It hasn’t taken long for Brendan Mimis, who has an intellectual disability, to see “the grass is greener on the other side” at Lynwood Country Club.

The 20-year-old from South Windsor is a graduate of NOVA Employment’s Transition to Work program, which enables trainees to participate in a nationally recognised training program and provides them with exposure to a wide range of employment options.

Brendan’s employment forms part of an industry-wide initiative with clubs partnering with the NSW Government’s Department of Family and Community Services to develop positive community attitudes, inclusiveness and meaningful employment opportunities for people living with a disability.

Lynwood Country Club, in Sydney’s North West, employed Brendan through NOVA in search of a groundsman.

Matthew Bailey, Brendan’s supervisor from Lynwood Country Club, said that employing a person with disability has been great for team morale.

“Employing Brendan has been a really positive experience for the work shed and the boys are proud of giving a young man a go who might not otherwise have been given a chance,” he said.

“As soon as we found jobs that Brendan could do well, his confidence increased and he became a valued member of our team.

“From my experience, employers just have to be flexible and make sure you identify the roles the person can do and NOVA is always there to help.”

“We greatly value our inclusive employment strategies through our venues in the Hills, Parramatta and Hawkesbury local government areas that are reflective of our communities,” he said.

Brendan, works 20 hours a week over five days and his tasks include collecting driving-range balls and setting up the golf course.

For Brendan, his new role at the picturesque Lynwood golf course makes him feel more confident and responsible.

“My life is so much better now because I am doing something every day and I love my job outside because I couldn’t be cramped up in an office,” he said.

Minister for Disability Services, The Hon. John Ajaka MLC, said that clubs have an important role to play to help find meaningful employment opportunities for people living with a disability.

“Clubs can help change attitudes and behaviours around people living with a disability to ensure they are made to feel included in the community,” he said.

“The relationships clubs share with their local groups help enhances the quality of life for those living with a disability through social interaction and inclusion, and it is this support that raises community awareness and education.

“We look forward to working with ClubsNSW to build and strengthen the ways clubs across the state engage and reflect the needs of people living with a disability in their communities.”

Dominic Perrottet MP, local Member for Hawkesbury, commended NOVA and local clubs for their important work and congratulated Brendan on a job well done.

“I’m pleased to hear that Brendan has found meaningful and enjoyable work and has excelled at his job,” he said.  “Thanks to the efforts of NOVA and local clubs Brendan and other people with disability are able to experience the confidence, dignity, and independence that come with work.”

Image: L to R

Martin Wren CEO Nova Employment

David O’Neil CEO Castle Hill RSL Group

Dominic Perrottet Member for Hawskesbury, Minister for Finance, Services & Property NSW

Anthony Ball CEO Clubs NSW

Brendan Mimis Lynwood Country Club

Amidst the talk of Australia’s pending ideas boom, and the recently released National Innovation and Science Agenda, it was inevitable that the R&D tax regime would get yet another review. As Australia’s primary and ongoing innovation driver, the R&D tax incentive regime is once again being reviewed to identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and integrity of the regime.

The scheme’s transformation from the R&D Tax Concession to the Incentive in 2011/2012 was the first stage in targeting it to organisations that most needed the assistance to innovate their products, technologies and services.  The $100M R&D Expenditure cap introduced in 2014/2015 for larger claimants assisted in weighting the incentive in favour of small to medium enterprises.  The current review will look to focus the incentive towards funding additionality in organisation’s R&D.

The review is seeking input on its Issues Paper released on 10 February 2016 with input due by 29 February 2016. 

The review considers the following key areas:

· Rates and thresholds: the tax offset rates are intended to encourage R&D investment by lowering the price of R&D with a focus on helping smaller companies. The review is considering restrictions to the types of eligible R&D expenditure

· Definition of eligible R&D: the definition is intended to filter ‘genuine’ R&D projects that are likely to deliver benefits to the broader Australian economy

· Timing of administration: because companies register their R&D and claim the benefit after the decision to undertake the R&D project, the registration process may have a smaller impact on R&D project investment decisions and additionality than would otherwise be the case.  Pre-registration is contemplated as a method of increasing additionality.

