Building our future · a glass of wine and they said they couldn’t serve it outdoors because it was too hard,” says Georgia. “Beer and spirits have managed to package an easy

Greater Dandenong’s business news March - May 2013

Transport Update ............................................................................ Pages 6-7SEBN's New Initiatives .........................................................................Page 12Foodies Rejoice ......................................................................... Pages 16-17

Building our future

Contacts:Sandra George Manager South East Business Networks

Enquiries to 9238 1566 www.greaterdandenong.com

Paul Dowling South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) Ph: 9238 1565 www.semma.com.au

Jacquie Brown Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Ph: 9794 8881 www.greaterdandenongchamber.org

Paula Brennan Stakeholder Editorial Ph: 9238 1573 [email protected]

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 non-commercial purposes provided the source is acknowledged, e.g. ‘This material first appeared in the City of Greater Dandenong’s Stakeholder publication, March - May 2013’.

Cover: New Government Services Offices in Thomas Street Dandenong.

FocusWelcome to the first edition of Stakeholder for 2013.

This edition represents well the reason that Council produces a business magazine, as it features a multitude of local businesses achieving great success, expanding, innovating and doing what they do well. Enjoy reading their great stories.

Also included in this edition are updates on key local and regional projects including the new municipal building, the Springvale rail grade separation, the Port of Hastings economic analysis as well as other major transport infrastructure initiatives, and the activities of the South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct.

There is also an update on the activities of both the Dandenong Retail Traders Association, and the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, both of whom are making big changes in 2013.

The activities of the South East Business Networks are starting up with exciting new initiatives announced in this edition. And don’t forget to see the Calendar of Events for details of the upcoming business events.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is once more heading this way in March. This edition features details of the events, and also profiles the local businesses involved.

We hope you enjoy reading the great stories in this edition, and we wish you all the best for a successful 2013.

John Bennie CEO

Chobani Australia opened its new, $30 million yoghurt factory in Dandenong

South on 5 December 2012, adding over 3,000 m2 of facilities to the existing operation.

It is expected to triple production capacity to over 30,000 tonnes of yoghurt per annum, create 200 new jobs in the region and serve as an export hub for its brands in Asia.

Chobani President and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, who has been described as “the Steve Jobs of yoghurt”, founded the company in the U.S. in 2005. Chobani launched in 2007 and has already become the biggest yoghurt seller in the country with a billion-dollar turnover.

Choosing Australia as its first international market, Chobani purchased Victorian dairy company Bead Foods in 2011. Chobani Australia Managing Director Peter Meek says the organisations were closely aligned in aspects of craftsmanship and quality.

“What’s unique about Chobani is it’s a strained yoghurt, which gives it an amazing thick and creamy texture with no fat – it’s an incredibly difficult product to make.

“It is high in protein, low in lactose, is natural with no thickeners, and it tastes amazing; all those things are important as long as it tastes amazing!” Mr Meek says.

As part of the company’s “nothing but good” philosophy, Chobani gives 10% of its annual profits to charities worldwide.

Chobani Australia has retained the Gippsland Dairy brand, which the company views as complimentary to Chobani.

The new plant, which sits alongside the existing Gippsland Dairy factory, is also excellent news for Victorian dairy farmers with Chobani using three litres of milk for every one litre of yoghurt.

www.chobani.com.au

Dandenong South scoops the yoghurt marketThe Hon Peter Walsh with Hamdi Ulukaya.

2. Stakeholder Greater Dandenong’s business news

John Bennie.

City of opportunity

food ManufaCturing

food manufacturers go on show at dandenong MarketThe City of Greater Dandenong (CGD)

showcased its breadth of food manufacturers during December 2012 through the exhibition ‘We Made It! In Greater Dandenong’.

CGD’s Economic Development Unit organised the promotion at the Dandenong Market, which attracts 300-380,000 visitors each month. Council ambassadors worked at the exhibition to engage the public and distribute business information, product samples, goody bags and marketing material.

Eight businesses participated and displayed their products including Chobani, Birubi Foods, Country Style

Confectionary, Kez’s, YesGees and Waterwheel Industries.

The feedback reported from both visitors and participating businesses was very positive with 500 show bags distributed, sales generated and awareness of local companies raised. Many visitors were surprised to discover brands such as Popina and Bacchus Distillery were manufactured in the area.

Almost 200 food manufacturers represent 10% of the Greater Dandenong manufacturing sector jobs, providing 2400 direct jobs and contributing almost $1.1 billion to the local economy each year.

www.greaterdandenong.com | business

In business, 26-year-old Georgia Beattie has achieved in one year

what most people would be happy to in a lifetime, launching an innovative and award-winning product that is now sold internationally.

Having identified a gap in the market a little over a year ago and with her background in wine, Georgia created Lupé Wines.

“I was at an outdoor event and asked for

a glass of wine and they said they couldn’t serve it outdoors because it was too hard,” says Georgia.

“Beer and spirits have managed to package an easy to drink single-serve package, but wine has been held back.

“What we specialise in is packaging wine in a pre-filled, single-serve glass – it’s designed to take wine to places where the glass bottle can’t go.”

The packaging, which is PET plastic shatterproof glass and 100% recyclable, is manufactured by Prysm Industries in Dandenong. Georgia says the location is perfect as Lupé Wines has injection moulding facilities on one side of the factory and its filling line on the other.

Lupé Wines sells wine sourced from the Strathbogie Ranges under its own brand.

“We’re also contract packaging for other existing brands,” Georgia says.

“We’ve worked with Pyrenees Ranges, we’re doing some Rosemount Estate, Secret Stone, and we’ve previously done some Deakin Estate as well.

“We’re now starting to work with existing wine companies that have sponsorships so we just did the Boxing Day Test with Rosemount, and we’ve also done lots of festivals.

“We work with hotel mini bars and we’ve launched in Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

“We’re looking at doing the Singapore Grand Prix later in the year.”

Lupé Wines recently won the Business3000 New Business Award and was one of BRW’s top ten start-ups to watch last year.

The future is looking even brighter for Lupé Wines, which is starting to work with Treasury Wine Estate.

“That’s going to be quite an interesting partnership because they’ve got the right brand and the commitment to innovation to get the concept widely accepted within Australia and globally,” says Georgia.

www.lupewines.com.au

A sample of success

A market display in December highlights the local food manufacturing sector.

March – May 2013 3.

food ManufaCturing

Lupé Wines founder Georgia Beattie .

projeCt update

Municipal Building project up and awayDemolition and excavation has been

completed for the City of Greater Dandenong’s new Municipal Building at the corner of Lonsdale and Walker Streets in central Dandenong.

All in-ground services such as gas, power, sewerage and water have been installed and the building is beginning to take shape with the level one and level two slabs having been completed.

Pre-cast panels that form the building’s façade have been installed along with columns between levels one and two, according to Darren Rogers, Municipal Building Project Director.

The structure will continue to be built up to the top level (six) over the coming months with the project on target to be completed by March 2014 including furniture, fittings, equipment and staff relocation.

Disruption to local businesses and residents will be kept to a minimum while builder Watpac undertakes works.

“A side project has been the undergrounding of the power lines in Thomas Street at the west end of the site,” says Mr Rogers.

“This will remove the visual pollution of overhead lines and power poles and create a cleaner connection between Halpin Way and the new Civic Square.”

The Municipal Building Project will incorporate a regional library, civic square, meeting spaces, café, civic offices, an outdoor big screen, car parking and retail space.

A time lapse camera that was installed at the beginning of construction will be formatted into a movie upon the project’s completion.

The new Municipal Building will have several retail spaces available for lease. Initial Expressions of Interest should be made directly to Peter French, Managing Director, French Property, telephone 03 9793 5777, prior to 30 April 2013.

www.greaterdandenong.com | council | major developments

Advanced Precast is just one of the local suppliers currently contributing to the

new Municipal Building in Dandenong.

