Kingston Business Bulletin November 2011

1. Kingston Business Bulletin
Taking Care of Business in Kingston www.kingstonbusiness.com.au Volume 4 2011
NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
What could it do for your business?
The City of Kingston is strongly of
the view that an area as
economically important as
Melbourne’s south east must be
given priority as the NBN is rolled
out around Australia to ensure that
local companies remain globally
competitive. The Broadband
network is fundamental to
advanced manufacturing and the
adoption of new technologies.
Melbourne’s South East is of national
economic importance. Manufacturing
within the cities of Kingston and Greater
Dandenong alone generates over $30
billion in output per annum. There are
almost 300,000 jobs within the Council
areas of Kingston, Greater Dandenong, University, the CSIRO, the Australian the NBN would enhance your current
Knox and Monash. A large proportion of Synchrotron and the Small Technologies business model, deliver significant
these are in advanced manufacturing. Cluster together with the Victorian productivity gains, and open up many
Government. A number of leading edge new opportunities within Australian and
Modern business practices see huge companies including Siemens, Invetech around the world. Council would also be
volumes of data being constantly and Minifab are also involved. interested to know in what ways your
transferred around the world. To remain business is currently constrained by the
competitive local companies must be able Industry leaders in south east Melbourne speed and capacity of your
to send and receive data in real time. met on 14th September to discuss the telecommunications infrastructure.
importance of the National Broadband
Kingston is working with our partners in Network to the future productivity of Your participation is required to help
the South East Melbourne Innovation their respective businesses. Kingston has build a case to ensure that our important
Precinct (SEMIP) initiative to progress the also raised the NBN with local Members region gets access to the NBN sooner
case for the NBN in this region. The of Parliament. rather than later. Please email
partners include the cities of Kingston, business@kingston.vic.gov.au or phone
Greater Dandenong, Knox and Monash The City of Kingston would welcome 9581 4712 to add your voice.
and the research institutions of Monash feedback from local businesses on how
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Kingston Small Meet your Mates Save Water
Businesses Grow A Business Networking and Money
Sustainably Opportunity Water rebate program
Page 3 Page 4 Page 6

2. Editorial Meet our new General Manager
Rachel Hornsby recently joined the City
of Kingston as General Manager
In this edition of the Kingston Environmental Sustainability.
Business Bulletin I am seeking Rachel has worked for New Zealand
councils, in policy and planning and
input from you about the issues resolution and she had the
importance of the National opportunity to work across all Council
Broadband Network to the teams, gaining a much broader
future of your business. understanding of local government.
In Wellington, Rachel joined the New
While I can appreciate the underlying Zealand Agency for International
equity principle of providing Development (NZAID) which was part of the Rachel Hornsby
broadband to residents in rural and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as General Manager Environmental
regional communities who currently internal communications advisor. As Group Sustainability
Manager South Wairarapa District Council in
have limited access, I am of the view Rachel to return “home”. With responsibility
Wellington, Rachel was responsible for the
that the national interest should for Economic Development, Infrastructure,
regulatory aspects of the Council (planning,
prevail and that there is a much Strategic and Statutory Planning, and Parks,
building, environmental health) and also for
Recreation and Depot Services, Rachel
greater public benefit in ensuring developing reserve management plans and
knows there will be plenty to learn and the
that businesses that generate the community consultation.
new job will keep her busy! She is looking
wealth within the community, and The appointment to General Manager at forward to making a lasting contribution to
provide jobs for our residents, must City of Kingston was an opportunity for Kingston and the broader community.
be given priority access.
I would really like to hear from you
about where the NBN can take you.
The other major issue of national
significance is the Clean Energy Bill.
As with most government policies,
there will be winners and losers and
more importantly, there will be Cleantech Industry Capability Teams
opportunities.
Helping Cleantech companies collaborate to target customer groups
Regardless of what your personal Cleantech companies provide a wide benefiting from the critical mass
view is, it is clear that there is variety of solutions including products created through the Capability Teams in
increasing pressure for each of us to and services involved in renewable promoting capabilities to customers.
reduce our use of the earth’s finite energy, water, waste, recycling, energy • Contribute to joint communications,
efficiency, energy storage, building advertising and promotional literature
resources and lessen the impact that
products, transport technologies and • Engage with domestic and international
we have on the planet.
environmental services. customers.
