September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong

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September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
TalkingBusiness
    September 2019

XXGrand designs for
  Dandenong
  Page 4

XX‘Intangible’ skills
  predicted as priority
  for workforce of
  the future
  Page 9

XXSPEE3D steals
  spotlight on global
  printing stage
  Page 11
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
2

                                             FEATURES

                                                                                                                                                       7

                                                                 Propharma adds organic to
Paul’s Corner                                                     its production portfolio
Are we really approaching the last
quarter of 2019? This is the September
edition of Talking Business, so I guess
that must be the case. Please tell me I
am not alone in finding this a little hard
to digest?
As always, this magazine takes pride
in showcasing the developments
and achievements of our diverse
local business community. In this
                                                                                          8                                                      10
edition, we dedicate a full page to
those that have been recognised for
excellence across many industry award                     The power of                                         Targeted support to
bodies, including HM Gem Engines,                         the hashtag                                          start-up businesses
Woolworths Distribution Facility, Caps
and Closures, Ego Pharmaceuticals and
Kuga Electrical.
We also highlight those businesses
that are expanding or are leading the
way in innovation such as Propharma
achieving its Australian Certified Organic
certification, Fine Food Holdings’                                                     11                                                        12
$10 million investment into a new
manufacturing facility, and Spee3D’s
revolutionary technology that is taking
                                              SPEE3D steals spotlight on
the world by storm.
                                                global printing stage.
Starting and sustaining a small business
can be a difficult but rewarding road,
and we recognise the need for strong
support throughout the various phases
of growth. To this end, we have shared
some case studies for three popular
programs including the Dandy Markers
Market (p.3), Launch Me (p.9), and                                                    14                                                         15
Ignite Greater Dandenong (p.13) – each
offering contrasting and complementary
supports for different markets.                                                                             A Cracker of a Company
Please enjoy the variety of articles in                Events calendar                                      now Manufacturing in
this edition, and we shall be back in                                                                             Dandenong
touch with you again in December.
Paul Kearsley
Group Manager,
Greater Dandenong Business
(Includes Economic Development, SEBN
                                             Cover: Couture Mantra on 109 Foster St. Model featured in one of owner and designer, Kiran Lally’s silk
and Activity Centre Revitalisation)          lengha sets.
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
3

Dandy Makers Market
paves way for aspiring
stallholders
Dandy Makers Market is a handmade          starting my very own Ethiopian coffee
craft and artisan food market with         roasting business. This space has
a difference.                              allowed me to bring my product to
                                           the community, and has also assisted
A social enterprise of the Southern
                                           me with my packaging, marketing
Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC),
                                           and pricing,” said Ms Abyssinia.
the market was born from the desire
to ignite the passion of business for      The Dandy Makers Market is located
clients who showed unique cultural         on the terrace of Dandenong Market
talents. With the help of Dandenong        and held on the second Sunday of
Market, SMRC now offers both ‘get          the month, adding a novel addition
market ready’ business courses plus        to the thriving market. When buying
the opportunity to become a regular        from a maker you are buying a piece
stallholder – selling unique one-off       of a heart, part of a soul, a moment
creations in a mentored environment.       of someone’s life, a livelihood made
                                           from a passion.
“Without the Dandy                         “Having my homeland tradition in
Makers Market, I                           this market is very exciting and I’m
                                           confident by its potential and grateful
couldn’t have pictured                     for the support,” said Ms Abyssinia.
myself starting my very
                                           If you are keen to turn your skill or
own Ethiopian coffee                       hobby into a small business and
roasting business.”                        would like to find out more about
                                           free short courses, please contact
Graduate of the business course, Alem      dandymakers@smrc.org.au or
Abyssinia, said The Dandy Makers           9767 1900.
Market was instrumental in helping
                                           The Dandy Makers Market
establish her business, Coffeeland.
                                           reopens from a winter hiatus on
“Without the Dandy Makers Market,          13 October 2019.                            Coffeeland owner, Alem Abyssinia
I couldn’t have pictured myself

Noble Park Activity Centre pilots new Shopfront
and Improvement Scheme
Noble Park Activity Centre will            to gauge their early interest in being     signage were part of a suite of outcomes
soon see some enhancements with            involved in the pilot program.             for traders to use in future multimedia
the rollout of new pilot Shopfront                                                    and promotion of their business.
                                           This was followed by a formal,
Improvement Scheme.
                                           competitive expression of interest
Council’s economic development             process, where 21 businesses were
team engaged local brand and visual        selected to undergo targeted changes
merchandising experts, Pop Creative        to their shopfront, visual merchandising
Collective, to deliver a program aimed     and painting.
at improving the visual appeal of
                                           Pop Creative Collective had a hands-
shopfronts within the shopping precinct.
                                           on approach and created an ‘instant’
The program surveyed more than 46          makeover. Proposals were developed
businesses to gain their existing views    and implemented with business owner
on the condition of the precinct, and      collaborations. New branding and
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
4

                                                                                                       hand work. I’ve found this Council
                                                                                                       really responsive to businesses.”
                                                                                                       A building designer by profession,
                                                                                                       Ms Lally originally intended to study
                                                                                                       fashion design but instead chose a
                                                                                                       more ‘reliable’ vocation. After a trip
                                                                                                       to India, Ms Lally’s love for design
                                                                                                       was reignited and Couture Mantra
                                                                                                       was born.