As a specialist in precast concrete for the building sector, the company changed direction to concentrate on architectural precast in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis.

State Manager George Cosmos says Advanced Precast had developed a relationship with Watpac – the project’s builder – over recent years.

“Through an existing relationship with H2o Architects, we won a contract to do the

Albert Park Victorian State Sports Facility and that was with Watpac.

“It was from that point that we started building a relationship and we did La Trobe University’s Molecular Science Building and the Nunawading Fire Station with Watpac.

“They recognised us for our services and quality of product, and for our ability to do unusual and difficult work, so when it came to doing the Dandenong Municipal Offices, that weighed heavily at the tender process.

“So it was not only through price alone but through reputation and having a good

track record with Watpac and Lyons [the project’s architect] that saw us awarded the project,” says Mr Cosmos.

The Municipal Building is challenging due to its green-star rating, according to Mr Cosmos, in developing the concrete mixes that meet the requirements for strength and durability while still meeting the green-star specifications.

“We’re striving to achieve a consistent finish and colour and that’s a challenge using recycled material and recycled water, but we accomplish it through good quality control.”

www.advprecast.com.au

Local supplier shows importance of concrete relationships


Progress on the site of the new Municipal Building in Dandenong.

Advanced Precast team showing Matt Shinkfield of

Watpac completed complex panels ready for site.

For information on upcoming contract packages visit: www.gateway.icn.org.au and search Vic projects

industry

Family-owned Boss Products will experience rapid expansion this year

after securing the sole Australian rights to represent Terraco, one of the largest suppliers of finishing materials in the world.

Based in Dandenong, Boss Products is a manufacturer and supplier of lightweight building products with major builders Metricon and Porter Davis among its client list.

According to co-owner of Boss Products, Michael Boss, Swedish company Terraco is one of the largest manufacturers of construction finishing materials in the world.

“We’re launching initially with render and paint and gradually introducing other products as time goes on,” says Michael.

“The main thing we’re pushing is the render; the biggest problem with normal render is it takes 24 hours to dry and builders lose a lot of time to rain.

“This render will be the only one available in Australia where you can put it on the wall and five minutes later – while it’s still wet –

is impervious to water; you can put it on in any weather.”

Michael expects the environmentally-friendly features of the brand to be a strong selling point with all the products being low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and water-based.

“Terraco is one of the leading environmental producers and have been around since the

80s – their green credentials are probably the best there are.”

Boss Products will grow from 6 to 15 employees and add an additional 32 distributors locally and interstate after launching the Terraco products in February.

www.bossproducts.net.au

FlexiCut Engineering is a perfect example of why every customer should

be treated like a V.I.P.

The company uses CNC (computer numerical controlled) machining to manufacture parts.

“If you draw it, we’ll make it – what we specialise in is small batch work,” says Director Robbie O’Brien.

“Over the years we started in motor sport, then as we started putting on employees we moved into general engineering, and now we’re getting into medical components.”

Mr O’Brien says years ago, a new client rang him at 5pm to produce a part by the next day. Although it was only a minimum charge job, it was completed in a few hours and the client picked it up at midnight.

“He was that impressed with the job, he never forgot me.”

Four years later the same client started working at the Australian Synchrotron as a design engineer and thought FlexiCut would be better equipped to manufacture a part that was then being made in the U.S.

“They were really happy with the quality of our part – they said it was better than the components they were sourcing from the States, and our prices were competitive with China.”

FlexiCut is experiencing steady growth and recently bought the premises next door to expand its operations. It is looking to take on new employees and technology in 2013.

Explore similar opportunities and make valuable connections with industry at the SEMIP Innovation Symposium 2013 on 21 March. Local manufacturers can network with leaders of major research facilities at the event. See article on page 9.

www.flexicut.com.au

Boss builds business

FlexiCut’s VIP treatment wins over client


Father and son Trevor and Michael Boss.

New product being manufactured for the

Australian Synchrotron

transport infrastruCture


The provision of transport services and infrastructure are obviously a high priority

for the City of Greater Dandenong (CGD). They work in partnership with both local and regional stakeholders in their endeavour to ensure effective services are provided to service resident and business needs both now and into the future.

With the support of CGD staff, Southern Melbourne RDA (Regional Development Australia) along with the Melbourne South East (MSE) group has just begun an economic impact analysis into the Port of Hastings following a two stage study by the RDA in 2012.

The project will identify the economic impacts of investment into the Port of Hastings for the region, according to Anita Buczkowsky, Manager Southern Melbourne RDA.

“Stage one of the two-part study looked at current reports and studies around transport, freight and ports in the south-east region and looked at what the current priorities were” says Ms Buczkowsky

“The second stage of the study went into much more depth on each of what were considered the top priorities, the likelihood of them being realised, in what time frame, and where the funding might come from.

“It’s state government policy at the moment to develop the Port of Hastings, and as an RDA, we really believe that we need to

promote the benefits of this to the region.”

MSE (Melbourne’s South East), a partnership of 10 local government economic development managers that includes CGD, is partnering with Southern Melbourne RDA and Gippsland RDA to conduct the economic impact analysis.

“What we will be hoping to do as part of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of how a developed port will benefit business across the region,” says Ms Buczkowsky. The study is expected to be completed in June 2013.

In other infrastructure news, the latest stage of the Dingley Bypass opened on 20 December. Bruce Rendall, Director Engineering Services for the CGD, says the next stage is in planning and property acquisition.

“We’re hopeful that we’ll start to see some announcements in the state budget of when construction will be undertaken – we see it as a key route for linking Melbourne’s major manufacturing centres.”

Committee for Dandenong chairman Gary Castricum says the recently completed Dandenong Bypass link to the Dingley Bypass is an excellent development.

“However the eastern end of the Dandenong Bypass is very important and needs to be completed.

Meanwhile, the Dandenong rail capacity

program involves removing grade separations (level crossings) between Caulfield and Dandenong, undertaking signalling upgrades and station upgrades associated with the introduction of nine car trains (an additional three cars).

“We’re keen to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and create development opportunities so the council is starting to undertake work with the state government in this area,” says Mr Rendall.

Construction will begin mid year for the Springvale Rail grade separation, and is expected to be completed in 2014. (see the breakout story on the following page for further information).

Mr Rendall says the council is also aware of problems related to a lack of public transport, particularly in and around Dandenong South.

“We would be really interested in hearing from businesses about their experiences for getting staff to their premises.” Contact council's Traffic Engineer Martin Halden on 9239 5233.

www.greaterdandenong.com Council | Major Developments

www.rdv.vic.gov.au regional-development-australia committees southern-melbourne

Ports, trains and automobiles


transport infrastruCture

Concept work for the Springvale level crossing removal project has now been

finalised and the detailed design will be determined with the successful contractor, to be announced shortly. Work is due to commence by mid 2013, and the project completed by late 2014.

The project will see the Springvale level crossing removed and the railway lowered to run beneath Springvale Road. This will involve cutting a trench on the Springvale Station approaches and building a road bridge over the railway. It will be built north of the existing tracks so most construction can be completed while

keeping the roads and rail line open.

According to Revitalising Central Dandenong Project Planner Russel Tait, the project will provide better connections and access in and around the Springvale activity centre to enhance the shopping and commercial district. It will also reduce traffic congestion within the centre.

Road-based journey times along Springvale Road will be reduced and result in a safer railway crossing with less potential for conflict between road users and pedestrians.

www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Five local business leaders have come together and created the Committee

for Dandenong. Established around 18 months ago the objective is to work with current stakeholders to help create positive change and promote and influence developments in the area.

