Media Release: Maroondah Business Week bookings now open

The Maroondah Business Week 2010 brochure is now available, detailing the range of workshops, seminars and networking sessions open to business owners and operators who wish to participate in this year’s Maroondah Business Week activities.

Maroondah Councillor Alex Makin said anyone considering attending the range of networking and information sessions during Maroondah Business Week should decide what they would like to attend, and book early.

“We have introduced closing dates for our key events, so it is more important than ever that people get their tickets early,” Cr Makin said.

“There are a lot of opportunities for business owners and operators wanting to network with other local businesses, or learn new strategies to improve your business. Maroondah Business Week 2010 should not be missed,” said Cr Makin.

“Running from Monday 4 October to Friday 8 October, Maroondah Business Week covers everything you could want to know about doing business successfully in this city,” Cr Makin said.

Maroondah Business Week 2010 highlights include three guest speakers who will entertain and move you with their wealth of experience in life and in business:

Former Melbourne Football Club player David Schwarz will speak at the NAB Business Breakfast on 6 October at the Karralyka Centre from 7am until 9am.

Since retiring from the Melbourne Football Club after 11 years, David has pursued an active media career, co-hosting the sports radio program The Home Run and was a part of Channel 7’s AFL commentary team, but his reputation was tainted after revealing his had lost more than $4 million through gambling.

In 2007, the reformed gambler was appointed the Responsible Gambling Ambassador of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group.

“By speaking about his experiences on and off the field, David will provide an insight into how he overcame his inner demons and transformed them into new opportunities,” Cr Makin said.

Peter Alexander, best known for his range of sleepwear, will share his secrets of success at the RACV Business Insurance Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on 7 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Peter is a true entrepreneur, launching his range of sleepwear as a single man working from his living room table. His name is now recognised around the globe and at the height of success his business profits were growing at up to 40 per cent a year.

“At the age of 24 Peter made the tough decision to go out on his own. While the start up phase was difficult he overcame everything that was thrown at him. There is no doubt that Peter has a wealth of information to share about establishing brand loyalty,” Cr Makin said.

Then you can join author and model Tara Moss at the Eastland Business Lunch from noon to 2pm on Friday 8 October at the Karralyka Centre.

Tara had her first novel published at the age of 24, and has since become the number one crime writer in Australia. As a model she has graced the covers of more than 30 magazines.

“Tara lives her life by the motto ‘life is too short to live the same day twice’ and I think that is something we could all take on board. So why not come along and gain an insight into how to transform your passions into a successful career,” Cr Makin said.

The vast majority of business opportunities are found through networking, so bring along plenty of business cards and a willingness to connect with like-minded business people and meet some of Maroondah’s most influential and ‘up and coming’ business professionals.

Bookings can now be made for all events and workshops.

Further information on the complete range of activities during Maroondah Business Week 2010 can be found in the brochure available at all Council Service Centres, or by visiting www.bizmaroondah.com.au

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Media Release: Maroondah Interfaith Network gets a funding boost

Maroondah City Council has welcomed an $8800 Victorian Multicultural Commission grant which will assist the Maroondah Interfaith Network with its leadership training and education programs.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin accepted the grant last Wednesday.

“Since the Maroondah Interfaith Network was established in November 2009 it has grown to include more than 35 leaders from a range of faiths,” Cr Makin said.

“The $8800 grant will assist the network to launch a leadership training program which will target the areas of conflict resolution, project management and media relations,” Cr Makin said.

“Participants will be able to attend  training sessions and neighbouring municipal interfaith networks will be encouraged to assist  as mentors,” Cr Makin said.

“The funding will also allow the Interfaith Network to be more actively involved in the coordination and participation of events that promote tolerance and celebrate the diversity of faiths in Maroondah like faith-based seminars and conversation cafes,” Cr Makin said.

The Maroondah Interfaith Network aims to bring together diverse faith and cultural groups to promote community harmony, education and awareness of racial and religious diversity.   It also hopes to increase understanding of varied faiths and cultures among the wider community.

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Opening the Ringwood Telstra Business Centre

This morning I was invited to officially open the Ringwood Telstra Business Centre, located on Heatherdale Road.  The introduction of the Telstra Business Centre reinforces the growing business confidence within Ringwood and provides further local employment opportunities within the municipality.

