THE CENTRAL COAST‘S MOST TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS Print Post Approved – PP100001854 Published monthly (except January) September 2023 1990 EST New purpose built facility for Chamberlain Woolworths buys Lakeside Shopping Centre at The Entrance Planning roadblocks at Central Coast Council Matthew Lusted re-elected President Wyong Business Chamber Page 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Chamberlain Group’s confidence in manufacturing on the Coast
PHONE 4365 4566 www.commercialhq.com.au Nicole Barr 0418 230044 e: nicole@commercialhq.com.au FOR SALE/LEASE SUITES 3.32 & 3.33 PLATINUM BUILDING ERINA 219m2 Contact Agent Consisting a mix of open plan areas and glass partitioned offices, the two suites connected are available separately or in-line, 55m2 and 164m2. Quality fit out includes, five large, private office spaces, skylights throughout, kitchenette. FOR LEASE SUITE 4.04 ELEMENT BUILDING ERINA 25m2 $22,000 + OG + GST Contemporary suite with floor to ceiling glass front and views over Erina. Balcony access, floor to ceiling cabinetry, reception desk. Shared meeting and boardroom, break out area, 1 designated parking space. FOR LEASE SHOP 8 ERINA PLAZA ERINA 200m2 $60,000 + OG + GST Largely open plan with great shop frontage, high ceilings, large mezzanine area with multiple rooms, kitchenette, two accessible W.C’s. 6m high ceilings, and approx. 100m2 mezzanine area. Great centre with 2 access points via Karalta Lane and Central Coast Highway. FOR LEASE SHOP 14 FOUNTAIN PLAZA ERINA 252m2 $120,000 + OG + GST A rare ground floor shop front that would suite Medical, professional or retail. Ample customer parking, potential rear access, some amenities already in place. Available October 2023. FOR LEASE OFFICE 7 FOUNTAIN PLAZA ERINA 168m2 $67,200 + OG + GST This prime commercial space is the last left in Fountain Plaza, with maximum exposure to Karalta Road and abundant customer parking. Lift access to the floor and exceptional natural light. Available now. FOR LEASE INDUSTRIAL UNITS 9 BLACKETT STREET WEST GOSFORD From $245 per week + GST Located at the rear of Gosford Racecourse, within close proximity to the Hospital and easy freeway access, these units are a class above the rest. Sizes range from 42m2 up to 131m2. Each unit has 4.8m high electric roller doors, 1 dedicated car space, water & waste points.
3 4 Edgar Adams Editorial - 5 New purpose built facility for Chamberlain 6 Gosford uni campus approved 7 Big rollup for Supply Chain and Logistics Forum 8 Woolworths buys Lakeside Shopping Centre at The Entrance 9 Planning roadblocks at Central Coast Council 10 Hydrogen at home Finalist in Startup Awards 11 McKenna at Bendigo Community Bank Business Breakfast 11 Matthew Lusted re-elected President Wyong Business Chamber 12 Long time finance broker commences trading under new business name 12 Leading criminal lawyer returns to Central Coast firm. 13 Cabin rental Business sells 13 New GM for Wyong Race Club 14 Obituary – Vale Kevin Booth OAM 14 Industree Group major partner of #MoveAgainstCancer 2023 15 Councils Statement of Business Ethics all one way – Councils! 15 Council says: Pushing ahead to alleviate housing crisis on Central Coast 15 Funding allocated to upgrade Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant 16 5 Reasons why Accountants make great business owners 17 The fine tuning of “Same Job, Same Pay”, What does it actually mean 18 Local investor buys Lisarow property on 6.7% return 19 Investor buys vacant Erina industrial complex 20 Wyee retail centre set to serve new residential estate 22 Funny business Regular features 4 Edgar Adams Editorial 5 Manufacturing news 12 Business briefs 15 Central Coast Council newss 16 Business tups 22 Funny business CONTENTS Phone 02 4367 0733 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au CONTACT In this issue Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors. Central Coast Business Review Readership 20,000+ DISTRIBUTION GUARANTEED VIA AUSTRALIA POST Listen to Edgar Adams on Coast FM each Monday 9:45am Also follow us on Linkedin CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
4 This year’s Prospectus has been supported by local businesses, most of whom have supported the publication for all of that time, and we thank them for their commitment to our region. We also thank the NSW Government’s Department of Regional Development who has backed the publication and will distribute it to prospective investors. For all the years since publication both Gosford and Wyong Councils were strong supporters of this Prospectus. This changed with the amalgamation of the two Councils and this year Central Coast Council refused to support this very valuable regional publication, once described by former Mayor of Gosford Tony Sansom OAM as “The Central Coast Bible”. While we do what we can to promote our region and those industries that can generate economic growth Central Coast Council needs to get on board. On the Central Coast there are two industries that do all the heavy lifting: construction and manufacturing, and for some reason Central Coast Council does all it can to obstruct their growth and therefore hold back the region’s economic growth. These are the industries that drive our economy. There are a few others, but construction and manufacturing are the ones that contribute most. The social issues that this Council is willfully creating get down to a crisis in OUR FRONT COVER story for this month is a report on one of the Central Coast’s oldest manufacturers, the Chamberlain Group, and their confidence in investing $28 million in a new facility at Somersby in conjunction with the Central Coast’s largest manufacturer and property owner the Borg Group. Chamberlain is a textbook case in the future of manufacturing in Australia and on the Central Coast. A global manufacturing giant, they acquired local manufacturer Grifco in 2006. Since then, they have introduced new manufacturing technologies and are at the forefront in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. More importantly Chamberlain and the Grifco brand of automatic garage door openers they make are exported across the globe proving that Australia is highly competitive. Both Chamberlain and Borg are among the largest employers on the Central Coast. The point about this is that the Central Coast is perfectly positioned as a manufacturing location, being close to two major seaports and airports being within two hours driving time of a market of 5.5 million people. Also, industrial zoned land and the cost of occupancy and other business costs is way below that of Sydney. This is a story that CCBR and this Editor is proud to promote and bring new businesses and industries to our region. Of