“It is, for all intents and purposes, a lobby group on behalf of local business,” says Gary Castricum, Chairman of the Committee.

“It is a group of concerned business people who will work positively with the local and state governments and community groups to promote a better integration of Greater Dandenong businesses with the community.

“That includes social, economic and local amenity issues.

“We’re also working towards greater links between education and industry, particularly with the very large manufacturing industry base that we have in Dandenong, and strongly supported the Chisholm Institute of TAFE establishing its presence on Lonsdale Street.”

Mr Castricum says one of the Committee’s priorities is transport and infrastructure, including the proposed intermodal hub at Dandenong to service the future Port of Hastings, rail and road transport around Greater Dandenong (particularly Dandenong South), as well as grade separations of rail crossings.

“In the next two months we want to establish the next steps for ongoing investment in the Revitalising Central Dandenong project and how we can influence that to continue in a positive

direction,” says Mr Castricum.

“It’s fantastic to see the council offices there going up and of course the Government Services building, and a lot of the roadwork has all been fantastic.

“Six or seven hectares of land are still available and we’re keen to work with Places Victoria, Council and stakeholders in order to have those developed commercially for the benefit of Dandenong.”

Around 50 businesses support the Committee for Dandenong and key/founding members include James Sturgess, M+K Lawyers ; Todd Hartley, Hilton Manufacturing; Jill Walsh, APM Industries; David Willersdorf, Grenda Corporation; and Gary Castricum, Castricum Brothers. The Committee meets monthly and is open to any business. For information or to express interest, email [email protected]

springvale rail crossing update

New Local Group to Represent Business

HeaLtHy WorkpLaCes

Healthy Together Greater Dandenong launch eventHilton Manufacturing in Dandenong

South will host a launch of ‘Healthy Together Greater Dandenong’ during March, 2013. The Victorian Minister for Health David Davis will officially launch the initiative and showcase Hilton Manufacturing, Parmalat, Options Victoria, CHEP, Fletcher Insulation and Burbank as health-promoting workplaces and encourage other local workplaces to commit to health and wellbeing.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about what practical changes can be made to positively impact worker health e.g. healthy vending machines, Health and Wellbeing Policy templates, fruit boxes and sit-stand desks. Workplaces will have the opportunity to register for the Healthy Workplaces Achievement Program, which is a new state-wide initiative. These organisations will

receive support to work towards meeting best practice benchmarks to create a Healthy Workplace environment.

The Program focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, mental health and wellbeing, smoking reduction and limiting harmful alcohol use among the workforce. The City of Greater Dandenong Healthy Workplaces Team will support workplaces

in the municipality to maximise their efforts and ensure sustainable improvements. This approach will help workplaces to increase employee engagement and job satisfaction, improve productivity, reduce sick leave, and increase employee retention.

Healthy Workplaces achievement program registration is now open!

Workplaces are encouraged to register for this free program by emailing

[email protected] with the subject line: I want to be a healthy organisation.

The benefits for businesses to take part:

• Receive guidance and support from a team of dedicated Healthy Workplace staff, as well as access to step-by-step guidelines and templates.

• Opportunities for networking with other workplaces and peer business leaders.

• Opportunities to promote your achievements both locally and state-wide, use of electronic icons and be recognised through a certificate from the Victorian Government.

Please tell us what you are already doing to create a Healthy Workplace

environment. Case studies will promote the great work that is already happening in our area and highlight that it’s possible to make healthy changes in a workplace, regardless of size or budget.

Examples include: staff walking meetings, healthy canteen or vending machine options, pre-shift warm ups, health information sessions, flexible working hours, ergonomic office equipment and many more.

To submit your Healthy Workplace case study or to find out more about the benefits of becoming a Healthy Workplace contact us on 9239 5135 or email [email protected].


innovation

When it comes to Innovation – are you a leader or a follower?

To improve Australia’s performance in converting world class research into

new and exciting products we need to be effective in connecting the people who create knowledge with business and the manufacturing community.

The South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct is proud to present “Innovation Symposium 2013” designed to showcase emerging technologies and their applications as well as examples of companies that have bridged the gap between research and commercialisation.

The 2013 program will be led by Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Scientist of Australia and Patron of Science in Industry, providing a national perspective. Complementing this will be presentations and panel discussions featuring SMEs, many from within the precinct, as well as larger companies eager to work with both SMEs and the research community.

Symposium Attracts International Keynote….

Thanks to the support of SEMIP partner the Small Technologies Cluster

(STC), this year’s symposium will feature international presenter Kees Eijkel, CEO of Kennispark Twente, the shell for commercialisation in and around the University of Twente and Saxion University in the Netherlands.

If you are looking to:

• connect with other local industries in the innovation arena, and

• increase the uptake and commercialisation of innovative technologies and practices

visit www.innovation2013.com.au to view the full program and register online.


A building that is white by day and purple when lit, all through the use of a special

coating? It may sound like science fiction – and in fact the building in question is the Australian Synchrotron – but Coating & Industrial Technologies (CIT) made it happen through innovative practices.

CIT started operations in 2004, moving to purpose-built facilities in Dandenong South in 2005, with the aim of introducing the latest technologies into Australian-made coatings across various industries.

“Based on the fact that a lot of the coatings that were available at the time were already a long time in the market place, we concentrated developing our systems by using latest technologies,” Director Eric Schell says.

“The R&D involved coming up with new coating systems and we concentrated on the automotive industry.

“We have been able to achieve global certifications on various systems used by GM-Holden (GM MATSPC – Globally Approved Supplier Database), while our systems are also used and approved by Toyota and Ford.

“CIT is now able to offer our approved systems worldwide, and are currently exporting to Thailand and USA.

“Having achieved Global Approval from GM has proved more valuable than any other awards we have,” says Mr Schell (CIT recently won the Victorian Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Company).

The organisation now works across the automotive, industrial, commercial and medical industries.

CIT worked on paint development for the new Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, which involved very specific colours that when installed would achieve an almost three-dimensional appearance.

The company is currently working on a number of international projects in Asia and is receiving interest from the U.S.A.

Other specialist products CIT has created include a medical-grade anti-bacterial coating, and a permanent anti-graffiti coating technology.

www.coatings.com.au

Coating company has new technology covered

Why innovate?In a challenging marketplace and

with increasing competition globally, the need to innovate has never been more important.

According to the Australian Innovation System Report 2012, compared with businesses that don’t innovate, innovative Australian businesses are:

• 42 per cent more likely to report increased profitability;

• three times more likely to export and 18 times more likely to increase the number of export markets targeted;

• four times more likely to increase the range of goods or services offered;

• more than twice as likely to increase employment; and

• more than three times more likely to increase social contributions.

Innovation also delivers greater resilience for companies to handle shocks and changing business and economic conditions, according to the report.

Additionally, companies may see productivity gains and access new revenue streams and markets through innovative practices.

www.innovation.gov.au/aisreport

Bruno Fornaro (Left) with Eric Schell.

Business investMent

In the heart of Dandenong, restaurateur Rob Jones has taken a slice of the

city and a splash of history to create the perfect recipe – a hot café that has all the locals excited.

With extensive experience in the hospitality industry and an eye on Dandenong’s growth, Rob opened the Lonsdale street café in November 2012 in an old but iconic

building, which he reinvigorated.

“The aesthetics we have going here are, I think, very different for Dandenong,” says Rob.

“Originally when we got the architects on board and we looked at that space, we obviously wanted to keep the façade, but they had some really good ideas for keeping the original features such as high ceilings with timber beams.

“We wanted to carry that idea throughout but at the same time keep the industrial look happening; that’s why it looks sparse with the exposed brick and big steel girders.

“We’re trying to bring a slice of the city to Dandenong,” Rob says.

