here to read about Atlantis' offers for Father's Day, Atlantis' 4th birthday celebrations and booking your Christmas Party (yes, Christmas party!)

Eden Gardens Event: On Friday July 27, students and trainee youth workers from Macquarie Fields Youth Off The Streets volunteered their time to mulch 220 square metres of garden at Ronald McDonald House with mulch donated by Eden Gardens and Garden Centre.

As part of the Youth Off The Streets Service Learning initiative, the young people donated their time and get their hands dirty to give the families and relatives of sick children a lush green garden to relax in.

For more information contact Jemma Klineberg on 9491 9900.

7th August 2007. Asia Pacific leaders meet in Sydney
Australia is the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum this year, with a series of meetings being held across the country.
APEC comprises 21 member economies, including the USA, Russia, China, Vietnam, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and Indonesia. APEC members are vital trading partners for Australia.
The forum culminates in APEC Leaders Week, in Sydney from September 2 to 9, which is the largest gathering of world leaders ever hosted by Australia.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in 2005 APEC members accounted for 44 per cent of world exports of goods and services and 69 per cent of Australia’s trade with the world.
The APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade met in Cairns this month and agreed to a new Trade Facilitation Action Plan to reduce trade transactions costs in the Asia-Pacific region by five per cent by 2010.
Initiatives include the development of “customs single windows” by APEC economies, the expansion of the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme, harmonisation of food safety standards and work on data privacy to protect the integrity of e-commerce.
A draft World Bank report, presented in Cairns, concluded that more transparent and predictable trade regulations for importers and exporters could boost the collective trade performance of APEC economies by nearly $170 billion.
Sydney was chosen to host Leaders Week because it is Australia’s leading city and has proven experience in hosting major international events, such as the 2000 Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
A key event is the APEC Business Summit on September 6 and 7. This event brings together some of the region’s most prominent business leaders, international opinion setters, policy makers and APEC Economic Leaders.
The summit has been designed to maximise the opportunities for dialogue between economic and business delegates. A range of issues will be discussed, including trade, market and structural issues, energy, education, demographics and innovation.
There will be a public holiday for metropolitan Sydney on Friday, September 7.

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26 July 2007. Lunch with Wayne Swan MP & Maxine McKew, 25 July 2007. Around 70 members and guests joined our guest speakers for lunch at Ryde College of TAFE. For many it was the first opportunity to hear or meet the leading contender for the seat of Bennelong, Maxine McKew. Click here for event review and more photos.

26 July 2007. New morning workshop series on Business Development starts in September! Prebook now!

Creating long term sustainable business growth is what all of us strive for. It can be devilishly tough to achieve at times, and striving for it can sometimes be a lonely and frustrating task for business owners.

Starting on 27 September, to support the business owners in their journey, Ryde Business Forum, in conjunction with Business Coach Roland Hanekroot of New Perspectives Business Coaching and the NSW Business Chamber, is pleased to bring members and guests a series of 3 hour workshops aimed at Ryde business owners who want to create sustainable growth in their business. These workshops will be presented and facilitated by Roland Hanekroot in a dynamic interactive round table format. The workshops will be strictly limited to 20 participants.

The workshops can be attended individually or you can register for all three.

You can expect to walk away from these workshops feeling inspired, with lots of food for thought, and a range of simple and practical tools and methods to really make your business work for you in ways it hasn't worked for you in the past. You will also have met and worked with other business owners just like, and created connections that will continue to be of great value to you back in your business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

26 July 2007 Entering and winning business awards can have a very tonic effect on your business, and it is with pleasure that we invite you to enter the 2007 ActionCOACH My Business Magazine Awards.

Awards can be a great way to boost team morale, win renewed recognition from your customers, increase sales and provide a stimulus for the business. The 2007 ActionCOACH My Business Awards comprise a range of awards including:

In total there are ten Awards which each carry attractive prizes of $5,000 worth of goods and services provided by sponsors including ActionCOACH, Imagine, NSW Business Chamber, GIO, NEC, Optus, and Provident Inventory Finance. The Awards are simple ( and free) to enter.

You can enter online at www.mybusiness.com.au/awards.

So why not be in the running to have your business - and your employees - recognised for the excellence and hard work.

If you have any queries, please email Helen at events@mybusiness.com.au.

26 July 2007. Garry Tanner, who has been a fantastic Business Development Manager for the Stamford Grand North Ryde, is leaving the Stamford on 3 August to pursue new challenges in his home town of Melbourne. We wish Garry all the best for the future.