course, there is much more to the Central Coast than construction and manufacturing. Gosford is now a Health Education and Innovation Precinct and the new Gosford Campus of the University of Newcastle, approved by the Department of Planning last month, will cement that in place very quickly. This month we are proud to publish Sydney’s Central Coast - 2023-24 Central Coast Investment Prospectus. EDITORIAL Edgar Adams discusses local issues We’ll handle it from here • Major supplier of architectural hardware to the residential and commercial market • Door locks, handles, security and more • Consultation service available • Working closely with direct clients, builders, architects and interior designers • Visit our showroom today! Avoca Beach Architectural Hardware & Locksmiths www.avocaarchitectural.com.au 4382 1286 0412 437 327 177 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach info@avocaarchitectural.com.au CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 Chamberlain Group’s confidence in manufacturing on the Coast An initiative of CCBR, we have been proudly publishing this Prospectus each year for thirty years. It was the first regional investment prospectus published in Australia. It contains only facts that investors and business can rely on and is not a government publication. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
5 NEWS CHAMBERLAIN AUSTRALIA IS expanding it’s operations into a brand new purpose built facility of 19,000sqm at Somersby, representing an investment of $28 million. Chamberlain have been manufacturing in Australia for over 100 years and over 30 years on the Central Coast at West Gosford. The new facility will combine four sites into one and will house Chamberlain’s manufacturing, national warehouse and international engineering team. The facility is being developed by Space Urban, one of the largest landowners on the Central Coast with construction by Crossmuller both companies being part of the BORG Group based at Kariong. Commenting on the move Graeme Sheekey, Chamberlain Group’s Director of Operations and New Geographies said, “This expansion will allow us to execute our growth plans for many decades to come and we are very proud to be investing in local talent and supporting our local economy and community whilst designing our product range for a global market.” “Chamberlain moved to the Central Coast under the Grifco name in 1990 into a 240m2 facility. Our Somersby facility will be 9200m2. This move is an exciting next step for Chamberlain and the team can’t wait to show off our new state of the art facility. Sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds at Chamberlain, which is why the new facility will have a 200kw solar panel system, rain water tanks, electric car charging stations and an undercover bike rack to name a few of the features,” Mr Sheekey said. The facility is due for completion in July 2024. Space Urban A subsidiary of the BORG Group, Space Urban was founded in 2021, to optimise the performance of a large portfolio of BORG’s freehold assets across Australia. It consists of operational assets of the various companies across the BORG group (polytec, Plantation Pines, Woodchem, reDirect Recycling, Direct Pallets, Bettergrow, Crossmuller) and now has a recent focus on large scale acquisitions and developaubrey brown L A Y E R S T (02) 4350 3333 | F (02) 4351 2407 www.aubreybrown.com.au So that you can get back to the important business, of your business Creating Lifelong Relationships Let us take the hassle out of your commercial law needs CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 ments such as Glenlee Intermodal in Southwest Sydney and Mount Penang on the Central Coast. Its establishment demonstrates the next chapter in a continuum of growth and diversification for the BORG Group who employ over 2,300 people across the nation. Space Urban is one of the largest landowners on the Central Coast, as it recognizes the potential of this location becoming a hotly contested logistics and distribution hub between Sydney and Newcastle. Space Urban CEO, Allison Basford said, “Space Urban has a bold agenda and intends to redefine the look and experience of industrial development in the region.” New purpose built facility for Chamberlain Chamberlain Group’s new facility now under construction at Somersby CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
6 THE NSW GOVERNMENT has formally approved the $58 million University of Newcastle Central Coast Campus, which will be built on the site of the former Mitre 10 building at 305 Mann Street, Gosford. University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky AO said the announcement in late August solidifies the University’s ongoing commitment to the Central Coast and is an exciting step towards the continued revitalisation of the Gosford CBD. “Working together with the local community, business and industry, our new Central Coast Campus will act as an anchor in the reinvigoration of the region and will deliver a welcome injection into the local economy,” Professor Zelinsky said. “The campus will provide a new place to work and study that is close to TAFE NSW, government and business. This will help generate new jobs and will also help to bolster the region’s existing workforce and construction, “I am thrilled that this project is in the last stages of project planning ready to begin construction in the immediate future. “In addition to the existing Clinical School and Research Institute, the Mann Street campus offers world class educational opportunities for our Central Coast community right in the heart of Gosford. “I had the wonderful opportunity to view the plans for the site and I applaud the design team for bringing the beauty of our Central Coast environment into the built environment of the campus’ design. I am thrilled to have this hub of innovation and architectural design in our city centre.” The new, three-storey campus will be close to Gosford Railway Station and bus terminal, and will include a small retail area, café and accessible open space for the community. Construction is expected to begin on the new campus in late 2023 and it is expected to be up and running by mid2025, with funding support from the Commonwealth and State Governments. attract more significant investment back to the Central Coast. “We’re thrilled to have marked this milestone and have a formal green light for this critical project, which will allow students across the region to build their skills and earn a degree without leaving the Central Coast. We look forward to the project progressing as we work towards welcoming our first students in 2025.” Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP welcomes the exciting news that the Mann Street Campus is entering the final stages of planning prior to BUSINESS NEWS UON’s new high-tech Gosford campus given green light Architect’s render of UON Gosford Campus Flyers & Folders, Booklets & Brochures, Magazines, Envelopes, Business Cards in fact all formats… If you have a print need request an obligation free quote. Efficient service, fast turnaround, quality product, plus competitive pricing. deal.direct@bromleydirect.com.au 0412 439 773 www.bromleydirect.com.au Bromley Direct Pty Limited abn 71 003 553 964 CCBR is printed by local company… BROMLEY DIRECT All print formats available… Architect’s render of Entry Hall at UON Gosford Campus CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
