APRIL 2010 - MEETING IN REVIEW
Macleay River Business Women's Network
5th May 2010
Kempsey Golf Club
The May meeting was a breakfast held at the Eagles Nest Function Room at the Kempsey Golf Club. While cool it was a beautiful morning and we enjoyed the views over the golf course complete with kangaroos.
We started with our regular introductions. Then our first time attendee Tracey Reinke was able to introduce herself. Tracey is a freelance photographer and operates under the business name Pandanus Prints. She sells a range of photographs that can be viewed on her website at www.pandanusprints.webs.au . Tracey does real estate photography and also specialises in outdoor portraits. Tracey is the mother of two children and has lived in Smithtown for almost two years. Welcome Tracey.
There were several announcements. Jodie Clarke filled us in on a new type of business women's networking opportunity on the Mid North Coast. Hot Women is a web networking site. They have their inaugural event coming up on May 22nd called "Death by Chocolate" at Rydges in Port Macquarie. The cost is $35 per person and you need to purchase your ticket prior to the event. For more information visit their web site at www.hotwomenguide.com.au ..
Robbie Treacey of Brindabella informed us about Brindabella's Mothers day Lunch which includes a complimentary cocktail for mum. For bookings and more information about the beautiful food at Kisses on Brindabella you can contact Robyn on 6562 7007. Robbie has other special events planned for the near future including Christmas in July.
Sue Gorman and Liz Campbell informed us about the upcoming Chamber of Commerce event. The May meeting on the 27th will include an entertaining economist as the guest speaker presented in conjunction with Sensis. The following morning, Friday the 28th at 7am, Sensis and Chamber will present an interactive workshop on marketing. There will be several speakers with expertise in this field as well as the chance to win an advertising package with Sensis valued at $2000.00. The regular Chamber Meeting cost, including your evening meal, is $20 and the breakfast workshop is also $20 but if you wish to attend both there is a special rate of $35. For bookings you can contact Chamber secretary Liz Campbell on 0427 627 074.
Evelyn Jacobs is selling Lamingtons for Kempsey Basketball. They cost $10 per dozen or $5 for half a dozen. For orders contact Evelyn on 0418 463 278. She also has Noni Juice now available for $44 per bottle so you can give your immune system a pre-winter boost.
Delma Buczko of Curves Kempsey filled us in on a great deal for May. Join Curves this month and get 50% off the joining fee and your first 30 days for free. Also coming up in June is the Food Drive to help those in need. In support of the Salvation Army, bring along a bag of non perishable groceries and pay no joining fee in the month of June. Last year this was a hugely successful drive with an enormous amount of food collected for distribution. If it is time for you to get fit then call for more information on 6562 2884.
May 13th is Kempsey Cup Day and it is fast approaching! Due to the unfortunate problems with the Kempsey track the cup is being held at Port Macquarie this year. Kempsey Racing Club will benefit from proceeds of the day and it is hoped that the day will be well supported. There are buses operating from Kempsey from 10.45am and return tickets, race entry and a race book can be purchased for $20 from West Kempsey General Store, Randall's Business Equipment and Chaddies Store prior to the event. For more information contact Debbie 0438 493 135 or at kempseyraceclubdeb@bigpond..com .
ETC's Leeanne Brenton announced their upcoming event on May 26th. IT experts "Gravelroad" will present the topic of "Technology and Innovation: Putting YOUR business ahead of the game". The event will be held at ETC between 10am and 12noon and the cost is $35 including morning tea. Members are encouraged to attend and support such events in order to continue to attract high quality speakers to our town. You can reserve your seat today on 1800 007 400 or visit etcltd.com.au.
If you are unable to attend Port then the Chamber of Commerce along with Kempsey Race Club and Kempsey Greyhound racing are holding a "Kempsey Horses have gone to the Dogs" race day at Kempsey Greyhound Club. There will be bookies, live coverage of Kempsey Cup, bar facilities and a full dog race event. Entry cost is $6 for adults and $4 for pensioners and the day will support both racing clubs. For more information contact Greg Hawken on 6562 5089.
The final announcement was that the Kempsey Shire Council's Draft Management Plan is now available for viewing. This plan is for the next three years so council is encouraging us to have a look and make comments while we have the opportunity. You can check it out at: http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/pdfs10/draft-manplan1011.pdf .
Unfortunately our promoted guest speaker did not attend due to reasons beyond our control and the committee would like to apologise to our members. However this gave us the opportunity to hear a completely impromptu talk from member Liz Campbell about the amazing Father Chris Riley visit to Kempsey earlier this week.
