I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate everyone who runs their own business – no matter how big or how small!

I was in one of my mind wandering states recently and was discussing (in my head) an analogy for “putting yourself out there”, and I recalled a situation when I left home at 5pm to travel two hours to attend an event where I knew no-one and then travelled two hours home again.

It was one of those times as a business owner where I had to lift myself from doubt and push myself into the right gear to get there and participate, because that is what we do.

To each and every one of you who do what needs to be done (like working 60 hours a week for yourself so you don’t have to work 40 hours a week for someone else??), CONGRATULATIONS – you really do help make the world go round.

Send a shout out here to a business owner you know who needs reminding that they’re doing good, I’d love to be able to support them too.

Regards

School is back for 2017 and I hear parents across the country let out a long sigh…no more “I’m bored”, no more juggling play dates and supervision, just the usual morning routine and after school activities to get back into.

Personally I always loved the start of the school year, new uniforms, new books and new opportunities.

While reflecting on this I realised 2017 is 30 years since I started secondary school…oh goodness.

Speaking of new opportunities, the new school year is a great time for parents to review their income estimates for Centrelink purposes.

We are just over half way through the financial year, your circumstances may have changed and this may affect your entitlements – so sit down for a few minutes to review, your bank account may just thank you.

Regards

How appropriate to be calling for a World Ready Warrnambool on the day of our national holiday – Australia Day?

This weekend marks the Chinese New Year and Commerce Warrnambool have launched a fabulous initiative in recognition of the opportunities partnering with China can have for many local businesses and by way of acknowledging the tourism support of the Chinese (they love visiting our beautiful part of the world).

Businesses around town will be displaying this poster in their windows (I’m quite happy for you to use this image in your online promotions if you’d like to be involved – just be sure to leave the Commerce Warrnambool logo visible!)

The committee of Commerce Warrnambool have put together an information pack regarding Chinese New Year – you can get one of these by emailing info@commercewarrnambool.com.au and there is plenty of information on their Facebook page (take a look, give them a like and feel free to share any of the articles).

I wonder what’s in store for the year of the Rooster?

Regards

It’s almost time to celebrate our nation’s day – Australia Day.

For the second year in a row I have been invited to MC the Australia Day Awards on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council – it is an honour to be asked but more importantly, I think I am very excited to meet our Australia Day Ambassador, the one and only Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico!

The festivities will be held on 26th January in the Botanic Gardens from 10.30am – 4pm and will include officially welcoming our newest Australian citizens, and the presentation of the Warrnambool Australia Day Awards followed by entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Please come down and support this event, and come and say “hi” if you see me – if you’re not in Warrnambool, check with your local council and see what they have planned.

Happy Australia Day mate!

Regards