June 2021 Talking Business - X Making Springvale - City of Greater Dandenong
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TalkingBusiness
June 2021
X Making Springvale
even more Sensational
Page 3
X Building a better
Greater Dandenong
Page 9
X Driving force in
Dandenong expands
again
Page 13
2
FEATURES
4
Paul’s Corner
Welcome to the June edition of Talking
Business for 2021.
Accommodation’s
We are already half-way through the
year and the way in which we work
entrepreneurial Quest
and do business is continuing to for connection
evolve. We have seen a steady return
to work and this is an important step
in re-establishing connections with our
colleagues and strengthening our ties
within the community. Returning to our
regular place of work also provides
an opportunity to support our small
businesses, particularly our hospitality
venues. If you can, I encourage you to
pick up a coffee, or have a bite to eat
at a local café and continue to support
these small businesses. 6 9
In this edition of Talking Business, we
have an inspiring story on the Parker
Family Group. Bruce Parker speaks to us A new and updated lane
about how his business started and what Building a better
in Central Dandenong
contributed to the success of his business Greater Dandenong
– Vanity Lane
which has been operating for 50 years.
This issue also features a snapshot of
Greater Dandenong’s tourism sector.
We hear from a business who shares
their experience on how they positively
adapted their business model over
the last 12 months. Also included is a
heart-warming story on the efforts of 10 12
a well-known local business and its
owner’s tremendous fundraising efforts
for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good
Friday Appeal. Dandenong Market
Traders Stories
On page 15 we outline the details of
Councils Better Approvals Project. This
project aims to streamline processes
when establishing a new business and
save you time and money. In addition
to this article we talk about another
Council initiative, the Ignite Greater
Dandenong program. This program is
ideal for individuals who are about to
13 15
start their new business venture, or who
have recently started their business.
We hope this quarter is productive for Driving force in Dandenong Start, run and grow
you and your business. Remember if expands again your business
you need support please don’t hesitate
to reach out to our Greater Dandenong
Business team via business@cgd.vic.
gov.au or 8571 1550.
Paul Kearsley
Director Business, Engineering
Cover: Future Made Manufacturing Campaign - see page 12.
and Major Projects
Information was correct at time of publishing. Please check our website for up to date information.
3
Making Springvale
even more Sensational
Construction has begun to transform design elements that reflect the to shops will be maintained
Springvale Boulevard into a vibrant diverse cultures of Springvale. throughout the project, and signage
and iconic gateway to Springvale will be installed to promote local
“Together with the recently
where people can shop, relax and businesses continuing to open
completed Springvale Community
connect. for trade.
Hub, Springvale Boulevard will
MACA Infrastructure has been enhance the future prosperity Springvale Road traders and staff will
awarded the construction contract of Springvale Activity Centre as be offered free, all-day parking at the
for the project, which involves a full a leading cultural destination of ‘Number 8’ Balmoral Avenue multi-
streetscape upgrade of the road Melbourne,” Cr Long said. deck car park during construction.
and footpaths located on Springvale
Road between Balmoral Avenue and
Windsor Avenue. “Together with the recently completed Springvale
Mayor Angela Long said the project
Community Hub, Springvale Boulevard will
will be a great asset for Greater enhance the future prosperity of Springvale
Dandenong and provide many benefits Activity Centre as a leading cultural destination
to the community and local businesses.
of Melbourne.”
“This project will deliver on the
community’s aspirations for the
As a complex and major construction Traders and community members
area, including improved pedestrian
project spanning approximately 12 are encouraged to stay up to date
movement and safety, enhanced
months, local impacts will include with the project works via Council’s
shopping and dining experiences, new
traffic management for pedestrian website and social media channels
opportunities for people to connect
and motorist safety, noise, dust and to receive notification of upcoming
and relax, and opportunities for
other activities. works and interruptions.
community celebrations,” Cr Long said.
To minimise disruption, some Construction is expected to be
The boulevard will feature widened
construction works will take place completed by mid-2022.
footpaths, new garden beds and
overnight and will comply with
trees for year-round shade, more Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.
Environment Protection Authority
seating, improved street lighting, gov.au/springvale-boulevard
requirements. Pedestrian access
and high-quality, thought-provoking
4
A snapshot of our Greater
Dandenong tourism sector
Tourism is not new to Greater Dandenong, but it is new to Talking Business. We now have a regular segment sharing
the tourism offerings we have in our city. This will include articles on our tourism operators, what’s happening in our
accommodation venues and let’s not forget the adventure/action venues across our municipality.