                                                                                                       “It’s currently all fast
                                                                                                       fashion so a lot of
                                                                                                       people are heading
                                                                                                       overseas to shop for
                                                                                                       quality garments. I’d
                                                                                                       like to see more stores
                                                                                                       of my kind open so
                                                                                                       we can keep people
                                                                                                       shopping local.”
                                                                                                       “If you’ve got a passion, you can make
                                                                                                       it work. I’m learning new things every
                                                                                                       week – more than I did at school and

    Grand designs
                                                                                                       university,” Ms Lally explains.
                                                                                                       Couture Mantra has utilised
                                                                                                       Instagram and Facebook to generate

    for Dandenong                                                                                      interest in the brand. “I’ve realised
                                                                                                       the customer needs to know the
                                                                                                       details of how to style the outfits.
                                                                                                       “Social media is still how people find
    An innovative designer is keeping retail               shop for quality garments. I’d like to      me these days, but what you post
    dollars in Melbourne with a unique                     see more stores of my kind open so          needs to be relevant. I get a strong
    fashion offering. In January, Kiran                    we can keep people shopping local.”         response when I’m in the picture, and
    Lally opened Couture Mantra next to                                                                this might be because people can
                                                           Ms Lally designs the hand-made
    Dandenong’s Little India precinct.                                                                 relate to a curvier model.”
                                                           garments down to the fabrics, which are
    “No one else has this in Australia in                  90 per cent silk with cotton-silk lining.   Couture Mantra has been featured in
    terms of Indian-ethnic wear,” says                                                                 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and
                                                           “It’s a lot of work but the pieces are
    Ms Lally, who originally launched the                                                              has since held its own fashion show
                                                           timeless – they can be passed onto
    business online in 2013.                                                                           featuring a Bollywood actress. Ms
                                                           your kids. The Mayor visited during
    “It’s currently all fast fashion so a lot              my store launch and I liked that she        Lally plans to hold a similar event in
    of people are heading overseas to                      had knowledge of embroidery and             Dandenong later this year.

                                                           Noble Park Railway Station
                                                           honours its history
                                                           A series of large scale panels              Combining historical photographs with
                                                           installed at Noble Park Railway             thematic words depicting the spirit of
                                                           Station tell the story of Noble Park’s      Noble Park in its early days, the panels
                                                           early settlers and the lives they lived.    now greet commuters at this modern
                                                                                                       state-of-the-art railway station.
                                                           The panels represent the final
                                                           touches to the newly built railway          http://www.greaterdandenong.com/
                                                           station as part of the Victorian            levelcrossingremovalproject
    Kindness, Tolerance, Tenacious, Spirited, Resilient,   Government’s Level Crossing
    United, Fellowship, Determined – the making of
    Noble Park.                                            Removal Project across Melbourne.
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
5

Game on for                                                                        Rigby Cooke
Melbourne Football                                                                 Lawyers
                                                                                   backs vision
Club and Dandenong                                                                 for dispersed
Melbourne Football Club (MFC) has
further cemented its commitment
                                          South East and other networks to
                                          encourage and develop talented
                                                                                   Melbourne
to the south east region by joining
the Greater Dandenong Chamber
                                          players. All programs include on-field
                                          skill development and educational
                                                                                   with South
of Commerce.
MFC’s community initiatives include
                                          components with an additional focus
                                          on creating more opportunities
                                                                                   East Business
collaborations with Victoria Police in
the south east area.
                                          for multicultural and indigenous
                                          participants. For example, highly
                                                                                   Hub
                                          talented players who have graduated
                                                                                   Accommodating a growing
“We want to immerse ourselves in          through the Melbourne Academy
                                                                                   client base in Melbourne’s
the community and have this area be       Zone and meet certain criteria are
                                                                                   south-east, Rigby Cooke
an extension of our football club as a    eligible to be drafted to Melbourne’s
                                                                                   Lawyers has opened a business
whole,” says Josh Mahoney, General        AFL side.
                                                                                   hub in Dandenong South to
Manager of Football and Casey
                                          “We have been able to partner            serve businesses located in
Operations for MFC.
                                          already with many great, local           the region.
“Initial discussions have identified      businesses on our network programs
                                                                                   Managing Partner, Bill Karvela,
numerous opportunities to help            such as ‘Leadership in Business’,”
                                                                                   said the firm was making a
the business network of Greater           says Mr Maynard. “Expanding
                                                                                   strategic move as planners
Dandenong, either through                 that reach to Greater Dandenong
                                                                                   looked towards a decentralised
the development of programs               businesses with similar community
                                                                                   future for Melbourne.
or partnerships.”                         mindsets is an important opportunity
                                          for MFC.                                 “We want to meet our clients
Peter Maynard, General Manager
                                                                                   where they are. Not just to
Casey Football – a VFL club affiliated    “We believe our new, $8 million
                                                                                   provide more convenient
with MFC – says the organisation          development and surface upgrade
                                                                                   service, but also to better
recently celebrated its 10th year of      planned at Casey Fields is a terrific
                                                                                   understand their needs and their
partnership with City of Casey. “We       achievement for the whole South
                                                                                   industries,” said Mr Karvela.
want the best facilities possible in      East community. We’re looking
the Casey/Dandenong area, not             forward to bringing events and           Located in Monash Drive,
only to grow the game of Australian       programs to Greater Dandenong that       Dandenong South, the new
Rules but to increase physical activity   benefit the wider community.”            space will provide Rigby Cooke
within the community.”                                                             with a base to interact with its
                                                                                   clients in the growing region,
MFC also runs the ‘Melbourne
                                                                                   including manufacturers, hotel
Next Gen Academy’ in partnership
                                                                                   and accommodation providers,
with the Dandenong Stingrays, AFL
                                                                                   health, logistics, clients and
                                                                                   trade exposed businesses and
                                                                                   other commercial clients.
                                                                                   Mr Karvela said this venture
                                                                                   was a genuine investment in
                                                                                   the new business hub, and a
                                                                                   serious commitment to their
                                                                                   clients and future clients in the
                                                                                   South East.
                                                                                   “We want to support the growth
                                                                                   aspirations of our clients outside
                                                                                   of the CBD, and with a number
                                                                                   of clients already in the South
                                                                                   East, this is an expansion that
                                                                                   makes sense for us” he said.
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
6

