22 September 2008

Bright sunny greetings, Reader,

It’s the sort of day when colours seem just a little brighter, the air feels fresher, and the b%*#&y birds start squawking at some ungodly hour – at least, before civilised people should be awakened.

The big news of the past week – apart from the odd Trillion bucks Bush is throwing around – was the launch of The Glasshouse performances, with Oz Opera’s rendition of Madame Butterfly. Congratulations to the Glasshouse team for a sensational taste of things to come. Congratulations also to Panthers Port Macquarie for supporting this paradigm-changing event in Port Macquarie.

Those of us who sat enthralled as the wonderful cast from Oz Opera (the touring arm of Opera Australia) performed Madame Butterfly can’t wait until our purpose-built venue is completed. While Panthers went “above and beyond” in providing a venue and support at a time of need, the auditorium is unarguably inadequate in both physical structure and acoustic properties for such a performance. What these performances achieved is confirmation – if any was still needed – that strong demand exists in Port Macquarie for quality cultural entertainment, and the desperate need for our purpose-built concert (and convention) theatre.

As an appetite-whetter we couldn’t have done better than Oz Opera’s Madame Butterfly. Well done The Glasshouse team, and congratulations to National Sponsor of Oz Opera, Australia Post!

On a less happy note, I had the experience of sitting for lunch yesterday with a person who represented, to me, most of the traits we can live without in this community. The person demonstrated the most bitter and twisted racism I have ever encountered, combined with the most incredibly blinkered views on change and progress. He strongly espoused his pride in the white anglo-saxon dominance in Port Macquarie, and his hostility toward any form of change, especially any increase in non-white (WAS) population because “they don’t know their place”.

Interestingly, the same individual was as vitriolic about infrastructure change. Almost every topic, whether expansion of tourism, expansion of retail areas, waterfront redevelopment or lifestyle changes (café culture, etc) was treated with the same derision. Needless to say, mention of The Glasshouse brought on near apoplexy. In short, this “gentleman” would like Port Macquarie to remain as it was when (should I say the day after) he arrived in the 1960’s – a white, sleepy backwater.

Of course, I imagine the “gentleman” enjoys the increased and improved services and facilities – health, medical, financial, commercial, energy and water, etc – that have been implemented since 1960. He is totally blinkered in his likes and dislikes, and his “world view” would benefit from a bit of travel. (I actually did resist the overwhelming desire to say “You don’t get out much, do you?”)

Sadly, I know that he is not alone in his attitudes, though I would hope that his is the most extreme form I’ll ever encounter. I strongly believe that it is up to us, as an aware and progressive business community, to offer ideas, suggestions and behaviour models, and work to counter such attitudes. For Greater Port Macquarie to prosper, we absolutely need (managed and controlled) growth and development. We certainly need the richness of cultural diversity, and evolution of a more tolerant and accepting society if we are to continue to “ride on the tourist’s back”. It’s up to us.

Whew! That was heavy for a Monday.
Time to move on to this week’s announcements, and we have a really eclectic mix this week:

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Port Macquarie Community College

Responsible Service of Alcohol
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHBFB09B -Provide responsible service of alcohol from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations) and a Certificate from the Liquor Administration Board. The LAB Certificate is required for employment in the industry.
810W002 Wed Oct 1st 1 session 9am-4pm $90

Responsible Conduct of Gambling
Provider No. 90886 LAB Approved. Participants will receive a Statement of Attainment THHADG03B - Provide responsible gambling services from Certificate II in Hospitality (Operations).
810W003 Thu Oct 2nd 1 session 9am-4pm $90

Food Hygiene & Safety
This course covers safe food handling and safe storage, effective use of detergents and sanitisers, waste and pest control. Includes an overview of how the food safety legislation will affect you. Meets Food Safety Program requirements. Successful participants will gain Statement of Attainment THHGHS01B – Follow workplace hygiene procedures from Certificate III in Hospitality (Operations).
810W008 Fri Oct 10th 1 session 9am-3pm $105

Colourful Insights into Communication
Here is an opportunity to gain a communication tool which not only achieves results but creates an entertaining, dynamic and unforgettable professional development experience. Based on the research of Carl Yung this workshop introduces an easy to understand communication tool through which to identify and celebrate existing strengths and emerging human potential. At the same time it promotes self awareness. The true colours metaphor demonstrated in this workshop can easily be used to identity learning needs in students and respond, motivate and work collaboratively with the personality styles of managers, colleagues, customers and family.
810W007 Tue Sep 30th 1 session 9am-4pm $98

MYOB Advanced Workshop
This short course will enhance your existing skills in MYOB with GST Reports BASlink, jobs, time billing, customising MYOB, forms, useful reports and report batches, designing, filtering, saving reports, to do list, contact log, entering transactions directly in the register, invoicing/sales tips and how to use inventory items creatively. Time is also allowed to cover topics raised by students.
809C001 Mon Sep 22nd to Oct 20 4 sessions 9am-12pm $148

Training for the Workplace
Enquire about customised training for your workplace. Update the skills of your staff and management.
Contact the College Program Co-ordinator on 6583 7288 to discuss your training needs.

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Hastings BEC networking Breakfast – Thursday 9th October

Welcome to Mercure Centro Hotel, Port Macquarie (on the corner of William and Murray Streets).
We’ll be on the rooftop to enjoy the fantastic Spring weather and the great views. (under cover in the unthinkable event of rain)

Sponsored by Adam Roberts’ Digital Design & Poster Studio.
This will be a breakfast focused on networking and socialising. Only a couple of brief announcements, a short presentation by Adam, and then over to you.

