September 2017 Edition

Published on 01 September 2017

 
September 2017
Welcome to the September edition of Hobsons Bay Business e-Works
Thank you to all businesses that entered the 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. There were more than one hundred entries received and the judges will have a real challenge on their hands in selecting the winners.
 
The 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Award finalists will be published in the Wednesday 6 September edition of the Maribrynong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly.

The winners of all 10 categories, as well as the Mayoral Award and the Business of the Year, will be revealed at the gala awards dinner on Friday 20 October at the Williamstown Town Hall. More details on the Gala event is listed below.
 
September is not all about the AFL finals (don't forget Victoria has a public holiday on Friday 29 September). The Small Business Bus is coming to town, there's a free ATO record keeping workshop, Art in Public Places is on all month plus we get to celebrate our visitor economy during Melbourne Tourism Week from 3-9 September.
 
If you have any questions about doing business in Hobsons Bay or have feedback for us on how Council can assist in helping your business grow or what you would like to hear about in future editions of the eNewsletter, please contact us on 03 9932 1285 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner
Business representatives from across Hobsons Bay are invited to join Hobsons Bay Mayor and Councillors for an evening of celebration and networking at the 2017 Hobsons Bay Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.

Tickets for the dinner are $95 per person or $900 for a table of 10, including a three course meal and drinks. Tickets can be purchased online from Wednesday 6 September at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/businessawards
EOI for show bag products for Gala Dinner
After their popularity at the 2015 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards, the ‘Logie style’ show bags will make a return to the gala dinner this year.
 
We invite local business to contribute products such as local manufactured  goods, vouchers to local hospitality venues, vouchers to local attractions etc. for distribution in these free show bags on the night.
 
We are expecting up to 380 people to be in attendance at the 2017 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards. Most of these will be owners/directors of local businesses, however there will also be a selection of government officials, politicians, regional partners in the room.
 
Star Weekly are the official media partner and this event is expected to get a lot of local and regional promotion.
 
Please contact the Economic Development team at 9932 2006 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au by Friday 15 October if you have some products you would like to donate for the show bags.
Want to get your business moving?
Are you looking to start a small business but not sure how?
Do you own a business and need expert advice on how to grow and thrive?

The Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus is coming to Hobsons Bay on the following dates and locations:
  • FREE confidential mentoring provided by a small business specialist
  • ADVICE on developing your business idea, formulating a business plan, marketing your business, improving your understanding of cash flow management and more
  • Friendly ASSISTANCE from a Small Business Victoria information officer
  • INFORMATION about Small Business Victoria’s programs and services
Book a session and discover how the Small Business Bus can help you plan, start or grow your business. Visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call the Business Victoria Contact Centre on 13 22 15.
 
Assistance available to auto supply chain businesses
Changes in car manufacturing in Victoria in late 2017 has meant automotive supply chain companies have had to consider options for the future.
 
The Victorian Government is helping with the Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program (ASCTP), which helps business identify future opportunities including access to new markets or products.
 
So far, 42 businesses have taken advantage of this support, with their transition plans focusing on marketing strategies, new product development, joint ventures and expanding into new markets.
 
Dean Haritos, Group Managing Director of grant recipient MHG Glass, says the company was able to come up with a solution to keep their facility running, that will transform the business from an automotive glass supplier to a diverse architectural glass supplier.
 
Victorian based businesses that generate at least 20 per cent of their revenue from the automotive supply chain are eligible to apply.
 
To find out if your business is eligible, call Business Victoria on 13 22 15 or visit www.business.vic.gov.au/asctp. Projects must be completed by 30 June 2018.
 
Workshop for small business:
Record Keeping 
Are you new to business or thinking of starting a business?
It's important to get your record keeping right.
Come along to a presentation by Australian Taxation Office (ATO) staff and supported by Hobsons Bay City Council.
 
You'll benefit by learning about:
  • keeping good records
  • record keeping tips and traps
  • how money flows through a business
  • work through case studies and examples
  • completing records, statements and other forms
  • stocktakes and associated records
Wednesday 6 September 2017 from 9.30am to 12pm
Hobsons Bay City Council, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, VIC 3018
Cost: FREE
Bookings essential via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/record-keeping-workshop-for-small-business-altona-vic-tickets-30106401056
 
Art in Business: Art in Public Places 1 to 30 September
Art in Public Places, is a month-long, multi-venue celebration of art and ideas throughout Hobsons Bay during September.
 
Everyday spaces become art sites, as the community discovers artwork and artists from around the world and around the corner.
 
A part of Art in Public Places we really love is the Artists-In-Business program - it's is all about local businesses showcasing the art of talented, emerging artists. Cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques and even a real estate agent have all put up their hands to host works and Hobsons Bay City Councils' Arts and Culture team have hand-picked some very exciting artists to showcase.
 
For all the details and to view the entire program, visit www.artinpublicplaces.com.au 
 
Melbourne Tourism Week 3 to 9 September
Melbourne Tourism Week is a great time to discover and experience all that Hobsons Bay has to offer, with tourism operators across the municipality offering discounts and deals throughout the week.
 