    Dandenong engineering and
    remanufacturing business wins
    elite industry award
                                                                                                          Victorian Automobile Chamber of
                                                                                                          Commerce (VACC) Chief Executive,
                                                                                                          Geoff Gwilym said that the industry
                                                                                                          Awards demonstrate VACC members
                                                                                                          commitment to quality and customer
                                                                                                          service.
                                                                                                          “It is a huge accolade to be named the
                                                                                                          best in Victoria and these businesses
                                                                                                          have all proved themselves worthy of
                                                                                                          that title,” said Mr Gwilym.
                                                                                                          Eight expert judges evaluated
                                                                                                          entries based on business
                                                                                                          management, workplace practices,
                                                                                                          customer service, marketing and
                                                                                                          communication and an independent
    From left to right: HM GEM Engines Managing Director, Bruce Parker and General Manager, Dean Taylor
                                                                                                          standards representative audited the
                                                                                                          judging ensuring that only the finest
    City of Greater Dandenong business,                    With its head office and principle
                                                                                                          of VACC’s 5,500 members would be
    HM Gem Engines, has been awarded                       engine reconditioning and
                                                                                                          announced as finalists.
    Best Engine Reconditioner (large                       remanufacturing plant located in
    business) in the prestigious 2019                      Dandenong, HM Gem Engines is                   As a multiple winner of this award
    VACC Industry Awards.                                  recognised as the largest engine               since its inception, HM Gem Engines
                                                           remanufacturer in Australia                    was recognised among four
    2019 category winners and other
                                                           with engineering service plants                other outstanding companies and
    outstanding Victorian businesses
                                                           strategically located along the east           individuals with induction into the
    were formally recognised at a black
                                                           coast of Australia, employing in               VACC Automotive Industry Hall of
    tie event on Saturday 22 June at the
                                                           excess of 100 people.                          Fame, the industry’s highest honour.
    Grand Hyatt, Melbourne.

    Local businesses take out range                                                                       Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the
                                                                                                          Year Award – Dr Jane Oppenheim,
    of prestigious awards                                                                                 Ego Pharmaceuticals
                                                                                                          The award, organised by the
    The past quarter has seen a number                     sustainability benefits. The collaboration     Australian Academy of Technology
    of Greater Dandenong businesses                        with development partners, suppliers           and Engineering, recognised the
    recognised for excellence across a                     and store operations has reset the             leadership and innovation provided
    range of industry awards, and we                       benchmarks of what can be achieved             by Dr Oppenheim, which has seen
    extend our sincere congratulations                     in distribution centre development in          an Ego manufacturing plant expand
    to all.                                                Australia and worldwide.                       10 times, creating valuable jobs and
    Award for Development Innovation –                     International packaging award –                a significant export market.
    Woolworths Distribution Facility                       Caps and Closures                              Energy Efficiency Project of the Year
    The Kone Award for Development                         Caps and Closures achieved                     Award – Kuga Electrical
    Innovation was awarded to                              international recognition for their            Congratulations to John Kurta and
    Woolworths and Charter Hall for                        innovative and unique packaging                the team at Kuga Electrical for
    Woolworths’ new Melbourne South                        design at the prestigious 2019                 winning the Energy Efficiency Project
    Regional Distribution Centre at the                    WorldStar Packaging Awards held                of the Year Award, presented at the
    Australian national property awards.                   in Prague, Czech Republic. The                 2019 Excellence Awards by Master
                                                           company won in the domestic and                Electricians Australia. These awards
    Woolworth’s latest state of the art facility
                                                           household category for Precise Pour,           recognize outstanding achievements
    uses world class automated technology
                                                           described as a leap forward in the             in the electro-technology industry at
    to deliver enhanced customer,
                                                           functionality of the simple tap.               a state and national level.
    safety, supply chain, economic and
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
7

