inmcommunity - local business

In it for the long haul

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FEW people can boast having had only one employer in their career, let alone spending more than 50 years with the same company.

Serpentine resident Ron Richards, however, has remained with construction company Cooper & Oxley for more than 53 years since he started his first job as a 15-year-old apprentice in 1959.

“I grew up with their family – they always looked after me,” he said.

“We are from the old school (of builders).”

Now the site manager for the Butler train station, Mr Richards has been involved in many major building projects around Perth and regional WA.

He started running his own sites in the late 1960s, while the company was based in Northam and before they had their first Perth project, the Belmont racecourse in 1974.

His portfolio of work includes the Rockingham hospital, Mandurah’s cultural centre, various hotels and schools.

He married his wife Iris in 1965 and they had a son and daughter, who have given them five grandchildren.

Mr Richards said for the first six months of the Butler train station project, he drove to work from their Serpentine home, but has since based himself with a friend from Mondays to Fridays, to avoid the commute, and goes home on weekends.

The couple live on acreage in Serpentine where they have horses, and both still compete in polocrosse events.

“Come September I’ll be 69 and I can still run 10km,” the grandfather said.

Show you like community

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THREE community projects in Mundaring have been selected by the local Bendigo Bank branch to enter the “You Like” Facebook campaign for a chance to win a cash prize.

Eastern Hills Senior High School, Mundaring Sharing and Sawyers Valley Primary School are eligible to receive the first prize of $5000 to support their projects.

Eastern Hills SHS would use the cash to film five scenarios of cyber safety and support networks for youth. Mundaring Sharing would like to buy adjustable benches, equipment and storage for its new manual arts centre and Sawyers Valley Primary would like to build garden beds for its students.

Mundaring Community Bank branch chairman Arthur Maddison said the project showed the commitment of the bank to supporting its local community.

Mr Maddison said casting a vote was easy.

“All you need to do is visit your local Bendigo Bank branch or go online,’’ he said.

“Every vote counts, so make sure you stand up and be counted for your community.”

Voting started on May 1 and runs until May 31.

For more information, go to tinyurl .com/ buzqnmt.

Pharmacist recognised as a leading role model

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A PASSION for community pharmacy and helping graduates to realise their potential as health professionals has seen a UWA tutor and PhD student honoured as a role model to others in her profession.

High Wycombe pharmacist Kim Watkins, whose independent pharmacy regularly takes UWA students for their clinical placements, was named the Five-star Role Model Pharmacist by the Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia.

The prestigious award is given to a society member who is considered inspirational to others in the profession.

Ms Watkins, who has taught and mentored young pharmacists for many years, described herself as a ‘garden-variety’ pharmacist with real-life experience who had entered academia to help students understand the value of their role in a changing health system.

“A lot of our work is about inspiring pharmacists to do better – to be health professionals and not just fall into the rut of being retailers and shopkeepers, which is often the perception out there in the community,” Ms Watkins said.

“I think pharmacists are so much more than that.”

She said she aimed to teach students that being an effective pharmacist wasn’t just about applying their university training, but about building relationships with people.

Ms Watkins said that with an increased focus in the health system on self-management, pharmacists had an important role to play in helping patients take care of themselves.

“You can have fantastic clinical knowledge, but you need to connect with people and understand what is important to them to make a difference,” Ms Watkins said.

Ms Watkins and her husband Steve Lewis have owned and run the High Wycombe Pharmacy for 12 years.

Alan’s building his way to the top

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MINDARIE bricklayer Alan Ramsden was practising his trade at the Global Skills Challenge in Midland last week.

The 18-year-old apprentice took part in last week’s competition as a warm up for the WorldSkills International

More than 160 Australian and international competitors were in Perth for the challenge between April 30 and May 3, including three WA apprentices, with events held at polytechnic campuses in Bentley, Carlisle and Midland.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Terry Redman said the event showcased some of Australia’s best up-and-coming workforce talent, as well as Perth’s training facilities.

“Our WA representatives are great talent and have worked hard to get where they are today,” Mr Redman said.

“They will be among more than 1000 of the world’s most talented skill and trade technicians under the age of 23, competing against 60 member countries in Germany, in July.”

Briefing held to boost local small business

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Department of Commerce recently hosted its sixth Business Development Information Briefing in Northam.

The briefings provide small to medium-sized local businesses with details about State and Commonwealth Government assistance programs and enable them to learn how to supply to major markets.

Since September last year, the briefings have been conducted in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Albany, Collie, Mandurah and Northam. They form part of the State Government’s approach to local industry participation, implemented by the Industry, Science and Innovation |Division.