• Collaborate to bid for projects and
The increasing costs associated with Many of these companies are however
packages - providing improved chances
the use of energy, water and the targeting the same customer groups. The
Cleantech Industry Capability Teams will of securing projects from their target
disposal of waste make it imperative provide a mechanism for diverse Cleantech client groups.
that all businesses review these companies to effectively collaborate in their • Establish networks and connections
inputs. Any reduction in dealings with these customer groups. with other Cleantech solution providers.
consumption will go straight to your • Participate in forums to discuss new
Cleantech Industry Capability Teams will… opportunities.
bottom line. • Target up to five different customer
groups. These might include the Built National Workshops
Finally, as the 2011 year draws to a Environment, Mining/Resource and A series of free national workshops will
close, I hope you will find time to Minerals Processing, Food Processing,
he held in October and November to
take a break and enjoy spending SME Manufacturing, International Aid
engage with interested companies and to
Development.
time with family and friends. • Unite companies with common
help design the priorities and operations
of the teams so that they best meet the
customer targets.
• Be industry-driven and chaired by needs of the industry. Final timing and
industry members. location details will be advised to those
• Be largely self-sufficient and registering interest. The Cleantech
commercially focussed. Industry Capability Teams are an initiative
• Pursue opportunities and market of the Gillard Government’s Supplier
Suzanne Ferguson
members’ capabilities as a group Advocate Program and its Clean
Technology Focus for Supply Chains.
“As for the future, your task Is not to As part of a Capability Team, members
For further information go to
foresee, but to enable it” have the opportunity to…
www.auscleantech.com.au
Antoine de Saint-Exupery • Participate in joint promotions,
marketing visits and trade fairs -
2 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston

3. Carbon credits explained
Confused about carbon credits? use and greenhouse gas (GHG)
Here’s a comprehensive guide to emissions, and not because they should
be considered the ‘worst’ option.
answer all your questions.
Go through the following steps before
What are carbon credits? you purchase carbon credits for your
A carbon credit (also known as a carbon
business:
offset) is a financial instrument that
represents a reduction of greenhouse Carbon management action
gases in the atmosphere in the form of hierarchy
one tonne of CO2 (carbon dioxide) or 5. Switch - Can you switch your energy
CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent gas). 1. Measure - You can’t manage what source so that it is less greenhouse
you can’t measure. It is important to intensive? For example, using LPG to
Why would I purchase carbon know the quantity and source of power your vehicle has a lower
credits for my business? your GHG emissions. greenhouse impact than petrol.
Purchasing carbon credits can provide a
2. Set objectives - What do you want 6. Sequester - Should you consider
legitimate means of lowering your
to achieve? As with any business sequestering your emissions? For
environmental impact and is an
strategy, it is important to set clear example, through natural or
important component of becoming
objectives. artificial GHG (usually carbon)
carbon neutral.
sequestration.
3. Avoid - Can you avoid generating
When should I purchase carbon 7. Assess - What are your residual GHG
emissions? For example, ensuring
credits? emissions? For example, are there
appliances and equipment are not
Buying carbon credits (or offsets) is the reduction opportunities you have
idle or on stand-by.
last in a hierarchy of actions to reduce not considered?
your business’s carbon emissions. It 4. Reduce - Can you change your
should be restricted to emissions that activities to reduce your emissions? 8. Offset - A carbon offset is any project
you cannot eliminate through other For example, ensuring appliances that indirectly reduces GHG emissions
means. Offsetting is the last in the order and equipment are running at one source by investing in GHG
of carbon management actions because efficiently. If buying new emissions reductions elsewhere.
of the importance of first considering equipment, ensure it has a high Source: EPA Discussion Paper, Carbon
at-source options for reducing energy efficiency rating. Management Principles
KINGSTON SMALL BUSINESSES GROW SUSTAINABLY
A $15,000 business grant from the gain knowledge on carbon sustainability issues, please email
Victorian Government has helped management and implement business@kingston.vic.gov.au or
sustainable behaviour change phone Angela Stubbs on 9581 4787.