The building also housed a café in the 1960s when the iconic, neon Dandy Bacon sign was displayed above it.

Rob created the café as another option for the corporate, “Monday to Friday people” in the area.

“Primarily we were going off stats of about 70-80,000 people working in Dandenong and 75% of them actually travelling to Dandenong, which inspired us to come out here.

“We thought we’d take a chance on the influx of people and the influx of money coming into the area and try and build on it early,” says Rob.

With its popularity growing, Ginger Jones has just opened for breakfast and brunch on Saturdays.

“One of the strongest things I keep hearing from people is, ‘We’re so happy you’re here – I’ve been waiting for something like this for so long.”

www.gingerjones.com.au

Otter has a new home in Dandenong South with purpose-built premises

complete with a trade sales shop having opened recently.

Otter is comprised of three separate businesses – Otter Group, Otter Fencing and Interbath – each recognised throughout the hardware, industrial and construction industries Australia-wide.

According to Fencing General Manager Glenn Otter, the new location will provide much better transport access, improve production efficiencies and position the Otter businesses as a whole to better service customers.

The new facility has around 1000 m2 of

office space and 8,000 m2 of factory space with the warehouse providing more than 40% more cubed capacity, mostly due to the 12m height of the roof.

“We have now passed our half a century in business and the company is continuing its investment in the future with a move to newer and larger premises,” says Mr Otter

“It has been laid out with a lot of thought to improve work flow and efficiencies.

“You can drive through one gate and out the other gate with no blockage of trucks, which we’ve experienced in the past.

“We can now unload shipping containers without side loading, removing costs

associated with that,” Mr Otter says.

The trade sales shop is a new addition to Otter, described as a “one-stop shop” for fencing contractors, but also open to the public.

The business was previously located in Clayton for more than 35 years. According to Mr Otter, the move to Dandenong was a “natural progression” with it being more economical and providing excellent access via Eastlink and the Dingley Bypass. Additionally, a brand new estate (Logis Eco Industrial Estate) gave the company “a blank canvas with which to work”.

www.otter.com.au

BiG move for Otter

History comes alive with a dash of Ginger

Serving it up at Ginger Jones.


Otter’s new home in Dandenong south.

sustainaBLiLity

A new retail development in Dandenong will be hard to miss; not because of its

impressive size at 12,000m2, but because of its 14 metre-tall wind turbine.

The $13m Home Quarter centre is one of the first in Australia to include an alternative energy wind turbine; three turbines are mounted on a steel-tower framework dubbed the ‘Green Power Tower’.

Fantastic Holdings Limited, owner of Home Quarter, has invested $206,000 into the wind turbine, which will contribute to lighting the centre’s 275-space car park.

Alex Godfrey, Marketing Coordinator for the site’s leasing agent CBRE, said any leftover power would contribute to the grid.

“Electricity’s getting more expensive each day and anything that can help contribute to keeping the costs down, especially in these big retail centres, is important – it also reduces the body corporate costs that tenants have to pay,” says Ms Godfrey.

“Fantastic Holdings is an ethical and progressive company; they felt there was a need to lead the way and make a visible statement about supporting sustainability.

“The council was very supportive of it.”

Ms Godfrey says the developers wanted an identifying landmark for the centre and the colourful wind turbine is now “a big visible statement on the corner”.

Home Quarter’s sustainable features also include rainwater collection tanks for its native plants, and solar shading to minimise air conditioning use.

The centre opened in December 2012 and is a ‘bulky goods retail development’ (similar to a homemaker centre) including food retailers. It is expected to employ around 150 staff when all sites are filled.

55-67 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South

www.facebook.com/HomeQuarterDandenong

Clean and green in DandenongConstruction is well underway for a new

$30 million laundry and distribution facility at the Logis Eco Industrial Estate in Dandenong South, which will have a 4-star Green Star environmental rating.

The Cabrini Linen Service (CLS) development will see the established company move from its current premises in Hawthorn mid year.

Kevin Duong, Strategy & Business Development Manager for CLS, says the company is a first-class commercial laundry service. Clients include Peninsula Health, aged-care establishments and hotels.

The new laundry will have a focus on sustainable practices.

“The new facility is located in the Dandenong area where it will have access to Class A recycled water and have an expected average grey water usage of 270 megalitres per year,” says Mr Duong.

“In addition to this, CLS will operate a cogeneration plant on site to provide electricity and heat for the new laundry.”

The plant is projected to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 4,170 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.

“CLS takes a proactive approach to carrying out its environmental responsibility.

“Sustainability is important because all of the choices we make today will impact future generations.

“Furthermore, the cost of energy, water and other natural resources is rising; adopting sustainable practices will lead to many long-term savings,” Mr Duong says.

CLS currently produces approximately 135 tonnes of linen per week; the new site will have the capacity to service up to 350 tonnes per week.

According to Mr Duong, an additional 100 staff from the area are expected to be employed.

www.cabrinilinen.com.au

a home to sustainability


Green power tower at the new Home Quarter in Dandenong South.

Kevin Duong of Cabrini Linen.

Why not join your peers in a manufacturing network?sEBN 2013 network groups & programs include:• General Manufacturing Leadership• OH&S• Quality / Environment / Sustainability• Manufacturing Shop-Floor

Excellence• Export / Globalisation• Lean Leadership Academy• Future Leaders• CEO Groups• Business Leaders Mentoring Program

south East Women in Business (WiB) activities include:• Showcasing WIB Series• Women in Business Network

Contact [email protected]

soutH east Business netWorks (seBn)... bringing people

What’s on offer in 2013

Exciting new initiatives

MIIDAS is just one new initiative to be introduced in 2013 and will be

facilitated by futurist, Marcus Barber. MIIDAS (Manufacturing Industry Idea Awareness Sessions) are a fast-paced, one hour exposure to emerging and new ideas from around the world. They will run for just one hour over lunch and give you insights into new design, product and research concepts and their potential implications for your industry sector.

MIIDAS meetings are aimed at challenging what you think you know about your business, about customers and about your products and services by linking these new concepts to future thinking of possible outcomes. Some of the suggested implications may be positive for your business and others more of a challenge to consider. The content will be varied and likely include ideas with both direct and indirect possibilities for your business.

Contact SEBN now to participate in any of its suite of network groups.

One article on manufacturing you should read and why

Most of us are inundated with information from a variety of sources and who

can blame you if you don’t get time to read every good or interesting article about manufacturing? I’m lucky enough to spend a portion of my day scanning the world looking for the new, the innovative and the emerging. And I’m suggesting that this Forbes article is one you really should read:

www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2013/01/17/the-boeing-debacle-seven-lessons-every-ceo-must-learn/

‘The Boeing Debacle: seven lessons every CEO should learn’ by Steve Denning should be read by anyone in Australia who has something to say about manufacturing.

Denning tackles head-on the myth of outsourcing benefits and how management teams too frequently cite ‘labour costs’ as their major decision factor for shipping production overseas.

He looks at how companies approach ‘mission critical’ componentry; at a failure to adequately assess all risk factors; and significantly looks at how innovation within companies can be killed off when manufacturing exits the business - citing GE’s recent moves to bring manufacturing ‘back home’.

For Australian manufacturers there is one huge factor this article does not discuss but is implicit within it – the push by US firms towards ‘re-shoring’ could fundamentally alter the place Australian manufacturers hold in the supply chains of US companies who’ve been outsourcing production.

Marcus Barber, Director, Looking Up Feeling Good Pty Ltd www.lufg.com.au Twitter @rightfuture

Chisholm’s manufacturing technology students working with local company Fortress

Late last year, seven first year students from Chisholm’s Bachelor of

Engineering Technology program delivered their industry project presentations to

three representatives from Fortress Systems – a growing manufacturer in Braeside that manufactures electrical products for the power industry and related manufacturing processes.