The Department of Commerce also provides an Industry Facilitation Support Program, which exclusively targets small to medium-sized business based in regional WA.

Northam-based Splice Projects received a $25,000 grant through the IFSP in December 2011. Managing director Simon Dempster spoke at the briefing and credited the business’s recent success, including a significant contract with Leighton Contractors and Newcrest Mining Ltd, to the IFSP.

Royalties for Regions funded this year’s IFSP regional round and the business briefings.

For more information and to view the videos |of the briefings, visit |commerce.wa.gov.au/local industry participation.

Bakery on a winning roll

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

BULL Creek’s Oven Crisp Bakery owner Jimmy Dang always suspected his meat pies were something special and now he has proof.

Judges declared his bakery’s meat pie and sausage roll among the best in this year’s Baking Association of Australia contest.

His meat pie won second prize in the state competition and the sausage roll won third place.

His prized baker, Tommy Nguyen, also won apprentice of the year.

“We have been focusing on the recipe this year to make it extra special, which is paying off for us,” Nguyen said.

“It’s great to be acknowledged for our hard work and now we want to keep improving to make the meat pie number one.

In May, Oven Crisp will take part in the National BAA competition.

“Last year we won gold for our curry meat pie, so we are hoping to win for our meat pie this time.” Mr Dang said.

Mr Dang said the key to a great pie was top quality and fresh ingredients.

City approval for fowl trade

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WANNEROO City Council will consider a retrospective application from a Carabooda farmer for chicken egg production, labelled an offensive trade, at its meeting tonight.

City staff have recommended the council approve the application from Barry Cocking for the farm on Carabooda Road, which was previously used for chicken meat production.

According to the agenda papers, Mr Cocking bought the 8.1ha property in 2009 and modified existing infrastructure to accommodate 150,000 chickens for caged egg production.

It said the sheds were about 20m from the property’s boundaries rather than 100m required under the Health Act, and on a smaller property than the recommended 20ha.

“The property contains a total of eight chicken sheds, five traditional naturally ventilated sheds and three fan forced tunnel ventilated sheds,” the report to council said.

“The City’s administration (health services) acknowledges that the existing setbacks and construction of the poultry sheds on this property do not meet the Environmental Code of Practice for Poultry Farms (2004).

“(However) these sheds were built and in operation during the early 1980s before these codes were established.”

According to the report, the City received a complaint in early 2012 and inspected the site, but since then there had been no further complaints due to improved manure management.

It said administration staff would recommend approval with 16 conditions, including limiting the number of chickens to 150,000, regular removal of manure from the property and minimising odour levels.

At last week’s briefing session, city businesses director Karen Caple said if the council approved the offensive trade, it would be assessed annually.

Mr Cocking, who also owns Swan Valley Egg Farm, advertised the Carabooda application for an offensive trade in the Wanneroo-Joondalup Times in March 2012, inviting submissions to the City of Wanneroo, but none was received.

Tonight’s meeting will start at 7pm after deputations.

Claim on the cards

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

LITIGATION funder IMF Australia intends to file a claim in the Federal Court on behalf of about 90 councils, churches and charities against US-based ratings agency Standard and Poors.

City of Swan chief executive Mike Foley said the local government was one of the councils in the class-action suit.

He said in September 2008 the City’s collateralised debt obligation (CDO) holdings with Lehman Brothers Australia was $9.7 million (including the Federation CDO of $500,000).

In total, the original face value of the City’s claim, as part of the class action against Lehman Brothers, was $9.2 million. This takes into account that the Federation CDO, worth $500,000, was paid out in full.

With certain securities maturing, the current face value of the claim is less, based at $7.8 million.

The face value does not represent actual losses as not all CDOs have defaulted, so the calculation of loss is open to interpretation.

While the City took a conservative approach in 2008 and 2009, the losses to date are $3 million.

This is broken down as follows; Kalgoorlie - $70,000 (sold for $430,000); Bluegum - $500,000 (CDO defaulted); Scarborough $1.5 million (CDO defaulted); Parkes 2A - $500,000 (CDO defaulted); Torquay - $500,000 (CDO defaulted)

The City of Swan is party to the action known as the Belmont Group of litigants.

The litigation relates to S&P’s granting of triple and double-A ratings to eight CDOs. The new claim follows separate rulings late last year by the Federal Court in cases against Lehman and S&P involving complex financial products sold in Australia.

In this claim, the investors will allege the ratings given to the CDOs, the value of which plummeted during the global financial crisis of 2007 and 2008, were made without a reasonable basis.

