Make tax time less taxing by Kate Sears

Rod is taking the headache out of tax returns.  A tax agent since 1988 and with 25 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant, Rod can see you after hours and charges just $99 for a simple individual tax return.

“I’m very passionate about tax and small business,” he says. “I enjoy getting directly involved with business owners allowing them to do what they do well and letting me concentrate on the paperwork”.

Stop concerning yourself with piles of paperwork and bring it instead to Rod’s home office, where he’ll personally handle not only your tax but also your compliance work and review your business structure.

He is a specialist at improving the bottom line, he’ll make your business prosper by taking that weight off your shoulders. Rod is adamant that your precious time should be spent improving the worth of your business.

See for yourself how Rod can help your business.

SEACOMBE SERVICES
A: 9 Rylston Court, Mount Eliza
W: seacombeservices.com.au
T: 0417 492 620

On top of the world

Rhiannon Pilton doesn’t do things by halves.

She’s a working mum, a businesswoman, a local employer and founder/director of human resources and workplace health and safety consultancy PWR Consulting Group.

This 33-year-old Rosebud resident is also a nominee for the prestigious 2017 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. It’s recognition for years spent building a successful business that now has offices in Rosebud, Frankston, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. 

Rhiannon admits she’s rather humbled that one of her clients took the time to nominate her for the awards. “I would have been happy with a nice thank you email,” she joked during a short break in her hectic work schedule.

Hers is a dynamic working environment, with clients ranging from small to large businesses, large government organisations and everything in between. PWR Consulting Group offers a wide range of services including advice in regard to (and not exclusively) employment contracts, company training, compliance to Fair Work and National Employment Standards, policy documentation and general workplace matters. And, Rhiannon juggles it all while studying for a Masters degree!

The Telstra Business Women’s Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognise outstanding business women across Australia and Asia. The 2017 State/Territory winners will gather in Melbourne for national judging on November 20, culminating in a glittering Gala Dinner on November 21.

For more on PWR Consulting Group, visit pwrconsultinggroup.com.au

The logical solution

Logo Logix has evolved from Priscilla Carter’s many years in the creative and advertising industry. Her breadth of experience includes illustrating and designing stamps for Australia Post, serving as a creative director in some of Melbourne’s largest advertising agencies and designing some of Australia’s most iconic packaging and logos. As a result, Logo Logix provides clients with an identity that is a combination of visual appeal and marketing nous.

In addition to logos, Logo Logix provides a comprehensive design service that includes business stationery, brochures, signage, websites, packaging and apparel, and subsequent print management catering to single operators through to large corporate clients.

As a Frankston resident, Priscilla has situated Logo Logix in two convenient bayside locations - in Sandringham Village just opposite Sandringham station, and closer to home in the new Seaford office.

Make an appointment today.

LOGO LOGIX
T: 9598 6995
W: logologix.com.au

Legal help for building industry

As a Frankston resident, Kelvin Oldridge has situated his legal practice in two convenient locations to provide accessibility for clients from the city, bayside and the Peninsula.

With qualifications in building and law - B.Build (RMIT) and LL.B (Hons University of London) - Kelvin’s advice is complemented by his building experience and his understanding of the needs of clients from the building and construction industry.

Kelvin is a key part of Melbourne’s projects and dispute resolution fraternity, a member of the Building Dispute Practitioners Society and editor of its newsletter for more than seven years and a regular judge for the Master Builders Association’s annual Excellence in Construction Awards.

Kelvin regularly provides a legal and advisory service to construction and project management businesses, property developers, contractors and insurance companies, including drafting and amending contracts, standard forms of construction and development contracts in Australia and including the Australia Standards suite of contracts. He also provides commercial adviceand support to clients in arbitration, litigation and the defence of insurance claims. 

KO CONSTRUCTION LAW
T: 9598 6444
W: www.kolaw.com.au

Vickie helps women connect

Growing up in Mount Eliza, Vickie Saunders enjoyed a privileged life that included ponies, a private school education and a loving family.  At 18 and with high hopes of a career in fashion design, she couldn’t wait to make her mark on the world.

But then things started falling apart pretty quickly, and any dreams she had were quickly forgotten. Over the next decade she was to find herself in situations only imagined in her worst nightmares. Her battles with alcohol, debt and an abusive relationship became the catalysts for Vickie’s decision to completely change her life and get in touch with the person she always knew she could be, the person her family had raised her to be.

