Opportunities - City of Greater Dandenong

Transcription

Greater Dandenong’s business news
September - November 2012
Opportunities
abound in
Greater Dandenong
Procurement Opportunities............................................................. Pages 1-6
Local Investment Activity............................................................... Pages 9-11
The Future of Manufacturing Project...................................................Page 14
2.
Stakeholder Greater Dandenong’s business news
City of opportunity
Contacts:
Sandra George
Manager South East Business Networks
Enquiries to 9238 1550 Fax 9239 5196
www.greaterdandenong.com
Paul Dowling
South East Melbourne Manufacturers
Alliance (SEMMA) Ph: 9238 1565
www.semma.com.au
Deanne Johnson
Greater Dandenong Chamber
of Commerce Ph: 9794 8881
www.greaterdandenongchamber.org
Paula Brennan
Stakeholder Editorial
Ph: 9238 1573
pbrenn@cgd.vic.gov.au
Address:
Business Development Centre
4th Floor, 329 Thomas Street
Dandenong, Victoria 3175
Views expressed by individual contributors in this
publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the
City of Greater Dandenong.
Material from Stakeholder, Greater Dandenong‘s
business news may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes provided the source is
acknowledged, e.g. ‘This material first appeared
in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Stakeholder
publication, September - November 2012’.
Cover: Model of new Greater Dandenong
municipal building.
Focus
John Bennie.
As we head into the closing stage of
2012 you may notice some changes
within Greater Dandenong’s Economic
Development Unit (EDU), with the recent
retirement of Ron Ghiggino, our longterm Economic Development Manager.
Ron has been instrumental in leading
new strategic directions for this Council
in regards to the way we work to cultivate
a resilient future economy. This edition
outlines some of that work with a story on
Page 5 outlining how Greater Dandenong
is leading the way in implementing cuttingedge strategies in the area of economic
and employment development.
We once again consider the
opportunities that high-speed
high-capacity broadband and
telecommunications infrastructure will
bring with the arrival of the National
Broadband Network (NBN). Other
opportunities for business include
projects for a healthy workforce (page
4), procurement opportunities with
the major development of a new civic
precinct in Dandenong (pages 6 and 7),
and many business activities outlined in
the calendar of industry events (pages
22 and 23).
This edition continues to showcase
major investments in Greater
Dandenong, through new buildings or
other business infrastructure.
This edition includes many other articles
of interest to the business community,
in particular see page 20 for changes to
legislation and business practices which
may impact you and your business.
Once again enjoy the read, and contact
our EDU team if you have a great story
to tell, or wish to become more involved
with Council’s business support
activities.
John Bennie
CEO
Business & Industry
Local supplier sees potential of NBN
A
s a leading supplier of springs, suspensions
and axles for vehicles, Hendrickson
Asia Pacific Pty Ltd may not seem like an
obvious company to benefit from the National
Broadband Network (NBN). However IT
System Administrator Charles Oey, sees the
potential in the introduction of the NBN.
Mr Oey’s role at the company is to
ensure all of the servers and associated
infrastructure run efficiently and says the
“dawn” of the NBN is starting from the
telco (telecommunications company) side.
“It can offer more service to a customer
like us. A good example right now that
I’m testing is an online backup feature
which has the potential to replace our tape
back-up,’’ he said.
“Currently, couriers pick up tapes every day
but moving forward I would really like to see
this being replaced with an online solution.
“In the past this has not been possible
because the bandwidth wasn’t there.”
Mr Oey said an overall benefit of the
NBN would be streamlining file sharing
between Hendrickson Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
and its parent company in the US to
create a one-network solution with the
engineering departments engaging
in a high level of data sharing and
video conferencing.
“The ultimate goal is to have everything
off site to create a better disaster recovery
solution in circumstances such as fire.
“For other countries that aren’t as big, it’s
cheaper to develop the technology but
my personal opinion is that if we don’t
have the NBN then we will be left behind,”
said Mr Oey.
www.hendrickson.com.au
Hendrickson
September – November 2012
3.
Business & Industry
Fastracking the future
What impact will the future of high-speed
connectivity have on your business?
B
oth Keysborough and Bangholme have
been named in the NBN roll out works
commencing this year, with Dandenong,
Dandenong North, and Dandenong South
set for commencement in 2014.
The media so far has focussed on the
NBN making it easier to play games, the
benefit for education in remote areas,
and how it will help our community stay
more connected. But where’s all the
publicity about what it can do for the
competitiveness of our businesses?
Kerry Hayes who works with the South East
Melbourne Innovation Precinct Marketing
Group recently said: “Melbourne’s South
East is a unique mix of world class research
infrastructure and technology rich SMEs
(small and medium enterprises)”.
“For many of these businesses who are
pushing into international markets the need
to operate on a 24 hour cycle demands
the transmission of large amounts of data.
Maximising these opportunities is vital to
the growth of many of these companies”
Ms Hayes said.
SEMIP representatives business partners
and local MPs actively lobbyied for the
region to be listed for early rollout. And to
the credit of all involved, there appears
to have been some success, with several
local areas being named in the next stage
of rollouts.
So what does high-speed data access
mean for you in your business? Where are
the opportunities and what will they bring?
What current business models will be
relevant, and what new ones will emerge?
Does your business have a role to play in
the delivery of this asset, or what difference
will the connectivity make to how you deal
with your customers? What new markets
can you reach, and what new products
can you deliver?
Forward thinking companies, like
Fujitsu Australia (see story page 11), have
positioned themselves to make the most of
the opportunities high-speed connectivity
will bring.
The NBN, which replaces copper wire
with fibre optic broadband, will be up to
10 times faster than existing services.
It will bring businesses up to speed
internationally, improving teleconferencing
capacity, speeding up cloud services to
store and access huge technical files,
and provides enormous amounts of
opportunities currently restricted by the
limited service available.
As the pending rollout draws closer,
further articles with tips and examples
of how businesses can prepare for the
opportunities ahead will be included in
Stakeholder. Also keep an eye out as more
and more business events are announced
to help businesses along the way.
4.
Economic & Social Wellbeing
Training to communicate impacts businesses
‘It used to take me five minutes to walk
the length of the factory to get from the
car park to my office. Now it can take
me 25 minutes and the guys want to talk
to me about everything – footy, family,
assembly and safety.’ An operations
manager after a WELL training program.
Eighteen months before, there had
been an industrial lock-out and no
one was happy.
programs are collaborative between the
company and the WELL trainer. In a 2006
review 75 per cent of employers noted the
following benefits from a WELL program:
In 2011 Chisholm Institute received
Australian Government funding to establish
a network for small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs). The ENTWINED
network allows employers to discuss
the effect of low or poor employee
communication skills at their businesses
and to collaborate in joint funding to meet
those needs.
• increased productivity.
The Workplace English Language and
Literacy Program (WELL) started in the
early ‘90s. It is designed to work on the
skills gaps identified by the employer, to
be delivered on-site and to be measured
by the employer’s outcomes. WELL
For information on WELL go to:
http://www.skills.gov.au/content/
australian-government-skills-connectprograms or contact Rhonda Pelletier
at: Rhonda.Pelletier@chisholm.edu.au or
Entwined@chisholm.edu.au
• more effective communication
• improved teamwork
• better interpersonal relationships
• more flexible workforce
(WELL 2006 Evaluation – Study
of WELL Projects, KPMG for the
Australian Government.)
Chisholm Institute will produce a report and
guide so that other training organisations
can establish an ENTWINED network in
their region.
WORKPLACE
HEALTH &
WELLBEING
How important is it?
I
mproving the health and wellbeing of
communities, schools and workplaces
makes sense – productivity, absenteeism
and general workplace behaviour are
significant risks to business and the
subsequent economic and social costs
to the community can be devastating.
The cost of job stress alone has been
estimated at $12.6 billion for the economy
and that doesn’t even take into account
absenteeism related to other preventable
health problems.
As previously reported in Stakeholder,
preventative health initiatives designed
to partner with business and industry to
identify and promote healthy workplace
practice and support new initiatives, can
be of substantial benefit to your company.
