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.

back to top

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:

28 May 2008. Nearly 100 RBF members and guests made an early start this morning to hear The Hon John Watkins MP speak at our business breakfast. Mr Watkins spoke of what Ryde could expect in the future, drawing on data from the recent 2020 Summit, and answered questions at length about transport issues in the City. Full report and photos - click here.

28 May 2008 - today's e-news is available here.

26 May 2008. Exhibitors are now able to register for our 2008 Ryde Business & Technology Expo. More information on this event, which will be held 6 August, is available here. We hope you'll be able to join us and showcase the depth and breadth of business that flourishes throughout the City of Ryde.

26 May 2008. Has your organisation longed to find a business which combines corporate training with employee retention and rewards and... corporate seated massage? Look no further than our newest member, Balance! Healthcare Pty Ltd. CEO Kate Gunn provides a unique mix to assist businesses of all sizes. Balance! Sensible Workplace is a corporate training provider with a difference." We approach corporate training from a professional business standpoint, incorporating a health and wellness message. Our core areas of specialisation and experience are in Strategic Planning, Team Building, Change Management, Review Sessions and Customer Service," Kate said. "All our corporate training programmes are customised to your requirements, ensuring we meet your individual business needs. Whether you are having a one day planning session, or a multi-day retreat, we can assist you in designing an outcomes focussed, yet balanced, programme." Contact Kate on 1300 854350 and try the corporate massage for yourself!

16 May 2008. New contact at U@MQ. U@MQ, formerly Venues@Macquarie, has a new contact person for your events and conferences/meeting needs: Kye Gillies, Event & Sales Catering Executive. You can contact Kye on 9850 6149 or email kye.gillies@mq.edu.au. Along with the new name and branding is a new website. Click here to discover more about the excellent conference, meeting and event venues available for hire.

14 May 2008. We are delighted to welcome two new members:

8 May 2008. The Beville Group has released its brochure for prospective tenants in the new Top Ryde City shopping centre. Major retailers including Myer, Big W, Woolworths, Aldi and Franklins are already on board - this is very exciting news for Ryde residents! We have available the brochure as a download - click here. This is a large document -4MB - so depending on your connection may take some time to download. For more information about the project visit www.toprydecity.com.au

6 May 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

6 May 2008. This month's Business After Hours was hosted by Macquarie University, MGSM and Access Macquarie, and showcased the wealth of learning and research opportunities available to both individuals and companies. With a special visit from the Olympic Torch, this was a night not to be missed. Click here to read more and see photos.

6 May 2008. Welcome to new member Aleem Khalid of Kordia Solutions. Kordia offers a range of technology solutions based at larger organisations - broadcast solutions, telecommunications solutions and converged solutions. Kordia has been in the business for sixty years and Aleem is based in the North Ryde/Macquarie Park area to assist corporations with their needs. For more information, visit www.kordia.com.au and contact Aleem: aleem.khalid@kordia.com.au

back to top

28 April 2008. Eden Foundation Pledges Support for Local Youth

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.

In recognition of the support Eden has demonstrated for Youth Off the Streets, the school that opened in Macquarie Fields this January was called “Eden Learning Centre”.

Eden Gardens is in the process of registering the Eden Foundation, which is expected to be accepted by the ATO and in operation by the end of June 2008. The Foundation’s mission is to build community by connecting disengaged youth with the natural environment.

To begin the Foundation’s work, Eden Gardens wanted to support a local organisation whose mission is in line with its own and relates directly to the local Ryde area.

On Monday 7th April, Eden Gardens hosted the Ryde Business Forum Business After Hours meeting at which over 80 people were present from many local businesses. Anna Ainsworth, Community Co-ordinator and Director of Eden Gardens, took the opportunity to pledge a cheque worth $10,000 to the Shack Youth Outreach at Epping who support local youth at risk and assisted over 1500 local youth in 2007. Once established, The Eden Foundation will continue supporting the Shack Youth Outreach along with Youth Off The Streets and Eden Gardens’ other chosen charities.

For more information please contact Anna Ainsworth on 9491 9900 or email annaa@edengardens.com.au .

