Greetings Reader,
I’ve just enjoyed reading the most recent (very interesting) PM Chamber of Commerce newsletter (available online at www.portchamber.com.au if you missed it) and I particularly agree with the findings regarding the benefits to businesses of older workers (well, I would, wouldn’t I!). Nearing 58, I sure don’t feel “over the hill”, and I think I still have something of value to contribute.
Since arriving in Port Macquarie nearly 2 ½ years ago, I’ve been intrigued by the great number of people, especially those in the 45 to 60 age group, working way below their capability and qualifications. I understand that this is often a personal choice, made for lifestyle reasons, but it suggests to me a terrible waste of talent that could be harnessed more productively. I would like to take on a challenge this year to try to find ways to draw on this wealth of available talent to help less experienced business people in this region.
I know that very often small and medium businesses can’t afford to send staff to the sort of skills development seminars and workshops that are commonplace for government and large corporates’ staff. Perhaps there is an opportunity here for the BEC (without crushing the toes of commercial training providers) to try to make some skills development more affordably available for staff of members. Any suggestions welcome!
Congratulations to Patron Member Holiday Coast Credit Union on the opening of their new Service Centre with Travelworld in Settlement City Shopping Centre. And also for HCCU’s sponsorship of Travelworld Holiday and Cruise Expo, tomorrow Tuesday 22nd January, from 10am till 7pm at Panthers Port Macquarie.
Last Thursday’s HBEC Networking Breakfast was very well attended, with 68 members and visitors hearing a variety of interesting presentations. Many thanks to Vickii Byram (from Port Central Shopping Centre!) for her generous donation of a $50 shopping voucher (won by Gary Jones), and to the guys from COMPASS financial management for revealing the truth of financial forward planning through the use of crystal spheres.
Pam Foye (WorkDirections) won a 4-pack of
Finally, thanks to Peter Loveday for his presentation about his campaign to preserve the ability of
Next month our breakfast falls on Valentine’s Day, so we will be sure to arrange something special. Don’t miss it.
On with this week’s news:
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Free Information Night 20 Feb - 6:30pm-7:30pm
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAA40104) is available as an on-line course with regular face-to-face tutorials, and manuals are available to support learning.
Short courses available:
· Responsible Service of Alcohol – Tues Feb 12th 9am-4pm, $105
· Responsible Conduct of Gambling – Wed Feb 13th 9am-4pm, $105
· Bar Skills – Fri Feb 15th 9am-4pm, $105
· Manual Bookkeeping – Tues Feb 12th 6pm-8pm, $175
· Introduction to Payroll – Thurs Feb 28th 6pm-8pm, $175
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Please note that
Hastings BEC is funded principally from Member subscriptions, so we are reliant upon your subscription renewal (or new subscription!).
If you have not yet completed your 2008 subscription, please try to do so asap.
Please contact me ( admin@hastingsbec.com.au ) if you would like a new Membership Application / Renewal form.
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Hastings BEC is now sharing an online events calendar with other regional business networks, thanks to Joyer Consulting.
You can check the calendar on our website at www.hastingsbec.com.au/calendar.html
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Bring on the E-Jets
We are just 14 days from the start of Virgin Blue’s E-jet service to
At the moment the biggest hot-mix bitumen plant in
I noticed yesterday that the QANTASLink Dash 8 aircraft is wearing a shiny new paint scheme. Of course the runway extensions mean that QANTASLink will be able to service Port with the bigger Dash 8-400 aircraft, which will make more (and cheaper) seats available on their services, too. It’s all good!
How long will it be before we also enjoy a direct jet service to
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Nominations for the Hastings Business Women’s Network awards are now being accepted. The awards are designed to highlight and recognise the achievements and successes of women who have made an outstanding contribution in the
The range of categories include: Woman in Business, Unsung Hero, Young Achiever, Cultural and Creative. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on March 8, 2008 which coincides with International Women’s Day.
Nomination forms are available from:
HBWN website: www.hbwn.com.au
Port Macquarie - NBN, Port News, Snap Printing, Discovery Health and Fitness, Healthy Inspirations, Port Panthers and ANZ Bank-
Wauchope - Bennett’s Steel and GWM Conveyancers.
Laurieton - Commonwealth Bank and The Sandbar Restaurant.
Nominations close 1 February 2008.
For further information contact, Gale Oxenford, President, Hastings Business Women’s Network on 0432 304 714.
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Don’t forget the Wisborough Positive and Powerful Leadership Program
“We create a peaceful, reflective environment that encourages an easy and informal approach for an intense programme. We have a maximum of only 8 clients on each programme to allow us to meet individual needs, and to finely tune the work in a way that would not be possible with larger groups.”
Where & When? At Sails Resort on 12th, 13th & 26th February
The Cost? $950 + gst to include all materials, refreshments & lunches
What next? If you are interested and would like to know more e-mail wisborough@hdl.com.au or phone Gregg Faulkner at the BEC on 0265 833211
or after 23rd January you can phone 0408291136
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ANZ Blue Week Trivia Night
This is early notice, so you’ll have no excuse for missing it! ANZ Bank are proudly supporting Blue Week, in aid of the Oncology Unit at
A Trivia Night will be held from 7.00pm on Friday 22nd February, at The Westport Club.
Cost is only $15 each, or $100 for a table of 10.
Bookings to new ANZ Port Macquarie Manager, Debbie Kennedy. Email debbie.kennedy@anz.com or phone 6583 2011.
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BCU – Free Seminar on Home Loans, Insurance and Conveyancing
Patron Member BCU is offering First Home Buyers the chance to attend a FREE seminar covering Homes, Loans, Insurance and Conveyancing with a guest speaker from a local real estate, insurance company, solicitor and BCU presenting on the night.
Date is the evening of 29th January, 6.00pm till 8.00pm in the Hastings Room at Quality Resort Sails.
RSVP is essential so book now to avoid disappointment call BCU on 6583 9555 or visit Betty and Sue at
Refreshments and lucky door prize on the night.
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New course in Media and Communication
TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute is offering the 2144VIC Diploma in Communication and Media at Port Macquarie Campus in 2008.
The one year full time course includes writing and editing, interviewing, publishing and multimedia skills. Would be journalists, writers and public relations consultants will find plenty of practical activities to develop their skills through this course.
For further information and enrolment applications contact TAFE on 131601.
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And finally, a combination dear to my heart… Good wine and 60’s music!
Douglas Vale will be holding a “
Entertainment will be provided by –
“Folded Arts” (7 piece band) including Michelle Styles. Popular Golden oldies from the 60s & 70s including Vintage Rock & Roll Music
Meals: BBQ sausage, steak sandwiches – From $2.50 Or cold meat & cheese Plate – From $7.50
Refreshments: Soft Drink cans $1.50 Bottled water $1.50
Wines: Tasting & Sales Available on the day
No BYO Wine permitted (but I assume a BYO bottle or two of Wicked Elf Wit Bier would be in order… ;-)
Seating: Bring a rug or chair
Entry: $6 Adults - Pre – purchase
At the Gate $7 Adults - Children under 12 Free
Gate Opens:
Tickets Available from:
The Visitors Information Centre
Cnr. Gordon & Gore Sts. Port
Ph: 1300 303155. Open 7 days per week.
And at -
Douglas Vale Vineyard –
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And that’s about it for another week in Blissville.
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