Now a successful business owner, the author of two business books and travelling the world consulting and lecturing on the topic of athlete sponsorship, Vickie cites her colourful past as vital to the value she now offers her clients. Her progression through a career in marketing in the corporate sector, and the launch of her company in 2014, has allowed Vickie to share her insights and expertise on how each of us can connect with the abundant opportunities that surround us when we know what we are looking for.

Her clients include the US Olympic Committee, Sport England and brands such as Asics, Shimano and Deloitte. Vickie says it’s all about empowering others to identify their own value and it’s the difference she believes she was born to make.

Vickie Saunders will be the guest speaker at Frankston Business Network’s WomenConnect Luncheon on Wednesday, September 6, from 11.30am-2.30pm at Frankston RSL, 183 Cranbourne Rd. Tickets: $69 (FBN members $65) or $625 for a table of 10.  Bookings: frankstonbusinessnetwork.com.au or 9781 1422.

 

Get your life on course

Did you know that you can apply now for BRACE’s mid-year intake? Some courses can even lead to a qualification before the end of the year.

The local training organisation partners with major employers like Peninsula Health and Regis Aged Care to deliver nationally recognised training. This ensures that the students are able to complete their practical placement in a hands-on environment, and that the training delivered responds well to industry demand.

BRACE works closely alongside other like-minded partners to enhance its capacity to seek out and respond to new opportunities. It embraces collaborative approaches as the basis of building partnerships to improve the services and outcomes for its students.

The organisation adopts a whole of community approach, with an aim to creating definable pathways and improving students’ educational and employment outcomes. BRACE is so much more than an RTO, offering a range of employment and transition services through partner organisation SkillsPlus, specialising in community connections and providing non-vocational assistance.

Contact BRACE now to find out what’s on offer.

BRACE
A: Level 2, 54-58 Wells St, Frankston
T: 9781 3388
W: www.brace.com.au

RTO Code: 3621

A real confidence boost

A partnership between training provider BRACE and disability service provider Marillac is assisting young people with disabilities develop skills for life.

Jesslyn Penglase is glad to be one of the students taking part in foundation skills training with BRACE. Her confidence, self-esteem and independence have improved since starting the course in February.

The course not only enables Jesslyn and the other students to learn in class, they also get hands-on experience through work placement.  In preparation for her job interview, Jesslyn went to Dress For Success to find suitable clothing.  She looked great and felt confident and happy.

Jesslyn is completing her work placement at Crafty Cakes in Somerville, and after only a few weeks she built up the confidence to catch public transport independently. You can see by her smile that she is thoroughly enjoying her work there.

“At the start of the course I was very nervous, but as time went on my confidence grew and now I am really enjoying the course,” said Jesslyn. “I love the work placement as I am doing something I really love. I have learnt a lot. Debbie and Trish are good trainers.”

Her trainer, Debbie Rogan, can see the difference in Jesslyn since she started the course. “Jesslyn recently led her group (in class) to successfully complete a team building activity that was based on time constraints, limited resources and thinking outside the square for concept and design,” Debbie said.

BRACE
A: 1 Playne St, Frankston
T: 9781 3388
W: www.brace.com.au

Promocorp beats the competition

From embroidery on shirts to printing on stubby holders, to cooler bags and diaries, Promocorp is ready to create anything you desire.

The one-stop shop for promotional merchandise and custom apparel service is Promocorp in Carrum Downs. If your organisation is ready to invest in its corporate image, visit Promocorp as it is committed to providing a quality, comprehensive and customer focused service.

Boasting that all work is completed in house, Promocorp even has its own graphic artists (including a cartoonist) who can transform your rough ideas into a perfect promotion. Embroidery and screen printing departments in house means the team can control the quality and speed of orders. They guarantee to dispatch your order within 10 working days upon approval of artwork.

Promocorp Australia provides promotional products and branded business gifts ranging from t-shirts to clocks, glassware to golf balls, to watches and stress toys. The team also provides custom manufactured and screen printed embroidered clothing (think caps, business shirts, sportswear, uniforms, workwear and vests). With access to over 20,000 products, they are bound to have what you’re after and at the best price.

With state-of-the-art digital printers and the ability to complete about 5000 stubby holders a week, no job is too big for Promocorp, so sprint in for a no-obligation free quote today.