Propharma adds organic                                                                               New Business
to its production portfolio                                                                          Growth Fund to
After more than 40 years in business,                     The founders of Propharma had
                                                                                                     help businesses
Dandenong South’s Propharma
achieved Australian Certified Organic
                                                          a farming background and good
                                                          knowledge of the nutritional
                                                                                                     expand
certification in April 2019, opening                      requirements of animals, starting          The Victorian Government
the already successful business up to                     the business in 1976, according to         recently confirmed it will
new markets.                                              Ms Azizsoltani.                            establish a $250 million Victorian
The company, which brands itself                          “They commissioned a purpose-built         Business Growth Fund, the
as “Dry Powder Specialists,” works                        factory in Dandenong South in 1986,        largest of its kind in Australia,
in the animal nutrition, food and                         establishing a separate facility for       for small and medium enterprises
pharmaceutical industries, assisting                      human nutrition and therapeutics.”         (SMEs) to help them access
small businesses through to                                                                          capital and create jobs to grow
                                                          The company obtained a Therapeutic
global brands.                                                                                       the economy.
                                                          Goods Administration licence in 1991.
“We’re set up to handle all varieties                                                                On 7 June 2019, Treasurer Tim
                                                          “Since that time, multiple manufacturing
of dry powder milling, blending,                                                                     Pallas announced a $50 million
                                                          licences have been achieved, as well
sieving and packaging,” says                                                                         contribution towards the Fund,
                                                          as formal supplier accreditation with
Propharma’s QA/NPD Manager,                                                                          which will be developed with
                                                          several multi-nationals.”
Ladan Azizsoltani.                                                                                   leading industry superannuation
                                                          The organic certification comes            groups First State Super and
“Management’s thinking was                                as a result of customer demand             VicSuper.
always to focus on quality rather                         and interest at food exhibitions.
than volume. We’re contract                               Propharma recently expanded the            “The Victorian Business Growth
manufacturers and because we don’t                        food side of its business with a food      Fund will give some of our best
have any minimum quantities in our                        technologist recruited and extra           SMEs the incentive to take on
orders, that’s attractive for start-up                    casual workers added to the team.          new ventures and employ more
businesses seeking trial batches.                                                                    Victorians,” said Mr Pallas.
                                                          The company has also been
“Multi-nationals are confident of the                     collaborating with Monash University’s     The Labor Government, First
calibre of the quality systems we                         food incubator since 2017 to develop       State Super and VicSuper are
have in place, knowing they can                           products in larger batches, with           continuing to work together to
trust our step in the chain of their                      the aim to commercialise the ideas         finalise the design of the fund,
manufacturing processes.”                                 generated from the incubator.              which is subject to a formal
                                                                                                     agreement.
                                                                                                     First State Super CEO Deanne
                                                                                                     Stewart said many Victorian SMEs
                                                                                                     find it difficult to access affordable
                                                                                                     capital, limiting their ability to
                                                                                                     expand their business.
                                                                                                     “As one of Australia’s largest
                                                                                                     super funds, we have long been
                                                                                                     looking for innovative ways
                                                                                                     to invest in successful SME
                                                                                                     companies that are ready to
                                                                                                     expand, in turn creating new jobs
                                                                                                     and economic growth in regional
                                                                                                     and metropolitan communities,”
                                                                                                     said Mr Steward.
                                                                                                     A high-quality, independent
                                                                                                     fund manager will be appointed
                                                                                                     through a competitive process.
                                                                                                     The Fund will complement other
                                                                                                     business support programs,
                                                                                                     such as the Victorian Jobs and
                                                                                                     Investment Fund and the payroll
                                                                                                     tax cuts announced in the
                                                                                                     Victorian Budget for 2019-20.
From left to right: Champi Thotamunige, Norma Garner, Lesley Smith, Ladan Azizsoltani, Alf Staffa
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
8

    The power of the hashtag
                                                                                   You will never find a better sales
                                                                                   representative than your customers
                                                                                   – and those loyal and engaged will
                                                                                   post unsolicited images without
                                                                                   you having to ask. Consumers are
                                                                                   more likely to ‘tell your story’ when
                                                                                   your brand aligns to a strong set of
                                                                                   values, issues or experiences that
                                                                                   go beyond your product.
                                                                                   This can be seen in the case of KOH
                                                                                   Clean Living whose brand story
                                                                                   matched the values of a new mother,
                                                                                   Sally. With a newborn in the home,
                                                                                   Sally began researching eco-friendly
                                                                                   cleaning products to create a safer
                                                                                   living environment for her child,
                                                                                   and came across the business KOH
                                                                                   Clean Living.
                                                                                   In reading their story, Sally found
                                                                                   a personal connection to their
                                                                                   purpose and decided to purchase
                                                                                   their products to clean her home.
                                                                                   While she wouldn’t normally post
                                                                                   an Instagram photo about cleaning
                                                                                   products, she was proud of her
                                                                                   conscious decision to create a safer
                                                                                   home environment for her family,
                                                                                   while also helping to protect the
                                                                                   planet – this post was free UGC for
                                                                                   KOH Clean Living.
                 ‘Consumers are more likely to                                     In delving into the world of
                                                                                   Instagram, here are a few facts
           ‘tell your story’ when your brand aligns                                to consider:
               to a strong set of values, issues or
                                                                                           Instagram now has a shopping
          experiences that go beyond your product.’                                        feature, making it even easier
                                                                                           for users to make purchases in
    By the time you read this article       including that delicious avocado               a few simple clicks
    there will be approximately three       smash, the house transformation
    million images uploaded onto            or the new outfit of the day                   Instagram posts with at least
    social media applications (apps). On    (#OOTD). According to Hootsuite,               one hashtag boast 12.6 per
    Instagram alone, there is an average    60% of users also (approximately               cent more engagement than
    of 80 million images uploaded daily.    600 million people) seek out                   those without a hashtag
                                            and discover new products on
    Instagram is a social media app that                                                   Identifying and leveraging the
                                            Instagram, making it a powerful tool
    can be loosely described as a photo                                                    trending hashtags (those that
                                            for businesses.
    sharing tool used by both individuals                                                  have a lot of traction) is a great
    and businesses. We all know the         So what is the most effective                  marketing tactic to consider
    timeless adage “a picture speaks a      way to translate users to
    thousand words,” and Instagram’s        consumers? Research shows              So why not have a play and see what
    rising success and popularity shows     that User Generated Content            Instagram can offer your brand or
    this is the case, so we better pay      (UGC) is outperforming traditional     should we say #whynot.
    closer attention.                       advertising, meaning consumers         References
                                            find peer-created content more
    Instagram has 1.1 billion users who                                            https://www.marketingsociety.
                                            influential in their choices than      com/the-gym/how-harness-power-
    open the app at least once a day
                                            business marketing images              instagram#FXF3B13dXGm5SEmd.99
    on average, many of which post
                                            (Marketing Society).                   https://blog.hootsuite.com/instagram-statistics/
    images showcasing life’s joys
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
9