The launch included a presentation on the future of technology, which highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and an increasing emphasis on ‘cloud computing’, whereby data is stored externally in a secure environment.   Technology will continue to be an important part of any business and the Business Centre has a strong emphasis on technological solutions for small and medium enterprises.

Alex opening the Telstra Business Centre in Ringwood
Alex opening the Telstra Business Centre in Ringwood

Over the past five years, Ringwood has experienced a substantial expansion of commercial office space and this is expected to increase further into the future.  The increase in office space ensures that we are better able to provide local employment opportunities, and thus minimise travel costs and commuting time for employees.

The City of Maroondah hosts regular events for the business community, including workshops, seminars and breakfast meetings.  For further details please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au.

2007 Victorian Seniors Festival

This morning I attended the launch of the Victorian Seniors Festival, held at Maroondah’s Federation Estate. The festival held as part of Seniors Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution older people have made and continue to make to our local community.

A number of events will be held as part of this week’s Seniors Festival including day trips, seminars and other activities.

For more information contact Maroondah Council on 1300 133 888.

Media Release: Putting some financial controls into Small Business

Owners of small businesses in Maroondah should put aside the morning of Thursday 2 August, to attend a seminar that is sure to assist their long term financial future.

Councillor Alex Makin said the latest subject in Council’s business seminar program will be presented by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.

“The Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency for economic and regional development. Their information seminars are designed to assist businesses to be thriving, innovative and successful,” said Cr Makin.

“This seminar will concentrate on the financial controls that businesses use, providing an understanding of even the most basic financial terms and concepts to ensure small business owners are able to manage their financial affairs successfully,” said Cr Makin.

“It is a sad fact that poor financial control is accountable for over one third of failed small businesses, with financial illiteracy and a lack of sound advice the key reason many ailing businesses become bankrupt ones,” said Cr Makin.

The Financial Controls for Small Business seminar will assist small business owners to:

  • look critically at their business;
  • examine procedures;
  • minimise financial risks;
  • promote best practice.

The Financial Controls for Small Business seminar will run from 9.00am to 11.00am on Thursday 2 August at Maroondah City Council Offices, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood.

The cost is $20 per person and bookings are essential. To make a booking for the Financial Controls for Small Business seminar please visit www.bizmaroondah.com.au or for further information call Maroondah City Council on 9298 4320.

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Maroondah Environment Forum an overwhelming success

Approximately 200 attendees flocked to Maroondah’s first environment forum, demonstrating the pressing community concern over the implications of climate change.

A number of issues were raised including the need for ongoing communication between council and the community, energy and water conservation, sustainable transport and the need curb rising greenhouse emissions. A report on the environment forum, which will examine the issues raised at the forum, will be presented at the 18th of June Council Meeting.

The overwhelming success of the Maroondah Environment Forum demonstrates that the community wants action and leadership from council to improve our urban sustainability. It is imperative that Maroondah City Council leads on issues relating to the environment and educates the community on measures that reduce energy, water and transport consumption.

I would like to congratulate everyone that attended the Maroondah Environment Forum and to groups such as the Croydon Conservation Society and the Maroondah Climate Change Action Group for helping publicise the event.

I will be calling on my colleagues to support at least quarterly forums on environmental issues and regular information seminars on how the community can reduce its environmental footprint and improve household sustainability.

This collective community voice has shown that the environment can no longer simply be ignored.

VLGA Seminar: Does the buck stop with Councillors

Tonight I attended a seminar hosted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) which provided an overview of council budgets, the federal grants commission and the rating system.

The seminar proved quite informative in understanding the Federal grants system towards local government and the growing dependence on rates for councils.

VLGA Changes and Challenges Program

Over the last two days I attended the Victorian Local Governance Association’s (VLGA) Changes and Challenges Program.

This program, which included lectures from many renowned experts, provided an overview of Melbourne 2030 as well as information on the planning process, including methods of community participation.

The program provided invaluable information on how the planning system works and the association between State and Local Governments in regard to planning matters, I would recommend that all new councillors attend this free two day seminar.