7 Areyoua Central Coast based Hospitality Business? We can help you protect your company. CONTACTUS centralcoast@oraclegroup.com.au Fountain Plaza, Erina NSW 2250 02 4322 7856 Oracle Group (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 75 131 025 600 AFSL 363610 BUSINESS NEWS Big rollup for Supply Chain and Logistics Forum Adam Neale, Operations Director at ABC Filling and Marshall Burrows, National Sales Manager at Hawkesbury Brewing Co spoke about the challenges they have faced, and the valuable lessons learned during their relocation to our region, plus, a deep dive into the current state of supply chains, customer profiles, product types, and slick inventory management systems. They also provided insights on their strategy and cutting-edge supply chain technologies, along with a sneak peek into their future projects. THE FIRST COVID Central Coast Supply Chain and Logistics Forum since the onset of covid was held in early August and saw over sixty representatives from local manufacturing and logistics businesses attend. The event was hosted by Australian Beverage Contract Filling Pty Ltd and Hawkesbury Brewing Co in their new Tap House alongside their impressive manufacturing plant at Lisarow with a tour of their facility following presentations. Thirty eight local businesses were represented at the breakfast event. Mr Burrows spoke in particular about Hawkesbury Brewing Co. which is ABC Filling’s main brand. He shared their marketing strategies, expansion and awareness through a diversity of outlets. These include pubs, clubs, restaurants, sporting clubs, sponsorship thereof and the history surrounding this brand, their impressive range of beverages. Mr Neale went into great detail explaining the supply chain challenges ABC Filling (Contract Packaging company) experienced when relocating their plant from Mount Kuring-Gai to Lisarow whilst still producing product for their many customers, many of whom are Australia’s renowned beverage producers. Mr Neale who was entrusted to build their Lisarow facility from scratch explained how they did this. ABC is exporting more and more, and the expansion of the Newcastle port will provide notable cost savings to them. He said that they have further exciting plans for their manufacturing plant at Lisarow, which is very positive for the Central Coast. The Central Coast Supply Chain & Logistics Forums are an initiative of Rarekind in collaboration with Central Coast Industry Connect. Their purpose is to connect like-minded people in associated industries, sharing and resolving common supply chain challenges confronting their businesses, finding practical solutions through group collective experience, and exposing these Challenges to Government & Industry Associations for Support. Central Coast Supply Chair and Logistics Forum members viewing ABC’s brewery facility at Lisarow CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
8 SUPERMARKET GIANT WOOLWORTHS has been identified as the buyer of the Dunnet Properties owned Lakeside Shopping Centre at The Entrance through its property arm Fabcot Pty Ltd (See CCBR August 2023). Fabcot is reported to have paid just over $51 million for the 2.14ha site with frontages to The Entrance Road, Dening Street and Taylor and Warragal Roads and is undoubtedly a Key Development Site in The Entrance. The site is mostly undeveloped except for the shopping centre with a Gross Lettable Area of around 5,000sqm is anchored by a Coles Supermarket. The big question now is what Woolworths proposes to do with the site but it can be confidently assumed that they plan to make life uncomfortable for Coles which has been the anchor tenant since the centre was developed in 1980. Woolworth’s footprint on the Central Coast runs to 10 supermarkets while Coles operates 20 supermarkets and Aldi 11. Considering the operations of IGA supermarkets with 10 supermarkets and a few others, Woolworths’ market share on the Central Coast is around 10%. Nationally Woolworth market share is around 37%. (Note, the figures quoted do not include liquor stores) Also comprised on the property is a freestanding Liquorland store, one of many on the Central Coast owned by Coles. About 35 years ago Woolworths closed two supermarkets in the region. One at Toukley and the other at The Entrance. In 2002 Woolworths through Fabcot Pty Ltd acquired a 9Ha site along the railway line on Hakone Road, Woongarrah in 2002 with the intention of preventing the development of the Warnervale Town Centre proposed by Wyong Council with considerable community facilities including village shopping centre anchored by Coles. They even demanded that the state government relocate the Warnervale Railway Station to service their centre. They succeeded in killing off the developBUSINESS NEWS Woolworths buys Lakeside Shopping Centre at The Entrance Lakeside Shopping Centre, The Entrance IS YOUR BUSINESS STRUGGLING? Don't put your head in the sand ... www.shawgidley.com.au | (02) 4365 3344 Contact the team at Shaw Gidley for a free consultation Woolies Coles Aldi Bateau Bay SC x x x Blue Haven x x Budgewoi x Chittaway Bay x Erina SC x x x Gosford x Green Point x x Killarney Vale x Kincumber x Lake Haven SC x x x Lake Munmorah x Point Clare x Lisarow x x San Remo x The Entrance x Toukley x x Tuggerah SC X X x Umina Beach x x x Wadalba x x West Gosford x Woy Woy x x Wyoming x x Wyong x x TOTAL 10 20 11 ment of the Warnervale Town Centre and 20 years later the Warnervale / Woongarrah community, with a substantial population, has no retail or community services. The closest retail services are at Lake Haven Shopping Centre and Wadalba where both Woolworths and Coles operate supermarkets. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
