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Member News


  • 31-Mar-2015 16:45 | Deleted user

    Businesses and individuals are encouraged to submit their comments on the Australian Government’s tax discussion paper, as part of consultations that will lead to a comprehensive Tax White Paper.


    The tax discussion paper, released by the Treasurer on 30 March 2015, begins a dialogue on creating a tax system that supports higher economic growth and living standards, improves Australia’s international competitiveness and adjusts to a changing economy and new opportunities.


    The community’s responses will inform the Government’s tax options Green Paper, due to be released in the second half of 2015. The Government will seek further feedback on those options before putting forward policy proposals for consideration by the Australian people in before the next election.


    Submissions and suggestions on the discussion paper can be made at the website bettertax.gov.au. Submissions on the discussion paper can be made through the website until 1 June 2015.


    WSBC would like to hear from its members on this subject too. Let us know by contacting our CEO, Michael Sugg or responding to this news item below.



  • 26-Mar-2015 16:50 | Anonymous

    The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, attracting close to 900,000 people each year. It is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural traditions to our modern day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for everyone. 


    Each year the country and city join together to enjoy agricultural competitions, animal experiences, entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and much more. 


    The Show was first held in 1823 and is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and rewards agricultural excellence. Revenue generated through the Show allows the RAS to invest in agricultural programs, competitions, education, youth and rural NSW. Each year the RAS invests nearly $7 million in activities designed to promote agricultural excellence and keep our rural communities strong. 


    There is so much to see and do at this year’s Show, including animal experiences, food and wine, entertainment carnival fun, shopping and much more. 


    Show dates

    Thursday 26 March - Wednesday 8 April 2015


    Opening times

    Show opens at 9am. Pavilions open at 9.30am.

    If you are coming to see judging and competition events that start earlier you'll be allowed entry. 


    Closing times

    Evening entertainment concludes at 9pm. Showbag Pavilion closes at 9.30pm. Coca-Cola Carnival stays open until late.

     

    Click here for more information on 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

  • 26-Mar-2015 14:34 | Anonymous

    We received some great news last year when our valued customer GNS Wholesale Stationers named us the winner of their inaugural “Outstanding Business Partner Award” for 2014.


    At St.George Bank we take pride in providing exceptional service that exceeds expectations every time and we love it when this gets recognised.


    Alex Stewart, GNS Wholesale Stationers CEO presented the award to St.George at their annual Supplier Awards function in late November 2014.


    GNS has been recognising outstanding suppliers for products that are sold from their business for many years. In 2014 these awards were extended to include business partners such as creative agencies, finance organisations, transport providers, printers, accounting business and consultants to GNS.


    In commenting about the award and St.George, Alex stated; “We felt that the relationship and outcomes that we mutually achieved in a short space of time were a testament to the customer service ethic and high standards held by St.George.”

    “Our previous and long standing banking partners did not treat us like customers; St George took the time and effort to understand our business and structured a solution that allows us to focus on our core competencies.”

    This coveted award was received on St.George’s behalf by Matthew Kelly, Executive Manager, in front of 100 other GNS suppliers and business partners.


    “Our relationship with GNS is still quite new, which makes this win even more special,” Matthew said. “We’re now focussed on a workplace banking package for the company’s employees, and developing a SME offer for some of their clients.”


    If you would like to find out how St.George can help your business, please contact Matthew Kelly.


    Matthew Kelly
    Head of Manufacturing & Wholesale NSW & Executive Manager Western Sydney
    Corporate and Business


    St.George Bank
    Level 1, 60 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150
    t   
    +61 2 9893 6090
    m
      0412 265 197
    e
    .. kellyma@stgeorge.com.au
    w
    . www.stgeorge.com.au


  • 26-Mar-2015 12:57 | Anonymous

    Studies show that a quarter of people are more likely to engage your business for this reason. And no, it’s not your clever marketing strategy.

     

    In such a crowded market, business are always looking for a way to stand out from their competitors.

     

    And it’s not easy. There are so many businesses operating in the market, doing what you do and in some cases, doing it on a much larger scale with a much bigger budget.

     

    So, how do you differentiate yourself from the others? The answer may be simpler than you think.

     

    Many savvy small businesses are affiliating themselves with charities as part of a shrewd marketing strategy that is far cheaper and more effective than traditional marketing. Rather than simply handing over a cheque, companies are increasingly establishing mutually beneficial partnerships that provide a more holistic approach to delivering outcomes that benefit both the business and the charity.

     

     

    Studies have shown that a quarter of consumers would change brands or suppliers to a business that is supporting a charity. One. Quarter. That is 25% of the market share that you could be attracting by showing clear corporate social responsibility. 