The reviews focus areas are a consequence of:

   - The increasing costs of the regime,

   - Feedback from a recent AusIndustry survey issued to R&D tax claimants, and

   - Feedback from R&D tax advisors.

Given the Government’s fiscal constraints, the increasing cost of the regime is a key driver of the review. With the consultation process, the Government is effectively seeking a more cost-effective process to encourage a culture of innovation that delivers benefits to the Australian economy in terms of revenue, jobs and long-term stability through a diversified economy.

The timeframe for responses to the Issues Paper is short. However, it is imperative that claimants contribute their thoughts and experiences with the R&D tax scheme to enable the Government to make changes based on a complete view of the current R&D tax incentive regime.

KPMG will provide specific feedback to the review and will welcome suggestions from claimants if they wish to have input into the review without directly making submissions.

The review expects to report to Government in April 2016, which implies a new incentive model may be presented at the May Federal Budget.

Reference

Review and Issues Paper – Department of Industry, Innovation and Science website – http://www.business.gov.au

Contact
Shaira Ismail, R&D Tax Senior Manager, KPMG 

P: +61 2 9335 7725 

E: shairaismail@kpmg.com.au

Novotel Sydney Parramatta is set and ready to take on 2016 with all force after recently completing a refresh to their accommodation rooms in December, launching their new 350 Restaurant & Lounge in October and refurbishment to all conference and events areas.

From the moment you step into the lobby of Novotel, you experience the welcoming atmosphere from the new lobby and restaurant furnishings which continues through to the accommodation rooms. The revamp of all 194 accommodation rooms, including the Executive and Spa Suites was completed in December 2015 and includes the addition of new red furnishings that complement the vibrant splashbacks in every guest bathroom.

Stephen Wills, General Manager of Novotel Sydney Parramatta, says we have received great feedback on the fresh new look of the accommodation rooms and guests are really enjoying the comfort of the new furnishings. These quality finishes create a comfortable and modern escape for corporate and leisure travellers alike.

Novotel invites everyone to come and experience their new areas and while you are there grab a bite from their new mouth – watering menus in the 350 Restaurant & Lounge with friends after work or before heading to a show at Riverside Theatres. Novotel has big plans for the year ahead, with involvement in major events with Parramatta Council, Riverside Theatres, Pirtek Stadium and other partners in Western Sydney.

Visit www.novotelparramatta.com.au to explore the rooms and new menu and restaurant further. 

DibbsBarker is delighted to officially launch its National “People & Workplace” team, playing host to both industry experts and in-house Counsel, HR & business leaders for cocktails at newly renovated CBD offices on 24 February 2016.

The evening is set to go off with a bang, with keynote TedX Speaker, Clare Madden.  As many will know, Clare is highly regarded in her insights on emerging trends including “next-gen” workforce, collaborative innovation & intergenerational engagement.

Dibbs People & Workplace focuses on this emerging area of law, understanding that the rising mobility of people and changing patterns of work have an impact on organisational structure and culture.

Organisations need innovative solutions for their most valuable asset – their people.  To fully seize the opportunity presented by an evolving world, organisations will require radically new thinking about how to survive and thrive in a new era of business.

Employment law and how best to use it as a solution and a risk avoidance tool is gaining momentum in the boardroom. The DibbsBarker People & Workplace team can help you pursue cultural excellence, make the most of your talent and create magnetism. 

We will redefine your risk and help you to differentiate your organisation through your people experience.

For more information on our DibbsBarker People & Workplace team visit us on: http://www.dibbsbarker.com/service/People_and_Workplace/default.aspx

As an introduction to our practices refreshing new approach, following is a link to recent blogs published by one of our People & Workplace partners @FayCalderone:

We look forward to joining the @WestSydConnect conversation and collaborating with WSBC members and guests at upcoming events.

• Applications for the 2016 St.George Kick Start Your Start-Up Grants program are now open

• For the first time, four grant recipients will be provided with $25,000 each to kick start their business

• 12 finalists will pitch their business idea at TEDxSydney 

St.George Bank is inviting local businesses around Australia to take part in its annual Kick Start Your Start-Up Grants program, with a total of $100,000 to be awarded to entrepreneurs to help turn their business dreams into reality.