As a requirement of their course, these students problem-solve a real world engineering challenge – as put to them by Fortress at their plant which has recently been redesigned on 5S principles. Both groups of students received excellent feedback on their two-hour presentation from Production Manager Ron Rysent

and Finance Director Ross Phillips, both of whom were highly impressed with the quality of the presentations and particularly the engineering solutions that will now be put into practice at Fortress.

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology is a new degree developed specifically for the manufacturing sector in partnership with local industry, SEBN and SEMMA. Contact Clive Ferguson at Chisholm on 9212 5350 if you would like further information about this degree course.

What’s ahead?

During 2013, SEBN will continue to provide support to the region’s

business and industry – facilitating collaborative interchange and delivering specialised services and programs designed to strengthen the competitiveness and profitability of

local companies. SEBN will have a particular focus this year on supporting companies to collaborate and develop partnerships where opportunities arise – as well as continue to be a conduit for companies to share information and experiences; conduct or participate in site visits; discuss and resolve problems and learn about new technologies.

Chisholm technology students at work.


Marcus Barber.

together to strengthen manufacturing knowledge and capability

Mentoring our Future Leaders by Sam Bell – A W Bell

SEBN’s ‘Rising Star’ group, is one that I and other colleagues from A W Bell have

been attending for two years. The group gives you a place to discuss the challenges you face in your working environment with people from other organisations in similar positions. It also teaches you a lot of tools that can be used to overcome these issues and improve your workplace performance. One of the most usefuls tools that I learnt to use is the one page plan (1PP).

The 1PP is a tool that looks at where you are now in your project, where you want to be and then how to get there. It specifies what strategies you are going to use, what actions need to be implemented, by whom and by what date. The best thing about the 1PP is that it doesn't take long

to develop, can be easily updated and is simple for anyone else to understand. I use this as my main reporting tool to my CEO for the major projects I run.

My 1PP’s are viewed at the start of every week to set out what needs to be accomplished; are on my wall to constantly remind me of deadlines and is updated and sent through to my CEO weekly for review. It’s not the only tool I use, but one of the most critical and has played a major role in allowing me and A W Bell to deliver first article inspection parts for the new Joint Strike Fighter Jet in a timeframe previously thought impossible!

SEBN’s ‘Rising Star’ / Future Leaders Group is facilitated by Mike Burke – Burke Corporate Advisory.

Council, sponsor reps and ERMHA gather for SEBN’s “Take a Swing for Charity”, Annual Golf Day launch. Full event detail on Page 23 of this edition.

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.

The Future of Manufacturing (in Melbourne’s south east)Fact #1 - the rate of change within our society is growing exponentially

Fact #2 - change will continue to affect all aspects of our lives

Fact #3 - a common denominator in all countries that enjoy economic well-being is a healthy manufacturing sector

The manufacturing sector continues to change – and, like our day-to-day

lives, at an ever-increasing rate. This change has been principally brought about by globalization - the ability that we all have to access any good or service from anywhere in the world with the click of a button.

Access to low-cost global manufacturers together with the strong Australian dollar has created further opportunities for our

global competitors and new challenges for Australian manufacturers.

However, these challenges to some degree are similar to those faced in the 1960’s, 80’s and 90’s, and in response to these challenges, Australian manufacturers ‘reinvented’ themselves and became stronger because of the experience. However, this time, primarily due to there being the ‘perfect storm’ of catalysts, we may well be facing the ‘new normal’, ie a permanency not seen before.

As before, there are no reasons why Australian manufacturing cannot overcome these challenges, although one key ingredient must emerge – leadership. Whilst there is considerable ‘individual’ leadership demonstrated in this region – a collaborative approach will need to be taken to ensure the

future sustainability of a strong and globally connected manufacturing sector.

As previously reported, SEMMA is facilitating the early stages of a unique 15-year project which is centered on manufacturers assisting manufacturers by providing exposure to ideas; technology; ‘good practice’ and the global environment etc via their local peers, which will be a critical component in effectively implementing some of the key strategies for survival. This will be supported – with SEMMA as the lead agent – in a coordinated and collaborative environment by a broad range of stakeholders who will assist with the implementation process.

For further details contact Paul Dowling at SEMMA on 9238 1565 or [email protected]

Future Leader, Sam Bell.


statistiCs & investMent

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City of Greater Dandenong

Economic Activity indicators

Growing Manufacturing Sub-sectors

Numerical Change

Total percentage change

Polymer Product Manufacturing +533 31%

Specialised and Other Machinery & Equipment +405 38%

Structural Metal Product Manufacturing +230 27%

Basic Non Ferrous Metal Manufacturing +140 26%

Dairy Product Manufacturing +162 96%

Other Wood Product Manufacturing +111 14%

Glass and Glass Product +109 28%

Bakery Product Manufacturing +97 10%

Railway Rolling Stock Manufacturing +90 82%

Last year Stakeholder reported interesting facts about what the first release of the Australian 2011 Census revealed about City of Greater Dandenong (CGD) demographics changes between 2006 and 2011. The second release of the 2011 Census is now available showing economic growth and indentifying strong industry performance areas.

10,000

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Finance and

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CGD Employment by Industry 2001 2006 2011

Manufacturing sector Changes

The manufacturing sector experienced changes indicative of a structural shift in

the economy and within the sector, nationally as well as in CGD. By providing 22,811 jobs the sector is still by far Greater Dandenong’s largest employer. Consistent with national trends, the manufacturing sector showed a 4.5 per cent decline in employment but some subsectors and occupations grew over the five year period since 2006. CGD manufacturing has a stronger competitive position compared to Metro politan Melbourne due to declining at a lower rate.

Whereas some decreased, employment of other occupations in manufacturing showed an increase as there were 365 more managers, 586 more sales workers and 97 more labourers employed in the sector over the 5 year period.

The structural shift is also felt in manufacturing subsectors with many subsectors actually employing more people in 2011 than in 2006. This can be seen from the following table:

Overall the economy grew by 3.2 per cent as the total number of jobs in Greater

Dandenong increased from 74,215 to 76,577 workers between 2006 and 2011.

A growing industry, Health and Community Services is now the largest national employer of workers and CGD is following this trend. Health and

Community Services sector gained the most number of jobs in CGD adding 1,038 jobs to employ 6,815 people in 2011.

The broad shift to a knowledge economy influenced also the CGD economy as Property and Business Services sector employed additional 636 jobs (14 per cent growth) and Education added 416 jobs

(10 per cent growth) over the five year period. The second largest job increase in percentage terms was evident in Finance and Insurance sector where jobs increased by 17.5 per cent to 1,765 jobs.

Wholesale Trade employment increased by 7 per cent adding 534 jobs and Construction added 290 jobs in CGD.

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statistiCs & investMent


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Commercial - Capital Improved Median price

No of Sales

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$100,000

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Industrial - Capital Improved Median price

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Industrial - Vacant No of Sales

CGD employment compared to Metropolitan Melbourne

Several CGD industries display a strong competitive position within

Metropolitan Melbourne. Shift share analysis identified growth performance areas, which not only include CGD's stronger industries such as Wholesale

Trade and Manufacturing, but also knowledge economies:

- Financial & Insurance Services

- Administration

- Communication Services

- Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services

Relative to Metropolitan Melbourne, CGD continues to show a greater concentration of Manufacturing, Waste

Collection, Treatment and disposals services, Wholesale trade & Transport and warehousing. However, 2011 location quotients (a measure of concentration of industry in an area compared to the larger region) also reveal that, Construction, Heavy and civil engineering construction, Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts retailing, Non-store retailing were added on the list as stronger areas comparative to Metropolitan Melbourne in 2011.

property sales

Consistent with expectations published in the previous issue of Stakeholder, City of Greater

Dandenong (CGD) residential capital improved market continues to display increased activity, with sales increasing by 20 per cent compared to the previous quarter. After a sudden residential vacant property sales increase in the second 2012 quarter, the number of sales in quarter three has decreased to 28 with a median price of $337,500.