9 THE PENINSULA CHAMBER of Commerce has expressed its concerns and frustrations over the lengthy delays in achieving development approvals for significant developments in the Ettalong Beach town centre precinct. “It is a never-ending source of frustration for the construction industry that gaining development consent for key residential/commercial developments takes years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to achieve”, said Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President Matthew Wales. “Sadly, development proposals are being refused by Council and the Local Planning Panel only to be referred to the NSW Land & Environment Court to be approved. “It is not uncommon for applications to take 12 to 18 months to get through Council often without any indication that Council will not be supporting the developments”, Mr Wales said. “Due to the high turnover of Council planning staff and the critical shortage of replacement planners, applications often go through two or three sets of hands during the assessment process further delaying DA assessment times. Council planners have up to 30 applications cued up at any given time meaning that important investment and job generating DA’s are held up for months on end”. Mr Wales highlighted two major mixed use developments at 223 Ocean View Road and 302-306 Ocean View Road that were both refused by Council and the Local Planning Panel and subsequently approved by the Land & Environment Court after two years in the system. “The current mixed-use application at 273 Ocean View Road (the old Post office site) has recently been recommended for refusal by Council after 18 months of assessment by five different Council/contact planners and may also end up the Land & Environment Court”, Mr Wales said. He said, “At a time when Councils and governments are lamenting the lack of housing affordability and availability, the very system itself works against the approval and construction of housing in town centres where it is needed the most. The cost to the community is significant with property holding costs, legal fees, consultant costs, Council fees and the rising cost of construction all working to push the price of housing up and affecting the viability of the project”. BUSINESS NEWS Planning roadblocks at Central Coast Council “This large-scale injection of capital from the private sector into the Central Coast region has and will continue to create more than 250 jobs both directly and indirectly through the construction period and more importantly due to the introduction of automation create new skilled jobs to the region that don’t exist here today,” said Ms Basford. Front cover photograph Proposed Ocean View Road development refused by Central Coast Council Chartered Accountants Audit, Taxation and SMSF services for SMEs and Individuals. We provide support, business advice and strategy on accounting, taxation and self-managed super funds. FAST • RELIABLE • PERSONAL • PROACTIVE www.harwoods.com.au | 02 4365 3142 Suite 3.29 Platinum West 4 Ilya Ave, Erina NSW 2250 New purpose built facility for Chamberlain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Chamberlain Group’s Leadership Team visiting the site in August to review progress of construction (l to r) : David Lockwood – Head of Engineering Tony Harlick – Head of Finance/IT, Kathryn Ellis – Head of Human Resources Graeme Sheekey – Director of Operations Brendan Mullen – Head of Sales Rodney Boag – Director of Product and Services Allison Basford – Chief Executive Office – Space Urban, Peter Cormack – Financial Controller Grant Emanuel – Vice President and Managing Director CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
10 setting. This technology exploits the high energy density of Hydrogen using technology with virtually no moving parts resulting in nearly silent operation. The stored hydrogen has multiple uses but, in this project, the focus was electricity generation using a hydrogen fuel cell. Another example for the use of the gas is to fuel a hydrogen fuel cell car. Still early days for the technology with more testing to be conducted and the potential for more opportunities to work with the Army. Jeffrey has achieved this while still holding down a full-time job and such is the case with his team. Central Coast industry Connect is proud to be the industry Partner of the Hydrogen at home business, providing support and connections to help Jeffrey and his team to achieve success. Executive Director of CCIC, Frank Sammut said “It’s great to see this type of innovation occurring right here on the Central Coast and that CCIC can play a role in making it a reality”. Hydrogen at home Finalist in Startup Awards CENTRAL COAST BASED hydrogen technology company Hydrogen at home has been nominated as a Finalist in the Best Regional Startup category of the 2023 Startup Daily Best in Tech Awards to be held in early September. Founder and Director, Jeffrey Lyons, started his business Hydrogen at home in 2019 with a vision to take a leadership position in the acceleration of hydrogen sustainable energy technology. He saw the opportunity to tackle the domestic market, providing a solution that would provide household power 24 hours a day using hydrogen derived from treated tap water and roof top solar. With his background as regional business manager working in a Global Multi National Corporation (GMNC) specialising in materials science, his broad cross functional management experience and Army service, he saw the opportunity to provide a tactical energy solution to help the Army meet future energy challenges. In 2021 he was invited to participate in the Army Innovation Day 2021(AID21) in Brisbane, where he had the opportunity to show his plans for what is now called the “Hydrogen Energy Storage system” (HESS). As a result of his exhibit, he was selected along with three other AID21 participants to submit a detailed proposal for his innovative hydrogen energy technology. Consequently, he was successful in receiving funding to build and test a proof of concept of his HESS system. The system would provide a means of making hydrogen fuel and generating electricity on the battlefield. Within 12 months of the grant being provided and expanding his team to include two project managers and working with the University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), the first prototype was built and tested. The project was delivered on time and in budget and exceeded performance expectations. The project showed the Army that green hydrogen (using solar power to produce the hydrogen) can be made in the field in a tactical MANUFACTURING NEWS Project team members – (l to r) David Bennett, Project Manager Mech, Dr Jessica Allen Project Manager Chem, Dr Hui Song, Post Doctorate researcher (NIER), Jeffrey Lyons Founder and Director, Adam Mcintosh Business Manager HESS unit in test mode PROMO PRODUCTS & MERCHANDISE CREATIVE PACKAGING PRINT MANAGEMENT PROCUREMENT SOLUTIONS MARKETING & EVENT MANAGEMENT WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS (3PL) 4352 7777 | info@ebisglobal.com | ebisglobal.com Based on the Central Coast, E-Bisglobal offers print management, procurement and software development to improve efficiency and maximise your bottom line. Your day-to-day processes could be costing you money if they’re not fit for purpose in today’s challenging world. Whatever the size of your business, with global strength and local knowledge, E-Bisglobal brings smart business solutions. We develop unique software systems, customer portals and online procurement systems to add value, save time and reduce costs. Is your business costing you money? 23-EBIS-124 –2 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
