12 December 2008 - Fair Work bill: key changes. IR law specialist Andrew Bland of BlandsLaw has loaded an excellent article outlining the new Fair Work Bill on his website. This article explains the major changes you can expect under the new bill. Click here to read more.
12 December 2008 - Media Release from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: SMALL BUSINESS TAX DEFERRAL A BOOST TO BUSINESS CONFIDENCE, Statement by Mr Peter Anderson, Chief Executive ACCI.
This morning’s announcement by the Australian Government of a deferral of some small business tax liabilities in the first half of 2009 will be well received by the small business community, and are a sign that the government recognises the cash flow difficulties that the economic slowdown presents for smaller employers and contractors
“While the decision is a deferral and not a reduction in tax liabilities, it will come at an important time in 2009 when cash flows are expected to be tight, and small businesses will be struggling to hold employment levels and meet fixed costs.”
“It complements other measures already in place that have benefit to small businesses, not the least of which are the recent interest rate reductions and the first round of the stimulus package. These influences should help bolster spending in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year in the retail and hospitality sectors, which are crucial trading periods for many small businesses.”
These and other measures were discussed with the government by Australia’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Industry Associations at the Prime Minster’s recent Small Business Summit in Queensland, and at forums convened by the Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Dr. Craig Emerson.
“ACCI will continue to pursue with the government practical measures to help provide a much needed stimulus to business in 2009. The initiatives proposed by ACCI have included tax cuts and proposals including an investment type allowance to help maintain business investment levels at a time of slowing economic growth.”
“To date the government has clearly recognised the direction and scope of responses that need to be put in place to deal with our changed economic circumstances and should be commended for the strong action.”
12 December 2008 - Media Release from the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT PACKAGE A ‘SHOT IN THE ARM’ FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMY. Statement by Mr Peter Anderson, Chief Executive ACCI.
This afternoon’s announcement by the Prime Minister of a $4.7 billion nation building package directed at infrastructure spending, an investment allowance for capital spending by the private sector and deferral of small business tax remittances is a well targeted stimulus package that will be a strong counter-measure against the buffeting of the Australian economy and labour market by the global economic downturn as we move in 2009.
It also acts as a shot in the arm to business confidence and a counter-force to the slowdown in activity in the job-rich construction sector. It is in the national interest.
The Investment Allowance, advocated in recent weeks by ACCI, Chambers of Commerce and Industry Associations, is a timely $1.6 billion stimulus over the next six months, the very period when ACCI’s business surveys have indicated the outlook for investment will be most difficult.
It will be a meaningful incentive for businesses both large and small, especially as it operates in addition to existing depreciation allowances.
It has been used effectively in previous periods of economic downturn.
For this stimulus measure to have full effect, ACCI calls on those banks that have not passed on the full value of official interest rate reductions to business customers to do so immediately.
The separate $1.6 billion capital investment in universities and teaching facilities, including the bringing forward of projects, is a valuable investment in the education and training system as well as an economic stimulus for the construction sector.
If university and teaching facilities are tailored to industry needs, then the vocational education and training system will be better placed to equip people with job ready skills when the economy bounces back.
Similarly, the $1.2 billion infrastructure spending in rail, and the bringing forward of $711 million in road projects will give the civil construction industry a boost, and over time improve efficiency of our transport networks and the economics of road and rail freight, especially to some of our export markets.
The deferral of 20% of tax remittances by small business will assist cash flows and take pressure off overdrafts during the February to June 2009 period. This will give small businesses a better chance of weathering any slow-down in activity after the Christmas-New Year period.
ACCI had constructive discussions on the investment allowance proposal with the Government, which has shown a very welcome preparedness to deal with our changed economic circumstances.
Industry will continue to work with government in policy initiatives that can give the business sector the best chance of withstanding current threats to growth and jobs.
26 November 2008 - More problems uncovered on Rail Link. The Sydney Morning Herald has today reported more problems with the Epping-Chatswood Rail Link. This time it's an issue with the way the tracks have been fixed to underlying concrete slabs. The safety issue could cost $2.3Bn to fix. Read the SMH report here.
21 November 2008 - Lane Cove River Tourist Park wins Gold! Congratulations to member Andrew Daff and his team on being recognised for their excellence in eco-tourism.
Australia’s leading eco-friendly tourist park – Lane Cove River Tourist Park – has blitzed the field at the 2008 NSW Tourism Awards, winning the Tourist and Caravan Parks category and the Inaugural QANTAS Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.
The awards were announced at a gala evening at Star City, held on Thursday night November 21st.
It’s the second time Lane Cove River Tourist Park has been a finalist in these prestigious industry awards. The Park is now a finalist in the National Tourism Awards to be held in Melbourne in February 2008.
This year, there were more than125 finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards, and Lane Cove River Tourist Park beat worthy finalists including the Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park in South West Rocks, Big 4 North Star Holiday Resort Northern Rivers, Big 4 Nelligen Holiday Park (South Coast), Broulee Beach Holiday Park (South Coast), Jenolan Caravan Park (Blue Mountains) and Austin Tourist Park in Tamworth.