A nasty assult in Clyde Street Mall actually started a chain of events that resulted in this wonderful event. Lou Kesby wanted to find a way to help the youth of Kempsey and was told we need Father Chris Riley. Chamber sent a letter and was then surprised to hear that Father Chris Riley wanted to visit Kempsey. With this reply a steering committee was set up which included Chamber members (and MRBWN members) Liz Campbell, Sue Gorman and Tania Powick as well as Lou Kesby. It also included Mick Eller (Kempsey High School), David Munday (Aldavilla Primary), Janice Newton (Crescent Head Public), Cathy Oliver and Jo McGoldrick (Kempsey Shire Council), Father Paul O'Sullivan (Catholic Aboriginal Ministry) and Paula Skinner (PCYC). Further members of the community, in particular the Aboriginal community, were also involved at times. The steering committee wanted the kids of Kempsey to hear Father Chris Riley's storey.
A massive event was planned and 1000 kids from almost every local school (years six to nine) were invited to attend. As Kempsey does not have a venue to hold such numbers it was decided to hold it at Kempsey Golf Course to show the youth how beautiful parts of South Kempsey are. Janice Newton organised the live entertainment which included local youth talent such as the River City Rumblers and Minnie Marks. Food was supplied by Bidvest Wholesale Food Suppliers and Lou's Café and was packed by St Vincent de Paul, SES and Lou's staff, friends and family to feed all 1000 children at the event. Buses were arranged to get the kids in and out and the PCYC bus and Macleay Vocational College bus roamed the streets to pick up kids not in school. The SES assisted on the da as did Bunnings by donating plastic bags for the kids to sit on. It was an amazing event to co-ordinate and organise and the day ran smoothly.
Father Chris Riley spoke to the kids who were really engaged by him. Afterwards some kids expressed that they did not realise how tough some kids do it. Others were able to know that they are not alone.
Following this event was a forum where about 100 people, all with an interest in the youth of Kempsey, came together to look at what we can do for our young people. Father Chris Riley made the comment that the youth are not our future, they are our now. He advised that the town really needs a 24 hour facility for our youth to go and be safe. We have an amazing PCYC but it does not have the funding to operate those hours.
It is now time to source people to take what has been discussed and to move forward with it.
Thank you Liz for sharing this with us. With such commitment in our town we know we are heading in the right direction.
To conclude our meeting we had a brief referral time.
Our next meeting will be held at Brindabella for lunch on June the 2nd. We will be hearing about financial matters relevant to us as we digest the budget and look towards the end of financial year.
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APRIL 2010 - MEETING IN REVIEW
Macleay River Business Women's Network
7th April 2010
Kempsey PCYC
Our venue for April was at the Kempsey PCYC which is managed in the capable hands of our network member Paula Skinner. A buffet lunch, catered for by Lou's Café, was enjoyed in a multi-purpose room at the facility. For many members this was their first visit to the PCYC premises and there was a great deal of interest in our location.
The meeting was opened by chairperson Geraldine Yabsley with the usual members introductions followed by an opportunity for new members and guests to make a more detailed introduction.
Kathy Blanch from Travelscene Kempsey was eager to tell us about Kempsey Rate Payers Association of which she is the secretary. The association is looking for new and enthusiastic members and want to encourage any one who wants to have a say in our town to join. Membership is only $5.00 per year and the meetings are monthly. The next meeting is to be held on the 26th of April 2010 at the Kempsey Show Ground. For further information please contact Kathy at kathy@travelscenekempsey.com.au .
Anita Brown joined us from the Kempsey Bypass Alliance where she is the Senior Communications Coordinator. Anita will be our guest speaker at the May meeting and she will be able to provide us with a thorough update of the project.
Trish Johnson, Civil Celebrant, was next to introduced her self and her services. Trish is able to perform civil ceremonies such as weddings and baby naming days and says that she enjoys being a part of celebrating such special occasions in peoples' lives. You can contact Trish at marloo98@bigpond.net.au ..
Next we heard some announcements including the introduction of the networks' new guest book to be signed by all visitors attending our networking events. The network is also hoping to start a new library for its members. The idea is that members with books that may be of interest to fellow members can make them available for loan. Members can then borrow between each other with the library being coordinated by Liz McPherson. To register your available books or to find out more information you can contact Liz at nornur@bigpond.net.au ..