Australian workplaces have the potential
to reach more than 11 million people,
so encouraging a culture of ‘a healthy
workforce is a happy workforce’ could
have a significant and positive impact!
We now invite Expressions of Interest in
either/both of the following programs:
1)The City of Greater Dandenong
has received funding to address
preventable chronic disease with a
focus on encouraging healthy eating
and physical exercise and reducing
smoking and harmful alcohol use.
Across the municipality, businesses will
be supported to improve the health of
their workplace with a range of options
available. Council’s Healthy Workplaces
team can assist with this support.
2)SEBN is partnering with the National
Centre for Education & Training on
Addiction on a pilot program involving
the design, implementation and
evaluation of a multi-faceted alcohol
harm reduction strategy that will adopt
an organisational approach. (Specific
criteria applies).
Both projects will be implemented over
three years and the findings used to
develop strategies and practical resources
to support workplaces to create healthier
work environments.
If you would like to know more about either
of these projects - or be involved in any
way - contact Sandra George at sebn@cgd.
vic.gov.au or on 9238 1576 or the Healthy
Workplaces Team (Jo Warnecke) at joanne.
warnecke@cgd.vic.gov.au or 9239 5135.
5.
Word from an expert
Creating an
economically
strong and resilient
Dandenong
S
ome businesses and economies suffer
badly from local, national or global
events (such as the Global Financial Crisis).
Others seem to ride with the punches.
Some businesses seem to be able to grab
hold of opportunities, while others are too
slow or do not see opportunities and the
potential for business growth passes by.
According to ongoing work by the
Economic Development Unit at the
City of Greater Dandenong, working
with the UK Centre for Local Economic
Strategies (CLES), the ability to spot
and take advantage of opportunities
and or withstand shocks is all down to
economic and business resilience. Key
to this resilience is the relationships and
networks that businesses have with other
businesses, with customers and with the
local area.
Over the course of 2011, we assessed
the economic networks at play within
Greater Dandenong. This work explored
the strength of local economic networks
and how responsive businesses were to
adverse change or positive opportunities
in the wider economy.
This is no ordinary economic study.
Traditionally economic assessments
develop strategy and policy which tended
to work in isolation from the social aspect
of the economy. This approach allows us to
think about broader aspects which make
an economy and wider community sturdy.
The work highlights the importance of
not just the commercial economy (wealth
generators), but also the importance of the
public and social inputs to a successful
economy.
This way of thinking was originally tested in
six locations around the world. It has
subsequently been used in 18 areas in the
UK. Greater Dandenong is the first area to
apply this methodology in Australia.
Of particular note is the importance of
the commercial public connection, whilst
adequate, we still need to do more, to
ensure that policy is even more porous
to business interests. We can build on
existing strengths such as the South East
Business Networks and the South East
Melbourne Innovation Precinct. Greater
Dandenong has significant industrial
activity, and whilst this is developing, it is
important that it continues to serve the
community, in terms of employment.
As previously reported in September
2011 Stakeholder, overall the work found
Greater Dandenong to be quite resilient
and economically strong. Through further
work undertaken this year, it has become
clear that the economy is partly linked
to the area’s many cultures, with local
businesses gaining strength from these
cultural connections. Indeed a supply
chain and customer base is built up
around this. We have some very important
clusters in these sectors particularly in
Noble Park and Springvale. This is a
unique and distinct aspect of the area’s
economic identity and a unique economic
advantage which we must support
and augment.
As the Australian economy changes and
faces new challenges and opportunities,
its ongoing resilience is dependent on
growing robust and strong networked
local economies. This means the
approach to economic development
must embrace diversity and be networked
deeply within the local community.
The City of Greater Dandenong
will continue to implement its
Local Economic and Employment
Development Strategy, and local partners
interested in joining this work can contact
Paula Brennan on 9238 1573 or email
pbrenn@cgd.vic.gov.au
Neil McInroy.
Article Provided by Neil McInroy, CEO of the Centre for
Local Economic Strategies (CLES) - the UK’s leading
member and research organisation dedicated to Economic
development and making great places. www.cles.org.uk
6.
Business, Industry & Employment
ICN helps to revitalise
Central Dandenong
A
s part of the $290 million State
Government funded Revitalising
Central Dandenong (RCD) initiative,
Industry Capability Network (ICN) has
teamed up with Civilscape and Grocon
Constructions to assist in the delivery
of Places Victoria’s local business
engagement program.
Civilscape Director Hayes Heffer says
he was pleased to be working with
ICN on the project to identify and
engage suppliers to maximise local
industry involvement.
Central
Dandenong Government
Services Building.
“The number and quality of
nominees supplied by ICN
exceeded my expectations.
Having ICN working with us
on this initiative freed me up
to keep the project on track.”
he said.
More than $2 million worth of contracts
were awarded to local companies
Taking ‘Local’
to the next level
D
andenong-based Eco Wall
Systems is a specialist in fire and
acoustic walls and was one of the
local businesses appointed to the
Grocon Government Services Office
development.
Eco Wall Systems installed around
6,000 square metres of wall
system for the project, citing cost
competitiveness as a large contributor
to winning the tender process.
“Being literally across the road from
the project, we saved on overheads in
terms of jobs and travel,” said Director
Tim Kraskov.
Being a nominated installer of the
efficient Speedpanel system was
also key to being considered for the
job. As part of the project Industry
Capability Network (ICN) worked
with Grocon to visit and speak with
shortlisted companies such as
Eco Wall Systems.
“Speedpanel is one of many
fire-rated products but for this
application it was the most suitable
in terms of ease and speed of
installation, giving Grocon an
edge in terms of its program and
turnaround,” said Mr Kraskov.
“We win approximately 80 per cent
of our tenders with whichever
product is most appropriate for
the job requested.”
“A lot of the people we employ or
engage as contractors live around
the Dandenong area and are keen
to work on a project they don’t
have to go to the city for.”
“It not only encompasses local
business working on a local project,
but also local individuals, which is a
concept I support – it’s great for the
environment and also for ourselves.”
For further information please
call 9793 1988.
— including Boral Quarries and TRJ
Engineering to complete the project. For
Boral this local project represented more
than 770 truckloads of rock and kept 20
people employed. Hallam-based TRJ
Engineering was one of the nominated
suppliers for street furniture.
In addition to this, Grocon constructed
the new Government Services Building
- a $73 million contract.
Grocon Project Manager, Andrew
Poulton says “ICN worked with Grocon
to develop economic and employment
outcomes for this project. With their
assistance we secured local suppliers
who had the capability to supply our
work packages which resulted in us
exceeding 79 per cent local content.”
If you have a project underway
or unique supplier capability and
would like further information please
contact ICN’s Southern Metropolitan
Regional Manager, Peter Moore
on 0447 888 004 or email him at
pmoore@icnvic.org.au
Tim Kraskov
director of Eco
Wall Systems.
7.
LG Leadership
More opportunities for local businesses
in major Central Dandenong construction works
The site will feature not only a new
municipal office building but also a new
state-of-the-art regional library over
2500 square meters complete with the
latest technology; and an outdoor space
designed in the spirit of Federation Square,
complete with an events stage, café
area, landscaping and proposed giant
video screen.
Designed by architectural firm Lyons, the
building will boast a striking sandstone and
anodised aluminium façade and will include
a range of community meeting rooms,
Council chamber, provide a one-stop-shop
Red Gum
Ward
Dandenong Creek
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Bypass
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ipps
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Carlton Rd
Claredale
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CoomooraHenderson Rd
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am Rd
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denong
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Devira St
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Paperbark
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Thompson
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Dandenon
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Sylvia St
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For more information contact Council’s
Governance Unit directly on 9239 5309
or visit the following websites:
www.vec.vic.gov.au
www.mav.asn.au
y
Silverleaf
Ward
n
ingto
One of these sessions will be hosted
by the City of Greater Dandenong on
Wednesday 19 September 2012 at its
offices at 398-405 Springvale Road,
Springvale from 7pm. This session
will inform prospective candidates
about the process of nominating as
a candidate, the rules on submitting
how-to-vote cards, and introduces the
rules governing election campaigns.