The investors, which were almost exclusively investing public funds to facilitate public works and community services, required high ratings by an independent, objective ratings agency for any investment they contemplated.

As representatives of investors in the claim, the City of Swan (WA) and a NSW council, will allege that S&P falsely represented that its credit ratings of the CDOs were objective, independent, uninfluenced by any conflicts of interest and reflected S&P’s true opinion regarding the credit risks posed to investors.

Their lawyers will also argue that S&P did not have reasonable grounds for concluding that the CDOs should be assigned triple and double A ratings.

Hardware giant moving in

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

HARDWARE giant Bunnings is expected to begin construction of its Ellenbrook store in the coming weeks.

Just 100m from its rival Masters in Ellenbrook, Bunnings Warehouse Ellenbrook is due to open later this year at the corner of The Promenade and Mangles Drive.

The Ellenbrook warehouse will cost more than $32 million to build and be almost 16,000sq m in size, including the main warehouse, timber trade sales area and outdoor nursery.

There will also be parking for 390 cars.

Bunnings chief operating officer Peter Davis said more than 130 staff would be employed at the new warehouse, offering strong employment and on-the-job training opportunities for Ellenbrook residents.

“It is going to be one of the largest Bunnings Warehouses built in WA and over 180 construction jobs will be created throughout the building process,” Mr Davis said.

LWP Property Group managing director Danny Murphy said it was exciting to see more large retailers moving into Ellenbrook.

“Bunnings coming to Ellenbrook represents an important part of the Stage 3 expansion of the Ellenbrook Town Centre,” Mr Murphy said.

“Stage 3 of the Ellenbrook Town Centre, will see the extension of key roads, including The Parkway, which will open up a number of exciting new High Street sites for development.”

Skate International opens new rink

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

SKATING enthusiasts in the northern suburbs can put their skates back on – a brand new roller-skating rink recently opened in Malaga.

Business partners Gareth Grasso and Robert Zaccaria saw a need for the family-friendly venue after the original Skate International closed in Joondalup three years ago.

“There was a need to establish a new facility to house the sporting clubs left abandoned, but also provide a place for youth and families to spend time and gain fitness through enjoyable activities, not to mention a great place for families to have parties,” Mr Grasso said.

With more than 41 years of combined experience in skating rinks, Mr Grasso and Mr Zaccaria spent two years researching, designing and developing what he described as WA’s biggest rink.

“The rink went through 20 complete design concepts initially,” he said.

“The process was not easy, with much resistance from landowners and authorities to build such a venue particularly in the far northern suburbs, but after two years of frustration and despair we finally had a landowner come forward and provide us with a venue.”

Mr Grasso said the new multi-purpose rink boasted facilities previously unheard of in WA.

The rink has a 46 by 24 metre sprung timber skate floor, a multi-tier grandstand, five party rooms, a function room with bar facilities, a kiosk with almost 100 seats and DJ facilities with multiple screens.

Skate International caters to various skate sports and activities as well as birthday parties and functions and skating sessions for tiny tots to adults.

Third cafe turns five

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

With great risk comes great reward and no one knows that better than local restaurant entrepreneur Lorenzo Bokshi.

Mr Bokshi, who owns two restaurants in Germany, decided to locate his third venture, Cafe Nocello, at Cockburn Central.

On the eve of the restaurant’s fifth anniversary, the Atwell resident said it was a move he did not regret.

“I did a lot of homework before I chose Cockburn as the location for Nocello, but I thought it was a location where we could offer dishes the people of the area possibly hadn’t had before,” he said.

“I was always very fond of the southern suburbs, especially Cockburn.

“Customers love that we are local, 95 per cent of our business comes from our regulars.”

Humour a must for book launch

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A SENSE of humour is a must and first-time Mandurah author Alison White hopes her book LOL (Laugh Out Loud) will help people gain the invaluable personal quality.

LOL (Laugh Out Loud) will be launched by Mandurah MLA David Templeman at Mandurah library on Wednesday, April 23, at 6.30pm.

The book is subtitled The Survival of the Wittiest: The science and art of humour.

White believes there is an art and science associated with humour that can be learned by those with a minimal gift and as a former speaker, she also wants to help speakers incorporate humour into any presentation.

Writers will also gain insight into using humour in their work.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact irena.sajdovic@wa.gov.au.

Kindness is a cup of coffee suspended

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

ONCE down on her luck, Lara Wolinski is now taking the lead in redefining the random act of kindness.

The Sparrow’s Nest in East Victoria Park introduced suspended coffees last week and has already helped at least one person in need.