23 July 2007. New College Director at Meadowbank TAFE. Elizabeth Webb has been appointed College Director at Meadowbank TAFE. We congratulate Elizabeth on her appointment. Maureen Sullivan, who ably held the role of Acting Director for the last few months, is pursuing other interests in the Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE.

9 July 2007. The inaugural Ryde Business Development Week will be held 15-22 August 2007 by the City of Ryde and partners (including RBF). Click here to find out more about the FREE events available across the City of Ryde - book your place on these events now!

5 July 2007. Funding for part qualifications, skill sets and up-skilling training in NSW. Employers in skills shortage sectors may be able to access publicly funded training to address skill gaps and shortages, upskill their existing staff or support Existing Worker Traineeships. The Strategic Skills Program funds training to support skill formation needs in line with priorities for economic development and social policies in NSW. The training is mostly part-qualifications to fill skill gaps or shortages and up-skill existing workforces. Brochure [2 page PDF]

Fact sheets listing eligible SSP qualifications and skill sets are now available in a range of sectors including: Agribusiness, Automotive, Construction, IT, Community Services & Aged Care, Hospitality & Tourism, Metal Fabrication & Engineering, Process & Competitive Manufacturing, Retail, Personal Services, Transport & Logistics and other sectors. For more information, contact the NSW Business Chamber Training Adviser, Abby Duruz and request a fact sheet.

Ryde Business Forum is an affiliate member of the NSW Business Chamber.

5 July 2007. NSW Business Chamber Media Release: Australian Fair Pay Commission Decision Expected and Necessary says Business

NSW’s largest employer organisation NSW Business Chamber said the decision of the Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) to provide a $10.26 a week pay rise for Australia’s minimum wage workers was expected and affordable given the tight employment market.

“The economy is strong with unemployment at 4.2%, vacancies at a record high of 166,000 and GDP forecast to run at 3.75% in 2007/08. In such a tight labour market we have to be wary of measures that could spark a significant wages blow-out which could have a dramatic impact on inflation and interest rates”, said Leah Bombardiere, Senior Workplace Policy Adviser, NSW Business Chamber.

“There was no point in the AFPC providing a large pay rise for minimum wage workers if that wage rise was eaten away by inflation and interest rates.

“It should also be noted that the AFPC’s last decision in December 2006 provided a $27 a week wage increase and that Federal Government tax cuts of up to $21 a week commenced this week.

“Given the strong nature of the employment market and the continued but dispersed growth in wages, we believe many employers are already paying rates over and above the minimum set out by the Australian Fair Pay Commission”.

The new pay scales will commence on the first pay period on or after 1 October 2007.

For more information contact Paul Ritchie on 0438 670 851

Ryde Business Forum is an affliliate member of NSW Business Chamber.

5 July 2007 OHS Training 2007 from NSW Business Chamber. NSW Business Chamber has a range of Occupational Health and Safety courses, some of which are delivered on site for larger organisations - SMEs can attend public training sessions. A full list of the courses available this year is at NSW Business Chamber's OHS Training page. RBF Members get a special 'affiliate' price on all training - your cost is halfway between NSWBC's Members and Non-Members cost. To book any of these courses, please contact NSW Business Chamber directly.

5 July 2007. Events in July and August from NSW Business Chamber. RBF members are welcomed at any of NSW Business Chamber's events. These include:

4 July 2007. Today's e-news is available here (click to open in new window)

3 July 2007. The City of Ryde was host for our July event, and more than 80 members and guests joined Mayor Ivan Petch, GM Michael Whittaker, Councillors and the management team for a review of Council's management plan for the next three years. Click here to read more and see photos.

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28 June 2007. Welcome to new member Pamela Jones, who provides professional business support services, with a sustainable, ethical approach to business. Pamela can provide you with a range of services from typing, proofreading and other clerical support to research, developing spreadsheets, research ,and process review and development. Pamela has her own premises - so if you need support but don't have the space, Pamela can provide you with expert virtual assistance just a phone call or click of the mouse away. Contact her on 9888 6919 or visit www.pamelajones.com.au.

25 June 2007. Welcome to our newest member Revlon Australia Pty Limited - a name that probably needs no introduction! Revlon's quality cosmetics, makeup and skincare are sold worldwide. Revlon joins a growing band of pharmaceutical companies who have chosen to network and discuss best practice sharing by joining Ryde Business Forum. Your contact at Revlon is Kerri Yates, HR Manager - Australia. You can contact Kerri on 8875 9872.