‘Intangible’ skills predicted
as priority for workforce
of the future
According to the World Economic            Farha Momandwall, Senior HR                these jobs. I think one area we’ll see
Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report        Manager SC/IR for Nissan Casting           growth in is self-education.”
released late last year, at least 54
per cent of all employees will need
reskilling and upskilling by 2022.         “The real challenge is how fast the jobs of the
In-demand skills that WEF predicts         future will be created and how quickly we can
for 2022 include:                          re-skill people for these jobs.”
• analytical thinking and innovation
• active learning and learning             (Australia), predicts the manufacturing
                                                                                      “With all of this technology we have,
  strategies                               workforce of the future will need to
                                                                                      it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.
• creativity, originality and initiative   be multi-skilled.
                                                                                      Nothing is all good or bad – it’s
• technology design and                    “Soft skills are becoming more             what we choose to do with it that
  programming                              critical. An area we are investing in      ultimately matters.”
• complex problem-solving                  is around people-management skills,
                                                                                      City of Greater Dandenong is
                                           such as communication, coaching
• leadership and social influence                                                     proactively supporting businesses
                                           and leadership. Investment in this
• emotional intelligence                                                              and their workforces to adapt to
                                           area will enable our workforce to
                                                                                      technological advancements. For
• reasoning, problem-solving               identify how to bring out the best
                                                                                      example, South East Business
  and ideation                             in people, and provide room for
                                                                                      Networks recently held a series of
Simon Waller, a speaker, author and        creativity and innovative thinking,”
                                                                                      workshops on the future of work
advisor in the technology space            says Ms Momandwall.
                                                                                      targeted to business leaders and
predicts technology-related jobs will      Similarly, Mr Waller believes we need      educators.
be more important in the short term.       to look at intangible elements to
                                                                                      Visit www.greaterdandenong.com
“But large chunks of that work will        predict the in-demand skillsets
                                                                                      and click on ‘work’ then ‘South East
become automated as well,” says            of the future.
                                                                                      Business Networks’ to subscribe to
Mr Waller.                                 “It’s any type of work that can’t be       further workshop information.
“Technology doesn’t take jobs, it          coded into ‘ones’ and ‘zeros’, that
takes tasks, so you face greater risk      can’t be easily measured such as
if you’re a specialist and that one        compassion, creativity, collaboration
thing you do gets automated. Those         or even love.”
middle-management-type roles,              “The real challenge is how fast the
which are relatively standardised, are     jobs of the future will be created and
also ripe for automation.”                 how quickly we can re-skill people for

   Local Jobs First Supplier Forum
   Do you want to learn how your           important first step to participating     To register for this event visit
   business can participate in Victorian   in public sector projects.                https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/
   State Government projects?                                                        local-jobs-first-supplier-forum-
                                           Come along to hear presentations
                                                                                     registration-67632726305
   The Department of Jobs,                 from DJPR and the Local Jobs First
   Precincts and Regions (DJPR) is         Commissioner. In addition, get an
   hosting an information session          insight into upcoming government
   to help suppliers understand the        projects and hear from a Tier 1
   Local Jobs First and the Social         Contractor about a successful
   Procurement Framework. It is an         project utilising local businesses
September 2019 Talking Business - X Grand designs for Dandenong - City of Greater Dandenong
10

     Love Food                                Targeted support to
     Halve Waste
     Did you know the average food
     business in Victoria throws away
                                              start-up businesses
     more than 100 kilograms of wasted
     food every week? Not only is this a
     waste of food and lost profits, but it
     also ends up in landfill.
     While many businesses understand
     the problem, they do not know how
     to improve the situation. Love Food
     Hate Waste is a free short program
     to help Victorian hospitality venues
     combat this issue by learning how
     to prevent food waste, reduce
     costs and increase profits.
     Open to all Victorian hospitality
     businesses such as cafes,
     restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels
     and takeaway venues, program
     participants receive a kit including
     food waste trackers, action plan
     templates and other tools and
     resources to help them reduce
     food waste in their business.
     Delivered online via email,
     business owners, managers and
     head chefs can follow the simple
     three-step program over several
     weeks. The program will help you:
     1. Track your food waste to see
     where it is really occurring              Business owner of Myella Believe and Achieve, Sabrina

     2. Identify and take actions to
                                              Residents of Dandenong and                               help take the confusion out of the
     prevent waste before it happens
                                              Doveton starting their own small                         process,” said Ms Hayes.
     3. Measure and share success             business can receive coaching and
                                                                                                       Myella Believe and Achieve is a
     with staff and customers                 support in the LaunchME program
                                                                                                       business that has developed through
                                              from Good Shepherd Microfinance.
     More than 150 Victorian hospitality                                                               the program. Business owner, Sabrina,
                                              Developed to help people on low
     businesses have already joined the                                                                is a mum and legally blind with
                                              incomes, the coach works with
     Love Food Hate Waste Business                                                                     3 per cent vision. Her business runs
                                              participants to create business and
     program to start seeing the                                                                       programs in schools for young people
                                              marketing plans to help get their
     benefits of reducing food waste.                                                                  teaching disability awareness, and
                                              business concept off the ground.
                                                                                                       she also sells a range of motivational
     Sign up at the following link to
                                              Resident coach, Yvette Hayes, said                       t-shirts. Sabrina said the LaunchME
     make food waste your business:
                                              starting a business is a daunting                        program has been a godsend.
     https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.
                                              process so the program provides
     au/campaigns/love-food-hate-                                                                      “It is wonderful having a coach/mentor
                                              access to a supportive team,
     waste/business                                                                                    to bounce ideas off and having the
                                              together with education on practical
                                                                                                       communication, support and guidance
                                              essentials like accounting software to
                                                                                                       is extremely helpful,” she said.
                                              make tax time easier.
                                                                                                       Participants meet with their business
                                              “In our 12-month program, we work
                                                                                                       coach for 1.5 hours each fortnight
                                              with participants on all elements
                                                                                                       for 12 months. Limited places are
                                              from business plans through to sales.
                                                                                                       currently available.
                                              Most of us look at a Sunday Market
                                              stand and assume a business is just                      Please contact Yvette Hayes via email:
                                              making things, but there’s so much                       yhayes@gsmicrofinance.org.au or
                                              more going on and we’re here to                          visit launchme.org.au for more details.
11