11 Well known Wyong businessman Matthew Lusted has been reelected President of the Wyong Business Chamber at their Annual General Meeting and subsequent networking event held in late August. The 2023-2024 Board appointed, is as follows: President M atthew Lusted - LA Group Secretary J enny Darbin - Jendar Interior Designs Treasurer S usan Rodak - ANZ Mobile Lending Central Coast North Vice President G lenn Zocher - Studio 2 You Photography Director A drian Simpson - Coastwide First National Real Estate Director N athan West - WEC Group Director T arnia Gurney - Gurney Financial Services Director J arrad Kircher - Green Aspect Consulting Among the points brought out in his President’s Report Mr Lusted said, “the Central Coast Council’s improved financial situation under the leadership of CEO David Farmer has enabled the organisation to turn the corner and start looking toward a brighter future. The Wyong / Tuggerah Town Centre Structure Plan is the first roll out for the Central Coast town centres and we are advocating that Council actively address the housing and business/retail space shortages around our key Bus and Rail public transport infrastructure and that we grow our town centre here in Wyong out and up! Matthew Lusted reelected President Wyong Business Chamber McKenna at Bendigo Community Bank Business Breakfast NEW PATIENTS Comprehensive checkup & clean Includes up to 5 x-rays No Gap (with health insurance) or $290 OFFERS (all patients) Free orthodontic consultation Free dental implant consultation Free cosmetic makeover consultation FINANCE We bulk bill the Medicare CDBS Zip Pay & Zip Money payment plans We partner with SuperCare General Dentistry | Emergency Care | Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics & Invisalign | Sleep Dentistry IV Sedation | Oral Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal | Dental Implants | 3D CT Scanning 02 4323 1933 | www.vcdental.com.au Suite 10, 36-40 Victoria Street, East Gosford NSW 2250 OPEN 7 DAYS 40 YEARS LOCAL This will mean re-casting the planning controls within and surrounding the Wyong CBD and to encourage Council to be seen as a progressive herald, to the inevitable population increases (as planned by successive state governments) which are coming to the Northern Growth Corridor. Mr Lusted mentioned that the political landscape has changed over the past year with a Federal Labor government now at the helm and having to apply greater fiscal control over our economy. The $1B for the Tuggerah to Wyong rail corridor upgrade announced by former Prime Minister Scott Morisson understandably cannot be committed to by the current Government. “Our thanks go to the Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, who was our chamber lunch guest a couple of months ago and gave the continued assurance that the Federal Funding remains in place for the Pacific Hwy upgrade,” he said. BUSINESS NEWS Bendigo Bank’s East Gosford Community Bank continued with their series of business breakfasts in August with over eighty local business people along with representatives from many of the community groups that they sponsor and support. Guest Speaker at this month’s Business Breakfast was well known former Central Coast Mariners Coach and former Mayor of Gosford City, Lawrie McKenna. He spoke of the success of the Central Coast Mariners even though they had suffered financial stresses over the years and referred to how they had funded much of their operations by finding and training up young players who they could sell to overseas teams. He also referred to the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Women’s team providing an opportunity for young female players on the Coast. This will have a direct pathway from academy prospects to Liberty A-League Women’s players, and eventually national team stars. Currently Chairman of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, Mr McKenna spoke about the positives surrounding the growth of the Central Coast, although he did acknowledge that development is being hamstrung by issues at Central Coast Council. He highlighted the number of construction sites and cranes that are now in the Gosford CBD, all as a result of development approvals by the former Gosford City Council. Lawrie McKenna addresses guests at Bendigo Bank East Gosford Community Bank Business Breakfast Matthew Lusted CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
12 BUSINESS BRIEFS Leading criminal lawyer returns to Central Coast law firm Nick Fagan One of the Central Coast’s longest standing law firms, Tonkin Drysdale Partners, has announced it has welcomed back former team member and leading criminal lawyer Nick Fagan, returning as Special Counsel and head of the Criminal Law Team. Mr Fagan previously practiced at Tonkin Drysdale Partners for over three years prior to taking up a senior position at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in 2021. Mr Fagan worked across some of the most serious and high-profile criminal cases in NSW, including murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and large-scale drug supply. Managing Partner of Tonkin Drysdale Partners, Paul Tonkin said, “We are thrilled to welcome Nick Fagan back to our firm. Nick embodies the values we pride ourselves on as a leading legal firm on the Central Coast, and we look forward to using his expertise to continue to provide our clients with high quality representation at Court.” Long-time finance broker commences trading under new business name Central Coast finance broker Laurie O’Brien has joined forces with fellow broker and former colleague Michael Adams who is now operating under the newly created company Laurie O’Brien Equipment Finance Pty Ltd. Mr O’Brien has been well known as an equipment finance broker in the region for more than 30 years. Following a recent sabbatical, he decided to return to the industry with tailored equipment finance solutions at competitive rates. Commenting on the move Mr O’Brien said, “There are many former colleagues, business owners, accounting firms, notfor-profits, friends and other professional organisations who continue to reach out to me seeking financial advice. As CEO. Mr Adams will run the day-today operations of the organisation and has a major role in creating and implementing long-term strategies. Mr O’Brien said, “Laurie O’Brien Equipment Finance aims to be a long-term and integral partner to all its clients, specialising in asset & equipment finance for a plethora of assets needed by companies and business owners to grow and succeed.” Laurie O’Brien and Michael Adams CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