The concept of suspended coffees has been shared around the world through social media. It asks people to buy their coffee, but pay for two – the extra coffee is written up on a board and goes to someone less fortunate.

“It doesn’t have to be a homeless person, just someone down on their luck,” Ms Wolinski said.

Ms Wolinksi, who started this in the café, said word had been spreading fast.

“One of my regular customers came in and told me about it and I thought it was an amazing opportunity to be able to help people,” she said.

“I have been in the kind of situation where I couldn’t afford things… I have struggled like most people so now it’s a good opportunity for me to act and pay it forward.”

The Nest only introduced suspended coffees last week but by Thursday there were three coffees on the board and one had already been given to a “hungry” man.

She said many people who come into the café are all touched by the idea.

“They all think it’s a really nice idea and people are reaching into their pockets to help,” she said.

“I just think it is nice that people like to help anonymously.”

- The Sparrows Nest is the only Perth café listed as a place offering suspended coffees on coffesharing.com

Beaufort gets buzzing

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE owners of two popular Beaufort Street restaurants say commercial development would give the area a boost as they prepare to open two more establishments.

Owners of Cantina 663, Alex Cuccovia and Michael Forde, together with their El Publico business partners Paul Aron and John Little, recently bought the former Barolo restaurant and Soto Espresso sites.

The four are converting the two locations into a pizza restaurant and bakery respectively.

Mr Cuccovia said the investments would help continue developing the diversity on the strip.

“We are having a crack,” he said.

“We want to encourage people to come to Mt Lawley and have a wander, start at one place and end up at another.”

Mr Cuccovia, who also owns Department on Beaufort and used to own Billie and Rose, and Clarences, said while hospitality and retail played a role in developing the strip, commercial investment was needed.

“If there are offices on the street, workers will get to the area at 7am, have a coffee and at lunchtime they might get a sandwich, do some shopping or get some flowers,” he said.

“The shot in the arm for the street is going to come if people are using it at all times.”

Ace Pizza, which will take the place of the former Barolo site, is expected to open in May. It will serve Italian- style, wood-fired pizzas and will seat about 170 people, with dining available in the laneway next to the restaurant.

Soto will be converted into Mary Street Bakery. Mr Forde said it would offer a small range of breads, savoury and sweet produce as well as brunch options.

“The diversity of Beaufort Street is what we are trying to maintain,” Mr Cuccovia said.

“Beaufort Street started out with Fresh Provisions and Planet Video. Everyone who does something on the street helps shape it.”

- Opinion, page 9

Big plans for small bar buzz in Shenton Park

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

A CHANCE to resurrect a Shenton Park small bar was too good to pass up for father-son duo Martin and Gerry Shields.

Martin Shields bought The Nic, formally The Suite, with good friend Jim Anderson in February, rescuing it from liquidation.

Mr Shields already owns popular small bar The Stanley, which his son also manages.

Martin said he was passionate about pushing the idea of the local bar.

“We really want to satisfy the needs of the community,” he said.

“Obviously the reputation’s not great at the moment but we want to bring it back for them, the community.”

Gerry Shields has been involved in bars since he was 18.

The 35-year-old said while the bar’s reputation “is not great,” he was confident they could bring it back.

“The key ingredient is the customers so whoever they are, that’s what we’ll cater to,” Mr Shields said.

“The previous owners did not serve people under age 21 or allow pets in the bar, whereas we will cater for the whole family.”

At last week’s City of Subiaco development services committee meeting, councillors agreed to change the use of the premises next door from shop to small bar, allowing the small bar to expand.

Mr Shields said he was drafting plans to submit for council with their vision for the bar’s expansion.

“People need to be able to sit in comfort,” he said.

New skating rink opens in Malaga

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

SKATING enthusiasts in the northern suburbs can put their skates back on – a brand new roller-skating rink has recently opened in Malaga.

Business partners Gareth Grasso and Robert Zaccaria saw a need for the family-friendly venue after the original Skate International closed in Joondalup three years ago.

With more than 41 years of combined experience in skating rinks, Mr Grasso and Mr Zaccaria spent two years researching, designing and developing what he described as WA’s biggest rink.

“The rink went through 20 complete design concepts initially,” he said.

Mr Grasso said the new multi-purpose rink boasted facilities previously unheard of in WA.

The rink has a 46 by 24 metre sprung timber skate floor, a multi-tier grandstand, five party rooms, a function room with bar facilities, a kiosk with almost 100 seats and DJ facilities.

Skate International caters to various skate sports and activities as well as birthday parties and functions while also offering skating sessions.