The Returning Officer will make available
the VEC’s Candidate Handbook and will
be available to schedule appointments
for prospective candidates during the
nomination period.
gl
e
Heatherto
n Rd
ad
Morn
esidents and non-resident property
owners in the City of Greater
Dandenong who are considering
becoming a councillor are urged to
attend a candidate information session.
The Victorian Electoral Commission
(VEC) is holding candidate information
sessions across Victoria as part of the
2012 Council elections.
in
Police Ro
wa
y
Lightwood
Ward
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ll R
sta n
We ensio
t
Ex
Council elections are one way to make a difference to your community.
They provide you with an opportunity to contribute to the future of Greater
Dandenong, whether as a councillor or a voter.
D
es
Hi
gh
East Link
Westall Ro
ad
Pr
inc
E
lections for local Councils in Victoria are held every four years.
The City of Greater Dandenong will conduct councillor elections on
Saturday 27 October 2012.
For more information visit:
www.icngateway.com.au
East Link
Council Elections
– 27 October 2012
R
Potential suppliers can log onto ICN’s
website and register their interest in
supplying for this development and
numerous other projects throughout
Australia.
Road
The City of Greater Dandenong has
received a $6 million grant from the
Regional Development Fund (RDAF) for
the project. The significant funding boost
will play a major part in fulfilling the vision
for the flagship project of the revitalised
Council staff and ICN representatives
will work with lead construction
company Watpac Constructions, to
provide information to enable local
businesses to review and compete for
work on the development.
Corrigan
The $62.5 million project is due to be
completed in early 2014. Demolition works
are now underway, signaling a new era for
Central Dandenong.
Standing Up for the
Community – Candidate
Information Session
for council services and bring together
council staff in one building from the
current Springvale and Dandenong offices.
Central Dandenong, which will act as the
new heart for the entire south-east region.
ouncil has partnered with Industry
Capability Network (ICN) to improve
opportunities for local businesses to
be involved in procurement for the
construction of the new Dandenong
Connects Municipal Building.
Darren Rd
C
8.
Building a Sustainable Region
Greener
government
buildings
ACCC Carbon
Price Claims
Hotline
L
ast year the Victorian Government
implemented a Greener Government
Buildings program to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, energy
costs and water use across the majority
of government buildings including,
schools and TAFEs, universities,
hospitals, government offices, courts,
prisons, and art, sporting and other
public facilities.
Developed and managed by the
Department of Treasury and Finance’s
Government Services Division, Greener
Government Buildings projects are
required to identify and install cost
effective energy and water efficient
solutions and provide a guarantee on
project savings.
The program consists of four
key elements:
1.a requirement to implement Energy
Performance Contracting (EPC)
2.a source of repayable funding for
EPC projects
3.a facilitation service to assist in the
delivery of projects
4.a procurement pathway with
templates for planning, tendering
and contracting projects available.
For details visit www.dtf.vic.gov.au
T
he Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission has launched
a Carbon Price Claims Hotline and website
to raise consumer and busines awareness
of misleading carbon price claims.
A carbon price commenced in Australia
on 1 July 2012. The carbon price applies
to certain greenhouse emissions, with
some large businesses being required
to purchase carbon credits against
their emissions.
Carbon price claims could appear in
advertising, websites, on product labels or
in contracts and catalogues. They could
also be made verbally by a salesperson.
The ACCC Carbon Price Claims Hotline,
1300 303 609, and online carbon
price claim form, will make it easier for
consumers and businesses to complain if
they suspect false price claims are being
made about the carbon price.
Remember, while businesses are free to
set their own prices, if they make claims
about the impact of the carbon price
these need to be truthful and have a
reasonable basis.
For further information on the ACCC’s
role and guidance for businesses and
consumers visit www.accc.gov.au/carbon
Plastics manufacturer
grows green
initiatives and profits
F
ormerly a Continuous Improvement
Manager for Corex Plastics, Matt
Nettleton certainly earned his title
establishing a sustainability program for
the company that has now evolved into
Corex Recycling.
A South East Business Networks (SEBN)
‘Lean to Green’ program saw the initiation
of a national recycling program for Corex’s
products in 2008.
“The program really hit home with us –
rising raw materials prices and energy
charges represent significant costs to
our business and anything you can do to
reduce that is going to make sense both
commercially and for the environment ,”
said Mr Nettleton, now Business Manager
for Corex Recycling in Dandenong.
“At the time, research indicated a
75 per cent energy saving in using recycled
material compared to using virgin material,
in addition to all the environmental benefits.
“The program resonated with our customers
and employees alike – it was something
they got excited about and could go home
and talk to their families about.”
As the recycling program grew, the company
established Corex Recycling in 2011 as a
separate business to ‘sell’ back materials to
Corex and other markets.
Advantages to customers include reduced
landfill or storage costs, and publishing
environmental information – provided
by Corex Recycling – in their own
marketing materials.
Mr Nettleton was named Young
Manufacturer of the Year 2012 in the
Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards
in part for the work done in recycling.
“Using recycled material has allowed us
to engage with our customers and create
jobs,” said Mr Nettleton.
www.corex.net.au
9.
Sustainable Investment
BP Truck Stop Dandenong.
Another first-class facility for commercial customers
BP
has opened a new $10million
truckstop in Dandenong.
The site, on the corner of Greens and
Hammond roads provides great access for
commercial customers to both Eastlink and
Monash freeways in the heart of the busy
and growing industrial hub of Dandenong.
BP, one of the largest suppliers of fuel to
Australia, has been investing steadily to
improve reliability and add capacity across
its retail networks.
The new facility, built and completed
ahead of schedule at a cost of around
$10 million, will provide an unmatched
level of service and welcome truckers
Truckstops are very important to drivers,
offering them somewhere to rest and take
their fatigue breaks mid journey.
“No matter where you are in Australia,
BP offers a consistent truckstop and our
sites are located where we can support
the road transport industry. Being in the
right location makes it efficient for drivers
to refuel and keep moving.”
BP Australia’s Vice President Wholesale,
Reseller and Retail Mike McGuinness
welcomed the new development. “We now
have 40 dedicated truckstops and key
diesel sites in our network. These facilities
are on major trunk roads and are designed
specifically with truck drivers’ needs in
mind. They offer access to the best rest,
refuelling and restaurant facilities on the
road,” Mr McGuinness said.
www.bp.com.au
with wide and convenient refuelling
positions, hi-flow pumps, weighbridge
and extensive parking.
New manufacturing facility to increase
workplace and environmental efficiency
T
he TriMas Corporation has invested in
a new regional automotive products
manufacturing facility, consolidating
operations from its previous two factories.
The new Keysborough building was officially
opened in June 2012 by Victorian Premier
Ted Baillieu who met employees and
addressed the entire workforce, followed by
a catered lunch in the factory itself.
President and Managing Director Carl
Bizon, in conjunction with the TriMas board,
made the decision in 2009 to seek a new
facility after “running out of room to grow”.
“We’ve now gone from two 10,000
square metres locations to 27,000 square
metres, and spent over $9 million in new
equipment for the facility in addition to the
building costs,” Mr Bizon said.
TriMas is one of the southern
hemisphere’s leading suppliers of
engineered towing and occupant
protection solutions for the motor
vehicle industry. Research, development
and manufacturing will all be conducted
at the new facility.The new building’s
sustainable features include maximising
natural light to reduce electricity
usage, collecting rainwater to use as
process water in TriMas’ coating facility,
and increased insulation to reduce
energy consumption.
“The other important part of this
development is that from Dandenong
and Victoria’s point of view, it makes a
serious statement about the commitment
to maintaining manufacturing in the state
and Melbourne,” said Mr Bizon.
The Dandenong Truckstop is part of
BP’s continuing investment in Australia.