For the first time, St.George is extending the value of the grants to $25,000 each so four grant recipients have more funds to put behind their business. The grants will specifically focus on small businesses and start-ups that are passionate about innovation and have been running for less than three years or are yet to start.

Cathy Yuncken, General Manager Business Banking, St.George Banking Group says the Bank has a long, proud history of supporting small businesses and start-ups.

“Since inception in 2014, the St.George kick start program has helped small business owners by providing $200,000 in grants to back great Australian ideas. We are absolutely committed to small business and I’m thrilled to announce that in 2016 we will increase our grants from $10,000 to $25,000 to enable entrepreneurs to access the capital they need to start and grow their business.”

“We’re calling on passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to take the plunge with interesting and new concepts, or even ground-breaking products and services to apply.”

As part of St.George’s partnership with TEDxSydney, the 12 finalists will have the opportunity to bring their business ideas to life with an elevator pitch at TEDxSydney in front of judges and a live audience on May 25.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to hone their pitching skills and put their most innovative and creative ideas forward – the program includes pre-event presentation training from the TedX team to prepare each entrepreneur for a winning pitch,” Cathy added.

TEDxSydney Director and Licensee Remo Giuffré, said "I was really happy to hear of the decision by our Principal Partners at St.George Bank up the ante this year for the Kick Start grants. $25,000 is a significant amount of money for a start up at the early stage. I look forward to seeing what ideas get pitched at the Sydney Opera House within the creative maelstrom of TEDxSydney 2016."

Applications are open to businesses across NSW, QLD, WA and ACT and will be judged by a panel of St.George business managers and external industry experts.

Applications are open until 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Tuesday 29 March 2016. The top 11 finalists will be announced on 17 April 2016 and will deliver their elevator pitches at TEDxSydney on 25 May 2016 at the Sydney Opera House.

To check grant eligibility criteria and apply, please visit: www.stgeorge.com.au/kickstart

Ronald McDonald House Westmead is teaming up with the Western Sydney Wanderers FC to bring you and a group of your mates the opportunity of a lifetime!

Simply click here to DONATE NOW for your chance to WIN!

For every $5 donated, you will receive 1 entry into the draw.

With all funds raised going to Ronald McDonald House Westmead, your entries will also be helping to make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children.

Don’t miss the opportunity to train with one of the games elite!

Terms and Conditions Apply:

To enter the competition you must donate online to Ronald McDonald House Westmead's WSW Donate to Win Campaign via Everyday Hero.  For every $5 donated you will receive one entry into the draw. The more you donate the more entries you receive into the draw.

Competition will commence on the 4/2/2016 and close at 2pm on 24/3/2016.

1st prize consists of a training session with Brendon Santalab. Training session is for one hour duration and limited to a maximum of 15 participants with the date and Sydney Metropolitan location to be mutually acceptable according to Brendon Santalab's schedule. 2nd prize consists of 4 tickets to the Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Central Coast Mariners Game on the 1st April, 2016 at Pirtek Stadium. 3rd prize is one Signed & Framed Official Western Sydney Wanderers FC Team Print.  4th prize is one 'Red & Black' Diamondback Mountain Bike. All prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash. Winners will be notified by the phone number provided through the Everyday Hero donation.

Random draw will take place at 3pm EDST on Thursday 24th March 2016 at Ronald McDonald House Westmead. All funds raised go to Ronald McDonald House Westmead.

• Newly established Steering Committee developing action plan to deliver against economic blueprint for Western Sydney
• Steering Committee to work with Strategy Champions, business and government leaders to drive the region’s jobs growth over the next five years

The Designing Western Sydney Steering Committee is meeting for the first time on Tuesday 2nd February, coming together with the Strategy Champions (including the WSBC CEO, Michael Sugg), announced by the Hon. Stuart Ayres, MP at a 400 strong business and community event in Western Sydney at the end of last year. This inaugural leadership workshop marks the start of an unprecedented collaboration and commitment to deliver 200,000 great new jobs for Western Sydney by 2020.

The Deloitte authored report Shaping Future Cities: Designing Western Sydney was endorsed and launched by the NSW Premier, the Hon Mike Baird MP, at Rosehill Gardens in Parramatta in December 2015. This economic blueprint examines Western Sydney’s comparative strengths and provides a roadmap to help businesses, communities and local councils capitalise on these strengths at a time when Western Sydney is booming.