SPEE3D steals spotlight on
global printing stage
SPEE3D has stolen the spotlight         “Typically, 3D printers of this size and complexity
on the 3D-printing global stage,
having recently installed machines in     require up to two weeks to install and set up,
Germany, the USA and Australia.          however we’ve had Spee3D machines delivered
The relatively young, Dandenong-            at 9am and printing parts by lunch time.”
based company is a former grant
recipient of Council’s Business
                                        hours, whereas the competing              of work with the U.S. Department of
Grants Program, and its innovative
                                        NASA technology took 28 days to           Defence,” says Mr Kennedy.
technology and practical application
                                        do a very similar thing,” Mr Kennedy
for rapid manufacturing is being                                                  Swinburne University also recently
lauded at international trade shows.    reports.
                                                                                  purchased a LightSpee3D and
SPEE3D Co-founder and CEO Byron         “Typically, 3D printers of this size      officially launched it at an industry
Kennedy says, “We’re the only ones      and complexity require up to two          event in July.
using this technology for parts.        weeks to install and set up, however
                                                                                  “Interested parties can approach us
Traditional 3D printing is slow but     we’ve had Spee3D machines
                                                                                  or Swinburne to use the technology
specialised – what we focus on is       delivered at 9am and printing parts
                                                                                  and discover how it can benefit
making metal parts fast and at a very   by lunch time.”
                                                                                  them. It could be individuals through
low cost.”                              WarpSpee3D compliments the                to defence contractors undertaking
The company launched its new            original LightSpee3D model, which         part development, material testing or
WarpSpee3D printer in December          is ideal for smaller parts and material   corrosion testing.”
2018, which enables manufacturers       development. Both printers can work
                                                                                  According to Mr Kennedy, Spee3D
to produce parts weighing up to 40kg    with copper or aluminium.
                                                                                  has a “roadmap of products coming
and measuring up to one metre wide.     The University of Delaware is             out” but is currently focussing on
“We recently printed some copper        reportedly using the LightSpee3D          expanding the range of materials
rocket nozzles in about seven           model daily. “Primarily they do a lot     available with its printers.

                                                                                                                  From left to right:
                                                                                              Dr. Nick Shevchenko, Byron Kennedy,
                                                                                      Dr. Austin Good, Bruce Colter, Steve Camilleri
12    SEBN (South East Business Networks)

     Australia’s mobro moment
     impacts all waste disposal
     in Australia

     When China announced a ban on            long, long third. Flipping that rating   that could come of this (unwanted)
     receiving waste from foreign countries   prompts a question: what products        item? The mantra now is on Reduce
     as of 1 January 2018, many Councils,     could we make from this resource?        initial use, RePurpose one object into
     recyclers and producers of waste                                                  another, Re-use the product in another
                                              For over a decade SEBN have been
     were caught on the hop, but the ever-                                             location, or Recycle a product at the
                                              urging our manufacturers to consider
     growing problem of waste disposal                                                 end of its consumer life.
                                              the strategic implications of waste
     was earmarked over 30 years ago.
                                              streams. Prior to the opening of         Now we are looking to the upgraded
     For example, On 11 July 1987, a barge    the LOGIS business park in South         ASPIRE program that has just been
     that traversed United States east        Dandenong, we ran a full breakfast       spun off from the Commonwealth
     coast for almost four months, laden      workshop discussing the benefits         Scientific and Industrial Research
     with New York City’s trash finally       of industrial symbiosis (waste as        Organisation (CSIRO), and of which
     found a home. The ‘mobro’ was a          input sharing between companies).        City of Greater Dandenong has been
     harbinger of a problem now being         We have run networking sessions          an early member. An online portal,
     seen across Australia – how do we        looking at waste water, even             it allows manufacturers (and others)
     manage our waste effectively?            prompting some manufacturers to          to flag their desire for a waste by-
                                              look at donating their cleaned, used     product as a raw input, or to flag a
     We must get smarter and more
                                              water during the last major drought,     waste product output for others to
     committed to ‘end of use value’
                                              and we have flagged the challenge        access. By reducing raw ingredient
     before things like Take Back
                                              of rising costs of waste disposal.       inputs at one end and the ‘to waste’
     Legislation become embedded in our
                                                                                       outputs at the other we create win-
     approach to consumption.                 But in the long run we need to
                                                                                       win-win outcomes.
                                              answer: should we be upgrading
     It can be argued that much of our
                                              the tech that already works for us?      You can contact SEBN for more
     problem is in our mindset – we see
                                              Should we be carrying a reusable         details about the ASPIRE portal
     unwanted goods as ‘rubbish’ first,
                                              bottle rather than buying more single    or go to www.aspiresme.com for
     ‘waste’ second, and ‘resource’ a
                                              use plastic? Is there some other use     further information.
SEBN (South East Business Networks)         13