If you’re a local tourism operator and have a story you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you or if you
have a tourism question, send an email to our Food Enterprise and Tourism Officer, Helen Beekmans via
helen.beekmans@cgd.vic.gov.au.
• Quest strengthened their
Accommodation’s some lovely people into the hotel,
who helped keep spirits up and relationships with several
entrepreneurial provided some additional revenue for
the business.
community welfare/care groups by
providing crisis accommodation to
Quest for Here are a few examples: a wide range of their clients
connection • Through their Local Heroes program, • The hotel also hosted a student
Quest Dandenong accommodated a from Victoria University studying
volunteer worker and her dog from midwifery and nursing at
the Australian Animal Protection Monash Health.
Society in Dandenong, who Given the circumstances of many of
otherwise needed to commute for these bookings, they were provided
two hours daily to perform their at reduced rates.
important animal care work
This provided some utilisation of
• They took a number of stranded rooms, but more importantly created
interstate workers under their wing employment opportunities, lifted staff
and provided them with a home morale and supported the community
away from home while separated during the crisis.
Like many accommodation providers
from loved ones
Quest Dandenong’s traditional Greg Harding, Quest Director said, “As
clientele is the corporate traveler. • In partnership with the Dandenong we transition towards a post COVID
Unsurprisingly, travelers were Hospital the hotel accommodated environment these new relationships
scarce during 2020. So, like many medical staff for extended periods and experiences will benefit us
businesses they looked to alternative through greater connection with our
• The hotel hosted a large group of
markets to help fill their rooms. community and a broader view on
aged care nurses, who selflessly
Quest Dandenong found many of came down from Queensland at potential clientele for us to welcome
these new guest experiences to the peak of the virus to work at a into our property. 2020 gave us a lot
be mutually fulfilling. They brought local Aged Care Facility of questions and learnt opportunities.”
5
Did you know?
3,000
jobs in Greater
Dandenong support
tourism
45%
of all the culturally
themed tenancies
in Dandenong are
Middle Eastern
Good deed for calls to their suppliers, their customer
30 years
base and all their networks from
Little India has traded
Good Friday across Melbourne to donate to the
Good Friday Appeal. as a cultural precinct
appeal With a mix of large and small
Our very own local celebrity, Robert
donations being received, Rob’s
fundraising efforts quickly reached
5 million
Boyle of Rob’s British Butcher went to $7,000 and it continued to rise. the number of
great heights to take part in the Royal By the end of the day Rob raised
people who visit the
Children’s Hospital Good Friday over $18,000 with a mulching
Appeal earlier this year. business from Pakenham donating a Dandenong Market
generous $10,000. each year
Neil Mitchell from 3AW was running
a special fundraising event on the Congratulations to this local
Melbourne Observation Wheel. The
concept was to raise a minimum
of $5,000 for the Royal Children’s
business, to Rob and his team for
taking part and contributing to the
Royal Children’s Hospital Good
21 years
Hospital. Friday Appeal. This is another The Afghan Bazaar
demonstration of the generosity has traded as a
Rob only had 24 hours to prepare for
and spirit of our local business cultural precinct
the challenge, so the pressure was
community, who think of others even
on from the get-go. The team from
when they themselves may be going
Rob’s British Butcher engaged on
through troubling times.
their social media and made many
6
A new and updated lane in Central
Dandenong – Vanity Lane
A new pedestrian laneway has been
designed to link Lonsdale and Thomas
streets in central Dandenong.
The new lane will be created at 275
Lonsdale Street at a site damaged by
fire and later purchased by Council.
The site is located next door to the
Chemist Warehouse. The design of
the new lane celebrates the historical
significance of the site which was
a retail pharmacy between the
late 1800’s to the 1980’s and was
associated with several notable
families and individuals.
The Couve family ran the pharmacy
from 1911-1919. During that time their
two sons were enlisted and sent
to Gallipoli where sadly they were The longest serving pharmacist, with medicinal plants and greenery
among the first Dandenong boys Charles McKeon, owned the shop creating a garden effect.
to be killed in action. Their deaths from 1952-1976. His son Simon did not
prompted the Roll of Honour in the During consultation on the project,
follow into the family’s business, but respondents asked for a safe, clean
Dandenong Town Hall, which has established his own path and in 2011
been on continuous display ever and bright laneway that would
he was awarded Australian of the Year help tell local stories and give the
since. Their sister pursued a life long and appointed an Officer of the Order
interest in botany and produced community pride in the local area.
of Australia for his charitable and
a collection of 1000 botanical Construction of the lane will
community endeavours.
specimens which is in the State commence in 2021.