Projects currently underway, or recently
completed, include major new terminal
facilities and service stations. The company
is also investing heavily in the North West
Shelf Venture, the proposed Browse
development and exploration off the coast
of South Australia.
TriMas Corporation new
Keysborough building.
10.
Investment
Outdoor heating
company masters
new opportunity
T
wo large Masters stores – Woolworths’
new home improvement retail brand –
are set to open in Greater Dandenong over
the next year with local industry to benefit.
The Dandenong South store has begun
construction and is anticipated to
open around February 2013 while the
Keysborough store is scheduled for
November 2013.
Each will take up more than 13,500
square metres, employ 130 staff and
generate more than 180 construction jobs,
according to Mark Delaney, Development
Manager for Masters.
“The traditional hardware offering in
Australia is DIY – do it yourself – where
as our stores are going the next step and
offering ‘do it for me’ such as installing
products at customers’ houses.
“Our products cater for different price
points including a higher quality offering
previously unseen in hardware stores,”
Mr Delaney said.
Greg Trezise, National Sales Manager for
Thermofilm in Springvale, agrees – the
company is now supplying its Heatstrip
Classic outdoor heaters to Masters.
“A lot of research was done prior to
Masters going into this venture and it was
established that approximately 75 per cent
of decisions in a hardware store are still
made by women.
“Ours is a unique product on the market –
it doesn’t look like a heater, which is a great
positive, but needs to be displayed in-store
so people can feel the heat, understand
what it does and appreciate the features,”
said Mr Trezise.
“As a result our stores cater for women
as well as males, with consideration for
features like heating and air conditioning to
provide a comfortable retail environment.
“Masters is very big on customer
service and product displays, rather
than customers just looking at a box;
their stores are more a combination of a
department store with a hardware store
and that’s a great match for us.
“The working displays and detailed product
information allow customers to select the
best option for them, while supporting an
Australian manufacturer at the same time.
“Staff in the stores are very knowledgeable
on our product and keen to assist.”
Customer service initiatives at Masters
include call buttons throughout the store,
with employee’ response time monitored.
Masters plans to open 150 stores around
Australia within five years and has
partnered with Lowes in the USA.
“We export products all around the
world, and although we are not a huge
multinational company, it’s a good
opportunity for us to grow as Masters do,”
said Mr Trezise.
For further information visit
www.thermofilm.com.au or
www.masters.com.au.
Thermofilms Heatstrip,
Classic outdoor heaters
available at Masters.
11.
Investment
Stock Image
of data centre
provided by
Fujitsu,
Fujitsu up in the Clouds
with multi-million dollar upgrade
F
ujitsu Australia has officially opened
its $60 million upgraded data centre
facility in Noble Park, focussing on security,
connectivity and availability enhancements.
“Five years ago we began to upgrade
our national data centre infrastructure in
preparation for the demands for cloud
computing that we are experiencing today.”
The Noble Park facility, which is one of Fujitsu’s
most efficient of that size, has expanded by
2,000 square metres to 8,700 square metres
with potential for further development.
The upgrade will deliver a higher level
of efficiency for over 2,000 Australian
customers according to Fujitsu’s Head of
Strategy Phil McCormack.
“This strategic decision has provided
Fujitsu with the competitive advantage
we have today. We were one of the first
to provide access to this technology
in Australia.”
Fujitsu is a major employer in the state; the
company currently employs 1000 Victorians,
growing from 500 in the past seven years.
“Fujitsu is one of Australia’s
leading service providers of
business, information technology
and communications solutions,”
Mr McCormack said.
“Cloud computing is, and will be,
particularly important for the IT strategy of
many organisations,” Mr McCormack said.
“Our continued investment in Victoria is
important for both the economy and our
company given our sizeable operation
there,” said Mr McCormack.
www.fujitsu.com.au
New facility to
save lives and create jobs
AL-KO official Dandenong plant opening with
The Hon Richard Dalla-Riva and the AL-KO Team.
C
aravan components manufacturer
AL-KO officially opened its
Dandenong South $4.3 million Recreational
Vehicle Technology Centre in May.
The centre will put AL-KO’s innovative
new Electronic Sway Control (ESC)
technology into production, enhance
research and development, and
create 18 manufacturing jobs over
the coming year.
Managing Director Sven Mannfolk said
ESC is a sophisticated device monitoring
any movement in the caravan.
“If you have to suddenly avoid something
on the road, it will instantly react and
adjust the braking.
“This has been a really exciting project
because it’s something we feel strongly
about; it’s a product that will reduce
accidents and will ultimately save lives.
“It’s not every day you can work on
something as important as that.”
Initially AL-KO aims to fit ESC to new
caravans produced domestically, and early
next year will be available for retrofitting
second-hand caravans. It also expects
over $2.4 million in exports in five years.
The Victorian Government provided
$150,000 towards the new centre.
www.alko.com.au
12.
SOUTH EAST BUSINESS NETWORKS (SEBN)... bringing people
What’s
on offer
SEBN - Celebrating 20 years of continuous networking
If you are a manufacturer,
are you taking advantage of the services and support on offer?
Why not join
your peers in a
manufacturing
network?
SEBN 2012 network groups
& programs include:
• General Manufacturing Leadership
• OH&S
• Quality / Environment / Sustainability
• Manufacturing Shop-Floor
Excellence
• E xport / Globalisation
• Young Leadership
• CEO Groups
• Lean Leadership Academy
• Business Leaders Mentoring Program
South East Women in Business
(WIB) activities include:
• Showcasing WIB Series
• Women in Business Network
• WIB Successful Solutions’ Network
Transport
packaging time to move
the thinking
SEBN has identified transport
packaging as a key area for attention in
Greater Dandenong. Some companies
have developed world leading
practices whilst others are yet to
appreciate the opportunities that exist
for reducing materials consumption,
reducing waste disposal and recycling
rates and reducing costs.
If you are interested in engaging with
SEBN on this new focus area, please
contact Sandra George and she can
discuss SEBN’s plans.
Gerry Ryan
F
or the past two decades, the South East
business networks (SEBN) has partnered
with local businesses to help support and
grow the region’s manufacturing industry.
SEBN began in 1992 (then known as the
Jobs for South East Taskforce Inc) funded
by the Federal Government to address
rising unemployment and skills shortages
by working with local industry. When
government funding was cut in 1998,
Council stepped in to ensure the important
work supporting local manufacturers
would continue.
manufactured product, is the largest
employer in the region – and generates
$56 billion.
The relationships that SEBN has developed
with local business and industry has
generated considerable benefit back to the
community, resulting in more than $100,000
be raised for local charities through the
annual CGD-Industry ‘Take a Swing for
Charity’ golf day and other activities.
This support has enabled more than 500
companies and 2500 people annually to
benefit from programs and activities that
are designed to help local companies stay
competitive in a global environment; develop
capability and skills, and promote the role of
women in business.
So if you are a manufacturer and want to
meet with your peers and discuss common
issues or solve problems; be kept up to
date with the latest technologies, trends or
opportunities, then why not participate in one
of the many network groups / roundtables
on offer – or the diverse range of activities on
carbon, waste, lean, clean-tech, and health
& wellbeing.
South East Melbourne’s manufacturing
sector provides 44 per cent of Victoria’s
Contact SEBN@cgd.vic.gov.au for
further information.
SEBN 19th Annual Dinner
A positive outlook for manufacturing
P
hil Ruthven, founder and chairman of
IBISWorld enthralled and entertained
more than 140 business people at the
SEBN 19th Annual Dinner on 9 August.
Speaking on ‘A New Era, New Rules:
2012 & Beyond, Phil challenged the
audience with his thought-provoking
perspective on a confusing business
scene. With enormous optimism for
Australia’s long-term future in the 21st
Century, Phil offered some success
guidelines that will take us into the next
golden age of prosperity.
Phil Ruthven
13.
together to strengthen manufacturing knowledge and capability
Faith Fitzgerald, Deputy Chair,
Southern Melbourne RDA
The Hon Richard Dalla-Riva MLC, Victorian
Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade
and Employment and Industrial Relations
Key announcements at SEMMA AGM
S
outh East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) Annual
General Meeting/ Networking Night was held on Tuesday
31 July with over 140 members, guests, alliance partners and
politicians present.