13 New GM for Wyong Race Club Wyong Race Club has announced the appointment of Greg Purcell as General Manager. Mr Purcell has a life long career in the racing industry having started out at the age of fifteen working in stables mucking out boxes, has been a punter, bookmaker, owner, breeder and administrator. He was most recently Managing Director of a wagering and racing management consultancy and for six years was CEO of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc. Over the years he has held CEO positions at Racingcorp Pty Ltd and NSW Country Racing Mr Purcell has a MBA from the Australian Graduate Scholl of Management at UNSW and is a qualified accountant. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Purcell said “While I have worked hard to drive a project on someone else’s behalf, you don’t get the chance to see it through to the end. The Wyong position I saw as being able to get back into a role where I could not only drive projects, but deliver on their outcomes. “I’m 61 and couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity. I want Wyong to be the best community engaged race club in the country. In the end, racing is pretty simple, it just comes down to horses and people. Look after both of them well and we will all prosper. BUSINESS BRIEFS Our expertise in these areas guarantees an all-in-one solution for modernising your business. All Your IT Needs in One Solution. www.onecloud.com.au 1800 663 253 OneCloud IT Solutions is the #1 IT service provider on the Central Coast. IT SUPPORT CYBER SECURITY CLOUD SERVICES NBN & PHONES The four key pillars of our business are: Damian & Chris C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 3H 180x100 Mar23 Final V2.pdf 1 28/3/2023 4:05 pm Cabin rental business sells Gerry’s Cabins, a unique cabin hire business has sold following the death of founder Gerry Targett. Mr Targett conceived the concept of building small cabins to hire out for extra bedrooms, office space and construction sites. The steel frame insulated cabins measuring 3.6m x 2.4m with front verandah built on a heavy-duty skid-mounting were manufactured on Mr Taggart’s property. The cabins were rented on a weekly hire fee of $90 each and up to $150 for those located in Sydney. The business comprised 18 cabins on hire and included a tilt-tray delivery truck. Julie and Brandon Carter and son Dylan bought the business with plans to grow it further under the name Carter’s Cabins and Offices. The sale was negotiated by Graham McMullen from Argyle Estates Business Brokers who said the challenge was to find a buyer who understood the concept and future viability of the business given current housing crisis. Argyle Estates Buying or selling a quality business, contact the experts on the Central Coast 024332 6555 EST. OVER 40YEARS Business Brokers Argyle Estates argyle@argyleestates.com.au Graham McMullen – Licensee F.A.I.B.B. 0419326555 Greg Purcell CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
14 OB I TUARY KEVIN BOOTH OAM, one of the best known and most respected motor car dealers and community leader on the Central Coast passed away on 26th July 2023. Mr Booth, was Managing Director of the Booth Motor Group which he took control of following the retirement of his mother and father Evelyn and Fred Booth who founded the business, EV & F Booth, in September in 1939 just as World War 11 started. He attended Gosford Public and then Gosford High Schools. On leaving school he joined the family’s motor workshop business although during his school years he helped run the business serving petrol and assisting in the workshop. Following the War the business expanded into new and used car sales having obtained the UK Rootes Group dealership selling the Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam brands. In 1957 Mr Booth married Nancye following a romance that began with their love of music, a marriage that would last a lifetime. They would be instrumental in forming the Gosford Music Society. In 1964 Chrysler took over Rootes Group and Booths began selling a new brand of motor vehicles. Subsequently, as the motor car industry in Australia went through aa substantial change, Mitsubishi would take over Chrysler and Booths’ would buy the Central Coast Hyundai franchise and then the Wyong Mitsubishi dealership. In recent years they would acquire the Gosford Ford dealership Booths Motor Group had become one of the most successful motor car dealerships on the Central Coast and during this time Kevin’s children, David, Col and Sandie would join the business and eventually take the reigns ensuring that Booths would continue as a family business. However, there was always one constant. Until Covid hit in 1980, Kevin was always at the dealership first thing every morning welcoming customers and attending to their needs before spending the rest of the day in his office. Service was paramount at Booths and he set the example. Meanwhile Kevin and Nancye Booth were the backbone of the Gosford Musical Society which endures to this day. As well, Kevin was committed to his church and to Gosford Rotary. He was appointed to the Gosford Anglican church Parish Council when he was 21 years of age and continued until he was in his 80’s. During these years he attended almost every Anglican Synod making decisions for the local Diocese. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Gosford and Paul Harris Fellow recipient for services to Rotary and the community. In 1989 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the Central Coast community and the Gosford Musical Society. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Laycock Street Theatre. He was a Trustee of the Alfred and Ella Chapman Trust, established over sixty years ago to fund a number of Gosford organisations including the Gosford Anglican Church for some fifty years. During this time he oversaw the Trust’s investments that now total over $40 million and distributes over a million dollars each to charities and schools around the Central Coast. He is survived by his wife Nancey, two sons, David and Col and daughter Sandie and his grandchildren. Australian owned and operated local designer of premium Personal Protective Equipment, Industree Group has partnered with #MoveAgainstCancer 2023, the largest step challenge on the Central Coast raising much needed funds and awareness for the Cancer Council. Led by emergency doctor and passionate physical activity advocate, Dr Ash Bowden aka Doctor Do More, #MoveAgainstCancer 2023 aims to raise funds, promote awareness, and drive sustainable practices to support those battling cancer. In 2022, an average of 440 Australians were diagnosed with cancer each day. Doctor Do More with the support of Industree Group, aims to tackle this statistic one step at a time by calling on all Australians to join his annual step challenge. Running successfully now for a number of years, #MoveAgainstCancer encourVale Kevin Booth OAM 1930 - 2023 ages participants to join up in teams and track their steps throughout September. Improving our step count not only benefits our physical and mental health, but exercise is shown to lower a person’s risk of cancer. “Moving more has unbelievable benefits on your health – reduced risk of cancers, reduced risk of cardiorespiratory disease, improved cognition and more importantly, it has a huge impact on our mental health, something we all need right now” says Bowden. The challenge starts on September 1st and will run to September 30th. Registration is $10. Register and learn more about the challenge. do-more.live/moveagainstcancer2023/ Your steps can help us move against cancer! Industree Group major partner of #MoveAgainstCancer 2023 Lisa Haynes, Industree Group Marketing Manager, Dr Ash Bowden aka Doctor Do More - Emergency doctor, Steve Sammut – Industree Group Sales Director CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
15 CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL NEWS Central Coast Council has issued a Draft Statement of Business Ethics which sets out how people need to behave when dealing with Council. This Statement of Business Ethics sets the standard of ethical behaviours that Council expects from suppliers, contractors, service providers and individuals that do business with Council. Council is committed to upholding the principles outlined in this Statement and to ensuring its business is conducted in a fair and ethical manner. These principles align with the requirements of Council’s Code of Conduct, of which all Council officials must comply. Equally, the community expects high standards of ethical conduct from all suppliers, organisations, service providers, small businesses and individuals that have dealings with Council. In its Statement Scope the Statement says, “ The expectations set out in this statement apply to all Councillors, Council staff, businesses, organisations, members of the public, and any other parties doing business with, or wishing to do business with Council. This Statement supports Council’s Procurement Policy. In its nine pages that covers: Business principles, Value for money, Expectations and Responsibilities and others at no point does this Statement cover how Central Coast Council should apply Business Ethics to Council’s dealings with its providers. No mention as to Council’s dealings with their providers. Central Coast Council is pushing ahead to deliver the next stage of its ground-breaking Central Coast Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy. It was resolved at the Ordinary Council meeting on 22 August 2023 that Council progress investigations on identified, suitably located Council owned sites to be utilised for affordable housing developments. These properties, located at The Entrance, Toukley and Wyong, are well-situated in terms of public transport and availability of retail, community and health services, and are primarily current or former public car parking sites or are parcels of land which have been previously acquired to increase the availability of car parking through development of public car parks. A compulsory acquisition overlay applies to some of these properties. Some have been acquired for other purposes including for expansion of existing public parks, and this is reflected in the current land-use zoning of the land. Council’s CEO David Farmer said Council wants to play its part in alleviating the housing crisis on the Central Coast. The question of what role can, and should, Council play in the issue of affordable housing is high priority for us.” “Council is totally committed to implementing the actions of its Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy and the allocation of Council owned property for the purposes of affordable housing development, is considered an indication of how Council is working to help alleviate the housing crisis on the Central Coast,” he said. Central Coast Council Administrator Mr Hart added he is extremely proud of Council’s resolve in tackling the issue of housing on the Central Coast. “Council is leading the way across New South Wales, and walking the talk. Council’s resolution last night is a responsible one and one that will ultimately provide the community with affordable housing solutions.” Council’s Statement of Business Ethics all one way – Council’s Council says Pushing ahead to alleviate housing crisis on Central Coast!! Central Coast Council Water and Sewer are allocating approximately $35 million towards upgrading the Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant to not only futureproof the asset but help address the presence of odour. Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said the main goal of sewage treatment is to create a volatile-free effluent that can be safely discharged into the environment or reused as recycled water. “Controlling odours can be one of the most important and yet most challenging aspects of sewage treatment. There are While Central Coast Council continues to delay and refuse legitimate Development Applications that would see some 3,000 homes built in the region it continues to send out misleading statements like a Media Release issued on 23rd August an outline of which follows: housing across the board and a lack of opportunity for people looking for local employment. Again, this month we report on the Council’s continuing refusal to approve legitimate development applications for housing. This time on The Peninsula and the ever-increasing cases of refused development applications being taken to the Land and Environment Court. Twenty-four cases in August alone! This Council leads NSW as the most litigated against council in the state. Legal costs for defending cases in the Land and Environment Court are astronomical and it is the ratepayer who will pay. There is another point. People in the Planning Department keep bleating about staff shortages as the excuse for ridiculously long time frames to assess development applications. They would have more time if they didn’t have to defend the indefensible in Court. Of course, there is another point in this and that is there are activists on council’s staff who do not want development at any cost. Finally, by putting the brakes on all forms of development the rate base is not growing and therefore in the long run we can all look forward to increased rates. This Council is not being effectively managed. Its as simple as that. In exactly one year’s time we will be getting a newly elected council. The community needs to start thinking seriously about how this will play out. It will all depend on who we elect! Edgar Adams Editor Funding allocated to upgrade Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant three main reasons why odours can occur, which include inappropriate chemicals entering the sewerage system, operational breakdowns and aging infrastructure.” Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said works are anticipated to commence in late 2023, with a proposed estimated completion date of mid-2027. The Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant currently services a population of approximately 40,000 people, bounded by the suburbs of The Entrance North, Killarney Vale and Bateau Bay. Chamberlain Group’s confidence in manufacturing on the Coast CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
16 BUSINESS TIPS 5 Reasons why Accountants make great business owners One of the most common questions I get - and it is very humbling - is, “Troy, what do you do in your business?”. From a client perspective, I can see why they would ask this question – they are trying to ‘think like an accountant” which is something I talk about all the time. So I thought I would explore it a bit more here in this brief summary today, and share 5 insights, on why I respect the work accountants do every day. 1. They deal with business owners every day A typical accountant acting for business clients has between 100 and 150 business client groups on their books — some more, some less depending on the focus of the firm. What this means is that every day of the week, they see clients who are extraordinarily successful. Equally, they come across businesses that really should not be in existence. Because of their analytical nature, accountants are able to pick the eyes out of what works and what doesn’t work. They can also repurpose something a successful client has done for another, non-competing client. They have a rare exposure to the ins and outs of business, and when they make a recommendation to help you improve yours, you can be sure that it is well thought out, considered and based on something that has been successful somewhere 2. They understand the numbers Never underestimate this quality. I have seen several businesses hire business coaches who send them down blind alleys because the coach gets excited about the upside, without considering the potential risks and financial impact of a new strategy. Accountants might sometimes be slower to make decisions or provide recommendations, but that is often because they are doing the calculations to be sure an idea stacks up and the benefits outweigh the risks. Oftentimes when a change of strategy is proposed, everyone jumps on the bandwagon, but very few consider the potential downsides. There is a reason there are many accountants in highly paid C-level roles at public companies. They are experts in risk mitigation and a valuable addition to any management team. 3. They understand the difference between profit and cash flow Accountants do not get blindsided by ideas that look great on paper. What they want to know is, is this project cash flow positive? How are we going to finance the new strategy? What if the sales teams’ projections do not come through as planned? Their obsession on cash keeps them afloat as business owners. They understand that just because there is a profit on paper doesn’t mean they can pull as much cash as they like out of their businesses. They reduce the risk of the business being bled dry. 4. They are well educated One challenge accountants sometimes have is that they are not taught business skills at university, and much of their training is technical in nature. By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants Call EdgarAdams now on 0404 472 571 or Email: edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au ✓ They can reach over 20,000 business readers every month. ✓ Most widely read and trusted business publication on the Central Coast. ✓ The repetition of your ad every month means readers will get to know you and remember you. ✓ Independent surveys show 94% of readers will use the CCBR for reference when looking for suppliers. ✓ The quality of the publication and the content means readers retain the CCBR for future reference. WHYBUSINESSOWNERSONTHE CENTRAL COAST CHOOSE CCBRTOGROWTHEIR BUSINESS The very best accountants continually invest in themselves to develop new skills and display great curiosity when working with their clients so that they understand how business works. In saying that, however, to qualify as a Chartered Accountant or CPA is no mean feat, and accountants are exposed to a wide variety of stretching exams. They also keep up to date with continual professional development to maintain their qualifications. This means they are well read, are often abreast of developments in business and changing landscapes and attend several conferences and seminars a year. All of this, while perhaps sounding mundane, is of vital importance in keeping their business skills sharp and benefits them enormously in running successful businesses. 5. They are respected and trusted All the surveys show accountants are the most trusted advisor. They spend much of their time when they work in practice talking with clients. They are calm, collected, and entrusted with information that often no one else has access to. For the most part, accountants also develop excellent networks within their client bases and spheres of influence. As such, when they venture into the world of general business, they are able to take those skills and use them in a different environment to build their businesses based on those same important bedrocks. They might not be the most entrepreneurial of folk, but they are certainly able to influence others and create win-win scenarios to the benefit of themselves, their businesses and most importantly, their customers and clients. If this has got you thinking, schedule some time with your accountant and ask them about these topics – you might be pleasantly surprised. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2023
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