CCBR Business Review

9 Our solicitor, Sam Haln, can advise and assist you to get your sponsorship approved for temporary and permanent skilled visas. Some areas of the Central Coast are also eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. If you have skills and qualifications in demand in Australia, or wish to join an Australian family member, Sam can assist you in finding and applying for the right visa. Sam also advises and represent clients at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for reviews against visa cancellations and refusals. Taperell Rutledge providing legal services to the Central Coast since 1958. T A P E R E L L R U T L E D G E L A W Y E R S Considering employing a skilled overseas worker? p. 4323 3333 e. info@taperells.com.au Get in touch THE AUSTRALIAN FOOD Shop was set up in the Tumbi Umbi garage of Founder Nathan Stanbridge in 2016 to service Australian expats around the world with Australian food and Australian made iconic products. The idea proved to be so popular that he moved into a unit in Tuggerah Business Park and he was soon joined by Guy Steinbeck in the business in June 2020. “We started with care packages and food, and every time a customer requested a new item we would add it to our website, now we have a whole range of Aussie- specific brands,” said Mr Steinbeck. “What we didn’t realise at the time was how huge of a need this would be. Since the pandemic started our business has grown by about 900% and we have sent to exactly 100 countries around the world to date. We hear a lot of feedback from our customers on how receiving a piece of Australia while abroad has really helped them get through the pandemic” The Australian Food Shop sells every- thing from: Twisties to Tim Tams, Allen’s lollies, Caramello Koalas, Freddos and they fast-track deliveries of perishable foods like Coles mud cake and lamingtons! As well as Luca’s Paw Paw gel, Bosistos Eucalyptus Oil, Gumption cleaning paste and feminine care products – apparently no other country makes them like Australia - and we sell so many Bluey plates, puzzles and books. From just two people AFS now employs eleven staff. Mr Stanbridge got into the online busi- ness by accident. A horticulturist, he had his own gardening business with an office in the Nexus Smart Hub at North Wyong. “It was just an idea,” he said, “And know- ing that for it to succeed I would need a well designed website I approached Chris Bourne from Direct Support who also works out of Nexus. He then set up an online marketing strategy that included Facebook and Google AdWords. Comfort food for stranded Aussies N E W S With the increased business he has appointed Sydney marketing agency Pay Per Click Advertising agency to manage their social media marketing. Store Manager, Guy Steinbeck, had been working casually in Mr Stanbridge’s gardening business while completing a university degree while also working as a DJ. With the pandemic he lost his DJ income and joined AFS as the busi- ness took off. Nathan Stanbridge and Guy Steinbeck Well known marketing consultant, Founder and CEO of marketing agency Milestone-Belanova Pty Ltd, Barbara Ketley has been elected President of Central Coast Regional Advisory Council of the NSW Business Chamber. She succeeds Frank Sammut who was President for three years. Mrs Ketley who has been a member of the NSW Business Chamber for many years has been Director of the Regional Advisory Council for six years. She founded Milestone-Belanova 24 years ago and employs a team of thirteen people at their East Gosford studio. Members of the RAC include: Vice-President Rod Dever – President Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Frank Sammut – Central Coast Industry Connect, Matthew Lusted – President, Wyong Business Chamber, Matthew Wales – President, Peninsula Business Chamber, Barbara Ketley takes the helm at NSWBusiness Chamber Central Coast Bob Diaz – President – The Entrance Business Chamber, Nicole Redmond – North Construction and Building Raylee McLeod – Family Chips (McDonald’s franchisee, Jared Hirst – Servers Australia Jenni Allan- ADSSI Home Living Martin Le Marchant – Bishop Collilns Melanie Smith – Scentre Group (Westfield), Russell Cooper – Gosford RSL Club. Paula Martin is Regional Director – Central Coast of NSW Business Chamber (BusinessNSW) Barbara Ketley CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW OCTOBER 2021