Park Manager Andrew Daff said the NSW Tourism Award “caps off an outstanding year for the park and the local environment”
Indeed, Lane Cove River Tourist Park began the year winning the HMAA Eco Tourism Award and has continued improvements in its sustainability and environmental plan implementation, including; habitat creation projects, solar and water projects and their waste minimization strategy.
“We are excited to have won both NSW Tourism accolades and, indeed, are very proud of all our achievements. And to have recognition through the QANTAS Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism further highlights that we are on the right track,” Andrew said. “The size of Lane Cove River Tourist Park belies the enormous impact we can have on our immediate environment and also the wider tourism community.
“We have created one of the country’s leading low cost ecotourism destinations. It’s a carefully thought out business strategy, and one that’s certainly paying dividends – in many ways. For example, we are proof that you can be a successful operation – and reduce your carbon footprint.”
The 2008 NSW Tourism Awards were managed by Tourism NSW in partnership with the Tourism Industry Council NSW. They are the industry’s most prestigious awards.
Each year Lane Cove River Tourist Park attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the globe. It is the only tourist park in Australia to be Advanced Ecotourism certified by Ecotourism Australia and Green Globe International, and the only park to provide an onsite carbon offset program.
Key initiatives include:
• onsite solar power stations
• onsite water harvesting
• best practice recycling
• zero wastage of materials
• the use of electric field vehicles to reduce carbon emissions
• using recycled materials for building and maintenance
• creation of a paperless office
21 November 2008. The Draft Ryde Local Environment Plan 2008 is on exhibition from 12 Nov 2008 to 16 Jan 2009.
There is both an enquiry line on 1300 554 349 and Council's town planners available on dates in Nov / Dec at the West Ryde, Nth Ryde and Ryde libraries - click here to see the City of Ryde flyer about the LEP. (2.4MB PDF File)
The Draft LEP is a consolidating LEP that represents Stage 1 of a 3 stage strategic framework for Ryde to update and improve local planning controls - it will update and improve our local planning controls and bring them inline with NSW State Government requirements.
If there is interest from RBF members, in the third week of January 2009 ( Monday 19 Jan - 5.30pm - 6.30pm ) Paul William-Smith, Economic Development Officer at the City of Ryde, is happy to arrange a specific 1 hour briefing at Council with Council planners involved. This date is after submissions close, but it's still okay if RBF members wish to send any comments. Contact Paul William-Smith on 9952 8051.
20 November 2008. Macquarie University Masters of Accounting Program and the Career Development Centre would like to invite members of Ryde Business Forum to participate in the Work Experience Placement (WEP) Program.
This highly regarded program is now in its sixth year. WEP has provided over 350 students with real world experience.
RBF member LCD & Co Financial Solutions has enjoyed a long association with the WEP Program and Macquarie University is privileged to have their support.
What WEP can do for your organisation;
- provide a screening tool for potential employees through 70 hours or 10 days unpaid WEP
- use WEP to foster supervision skills in your junior staff members
- support up and coming young professionals
- a helping hand in busy times.
- days per week and time of year are flexible to suit your needs.
- repeating hosts can attend free seminars held by the Masters Program which attract CPA/CA professional development points
- University Insurance provided at no cost to your organisation
About the students:
- All students are international with undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines
- Students can be engaged in paid work for up to 20 hours a week during semester and full time during semester breaks
- many students will apply for permanent residency upon completion of their academic program
- previous employers believe WEP students are professional and have great potential to learn new skills quickly
Please contact Donna Moulds, WEP Coordinator on Ph 9850 7373, via email dmoulds@reg.mq.edu.au. Please visit the our Career Development Centre website for your recruitment needs
www.careers@mq.edu.au
19 November 2008. Seventy members and guests of RBF and local Chambers of Commerce had the chance to get up close and personal with our new member for Ryde Victor Dominello MP at our November business breakfast briefing. Click here to read more/see pics.
14 November 2008. You couldn't have asked for a better day to be out on a golf course. And with the Ryde-Parramatta Golf Course in superb condition, players in the 2008 RBF/Toga Hospitality Corporate Charity Golf Day enjoyed themselves immensely yesterday. Click here to read more, find out who our prize sponsors were, and see photos.
11 November 2008. Our newest member is Alan Barry of Griffin Property Commercial and Industrial in North Ryde. Alan is a commercial real estate agent, conducts sales, leasing and management of property in the northern and western suburbs of Sydney. If you're looking for commercial space in North Ryde Alan has a lovely property available at the moment - you can see it on his website. For more information contact Alan and his team on 9686 9704.
5 November 2008. Welcome to new member Guenter Hauber-Davidson of the Water Conservation Group. The Water Conservation Group helps large water users save water and money, and works with companies and property developers to find the best water solutions for their project, and assist them with applying for water grants."We offer a water efficient design & build service for both existing and new buildings and facilities. Our clients are large water users in the commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential sector. If you are planning a new development, make sure you talk to us to hear how you can implement a sustainable water solution with our Blue Design, often for little extra cost," Guenter said. Contact Guenter and his team on 9499 8795.
4 November 2008. Wheelchair tennis, murderball (wheelchair rugby)... guests at our November Business After Hours got a taste of the business end of Royal Rehab's activities at the centre's recreational facilities. Click here to read more and see photos of murderball and other action.