     

     

    Here are 10 benefits you gain from partnering with a charity:

     

    1.       Enhance public perception of your brand

    2.       Increase sales

    3.       Leverage the partnership to gain positive media coverage

    4.       Create a unique selling point over your competitors

    5.       Gives consumers a strong incentive to switch to your brand

    6.       Increase long-term customer loyalty

    7.       Improve relationships with supply chain and retailers

    8.       Improve employee morale and loyalty

    9.       Gain credibility - consumers trust charities and people who

              partner with them

    10.     Reach an audience you may otherwise be unable to access

     

    But not all charity partnerships are created equally. In order to be successful, the partnership needs to tick the following boxes:

     

    1.       Choose a charity that shares your target market and gives you meaningful exposure.

     

    For example, if you are providing childcare services, you will not get the best business outcome by partnering with an animal shelter. Instead, find a children’s charity that appeals to the same people you are trying to reach. Charities often have a huge database of supporters which opens up an audience that you otherwise may never reach.

     

    2.       Look for staff engagement opportunities.

     

    We all agree that the happier and more satisfied staff are, the better their commercial outcomes will be. And yet, less than 30% of Australian businesses have a strategy for keeping their staff motivated and engaged. Charity partnerships provide a great avenue for team building and involve your staff on a different level. Staff volunteering opportunities or team challenge events are an excellent way to facilitate engagement.

     

    3.       Choose a charity that you, and your staff, are passionate about.

     

    This will make the whole experience more enjoyable for your team and will provide a truly satisfying partnerships for you and the charity you are supporting.

     

    Of course, I haven’t covered the main reason for supporting a charity – most of us are good people who want to do our bit and make a difference in the world. Partnering with a charity allows you to make a meaningful contribution while growing your business and improving your bottom line.

     

     #winning.

      

    For information about local charity partnership opportunities, contact Nermeen Yacoub from the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead, on (02) 8865 2838.

     

  • 26-Mar-2015 12:54 | Anonymous

    Lander Toyota sales consultant Eddie Attieh has been named as a national top achiever in sales across the Toyota network. Sales Top Achievers are deemed as the ‘best of the best’ in the country and we are proud to have Eddie as part of the sales team here at Lander Toyota. 

     

    To speak to one of our friendly sales consultants about your next Toyota, contact us on 02 8884 4888 or send us an enquiry at info@landertoyota.com.au

     

    Visit our website at www.landertoyota.com.au to search our range and view our current promotions.

     

    Land a better deal at Lander Toyota!

     

  • 26-Mar-2015 12:48 | Anonymous

    Last edition, Novotel introduced you to new Executive Chef Kiki, this month they would like you to meet, the bubbly singing individual that you hear through the Two Forks Restaurant and Bar, Food & Beverage team leader, Chrystal Kyriacou. With a great personality and kind heart, Chrystal and her team help create memorable dining experiences for all their guests.

     

    Starting as a Food & Beverage attendant in July 2013, Chrystal quickly proved herself capable of leading and directing a team to success and was promoted to team leader in September 2014. Chrystal enjoys the challenges of being a team leader across all areas including restaurant, bar and banquets helping her expand her knowledge in operations and the hotel industry. 

    Chrystal is proof of Accor’s people-ology in practice, building genuine relationships with all guests and fellow staff members, making her a worthy winner of employee of the year for 2014. Having previously worked in retail, Chrystal finds hospitality allows for more fulfilment when serving people, with everyday being different and exciting. With the assistance of Accor’s great training and leadership program, Chrystal hopes to further pursue her career within the hospitality industry. 

    When not serving guests in the restaurant, Chrystal can be found on stage singing her heart out and entertaining the crowd. For those that attended Novotel Parramatta’s conference relaunch event would have had the pleasure of hearing her perform live with band mate Dan in the newly refurbished Lennox Ballroom. Being a real crowd pleaser, Chrystal went on to win third place in Accor’s talent quest, Artzology! Using her voice as her instrument, Chrystal gets an adrenaline rush performing on stage and enjoys the excitement of engaging with the crowd. 

    Chrystal discovered her love for singing during primary school when encouraged by family to go into her school talent quest, where she won first place. She focused on her voice further in high school and worked closely with a music teacher, where she developed skills to teach other talented singers. Working with Accor, has opened many opportunities for Chrystal to perform more gigs whether it be within the hotel network or for recommended client events.   

    To meet the talented and friendly Chrystal, visit Two Forks restaurant & bar, where you can also experience Chef Kiki’s new seasonal menu and have a drink in the comfortable lounge area.

    For any bookings or enquires visit www.novotelparramatta.com.au or call 02 9630 4999.

  • 26-Mar-2015 12:34 | Anonymous

    In 2014 Panthers launched the Panthers Approved Business program and delight in the continued development of this great initiative.