Botanical Collection at the National These stories are among those to
Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.
Herbarium of Victoria. be celebrated in the lane, together
gov.au/vanity-lane-project
Record-keeping The record keeping requirement
applies to all persons attending a facility
normally kept, as this is a special type
of record-keeping introduced by the
requirements or venue for longer than 15 minutes,
which may include staff, customers,
Victorian Government directions.
Records that would ordinarily be
maintenance and delivery workers. made for health or other purposes
To support contact tracing, some should not be destroyed under
businesses, workplaces and premises Please note additional record-
these directions, as they have
must request that each person who keeping requirements may apply
their own statutory periods for
attends the premise for more than 15 to meet your OHS obligations in
required retention.
minutes (including staff) provide their: certain industries. For more see the
• name WorkSafe Victoria website. Which workplaces and premises
are required to keep records?
• phone number. For businesses required to keep
records, how long do records Most customer-facing venues and
The list of the industries can be found need to be kept? facilities are required to use the free
at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checking-qr- Victorian Government QR Service
Records must be kept for 28 days.
codes. for electronic record keeping. From
This makes it likely that records will be
28 May 2021, venues and facilities
Businesses must keep a record of available should contact tracers need
currently using a Victorian Government
those details and the date and time to look back into who was potentially
Application Programming
the person attended the facility. Where exposed to a confirmed case.
Interface (API) linked digital
the patrons spend most of their time
Should the records be destroyed record keeping system must
in a single space (i.e. a dining room or
after a certain period? use the Victorian Government
a cinema), a record of the space used
Records should be destroyed as QR Service. For instructions
should also be kept. There is no need to
soon as practicable after 28 days on how to switch, please go
keep multiple records if patrons move
from the date of the service provided to QR code app, API and
through multiple spaces. Records can
to the individual. This only applies digital record keeping for
be kept electronically or in hard copy
to services where records are not contact tracing.
and should be kept for 28 days.
7
efm Warehousing
increases Dandenong
footprint ahead of Chobani to expand
Dandenong South
further growth manufacturing site
Leading food manufacturer Chobani
has commenced construction on its
efm Warehousing will expand “We will be consolidating our
storage and production site expansion in
its capacity at a new site in two Dandenong South facilities
Dandenong South. The new 21,000 sqm
Dandenong South from June into this larger site, which will
warehouse, which backs onto Chobani’s
2021. The 15,600 sqm distribution streamline our operations and
existing production site, will enable the
facility at the Rubix Connect provide customers with more
company to grow further and expand
Estate will enable the business to efficiencies, better technology and
past dairy products.
experience double digit growth greater value.”
next financial year. “Chobani has an aggressive, long-
The company opened its first
term plan in Australia to significantly
Andrew Swain, General facility in Dandenong South in
increase the business,” General Manager
Manager – Commercial, said efm 2007 and now proudly services
Operations, Steve Butler said.
Warehousing had experienced customers such as Swisse
significant growth since it launched Wellness and Multigate Medical “Having launched its first oat-based
in 2005. Products across its various product last year, Chobani Australia is
warehouses, which are also currently preparing to establish local
“We’re a smaller player in the
located in Brisbane and Altona manufacturing capabilities for plant-
market so we aim to offer more
with ambient and temperature- based products as we journey towards
flexible solutions than some of
controlled capabilities. becoming a modern food company.”
the larger companies in our space
– but we also have the backing The new building is expected The development, scheduled for
and governance from a larger to achieve a 6 Star, Green Star completion in May 2022, is set to include
corporate structure to present Rating and will have capacity a state-of-the-art pilot plant to further
customers a lower risk option,” to store 18,300 pallets. Other enhance Chobani’s current research and
Mr Swain said. features include a 2,500 sqm development capabilities.
undercover super awning for all-
“Our growth has been very much The new facility will allow for Chobani to
weather loading, EFSR sprinkler
customer led, which is how the merge operations currently spread over four
system, office space and 107
warehousing arm of the business sites under one roof, while increasing well
car spaces. The Rubix Connect
began; we wanted to add more over 100 per cent of its current footprint.