4 November 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
31 October 2008. Metro a no-no. In a sub-committee cabinet meeting that stretched into the early hours of this morning, the decision was made to scrap plans for the North West Metro. This will have a huge future impact on Ryde and its traffic and transport problems. The Metro was to have linked with the heavy rail network at Epping or Eastwood, providing commuters from and to the North West the opportunity of using the Epping-Chatswood Rail Link to move through or beyond Ryde. The State Government has committed to putting more buses on routes from the North West.
Ryde currently has around 4,400 employees commuting from Baulkham Hills Shire Council into Ryde to work. While exact data on how these people commute isn't available, but it's a fair surmise to say most of them drive. This number will only increase as the north west of Sydney is further developed and North Ryde Macquarie Park grows.
29 October 2008. Very impressive! That was the reaction from the RBF members who were taken on a guided tour of Macquarie University railway station by the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation and AE Edwards. Click here to read more/see photos.
29 October 2008. International Recognition of Royal Rehab. RBF member Royal Rehabilitation Centre Sydney is the State’s premier rehabilitation and
disability facility. The international interest being shown for the Royal
Rehabilitation Centre’s programs confirms its status and international recognition. Click here to read more about the Centre's international visitors and latest news.
24 October 2008. Welcome to new member Razco Pools. How many of us have a swimming pool at home - or would like to? Razmik Aghajanian and his team can help you design and build your new pool, provide clever and beautiful landscaping ideas, and maintain it as and when you wish. If you already have a pool but don't have the time to maintain it, talk to Razmik on 9809 3911. He has several packages for regular pool maintenance, so you can enjoy the swimming season without the hassle of testing your pool, measuring chemicals and worrying about bacteria. As well as installing new pools, the Razco team can renovate your old one and give it a sleek, modern look. Go to www.razcopools.com.au and be tempted by a spa or even a waterwise rainwater tank.
24 October 2008. Thrive in Turbulent Times - workshop with NSW Business Chamber. NSWBC is holding a workshop at The Epping Club on Wed 29 October from 8am to 10.30 am. Cost to RBF members $120 (NSWBC affiliate pricing), cost to RBF non-members $165. While the economy may be sputtering and economists agree that there will be a slowdown in economic growth, one thing is for certain - smart businesses can succeed in this environment with the right focus and cost controls.
The “Thrive in turbulent times” workshop will provide you with the 10 essentials for business success to not only withstand but thrive in these tough times. You’ll walk away from this 2.5 hour workshop with proven techniques and tools that can be put to work straight away. Click here for more information on this event and to download your booking form.
23 October 2008. Andrew Hill and his SportsSTAR team held a "STARS Day" at St Anthony's Primary School on 22 October, showcasing the STARS program to local politicians, neighbouring councils and other selected guests. The STARS program encourages primary school children to get involved in activities such as sports, singing, dancing, fitness, science, history, space and environment, with the emphasis being on participation and learning. The event concluded with a morning tea at Curzon Hall (site of the HistorySTAR activities). More information on the event can be found at www.STARStv.com.au or contact Andrew Hill - ajh@ajhsports.com.au.
23 October 2008. Epping-Chatswood Rail Link "noisy as a Boeing 737." A report in the Sydney Morning Herald this morning states that commuters using the new line will be subject to noise in the carriage up to 90 decibels - click here to read the full story. In a nutshell: the new quieter Tangara trains cannot use the line so rolling stock will be the 30 year old silver trains which are overdue for retirement. RailCorp and TIDC are considering options to dampen the carriage noise and at this stage the February opening of the line will still go ahead.
23 October 2008. Macquarie University’s Department of Accounting & Finance Workshops offered in November, 2008. The Department of Accounting and Finance at Macquarie University, North Ryde is offering two practical workshops in November 2008; Taxation Basics Workshop and Managing Your Own Business Workshop. These workshops are a perfect opportunity for professional development and are designed to combine the academic and practical aspects of managing a business. Ideally you will need to have experience in the field of accounting (either academic or professional) as there will be basic assumed knowledge. You will have the opportunity to network with the other participants, sharing thoughts and ideas in an interactive environment focusing on learning and knowledge sharing.
Participants in these workshops will get the rare opportunity to gain academic and professional knowledge and insight of a lecturer from Macquarie University. For those that may be considering studying a Masters degree this will be a great opportunity to experience what going back to study will be like. Alternatively, you may be managing your own business and need some developmental courses to help you operate more efficiently.
Taxation Basics – a practical workshop - 20 & 21 November 2008
The Taxation Basics workshop has been designed as a practical workshop that combines the theory of taxation law with practical application. Participants will interact over a two day workshop that is conducted with a focus session groups. The workshop will be suitable for those who have prior knowledge of Australian taxation law as some relevant assumed knowledge is necessary.
The Taxation Basics workshop will provide a supportive and dynamic environment for participates to develop their knowledge and skills with the opportunity to work through detailed case studies and prepare individual tax returns in a friendly and learning focused environment. Everyone will benefit from the knowledge and hands on application that is not often available in the workplace environment whether you are self employed, own or work in a small business or even a large corporation.