The number of Industrial capital improved sales and median price continued to rise during the third 2012 quarter, where median price increased by 30 per cent compared to the first quarter of the same year. During the September quarter 4 industrial vacant properties sold as well.

The commercial capital improved median price was $440,000 in quarter three 2012 with 12 sales recorded for the same period.Source: City of Greater Dandenong Council

unemployment rate

CGD and Metro politan Melbourne smoothed employment rate increased by .1 percentage

point during the September 2012 quarter to 8.5 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively. The number of unemployed people rose by 183 to 5,797 during the three months to September. Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, 2012, Small Area Labour Markets (SALM) Australia

Building activity

During the three months to September in 2012, $116 million worth of building permits were

issued in CGD, which is 28 per cent more than in the previous quarter. This amounted to 22 per cent of the total value of building permits issued in Melbourne South East (MSE) and 3 per cent of Metropolitan Melbourne. Industrial building permits value accounted for 82 per cent of MSE and 31 per cent of Metro Melbourne in the third quarter indicating that industrial building investment continues to concentrate in CGD contributing to the growth of industry. Housing activity is also a significant part of CGD building activity taking up half of the building permits value in the third 2012 quarter.Source: Building Activity, Building Commission

retaiL aCtivities

The City of Greater Dandenong is pleased to be participating in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival for the fourth year running.Make your destination Dandenong with the Dandenong World Fare to be held at the Dandenong Market and visit Sensational Springvale for a traditional tea ceremony and lunch, The Tea For Life!

Milan Tea HouseIn an area so dominated by specialty

Asian restaurants, Wendy Wong has managed to find a gap in the market, opening specialty Springvale tea venue Milan Tea House last year.

The business’ name is inspired by a fragrant flower found in Guangzhou, China called ‘Milan’.

“From a young age I was exposed to tea, having grown up in Guangzhou where tea culture has a very long history, and I was keen to introduce this in my new home,” says Ms Wong.

“The significance of the tea ceremony is its social aspect where everyone enjoys the taste and aroma together.

“Not only do we sell tea, but we try to immerse our customers in Chinese tea culture.

“The tea house concept is seen as an asset to the community in general, where the body and mind can truly relax, in addition to the health benefits of Chinese tea.” Ms Wong says.

Milan Tea House is where East meets West, boasting an extensive tea offering including Chinese varieties such as iron guanyin, pu-erh and oolong, as well as Western teas. Customers can experience these beverages on the premises with dim sum and French cakes, or purchase teas and exquisite tea sets to enjoy at home.

Ms Wong says her venue has become very popular with word of mouth and social media playing an important role: “Customers post photos of our unique shop on facebook.”

The venue offers gongfu tea lessons and tastings each Sunday – bookings are required.

For further information, email [email protected]

Foodies rejoice

The Tea for Life!Retreat to an ancient world experiencing a tea ceremony that has remained unchanged for centuries. Amongst shelves of amazing tea varieties and tea ceremony accessories, the tea ceremony will focus on four key principles – harmony, reverence, purity and tranquillity.

This historical ritual is accompanied by delicious Yum Cha delights followed by a gastronomical experience in one of Springvale’s Asian restaurants, Tan Lac Vien.

Bookings essential

www.greaterdandenong.com/tours or phone the Drum Theatre on 9771 5777.

Venue – Milan Tea House, Buckingham Avenue, Springvale

Date - Monday 4 March

Times – 12 – 2pm

Ticket Prices - $60.00

Dandenong World Fare Experience the delicious abundance and tempting aromas of global cuisines, cultures and entertainment in this enchanting world “food fare” extravaganza.

With music and dance performances and beautifully presented food, let all your senses transport you afar. Hawker market stalls, canopied stands, bain maries, hot and cold offerings, sizzling hot plates, barbecues, steamers, and the famous Afghan Tea Cart.

Information www.dandenongmarket.com.au

Venue - Dandenong Market, 39 Cleeland St, Dandenong

Date - Sunday 3 March

Times - 11am – 4pm

Ticket Prices - Free entry. Food available from $1.00

The Free City Shuttle will operate between 11am-4.45pm on the day from the Dandenong Train Station to the Dandenong Market.

Wendy showing the beauty of a traditional tea ceremony.


retaiL aCtivities

Pavilion Restaurant spooning it upDani Zeini, owner of hospitality venue

Dandenong Pavilion, says he was “born to do this”. His passion for good food and love of the Dandenong community has seen the business thrive over the past six years since it launched.

The sophisticated look of the restaurant makes patrons feel they are visiting somewhere special, while still retaining a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Its modern Australian fare offers much variety, which appeals to a range of clientele. House favourites include locally-sourced steaks and hearty desserts.

The venue was last year rated in the top 100 family restaurants across Australia by influential foodie website Urbanspoon. Other accolades for Dandenong Pavilion include Leader Award’s Best Cafe/Restaurant (2009) and Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s Service Excellence Award (2009).

“The hospitality industry is very competitive but we were really able to connect with local clientele,” says Dani about the venue’s recipe for success.

The business mainly employs locally with around 40 people from a range of backgrounds. According to Dani, “Everyone brings something different to the table.”

The future looks even more exciting for Dandenong Pavilion with a strong intention to renovate within the next two years to incorporate a big function room, expand the kitchen and revitalise the interior.

Dani says the menu will also be reinvigorated and become more “cutting

edge” with a goal to incorporate more local produce including from Gippsland and Keysborough.

Dani hopes to continue his high rating in Urban Spoon and other social media sites with the new changes. “You never know who will be eating in the restaurant and reviewing you on social media.

“People do look at reviews online so you have to be at your best at all times” he says.

www.dandenongpavilion.com.au

Tan Lac Vien restaurant’s owner, David, has been in the business for ten years

and is “loving it”.

Based in the heart of Springvale, the venue’s staple of Asian food at reasonable prices has seen it previously recommended in The Age Cheap Eats guide.

“Our award-winning chefs are from Hong Kong and Vietnam and over the years have reinvented some of the most popular Vietnamese and Chinese food,” says David.

“Hot favourites at our restaurant include Vietnamese mud crab noodle soup, spicy soft shell crab, Hong Kong-style shredded pork noodles and much more.

“We are a family restaurant for customers who know what good food is and we provide good vegetarian options.”

When talking about what drives his passion for his restaurant, David says it’s the

satisfaction when customers enjoy the food so much they return with friends.

“And also them recognising that Springvale is the Asian food hub of the south east.

“It’s a great, vibrant location – where else would you be able to find such cheap, fresh, quality groceries and food?”

Tan Lac Vien tries to stay up to date with its customers by incorporating the latest technology. For example, orders are taken through iPads and iPhones, and free Wi-Fi is available for patrons to connect and share their love of food. Its “active” facebook page has over 1,000 fans and promotes “hugely discounted” specials.

“Lastly, if there is one thing you must try this Autumn in Springvale, it is the pipies with X.O. chilli sauce – don’t forget the Chinese donut,” says David.

www.facebook.com/tlvspringvale

Tan Lac Vien

Tan Lac Vien chef showcasing some tasty cuisine.

The Pavilion Restaurant.



projeCt updates

Greater Dandenong Chamber welcomes you to 2013Your Chamber of Commerce has big

plans for 2013, and are excited about the opportunities ahead.