Kingston businesses to achieve
enabling them to realise financial
sustainable growth. savings and to mitigate risks.
The Grow Your Business funding to The program is part of an
the City of Kingston has subsidised a overarching Sustainable Business
Group Sustainability Program which Framework that has been
has provided an opportunity for a developed by council to focus on
number of businesses to improve their identifying actions that can
environmental performance and support local businesses to
benefit from valuable specialist reduce their carbon emissions,
training at a much reduced cost. minimise energy use, conserve
The Sustainability Group Program water usage, and look for
commenced in September and consists innovative ways to manage
of group workshops with a business waste and recycling.
sustainability improvement focus and
a component of individual consultancy If you would like to review the
time at business sites. Kingston Sustainable Business
Framework and provide the
The Program helps participants to Economic Department with any
adopt sustainable business practices, feedback on business
A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 3

4. Kingston Business Women’s Connecting Business with
for Business Oakleigh/Clayton Community
Luncheon
• Do you want to learn tips,
Keith helps take the mystery out of
Rhondalynn Korolak is a lawyer, techniques and strategies to
using this powerful tool for business
marketing. better manage and grow your
chartered accountant, Master of business?
Places are limited so be sure to book! NLP and Clinical Hypnotherapist. • Do you want to create new
Call 9581 4735 or 95814786.
She has distilled the secrets to networks in the local business
business success that she learned community?
Places are limited so be sure to book! Monday 14th November: Lisa Gilling,
• Do you want to learn how your
Call 9581 4735 or 95814786. from working with Price business can become a corporate Westpac Business Education Facilitator
Melbourne based Social Media Waterhouse Coopers, Max Factor, social enterprise and connect talks on "Cashflow: The Lifeblood of Your
Enthusiast Keith Keller will be Date: Wednesday 16th Nov 2011
Village Cinemas, NAB and Coles back with the community? Business"
delivering a workshop to introduce Time: 6.00 until 8.30pm
Venue: Woodlands Golf Club, Group Ltd. and produced a The Rotary Club of Moorleigh Moorabbin Monday 21st November: Danny Schwarz,
the beginner’s steps to business
White Street, Mordialloc simple step-by-step process that is holding its inaugural business month – CEO Youth Connect talks on "Bridging the
twittering. Keith is a specialist Rhondalynn Korolak Gap: Strategies for Engaging with the
Cost: $30.00 you can apply to your business an initiative to create connections and
trainer for Twitter with over 30,000 New Generations in Your Business”
(includes light refreshments) relationships within local small to medium
followers. He is now amongst the top to boost your bottom line. of the mind and using it to improve your businesses to the community.
1% of Twitter users in the world! business financial results. Register at least 3 days before the
Rhondalynn is the author of “On the Come to one or come to all presentations! event through online Bookings:
Shoulders of Giants - Imagineering Your Be inspired by Rhondalynn and hear her Monday 7th November: Bruno Bello, www.trybooking.com/14288
Destiny and Financial Foreplay.” She has secrets for success! Enterprise Business Connect Adviser talks Email: moorleighmoorabbin@yahoo.
CHELSEA NETWORKING EVENING appeared on television and radio and
writes for Yahoo, MYOB, Fast Thinking,
Date: Tuesday 22nd November 2011
Time: 12noon until 2.15pm
on 'The Future of Your Business in the
Marketplace: Key Factors for Success"
com.au
For more information call Helen
Blunden on 0438 884 730.
Sunday Life, Dynamic Business, Business Venue: Hemisphere Hotel
– a Great Success! Spectator and Australian Retailer. & Conference Centre,
South Road, Moorabbin
Social Media Workshop
Rhondalynn can help you put strategies Cost: $46.00 includes two course lunch
Chelsea traders recently met Donna Bauer MLA, State Member for in place to ensure your customers never and one glass of wine
Carrum also attended the event. The think of going elsewhere! She is the Bookings: 9581 4735
for an evening of
networking at Chelsea’s Thai
group of businesses will now work on
moving forward to help improve the
leading expert on harnessing the power RSVP : by 15th November 2011 – with Danielle MacInnis
Rose Restaurant. viability of the retail area. Following the success of last month’s form capture tool is a great way to
Low Cost Marketing Workshop a further build a list of customers.