President, Lyndon Joss also announced some new, innovative
SEMMA member initiatives including:
The Deputy Chair of the Southern Melbourne Regional
Development Australia (SMRDA), Faith FitzGerald, opened the
night by announcing that SEMMA had been selected to facilitate
its Future of Manufacturing in Melbourne’s South East project.
• Debtor Insurance Group Purchasing Deal – ensuring members
accounts receivables were insured
Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla-Riva acknowledged
SEMMA’s valued contribution to local and Victorian
manufacturing. He then announced that the State Government
will be supporting SEMMA in its role as facilitator for the project.
• Labour Utilisation Scheme – allowing SEMMA members to
temporarily move employees to other members when not fully utilised
• Clean Technology Grant Application Group Purchasing Deal assisting members to fully evaluate and utilise the benefits of
this Federal Government initiative designed to reduce resource
consumption
For information on SEMMA membership please call Paul Dowling
on 9238 1565
SEMMA takes the lead
in shaping the future of manufacturing
A
study completed by the Southern Melbourne Regional
Development Australia (RDA) Committee on the future of
manufacturing in Melbourne’s south east has recommended the
South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA) take a
lead role in implementing the outcomes of this important study.
The study describes future challenges facing the manufacturing
sector in the south-east Melbourne region and proposes a medium
to long-term strategy to strengthen local leadership and the links
between firms. One of the central findings of the study is that better
connections between local companies and global best practice will
drive innovation and improve competitiveness into the future.
John Bennie, Chair of the Southern Melbourne RDA, welcomed
the outcomes of the study and said that implementation of the
strategy will involve actions by a range of organisations and
sustained effort over the medium term.
“The strategy points out the critical leadership role that the local
business sector needs to play to achieve desired outcomes.
The study recommended that implementation of the strategy
needs to be led by an industry group and it identified SEMMA
as the most appropriate regional organisation with a specific
manufacturing focus”.
He said that SEMMA, as the representative body for manufacturing
in the region, was working closely with the Southern Melbourne
RDA to undertake the foundation work and lead implementation of
the strategy. The RDA has provided SEMMA with a funding grant
to support this leadership work.
Both Mr Bennie and SEMMA president Lyndon Joss agreed
that this is an exciting initiative with the potential to strengthen
the local manufacturing sector and the organisations that work
with the industry.
For more information ring Paul Dowling Executive Officer
SEMMA on 9238 1565 or Anita Buczkowsky, Executive Officer,
Southern Melbourne RDA on 0400 425 300.
This page feature stories from Council’s Business Networking Department,
South East Business Networks (SEBN), together with the South East Melbourne
Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA Inc) highlighting their work with industry and
the diversity and innovation typical of the manufacturing sector in this region.
14.
PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES
Future of Manufacturing
Technology Trends
City of Greater Dandenong Manufacturing
G
reater Dandenong holds a significant position in South East
Melbourne (SEM) region’s manufacturing landscape. It has a
leading position in the number of manufacturing businesses with
a turnover of $2+ million (36.8 per cent of SEM) and is particularly
strong in the $20+ million turnover (46.3 per cent). In the $50+
million category, it takes up 36.4 per cent.
The Future of Manufacturing Project commissioned by the
Southern Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committee in
partnership with Council’s South East Business Networking Unit
(SEBN) and the South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance
(SEMMA) provided significant business insights and identified
a number of technological trends in the manufacturing sector
relevant to its future competitiveness.
Technology Investment Intentions
Thirty per cent of firms surveyed plan to invest in technologies
and equipment specific to their business needs – particularly
in technologies such as laser cutting and Computer Numerical
Control equipment. Other major areas were robotics / automation,
and enhancing design engineering capabilities.
Technological advances are revolutionising manufacturing. New
technologies will require the ability to change, adapt and up-skill
if benefits are to be realised. Some of the technological trends
identified include:
Innovation in business models
Flexible, automated production systems, global supply chains
and global customers are currently made possible by information
and communication technologies (ICT) and related technologies.
Manufacturing activity will continue to be revolutionised by new
applications of ICT including the use of advanced modelling and
simulation, artificial intelligence, digital imaging, high density data
storage and virtual reality.
Virtual Manufacturing
Future production systems are now planned on the basis of virtual
engineering and virtual factories. The virtual factory will become
an information network where customers participate in the design,
engineering and testing of products enabled by virtual reality.
Quality control and process flows will be facilitated by intelligent
equipment, sensors, robotics and smart materials.
People will be employed to maintain, program, schedule and plan
processes of change as fully automated systems will allow for
continuous production. Products will be controlled, repaired and
serviced remotely. Smart engineering systems will integrate and
simplify, making customisation commercially viable.
Technology
Manufacturing sectors can be classified according to their
technology intensity (research & development content). Lower
technological intensity indicates lower propensity to export and
fewer opportunities for commercial linkages between research
organisations and firms.
New Enabling Technologies
Some of the advanced technologies already being adopted
and that will continue to transform future manufacturing
capabilities include:
• biotechnology and genetics
• nano-technology
• micro-machining
• metrology
• mechatronics
• new materials
• alternative energy sources
• integrated technologies.
Educational & Research Facilities
Adoption by local manufacturers of the above developed/
developing technologies is made easier by our close proximity
to the diverse range of research and educational facilities offered
by CSIRO, Synchrotron, Monash University et al. Chisholm
Institute of TAFE which is also located in this region offers various
manufacturing-focussed courses including their new three-year
Manufacturing Technology Degree developed for industry
by industry.
If you are a local manufacturer and interested in being part of the
region’s manufacturing future, please contact sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
15.
Statistics & Investment
City of Greater Dandenong
Economic Activity Indicators
Business
Startups
First Quarter
2012
Administrative and Support Services
8%
10%
Accommodation & Food Services
2%
6%
1% 1%
Education & Training
Financial & Insurance Services
16%
6%
Professional & Scientific Services
12%
1%
1% 1%
11%
4%
1%
15%
1-4
54%
30%
5-19
20-199
200+
CGD Turnover 2011
Less than $50k
28%
$50k to less than $100k
16%
18%
14%
Information Media & Telecommunication
Other Services
2011 CGD Businesses by Employment Size
11%
Health Care and Social Assistance
Manufacturing
9%
13%
Arts & Recreation Services
Construction
10%
D
uring the first three
months of this
year, 186 businesses
registered in Greater
Dandenong. Construction,
Manufacturing, Retail
Trade, Wholesale and
Transport Postal &
Warehousing continue
to be the fastest growing
sectors in the municipality.
Advanced services take
up over 24 per cent of
new business formation in
Greater Dandenong.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$500k to less than $2m
$2m or more
1%
Retail Trade
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
Wholesale Trade
Businesses
Turnover and
Employment
Size Ranges
Greater Dandenong has a mix of
employing businesses in terms of
size of employment. The pie chart
to the top left indicates that 30
per cent of employing businesses
employ between 5- 19 employees.
Businesses employing 1 to 4
employees account for 54 per cent
of all employing businesses. Fifteen
per cent of employing businesses
employ 20 -199 and 1 per cent
employ more than 200 people.
CGD businesses’ turnover size is
also quite diverse. The second pie
chart shows that businesses are
spread over a range of turnover
sizes even though majority of
employing businesses employ
less than 20 employees indicating
high labour productivity as greater
reliance on technology may be
present. Non employing businesses
are not included in this analysis.
16.
Statistics & Investment
Australian 2011 Census first release
– How We’ve Changed
The first release of the Australian 2011 Census was launched in June this year.
Here are some interesting facts about how Greater Dandenong’s demographics have changed
between 2006 and 2011.
Population & age
• Population (count of persons at their usual residence) increased
by 8 per cent since 2006 to 135 605 people in 2011
• Couples with or without children and other families households
in Greater Dandenong grew more than same type of households
nationally, however, one parent families grew 7 per cent more
nationally than in Greater Dandenong.