Maura Luxford is in the final stages of preparing to ride by horseback to Melbourne to raise awareness of Melanoma. Maura plans to visit 31 schools on her way and her goal is "to put Melanoma on the map". Her trip launch is being held at the Willawarrin Hotel on Saturday the 17th of April from 7pm. Maura is due to arrive at Melbourne's Peter Mac Cancer Centre on the 4th of July at 11am. Information on her journey and donations to the Hannah Rose Memorial Research Fund can be made via her website at www.ride4acure.com.au . Maura is an inspirational woman and the network wishes her all the best in her journey.
Former member Nerida Osborne has an art exhibition opening at the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery called "A Sense of Place" from the 8th of April until the 16th of April 2010.
Tracy Brenton informed us of the name of her new business, Brenton Accounting Services. Tracy is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent with over 15 years of experience. You can contact her via tracybrenton@bigpond.com or visit her new website at www.brentonaccounting.com.au .
Trisha McIntyre of TAFE informed us of the Deadly Days 2010 "Licensed to Skill" event that this year is being held at the Kempsey Campus on the 2nd of September. The day is organised by North Coast TAFE and Aboriginal Learning Partnerships and aims to encourage young Aboriginal people to "get licensed to skill" though fun and engaging activities. There will be hands-on workshops, try a trade, career expos, music, sport, arts and culture. TAFE is looking for local businesses to support this event. Enquiries can be made on 6623 0335.
Our guest speaker Paula Skinner of PCYC presented us with an informative and visual presentation about PCYC Kempsey. Paula advised us that PCYC is not supported by government and relies on the community to provide and maintain its services.
PCYC, or the Police and Community Youth Clubs, has the mission to reduce and prevent crime by and against young people; to get young people active in life; and to work with young people to develop skills, character and leadership.
Some of the many activities being offered at PCYC include gymnastics, boxing (junior and senior), aerobics, power-bar, vacation care, after school program, boxing for fitness, Kindy Gym, jazz and hip hop classes, Tiny Tots dance and themed children's birthday parties. The PCYC has a fully equipped gymnasium that is available to members.
The Kempsey PCYC is also soon to commence a Touch Football tournament, Midnight Basketball and self defense classes for young people. Activities, such as midnight basketball, not only include the game but players are also required to participate in sessions that focus on life skills. This night activity gives young people an alternative to the streets and drinking.
Crime Prevention programs include the Midnight Basketball, a Traffic Offenders Program, Youth Alive, Youth Anger Management and the SAY Program.
Paula reminded us all of the important fundraiser being held on Thursday the 15th of April in Clyde Street Mall. Time 4 Kids involves volunteer locals being "arrested" and "locked up" in a make-shift cell. The "prisoners" need to raise bail to be released. Several members of the network and business community are participating including Liz Campbell, Sue Gorman, Bronwyn Noonan-Hoynes, Betty Green and Greg Hawkin (husband of Regina).
Paula also provided us with an information pack including a letter of thanks for attending, a membership brochure, activity price list and time table and a brochure about the themed birthday parties. Paula concluded our meeting with a tour of the facilities. For more information on PCYC please contact Paula on 6562 8399.
Geraldine offered thanks to Paula on behalf of the network. Geraldine mentioned the fact that before Paula became the Centre Manager the Kempsey PCYC was running at a loss and was ranked 58th out of the 59 in NSW. In just over 12 months, and as a result of a lot of hard work, PCYC Kempsey is ranked 8th in the state. (Information provided by Bronwyn Noonan-Hoynes.) Paula is yet another amazing and inspirational member of our network. Thank you Paula!
Just prior to our tour a new "Member Referral" was introduced. This is an opportunity for members who have used other members' services/businesses to their satisfaction can offer a verbal referral for that service or business. An enthusiastic time was spent with many members offering positive feedback. This session can be included at future meeting if time permits. It was very positive to note how many members use each others businesses and services and really shows the value that our network can have in our community.
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March 2010 - Meeting in Review
Macleay River Business Women's Network
3rd March 2010
Dom's Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel
Our first breakfast of the year on a rainy morning at a new venue for the network. We started with some networking, social time and then our regular introductions and announcements.
Jo Lane, of Macleay Vocational College, was attending for the first time and introduced herself as well as the new Vocational College Magazine. The magazine is full of interesting facts about the college and the people involved with the school and is now available for $10. Jo had copies available at the meeting.
Tracy Brenton announced her new and exciting endeavour. Tracy is soon to launch her own accounting and book keeping service. Tracy has vast experience in this field so if you have a need for her services, or know some one else who may use her, please let Tracy know. You can contact Tracy at tracybrenton@bigpond.com ..
