Following the weekend’s election results, the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network are keen to see the elected leaders focus on getting our region back on track to boost our economy and support our local businesses. 

With the election done and dusted the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network congratulates the newly elected State Members and Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk, and are keen to collaborate with all levels of government and community to get down to business and focus on the delivery of good policy to drive industry on the Sunshine Coast. 

SCBWN president Roz White recognises that assurance measures to staying safe is important to Queenslanders, but she encourages a focus towards business to move us forward. 

“It is clear, Premier Palaszczuk built that safety assurance with Queensland voters through her strong stance to keep the borders closed; now it is time to build business confidence by opening up markets, supporting Queensland manufacturing, creating local jobs and adopting policy settings supportive of local enterprise,” shared Roz White. 

The SCBWN is seeing great results among some of their members with the uplift in people eager to relocate and visit the Sunshine Coast driving property markets and bolstering segments of the local economy. However, other components of this market remain annihilated with international travel in complete shutdown.  

“The current ‘rocks and diamonds’ economy has triggered new economic settings. It is critical elected leaders understand and navigate through the issues to implement effective measures which support and solve the arising challenges,” added Roz White. 

Recognised as the peak body representing professional and businesswomen in the region, the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network is driven by their purpose to empower and celebrate women to achieve in business. Collaborating with industry groups, the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance, and various levels of government, the SCBWN is dedicated to advancing opportunity for our region. 

Westfund Health Insurance are proudly supporting the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network through a sponsorship commitment and value added benefits for the network’s members.

 

Joining a host of prominent Sunshine Coast businesses, Westfund Health Insurance is the newest silver sponsor of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network with values that align with the network’s purpose and a great passion for supporting this region.

 

SCBWN President Roz White was thrilled to welcome Westfund to the Network explaining that it was their community focus and strong values that attracted the committee to partner with this insurer.

 

“We love that Westfund Health Insurance is ‘from the community; for the community’ and are a wholly Australian-owned and operated not-for-profit health fund with values that align beautifully with our network’s core purpose. We believe partnering with Westfund will bring great benefit to our members and we look forward to growing this positive relationship with Westfund,” explained Roz White.

 

The fastest growing fund year-on-year for the last two years, Westfund is committed to supporting their members in the moments that matter most through their Canstar-award winning policies. They’re a fund run for people, not profits. 

 

Janine Curran, part of Westfund’s National Sales Team, is based at the Maroochydore Care Centre and is a passionate member of the Sunshine Coast community, very proud to call the area home. 

 

Janine is excited to be a part of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network and looks forward to collaborating with others to provide flexible solutions for employee benefits in the health and wellbeing space.

 

“We have a caring and can-do attitude, we always look for ways to make our members feel more appreciated and we love the simple fact of being part of the community,” she said.

 

Whether it’s working with local organisations like the Maroochy Men’s Shed through the Westfund Community Grants Program or engaging in corporate partnerships with Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Falcons, BHP and Catholic Education to name a few, supporting communities to thrive is part of Westfund’s DNA.

 

Recognised as the peak body representing professional and business women in the region, the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network delivers exceptional events with remarkable guest speakers, educational workshops, a give back program, community initiatives and more to empower and celebrate women to grow in business.

 

The SCBWN is sponsored by USC, The Events Centre, Garland Waddington Solicitors, Sunshine Coast Council, Pacific Motor Group, Bentley’s Sunshine Coast, Westfund Health Insurance, 92.7 MixFM, 91.9 SeaFM, My Weekly Preview, Empire Art Photography and Channel Nine. 

The Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network executive committee sees great opportunity for local businesses to benefit from the measures being put in place following the announcement of the 2020-21 Federal Budget.

With the government set to spend big to inspire business and buyer confidence, SCBWN President Roz White sees this as a great support for our local business owners, which will in turn boost our local and broader economy.

“We’re delighted to see that this budget has been built around business as the driver to stimulate our economy.