• Infants aged 0-4 age group is up by 14 per cent - one per cent
more than national increase
Dwelling
• The 25-55 age group increased by almost 11 per cent
• Young adults aged 20 to 34 accounted for 25 per cent of the
Greater Dandenong population which is 5 per cent more that the
national figures
• Sixty nine per cent of total dwellings were separate houses,
21.2 per cent were flats, units or apartments, 8.4 per cent were
semi-detached, row or terrace houses, townhouses etc, and
1.4 per cent were other dwellings
• Almost 50 per cent of the population are young people under
the age of 34 – this is also almost 4 per cent more than the
national average.
• Dwellings are shifting towards high-density housing with
semi-detached, row or terrace house, townhouses increasing by
over 13 per cent, flats, unit or apartments increased by almost
5 per cent
Ethnic mix
• Over 50 per cent of occupied private dwellings contained
3 bedrooms.
• Greater Dandenong remains the most culturally diverse
municipality in Victoria and second highest in Australia with
61 per cent of its population born overseas
• Growth in the Australian born population equals 1.8 per cent
• Growth in the overseas born population equals 12.3 per cent
• Fastest growing communities are Indian and Sri Lankan born
residents by 62 and 34 per cent respectively
• However, residents born in Australia remains the largest population
group within Greater Dandenong (51,611), followed by Vietnam
(11,737), India (10,010), Sri Lanka (5,783) and Cambodia (5,440)
• The most common ancestries were English with 11 per cent
and Australian 9.9 per cent, Chinese 8.6 per cent,
Vietnamese 8.4 per cent and Indian 6.3 per cent.
Households
• Over 47 per cent of households consisted of couples
with children (2 per cent more than the national data) and
31 per cent of households were couples without children
• Fastest growing are other family households (19 per cent)
and couples without children (14 per cent)
Home ownership
• The proportion of fully owned homes fell by 3 per cent while
the proportion of homes owned with mortgage increased
by 5.4 per cent
• The proportion of people owning their home (with or without
mortgage) stayed the same at 62 per cent indicating that
residents are still able to afford to buy homes.
Education levels
• Thirty one per cent of people were attending an educational
institution. Of these, 21.1 per cent were in primary school,
20.2 per cent in secondary school and 22 per cent in a tertiary
or technical institution (similar to the national proportions).
Median weekly income
• Median weekly household income rose by almost 24 per cent
to $953 more than the national increase of 20 per cent
• Median weekly individual income increased by 16 per cent
• Median family income grew by over 14 per cent to $1050.
17.
Trends
manufacturing techniques and product
formats, finishes and styles. Utilising contract
packagers enables this type of flexibility.
Even in categories where product formats
are limited, the drive to meet constantly
evolving consumer needs makes
operational flexibility a core requirement.
Changes in consumer tastes drive
development of new products that must be
formulated, processed and packaged. And
all must be accomplished quickly, to beat
competitors to market.
Food glorious food….
a healthy manufacturing sector
Over recent years we have seen
major name food brands move
offshore or disappear completely
– or so we thought.
C
ontract manufacturing and packaging
are gaining market-share among food
processors as the food industry works to
improve operational efficiency, shorten time
to market and improve cost control.
For small companies and entrepreneurs,
contract manufacturing and packaging
provides the opportunity to commercialise
a product even if they lack manufacturing
Online
Retailing
To keep up with the fast-changing market,
some processors contract not only for
manufacturing but also for a combination
of services such as product formulation,
ingredients procurement, package design,
point-of-purchase display production,
product inspection and distribution.
In addition, working with a co-packer gives
large processors a way to present the same
basic product in sizes and assortments
tailored to a variety of customer segments.
Some food sectors, confectionary
for instance, require many different
In Greater Dandenong we have
many contract and proprietary food
manufacturers. It is a thriving part of our
manufacturing economy, providing almost
2400 jobs, and contributing over $1.1 billion
to our economy. Popina Foods is one of
Dandenong’s larger Brand Owner and
contract food manufacturer with packaging
facilities. They are manufacturing their own
brands Goodness Super Foods, Arnold’s
Farm and Heritage Mill and packing for
household name such as Carmen’s. This
industry sector also supports a range of
suppliers including flavor houses, packaging
companies, storage and transport, as well
as those who manufacture food production
machinery and components.
Driving a new wave
of industrial business
east coast population, is an ideal location
for online retailers to set up distribution
centres, he said.
s previously reported, traditional retail
operators are being challenged by
the relentless advance and adoption of
technology. Some have managed to adapt
their business model and make the most
of the advantages on-line selling can
bring. Others continue to make the ‘walk
in’ experience so good that their loyal
customers continue to seek them out.
While others will continue to be challenged
by the new offers available to consumers
across the globe.
Although direct industrial leasing activity
attributable to online retailers setting
up new operations is fairly limited, a
number of domestic retailers are running
their online operations from existing
warehouse facilities.
resources. For large food processors,
contract manufacturing is a cost-effective
way to manufacture products in small
lots for market testing, seasonal sales or
special promotions — without investing
in production infrastructure to handle
specialty runs. Outsourcing frees the
processor to focus on its strength as a
high-volume manufacturer.
A
Many retailers are responding by closing
poor-performing stores and/or opening
scaled-down stores to boost sales
productivity. There is also a growing trend
toward selling high-turnover merchandise
in-store and moving the bulk of older
inventory online (often through promotions).
As Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Industrial
Services Director Kosta Filinis put it “In
contrast, the news is good for those in
industrial property markets”. Australia,
with its high gross domestic product
(GPD) per capita and highly concentrated
JLL reports that online retailing is not
only fuelling take-up of old stock but also
the third party logistics sector. Industrial
warehouses are becoming the new shop
fronts for companies such as Australia
Post, DHL and FedEx.
Australia Post has adapted to the growth of
online retailers by introducing its business
renewal program, ‘Future Ready’, which
includes an entire business unit dedicated
to e-services. As the Australian market
is gaining momentum, it is becoming
more attractive to third party logistics
providers yet to establish in Australia,
including Deutsche Post. All this is creating
a new demand in the industrial leasing
marketplace, and boosting the freight and
logistics industry along the way.
18.
Projects & Activities
A local program to support small businesses
R
ecognising the difficulties currently
faced by many micro and small
businesses, the City of Greater Dandenong
has prepared a program of information
sessions and tailored workshops
specifically aimed at the needs of
small businesses.
Council undertook extensive research
to determine the current needs of small
businesses including information gaps, skills
requirements and current issues.
Topics raised by local industry included
self-funded managed super funds
(for small business owners), effective
marketing, expanding customer base, the
nuts and bolts of carbon tax, business
banking (with a panel of local business
bankers), financial performance (how to
more effectively handle creditors), how
to employ the right people and other hot
topics. Responses indicated that a higher
level of information was required by the
small business community.
Research indicated that businesses would
like an increase in online resources and
further support from Council’s Economic
Development Unit to establish stronger
connections within the local business
community, potentially through an increase
in networking events.
A full list of upcoming industry events can
be found on the business event calendar
(page 22 & 23).
The Economic Development Unit is
continuing to research what services it
could offer to best satisfy the needs of the
business community into the future.
For further information contact Kay Moran
kmoran@cgd.vic.gov.au
Federal assistance for small business
I
n a recent media interview Australian Small Business Minister, Brendan O’Connor explained new incentives that came into force from
1 July 2012 to assist small businesses.
This assistance includes:
• An instant tax write-off of any asset purchased after 1 July up to $6,500. That is full depreciation in the first year, relieving the need to
produce depreciation schedules, and proving cash flow opportunities.
• $27.5 million toward the Small Business Advisory Service Program, offering a small business hotline; 1800 777 275, website information
and the services of Business Enterprise Centres to assist with taxation issues, starting up the business, and/or avoiding particular
(business) risks.
• An instant claim for (up to) $5,000 for a new or used extra company vehicle.