Estate currently houses leading
value for customers utilising
distributors such as Amazon “We will consolidate operations across
the group’s 4PL [fourth-party
and Woolworths. Chobani and Gippsland Dairy brands by
logistics] transport services and
bringing our office, logistics and warehouse
this was something they were Learn more: efmlogistics.com.au/
storage to one location,” Mr Butler said.
requesting to help simplify their warehousing
supply chain.” “We will be refurbishing an existing
warehouse on the site while also
building a brand-new refrigerated
warehouse and office.”
Chobani has called Dandenong South
home since arriving in Australia in 2011
and the local arm currently exports to
Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.
“Manufacturing is vitally important to the
Australian economy and Chobani Australia
is committed to continuing to adapt and
evolve. We look forward to continuing
to contribute to the local community, as
well as the ongoing safety, security and
continuity of Australia’s food supply – and
what better place to do that than in Greater
Dandenong?” Mr Butler concluded.
Learn more: chobani.com.au
8
Small Business
Bus visits
Harmony Square
The Victorian Government’s
Small Business Bus is a business
concierge service which
provides one-on-one coaching
to individuals who are planning,
starting or growing their business.
The bus visited Dandenong in April
and helped local business owners
by giving them expert advice and
knowledgeable guidance.
With the collaboration and
support from Greater Dandenong
City Council, business owners
had the opportunity to speak to
representatives from the Economic
Development team, the president
Taking to the footpaths
of the Greater Dandenong Greater Dandenong has been the businesses, but the community
Chamber of Commerce and an working with our hospitality across the city.
expert from Family Business businesses to have a stronger
Businesses can register their
Australia. Free one-on-one outdoor dining presence across the
interest for outdoor screens and
wellbeing coaching sessions were city. We understand the immense
umbrellas by completing the form on
also offered by Eastern Financial impact COVID-19 has had on the
our website.
Counselling Services (EACH) hospitality sector so offered greater
during the bus visit. support. Learn more: greaterdanenong.vic.gov.
au/outdoor-dining
More than 15 businesses received Permit fees were waived for two years,
assistance which created a internal processes streamlined and
valuable opportunity for people Expressions of Interest sent out for free How can you help?
to ask questions and engage with outdoor screens and umbrellas. We encourage visitors, residents,
business experts and other key
Community engagement was also workers, moving around Greater
industry associations.
undertaken across the city to gain Dandenong to support our local
Council will be scheduling an insight to what the industry cafes and restaurants by buying
more bus visits to the Greater was needing. coffee, meal or a drink or two. Our
Dandenong municipality in the city is open for business. Over the
With winter upon us, we are now
second half of 2021. Details to be coming months you will see more
looking at different offerings for
published on our website. outdoor dining options to enjoy. Take
outdoor dining. We will continue
a moment to think about spending
Learn more: greaterdandenong. to engage with the industry to get
your dollar locally. Every dollar
vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong- their valued feedback on what is
spent helps support and employ
council/events/small-business- working and how we can continue to
local residents, family and friends.
bus-dandenong accommodate the needs of not only
Help for Small Businesses from the ATO
Make the switch to Online services Small Business support Small Business Tax Time Toolkit
for business. The ATO supports small business Have you checked out the ATO’s
Online services for business is now live at tax time and beyond with its tax time toolkit for small business?
and the default way businesses interact one-stop shop for reliable expertise This helpful resource for businesses
with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and information. The page includes and agents includes directories
online. Take advantage of new features guidance for returns and access to and guides, with topics including
such as organising a payment plan, the business management resources home-based business expenses,
ability to switch between businesses including webinars, videos motor vehicle expenses and support
with a single log in, access to copies of and podcasts. available if your business has been
income tax returns, and viewing your affected by COVID-19.
Learn more: ato.gov.au/SBsupport
communication history. Learn more: ato.gov.au/
Learn more: ato.gov.au/OSB SBtaxtimetoolkit
9
Building a better
Greater Dandenong
Abbotts Road Upgrade
Preliminary preparations and works
have recently commenced to widen
Abbotts Road. The road will be
widened between Taylors Road and
Cranbourne railway line.
The works will include widening of
Abbotts Road to two lanes in each
direction and a new pedestrian path.
An upgrade of underground services, Douglas Street before.
relocation of overhead powerlines
and street lighting upgrade is also Douglas Streetscape will generally occur between 7am and
being undertaken. These works Upgrade Project 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
will improve traffic flow, reduce As part of City of Greater Pedestrian access to shops will
congestion and improve access to Dandenong’s streetscape program, be maintained at all times during
this very important freight link. works will involve upgrading the construction other than when works
footpath along Douglas Street will be required directly outside of
To avoid delays whilst these
between Buckley Street and shops. Businesses will be notified of
improvement works are occurring,
Stuart Street. those times accordingly. However,
please seek an alternative route
or plan additional time for your These works continue the Douglas there will be limited car parking on
journey. Streetscape upgrade undertaken Douglas Street available during
in 2016 and complements the construction.
Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.
level crossing removal project with This project has been partially
gov.au/works-and-projects/abbotts-
the ongoing enhancement of the funded by the Victorian Government
road-upgrade
Activity Centre. through the Suburban Revitalisation
Works Include: Program that is overseen by a newly
Pound Road West Upgrade • Site preparation including demolition appointed Noble Park Revitalisation
Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) Board. The Board consists of
• Asphalting and kerb works
has awarded a delivery contract for business, local government and
• Road and threshold treatments councillor and state government
the Pound Road West Upgrade to
Seymour Whyte. The upgrade will • Reinstatement and line marking of representatives. Part of the
improve connections in Dandenong car parking bays investment through the program
South to make it quicker, easier and • Additional landscaping and has funded the Douglas Street
safer to get to where you need to be. planting of trees. Streetscape Improvement project
to the value of $310,000 with the
In addition to extra lanes and safety balance funded through Council’s
improvements, the project includes Works information capital improvement program and
the construction of a new bridge over subject to council’s budget process.
the Cranbourne rail line to remove the Preparation works on Douglas Street
dead ends at Remington Drive and has commenced and completion of Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.
Pound Road West. The new bridge will construction is expected by the end of gov.au/works-and-projects/douglas-
provide a second connection between July 2021, weather permitting. Works street-streetscape-upgrade-project
Abbotts Road and South Gippsland
Highway, improving access to the
freeway network and reducing travel
times and cost for businesses.
The Frankston-Dandenong Road
Bridge over the Cranbourne and
Pakenham rail lines will also be
strengthened and resurfaced.
Learn more:
roadprojects.vic.gov.au/pound Douglas Street after.
10
DANDENONG MARKET
TRADER STORIES
Dandenong Market first opened its doors to traders and customers in October 1866. Since then, it has supported
business owners and the community through both World Wars, the Great Depression and most recently, COVID-19.
A haven for small businesses, Dandenong Market has continued to grow with more than 200 family-run stalls and
businesses, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Many traders have worked side-by-side with family members for their entire lives, learning the ins and outs and
eventually taking the reins from retired parents and introducing modern business techniques as savvy millennials.
In this issue of Talking Business, we asked Dandenong Market to share some of the stories of traders whose family
has formed the foundations of their successful businesses.
These stories were contributed by Dandenong Market. Learn more: dandenongmarket.com.au
Schwarze Seafoods
Dennis and his daughter, Jess Schwarze.
Photo credit: Norm Orloff, News Limited
Schwarze Seafoods has provided and chippery, Schwarze Seafoods day in the early hours of the morning
fresh, high quality Australian and has solely provided fresh seafood – a task he has done since joining
New Zealand seafood to the since the early 1990s. the business when he was just 16.
Dandenong Market community for
Dennis, who spent much of his These days it is fourth generation
more than 85 years.
childhood at Dandenong Market, Schwarze, Dennis’ daughter Jess
The business was most recently created fond memories helping at his who operates much of the business.
passed down to current owner, family’s shop in his youth.
Jess has worked for her dad for
Dennis Schwarze, who is the third
“Dandenong Market has been my almost 20 years and admires his
generation to own the popular
home practically all my life. I am so dedication to his business.
market stall.
lucky to be a part of it,” said Dennis.
“He is the hardest working person I
Dennis came to own Schwarze
Despite now being in his 60s, know,” she said.
Seafoods following the passing of
Dennis has remained eager to
his farther Merv who inherited the Schwarze Seafoods is located in the
continue operating his business. The
business from Dennis’ grandmother Meat, Fish and Deli Hall and is open
work-a-holic has persisted to hand
Alice. Originally operated as a fish every Market day from 7am-4pm.
pick his product fresh each Market11
Left to right: Will, Sam and Constance Vavasis
Perfect Coffee, Sam’s Spice and
Grocery and Peanut Market
Meet the man behind three which currently stocks over 400 “Dad has taught us everything we
successful Dandenong Market small nut varieties. know about business including the
businesses, Sam Vavasis. importance of quality customer
“If more than two customers ask for
service and maintaining relationships
Managing Perfect Coffee, Sam’s a product we don’t have, we order it
with key suppliers,” he said.