After taking a ‘good long look at themselves’ in the last quarter of last year they have asked the fundamental questions:

What is our mission?

How do we improve?

What are the most important things to do now?

Maybe you did the same thing in your business or department.

In a region well served by business groups that cover retail, manufacturing and services, the Chamber of Commerce sees their role as the ‘connective tissue’ of the business community. They help to connect business to business through Regional Business awards breakfasts, and connect business to the community through functions like Carols by Candlelight.

The Chamber feels that they are doing ok at these things, but want to do better.

In the last issue of Stakeholder, they invited your feedback. Soon you may receive

a short online survey from the Chamber. Please take 5 minutes to give your feedback so they can improve their service and relevance to you.

In addition to member feedback, they will be out spruiking for enrolments. You can also choose one of the extended memberships which provides additional opportunities

to expose your business, and to directly interact with the Chamber membership.

www.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au

The Chamber has some great ideas for this next year, but will rely on your feedback to determine priorities. Expect more to come.

revitalised trader associationNot only has central Dandenong had

a make-over, so has the Dandenong Retail Traders Association, (DRTA) the voice of the retail area of central Dandenong.

With the election and announcement of a new chairperson, Glenys Cooper from Compleat Angler and new committee members at the Annual General Meeting in December 2012 they are planning an exciting year of functions and activities.

The new committee recently had their first planning meeting and wants to encourage businesses to participate in opportunities for networking, training relevant to your business success and marketing for the centre. All of which will be for the betterment of customers visiting the businesses in central Dandenong.

The committee is embracing new technology and will have some announcements very soon with regards to social networking and a potential website specifically for DRTA businesses.

The committee is looking forward to welcoming you at their future functions. They are mindful that business people have long days and therefore want to hold functions that are short, sharp and effective and that are beneficial to business owners and staff.

The DRTA offer businesses the opportunity to hear about what is happening in central Dandenong, input to the future direction and they appreciate your feedback as to what ideas you might have for the association. They are your voice as a business in central Dandenong.

The DRTA now have a direct email [email protected] so feel free to contact them via this method.

Glenys Cooper, Chairperson of DRTA can be contacted on 9794 9397.

Chamber Awards committee’s James Sturgess with Mark Purvis, Aussie Disposals.

Roy Aspinal handing over the DRTA reigns to new Chairperson, Glenys Cooper.

The reinstatement of Reverie A significant public artwork entitled

‘Reverie’ was commissioned by the City of Greater Dandenong in 2004/5, with co-funding from the Dandenong Development Board. Commissioning of the artwork was closely tied to the establishment of the Drum Theatre and designed as a counter balance on the diagonally opposite corner of Walker and Lonsdale Streets.

Reverie was designed by artist Paul Johnson and is comprised of a series of tall galvanised structures linked by a central ring, an interactive laser lighting feature that displays commissioned animations, and a series of red seating elements at pedestrian level. Reverie was a prominent feature in the urban landscape, contributed to a 24 hour city and featured on the annual Nocturnal night walks.

In 2009 the artwork was temporarily

removed to enable the Lonsdale Street redevelopment works. The Public Art Reference Group was requested to provide advice on an alternative location and the new public space known informally as ‘Pultney Place’ was determined to be the most suitable location to retain Reverie’s prominence in Lonsdale Street and continue the visual relationship with the Drum Theatre.

Council has allocated funds to install Reverie in Pultney Place. The artwork is now stored in a temporary fenced compound in Lonsdale Street, ready to be installed.

Public art continues to make important contributions to the expression of Dandenong’s streets, laneways and public places and involves artists in the design and animation of the city.


projeCt updates

Main street on showMainstreet Australia is coming back

to central Dandenong as part of the National conference to be held 12-15 May. The theme for the conference is ‘New Challenges, New Opportunities, New Values’.

Last year the one day Victorian conference was held at the Drum Theatre with over 170 delegates from across Victoria and interstate. 80 delegates also participated on 4 different tours in the area during the lunch break.

Mainstreet Australia is an association providing valuable networking, education, support, professional development and strategic direction to stakeholders to promote main streets and to ensure that they remain at the heart of communities.

The National conference has a great line up of National and International speakers and provides a great opportunity for people who are involved with main streets.

Council’s Economic Development Unit is one of the sponsors of this event and will have an exhibition stand at the conference promoting all that Greater Dandenong has on offer.

Whether you are an individual trader or a trader association representative, property owner, real estate agent, or you have an interest in your main street, then

this conference is for you.

It will be solutions focused and will explore how main streets can tackle the challenges and create new opportunities that deliver the economic, social and cultural value that is critical to main streets futures.

For further information contact; www.aomevents.com/mainstreet2013

Attendees at the State Mainstreet conference hosted in Dandenong in 2012.

grants & opportunities

HomeBiz Connect

The Australian Government’s new ‘HomeBiz connect’ Program is designed to help home based businesses acquire the skills involved in running a business, and can connect them to a range of low-cost and no-cost business advisory services.

Topics covered include:

• Business planning,

• Government support & grants,

• Integration of social media,

• Taxation

The next Melbourne event is on 18 April 2013 at Rydges on Swanston. Register at http://homebizconnect.org.au

Employing and managing people

With the high costs involved with employing people, retention of the right people should be a strategic priority in business.

Business Victoria has a comprehensive website to help with all issues surrounding employing and managing people.

Sample of topics covered:

• Wage & conditions

• Workplace safety laws

• Employer responsibility

• Ending employment

For more information visit www.business.vic.gov.au

Job in Jeopardy Assistance

“Job in Jeopardy” assistance is immediate support to help employees who are at risk of losing their job as a result of disability, injury or health condition. It is available through Disability Employment Services.

An employee OR EMPLOYER may approach the service directly for job in jeopardy assistance.

If you have an employee who is at risk of losing their job as a result of a disability, illness or injury, this program can help you retain your valued employee. There is financial help and wage information available to help employers of people with a disability. The program provides free immediate assistance to all eligible employees and a team of experienced allied health professionals and employment consultants will address the employee’s barriers to keeping their job.

For information or referral visit: www.jobaccess.gov.au

Protecting your intellectual Property

IP Australia is the Australian Government agency which administers intellectual Property (IP) rights and legislation relating to patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights.

Intellectual property is the currency of today’s knowledge economy. IP Australia has launched eServices, a secure online transaction portal making it easier for customers to connect to and conduct their business with the agency.

They provide a rich source of IP information, and work with professional bodies in Australia and overseas.

For further information on your IP rights, and to manage your IP portfolio visit: www.ipaustralia.gov.au

Business Grants and Opportunities


grants & opportunities

Victorian Government Grants and Assistance

Innovation Voucher Program The Innovation Voucher Program is an initiative of the Victorian Government that supports companies wanting to explore ways of improving their competitiveness and productivity. It provides responsive and nimble funding to help companies access the know-how needed to innovate. The program includes two vouchers: the Business Research and Development (R&D) Voucher and the Innovation Skills Voucher.

Grow Your Business Grow Your Business is a program designed to help small businesses develop and implement strategies to become internationally competitive. A range of planning and management services are offered.

Businesses can engage the services of an independent specialist to undertake either one-on-one or group programs.

Screen Development – GamesAssists Victorian games developers to create a diverse range of games for any distribution platform, with an emphasis on the creation of intellectual property (IP) and long-term benefits for their business. Developed in consultation with the games sector, these programs will support Victorian developers to create and market high-quality games for global audiences.

• There are more grants, including for each of the following activities:

» Starting a business

» Mentoring

» Developing a Product or Service

» Developing your Business

» Employing & Managing people

» Exporting

» Improve sustainability

» Operating an Indigenous business

» Recovering from a Natural Disaster

Visit www.business.vic.gov.au/grants


Holmesglen Small Business Advisory Program 2013Supported by Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Monash

Councils, Holmesglen is offering direct, interactive services to SME’s in Melbourne’s South East region in 2013 through the following three programs:

Performance Group Training: Four non competing businesses, one day per month, one extra day strategic planning and two exit one-on-one mentoring sessions for evaluation.