15 April 2008. Welcome to our newest member Ben Fewtrell from ActionCOACH. Ben co-owns one of the largest business coaching firms in Australia and has personally coached over 100 businesses. He is based in Gladesville. Ben is a key-note presenter and has presented to thousands of business people around the globe. Ben is more than just another business presenter… his philosophy is to entertain and educate simultaneously creating a fun learning environment. You can find out more about Ben and his entrepreneurial style at www.benfewtrell.com. Ben has the following upcoming event you can get complimentary tickets to:

Ryde Business Forum invites you to join Ben on his 'Boost Your Business' tour. During these events Ben will teach you how to make your
business more profitable, how to generate more leads and make sure you are maximising your sales results!

Here is just some of what you will discover at this event...

9 April 2008. Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew was guest speaker at our business breakfast this morning. Click here to read about Maxine's speech and see photos. Thanks to our sponsor Johnson & Johnson family of companies for helping this event so successful.

7 April 2008.Even under the heaviest shower of rain Eden Gardens is still spectacular – as around 70 members and guests of RBF and North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce discovered on Monday night. Click here to read more and see photos.

4 April 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

Welcome to new members:

• Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. The Johnson & Johnson family of companies is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products as well as a provider of related services for the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets. Your contact is Tim James, Manager Corporate and Government Affairs, on 8875 3240.
• Aristocrat Gaming & Leisure. Aristocrat designs and manufactures gaming machines, and will be relocating from Lane Cove to Macquarie Park in the next twelve months, to a new purpose-built facility. Your contact is Malcolm Saltmarsh, National Properties and Facilities Manager, on 9413 6892
• Financial Fundamentals. Financial Fundamentals help people with solutions for their retirement plans, so they are comfortable and secure. Your contact is Shayne Dumbrell, Financial Planner, on 8205 9666.
• Colliers International. Colliers is one of the largest commercial property brokers in Australia, and winner of the Real Estate Institute of Australia awards in 2006 and 2007. Your contact is Chris Roumanous, Executive/Investment Sales, on 9840 0229.

1 April 2008. Andrew Bland of BlandsLaw is presenting our first business breakfast workshop for the year on the changes in Industrial Relations Law on 7 May 2008. With the abolition of AWAs and other IR legislation, this is a breakfast no business owner or HR manager can afford to miss. This breakfast is limited to 15 people so be quick and book, Download your invitation here.

back to top

19 March 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

12 March 2008. Special event at Epping... an evening with Max Walker, Tuesday 1 April 2008. Organised by Epping Chamber of Commerce for members and guests of all local Chambers and RBF. Sporting icon Max is a rivetting speaker, and he'll be entertaining you over a two-course dinner at The Epping Club. Cost to Chambers/RBF members $55/head. Non-Chamber/RBF members $65/head. One complimentary drink included at this price. Book directly with The Epping Club ASAP - phone 9876 4357. Bookings Close 28 March. Click here to download invitation/booking form.

12 March 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

4 March 2008. Sponsorship opportunities:

There will be LOTS of publicity for both these events this year both in the Forum network and in local media and of course on this site. Get in quick and get your company logo marketed by us now! Contact Sabrina Ferguson on 9807 4999.

4 March 2008. In a contrast to last month's Business After Hours, our March event enjoyed a beautiful sunny autumn evening - just perfect for a BBQ! Around 50 members and guests of the Forum and Eastwood Chamber of Commerce joined us at The Shack Youth Outreach in Epping to find out more about the organisation. Click here to read more, see photos and find out who our food and beverage sponsors were on the night.

4 March 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

back to top

22 February 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

22 February 2008.Special Briefing for RBF Members & Guests - North Ryde Corridor, 4 March 2008: The Macquarie Park Corridor Draft DCP, preliminary draft LEP plans and Draft Public Domain Manual are on public exhibition from 15 February to 14 March. The City of Ryde has arranged a special briefing for RBF members and others on our mailing list: Tuesday 4 March, from 4.00pm to approx. 5pm
Location: Macquarie University Lindsay Room on level 3 in the SAM Building, located in the centre of campus.
A brochure has been produced by the City of Ryde summarising the material on exhibition, including how to make a submission. The full suite of documents can be viewed at:- http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/development/controls_exhib/macquarie_dcp.htm
Please RSVP directly to Paul William-Smith, Economic Development Manager, City of Ryde on 9952 8051 or email PWilliam-Smith@ryde.nsw.gov.au

14 February 2008. Welcome to two new members who have joined us this week:

7 February 2008. Ryde Business Blog is up and running! Members can post articles and anyone can post comments - click here to visit.