Thousands turn up at jobs and skills expo

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

BRAND has some of WA’s highest rates of unemployment and long-term joblessness but if Tuesday’s Jobs and Skills Expo is any indication, people want to work.

Nearly 3000 job seekers, from school leavers to seniors, visited the expo with 80 displays from dozens of employers, training groups and recruiters. It was the fourth in Brand since 2009.

More than 800 jobs were advertised at the expo with the ‘jobs and skills board’ one of the most visited areas.

One of those to visited the board was Ben Sharp (19), from Baldivis, who has a job but wants to start an electrical apprenticeship.

“I came down to have a look around and I’ve got plenty of information and jobs from the wall,” he said.

Mr Sharp said he had spoken with several businesses, including the Chevron Wheatstone stall that proved one of the biggest drawcards.

Several hundred people visited the stall, both skilled and unskilled job seekers. The WA Chamber of Commerce, Serco and Town of Kwinana also had displays.

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis said it was evident with the number of young job seekers at the expo that youth unemployment was a regional problem, but expos helped connect job seekers with employers and trainers.

“You can see looking at the number of young people coming through the door today, the number of people who come from jobless families, we need to make sure we have programs in place addressing them and that we look beyond the headline statistics in WA and see the real stories in WA,” she said.

Many saw WA as a state with great wealth, huge prosperity and very low jobless, she said, but many still struggled to find work.

“It is incredibly important we have strong voices like Gary (Brand MHR Gary Gray) who are saying, well actually there are some communities we need to make sure are not left behind.”

Mr Gray said 10,000 people visited four expos in Brand with about 1000 finding jobs.

Stirling about to hit new heights

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE Stirling city centre will soon begin to take shape, with construction starting on the first of $320 million worth of projects approved for Innaloo by the Metro North West Joint Development Assessment Panel.The four developments, two on Sunray Drive and two on Tassels Place, all in the direct vicinity of Ikea and in walking distance of the Stirling train station, have been approved by the DAP in the past four months.

The first was in December and the latest just two weeks ago.

Construction has already started on the smallest of the four developments at 1 Tassels Place, with a completion date of January 2014 and a price tag of $27 million.

More, page 5Stirling Mayor David Boothman said the burgeoning development in the area would set the scene for Stirling City Centre to become a major feature of Perth.

“These approvals demonstrate that the project is moving ahead and will help set the scene for the Stirling City Centre becoming Perth’s second CBD,” he said.

“As Stirling is such a strategic location, there’s been significant interest from the private sector and that’s reflected in these recent larger development approvals.”

“The approvals are part of a bigger picture where the Stirling City Centre Alliance is working in conjunction with the State Government to ensure that the project is properly planned and delivers to the public.”

Stirling Mayor David Boothman said the burgeoning development in the area would set the scene for Stirling City Centre to become a major feature of Perth.

“These approvals demonstrate that the project is moving ahead and will help set the scene for the Stirling City Centre becoming Perth’s second CBD,” he said.

“As Stirling is such a strategic location, there’s been significant interest from the private sector and that’s reflected in these recent larger development approvals.”

“The approvals are part of a bigger picture where the Stirling City Centre Alliance is working in conjunction with the State Government to ensure that the project is properly planned and delivers to the public.”

City’s $22m bonanza

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE City of Bayswater has grown richer by $22 million after selling more than 40 hectares of land in Brabham at a public auction last week.

Cedar Woods’ bid of $22,350,000 sealed the deal about 10 minutes after the auction opening.

It was a slow start on auction day but Satterley Property Group got the ball rolling with an opening bid of $14 million.

Despite the reserve price remaining private, Cedar Woods’ state manager WA Stuart Duplock said the buying price was in the “ball park” of what the company had expected the land to go for.

The City owned the land, next to Whiteman Park on Woollcott Avenue, for more than 30 years and had bought it for sand mining purposes.

Property rates charged by the City of Swan prompted Bayswater to sell.

With a City of Swan district structure plan already in place, Cedar Woods’ Mr Duplock said the company planned to develop a residential estate with more than 350 lots, a primary school and an open space incorporating the existing wetland area.

He said with today’s land prices, lots would be expected to sell for about $160,000 to $250,000.

“We foresee the market for this development to be first and second-home buyers who are looking for an affordable home in a fast-growing, well-serviced community,” Mr Duplock said.

“Based on the average 2.5 people per household, the estate should house about 1000 people. With a district structure plan already in place, settlements are expected to commence in late 2015.”

It will be the first estate Cedar Woods has developed in Perth’s north-eastern corridor.