Greg Davis, from Taktics4, presented
an analysis of the commercial market
If you are a business owner in Chelsea
and would like to receive a copy of
Meet Your Mates part 2 workshop has been arranged
with guest presenter Danielle MacInnes,
and economic and social drivers Greg Davis’s presentation or learn from MacInnis Marketing.
A business networking event will be
influencing the performance of the more about the activities and goals Find out the ‘must have’ tools for low
held in the Braeside/Mordialloc area on
profile of the Chelsea shopping centre. of the group, please contact Marian Thursday November 17th to get small cost marketing of your business. How
The evening was a great success with Hamilton-Kerr 9581 4786. business owners together to meet their easy would it be to apply a simple to
many businesses meeting their neighbours. Council’s Economic use, effective and affordable solutions.
neighbours for the first time! Do you want to learn more? Mailchimp - is an email software that
Development team will host the event
enables you to share campaigns with your
and provide information on business
From left to right: social media profiles like LinkedIn, Facebook
services and resources. The council team
and Twitter. Email communication is all
Debra John, new Leaf is keen to hear about the issues facing about providing valuable content and being
Naturopathy small business in the area and promote there when your customer needs your
John Bevacqua, Horizon opportunities for businesses to do service or product.
Accounting & Taxation business locally.
Places are limited for this exciting
Jan Bailey, Janique Fashions Business owners have the chance to get to business contacts. A voucher for a workshop. To reserve your place call
Marian Hamilton-Kerr, know who is in their area, relax together, complimentary drink and finger food will Economic Development 9581 4735.
A form generator tool that allows you
Economic Development, and explore the possibilities of even doing be provided upon registration. to add a form to your website called
Kingston some business with each other! Wufoo, and an email campaign called Date: Thursday 1st December 2011
Places are limited so a booking is required. Mail Chimp will be explained. Wufoo
Belinda McDaid, Chelsea The venue, Red Pillar Café is in the heart of Time: 9am until 11am
Please email allows you to create an offer and
Renewal Project Manager the industrial area, providing a convenient business@kingston.vic.gov.au or call Venue: Woodlands Golf Club,
location for business operators to get capture the names of prospective
Angela Stubbs on 9581 4787. White Street, Mordialloc
together after work and extend their customers so you can build valued
relationships. Whether you are a Cost: $30 (includes morning tea)
plumber, accountant or retailer having a RSVP: by 24th November 2011
4 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 5

5. Save water and money
Claim up to $2000 to improve the water efficiency of your business.
The new Living Victoria Water have 20 or fewer employees and are savings by installing the best eligible
Rebate Program now gives small connected to an urban reticulated products to replace inefficient ones
water supply and pay non- and in the quantity needed. Several of
businesses the chance to save residential/commercial water tariffs. one product can be installed or several
water and money by purchasing different products can be installed to
eligible water-efficient products. Small business rebates are based on maximise the water savings. All works
the total expenditure on eligible water and installations must be completed
The Victorian Government has efficient products purchased and prior to making a claim, as only one
committed $40 million over the next installed in the business between 19 successful claim can be made.
four years to extend rebates to Victorian July 2011 and 30 June 2013. The total
households and, for the first time, to rebate payable will be calculated at For more information visit
provide rebates for small businesses. 50% of the expenditure up to a www.water.vic.gov.au
maximum rebate of $2000.