The Steering Committee, comprised of business and government leaders, including the Hon. Stuart Ayres, MP, will guide and support the Champions as they lead the blueprint’s 25 strategies and progress implementation of associated recommendations throughout 2016.

The impact of the blueprint is already delivering positive results, with a number of recommendations being put into effect, including the establishment of a Western Sydney University campus at Olympic Park. The NSW Government’s decision to locate the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) in Parramatta, and move the Department of Education there, highlights its commitment to bringing jobs to the West. The importance of connectivity has also been recognised through the NSW Government’s recent announcement around the Parramatta Light Rail, with its commitment to implement this new infrastructure through value sharing further demonstrating its backing of the Designing Western Sydney blueprint.

“It’s fantastic to see such progress at this early stage and with the Steering Committee meeting and being connected with the Champions for the first time today, we will start to see much more,” said Danny Rezek, Deloitte Western Sydney Managing Partner and co-author of the blueprint.

“With the calibre of leaders we are working with and their unwavering commitment to delivering the blueprint recommendations, we are excited about achieving the vision we have set out for Western Sydney,” he went on to say.

The Steering Committee will meet monthly, with Champions regularly reporting on progress against the 25 strategies. The Steering Committee itself will provide updates to the now up and running Greater Sydney Commission, led by Chief Commissioner and Western Sydney advocate Lucy Turnbull, AO, as well as the heads of several key State Government Agencies.

Deloitte partner and blueprint author, Theo Psychogios, said: “We will continue to involve our 400+ stakeholders throughout the year and share our progress. But the real measure of success will be our annual report card, which will evaluate progress against the delivery of the blueprint recommendations and be shared with the community at the end of the year.

“Accountability is key to our success in delivering jobs for Western Sydney and enabling the region to become the NSW economic powerhouse it has the potential to be. We have the backing of the NSW Government and importantly the support of the NSW Premier and Minister Ayres, as demonstrated by their presence at the launch of the blueprint and Minister Ayres’ ongoing commitment to his role on the Steering Committee.

“The Steering Committee and Champions are not simply figureheads but are on the ground, working together and with business, government and the community to build platforms for jobs growth, to create jobs and to connect local people with these jobs.

“We’re keen to build on the current momentum and early successes. Following today’s initial meeting and leadership workshop we look forward to making further announcements on progress around areas including healthcare and education, tourism and skills development, so watch this space,” commented Psychogios.

It was in February (actually on Valentine’s Day) last year that we launched our Building Love Campaign to raise awareness and $31M in funds to build the new Ronald McDonald House Westmead.

As we stand today, we’re over $22M towards our target, we’ve started the construction, and we’re confident of occupying the new House in 18 months or so. In the meantime however, we’re still in our current House and given the fact that it’s now over 20 years old and accommodates hundreds and hundreds of people each year, maintenance and upkeep is one of our key daily challenges.

We want to provide the very best for the families staying with us. It’s our Home and we’re proud of it. Maybe you can help us?

Can I ask you to think about whether you have any time (and skills) to help us in this area, or maybe you know someone who would love to help us out if only they were asked? Maybe you’re a Tradie and can spare a couple of hours every so often to help us when things do go wrong.

Please do get in touch if this is the case.

Regards,

Mike

Tel: (02) 9845 0600 

Email: rmh@rmhwestmead.org.au

Venue: WatervieW in Bicentennial Park

Date: Friday 12.00pm, 11 March 2016 

RSVP: Friday 26 February 2016 via: 

Online: visit www.boystown.com.au/celebratethewest

E-mail: Complete the form below and e-mail to sanmiguel@boystown.com.au 

Celebrate the West will treat you to a fantastic afternoon of superb food, entertainment and inspiring stories.  The day includes entertainment by the legendary Daryl Braithwaite, a not-to-be-missed selection of raffle items and a comedy-filled auction by Vince Sorrenti and Richard Callendar. Hosted by Bryan Brown, it will be a day to remember. 

Energy costs form a significant proportion of business operating costs. The Parramatta City Council is offering free workshops to help local businesses reduce their energy costs.

Attendees will receive expert independent advice on energy saving and solar opportunities and will be eligible to register for a free energy assessment for their business.