Payment & Registration Form
For further information, or online payment, please go to the following URL link:
Taxation Basics - a two-day practical workshop: http://www.access.mq.edu.au/courses/ProfDevel/coursedetail/index.html#taxbasics
Managing Your Own Business Two-day Workshop - 25 & 26 November 2008
This workshop is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is currently managing a small business or thinking of starting their own business. The two day workshop is conducted in a focus session groups and is designed to provide insight and understanding of the many complex areas of business management. Participants will benefit from an invaluable experience where they will have the opportunity to gain thorough and specific information in an interactive environment.
The topics covered in this workshop will range from how to register for an ABN to how to deal with Business Activity Statements and Self Managed Superannuation Funds. If you have had questions about the operation of you business and never been able to seek the correct advice this is perfect opportunity for you.
Payment & Registration Form
For further information, or online payment, please go to the following URL link: Managing your own business two day workshop: http://www.access.mq.edu.au/courses/ProfDevel/coursedetail/index.html#manbus
23 October 2008. Eden Gardens expands into Victoria. Eden Gardens has acquired Linton's Garden and Home at Mt Eliza, Victoria. Established in 1937 and a multiple award winner of the prestigious ‘Australian Garden Centre of the Year’ award, Linton’s has become one of the Victorian nursery industry’s most popular retailers. It employs 30 staff. Eden Gardens' Managing Director Simon Ainsworth was delighted to acquire the family-run business: “I’m excited to be taking the reins of such an esteemed business that has strong community links.
I look forward to helping it continue to flourish whilst maintaining the qualities that have driven its success to date," he said. Eden Gardens will take full control of Linton's in December. For more information contact Simon on 9491 9900.
22 October 2008. Welcome to new member Teresa Muzman of Secretarial Service Solutions. Longtime RBF members may remember meeting Teresa at events several years ago when she worked with LifeStart. Teresa started Secretarial Service Solutions in 2006, and offers clients a virtual secretarial service providing off-site support to businesses when they need it the most. Teresa and her team are able to offer: Word processing, Transcription service, Medical typing specialty, Travel arrangements, Diary Management, Event coordination, Mail merge and mail outs, Database entry, Powerpoint presentations, Internet research, Obtaining quotations, Colour printing, Laminating, Binding, Faxing - everything an SME could need. Give Teresa a call on 0413 804817 or email teresa@secretarialservicesolutions.com.au for more information.
14 October 2008. Suellen Goyne and her team welcomed around fifty members and guests to Next Generation Club Ryde for our October Business After Hours. RBF members are entitled to join the Club at corporate rates - and with a wide range of health and fitness activities to choose from, as well as the cafe and access to meeting rooms, this is a fantastic offer we encourage our members to take advantage of. Get fit for summer in airconditioned comfort in the heart of Ryde. Call the Sales team at Next Generation Club Ryde on 9334 0000 to find out more.
With the by-election for the state seat of Ryde occurring on 18 October we invited candidates for the seat to address our members and guests. Click here to read more/see photos.
October 2008 Eden Gardens Expands into Queensland.
Eden Gardens has acquired the trading entity ‘Carseldine Garden World’ located
at Gympie Road, Carseldine, 30 minutes north of Brisbane’s city. ‘Carseldine Garden World’ is the first step in the Eden Gardens brand focussed
growth strategy, in which the company is actively pursuing acquisition of stores
with the same value offering. Eden delivers a unique offer of quality retail linked
with community and environmentally focussed operations.
Eden Gardens’ business model makes it stand out within the retail industry
becoming one of Australia’s most innovative retail lifestyle and gardening centres.‘Carseldine Garden World’ represents an excellent fit with Eden’s way of business.
It is situated on a 1.5 ha site locally known as Strawberry Hill.
Simon Ainsworth, Managing Director, commented that with this first acquisition
Eden Gardens will better be able to develop and grow the lifestyle horticulture
market. “The Brisbane gardening market has been run down for a number of years, in part
from the drought, but lifestyle customers are ready for a wider offering to help
them enjoy outdoor living”. Eden Gardens’ growth is set to exceed 50% in 2009
financial year with further planned acquisitions going ahead.
For further information call Caroline Lord, Marketing Manager on (02) 9491 9918.
9 October 2008. Welcome to new member Richard Grace of Gahleru Solutions. Gahleru Solutions fills the role of in-house IT
Manager, providing advice, management, maintenance and future
planning. They take the worry out of maintaining your network so you
can concentrate on running your business. Sounds good? Then talk to Richard on 94878263 or email richard@gahleru.com.au.
9 October 2008. RBF (and Eastwood Chamber of Commerce) recently sponsored Ryde resident Claire Madden to attend the National Student Leadership Forum in Canberra. Claire has written a fantastic report on the Forum, and we are proud to be associated with such a delightful, forward-thinking leader of the future. Click here to read Claire's report.
1 October 2008. RBF members and guests are invited to join the members of North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce for a special event on Tuesday 21 October. NRMPCC's Business After Hours is being held south of the river at the sparkling new five star Pullman Hotel in Homebush Bay. The Pullman is a fairly direct drive down Lane Cove Road/Church Street from North Ryde, so do join the party! Download your invitation here and RSVP to NRMPCC.
1 October 2008. New services from TAFE! TAFE is holding an information session for employers on 28 October 2008 at its North Sydney College (St Leonards). See graphic below for details and RSVP information.