20 June 2007. Let's Do Business! RBF has released its new corporate brochure, which gives prospective members a snapshot of Forum activities and benefits. This is available as a download - click on the image at right - or you can request hard copies by emailing the Forum or phoning us on 98074999. For existing members, this is a great marketing tool to use when you're talking about the Forum to other people. As always, there will be copies of this brochure to pick up from all of our upcoming events.

19 June 2007. Switch and Save: Updated offer for companies from Easy Being Green. Get Energy Saving Light Bulbs and Showerheads installed free of charge - click here for more information.

19 June 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

14 June 2007. Ryde Business Forum has not increased its membership fees since inception in 1993... however, the rising costs of premises, utilities etc has led us to increase fees this year by no more than 5% to ensure we can keep providing an excellent service to you - and improve on it! We have also simplified the number of membership levels available. Our new fee structure, for the 2006/07 Financial Year, is:

All prices include GST.

Membership renewals will be issued in the next week or so. Most of these will be sent electronically. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a hard copy in the mail. If you have any queries about our membership fees, please contact Sabrina Ferguson on 907 4999.

7 June 2007. Congratulations to Elizabeth Smith, who has been appointed College Director at Ryde College of TAFE. Elizabeth is also the Associate Director, Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management at Ryde College.

6 June 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

6 June 2007. We've handpicked news from members and government departments for you to read - these are typically PDF and Word files, and will open in a new window:

5 June 2007. For the fifty or so members who came to our June Business After Hours, they were left in no doubt that the Courtyard by Marriott has a major presence in four continents - or that the food that was served on the night was a superb sample from all over the world too! Host Louise Byrom and her team were complimented from all sides on the delicious food and the fantastic hotel, on a night that definitely left winter outside and bubbled with hospitality. Click here to read more and see photos.

Our Business of the Month for June was drawn from the hat at Business After Hours - New Horizons Enterprises Limited is our showcase business this month, and they offer services which any business requiring packaging and gift wrapping will definitely be interested in. Click here to read more.

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28 May 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

21 May 2007. Welcome to newest member Coral Scott, of ANZ Mortgage Solutions, Ryde. Based at Marsfield, Coral runs the ANZ mobile lending franchise for the Ryde area and has been operating her business since April last year. For more information on the services Coral can provide through ANZ, call her on 0424 504066.

8 May 2007. Eden Gardens and Garden Centre would like to thank all who attended and helped make the annual Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) morning tea, where Father Chris Riley launched the Eden Gardens’ People and Poetry exhibition, a great success on Wednesday 2nd May.

The event raised over $2600 for Youth Off the Streets and was attended by over 200 people from the local community, including the City of Ryde Mayor Ivan Petch: Martin Paul, Director of Marketing for the Cancer Council NSW; Professor Elizabeth More, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Macquarie University; Peter Williamson, CEO of Royal Rehabilitation Sydney; George Papallo CEO of Macquarie Community College and Chairman of Ryde Business Forum; Trudy Hopkins Principal of North Ryde Public School; local school children Jacob Choo and Caroline Low and many other people representing the community. Special guests were youth from Chapel School, a Youth Off The Streets school in Merrylands.

People and Poetry is a tribute to the many individuals who together make up our local community. The exhibition features the favourite poems of thirty eight participants including local people, personalities and business professionals, of all ages, who have contributed in a variety of ways to the City of Ryde or have a special significance to Eden Gardens. It aims to provide inspiration, remind us of the wonderful, evocative world of poetry and increase awareness of the people who make up a community.

Eden Gardens and Garden Centre will be displaying the People and Poetry exhibition throughout the centre during the months of May and June. All are welcome to come and enjoy it free of charge.

Eden Gardens will also be hosting the Biggest Morning Tea on the 24th May in support of Eden’s other chosen charity, The Cancer Council NSW. The cost is $10 per person with all profits going to Cancer Council. RSVP by Friday 18th May to Eden Gardens. Events on the morning include a special guest speaker, raffle prizes and tours of the beautiful Eden Gardens. Bookings are essential. Call Eden Gardens on 9491 9900.

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8 May 2007. For many of our members and guests, Venues at Macquarie has been a well-kept secret they weren't aware of - but now the secret's out, and more than 60 people enjoyed a great evening exploring Venues at last night's Business After Hours. Superb food by Crunch Catering and the smart, well-equipped conference and meeting facilities impressed everyone who attended. We also launched two special events on the night - click here to read more and see photos.