It takes a village to raise a startup
Local entrepreneur, Riz Akhtar, is         ‘there has to be an easier way, there
a participant in the Ignite Greater        has to be a better way’. From that,
Dandenong program (funded by               he started to develop an idea that
LaunchVic) and has an innovative           would revolutionise the automotive
                                                                                        Interested in capability
startup in the automotive service          sector. Riz has used the program to          development and
sector. Riz is a strong advocate of        develop his business and ensure              sharing learnings with
the program and shared some of his         all facets are covered – including
thoughts on his experience to date.        financials, promotion, attracting
                                                                                        your peers?
                                           investors and customers and future-          If so, then get involved with SEBN –
“I’m involved in the startup and
                                           proofing his product.                        from CEO to Production with activities
entrepreneurship space. In the
                                                                                        for all.
south east we have so much talent,         “Now the community exists and you
we have hubs popping up like the           have that support that didn’t exist a        Specific networks that meet regularly to
Ignite program. The best thing is the      couple of years ago. If you’re thinking      enhance and embed learnings include:
mentorship - to help founders with         about checking out the Ignite
                                                                                        • Manufacturing Leadership (targeting
ideas, solving real problems and           program, really get involved with the
                                                                                          CEO/Senior Management)
taking them to the next level. I’ve        community because it takes a village
been in the ecosystem for about four       to raise a startup,” he said.                • Manufacturing ‘Xcellents’ (targeting
plus years and I haven’t come across                                                      production managers / shop floor
                                           SEBN is always looking for business
many programs that offer that,” said                                                    • SEQN (South East Quality
                                           speakers for our masterclasses
Mr Akhtar.                                                                                & CI Network)
                                           and mentoring. If you would like
An engineer by trade, Riz started          to be involved, contact the team at          • Workplace Health & Safety
his business journey by thinking           ignitegreaterdandenong.cgd.vic.gov.au        • Developing Young Leaders
                                                                                        • SE Women in Business
                                                                                        • CEO Series (quarterly)
Building future leaders for the region                                                  • CEO Mentoring (quarterly)
Professional development, confidence       those types of professionals, and            All enquiries to sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
building and knowledge sharing are         participate in a hands-on workshop           or SEBN Manager sandra.george@
the big benefits of SEBN’s Developing      environment.                                 cgd.vic.gov.au
Young Leaders Network, according to
                                           “Scott and I have grown through the
two local professionals.
                                           process together and benefited from
Human resources manager Rachelle           it. If I’m sitting at my desk and have a      LOOKING
Mechielsen and lawyer Scott Fitzgibbon     particular issue, I can pick up the phone     FOR
have been involved with the Network        and ask for his perspective. We’re now
since its 2016 launch and have since       looking for that next generation of
                                                                                         LOCAL
progressed to a more senior level within   leaders to come through.”                     TALENT?
their respective companies.
                                           Mr Fitzgibbon, Senior Associate
“The Developing Leaders Network            – Commercial for Macpherson
provides a fantastic way for young         Kelley, says, “The Network is an
leaders to develop their skills,” says     investment in your people. All of the
Ms Mechielsen, who works with              companies sending people to our
AL-KO International.                       sessions are motivated in seeing
                                           their potential new leaders grow and
“Young leaders are often isolated
                                           hopefully accelerate their ascent to a
within organisations – they might be
                                           leadership position.
the only one in their particular field
within an SME – so this also provides      “To have points of reference from            worklocalgreaterdandenong.com.au
an opportunity to really open up           around 15 companies around the               Register today to:
those peer networks.”                      region is one of the big advantages,
                                           I think.                                     • Place your vacancy on the portal
With the group meeting monthly                                                            free of charge
at no cost, Ms Mechielsen says a           “Another benefit is the quality of
challenge is communicating the             the presenters and content. The              • Access local job seekers
Network’s value to businesses so           workshops invite participation in real,      • Search resumes of registered job
they can enable their young leaders        practical issues of leadership facing          seekers.
to participate.                            emerging leaders,” Mr Fitzgibbon says.       For more information contact SEBN on:
“The beauty is that each meeting           For more information on                      Ph: 8571 1576
has a different topic focus and            SEBN and the Developing                      Email: sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au
expert guest speaker, so it’s a            Young Leaders network, email                 Work Local Greater Dandenong
very convenient way to access              sandra.george@cgd.vic.gov.au.
14

      Events calendar 2019
                 CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG RUN                               EXTERNALLY RUN
                 BUSINESS EVENTS                                             BUSINESS EVENTS

                 2 September                                                 25 September
                 Understanding Superannuation                                Business Breakfast: Samuel Johnson
     SEPTEMBER

                 26 September                                                Pakenham, Casey-Cardinia Business
                 Part 1: Introduction to Energy Management                   4 September
                                                                             Single Touch Payroll – introduction
                                                                             City of Kingston
                                                                             17 September
                                                                             Marketing your business
                                                                             City of Kingston

                 7 October                                                   OCTOBER IS
                 Part 2: Building a Business Case                            WORK SAFETY
                 (for energy efficiency)                                     MONTH
     OCTOBER

                 9 October
                 Worksafe Business Breakfast
                 23 October
                 Young Workers Breakfast
                 22 – 25 October
                 Small Business Bus visits Greater Dandenong
                                                                             22 October
                 29 October                                                  Victorian Manufacturing Showcase 2019 (VMS2019)
                 Cash Flow Improvements                                      Industry Capability Network Wantirna South

                 13 November                                                 12 + 13 November
                 Start me, Grow Me                                           Small Business Bus visiting Casey-Cardinia region
     NOVEMBER

                 29 November
                 Intellectual Property and International Brand Protection

                                              Please refer to the respective websites for full details
                                Greater Dandenong Business events - greaterdandenong.com/businessworkshops
                                                      Library events – Phone 1300 630 920
                                         External run events - please visit the respective Council website.