Spice and Grocery and Peanut in,” said Sam. And for good reason.
Market, Sam’s story began almost 50 This business strategy has resulted Sam’s daughter Constance is
years ago. in a loyal customer base which visits providing a modern twist to the
the stall weekly. family run business. Born in the
Sam and his family emigrated to
digital generation, she has increased
Australia from Greece in 1956 and In 1996, Sam capitalised on his
activity on social media and launched
instantly fell in love with the country. love for coffee opening café
an online website for their brand.
Perfect Coffee.
Eventually settling in Melbourne,
“While customers still love shopping
Sam’s parents established the first Almost 15 years later, Sam
in-store to experience our produce
nut stall at Dandenong Market in established his third business Sam’s
in a sensory way, being online has
1974. The very humble business Spice and Grocery.
given those who can’t visit us a
consisted of six sacks of nut shells
All three businesses are owned by chance to shop,” said Constance.
set up on the curb next to a donut
Sam who now receives help from his
van. As a young boy, Sam worked “Customers who have moved
two children, Will and Constance.
in the stall to help his parents who interstate are so happy that they
spoke little English and eventually Will has big dreams for the business. can continue to buy their favourite
joined the family business full time. Further exploring an online space, products!”
considering further retail stores and
The six sacks of nut shells eventually All three businesses are open 7am
increasing the focus on customer
became Peanut Market, a stall until 4pm every Market day.
experience are all on the to-do list.12 SEBN (South East Business Networks)
It’s talent time
After more than 12 months of focus
groups with local young people, our
Future Made campaign had its first
Why not join outing at the SELLEN Try-a-Trade & Expo
your peers in a in April. Designed by young people
for young people, the campaign aims
manufacturing to raise awareness of the breadth of
career options in manufacturing, using
network? the images and language that resonate
with the target audience - your future
We share with each other and workforce.
learn from the best! Funded by Council, this campaign will
SEBN Network Groups | have high visibility over the coming
Roundtables include: months as street flags, banners and
posters send out the message to
• Manufacturing Leadership young people and their influencers
• Workplace Health & Safety – a career in manufacturing has your
• South East Quality Network Future Made.
• Manufacturing Xcellence We have an array of promotional
• Developing Young Leaders material available, including business
cards and posters. If you would like to
• Waste | Sustainability
help promote this campaign, please
• Export | Globalisation contact sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
• CEO Mentoring Program
Groups meet monthly and are
open to all manufacturers across
the region.
Having difficulty attracting and
retaining good staff?
On 10 June SEBN is hosting Craig Taplin from Momentis - an expert in the
field of people practices, talent assessment and succession planning to
address this issue and provide you with tips and ideas on how you can recruit
the right people for your organisation.
For further information/registration please contact sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
SEBN Women
in Business
Embrace the opportunity and
get involved in SEBN’s women in
business activities:
A new program has been
developed for 2021 and 2022
for our Women in Business SEBN Manufacturing Export Access
network across four key themes
of Connection | Communication | Program (EAP) - starting soon
Personal Brand | ‘Out of the Box’.
Join now – sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au The US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the heightening
trade war between the US and China as well as disputes between China
Showcasing Women in Business and Australia have prompted a call to diversify Australia’s export activities.
Events Series featuring special
guest speakers who have Accordingly, adopting an export focus is seen as key for the survival of
succeeded in their field of Australian manufacturers of all sizes and industries.
business. SEBN’s Program has been designed to develop a specific roadmap for
For further information please participating businesses based on their capabilities and requirements.
contact sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au For further information please contact sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/sebnSEBN (South East Business Networks) 13
Driving force
in Dandenong
expands again
For 50 years, Bruce Parker has
been the protagonist behind a
group of after-market vehicle
businesses. Now known as the
Parker Family Group, one of
its arms, Nason Engine Parts,
opened a new multi-million-dollar Mayor Angela Long touring the Nason Distribution Centre with Directors Daniel and Bruce Parker
warehouse facility at the end of
April in Dandenong. From tin shed to national says of the business that is now the
distributor sole distributor for eight companies.
Nason’s new development
“Nason’s business has expanded The other two business units in the Bruce acquired Nason Engine Parts
exponentially throughout the Parker Family Group – HM GEM in 1991, which is now the largest
country, requiring a doubling of our Engines and Premier Machinery distributor of internal engine parts
warehouse space in Victoria, which is & Components – are led by Dean in Australia, headed by Australian
the head office, and also the import Taylor and Bruce’s son, Daniel Parker, General Manager Paul Magri. Nason’s
facility for other Australian locations,” respectively. clients include Repco and Burson
says Bruce. Auto Parts with a branch in almost
Bruce, who had completed an
every capital city of Australia.