7 May 2007. Welcome to our newest member Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd. Pfizer, based at West Ryde, probably needs little introduction, being one of the country's most well-known pharmaceutical corporations with a wide range of consumer and animal healthcare. David Miles, Manager Government Affairs,, is your contact, on 9850 3163. For more information on Pfizer's products and services, do visit the company's website.

3 May 2007. Welcome to two new members who have joined us this week:

Richard Hale, Director of Centric Management & Governance Solutions Pty Ltd. Richard specialises in consulting to the research and innovation industries. "Centric Management & Governance Solutions Pty provides a web delivered application suite that successfully combines the practice of project management with the principles of governance. Our system has a well thought out focus on managing the three key areas being PEOPLE, INFORMATION and OUTCOMES. Through the Australasia Consulting Group (ACG) Pty Ltd we provide management consulting services specifically related to effective and efficient governance across the operational areas of any organisation, particularly those involved in innovation," Richard said.

"Combining business knowledge, technical expertise and hands-on experience in managing research centres, we have created a unique and functionally rich Web based platform. Centric is a suite of products specifically designed to meet the needs of Research Centres. The philosophy behind our solution is our firm belief that a governance system must foster an environment where the intended outcomes have the best chance of being achieved, communicated and amplified for the benefit of all stakeholders. With the increasing focus on governance, management and their boards need to ensure that the governance system is effective and comprehensive," Richard said.

For more information contact Richard Hale on 9889 2455.

Our other new member is Smart Office Network Solutions Pty Ltd. Carl Shen is Smart Office's IT service specialist, and your main contact. Based at Denistone East, Smart Office Network Solutions Pty Ltd is a IT service provider focused on serving small to mid-sized organizations in Sydney.

" We apply our expertise in computer networking, security and operating environment to assist clients in using technology to its fullest potential by assessing needs, defining effective solutions, and delivering on our promises. We are committed to providing responsive, quality service, respecting everyone we work with and ultimately delivering reliable technology to our clients to help them achieve their goals," Carl said.

For more information contact Carl on 9804 8274.

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2 May 2006. Francesca Saccaro has moved on from her role as Director of Meadowbank College of TAFE, and is now Director - TAFE NSW National Business Office. The Forum congratulates Francesca on her new appointment. Her role as Director at Meadowbank College is being ably filled by Maureen Sullivan - welcome to the Forum, Maureen and all the best for the future in your new position.

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20 April 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

17 April 2007. Welcome to new member Elisabeth Rasul of Effision. Effision provides Information Technology and Human Resources consulting to companies of all sizes and has been established in our local area since 1999. Effision partners with its clients to provide both human resources and information technology services. The HR Division provides assistance in all facets of HR and assists clients with developing their HR framework or fine tuning what they currently have in place. The IT Division provides consulting, software integration and application development as well as the more expansive areas of e-business, outsourcing and hosting services. Both HR & Technical support services are also part of the Effision offering. With more than 12 years of experience in both the corporate and SME markets, Effision can help optimize your business growth whilst being underpinned by a professional, confidential and refreshing approach. Contact Elisabeth on 0417 656125 for more information - she looks forward to hearing from you!

10 April 2007. Today's enews is available here.

5th April 2007. Business Luncheon with the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia and Member for Bennelong.. 170 members and guests joined Mr Howard for a luncheon at North Ryde RSL Community Club today. Mr Howard spoke on the economy and IR laws among other things, and answered questions from the floor.

For more information on the day, and to see photos from the event, click here.

This event was kindly sponsored by member Eli Lilly - the Forum thanks Eli Lilly for helping to make today's event such a success.

 

3rd April 2007. The Salvation Army Employment Plus was the host for our April Business After Hours. As always, Richard Bradshaw and his team offered members and guests a delicious spread of nibbles as they learned about the Job Network services The Salvation Army Employment Plus provides to both jobseekers and employers. Click here to read more and see photos

2nd April 2007. Welcome to new member Roland Hanekroot of New Perspectives Business Coaching. Roland started his company in 2005, and says, "I take a unique approach to help you take your business to the next level and keep it there. I do this by combining the impact of personal and executive coaching with my experience and expertise as a business owner and consultant. New Perspectives Business Coaching specliases in helping companies that work on a project basis to design and deliver products or services to their customers, eg architects, builders, software and web developers, graphic designer, commercial project developers and the like." To find out more, call Roland on 0404 490012.

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19th March 2007. Welcome to new member Terri Marzullo of H2M Creative Services. H2M provides graphic and web design, desktop publishing and printing. Terri has recently moved her business to Gladesville after a successful 13 years in Parramatta. You can contact her on 9817 8820 or email terri@h2m.com.au

19th March 2007. Today's e-news is available here.