Rosalie Lindner announced that the Kempsey Silver Strings (the string group of the Kempsey Silver Band) are holding a "Day on the Green" between 4.30-6.30pm on the 17th of March at park behind the pool.
Regina Hawken of Hawken Mower and Chainsaw advised us of their current special offer. Purchase a new chainsaw and you can trade in any used chainsaw for $100 cash back. They are also offering a $275 pair of loading ramps with any new ride on purchased.
ETC were proud to show off their new brochure which features two Kempsey businesses giving testimonials regarding ETC's services. Great brochure.
Liz Campbell brought us the great news that Father Chris Riley from "Kids Off the Street' will be visiting Kempsey on the 3rd of May. An event will be held involving primary and high school student at the Kempsey Golf Course.
Our advertised guest speaker Senior Communications Co-ordinator of the Kempsey Bypass Alliance, Anita Brown, was unable to attend due to illness. We hope to allow Anita the opportunity to address us at a later network meeting. A discussion followed regarding the progress to date of the by-pass which some members of our network are involved with through their businesses.
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February 2010- Meeting in Review
Macleay River Business Women's Network
3rd February 2010
Kempsey Heights Bowling Club
Our first meeting for 2010 was held at a new venue for the network. The lunch meet started with members introductions and we also heard from Lucy of Central West Community College who joined us for the first time.
Our new Membership Certificates were presented to over 20 members who are financial for 2010. We hope that members will display them in their places of work.
This was one of the meetings which allowed for members to present information. First up we heard from Trisha McIntyre who is the Community Relations Officer at TAFE. Trisha introduced the new service being offered at TAFE called Careers Connect. Careers Connect is an on-line job vacancy and career service available to TAFE students to help them find the right vacancy for their new skills and qualifications. For information on this service and to look for emplyees email careersconnect.northcoast@tafensw.edu.au .
Paula Skinner from PCYC filled us in on what is going on at PCYC during 2010. Fitness classes have resumed along with boxing, table tennis and dance classes. The popular Mid Night Basketball is soon to return to help keep kids safely occupied on Friday nights and, as this service relies on community support, volunteers are being sought to assist with this worthwhile event. Paula also advised us about the upcoming fundraiser "Lock-up and Bail-out" where high profile locals are "locked up" in a makeshift cell in Clyde Street Mall and they will need to raise bail to be set free. For more information contact Paula on 6562 8399 or email Kempsey@pcycnsw.org.au .
Astrid McCormick was next to address us. Astrid thanked the network and its members for their support and for telling others about her yoga classes. She explained that yoga can be great for the relief of pain such as lower back pain, neck pain, etc as well as being a great relaxation technique. To find out more contact Astrid on 6567 4757.
We all welcomed the news from Viviane Peters that she has opened a shop at 71B Tozer Street. Viviane is introducing a new program called CelluBlast designed to reduce cellulite and your dress size! She is holding a free information day on the 13th of February at 1.30pm in her shop. For further information call Viviane on 0406 250 009.
Finally Liz Campbell updated us on the Chamber of Commerce calendar. There are some great speakers at upcoming meetings and other social events such as the golf day on September 12th. Membership is encouraged to help keep the Chamber in a strong position to make a positive difference for the Kempsey community and local businesses. More information is available at www.kempseychamber.com.au ..
A presentation was made to member Anika Brenton, an inspiring young woman who has recently established her own business Bliss Events. Anika is getting married later this month and we wish her all the best for her special day and her future with Cody.
Our guest speaker was the return of Maura Luxford to update us on her amazing story and achievement with Ride4aCure. When Maura's daughter, Hannah Rose, died from Melanoma at the age of 20 in December 2008 Maura decided that more needed to be done to educate young people about Melanoma and to raise funds for research into a cure. In 2009 Maura embarked on a massive journey riding a bike from Kempsey to the Peter MacCallum Hospital in Melbourne. Last year Maura told us of her plans and today she was back to tell us of her amazing trip. Maura's journey covered 1668km stopping in many regional towns. Maura visited schools to give a very personal story and to educate young people about how they can reduce the risk of Melanoma. By New Year's Day Maura had raised $44,000.00 for the Hannah Rose Melanoma Research Fund. This year Maura is planning another trip to Melbourne…this time on horse back! Maura has developed a program to take to the schools, starting here in the Macleay, called "Mela-What?" which is the common reaction of young people when they first hear about melanoma. Maura announced the date for the fundraiser dinner dance and auction to be held at the Showground on the 25th of September 2010. Well done Maura, you are an inspiration. To find out more please visit www.ride4acure.com.au ..