PROMOCORP
T: 9775 0619
A: 1/34 Access Way, Carrum Downs
W: promocorp.com.au

Human resource services and safety consultancy

It’s all about human resources at PWR Consulting Group. This neat little ‘people and culture consultant’ business offers a wide range of services including advice in regard to (and not exclusively) employment contracts, company training, compliance to Fair Work and National Employment Standards, policy documentation and general workplace matters.

PWR are a local and affordable solution for all your business concerns. Director Rhiannon Pilton has over 15 years’ experience within the industry and understands the mechanics of small to medium business. She can help you with safety audit and action plans, workplace drug and alcohol testing, safety signage and testing/tagging, company training and compliance to WorkSafe and ISO.

Get the right advice with PWR Consulting Group today. For the growth of your business tomorrow. 

PWR CONSULTING GROUP
A: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston
M: 0402 807 144
W: pwrconsultinggroup.com.au

Move of the Century by Kate Sears

It’s moved, and business is set to thrive for Century 21 Wentworth Real Estate.

Together with its new location, Century 21 Wentworth has a new interior design that’s inviting, eye-catching, strong and modern to visually represent its values and move to stay in the modern market.  “We’ve decided to match our look with our competency,” says department manager Megan Harris.

The new office has placed Megan and the team closer to other agents, but they aren’t the new kids on the block.  For 10 years they worked tirelessly in the old office, and when the business was known as Crowders Real Estate they’d been there for more than 20 years.

The team thrives on new business, and they have a special offer for our readers to celebrate their spanking new office. Receive two months of free management for any new landlord listing.

Hurry, this offer is only available until the end of June.

CENTURY 21 WENTWORTH REAL ESTATE
A: 9 Playne Street, Frankston
T: 8781 4888
W: century21.com.au/frankstonresidential/

Job readiness through foundation skills

Heidi Alyari used her new skills and increased confidence to find rewarding employment after completing a job readiness course with BRACE.

Having tried once before to complete similar training with another provider, Heidi found it hard to complete the course.

“I had a different experience with BRACE. I was able to establish a positive relationship with my trainer. She is the most patient person I have ever met in my life,” Heidi said.

The foundation skills training course helped Heidi improve her English language and numeracy skills and prepared her for further study. Heidi has now secured a job she loves with a major hardware store.

 

BRACE
A: Level 2, 54 – 58 Wells Street, Frankston
T: 9781 3388
W: www.brace.com.au

Promocorp beats the competition

From embroidery on shirts to printing on stubby holders, to cooler bags and diaries, Promocorp is ready to create anything you desire.

The one-stop shop for promotional merchandise and custom apparel service is Promocorp in Carrum Downs. If your organisation is ready to invest in its corporate image, visit Promocorp as it is committed to providing a quality, comprehensive and customer focused service.

Boasting that all work is completed in house, Promocorp even has its own graphic artists (including a cartoonist) who can transform your rough ideas into a perfect promotion. Embroidery and screen printing departments in house means the team can control the quality and speed of orders. They guarantee to dispatch your order within 10 working days upon approval of artwork.

Promocorp Australia provides promotional products and branded business gifts ranging from t-shirts to clocks, glassware to golf balls, to watches and stress toys. The team also provides custom manufactured and screen printed embroidered clothing (think caps, business shirts, sportswear, uniforms, workwear and vests). With access to over 20,000 products, they are bound to have what you’re after and at the best price.

With state-of-the-art digital printers and the ability to complete about 5000 stubby holders a week, no job is too big for Promocorp, so sprint in for a no-obligation free quote today.

PROMOCORP
T: 9775 0619
A: 1/34 Access Way, Carrum Downs
W: promocorp.com.au

Expo a winner for growing businesses By Kate Sears

Flourishing start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs, successful small businesses and ambitious individuals came together on March 22 at The BIG Small Business Expo in Frankston.

Organised by Jo Schutt and Emily Jones, the co-founders of The Garden – Mind Body Business, the expo attracted 35 exhibitors and six world-class speakers whose topics included developing your own keynote, podcasting, how to achieve life integration, and developing a strong business mindset.

This highly successful day combined innovation, collaboration and inspiration, and Jo and Emily are promising their next event will be even bigger and better.  

To view Mornington Peninsula Magazine’s social pictures from the day, please visit
photos.morningtonpeninsulamagazine.com.au

THE GARDEN – MIND BODY BUSINESS
A: 4 Ross Smith Ave, Frankston
T: 0425 785 161
W: thegardenfrankston.com.au

Tegan’s amazing year of growth

Tegan Mawdsley, 18, a SkillsPlus Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning graduate, talks about what led her back to study.