Branding Masterclass: This program will allow participants to develop and implement brand strategies based on a strategic audit of current strategies and identification of areas of improvement with a follow up one on one session to measure improvements in brand recognition.

Sales Management Program: This is a three day program dedicated to understanding key account management principles

within the overall sales strategy of a business. It is designed to increase the ROI (Return on Investment) and performance of account and sales managers. This is also an action learning program that will evaluate over a period of two months performance changes in each participating business.

Events to be held between March and November 2013 at various venues.

Cost: $500 each program (incl GST)

For more information visit: email [email protected]

Dates for events hosted by the City of Greater Dandenong:

Sales Management Program: 08/04/2013 - 15/04/2013Performance Group Training: 12/06/2013 - 25/09/2013Branding Masterclass: 30/10/2013 - 20/11/2013


CaLendar of events

Cgd south east Business networksMarchSEBN Showcasing Women in Business Breakfast• Celebrating International Women’s Day• Guest Presenter Sandra Sully, Network Ten Journalist and News

Presenter• Friday 8 March 7am for 7.15am - 9am• Sandown Racecourse (Sportingbet Park) • Tickets $55 (incl. GST) / $500 for table of 10• Proudly Sponsored by-M+K Lawyers • Bookings Rachel 9238 1566 or [email protected] Industry Breakfast• Part of a regular series of events for industry featuring key

presentations on current business topics.• Friday 26 March• 7am for 7.15-9am• Register your interest at [email protected]

MaySEBN Industry Breakfast• Part of a regular series of events for industry featuring key

presentations on current business topics.• Thursday 23 May• 7am for 7.15-9am• Register your interest at [email protected]

JuneSEBN Showcasing Women in Business Breakfast• Highlighting 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.

• Friday 14 June• 7am for 7.15-9am• Register your interest at [email protected]

Cultural tours & eventsMarch Greater Dandenong is once again involved in Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Events. See below for details of local events.

Dandenong World Fare• Dandenong Market• Sunday 3 March• 11am- 4pm• Free Entry. Food from $1• No booking requiredThe Tea of Life!• Milan Tea House, Springvale

• Monday 4 March

• 12pm- 2pm

• $60 per person

• Bookings on 9771 5777 or www.greaterdandenong.com/tours

Food Lovers Tours

April• Food Lovers Tour in Springvale • Thursday 18 April• Time: 5.50pm-8pm• Meet in Springvale• $40 per person• Bookings on 9771 5777 or www.greaterdandenong.com/tours

May• Deli and Grocery Tour in Dandenong • Tuesday 7 May • 9.50am -1pm • Meet in Dandenong• $40 per person• Bookings on 9771 5777 or www.greaterdandenong.com/tours

dandenong retail traders associationFormed in 1997, the DRTA represents a diverse cross-section of Dandenong’s retail businesses. They aim to promote the area and conduct programs to assist businesses and the community. General meetings are open to all central Dandenong businesses.

AprilGeneral Function• What’s important in a successful retail business? Several guest

speakers presenting. Come along and get some new ideas.• Tuesday 2 April 6pm• Ramada Encore Hotel, 50 McCrae Street Dandenong• Enquiries: Kathryne 9793 5420

JuneNetworking Function• Networking. Meet and greet other retailers. Lucky draws as well

as profile your business opportunities. Bring a fellow retailer with you on the night.

• Tuesday 4 June 6pm• Ramada Encore Hotel, 50 McCrae Street Dandenong• Enquiries: Kathryne 9793 5420

greater dandenong Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce hosts regular breakfasts to announce nominees for the Premier Regional Business Awards.

MarchPremier Regional Business Awards Gala Dinner• Tuesday 19 March• 6pm for 6.30pm start• Sandown Greyhound Racing Club• $125 per person or $1,150 per table of 10• Enquiries Jacquie 9794 8881 or

[email protected]

‘Take a swing for Charity’ golf day …… on track to a successful outcome for the community’s most vulnerable through local organisation, erMHa.

At the time of going to print, the 4th annual CGD-Industry Take a Swing

for Charity Golf Day is on track for another successful event, thanks to the wonderful support of local business and

industry – especially our key sponsors, KPJ Group (Gold); Grenda Corporation and Bombardier (both Silver) and Norden Conversion, Future Metals and Ventura (Bronze) – providing $28,000 of sponsorship between them. As the photo on page 13 depicts, Kia Dandenong is again sponsors of the hole-in-one competition.

Also at time of print, there was almost a full complement of players and attention is now focussing on hole sponsorship and auction items for the ‘apres golf’ dinner and charity auction.

This key event in industry’s calendar brings people together from across the region

and beyond for the benefit of those more disadvantaged in the local community. All proceeds from the day will go to ERMHA who will use the money for their MadCap on Mason Café and Regional Training Centre which provides opportunities to the community’s most vulnerable people – including those with a mental illness and / or disability. The Centre will house a new café and state-of-the-art training facility which, over the next 10 years will enable more than 4000 people to get the training they need to get back to work.

This is a special event during which CGD is privileged to work with some very special people and companies.


MarCH to june

AprilPremier Regional Business Awards Breakfast• Wednesday 24 April• 6.45am for 7am• $50 members $63 non members• Enquiries Jacquie 9794 8881 or

[email protected]

JunePremier Regional Business Awards Breakfast• Wednesday 5 June• 6.45am for 7am• $50 members $63 non members• Enquiries Jacquie 9794 8881 or

[email protected]

Mainstreet australiaMainstreet is an association providing networking, education, support and strategic direction for retailers and 'main street' practitioners. They operate to ensure that business and retail centres remain the beating heart of our communities.

MayMainstreet National Conference • Receive practical insights from quality speakers around

authentic experiences, plus a wealth of valuable information and opportunities.

• Sunday 12 - Wednesday 15 May• Federation Square, Melbourne and various locations, including a

tour to Greater Dandenong• Bookings www.aomevents.com/mainstreet2013

seMipSouth East Melbourne Innovation Precinct - Connecting businesses, researchers and government to foster innovation and bring the latest research and development to the region to secure its future.

MarchSouth East Melbourne Innovation Precinct (SEMIP)Annual Innovation SymposiumKey industry event providing excellent opportunities to interact with world class industry leaders, researchers and Government organisations, and hear leading speakers on innovation and commercialisation related topics.

• Keynotes including Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Scientist of Australia and international Kees Eijkel, CEO KennisPark in the Netherlands

• Thursday 21 March• 7.30am – 2pm (including lunch presentation)• Hemisphere Conference Centre, South Road Moorabbin• Visit www.innovation2013.com.auSEMIP Innovation Workshop • Tuesday 30 April• Hosted by the Australian Synchrotron• 800 Blackburn Rd, Clayton• Visit www.semip.org.au

south east Melbourne Manufacturers alliance (seMMa)Membership based industry group representing more than 200 leading manufacturers based in South East Melbourne.

May• Victorian Government Manufacturing Hall of Fame• Celebrating the heroes of Victoria’s manufacturing sector• Gala Dinner Event• Tuesday 7 May • Palladium Ballroom, Crown Entertainment Centre• www.business.vic.gov.au

MA

RC

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013

6.30pm Tuesday 19 March

Business Awards

www.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au

Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce

Premier Regional

2013 Gala Dinner

Documents

Building our future · a glass of wine and they said they couldn’t serve it outdoors because it was too hard,” says Georgia. “Beer and spirits have managed to package an easy