Brabham is 22km northeast of the Perth CBD, close to Whiteman Park and the Swan Valley and the Ellenbrook (4km) and Midland (10km) town centres.

Bayswater Mayor Terry Kenyon said the auction generated large interest and the City was happy the reserve price was exceeded.

“The money will be held in Council's municipals funds to be allocated into appropriate reserve accounts on the decision of council,” Mr Kenyon said.

“Council is considering the best use of those funds, including the City's reserve accounts and future infrastructure development.”

The funds could go towards a major capital works program but at this stage Mayor Kenyon said he was unable to say what that might be. But he said a masterplan that included upgrades to the Les Hansman Community Centre and the Mertome Village was being drawn up.

Hairdressing duo’s hair flair thrives

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WITH a stack of awards under their belts and experience from around the globe, it is no wonder the hairdressing industry in the South Perth area is gaining momentum.

Dale Brierty of Dale James Hair Face Body and Jude Dierden from Identified Hair are just two of the salons that make up the range of professional salons in the region.

Mrs Dierden has had her salon in Kensington for six years and said it was the friendly and relaxed nature of the salon that kept her customers coming back.

“We just love what we do,” she said.

Mrs Dierden has 25 years experience in the industry and has been a mentor and teacher to hairdressers nationally and internationally. She mentors at the Central Institute of Technology, which is running the first post apprentice training to extending senior hairdresser’s skills.

“The key to our success is that we are constantly keeping up with the change,” she said.

Mr Brierty has been on Angelo Street for the last 22 years and said his salon was always striving for excellence.

“It’s the little add-ons people don’t expect that keep the customers coming back,” he said.

With his staff winning a number of awards last year, the salon was also one of two Australian salons to send a hairdresser over to the London Olympics.

After hairdressing came as a suggestion from his mother, Mr Brierty said 34 years later, he had more passion for the industry than ever before.

Both salon owners said in 10 years time they saw themselves doing what they were doing now and continuing to enjoy their love for hair.

Big achievement for small business

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FINALISTS in the 2013 Australian Small Business Champion Awards have been announced, with five businesses from the South-East Metropolitan region included.

Charlotte Caruso from PuggleFM in Welshpool has been named a finalist in the Young Small Business Champion entrepreneur category.

PuggleFM has also been announced in the New Business category.

Nifnex in Southern River has taken out a placing in the Business Growth Champion category as well as the Specialised Small Business category.

Forrestdale small business Seadragonz Swim School has been announced as a finalist in the Education Services category.

Precedent Production managing director Steve Loe, who is the creator of the awards, said the program was the only national program that enabled small businesses to gain exposure.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner, which will be held in Sydney on April 13.

For more information about the Australian Small Business Champion Awards, visit businesschampions.com.au.

Theo is the world’s best pizza maker

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MUNDARING has once again become internationally famous.

Not for its beautiful Hills scenery, or its love of delicate truffles or award-winning fine wines.

But for having the best pizza. That’s right – pizza.

Mundaring pizza maker Theo Kalogeracos has been crowned World Champion Master Maker at the 2013 Las Vegas International Pizza Expo.

Competing against the world’s best pizza makers, Mr Kalogeracos wowed the judges with his creation.

The four competitors in the championship were each given a mystery box of the four same ingredients – sundried tomatoes, pears, rocket and prosciutto, which had to be included on their pizzas.

There was another box with 40 additional ingredients to select from. Once the ingredients were revealed, each competitor had 20 minutes to prepare, bake and serve their pizza creation to the judges.

Mr Kalogeracos’ winning creation was inspired by a cheese board. The winning pizza included all the required ingredients, topped with mouth-watering crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, fresh rocket and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

It was a tremendous victory for Mr Kalogeracos. Now back in Mundaring, he said he was happy he was given the opportunity to compete in the championship.

“It is such an honour to meet talented and enthusiastic pizza chefs from around the globe,” he said.

“My real passion is creating, so it was brilliant that they put on a mystery box competition.”

The win caps off a busy year for Mr Kalogeracos, who now has released a second cookbook – Theo & Co Take 2 – The Search for the Perfect Pizza Continues.

He operates three Little Caesars pizza restaurants in Perth. The first was launched in Mundaring.

He recently took his Theo & Co pizza products brand global, launching a countertop pizza oven into Asia and the US.

“They say love is the universal language – well I say pizza is the universal food,” Mr Kalogeracos said.

“Everyone loves pizza and if an Australian-born Greek from Perth, who married into an Italian family can take out the title of World Champion Master Pizza Maker, then I think that proves it.”