“The Mayor officially opened the apprenticeship as a mechanic, says
warehouse at a special event, he originally began in the automotive An equal-opportunity employer
and we were honoured to have industry in a “tin shed” behind his The Parker Family Group is an award-
other senior representatives in mother’s house in East Doncaster. winning employer and Bruce says
the industry attend, including “When I got out of the army around they consider all their employees to
from Australian Automotive 1970, I began a small business be family.
Aftermarket Association, the rebuilding engines and was then asked “We’re constantly hiring young people
Victorian Automobile Chamber to join a similar company called Head to train up as engine-parts specialists,
of Commerce, Motor Trade Mod Engineering,” recalls Bruce of the but we also focus on employing
Association, as well as our major company that eventually developed people with disabilities,” Bruce says.
suppliers and SEBN.” into HM GEM Engines, a national
supplier, through acquisitions. “We work with Dandenong Valley
The new purpose-built extension and Job Support to recruit people, with a
office complex took 18 months to “During the school holidays, Daniel policy of every non-skilled role being
build in Dandenong South. and his brother, Michael, used to offered to a person with a disability,
“The best move we ever made, work at HM Engines and I think it’s for which we were recognised with
back almost 40 years, was to move fair to say they used to do the dirty the Prime Minister’s Employer of the
to the Dandenong South industrial work in the dismantling area. Daniel Year four years in a row.
area, which has been planned very will probably tell you that I pushed
him into the engineering industry “We also don’t make people retire,
well and is a credit to the Council. and recently had someone working
All the road structure is the right but I’m proud of how he’s made his
own way in business, initially taking with us part time at 85 years of age.”
width, power and water are all
integrated, and SEBN is constantly an apprenticeship with another nason.com.au
running network sessions for company – ACL – as a fitter and
manufacturers. This keeps us turner and tool making.”
connected and up to date with new After seven years with ACL, Daniel
ideas and technologies. undertook a working holiday
Our businesses are located around Australia before returning to
throughout capital cities and I’m Dandenong and starting the Premier
not aware of anything approaching Machinery & Components arm of the
SEBN in other states,” Bruce family business, ultimately purchasing
explains. We are also members and owning it.
of SEMMA and benefit from their “I didn’t want a gift – I wanted to
manufacturing advocacy as well as make it my own and I paid off the Left to right: Geoff Gwilym, Mayor Angela Long,
buying deals. business after many years,” Daniel Paul Magri, Bruce Parker
greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/sebn14
In this issue of Talking Business we hear from the Greater Dandenong Chamber
of Commerce on their first in person networking event in over 12 months and the
new-look 2021 Greater Dandenong Chamber Business Awards. Nominations for
the Business Awards are now open, and the program is free to enter.
These stories were contributed by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more: greaterdandenongchamber.com.au
Networking event with a foodie twist
Following easing of restrictions with traders. The final stop included struggled from the impacts of
earlier this year the Greater dinner at Pamir Restaurant in Lonsdale the COVID-19 pandemic. We are
Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Street. Then, as every good food strongly passionate and committed
held their much-anticipated Foodies experience should finish, dessert to assisting the local business
Tour in March. followed at Augustus Gelatery. community to bounce back from
these unprecedented times. With
With support from the Economic Feedback from attendees on the
more events like this planned, we are
Development team at Greater evening was extremely positive with
determined to ensure Dandenong
Dandenong City Council, the many asking when the next food tour
continues to be a thriving place in
Chamber hosted approximately 40 event would be scheduled. Others
which to live, work and play!”
people on a guided walking tour of were impressed by seeing and hearing
Dandenong’s amazing food districts. the information on developments
Gathering in Harmony Square, patrons happening in central Dandenong.
visited the Afghan Bazaar Cultural
Lisa Moore, President of the Greater
Precinct and continued into the Little
Dandenong Chamber commented,
India Precinct on Foster Street, getting
“Like many industries, Dandenong’s
familiar with the area and meeting
hospitality industry has really
Your time to shine and be recognised!