“With a range of tax cuts and incentives available for businesses we should see an increase in spending, innovation, and creating more jobs for our region. Plus, a positive focus and extra funding for mental health programs is very promising.

“Connecting with our network members over this challenging year, the key concerns identified among members were uncertainty and cash flow as well as managing mental health impacts from this turbulent time. I believe this budget is going to help with all those pain points as well as foster positivity and confidence to move onward and upward,” shared Roz White.

A big focus in this budget is on bringing the unemployment rate down with programs such as the JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme and subsidized apprentice and trainee wages, as well as infrastructure investment to support 680 local jobs.

A number of initiatives have been identified specifically for women as it’s been recognised that women have been particularly affected by the reduced employment opportunities as a result of COVID-19.

“Seeing programs specifically to support women to both gain work and grow their businesses is so wonderful to see. There is still much to be done to support women in the workforce but having a number of programs on the government’s agenda that directly serve women is a great step in the right direction,” said Roz.

The government funded programs for women include; $240m for the 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement to help women move into higher paid professional jobs in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM); expanding proven programs in the $50m Women@Work initiative; and $35.9m additional funding for the existing Boosting Female Founders initiative.

With the SCBWN committee focused on delivering on their purpose to empower and celebrate women to achieve in business, the group encourages female business owners, employees or those looking to get into work to connect with the network for extra support, encouragement, connection and education.

At the recent 2020 AGM of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, it was announced all 2019 executive management committee members would remain on the committee, while also welcoming a new committee member in Jeanette Allom—Hill, to lead the 300+ strong membership of business women on the Sunshine Coast.

• ·      Roz White – President
• ·      Min Swan – Vice President
• ·      Anita Owens – Treasurer
• ·      Michelle Hamer – Secretary
• ·      Lizzie Henebery
• ·      Natalie Crombie
• ·      Kaitlyn Akers
• ·      Paula Williamson
• ·      Clare McCarthy
• ·      Jeanette Allom-Hill

This committee of volunteers will work to grow the network and continue to provide wonderful opportunities for their membership and partners, while ever committed to deliver the mission of the network - to be the platform to empower and celebrate women to achieve in business.

SCBWN President Roz White was delighted that the AGM returned the entire existing management committee, as continuity of people and projects would be of such great benefit to the membership during a time of great change and uncertainty.

“I am absolutely honoured to be re-elected as SCBWN President and have this opportunity to work alongside an amazing committee and to serve our members, with the support of generous sponsors, supporters and the community. The SCBWN will continue to evolve and adapt to remain relevant in accordance with a changing business environment. These days of uncertainty surely require our commitment to deliver the right resources and support, which creates impact and influence to empower and add value,” said President Roz White.

“I am delighted to also welcome Jeanette Allom-Hill to the executive management team. Jeanette is a dynamic business woman with a successful background bringing high level expertise to our committee.”

The 2020 elected executive committee members are a passionate group of committed volunteers, eager to create opportunity and foster great business in our region.

Recognised as the peak body representing professional and businesswomen in the region, the committee has identified key areas in which they can give members and the community real support and empowerment.

Through exceptional events with remarkable guest speakers, educational workshops, give back program, community initiatives and more to come, the 2020 committee aims to do the past, present and future members proud.

STEMM (Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring) is the proud recipient of the SCBWN raffle ticket funds, and we as a network are proud to be able to support young mothers in our community so that they may be educated and job-ready to enter the workforce support their young families.

Throughout the COVID-19 restrictions, STEMM is continuing to support the young pregnant girls, mums and their children. The team has really tapped into their creative and technological sides to make sure their students are well supported and able to continue their education pathways.