      Small Business Bus visiting Greater Dandenong this October
      Operated by Small Business                       Tour dates
      Victoria, the Small Business Bus visits
      Melbourne and regional Victoria as               Tuesday 22 October                       Thursday 24 October
      a ‘travelling office on wheels’.                 Parkmore Shopping Centre,                Buckingham Avenue, Springvale
                                                       Keysborough                              (near Multicultural Place)
      This service offers friendly, professional
      assistance and expert advice from an             Wednesday 23 October                     Friday 25 October
      experienced business mentor from the             Harmony Square, Dandenong                Dandenong Market carpark,
      Small Business Mentoring Service.                (Corner of Lonsdale and Walker Street)   Dandenong
The Fine Food Holdings team
                                                                                                                                15

 A Cracker of a company now
 Manufacturing in Dandenong
Dandenong South is the new home            through innovation and creativity         and have additional delicious
of Fine Food Holdings (FFH), a             according to CEO, Todd Wilson.            innovations planned for release
division of Gourmet Food, after an                                                   by October.
                                           “Already, Fine Food Holdings is
investment of over $10 million in new                                                “As an Australian food manufacturer,
                                           acknowledged as a deli market leader
manufacturing facilities.                                                            we are proud of our achievements
                                           in premium crackers within Australia
The custom-designed operation more         and New Zealand,” says Mr Wilson.         and excited about how the larger
than doubles its previous Keysborough                                                capacity and creative flexibility of our
                                           FFH also gained recognition as Top
capacity with FFH - believing it will be                                             new premises will enable us to take
                                           Ranked Supplier 2018 in the Australian    our future plans to greater heights
able to manufacture the largest range
                                           Grocery Deli Category of the Advantage    globally,” explains Mr Wilson.
of premium crackers products under
                                           Report, a “360-degree survey” that sets
one roof globally.                                                                   The move to Dandenong South
                                           the supplier performance benchmark
Gourmet Food’s journey as                  across the retail sector.                 from Keysborough enabled easy
                                                                                     relocation for all employees.
the ‘entertaining’ specialists             Set for success
                                                                                     “As new product development plans
Following the success of MaxFoods          Mr Wilson attributes the company’s        are implemented and new markets
and its Ocean Blue seafood brand –         success to a strong focus on building     are tapped, we will be in a better
an importing food business launched        retail partnerships and understanding     position to continue to grow our
in 2009 – the business owners              the demands of consumers.                 current 250-strong workforce.
identified an opportunity to diversify
from ‘seafood entertaining’ to the         “The premium OB Finest ranges are         “While Australian and New Zealand
‘entertaining deli cracker’ market.        certainly an Australian favourite. They   markets continue to grow, we
                                           embrace various cracker styles from       already have export commitments
FFH’s production began in                  wafer crackers to specialty crackers      from retailers in the USA, United
Keysborough in early 2015. From the        such as Cranberry & Pumpkin Seed          Kingdom, Chile, Canada, Hong Kong,
outset, FFH sought to manufacture          and Fig & Almond.                         Ireland, Singapore and South Korea,
not only the most appealing, quality                                                 with other counties on the horizon,”
deli crackers, but also ones that lead     “Recently we launched OB Finest
                                                                                     explains Mr Wilson.
                                           Parmesan Crisps and 3 Seed Crisps

Transforming Springvale Road into a Boulevard
The Springvale Boulevard Project
will transform Springvale Road into a
signature boulevard, reinforcing the
shopping district as one of Melbourne’s
leading cultural destinations.
Council conducted extensive
community consultation to gain ideas
for Springvale Road’s future. From
the input of over 1,000 participants,
a design proposal for Springvale
Boulevard has been developed which
reflects the community’s aspirations.      Once a contractor is appointed,           on Council’s website and by direct
Improvements include widened               construction is expected to               engagement with affected traders.
footpaths for pedestrians and trader       commence in 2020. When                    For further information visit http://
activities, new garden beds, more          construction dates are set, the           www.greaterdandenong.com/
trees, more seating, improved street       Springvale community will be              aboutspringvaleblvd
lighting and new public artwork.           provided regular project updates
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CONTACT                            Views expressed by individual contributors       CONNECT
                                   in this publication do not necessarily reflect
Greater Dandenong Business         the views of the City of Greater Dandenong.        /greaterdandenong
Dandenong Civic Centre
                                   Material from Talking Business, Greater            /cityofgreaterdandenong
225 Lonsdale Street                Dandenong‘s business news, may be
Dandenong, Victoria 3175           reproduced for non-commercial purposes             /greaterdandy
Ph: 8571 1550                      provided the source is acknowledged, for
www.greaterdandenong.com           example, ‘This material first appeared in
business@cgd.vic.gov.au            the City of Greater Dandenong’s Talking
                                   Business publication, September 2019'.
Catherine Cunningham
Talking Business Editorial         To receive your copy of
Ph: 8571 1455                      Talking Business electronically,
business@cgd.vic.gov.au            email business@cgd.vic.gov.au
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