13th March 2007. We're delighted to announce a special guest speaker for our luncheon in May - the Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia and Member for Bennelong. Join us and hear the Prime Minister's views on a number of topics - and have the opportunity to ask him questions yourself. Numbers are limited to 150 and we know the spaces will fill fast - so click here to download your invitation and RSVP as soon as you can!

6th March 2007. Today's e-news is available here. This file will open in a new window.

6th March 2007. Storms might have raged outside but the atmosphere inside Next Generation Club Ryde was anything but stormy as around 70 members and guests learned about the Club's facilities and enjoyed relaxing massages from the Regeneration Spa team. General Manager Simon Hall and fitness instructor Shane Woods spoke about the benefits of fitness for your employees and how having a fit team can save your business money. For more information on the night and photos, click here.

5th March 2007. Recall of AC Adapter for some Telstra cordless telephones. Ingram Micro Pty Ltd, one of Telstra's cordless handset distributors, is conducting a voluntary safety recall of the AC power adaptors for certain models of Telstra cordless telephones which were purchased after 1 July 2006. No Telstra rental phones are affected by this recall.

A plastics integrity issue during the manufacturing process has affected a particular batch of these power adaptors. The fault may cause the casing to separate and potentially expose the internal circuitry. As a precaution Ingram Micro the distributor of these phones, with Telstra’s support, is voluntarily recalling all AC power adaptors connected to the main base unit which displays the adaptor code number TE0606 or TE0706.

These adaptors are in the following series of Telstra cordless telephones:

Ingram Micro is in the process of contacting by mail its key accounts and retailers to alert them of the recall and advise on the process for replacement adaptors to be sent to customers. In addition a recall notice outlining similar details has been published and is scheduled for further publication in selected regional and metropolitan papers across the country.

Ingram Micro will arrange for customers with affected AC power adaptors to have them returned and replaced with a new upgraded adaptor. They will send a replacement AC power adaptor within one week, at no cost to the customer, together with a letter of instruction about installation of the new AC power adaptor and arrange the return of the affected one via a pre-paid self addressed recovery bag.

As a precaution Ingram Micro is recommending that customers with affected adaptors refrain from using them until they receive the replacement.

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26th February 2007. MACQUARIE PARK CORRIDOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT PROPERTY COUNCIL EXPO

Macquarie Park Corridor, home to some of Australia’s leading research institutions and multi-national companies, will be the focus of the City of Ryde’s exhibition at the annual Property Council of Australia’s Plannex 2007 Expo.

The Expo, to be held at Australian Technology Park, Redfern, on Tuesday, 6th March, will be opened by The Hon. Frank Sartor, Minister for Planning and attracts interest from major corporations around Australia.

City of Ryde Group Manager - Environment and Planning, Sue Weatherley, said: “The Plannex Expo provides a forum for Council to showcase development initiatives and opportunities, to attract investment into the City of Ryde. It is also an opportunity for us to learn how other councils are approaching strategic planning and associated economic development matters.

“Council is investing in Macquarie Park’s future as a world-class location for business by delivering a vibrant, efficient, well serviced and environmentally sustainable precinct for residents and workers in the 21st century,” she said.

For more information about the City of Ryde exhibition at Plannex 2007, contact Paul William-Smith, Economic Development, City of Ryde, 9952 8051.

Media Contact: Lee Kirkland, City of Ryde, T 9952 8083 M 0434 306 444

26th February 2007. WARM UP ROUNDS – Chance to Challenge the Coach - Andrew Hill for the Corporate Tennis Challenge for the Cathi King Corporate Cup.

7am to 8am Tuesday or Thursday $15 – Rackets and Balls suppplied
AJH Sports Centre, 54 Agincourt Rd, Marsfield - Parking behind Church

Warm Up Rounds – Practice before 5 Week Competition Starting in March

Competition Rules:

Wet weather & Sickness - Ring Andrew on 0418-406921 6am on the morning of play.

Please RSVP That you are playing so Andrew can arrange a partner.