24 September 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
12 September 2008. What's really going on in that big hole in the ground that was Top Ryde Shopping Centre? Plenty! Thanks to Defined Developments and the City of Ryde we have a month-by-month photo account of work on the development of Top Ryde City. Click here to download or view (2.1Mb PDF file).
12 September 2008. Welcome to new member Eastwood Centre Developments. Eastwood's shopping centre has lodged with Council a development application to provide a new, elegant shopping experience in place of the current Eastwood Centre building. Brad Chan is the Director of Eastwood Centre Developments, and you'll find a lot more information about the shopping centre proposal here on the Eastwood Centre Developments website. To speak to Brad directly about the proposal call him on 9804 6060.
2 September 2008 - today's e-news is available here.
2 September 2008. Around fifty guests joined us for Business After Hours last night at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium and enjoyed a special behind the scenes tour from Tom Sweeney the Cemetery's Marketing Manager in his guise as Mr Sowerberry, the host of the ghostly Lantern Tours which the Cemetery runs each month. Tom took us into the new chapel and crematorium area, and gave a frank, mythbusting and reassuring explanation about what happens after the curtains in the chapel are closed and the cremators are switched on. Read on here for more news and photos.
2 September 2008. We held our Annual General Meeting on 1 September 2008 which included voting in a new Board and Committee for the next twelve months. Congratulations to the following people on their appointment:
- Chairman and Chair of CEO Forum: Andrew Bland
- Vice-Chairman: Lydia Scuglia
- Hon. Secretary: George Papallo OAM
- Hon. Treasurer: Lyn Clark-Duff
- Chair, Education, Employment & Training Committee: Elizabeth Webb
- Chair, Leisure, Hospitality & Tourism Committee: Andrew Daff supported by Patrick Seveque
- Chair, Traffic, Transport & Infrastructure Committee: Charles Kilby
- Chair, Membership Committee: Andrew Hill
- Chair, Council Liaison Committee: Sabrina Ferguson
Our Committee Chairs are seeking members to assist them in their duties and help grow the strength of RBF as an umbrella Chamber for the region, supporting local Chambers and business issues. If you feel you can contribute, contact the Forum.
2 September 2008. North West Metro Briefing Outcomes report: On behalf of the North West Metro project team, please click here to read the Outcomes Report from the Stakeholder Engagement Briefing and Consultation conducted on Friday, 15 August.
Some key considerations from the forum included:
- Customer focus and service standards
- On-going community engagement and consultation
- Integration of transport systems
- Construction methodology
- Land use around metro stations
- Coordination with other infrastructure developments
The feedback from the briefing has provided a valuable resource to the project team moving forward with the Product Definition Phase and Project Delivery Strategy.
For more information contact Daniel Bentley from North West Metro on Daniel.Bentley@northwestmetro.nsw.gov.au
2 September 2008. Ride2Work Day, Macquarie Park Community Breakfast 2008: Join Optus, Foxtel, The City of Ryde,
Bike North and other Macquarie Park businesses to be part of Australia’s
biggest active workplace event.
Thousands of regular and first-time cyclists from all states and territories will join National Ride to Work Day 2008.
Your employees can join with hundreds of other Macquarie Park cyclists for breakfast, access to cycling resources and 1 on 1 advice.
Businesses in the area are invited to participate by promoting the event to their employees. Businesses are also encouraged to host a stall, contribute to giveaways or assist catering for the event.
Registering also enters you in the National Travel Smart Workplace Challenge to win great prizes.
When & Where:
Wednesday 15 October, 7:30am – 9:30am,
Optus Sports Field (enter via Paul Street North)
More Information;
Call Andrew Parker, Sustainable Transport Manager at Optus on 8082 6990
Get Your Workplace Involved!
How to Get Started
1.
Register a Workplace Coordinator at www.ride2work.com.au
2.
Email andrew.parker@optus.com.au to sign-up for the breakfast and to receive additional local promotional material and maps
3.
Promote the event to your people
4.
Provide attendance estimates prior to the event
For more Information
call Andrew Parker, Sustainable Transport Manager at Optus on 8082 6990
27 August 2008. Welcome to new member John Webster of Your HRmanager. Your HRmanager helps owners of small to midsized businesses save time when it comes to dealing with their employee related issues. "Clients come to us when they are worried that their staff turnover is unacceptable and costing them way too much or frustrated by a numbefr of underperforming employees that they don’t know how to deal with and get them back on track. We also see people who are concerned that they are not aware of their legal obligations with employees which if revealed are likely to have some serious fines or simply too much of their time is being spent on employee related issues which is effecting productivity in other parts of the business," John said. Find out more at www.yourhrmanager.com.au or call John on 94153561, email john@yourhrmanager.com.au.