For details visit: www.ausindustry.gov.au/programs/small-business
W
ith continued commitment from all
partners, the South East Melbourne
Innovation Precinct (SEMIP) activities will
continue to foster and promote innovation
within the south-east of Melbourne.
A review of the SEMIP strategic direction
was undertaken during July with the key
strategies being determined as:
• Building stronger innovation
partnerships through increased
opportunities for connections between
businesses in the region, and between
them and Publicly Funded Research
Organisations (PFRO).
• Accelerating business innovation by
facilitating greater access to PFRO
innovation infrastructure, people
and expertise.
• Investment attraction and thought
leadership by advocating for innovative
businesses within the region, and
connecting the region with innovators
across the globe.
SEMIP will continue to deliver a series
of half-day workshops hosted at local
research facilities and industry premises,
which present researchers and business
representatives outlining how they have
collaborated to commercialise innovative
products or new technology applications.
The annual innovation summit will once
again be held in March 2013 to showcase
businesses who are overcoming
challenges, developing new products and
entering new markets. We will feature a
range of innovation services available,
as well as global technologies and
advancements which could assist local
businesses to compete more effectively
in the global economy.
SEMIP is also about to re-commence it’s
successful Innovative Leaders Luncheon
Series. This set of lunches throughout the
year is a membership-based opportunity
for key innovative leaders from industry
within the south-east Melbourne region to
meet and discuss potential partnerships
and the future of innovation for the region.
Professionally facilitated, the series
continues to provide an open forum for
high-level discussions to determine the
future for SEMIP.
The SEMIP leadership group is keen
to engage more closely with industry,
so to register your interest in becoming
involved in SEMIP or one of their events
please email your details to Paula
Brennan at pbrenn@cgd.vic.gov.au.
www.semip.org.au
19.
Projects & Activities
New Pedestrian Precinct to
Revitalise Central Dandenong
H
alpin Way and Settlers Square,
dynamic new infrastructure projects as
part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong
project, are scheduled for completion in
Spring 2012.
Both developments will provide an
improved link for pedestrians and cyclists
between Dandenong Station and the city
centre according to Kevin van Boxtel,
Manager Revitalising Central Dandenong.
Settlers Square aims to create a well-lit
and active public meeting and event space
for residents, workers and visitors. Its
name acknowledges Dandenong’s early
pioneering history and recent migration.
Halpin Way is named after Sister Ann Halpin
(1939-2009) for her work with refugee and
migrant women in Greater Dandenong.
The street links Settlers Square with
the proposed City Square and creates
development opportunities such as the
$85m Government Services Office that
officially opened in April.
“Halpin Way will stimulate ground level
activity including new retail, apartments,
cafés, offices, and public spaces,” said
Mr van Boxtel.
“It will build on existing cultural precincts
in Foster and Thomas streets, and a
15,000 litre underground water tank will
Settlers Square,
Artist Impression
capture stormwater for re-use in watering
trees and plants.”
Meanwhile the municipal office building
project has received $6m in federal funding
which will be utilised to enhance the City
Square public space including a large
open-air screen and events stage. It is
scheduled for completion in March 2014.
The $290m Revitalising Central Dandenong
initiative is being delivered by the Victorian
Government through Places Victoria,
in partnership with the City of Greater
Dandenong, to attract more people, jobs
and businesses to the city centre.
CHAMBER CHAT
T
he Greater Dandenong Chamber of
Commerce continues to host a range
of events to connect the local business
community in a vibrant and active way.
A new Chamber Executive Team was
announced at an AGM on 16 August,
and includes Peter Helmore from Labour
Resource Management as President, Ross
Wade from Sign-a-Rama Dandenong as
Vice President, and Andrew Manhire from
Aston Ryan Malcolm as Treasurer.
Coming up in September is the annual
Grand Final Lunch. The beneficiaries to this
year’s charity fundraiser are the Make-aWish Foundation and the Keysborough
Animal Shelter. Sponsors include R.J.
Sanderson, The Weekly, Officeway and
Office National. Local businesses are
welcome to register and join in on the day,
2011 Grand final
Lunch attendees.
or to sponsor part of the event. Details
for this and other Chamber events can be
found in the ‘Calendar of Events’ on pages
22 & 23 of this edition.
To streamline bookings for all
Chamber events, the Eventbrite online
booking system has been added
to the chamber website. Visit www.
greaterdandenongchamber.eventbrite.com
If you are not already involved in your local
chamber, or you know of fellow business
who would benefit from involvement
then get them to join and you will get a
FREE advertisement on our website for
that introduction.
Each week a member is selected
randomly as the ‘Member of the week’
and receives a free advertisement on the
Chamber website. Check regularly to
see if you are the member of the week!
www.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au
Revitalising Central Dandenong is a partnership between the City of
Greater Dandenong and the State Government, through Places Victoria.
For more information on this project, phone Council’s Revitalisating Central
Dandenong Manager Kevin van Boxtel on 9239 5100.
20.
GRANTS & Opportunities
New national business register
T
he National Business Name Registration
Service is an online ‘one-stop shop’
and a key reform under the Council of
Australian Government’s (COAG) seamless
National Economy Agenda.
Businesses will also be able to follow links
to ‘TM check’, the simplified Australian
trade mark search, and also domain name
searches, which could help in choosing
business names.
Previously a business had to register its
name separately with different fees, forms
and processes in each state and territory it
traded in. This meant that a business could
pay more than $1000 to register its name
for three years.
With other upcoming complementary
initiatives that form part of this COAG reform
– such as the Australian Business Licence
and Information Service due to be released
later this year and the Australian Business
Account – the new service will provide
benefits of up to $1.5 billion over eight years
to business, government and consumers.
Under the new service, all it will take is
a single online registration process and
a low fee of $30 for one year or $70 for
three years. Existing business names will
be automatically brought across to the
new system. It is easier, cheaper, faster
and it’s online.
For more information on the new National
Business Name Registration Service,
or to register a business name, visit
www.asic.gov.au/business-names
Seeking to recruit a new worker?
W
orkSafe’s Incentive Scheme for Employers (WISE) provides financial incentives of up to $26,000
to employers who offer ongoing employment of at least 15 hours a week to an injured worker
unable to return to work with their previous employer.
Business support received from WISE
• Employers recruiting a new team member through WISE are eligible for WorkSafe injury insurance claim protection for their new worker.
• Employers will receive customised support to assist them in employing the right person for the job ensuring they have the skills and
capacity to perform the duties required in their new position.
• Occupational rehabilitation provider will complete a workplace assesment.
How you can participate today
To find out more about WISE or to register you interest, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wise You can
also contact your WorkSafe Agent or the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 (toll free)
Lightening the load for
Victorian small businesses
S
mall businesses in Victoria are
being encouraged to take up a free
Australian Government service that could
save them as much as eight hours of
paperwork each quarter.
About 144,000 small businesses in
Victoria received information early in
July as part of a broad nationwide
mail-out to promote the Small Business
Superannuation Clearing House.
Administered by the Department of Human
Services, the clearing house distributes
superannuation contributions to the
nominated superannuation funds.
Small business were contacted in late June
and business operators were encouraged
to see just how much time and money
could be saved at absolutely no cost.
Small business owners interested in
finding out more can also watch a
webcast featuring the ‘Barefoot Investor’,
Scott Pape, representatives from the
Australian Tax Office and the Small
Business Superannuation Clearing House.
To view visit: www.humanservices.gov.au/
smallbusinesssuper
The clearing house was established to
cut red tape, save time and lighten the
paperwork for small businesses, allowing
them to concentrate on their day-today work.
Registering for the free service is quick and
easy. Once a business is registered the
service simplifies the process of making
employees’ superannuation contributions
to multiple funds and provides a full
contribution history.
To register or to find out more visit www.
humanservices.gov.au/smallbusinesssuper
21.
Retail Activities
Great Food
Great Bites
A
suite of three “Great Bites” brochures have been developed as part
of a project by Council’s Economic Development Unit to promote
food premises in local major activity centres including Dandenong,
Noble Park and Springvale.