Rebates are available for small
businesses with a current ABN that The rebate program aims to assist
businesses in maximising their water
Business must report unsafe products
As a business owner, did you distributors, installers, repairers, Mandatory reporting is not an
know that if a product you importers, exporters and admission of liability. It is there to
manufacturers. protect Australian consumers from
supplied causes serious injury, unsafe products and also identifies
illness or death you have to The mandatory reporting laws also
which products are risks to the public.
apply if you provide a service that is
report this to the Reports may lead to safety warnings or
related to a product. For example if you
Commonwealth minister education campaigns or products being
service washing machines and a client
pulled from shelves or recalled.
responsible for consumer tells you that it has caused them an
protection and fair trading? injury that required medical attention, Reporting is simple and can be done
by law you need to report this. by completing an online form on the
Since 1 January 2011 businesses (large ACCC’s product safety website –
Mandatory reporting has triggered 40
and small) are required to report any www.productsafety.gov.au/mandatory
recalls in the first six months of 2011.
unsafe products they have sold that reporting
Some of the products that were
have caused serious injury, illness or recalled had reports that associated
death. The new law applies to all them with anaphylactic and allergic
participants in the supply chain. This reactions, burns, electrocution, choking
includes retailers, dealers, hirers, hazards, cuts and lacerations.
6 A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston

6. Mayor urges businesses to Does your
support Leader jobs campaign business have a
Kingston City Council encourages footprint in its
local businesses to get behind
Leader Newspapers’ landmark
campaign to provide work for
local community?
young people.
The Jobs 101 campaign challenges
businesses to recruit 101 employees in The Kingston Charitable Trust
101 days.
wants to inspire your business to
Kingston Mayor Cr Ron Brownlees reach out, connect and make a
said the campaign was a great way plumbers and builders, as well as in
for local small, medium and large retail and services at Westfield difference to the local
businesses to help young people Southland and Direct Factory Outlets community it operates in.
looking for work – and find a great in Moorabbin and our many busy
employee at the same time. village shopping centres,” Cr
Brownlees said.
“Kingston has a thriving commercial
and industrial sector with more than Council supports training young
9000 businesses employing more than people through various programs.
65,000 people,” he said. “I’m certain Last year’s redevelopment of popular
some of those businesses are looking Bicentennial Park saw 12 people
for, or could find room for, a new complete their Certificate II in
staff member who is eager to learn.” Horticulture from Chisholm TAFE.
Council has also donated funds
Kingston is one of Victoria’s most through the Kingston Charitable Trust
important manufacturing centres, to the Family Life Opportunity Shop
with specialties including food, in Charman Road, Cheltenham, where
engineering, plastics and chemical, people learn retail and business skills.
automotive and marine.
“There could also be great For information visit:
The Trust aims to raise much-needed
opportunities in trades with smaller www.jobs101.org.au
or call 1300 656 461 funds for community and charitable
operators such as electricians,
organizations that help and support
local Kingston residents.
Personal Property Securities Act Tickets are now available for the 5th
Annual Kingston Charitable Trust Gala
Australia has a new and unified Federal realise benefits because they will be Dinner, the major fundraising event for
law for the taking, registration and better able to enforce rights over the year, to be held on Friday 25
personal property in ways that have
enforcement of security over virtually all November from 6.30pm – 11.00pm at
not previously been possible.
kinds of property except land. Woodlands Golf Course.
The changes in the Personal Property The PPSA will apply to most security
interests in personal property. The closing date for tickets is Monday 7
Securities Act 2009 ('PPSA’) and its
related legislation represent one of the Personal property includes: November if not sold out prior! Any
most significant reforms ever in this • tangible property (such as goods businesses who would like to support
area. Not only does the PPSA rewrite or other assets); and the event by donating an item to
the law on traditional securities such as • intangible property (such as
auction on the night would be greatly
mortgages and charges, but it also intellectual property and licences),
appreciated and are encouraged to
extends to retention of title, bailment
and lease arrangements. Industries that are not accustomed to contact Sam Broughton on 0417 277 796.
registering their interests such as Any business who donates will be
Any business that supplies goods (by manufacturers and suppliers will need formally recognised in the program on
way of sales, or by way of a lease or to take special care and obtain the evening and Council’s website.
on consignment) faces the risk of appropriate advice to ensure that their
Bookings:
suffering significant loss if it does not interests are protected.
www.kingston.vic.giv.au/charitabletrust
come to grips with the PPSA and take
appropriate steps to protect its rights. It is in your best interest to get legal
Likewise, businesses that do make advice about how to protect your
effective use of the Register which has interests. Information can be found at
been established under the Act should www.ppsr.gov.au .