August 2008: Proposed Upgrade for Hills M2. Transurban, the Hills M2 Motorway operators, submitted a proposal to government to upgrade the M2 as a result of feedback from motorists, business, residents, cyclists and bus users who was improved travel times and new access points to western Sydney and Macquarie Park. Transurban's proposal is:
- Widen eastbound to three lanes between Windsor Road and Pennant Hills Road and Beecroft Road and Christie Road
- Widen westbound to three lanes between Beecroft Road and Pennant Hills Road
- Provide a "park and ride" bus interchange at Herring Road
- Provide a new eastbound bus lane between Herring Road and Delhi Road
- New access to western Sydney and Norwest Business Park with new west-facing ramps at Windsor Road
- New access to Macquarie University and Macquarie Park with new east-facing ramps at Herring Road
- Provide a permanent cycleway facility that bypasses the Norfolk Road Tunnel
- Removal of all cash booths on the M2
The Government will now consider the proposal and following an agreement with Transurban a formal planning assessment phase and community consultation process will commence. Detailed designs will be presented to the community during this process. For more details visit www.hillsm2.com.au to provide comments.
14 August 2008. Small Business September events. Every year the Dept of State & Regional Development runs a series of free seminars in our region in conjunction with the City of Ryde and RBF. The first of these will be held Friday 5 September: Concept to Delivery – Marketing Solutions that get results. Expert presenters will make this a morning to remember. From 9am until 12 noon at MGSM, North Ryde. More information and instructions for booking are here in the invitation.
Small Business September events are held all over NSW. RBF members who live in the Hills district may be interested in some of the events planned for the north west - click here to download a PDF overview and booking details.
14 August 2008. Special from Centrelease: A new Mitsubishi Lancer on a fully maintained lease including service, maintenance, tyres, fuel management, registration and roadside assistance. All for $530 per month (excl GST) - over 48 months and 40,000k.And at the end, just send it back - no re-sale risk.Plus after 12 months you can cancel with no penalty - no more to pay. If you have an interest please ring Esther Ngan on 0423 838 398 or email esther@centrelease.com.au.
13 August 2008. New members. Welcome to four new members who have joined us in the last week as a result of meeting us at the 2008 Ryde Business & Technology Expo, or on a recommendation from existing members:
- Laurence Harrould and Danita Needleman from Aviel. You may have met Laurence and Danita at a couple of our Business After Hours events this year. Aviel has been providing small business consulting and personal coaching services since 2000. Their programs are tailored to suit each individual's circumstance. Find out more at www.aviel.com.au, phone them on 8282 5295 or email info@aviel.com.au
- Dr David Moont of David Moont Pty Ltd, a consultancy focusing on executive coaching, leadership development and consulting in HR and people areas. It is also a certified Career Counselling practice. David Moont has 30 years’ leadership experience in private practice, multinational corporations, and governments and as a consultant in Australia, Canada, USA, Asia and Hong Kong. Whether in private practice or in organisations, David's work has focused on the development of individuals, teams and organisations, to enhance performance and organizational effectiveness.David now focuses on coaching and leadership development at the executive level with individuals as well as systemic coaching programs. Find out more at www.davidmoont.com, phone him on 9713 6129 or email david@moont.com.au.
- Paul Partington of Leasecorp Australia. Leasecorp has been providing specialised finance solutions to individuals and businesses for more than 25 years. They provide a diverse range of finance options, including leasing, chattel mortgage, novated leases and inventory finance. Paul and his team works with you to provide the most appropriate finance option – whether it’s for plant and equipment, trucks, cars, boats, computers, machinery, lighting equipment, office fit-outs, tools and accessories or many other selections. Find out more at www.leasecorp.com.au, phone 8819 6741 or email paul@leasecorp.com.au
- Sean Aley of Said Studio. Based in North Sydney Sean and his team help you find your corporate identity, with branding, graphic design and print services. Because they are able to manage all aspects of your job inhouse - from helping you decide on your image, developing that image across a range of material and then printing for you - it's a seamless service. Find out more at www.saidstudio.com, phone 9929 9980, or email sean@saidstudio.com
8 August 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
7 August 2008. 2008 Ryde Business & Technology Expo, held yesterday at the Stamford Grand North Ryde. What a fantastic day - and evening - this was. We had 41 exhibitors who welcomed more than 300 visitors to the Expo. Feedback from exhibitors was that the Expo provided very good quality leads and was a truly worthwhile experience.Click here for a rundown on the day and photos of all exhibitors and stands.
31 July 2008.City of Ryde Draft ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY -
The City of Ryde welcomes your feedback on the city’s first Economic Development Strategy, which provides a dynamic framework for the sustainable economic growth of the City to 2013. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/READ THE STRATEGY - 5.4MB PDF FILE
Ryde is a place on the move – an innovative City where people want to live, work and grow their business. Our local economy is characterised by an exciting range of commercial, retail and other business activities that support employment growth in our Town and Neighbourhood Centres. Education excellence, government activities and home - based business expansion are some current examples.
Ryde and the northern Sydney are geographically well connected, being part of the ‘Global Economic Corridor’, identified in the umbrella strategic plan - ‘NSW Metropolitan Strategy - City of Cities’. Council is committed to playing an active role by creating a strong local economy, to achieve economic wellbeing, supporting a high quality of life for the City and region. The Economic Development Strategy will play an important role in shaping that future.
The Draft Strategy has been developed around 3 pivotal themes, which have been endorsed by the community:
- Marketing the City Of Ryde
- Employment Generation
- Building Partnerships
The Strategy has been prepared to increase the business profile and recognition of the City and to encourage greater success and sustainability for the local business community. The Strategy is also important to help promote business and jobs growth, secure investment and development.