Here’s what they’ve been up to:

EDUCATION

The girls are engaged in their learning online. This includes the Tertiary Pathways Program, Cert III in Early Childhood, Cert II in Salon Assistant/Retail Cosmetics and external courses which some of the students are studying. Parenting, relationships, literacy and numeracy classes are also attended by the girls online.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

All STEMM students have access to the STEMM Key Support Workers, Counsellor and Social Worker via online platforms. This is invaluable and allows STEMM to remain not only connected, but also able to provide individualised support to the girls and their little ones. External Allied Health services available include the GP, midwife, child health nurse and psychologist, who work with STEMM on an ongoing basis.

CARE PACKAGES

Each week STEMM are delivering ‘themed’ care packages to each and every one of their 28 students. Included in the packages are books, craft materials, games and recipes to help support the STEMM girls. The feedback from the girls has been fantastic and heart-warming.

ONLINE FUN

The amazing Adjunct Care teams are getting in touch with their ‘inner Playschool’ and creating story time, craft and fun activity videos so that they can be accessed by the girls at any time. The response has been fantastic! The videos provide another platform to connect with our STEMM mums and bubs.

SCBWN members and guests are encouraged to support STEMM through our monthly raffle ticket sales or you can find out more about additional support for this wonderful group at www.stemm.com.au

Our recent Wake Up with SCBWN session with Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O'brien had information that could help our many in our Sunshine Coast business community.

View below to watch the session recording.

A brief recap from the morning.

We were honoured to be joined by our Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O'Brien MP, who generously gave his time to speak to our members and guests all the way from chilly Canberra! Ted touched on current COVID developments in Australia, our economic movements, what support is out there for businesses (local council, state and federal), and he also answered in depth a number of questions that were sent in.

Ted is a big believer in “one foot in today and one foot in tomorrow.” He says if he was a small to medium business on the coast, he would go hard, go soon and find out what support is out there! Take advantage of the power of networking and know you’re not alone, look into government support, talk to your bank, and get qualified advice from professional services such as your accountant.

His takeaway advice to our guests was to ALWAYS LOOK AHEAD. Thank you Ted for a very insightful and memorable morning!

Sunshine Coast Council as an organisation is committed to you as both a community member as well as a business representative. We are all working hard to support you as best we can and all information and changes will be announced via the Council website and added to the business support page.

Council alongside business and chamber groups are all encouraging a support local response to support our local businesses, which you will see in social media posts, our media outlets and message boards.

Council made available a free business wellbeing website called B-Well and Prosper. It is a wealth of information to support you and your staff during these unprecedented times and is completely private and confidential. 

If you are a food and beverage business transitioning to take-away and/or home delivery and in need of signage and parking control, Council is making available posters and free parking signage to support keeping parking bays available and communicating new trading conditions. Complete this simple online formto apply.

Council has been paying invoices received in under seven days (usually 30 day terms) and released approximately $9m in to the economy last week alone.

Last week, Council held an Ordinary Meeting to grant the CEO additional powers to support a review of fees and charges to better assist businesses.

On Monday, Council announced a local economic stimulus package.  It is important to note that those businesses eligible/affected (fee waivers/refunds) will be contacted directly by Council, relieving the need to apply.

Yesterday, Council announced that as part of its efforts to keep money circulating in the local economy and work flowing for the construction and related industries, will be accelerating programmed maintenance and other works. Should you need dedicated advice or support regarding temporary-use classifications please contact Council.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Development Team is working directly with many affected businesses and in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and Industry groups. 

New programs and support will be announced swiftly and regularly via the business web page sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Business/COVID19-Support-for-Business.

If you wish to subscribe to Council’s media summaries please subscribe at https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/News-Centre/Headlines

This material is general in nature and incorporates information regarding proposed or pending legislative changes to address the potential economic and other impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On 22 March 2020, the Australian Federal Government delivered its second response to the economic threat posed by the Coronavirus.

Part of this response includes measures to alleviate some of the financial hardship faced by many businesses and to provide some safeguards to help them survive and be better placed to resume operations after the crisis.

Key to these objectives were proposed reforms to company and personal insolvency laws.