A Business Bulletin for the City of Kingston 7

7. What’s on in Summer
• Kingston Farmers’ Market • Social Media Workshop - 1st December
- 5th November, 3rd December, no market January, • “Business of the Year” annual awards presentation
4th February. breakfast - 2nd December
• Carols by the Bay - 18th December
• Twitter for Business - 16th November
• Kingston Twilight Farmers Market
• Kingston Business Women’s Luncheon - 22nd Nov
- 21st December 4.00pm till 7.30pm
• 5th Annual Kingston Charitable Trust Gala Dinner
- 25th November
Recognising and Rewarding Excellence
The caliber and diversity of
local companies nominated for
the Melbourne Business Awards
this year has again been
extremely high. Which one of bonded metal/rubber composite 2-shot moulding process, Palm Plastics
products for the automotive, creates fashionable and highly
these businesses will be defence, transport, construction and functional polycarbonate glassware and
declared “Business of the Year” industrial markets. Mackay's tableware for use around the home, on
at the annual awards products are exported worldwide. boats and in the great outdoors.
presentation breakfast to be
community inspired leadershipTERNAestablishedone of
held on Friday 2nd December?
FORTRESS SYSTEMS manufacture power
resistors for all types of industries. They
DENYERS IN
Australia's longest
TIONAL is
medical
provide neutral earthing solutions for companies. During its long and proud
THE AWARD NOMINEES FOR 2011 ARE:
equipment and personnel protection; history, Denyers has progressed to
AUSTECH WIRE & CABLE, Australia's dynamic braking and motor control become a market leader in the design
first Oxygen-free, high conductivity resistors for starting, stopping and and manufacture of high quality Surgical
copper rod and wire producer. Austech motion control; load banks for Operating Tables, Surgical Table
Wire & Cable offer a wide range of generator and battery testing; and Accessories and other surgical products.
highest quality performance copper harmonic filter resistors for electrical Complimenting Denyers' own in-house
products such as copper feed wire, noise dampening. With expert manufactured products is a wide range of
single or multi strands wire, plain or engineering capabilities, Fortress has premium brand surgical products from
tinned, bunched conductor, plain or experience in managing large projects. National and International manufacturers.
tinned, electroplating wire, building
cables, automotive cables, irrigation SIGN EXPRESS is a specialist signage MTECH SYSTEMS is committed to the
cables up to 150 millimetres square. manufacturer that makes your business development, manufacture, delivery
visible. The company has specialist and support of expert software, systems
AVG TECHNOLOGIES, a member of the expertise in all forms of signage from and equipment for the global aviation
Avalanche Technology Group of design to full on-site installation. The and meteorological industries. Since its
companies, distributes the range of Moorabbin manufacturing facility formation in 1976 MTECH has become a
Anti-Virus and Internet Security houses a full metal / welding fabrication respected major international supplier
products which provide comprehensive department, in-house spray painting and of software equipment, systems and
real-time protection against everything spray booth, full graphic and digital solutions that meet the exacting needs
from viruses, spam, spyware, adware, printing and general assembly. of the modern business operator.
worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits to
cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and PALM PLASTICS is an Australian owned To register to attend the Gala Awards
identity thieves. and operated designer and presentation breakfast visit
manufacturer of polycarbonate www.melbournebusinessawards.com.au
MACKAY CONSOLIDATED Industries drinkware and precision plastic auto This is a great business networking
are a major supplier of a diverse parts. Using technologically advanced opportunity.
range of engineered rubber and design techniques and a state of the art
DISCLAIMER
The information in this publication is given in good faith and has
been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate.
However, the City of Kingston does not accept any liability
whatsoever for its contents or the use of the information.
For information regarding any of the articles included in this newsletter please contact Suzanne Ferguson on 9581 4712, PO Box 1000 Mentone 3194