Businesses unite to boost Fremantle

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

PASSIONATE business owners are uniting to grow their businesses and boost vibrancy in Fremantle.Small business owner Fleur Allen, who recently moved from Claremont to Fremantle, has established a networking group that meets weekly for lunch at Sandrino.

“It's been highlighted to me that there's a desperate need for unity in business and there's concerns about the future of Fremantle,” Ms Allen, who runs Property with Purpose among other ventures, said.

“There's so much empty retail space.”

Ms Allen said the prominence of social media motivated her to organise the weekly professional lunchtime meetings because people were rarely meeting in the same room.

Deanne Geddie, of Deanna Geddie Consulting in Cottesloe, and Dee Littlewood, a life coach who recently moved to Fremantle, have already joined the networking group.

“I go to Fremantle for everything so it's in my backyard and I want to grow my business there,” Ms Geddie, who works from home, said.

“It adds value to what I am doing and for my clients.

“I can connect my clients to someone who can help them with another service.”

Ms Littlewood said it was important for business owners to have the same focus and help each other.

“Fremantle is a fabulous place to launch this,” she said.

Ms Allen will host an information session at Sandrino on Tuesday, April 9 from 12.30pm.

Email fleur@fleurallen.com or call 0412 473 248.

How to make macarons

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THEY’RE the tiny French delicacies that have overtaken cupcakes as the king of fashionable baked goods - but why pay anywhere from $2 to $4 for a macaron in your local cafe when you can make your own?

Macaron making classes are the latest in a line of fun foodie courses being run at the Frank Konecny Community Centre in Parmelia.

Macarons are sweet meringue-based biscuits made with egg whites and almond powder, which sandwich a flavoursome filling.

They are also considered notoriously difficult to make.

Apprentice chef Mitch Strickland, who works for the famed Temptations Bakehouse, and his team can make around 7000 of the tasty treats in eight hours.

“I think they’ve become so popular because of famous patissiers like Adriano Zumbo,” Mr Strickland said.

“Essentially it’s just an almond biscuit with filling.”

Centre co-ordinator Mary Strickland, who is also Mr Strickland’s mother, said she had been to famous macaron store Laudree in Paris but thought her son’s were better.

She said there were many different classes available at the centre which people would not expect, including a new Japanese Cooking class, digital photography and belly dancing.

The macaron classes run for two hours on a Monday and cost $15.

Visit www.frankkonecny.com.au or call 9439 2470 for more information.

Honey strikes a sweet deal

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

FEWSTERS Farm, in Muchea, will soon begin supplying its high-quality honey to Coles supermarkets across WA.

Owner Kim Fewster said he was excited about the prospect of Fewster’s Farm Organic Honey and Fewster’s Farm Jarrah Honey landing in Coles stores from April 20.

“We’re really pleased that Coles has not only recognised the quality of our honey but also many other home-grown products, which is a tremendous boost to WA suppliers,” he said.

The Coles deal is a result of the supermarket’s first WA Meet-the-Buyer event held in Perth last November.

Six new local suppliers and 12 products would now be stocked on Coles shelves following the event, with more WA producers set to partner the supermarket in the future.

Fewster’s Farm specialises in producing premium honey.

The family-owned business has been running for about four generations.

Mr Fewster started beekeeping when he was just 17 after finishing school at Cunderdin Agriculture College.

A new plant was built at the farm in 2005 to extract and prepare the honey for packaging, enabling it to expand production. Fewster’s Farm now supplies honey all over the world, including Japan, where 1kg of the precious nectar retails for up to $400.

“Our honey is like good wine – it changes every season,” Mr Fewster said.

Mr Fewster said he would probably hire another beekeeper and an employee to help produce the honey required to meet the extra demand at Coles.

Dentists’ sweet plan

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

YOU might think the dentist is the last place to bring cavity-causing chocolate, but Signature Dental will fight tooth and nail for your unwanted eggs this Easter.

“It is certainly a bit quirky for a dental clinic to run an annual Easter Egg Amnesty,” dental therapist Marianne Tooley said.

“A few years ago many of our clients said they were given too much chocolate over the break, so Dr Allison Kale came up with the idea to |donate those leftovers to those who need them.”

In 2012, Signature Dental sent over 45 eggs to Australian soldiers abroad.

This year the clinic is hoping to double its previous record and donate at least 100 eggs to a soon-to-be-confirmed local children’s charity.

Ms Tooley said every |generous person who donated would receive a dental care pack.

To support the cause, drop off your unwanted Easter chocolate to Signature Dental, at suite 4/57 Labouchere Road, South Perth.