The opportunity to be included was made available to local
businesses to help them promote their cuisine FREE OF
CHARGE.
The first Great Bites brochure published was for Central
Dandenong and offered customers the opportunity to indulge in
a lunch for under $7.
The initial idea came from a survey conducted with customers
on the Free City Shuttle (also supported by Council’s Economic
Development Unit) asking people where they purchase their lunch.
The results indicated people were unsure as to what was on offer
across Central Dandenong.
The success of this brochure prompted further development with
the introduction of the Noble Park and Springvale Great Bites. These
brochures aren’t a lunch time ‘special’ but promote what businesses
people can visit with family and friends.
Images sourced
from “Great Bites”
brochures.
We encourage the local work force and our residents to support local
businesses and therefore the local economy by visiting the many and varied food
outlets on offer.
The Great Bites brochures are not the complete listing of the beautiful and cultural diverse
food that is on offer right here on your door step, but give a great opportunity to try different
foods across the whole of Greater Dandenong.
Don’t know where to start? Why not enjoy one of the tours that Council
conducts introducing people to our cultural precincts and food tours.
Go to www.greaterdandenong.com/tours
Off and Racing for the Return of the Sandown 500
T
he renowned V8 Supercars Sandown
500 will return to Springvale on 14
September, running over three days.
The much-anticipated event has
traditionally attracted international
competitors and over 40,000 patrons,
benefitting hotels, motels, restaurants and
local service industries.
Garry Rogers is the owner of local racing
team Garry Rogers Motorsport, which
has raced at Sandown since the event’s
inception in 1964. The team has been
instrumental in the development of many
of Australia’s top drivers such as Garth
Tander, Jamie Whincup and Cameron
McConville.
“Industry survives on people having
opportunities to go and visualise and
participate in things they enjoy such as the
V8 Supercars, and it’s good to have money
spent in the local area,” said Mr Rogers
“We have 32 people employed in our team
and then you have other teams based in
the region – that in itself has a considerable
flow-on effect for the area.”
“Sandown is one of the best race tracks
in the country and one of the most
accessible. The big positive is that you
can come by train or car like the tracks in
Europe – it’s so easy to get to and from the
venue quickly.”
Mr Rogers said having horse racing
facilities in addition to the motor circuit
at Sandown ensured a grand stand with
enormous capacity, excellent corporate
entertainment facilities, and a comfortable
and family-friendly environment.
The 2012 event reverts back to the popular
endurance format of 500 km as part of the
V8 Supercar Championship Series.
Visit www.sandown.v8supercars.com.au or
www.grmotorsport.com.au.
Garry Rogers owner of Garry Rogers Motorsport.
22.
Calendar of Events
South East Business Networks
September
SEBN Showcasing Women in Business Breakfast
Highlights women in business who have achieved in their
chosen career and brings together women from all walks of life.
Gentlemen most welcome as the topic of business is relevant to all.
• Speaker: Janet Matton, Vice President, Operations,
IBM Australia & New Zealand
• Tuesday 21 September 7am for 7.15am start – 9am
• Sandown Racecourse (Sportingbet Park)
• $45 per person or $400 Corporate Table of 10.
• Bookings Rachel 9238 1566 or sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
October
SEBN Industry Breakfast
• Speaker: Andrew Horabin, Keynote Speaker
& Author of BULLSHIFT
• Friday 19 October 7am for 7.15am start – 9am
• The Drum Theatre
November
Council Economic Development Unit
September
Daytime Dandenong Food Lovers Tour
Your friendly tour guide will lead you on a tour sampling food from
three countries from around the world. You won’t walk away hungry.
• Tuesday 25 September 10am
• Location: Dandenong
• $40 per person
• Bookings The Drum Theatre on 9771 5777 or
www.greaterdandenong.com/tours
October
Night time Springvale Food Lovers Tour
Your friendly tour guide will lead you on a tour sampling food from
three countries from around the world. You won’t walk away hungry.
• Thursday 25 October 6pm
• Location: Springvale
• $40 per person
• Bookings The Drum Theatre on 9771 5777 or
www.greaterdandenong.com/tours
SEBN Showcasing Women in Business Lunch
• Speaker: Larke Riemer, Director of Women’s Markets
for Westpac
• Friday 16 November 12pm for 12.15pm start – 2pm
December
SEBN Christmas Industry Breakfast
• Speaker: TBC
• Thursday 6 December
Dandenong Retail Traders Association
Formed in 1997, the DRTA represents a diverse cross-section
of Dandenong’s retail businesses. It aims to promote the area
and conduct programs to assist businesses and the community.
General Meetings are open to all central Dandenong businesses.
September
General Meeting
• Tuesday 4 September at 6pm
• Guest Speaker: Deborah Peppard – HR staff n’stuff:
Training Session
• Ramada Encore Hotel, 50 McCrae Street Dandenong
• Enquiries Roy Aspinall Ph. 9793 3487
23.
September to December
October
General Meeting
• Tuesday 2 October at 6pm
• Guest Speaker: Chris Hermann, Development Director,
Places Victoria: 2012 in Review
• Ramada Encore Hotel, 50 McCrae Street Dandenong
November
Retail Business Awards Dinner & Annual General Meeting
• Tuesday 27 November at 6.30pm
• The Dandenong Club 1579 Heatherton Road (Corner Heatherton
and Stud Rd) Dandenong
• Cost $60pp
Greater Dandenong
Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce hosts regular
breakfasts to announce nominees for the Premier regional
Business Awards.
September
Grand Final Lunch
Proceeds to the Keysborough Animal Shelter and
Make-A-Wish foundation
• Wednesday 26 September 12 noon
• Sandhurst Golf Club
• Cost: $90pp or $850 per table
• Bookings Deanne 9794 8881
or greaterdandychamber@bigpond.com
October
Premier Regional Business Awards Breakfast
• Wednesday 24 October 6.45am for a 7am start
• $48 members $60 non members
• Bookings Deanne 9794 8881 or
greaterdandychamber@bigpond.com
December
Premier Regional Business Awards Breakfast
• Wednesday 12 December 6.45am for a 7am start.
• $48 members $60 non members
• Bookings Deanne 9794 8881 or
greaterdandychamber@bigpond.com
Carols by Candlelight
Free community event, supported by the City of Greater Dandenong
• Friday 21 December 6pm
• Dandenong Park
Main Street Conference
September
Main Street Conference comes to Dandenong
Proudly supported by City of Greater Dandenong
• Tuesday 25 September 2012, 9am – 5pm
• The Drum Theatre, Corner of Lonsdale and
Walker streets, Dandenong
• Bookings: www.mainstreetaustralia.org.au
SEMIP
South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct - Connecting
businesses, researchers and government to foster innovation
and provide long term job creation for the region.
Innovative Leaders Forum
Membership based facilitated luncheon series
for key industry leaders
• Series cost $850pp (5-6 events)
• Wednesdays throughout the year 12.30pm – 2pm
• To register interest email info@semip.org.au
Innovation workshops
Workshops to showcase research facilities and innovative
businesses within the precinct to promote connections between
businesses and researchers in the region.
• Tuesday 11 September 8.30 – 11.30am at Venue TBC
• Tuesday 16 October 8.30 – 11.30am at Australian Synchrotron
• To register interest email info@semip.org.au
South East Melbourne
Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA)
Membership based industry group representing more than
200 leading manufacturers based in South East Melbourne.
September
Lunch with the Winners
• Tuesday 4 September 12pm for 12.15 start – 2pm
• Cost: $40 pp, student $20 pp, sponsorship of table $275.
• Bookings: www.semma.com.au or 9238 1565
December
Christmas Cocktail Evening & Networking function
• Thursday 13 December
• The Drum Theatre, Corner of Lonsdale and
Walker streets, Dandenong
• Bookings: www.semma.com.au or 9238 1565
Great
Bites
September 2012
Come and
enjoy the
wonderful
food on offer

Opportunities - City of Greater Dandenong

Transcription

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