Statutory demands

Temporary changes to the requirements for issuing a statutory demand are aimed at offering protection to companies that might otherwise be pushed into insolvency and liquidation.

Statutory demands have long been used to recover money owed by a company which will be presumed insolvent if, after 21 days after service of a statutory demand, it either fails to pay the debt or to have the demand set aside or extended. The presumption of insolvency triggers a right for a creditor to instigate proceedings to have the company wound up.

Generally, a statutory demand may not be issued unless the debt is for $2,000 or more and the debtor is given 21 days from service of the demand to pay the debt or apply to have it set aside.

Temporary changes, anticipated to operate for 6 months include:

• Increasing the minimum amount of debt for which a statutory demand may be served from $2,000 to $20,000;
• Extending the timeframe for a debtor company to comply with a statutory demand from 21 days to 6 months.

Personal liability for company directors - insolvent trading

Companies are prohibited from trading whilst insolvent, and directors have a duty to prevent insolvent trading. Directors who allow a company to continue incurring debt where it is reasonably foreseeable that the company is, or is likely to become insolvent, may be held personally liable for financial losses.

New measures provide temporary relief from the duty to prevent insolvent trading to company directors who incur debts in the ordinary course of the company's business, relieving the director from personal liability that would otherwise be associated with insolvent trading. These measures will apply for 6 months.

Individuals and bankruptcy

Similar temporary measures, to apply for 6 months, are proposed for individuals facing insolvency issues through changes to personal insolvency laws, namely:

• ·       increasing the threshold for the minimum amount of debt owed from $5,000 to $20,000 before a creditor can initiate bankruptcy proceedings;
• ·       extending the timeframe within which a debtor must comply with a bankruptcy notice from 21 days to 6 months;
• ·       in circumstances where a debtor has declared an intention to enter into voluntary bankruptcy, extending the timeframe for which a debtor is protected from an unsecured creditor taking further recovery action from 21 days to 6 months.

Taxation matters

Business owners or company directors who are struggling financially as a result of the Coronavirus may seek tailored solutions from the Australian Taxation Office (such as temporary reductions, payment deferrals or the withholding of enforcement action).

How can we help?

The above material is based on an understanding of the available information at the time, which may be subject to change or further development. The individual circumstances of each case and the law at the relevant time must be considered before an informed opinion can be offered.

This is a concerning time for all Australians and we are here to help.

If you or someone you know wants more information or needs help or advice, please contact us on (07) 5443 4866 or email kwaddington@gwlaw.com.au.

The SCBWN International Women’s Day breakfast was always planned to be one of our most influential and powerful events as we proudly celebrated this important day on the world calendar. We set out to deliver a morning that showed our network that achieving your dreams is within their control while immersing them in an environment that supports, encourages, grows and nurtures talented, dedicated and driven women to reach their highest potential.

Our mission to support IWD isn’t a one-day event, it is embedded in our purpose. 

While women continue to lack their share of voice and representation, we are committed to raising awareness and urging change by empowering and supporting women to earn and learn through education, leadership, friendship, mentorship and conversation.

Inviting skilled goal shooter Peace Proscovia, CEO Danielle Smith and Head Coach Kylee Byrne from the incredibly successful Sunshine Coast Lightning to take over the USC Stadium with us was something that felt strong from the beginning. These three remarkable women were the perfect candidates to stand up in front of our growing network and inspire the room to fight for their goals no matter what obstacles may come up along the way… and that they did.

Peace Proscovia amplifies ‘individuality with a purpose’, her raw story about rights and obligations, culture and expectation, moved the whole stadium to a state of respect and pure inspiration. Peace fought against a world that was fighting against her and her experiences completely align with the 2020 International Women’s Day #EachforEqual campaign.

Born into poverty and a family of eight children, Peace imagined herself to have a lonely life that led to forced marriage and early motherhood. Instead, she became disciplined and determined to make something of herself. Defying her father’s wishes and going against both social and cultural norms, Peace left her small Ugandan village at only 18-years-old to travel to the capital city Kampala and chase her dream of playing professional netball.