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March Meeting in Review
The March meeting for 2009 was held at Netherby House where a lovely meal was enjoyed. With 28 attending the meeting it was a terrific turn out. It was also a busy meeting with a lot to share.
We started with introductions followed by our guest speaker Sheri Foster. Sheri is the Kempsey/Macleay coordinator of Home-Start national Inc. Sheri introduced us to the Home Start program which is a voluntary home visiting program offering support to families with children under five. Families with young children all face many challenges and for some parents these challenges are made more difficult because they do not have any close relatives, they may have grown up with a lack of good parenting role models, they may face financial hardship, be unprepared, etc. Home-Start aims to match these families with a suitable volunteer to provide friendship and support. Help from volunteers may be in the form of practical support such as transport, help with the children, outings, assistance with shopping or budgeting. Families are visited once a week by their volunteer who is able to share the wisdom of their parenting experience.
Sheri coordinates the program which includes screening families to assess their needs and suitablilty, training and screening volunteers, matching families with volunteers. Sheri explained how Home-Start operates and how the volunteers can make a positive impact. Thanks Sheri for your informative talk.
Liz Campbell updated us on Kempsey Shire Council. Liz told us about the Fresh Ideas funding grant being offered to small businesses with less than 15 employees. The funding is for $5000 to $15000 and is provided to assist employers to provide family friendly arrangements for their employees. Also now available on the Council web site is the new Social Profile Report which gives a picture of the current social make up of the Kempsey region and may be of assistance for business planning.
For further information on the grant please click here........
Carolyn Ellis from Mid Coast Youth Career Services informed us about the upcoming Business Industry Showcase 2009 in Port Macquarie. The local Business Industry Showcase aims to aid communication between young people, their parents and local businesses. The Business Industry Showcase will provide an opportunity to increase awareness about current and future opportunities for employment and training within a range of industry sectors. Exhibitors will be able to promote their business to young people across the region from Kempsey to Taree. Carolyn also informed us about this initiative please contact MCYCS on 6562 5314.
Click here for further information
Carolyn is also interested in hearing from any businesses that will be recruiting young people who would be able to give up a half or full day, depending on number of applicants, to interview. Businesses will be under no obligation to employ any candidate, but it will give young people an opportunity to gain interview skills, as well as learning how to put together an application cover letter and resume.
Click here for information on the Step Into Your Future
Narelle Moulton also informed us of a special screening of the film "The World through the eyes of Women" at the Bandbox on Sunday March the 8th at 1.30pm. the film is presented by the South West Rocks Arts Council and tickets cost $10 ($5 for unemployed and students).
Geraldine Yabsley also informed us of four Industrial Relations workshops that are scheduled for Kempsey this year. The 2009 seminars are:
"5th May 9am-12noon IR in NSW
"6th May 1pm-5pm Recuitment and Retention
"11th August 1pm-5pm Workplace Policies
"12th August 9am-1pm Managing Employees
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November Meeting in Review
November's lunch at Netherby House was delicious.
Kim Clarke from Westpac gave us some very useful insights into how to deal with your bank.
His topics included:
" What your bank might want from you.
" Why your Bank might want this.
" Finance options - how to get it right.
" Why management is so important.
Stay tuned to this web site for future information on a seminar which Westpac will be running next year.
We also had an update on what the Chamber of Commerce is up to with the Christmas lights and decorations you'll have noticed around town. Check out the MRBWN events page for an invitation to a Christmas event organised by the Chamber
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October Meeting in Review
Our October breakfast meeting was our first time at the Spotted Frog at Green Hill. We had a good turn out and we enjoyed the beautiful view and a delicious cooked breakfast.
Our guest speakers were network members Kayleen Parker and Lynn Betts of Parklands Cottage. Kayleen informed us about the vital service that Parklands Cottage provides offering regular day respite care of the elderly. This allows carers to have a break from their demanding role while giving the elderly attendees a social outing and enjoyable activities.
We were made aware of the numerous volunteers with out whom this service could not operate. We also heard about the funding, the structure and the history of the service. We were also shown photos of some of the fun activities, events and entertainment that has been enjoyed over the years. It was great to hear about and every one in attendance seemed very interested in the talk.
We also heard a few words from our member Liz Campbell who was recently elected to Kempsey Shire Council. Liz thanked network members for their support and told us a bit about her new role so far. Well done Liz.
Finally we had a group photo which featured in an advert in the Happynings Business Women feature.