Nominations for the 2021 Greater and hospitality, innovation and “After a tough year, our 2021 awards
Dandenong Chamber Business sustainability, manufacturing and will really shine a light on the amazing
Awards are now open. construction and corporate social resilience of the Greater Dandenong
responsibility, enhancing Greater business community. Being
The Awards Program is free to enter
Dandenong’s reputation as one of recognised as a nominee or winner
and aims to provide local businesses
the most workable places. could really help raise your businesses
with recognition for their outstanding
profile, regather momentum and
achievements and contributions to Do you know an inspirational
connect with other local businesses
the Greater Dandenong area. business operating within the
who have faced the same challenging
Greater Dandenong region? Then
The Chamber encourages all eligible times” said Lisa Moore.
why not tap them on the shoulder
businesses, no matter how small or
and encourage them to enter Learn more:
large to make 2021 the year they
the awards. greaterdandenongchamber.com.au/
put their business in the spotlight by
awards-information
nominating for the Awards. You can
enter the awards by nominating for
a specific industry Awards category.
The winners of each category
will go into the running to win the
prestigious Greater Dandenong
Chamber Business Award.
Successful nominees will have their
business presented at one of two
(online) Showcase events during the
year. The Chambers focus is on your
business, your story, and promoting
you. Winners will be announced at
the final awards presentation event,
where finalists will be acknowledged,
and winners celebrated.
The Awards recognise significant
achievements in the areas of small Pictured left to right: Previous award winners, Kelly. Nunn, Megan Petty from Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries
business, new business, tourism Trust and Paul Wood from NAB15
Start, run and grow
your business
Council is launching a new program to
Hands up for easier permits and support your next business venture.
If you are a business that has just started or
registrations from Council getting a business off the ground, you are
invited to participate in the Ignite program.
Planning a new business or expanding health and local laws. This often
Ignite Greater Dandenong is a program
a business? Wondering what type of meant businesses passed one step
that offers a range of activities and
permits your business may need and only to find out they then needed
resources for people looking to get a
hoping the process is easy? to start another permit process in a
business idea off the ground or who
different department.
Council understands that it can have recently started their business.
be difficult to know where to start. Council listened and made changes to
Running over three months, the
That’s why Greater Dandenong City improve things. The Better Approvals
Project now means there is only one program will include a mixture of
Council, in partnership with Small
point of contact at the very first step workshops, masterclasses, group
Business Victoria, have implemented
in the process. The Better Approvals mentoring sessions and individual
the Better Approvals Project. The
Team (BAT) at Greater Dandenong is mentoring opportunities.
project, aims to lend a hand and take
the angst out of the permit approval now here to help with new business The program will kick off with a launch
process. Better Approvals is now application processes from the night on Tuesday 22 June.
in place at over 50 councils across beginning, right to the very end. The
team is here to guide businesses on At the launch night, further details about
Victoria. So, good news if you have the topics and dates of the workshops
more than one business in different what permits are needed and then
help businesses apply for more than and masterclasses will be provided. You
municipalities. will also learn more about the program
one permit at the same time - saving
As part the project Council Officers everyone time, money and frustration. and the requirements.
spoke with local businesses to Past participants, who completed the
understand their experience with New and expanding businesses are
encouraged to come and see how program in 2019 will also be at the event.
obtaining permits and approvals Network and hear about their experience
from council. The major issue we we can help.
of the program and how they kicked off
heard was that business operators To learn more about the services or their businesses through this program.
had to work separately with multiple to speak to the team, contact us via You will also get the opportunity to
departments of Council such as email business@cgd.vic.gov.au or network with other start-up businesses
planning, building, environmental 8571 1550. and representatives from council.
Calling all land developers, surveyors, contractors and The program will start off with a think tank
and hackathon, which is a fun intensive
planning consultants brainstorming day, where you will learn
The City of Greater Dandenong has joined the Australian-wide consortium of skills on how to problem solve and come
users of A-SPEC. This is a common specification that provides a consistent up with solutions for a current problem.
and efficient approach to the supply of digital ‘As Constructed’ data.
You will have the opportunity to ask
It is now a Council requirement that upon completion of an infrastructure questions and seek further support
project/subdivision that planning consultants/developers submit “As from experienced industry experts
Constructed” infrastructure asset information in ‘A-SPEC’ format. You can throughout the program.
do this via the Open Spatial ACDC online portal prior to being issued a
Numbers are limited. Visit our website
certificate of Practical Completion.
to register for this event.
Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/planning-forms-fees-and-
Learn more: greaterdandenong.vic.
information-guides/spec-specification
gov.au/ignite-programFrom paper to pixels...
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225 Lonsdale Street Dandenong‘s business news, may be
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