Everyone is raving about leaving school, but for me I am leaving my family. Training organisation SkillsPlus was the last resort for me. I had been out of school for 12 months because I had been raising my three younger siblings. Every day I woke up, got them ready for school, cleaned, cooked, got them ready for bed, cleaned a bit more and went to bed myself.

 Obviously there was no time for school, so I dropped out. I fell into a really bad state of depression because there was no time to go see friends and I was constantly at home. In October 2014 I moved out of my mother’s house and in with other relatives.

I started seeing Mel at SkillsPlus Employment Services who worked hard to get me into SkillsPlus Youth Education. I remember how scared I was on my first day and how I thought I wouldn’t make any friends. I was so wrong. Everyone was amazingly nice to me and it only got better.

Later we started volunteering at Nepean School. I can’t even describe the joy I felt when we went there. That place just brings so much happiness to everyone’s lives. To see how happy the students were even when struggling with everything is incredible. I started to imagine working there with the amazing young people with a disability. It made me decide to enrol in a Certificate IV in Disability Services with BRACE, which I have now completed.

It has been a roller-coaster of emotions, but I would not change a thing. I have never met a more amazing group of people. Without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am leaving SkillsPlus and BRACE with a Year 12 pass, a Certificate IV in Disability Services (CHC43115), a new job and an incredible family.

The Boathouse has your special day covered

Looking for an intimate, boutique location to celebrate your special day?  Then look no further than the iconic Boathouse Restaurant in Frankston.  Nestled on the banks of the meandering Kananook Creek and surrounded by lush gardens, the Boathouse Restaurant can accommodate all aspects of your wedding day from ceremony to reception, all in the one place.

The gorgeous garden setting boasts a quaint gazebo which is perfect for both ceremony and registry signing.  Guests can then move to the deck and jetty for pre-dinner drinks and canapes before moving inside for a more formal reception or alternatively utilise both inside and outside for a more informal cocktail-style reception.

Comfortably classy, yet relaxed and contemporary - The Boathouse is Frankston’s favourite restaurant and has earned itself a reputation for quality food and friendly service since its re-invention in 2011.  The swish renovation to the classic building, coupled with the gorgeous rear garden flowing to the creek, make it an ideal wedding venue and a romantic place ready for memorable moments.

The venue regularly caters for sit-down weddings for up to 70 and cocktail-style functions for up to 140. For more information or to arrange a time to inspect the venue, contact Cameron on 9770 5330.

View functions packages at www.theboathouserestaurant.com.au, and follow The Boathouse on Facebook and Instagram @theboathousefrankston

THE BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT
A: 366 Nepean Highway, Frankston
T: 9770 5330
W: theboathouserestaurant.com.au/
FB/I: @theboathousefrankston

Exclusive resort in Portsea

Are you looking for a romantic, secluded resort to have your wedding? 

Portsea Village Resort’s lush garden surrounds, set behind privacy walls, will have you and your guests feeling fabulously exclusive and special.  Why not invite those closest to you to stay the weekend in one of the resort’s 24 fully self-contained apartments?

The team at Portsea Village Resort can arrange a BBQ, cocktails or dinner the night before nuptials. Choose between the luscious poolside lawn or beautiful Portsea beach for your ceremony. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails within the resort before your wedding reception in the resort’s licensed restaurant, terrace and gardens.

The staff at Portsea Village Resort specialise in providing wonderful wedding escape packages for bridal parties, family and friends.

PORTSEA VILLAGE RESORT
A: 3765 Point Nepean Road, Portsea
T: 5984 8484
W: portseavillageresort.com
E: [email protected]

The Peninsula paella king

Spice up your special day with a catering service that will have your guests talking about your wedding food for years. It’s novel, engaging and it’s called Peninsula Paellas.

Owner Juan and his team cook authentic Spanish paella the traditional way and they can do it at your wedding party among your guests. Their paella is packed with fresh ingredients and slow cooked to bring out the superb flavours. It’s a boutique catering business that brings the ingredients, equipment, utensils (and a huge dose of atmosphere) to you. Think tapas for entrée, paella for main, plus sweets and sangria. Catering can be done in all weather, lunch or dinner.

PENINSULA PAELLAS

W: www.peninsula-paellas.com.au

M: 0415 79 3331