Through unimaginable hard work and sheer willpower, Peace shared how she became the captain of the Ugandan national side, played for the Loughborough Lightning in England, represented her country in the World Cup and is an International Netball Federation Ambassador. Every step in her story shaped Peace to become the notorious goal shooter for Sunshine Coast Lightning, in the world’s pinnacle netball league Suncorp Super Netball.

We are so honoured to have had this incredible woman stand up in front of our network, open our eyes to other people’s troubles and triumphs, and inspire us to individually and collectively work together to create an equal world.

Following Peace’s story, we had an interview between our SCBWN President Roz White and Sunshine Coast Lightning CEO Dannielle Smith, and Head Coach Kylee Byrne.

Danielle and Kylee were invited to share with our network the business of netball, the highlights and challenges faced by a start-up organisation, building a team – on and off court – from scratch, and how that has impacted Lightning’s success.

Both ladies have incredible backgrounds full of hard work, resilience and fortitude resulting in their successful roles today.

Danielle Smith is currently the CEO of Sunshine Coast Lightning and board director of NRL club, Melbourne Storm. Her career spans more than 20 years working across a broad range of industries including sport, major events, management consulting, consumer products and chartered accounting. During Danielle’s time as CEO, Lightning has become the most successful professional sporting start-up in Australian history, competing in three successive grand finals, winning back to back premierships in 2017 and 2018, and the minor premiership in 2019.

Head Coach Kylee Byrne has over 15 years’ experience coaching elite netball programs. Kylie was promoted to Head Coach of Sunshine Coast Lightning at the conclusion of the 2019 season after playing a pivotal role in Lightning’s 2017 and 2018 Premierships and 2019 Grand Final as Assistant Coach. Previous to her role on the Sunshine Coast, Byrne was Netball Queensland’s Elite Development Coach, where she oversaw the state’s program to identify and develop the next generation of netballers.

Putting together this uniquely powerful, out-of-the-box International Women's Day event could not have been possible with the support of our event sponsors. Upon hearing our plan, the fantastic people at ANZ stepped in to support the event as speaker sponsors, ensuring the SCBWN once again delivers an outstanding, inspirational and empowering morning.

Year after year, USC supports SCBWN as our event sponsor to demonstrate their passion and commitment to celebrating and empowering women. In particular recognising this time of year as one to highlight the achievements of women from all backgrounds and vocations.

Thank you ANZ for your invaluable support and to the USC for your continued support of the SCBWN, and for once again partnering with us to bring together the members and guests of the network to celebrate International Women's Day.

Massive Media Raffle!

Go in the draw to win a $10,000 media package thanks to Nine, 92.7MIX FM and 91.9 SeaFM! 

Purchase a ticket/s in the raffle for a chance to win a media prize pack valued at $10,000 to use at 92.7 Mix FM, 91.9 SeaFM and Channel 9, all the while supporting your network to be able to give back even more to the community in 2020. 

Frances Cayley won this incredible media prize when she was announced the SCBWN 2019 Outstanding Business Woman of the Year. She is now generously donating this back to the network to help support business women in our region. She wanted to see this prize used by another great businesswoman while also being able to support our network to further achieve the mission of empowering and celebrating women in business. So now this great prize could be yours for the cost of a raffle ticket! 

Eligible to Sunshine Coast businesses with the prize to be used in 2020.

Online ticket sales close 5 pm Monday 20th April 2020, ticket sales will continue in person at the 2020 SCBWN Marketing Cocktail Evening, closing at 7 pm. The raffle will be drawn at the 2020 SCBWN Marketing Cocktail evening on Tuesday 21st April at 7.30pm.  The winner will be announced at the cocktail event. If the winner is not present, they will be contacted by the details provided when they purchased the ticket. 

Terms and conditions apply. 

• SCBWN Media Raffle 2020
  $20.00