     

    The program has been designed to assist local businesses to broaden and enhance business awareness, customer reach and drive new business by promoting products and services to Panthers extensive members database.

     

    By becoming a Panthers Approved Business, your company will be marketed to over 105,000 Panthers Group members which includes over 16,000 football members.

     

    The custom built website has been designed for all Panthers Group, Leagues Club and Football Members to support the businesses that support their club.

     

    All Panthers Group members have dedicated access to www.panthersapprovedbusiness.com.au to take advantage of monthly offers, promotions and specials, only obtainable via this site.

     

    All promotions are available only to members however casual visitors to the site are encouraged via some quick and easy prompts to join the club to take advantage of the deals and services offered.

     

    The Panthers Approved Business package also gives the partners the opportunity to entice potential walk up customers into their business with a Panthers Approved Business decal and flag to be displayed in the shopfront of their business, this informs the potential customer that this business is a supporter of community, club and like-minded members.

     

    New Panthers Approved Business Partners are presented with a bonus gift of 2x general admission tickets to all home games at Pepper Stadium in 2015. Partners can choose to enjoy tickets themselves or the ideal customer gift or staff incentive.

     

    For more information regarding Panthers Approved Business call Stephen Brookes on 02 4725 6004.

  • 26-Mar-2015 12:30 | Anonymous

    A NEW business partnership between global recruitment giant Randstad and TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute (TAFE SWSi) will open up new employment pathways for TAFE SWSi students.

     

    Randstad has been working with TAFE SWSi in providing recruitment solutions since 2005 but recently the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to “explore opportunities for further partnership”.

     

    TAFE SWSi Institute Director, Peter Roberts, said there were “so many different synergies” between the two organisations.

     

    “The partnership with Randstad will benefit our job-ready TAFE SWSi students by providing them with employment pathways,” Mr Roberts said. “After all, Randstad is the second largest recruitment provider in the world. 

     

    “Randstad recruits staff for a wide range of industries including health, child and disability care, leisure and fitness, manufacturing and transport and business and finance; and many of these industries need workers with the skills which TAFE SWSi courses can provide them with.

     

    “In some industries, workers may have some on the job experience but not the formal qualifications required when organisations like Randstad are seeking to recruit workers for those particular industries,” Mr Roberts said.

     

    “That’s where TAFE SWSi can step in and provide the training which will give these workers the formal qualifications required.”

     

    Under the terms of the MOU: “Randstad and TAFE SWSi will investigate prospects to promote each other’s services to students, business and the industry. They will “work with TAFE SWSi’s Community, Health, Hospitality and Service Skills (CHHASS) faculty and students to identify career progression and entry into the workforce via Randstad’s services”.

     

    The partners will also “share opportunities to be present at each other’s events; promote services to their respective websites; and work to further TAFE SWSi student recruitment opportunities.

     

    Leading up to the signing of the MOU, TAFE SWSi and Randstad last year combined forces to organise and run the “Reach for the Stars” disability athletics carnival.

     

    Jaclyn Lindsay was one of the TAFE SWSi students who participated in the event as part of her disability course.   

     

    “I had a ball,” Jaclyn said. “I had to help our (disabled) clients in the races, get their lunch trays, etc. and generally make sure that everything ran smoothly for them.”

     

    Jaclyn worked with vision-impaired clients on the day which really opened her eyes to a side of the disabled community that, she said, was “rarely visible” to the general community. 

     

    “It was a real awakening for me,” Jaclyn said. “The Carnival helped break down the pre-conception that all disabled people are in institutions rocking back and forth in their wheelchairs.

     

    “You realise they’re just like anyone else; they’re really happy, funny and they all had a great time.” 

     

    Jaclyn has completed a Cert IV in Mental Health and Cert IV in Disabilities. She is now doing a Diploma in Community Services and Case Management while also working as carer for the disabled.

     

     

    www.SWSi.edu.au

  • 26-Mar-2015 12:14 | Anonymous

    Improving public transport throughout Western Sydney is the highest priority for regional businesses, according to the recent Making Western Sydney Greater report released by William Buck with WSBC, St. George and UWS.

     


     

     

     

     

  • 26-Mar-2015 09:47 | Anonymous

    A webinar on our eBook, Beyond the P&L: increasing profit and value the smart way, was presented by Raelene Berryman, Moore Stephens Business Advisory Services Partner, on 11 February 2015. 

     

    This webinar covered how businesses can go beyond the P&L and look at ways to increase business profit and value.  It included strategies, tips and tools to take the business to the next level of growth.

     

    To view the webinar, please click here.

    Duration: 43 minutes including Q&A.

    To access the webinar slides click here.

    To access the full version of our eBook, Beyond the P&L: increasing profit and value the smart way, click here.

     


                       

     









        

     

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