Note: Following exhibition and submission consideration, the final design and content of the Strategy will be prepared and sent to you.
Please email comments to Council’s Economic Development Manager, Paul William-Smith at pwilliam-smith@ryde.nsw.gov.au by Wednesday 28 August 2008 or for further information or enquiries please telephone Paul on Tel: 9952 8051.
It is Council’s policy that all submissions will be publicly accessible on request. Supply of personal information is voluntary. However anonymous submissions may be given less weight.
22 July 2008. Rob Wilkinson of North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce also wears a Rotary hat, and we are delighted to help him promote the ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) Fundraising Dinner on Friday September 5 at North Ryde RSL Community Club. Join MC Ray Martin and celebrities including Kamahl at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. $75 per person includes a 3 course meal and drinks on a night with entertainment, interviews, and an auction of some amazing sports memorabilia. Click here to download your invitiation/booking form. Enquiries to Rob Wilkinson, ph & fax: (02) 9888-3625,
mobile: 0418-969241,
e-mail: robwilk@bigpond.net.au
21 July 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
21 July 2008. Ryde Businesses take to the floor. If you are a business person in need of some motivation, then opportunity is knocking at the door; take that step to the second annual 2008 Ryde Business and Technology Expo at Stamford Grand North Ryde on Wednesday 6 August 2008.
This year’s event proudly organized by Expo Edge, on behalf of Ryde Business Forum, is already in the making to be bigger and better than ever with a strong focus on a new theme of “Technology” and a record registration of business exhibitors.
More than 400 visitors are expected to walk the floors at the Ryde Business and Technology Expo between the hours of noon and 7.00pm. Entry on the day is FREE.
The Ryde Business Forum’s Business After Hours Cocktail Networking Party will follow the expo, giving exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to network and mingle with colleagues while enjoying drinks and canapés.
Major sponsors of this year’s expo are Ryde Business Forum, City of Ryde and Stamford North Ryde.
Andrew Bland, RBF Chairman, said, “We are proud and excited to be a major sponsor this year and look forward to the opportunity to promote the innovative businesses throughout our region. We are hoping to meet and motivate as many local business owners as possible at this fantastic annual event.”
Expo Edge works in partnership with local councils, chambers of commerce and businesses to offer a complete package from initial concept through to staging and post-expo analysis.
For further information on the 2008 Ryde Business and Technology Expo or to make a booking visit expoedge.com.au or call (02) 8850 5533.
21 July 2008. Employers help prepare our young for the Workforce. North West Business Education Network (NWBEN) facilitated further enriching Career and Transition Support programs for the schools in the Ryde, Hunters Hill and Kuring’gai regions in June. They included a program of industry presentations at schools throughout Careers Week, and a two-day workshop for Yr 11/12 school leavers entitled ‘Bridging the Gap’.
The activities were part of the Australian Government’s Career Advice Australia initiative of which the overall aim is to help young people in their transition from school to work by building partnerships between schools and industry. These partnerships enhance the understanding and skills of 13-19 year olds to make sustainable career choices and also help address the skills shortages.
This year 32 presenters from a variety of industries delivered 46 sessions to 1025 students who are in the process of choosing their future careers.
The ‘Bridging the Gap’ workshop was a combination of talks from industry experts and career professionals, and practical sessions which provided fun and interactive sessions to help students develop employability skills, personal management skills, job seeking and interview skills.
The standard of informative and interactive presentations was excellent and feedback from participants expressed a high level of appreciation for the quality of the presentations and the benefits they received from these sessions.
“We were delighted to have so much input from our industry experts,” expressed Suzanne Atteridge, Executive Officer of NWBEN. “It was encouraging to see the fantastic response both from the presenters and the students. It shows we are reaping fruit from our 2 years of building relationships between industry and education partners.”
NWBEN and the participating schools, Epping Boys High, Kur-ring-gai Creative Arts High, Roseville High, The German School, Abbotsleigh Girls High School and Marist Sisters College wish to express their gratitude and acknowledge the following presenters for providing their students with knowledge and insights into different industries.
• Derek Hennessy MEGT (Apprenticeships and Traineeships)
• Dr. Peter Cranston, Optus (Science / Engineering)
• Kate Stefanov, FITT (ICT)
• Melissa Mitchell (Beauty industry)
• Andrew Bland, Blands Law (Legal industry)
• Jessica Aldred (Accounting and Finance)
• Ben Veness, Westpac (Finance)
• Ron Fuller , ABC TV News Room (Media)
• Isabel Osuna-Gatty Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council (Health)
• Michael Bewley, Cochlear (Science and Engineering)
• Kristina Street, Bradfield College (Creative Arts)
• Jeff Turnbull, Aqua Dining Restaurant (Hospitality)
• Cathy Richardson, UTS (Nursing)
• Norm Himsley, Dam Safety (Engineering)
• Wendy Dryden (Hornsby Police Youth Liaison)
• Belinda Rammage (Hornsby Police Youth liaison)
• Wayne Young (NSW Fire Department)
• Bianca Mediati , Billy Blue (IT Graphic Design)
• Elizabeth Bence, School of Design (Fashion Design)
• Maurice Marshan (Legal Industry)
• Stefan Sojka, Cyrius Media Group (Media)
• Anne Burgess, Paul Berkmeier Architects Pty Ltd (Architecture)
• Paul Berkmeier, Paul Berkmeier Architects Pty Ltd (Architecture)
North West Business Education Network is one of one of approximately 130 Local Community Partnerships across Australia, an element under the Career Advice Australia initiative funded through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Employers who wish to become involved in their programs are welcome to contact
Mabel Gonzales, CTS Program Manager at (02) 9449 7267 or mabel.gonzales@northwestben.com.au
17 July 2008. For those of you who didn't go to our breakfast workshop this morning with David Caruso, you missed an excellent introduction into the world of using Google advertising to promote your website and business. David is presenting a half day workshop in Rozelle on 29 July, Mastering Google Advertising, which will take you step by step through creating your own Google advertisement, including how to strategically target your customers geographically and through the use of specific search strings. This can save you thousands of dollars compared to using traditional advertising methods such as Yellow Pages, or using a consultant to run ads on Google for you. For more information visit www.davidcaruso.com.au.