Tom’s first class effort

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0800

MT LAWLEY cricketer Tom Beaton hopes a breakthrough season in district cricket will help him return to the State side next summer.

Beaton was Mt Lawley Cricket Club’s top run scorer for the summer, hitting a top score of 226 against Scarborough in one innings and scoring centuries in two others. The 22-year-old also claimed 12 wickets as an off-spin bowler and took 16 catches in the field.

His efforts throughout the season earned him a place on the WA District Cricket Council’s team of the year for the first time. He also tied for fifth in the Olly Cooley Medal.

“This year has been a breakthrough season for me in district cricket,” Beaton said.

“After I was dropped from the State side I was told to work on a few things at grade level, and I think I have been able to do that.”

Beaton, who is a Western Warriors squad member, said he would soon find out whether his efforts were enough to get back into the State side.

“If things don’t happen I will just focus on having another good grade year and help lead the young Mt Lawley side,” he said.

Role models lead by example

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0800

BUSINESS partners Colin Luthwood and Sam Moland had a life-changing experience as volunteers at a homeless children’s shelter in India.

The owners of Joondalup Martial Arts visited the Shikshan Gram Shelter for Homeless Children because they wanted to practise what they taught their students.

“A large part of our training syllabus for our kids is teaching them about respecting and helping others,” Mr Luthwood said. “We wanted to show our students and parents that we believe in what we teach, so we undertook the trip to help all the kids less fortunate than our own.”

The shelter, which houses, educates, feeds and cares for more than 150 homeless children, also has a martial arts school attached to provide life skills, and help prevent alcoholism and poverty.

Mr Luthwood said it was the best experience he had ever had in his life.

“It was fantastic, extraordinary, life-changing, amazing,” he said. “It shifted my focus from what I thought it was to be successful in life.

“I was chasing success in my business and financial freedom, and going to India made me realise life is about giving and connecting with people, friends, family, strangers – learning this has made me feel complete.”

He said they initially made the trip to help with the construction of the orphanage, but because of funding delays and damage from a monsoon, were unable to start the building works.

“Instead we helped by planting vegetables, teaching the kids martial arts, training with the martial arts’ instructors there and keeping the kids occupied with games,” he said.

He said their trip had inspired many at the club, with members donating old computers, cameras, bikes, medical supplies,, books, microscopes and martial arts uniforms to the orphanage.

Showcase your business

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0800

WITH entries in the Telstra Business Awards closing in less than two weeks, former winners are urging businesses to enter before the April 4 deadline.

This year, for the second time, the awards will include a Start-Up Award category to recognise the efforts of entrepreneurs.

Mandurah Cruises, a company that operates a fleet of vessels offering tours, weddings, parties and functions, has already entered the awards, hoping it will highlight its position as a leading local enterprise.

Managing director Rod Bishop said his company entered the awards to recognise the tireless efforts of his team to achieve excellence.

Telstra Business Group managing director and awards ambassador Will Irving said the awards provided a chance to celebrate and reward the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership that was vital to the Australian economy.

“The Telstra Australian Business Awards recognise those business founders and leaders who have turned ideas into a commercial success,’’ he said.

“The awards are also instrumental in growing and establishing sustainable businesses by providing each entrant with an individual Business Health Check report that evaluates their performance against international benchmarks.

“From start-ups to well established businesses, Aussie business founders are creating jobs, driving economic value in local communities and taking their expertise and innovations to the world.”

The five categories include the Start-Up Award, Micro-Business Award, Small Business Award, Medium Business Award and Regional Award.

New Beatty gym fighting fit

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0800

THE doors to Beatty Park Leisure Centre’s new gym opened on the weekend, marking the end of the facility’s refurbishment.

The gym, which cost more than $750,000 to equip, includes a crossfit multi-station, 19 touch screen treadmills, two Jacob’s Ladder climbing machines, Cybex arc trainers and two group fitness rooms.

A new entrance, reception, cafe, retail shop, lift, admin offices, toilet and change area were also included in the redevelopment.

Leisure Centre manager Dale Morrissy said about 3500 people were expected to be members of the centre over the next two to three years, with 2000 people already on the membership list.

City of Vincent Mayor Alannah MacTiernan said the demographics of the area had sparked the need for the redevelopment, which started in 2011.

“This redevelopment gives the centre a new lease of life and will provide huge recreation opportunities,” she said.

The new gym was the final stage of the centre’s redevelopment, which included an upgrade of the 50m outdoor pool, installing a 30m outdoor activities pool, a learn-to-swim outdoor pool and sustainability features. Carpark works are expected to be finished in the next few months.