For more information, drop into the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown or visit http://www.visithobsonsbay.com.au/
 
Tourism feature: Have you been on a sailing ship or a seaplane in Hobsons Bay?
The Enterprize Tall Ship
Set sail aboard Melbourne’s Tall Ship Enterprize, a working replica of the ship that brought the first white settlers to Melbourne in 1835. Relax on deck as you explore the bay and learn about the little known story of the founding of Melbourne. The truly adventurous can experience life as an early sailor and climb the rigging for a heart stopping view. 
One Hour Sails depart from Gem Pier, Williamstown on the weekend of the third Sunday of most months, to coincide with the Williamstown Craft Market. Typical departure times are 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Sunset one half sails operate during the warmer months.
Private Charters are also available
www.enterprize.org.au
 
Melbourne Seaplanes
Melbourne Seaplanes operate from the water at Williamstown, providing an exciting way to discover the magnificent skyline of Melbourne and see picturesque Port Phillip Bay. Trips range from a short ride over Melbourne to longer journeys around the bay, with spectacular views of the city and surrounds.
Be intrigued with the excitement of a water take-off and landing in Williamstown. Melbourne Seaplanes is the unique way to see Melbourne's city skyline and surrounds.
03 9397 5388
www.seaplane.com.au 
Online webinars:
Do soft skills matter in the tourism business?
 
VTIC (Victoria Tourism Industry Council) are proud to stage another free webinar in partnership with The 3e Factor The Power of Human Energy and digital marketing company Webfirm.
 
Entitled “Do soft skills matter in the tourism business?”, VTIC will focus on the issue of soft skills – personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

What will you learn from the webinar?
• How soft skills can be used to improve business profitability and stakeholder relationships
• How soft skills impact staff engagement, collaboration and innovation
• The context of soft skills in tourism and why they matter

Presented by Gavin Norris, Director of The 3e Factor, whose work history includes corporate, small business and consulting; and has been involved in performance business and executive coaching since 2002.
 
Wednesday 16 August 10.30am to 11.30am
*Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, GMT +10
FREE                                          
 
OfficeOurs co-working space to open in Spotswood
OfficeOurs will be providing serviced offices and coworking in a beautifully designed space. They are scheduled to open in October. Secure a space now by calling 8354 4100.
Sustainable business:
Do you want to reduce your operating costs?
Hobsons Bay City Council offers Environmental Upgrade Agreements to assist Hobsons Bay businesses to save money and improve environmental performance through building upgrades.
 
What is an Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA)?
An EUA is a financing agreement between a building owner, a bank and Hobsons Bay City Council that facilitates a building upgrade to improve environmental performance. Once approved, a lender provides finance to a building owner. Hobsons Bay City Council then collects repayments through the rates system and returns the property charge to the lender.
 
What are the benefits of EUAs?
Environmental upgrades can improve energy, water, waste or environmental performance – providing reduced operating costs and increasing the value of the building.
Benefits for owners:
  • building owners increase the value of their asset and reduce their operating costs
  • no upfront capital required
  • access to longer term and lower interest loans
  • reduced re-financing risk
Benefits for tenants:
  • lower operating costs due to reduced bills
  • improved working conditions that keep staff happy and increase productivity
  • an attractive offer to help your landlord make improvements that will benefit both of you
  • opportunity to negotiate mid-lease upgrades that will not impact existing lease contracts
Benefits for industry:
  • opportunities for contractors, suppliers and installers to be involved in local projects and value add to your clients
Is my business eligible to apply?
To be eligible for an EUA, you:
  • must pay Council rates
  • be seeking funding for a retrofit project in a non-residential building
  • must have a project that delivers environmental benefits
Have Your Say:
Integrated transport system in Hobsons Bay
 
Improving transport is a key priority in Hobsons Bay. Residents, businesses and visitors face a range of challenges getting from A to B, including road congestion, limited public transport services and gaps in our cycling and pedestrian networks. To help respond, Council is developing an Integrated Transport Plan.

An integrated transport system brings different travel methods together, providing safer and more sustainable ways to get around your local neighbourhood or across town. The plan will guide Council’s transport planning, investment, decision making and advocacy over the next decade.

The draft Integrated Transport Plan will be available for community feedback until Tuesday 19 September 2017. You are invited to read through the draft plan and provide your feedback to help us make it even stronger.
For more information, please call 9932 1000, email transport@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
 
Have a say on the future of Melbourne's West
 
The Western Metropolitan Partnership is an exciting new way of engaging with local communities and giving people the opportunity to have a say on the future of their region.

The people who live in the West know the opportunities and challenges facing their community better than anyone.
By joining the conversation online or by registering your interest to attend the 2017 Assembly, you can help shape the future of the Western Region.

The Western Assembly is taking place Wednesday 4 October 2017, 5.30 to 8pm in the Western Region.
The Assembly will bring people from within the community, together with business and government to discuss the top priorities for the region, which will then be shared with the Victorian Government.

Register your interest to attend the assembly by 24 September 2017 online at https://engage.vic.gov.au/western-metropolitan-partnership or by calling 136 186.
If you are unable to attend, you can still share your thoughts via https://engage.vic.gov.au/western-metropolitan-partnership 
 
2018/19 Council Budget information sessions
 
Council will be hosting Time to Talk 2018-19 budget information sessions and we invite all interested people to attend. You can meet with your Councillors and ask questions about the upcoming budget.
These sessions will also provide an opportunity for community members to suggest an idea to be funded in Council's 2018-19 budget by making a three-minute presentation.
If you are unsure of the process, want to know if your idea is what we're looking for, or just need a little help with our online submission platform, we will be running some casual drop-in sessions at the following locations:
*Tuesday 26 September 2017 - Aviation Road Shopping Strip, Laverton 11.30am to 12.30pm
*Tuesday 3 October 2017 - Brooklyn Community Hall, Cypress Avenue Brooklyn - 5.30pm to 6.30pm
 
For further information on the Time to Talk 2018-19 Budget process go to participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au