17 July 2008. Farewell to Steven Pringle who is leaving Macquarie University to join the Royal Australian Navy's PR department at HMAS Penguin. Steven has been of great assistance to RBF and its members facilitiating events and communications between the Uni and RBF, and as yet his successor has not been announced. We wish Steven all the best in his new role.
17 July 2008. Welcome to new member Get Communications. Get Communications provides a range of specialised tracking and remote monitoring and remote control of many devices over the internet and other portable devices. They can assist you also in setting up your own website able to be self managed and have been involved in voice services and data networks over the past 15 years as well as providing marketing services and technology training. Your contact is Managing Director Graeme Josephs, and you can call him on 300 798 560 to find out more or visit www.getcommunications.com.au
8 July 2008. Transurban Hills M2 Motorway hosted our July Business After Hours and welcomed questions and suggestions about how the motorway's service could be improved. For more information and photos, click here.
8 July 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
1 July 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
30 June 2008. Ryde Business Forum, in conjunction with local Chambers of Commerce, is delighted to invite you to a special series of seminars and short courses to be delivered by the Office of Industrial Relations. The OIR runs these seminars all over NSW, and until now there has not been a dedicated series for businesses in the Ryde area. These seminars will run from July through to November this year. Some of them are free, some have a charge associated with them. Click here to read more about the series and download your information and booking form.
30 June 2008. New contact details for PC PowerTech. Mac Vosoughi has a new email address - mac@pcpowertech.com.au - and a sparkling new website: www.pcpowertech.com.au.You'll find more information on Mac's maintenance, networking and repair services there as well as an enticing array of new computers and laptops you can buy at great prices directly from Mac.
16 June 2008. Today's e-news is available here.
6 June 2008. The ‘Enterprise Connect’ program was announced in the May 2008 Federal Budget as a $251m Australian Government initiative aimed at delivering practical support for thousands of SMEs throughout the country. The program has two stages; a free Business Review, where a Business Adviser works with a firm’s management to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their organisation, and stage two, where the business can access funding of up to $20,000, matched dollar for dollar, for Tailored Advisory Services, to address the areas identified in the first stage. Click here to find out how you can benefit from this initiative.
5 June 2008. NSW Government Budget papers reveal that the Epping/Chatswood Rail Link will not be finished for at least twelve months and the bill for the project has climbed to $2.346 billion. RBF is talking to TDIC about having an update breakfast for members and guests in the next couple of months. An upgrade to Ryde bus depot is also underway, which will allow for more buses to operate in the area when upgrades are complete next year.
5 June 2008. Local
Chambers Anti-Graffitti campaign: RBF has joined with local
Chambers of Commerce - Eastwood, Epping, Gladesville, North Ryde
Macquarie Park, Ryde and West Ryde - in the fight against graffitti
across Ryde. Together we are offering a reward of $5000 for information
leading to the prosecution of graffitti artists. Our thanks to John Booth AM of The Weekly Times for helping promote this campaign to make the streets and properties of Ryde graffitti-free. The Weekly Times will publish a recent graffiti picture and readers are invited to name the graffiti vandal and receive the $5,000 reward if the naming leads to a conviction. For more info contact TWT on 9807 6666. Pic below courtesy TWT On-the-Spot photos: local Chamber and RBF representatives Colin Stibbs, Charles Kilby, Lydia Scuglia, Julianne Taffa, Andrew Bland, Yvonne Dornan, Robert Cameron, Sabrina Ferguson with TWT Managing Editor John F Booth AM.
5 June 2008. NSW State budget backs business, investment and innovation - click here to read media release from the Dept of State & Regional Development.
3 June 2008. Our June Business After
Hours was held in conjunction with Ryde Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Ivan Petch,
Councillors
and management of the City of Ryde
welcomed
nearly 90 people and gave members and guests a taste of
what's in story for Ryde over the next few years. Click
here to read more/see photos. Information
on the Draft Management Plan itself is available on the City
of Ryde's website.
3 June 2008. Welcome to new members:
Eden Gardens has a history of supporting Father Chris Riley’s
Youth off the Streets via donations, the hosting of charity
events and providing employment opportunities for youth
through its trainee program.