7 February 2008. Member Pamela Jones is pleased to announce the new name of her company - The Environmental Type. This is such a clever name. The Environmental Type provides business support services backed up by diverse qualifications in clerical, business and environmental fields. Find out more on her website: www.pamelajones.com.au

5 February 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

5 February 2008. It seemed as if all the backlog of prayers for rain were being answered in one day - the day of our first event for 2008. However driving rain didn't keep people away and we had around 60 members and guests in the lovely Almgren Centre at Dunmore Lang College. Members of North Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber of Commerce joined us for this event.

Host Dr Lewis Rushbrook is proud of his College and its services - and justifiably so. State of the art conference rooms with excellent sound and lighting facilities can cater from the smallest meeting to a conference for 70. Added to that is the huge dining room in a nearby building which can be used for conference dinners, product launches and other big events. Click here for more information and photos.

5 February 2008. Business Breakfast Briefing, 20 February 2008: Child Friendly Retailing & Commercial

hildren and shopping or business visits aren’t always a great mix – ask any parent who’s tried to talk to a shopkeeper or service provider with a fractious toddler in tow.

Ryde Business Forum, in conjunction with the City of Ryde, is running a special Business Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday 20 February 2008 for business people to help them generate sales and let their clients and customers concentrate on business and shopping.

In this presentation, subject matter experts Michelle Barraclough of Australian company Child Friendly Solutions and Michael Costello from WorkCover will tell you how creating a child friendly retail or service environment can increase sales and give you a competitive edge. Click here to read more about this event and the presenters involved.

5 February 2008. News from NSW Business Chamber - Prime Minister's Summit: The Prime Minister has announced that the Rudd Government will be holding a National Summit called Australia 2020 on the weekend of 19 and 20 April. One hundred people will be invited to join each of ten working groups.

If you are interested in getting assistance in submitting an application, please let Paul Ritchie (telephone - 02 9350 8112) or Chris Taylor (telephone - 02 9350 8184) in Public Affairs know of your interest.

More information is available here on the NSWBC website.

back to top

29 January 2008. Today's e-news is available here.

11 January 2008. City of Ryde - Central Darling Alliance. Expressions of interest.

The City of Ryde has recently entered into a Partnership Agreement with Central Darling Shire Council in the far west of NSW. Both Councils see a number of opportunities that will support and benefit both communities in working closely together. The partnership will seek to explore and develop opportunities that provide benefits for our respective communities in areas such as work experience, employment, education, economic development and community harmony.

To evaluate and progress the partnership, Council is seeking to establish an Advisory Committee comprising elected Councillors, together with representation from government and other agencies, local service organisations, local residents and local businesses.

Expressions of interest are now being sought from the City of Ryde community for the following positions on the Advisory Committee:
2 local residents
2 local business representatives
2 local service organisation representatives

If you are interested in participating in this very exciting initiative please contact Council's Manager Councillor Services, Scott Allen on 9952-8066 to obtain a copy of the Expression of Interest Form and Terms of Reference for the Committee.

Applications close on Tuesday, 29 January 2008.

11 January 2008. Happy new year everyone, and we hope 2008 is starting well for all of you.

Our first event for the year is Business After Hours to be held at Dunmore Lang College on Monday 4 February 2008. As well as providing residential services for Macquarie University students, DLC offers accommodation to the general public outside semesters, and has a fabulous conference facility in the form of the Almgren Centre. With its spacious, glass-walled atrium the Almgren Centre is the perfect place for a cocktail party - so do join host Dr Lewis Rushbrook and his team there and explore the rest of the conference facilities. Download your invitation here and RSVP to Sabrina Ferguson by Thursday 31 January 2008 or phone 9807 4999, fax 9807 4988.

11 January 2008. Welcome to new member Knight Frank Australia, who joined us last month. Knight Frank is a commercial and industrial real estate operation with a major focus on the rapidly expanding North Ryde/Macquarie Park region. If you are looking to invest in or lease commercial property in this area, do talk to Knight Frank. Your contact is Penelope Marshal, Executive, on 9028 1100.