19th February 2007. Andrew Hill of AJH Sports is kicking off the year with a couple of great competitions for RBF members - you can have fun, make business contacts and stay fit at the same time! The following competitions for the Catherine King Corporate Cup will take place in March:

Tennis $15 Package
• Lessons and Match Play available every day or
• Doubles Competition – Tuesday Thursday Friday Mornings 6.30am - 8am

Table Tennis $15 Package
• Lessons and Match Play available every day or
• Doubles Competition – Monday Thursday Friday Nights 6pm to 7.30pm

For more information, or to register for the competitions, call Andrew on 0418-406921

14th February 2007. It was almost standing room only at the Stamford Grand North Ryde this morning! Around 80 members and guests of RBF and NRMPCC listened to The Hon John Watkins MP on a range of topics. These included the Epping-Chatswood Rail LInk, traffic in Macquarie Park, the Lane Cove Tunnel, water shortages and more. For a full review, click here.

13th February 2007. Welcome to our two newest members: Connector Motorways and Venues At Macquarie.

12th February 2007. Congratulations to Colin Stibbs of Contract Pharmaceutical Services of Australia, who has been elected President of North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce following the depature of Clive Murray to Japan.

9th February 2007. Congratulations to our newly elected Board and Committee, who assumed their roles after today's Annual General Meeting. They are:

We thank the members who attended today's AGM for their time and input, and hope that all Forum members will give support to our new Committee Chairs as needed - these are exciting times in our City with so much growth and change in several precincts. We have lots of events and ideas in the pipeline for the next twelve months, and with your participation the Forum can go from strength to strength.

6th February 2007. Welcome to our newest members Rita and Eugene Sciancalepore of In House Blinds and Shutters, who joined the Forum last night at Business After Hours. Installing new blinds in your office is a relatively inexpensive way to improve your company's image. Whether it's a home office, small business or larger premises, Rita and Eugene can work with you and your budget to give your workplace a facelift. And if you need new blinds or shutters at home, of course In House Blinds and Shutters is the company to call. Rita and Eugene can come to your premises and show you samples of the fantastic colour range and quality products they install. Call them on 9878 0350 or 0400 244141.

6th February 2007. What a great start to 2007! More than 70 members and guests joined host Andrew Edsor and the team from Quest Apartments North Ryde. The function was held in Atlantis Seafood Restaurant on the ground floor of the Quest building, and guests enjoyed fantastic food from George Andreou and his team before taking a tour of the Quest building. Click here to read more and see photos...

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30 January 2007. Congratulations to Andrew Hill of AJH Sports, who has been named The City of Ryde's Citizen of the Year for 2007. Andrew has been a member of the Forum for several years and is well known throughout the City for his sports programs for people of all ages, particularly the SportsStar program for children, encouraging children to be active, prevent obesity, and have a lot of fun in the process. He is also an outstanding community fundraiser. For more information, visit The City of Ryde's website.

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26 January 2007. Congratulations to the Forum's Vice Chairman/Acting Chairman George Papallo, who has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the General category for his services to adult education in today's Australia Day Awards. A well-deserved accolade for George, who is CEO of Macquarie Community College.

24 January 2007. Welcome to our newest members:

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23 January 2007. Ryde College of TAFE has a new College Director - welcome to Helen Kam, who took the reins from long-serving Director Irene Booth last last year. Irene has taken a role at the Sydney Institute of TAFE in Ultimo. Congratulations to Helen on her appointment.

Clive Murray, who has held the position of General Manager at the Stamford Grand North Ryde for two years, has accepted the GM's role at the Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa in Japan. His last day with the Stamford was 23 January 2007. We wish Clive and his family a very happy and successful time in Kyoto. Clive's role will be ably filled by John Murray, who is moving from a Stamford property in Queensland to our lovely North Ryde resort. Welcome, John!

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22 January 2007. Today's e-news is available here. (opens in new window)

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8 January 2007. Welcome to new member PC Power Tech. Owner Syamak Vousoughi offers network consultancy and services throughout the City of Ryde, providing help and support to small and medium sized businesses, home offices and consumers. If you'd like to upgrade your network equipment, add to it or install a network system for the first time - or fix a problem with your network or computers - call Syamak on 9877 6048 or 0422 783529.

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December 2006. Make Your Premises Energy Efficient and get a rebate... RBF Members have the opportunity to make their premises energy efficient AND get a rebate for doing so. We are pleased to bring you the following offer from Easy Being Green through our member Lane Cove River Caravan Park:

Install energy saving light globes and 3 Star WELS rated showerheads in any Commercial property and Easy Being Green will cover the cost of the products and pay a rebate for every product installed. Click here to read more...

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December 2006. Our first event for 2007 will be at the superb Quest Apartments in Delhi Road, North Ryde, on Monday 5 February 2007. More information and an invitation will be available early in the new year... meanwhile, do note the date in your diary. We hope to see you there!