RSVP to admin@hastingsbec.com.au

As usual, Members $20 – Visitors and Guests $25

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Howards Storage World and Perfectly Organised join forces for a Spring Clean Up. So, if you’ve been wanting to get organised, clear the clutter & reduce your housework, NOW is the time!

Barbara Batt of Howards Storage World and Glenda Hamilton of Perfectly Organised, are starting a series of organizing workshops to empower people to de-clutter and spring clean. We will share some simple tips and tricks to help you sort, purge and maintain order. We will also demonstrate some great spring clean products & ideas to help make your life easier & your home better organised.

It will be a fun night – there will be a glass of bubbly/beer to help us along – and lucky door prizes, including a 3 hour organising session with Glenda of Perfectly Organised.

We invite you (& any friends you would like to invite) to a repeat of out first Organizing Workshop which will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday 30th September 2008
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Place: Howard Storage World Store
Port Home Zone
Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie
Cost: FREE
RSVP: by Friday 26 September
To the shop on 6584 3500 (numbers are limited)

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An award winning (BEC Member) health practice is seeking an organised and vibrant person for an Administration role.
The skills required include:

? A high standard of customer service skills.
? Proficient skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
? Professional and friendly telephone manner.
? Ability to take initiative.
? Be innovative.
? Ability to work within a small team.

Medical reception skills are welcomed. The position is part time with the possibility of increased hours.

If you can demonstrate the skills listed and are looking at creating an opportunity for yourself and our team please send your resume addressing the above skills to PO Box 8042, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

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Liz Giles has sent me a good news media release to announce that…

Cassegrain Wines was today officially appointed as the EXCLUSIVE wine supplier to Sydney Olympic Park.

The submission put forward to the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre highlighted the fact that Cassegrain Wines enjoy the benefit of being able to focus on selected high quality wines that have limited exposure to any major discounting. The winery has been selected, following submissions from numerous other Australia wide producers, to provide high quality wines for the duration of a 5 year contract term.

You can download the full Media Release here: www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/cassnews.doc

Congratulations Cassegrain!

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A Woman’s Heart Breakfast Series
Presented by Mid Coast Care, with support from Focus Magazine and Rydges Port Macquarie

Booking enquiries to Liz on 0427 085 801 or Jo on 6581 3303

Sonia Richardson McNamara Author, Guest Speaker $ 25.00
September 24, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Roz Baker Author, Bush Poet, Guest Speaker $ 25.00
October 17, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Donna Carson Author, Burns Survivor $ 25.00
November 14, 2008
Hot breakfast served 7am
Speaker commencing 7.30am

Book Your Seats Today!
Phone Liz on 0427 085 801 (Mon, Tues) or Jo on 6581 3303 (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

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Tacking Point School has a Tournament of the Mind (TOM) team that won the NSW titles.
They are looking for sponsorship to help them get to the National Titles, to be held in Melbourne on 25 October 2008.

The school is looking for corporate sponsorship to assist in getting the 7 students and their teacher to the titles.

Competing at this level requires considerable expense for both the students and school community and assistance is being sought to help the team offset these costs. Sponsorship of around $7,000 is required.

This is the first time Tacking Point has had a team win the State Titles. This result is an outstanding effort for a Public School and should be congratulated and supported.

Businesses interested in assisting or discussing sponsorship arrangements should contact the Principal, Terry Robinson on 6582 3479.

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Bush Dance
to benefit Kendall Little Athletics Inc.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Kendall School of Arts Hall, Coymbone St , Kendall

Music by ‘Bago Drovers’

BYO drinks and food - BBQ’s are available for cooking
Bookings are essential as seats are limited

Family :- $30, Double :- $20, Single :- $15

Doors open 6.00pm. Band starts at 7.00pm

Tickets available at Kendall CTC
For more details and bookings: Phone: 65594497 or Mobile: 0418251569

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Chris Newton, of Marketing Help Online, has made contact with BECs to promote his online business.

“Marketing Help Online’ encapsulates decades of testing what works best to market small businesses, and gives you the answers on a platter. It is a business owner’s dream toolkit, an ideas factory, and even a staff members training tool, all rolled into one. Accessible online, it gives you an abundance of processes that lift your daily success rate.

Renowned author of the system, Chris Newton, has put his money back guarantee in writing. That Marketing Help Online WILL work for you (as long as you work with it).” Find out how to get it at ( www.marketinghelponline.com.au/BEC004 )

Download the brochure with full details from www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/BEC004.pdf (warning 2 MB file)

Declaration of interest: If you choose to enrol with Marketing Help Online, Hastings BEC will receive a small referral fee (commission).

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Finally, I’ve received a newsletter from Melinda and Steve Robinson, who are busily settled in Uganda. Their newsletter and an order form for their Christmas gift offerings can be downloaded here www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/opendoorsnov08.pdf and www.hastingsbec.com.au/downloads/opendoorsorder.doc

I’m finalising arrangements to send a box of hand-powered torches to Mel and Steve soon, on your behalf. Any late donations are welcome.

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If you enjoy your HBEC Membership, and you enjoy our activities,
try to encourage another business to become a member. We have room for growth.

And that’s it for yet another week in sun-soaked Port Mac.
Don’t forget to welcome the Endeavour replica into port tomorrow morning.