Recent Presentations
Anna Oudendijk, Aged Care and Financials (FMD Financial)
Anna’s presentation highlighted the growing complexity of Australia’s aged care system and the increasing importance of informed financial decision-making. With aged care touching the lives of most Australians, recent reforms have significantly changed how care is funded, accessed, and managed.
A key takeaway was that client contributions are now determined by a combination of income, assets, and the type of care received. As a result, many individuals will need to rely on additional private funding, making forward cashflow planning essential. Anna also emphasized that special transitional rules will apply to those receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) as of 31 October 2025, adding another layer of complexity.
The introduction of the new Aged Care Act has brought major changes to residential care, particularly around funding and pricing structures. Importantly, decisions made when entering care are often irreversible, meaning early modelling and expert advice are critical to avoid costly mistakes or funding shortfalls.
Anna stressed that aged care decisions do not occur in isolation. They intersect with Centrelink entitlements, taxation, cashflow management, and estate planning. A single uninformed decision can have long-term financial consequences for both the individual and their family.
FMD Financial’s approach focuses on providing integrated, specialist advice. Their services include assessing the impact of care decisions on pension entitlements, modelling aged care fees under different scenarios, and comparing home care and residential care options—including RAD, DAP, and combination strategies. They also project long-term cashflow sustainability and support families through what are often complex and emotional decisions.
Overall, the session reinforced the importance of early planning, tailored advice, and a holistic financial approach to navigating the aged care system with confidence.
Hanzel Hizola, Insolvency Update (Jirsch Sutherland)
At this morning’s Networking Breakfast, Hanzel Hizola from Jirsch Sutherland delivered an important update on current insolvency trends and the Australian Taxation Office’s increasing enforcement activity.
A key message was that the ATO is now taking a much stronger approach to outstanding tax debts. Businesses and directors who are known to the ATO for significant unpaid liabilities may face serious consequences. In some cases, individuals with substantial tax debts may even be subject to travel restrictions, meaning they may not be able to leave the country until arrangements are made to address the debt.
Another major focus was unpaid employee superannuation. If a business fails to meet its super obligations, directors can become personally liable for those debts. Hanzel emphasised that directors who cannot pay their staff’s super should not be prioritising discretionary spending, as the ATO is actively pursuing these obligations.
One of the most practical pieces of advice was to ensure that Business Activity Statements (BAS) are always lodged on time, even if the business cannot immediately pay the full amount owed. Lodging BAS and proactively setting up a payment arrangement with the ATO demonstrates engagement and can significantly reduce the risk of stronger enforcement action.
The overarching message was clear: directors must stay on top of tax and super obligations, communicate early with the ATO, and seek professional advice if financial pressure arises. Failing to do so can lead to personal liability and significant legal and financial consequences.
Douglas, Specialist in Testing & Tagging
We recently had the pleasure of hearing from Douglas from The Local Guys, who delivered an informative and practical presentation on the ins and outs of electrical testing and tagging. Drawing on his many years of industry experience, Douglas clearly explained what testing and tagging involves, why it’s essential for businesses, and how it plays a critical role in protecting workplaces. Douglas reinforced that electrical testing and tagging isn’t just about ticking a compliance box — it’s a proactive safety measure that keeps workplaces safe, legally compliant, and running smoothly without costly interruptions
Why Is It Important?
Electrical testing and tagging is a safety procedure that involves visually inspecting and electrically testing appliances for defects or potential hazards in accordance with the AS/NZS 3760 standard. This ensures that electrical equipment is safe to use and compliant with Australian regulations. It reduces the risk of electric shock and electrical fires, ensures legal compliance under Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act, helps businesses avoid costly fines,downtime, and disruptions and protects employees, customers, and business assets.
How Often Should It Be Done?
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Construction sites: Every 3 months
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Workshops & cleaning environments: Every 6 months
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Office environments: Every 12 months
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Hire equipment: Before each hire and every 3 months
Key Benefits for Businesses
Early fault detection, reduced liability, maximised productivity and peace of mind.
Graeme Pascoe, IT expert from Prima Technologies
Understanding, implementing and utilising AI for your business.
We recently hosted an insightful presentation with Graeme, Chief Technology Officer at Prima Technologies, who shared expert perspectives on modern workplace solutions, cloud technology, and the importance of smart IT planning in keeping businesses running smoothly and securely.
Graeme explored the practical use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini, and discussed how organisations can begin building AI into their everyday operations. He encouraged attendees to think of AI as a highly intelligent new employee — one with enormous potential, but no prior knowledge of your specific business — highlighting the importance of guidance, training, and clear processes to unlock real value.
Graeme also demonstrated why Microsoft Copilot stands out, particularly in terms of security, integration, and advanced features, making it a powerful and trusted option for businesses adopting AI.
Contact Graeme today:
0416 038 856
primatechnologies.com.au
Karla Vosloo from Stellar Insurance Brokers
Understanding Fire & General Insurance – And Why the Right Advice Matters
When most people think about insurance, they think of the basics — home, car, health or life cover. But as Karla Vosloo from Stellar Insurance Brokers highlighted in her recent presentation, a critical layer of protection often sits behind these: Fire and General Insurance.
This type of insurance is designed to protect more than just physical assets. It helps safeguard businesses, income, operations and long-term stability, covering risks such as fire, storms, theft, water damage, business interruption and cyber threats. In today’s environment, these risks are increasingly relevant and worth protecting against.
Modern Fire and General Insurance goes well beyond buildings and equipment. It now plays a key role in protecting businesses from lawsuits, cyber attacks, regulatory fines and operational disruptions that can threaten both reputation and survival.
This is why the right insurance broker matters. A good broker acts as a risk strategist — taking the time to understand how a business operates, identifying key risks, comparing insurers beyond price and negotiating the right terms. Most importantly, when something goes wrong, they become your advocate.
In an increasingly complex world, insurance is no longer just about cover — it’s about confidence, protection and having the right advice behind you.
Contact Karla today:
Karla Vosloo – Account Manager
karla.v@stellarinsurance.com.au
0492 887 416
Pushpa Vaghela from Leaders By Design
We had the most inspiring Presentation at our Breakfast Meeting yesterday by one of our Members, Pushpa Vaghela from Leaders By Design.
Pushpa shared her extraordinary journey from hardship, personal and business hurdles to her amazing achievements. Pusha’s stories are such lessons in life for all.
Click here to view her presentation
Contact Pusha:
0497 998 829
pushpa@leadershipbydesign.com.au
leadershipbydesign.com.au
Tracey Schwass from The Travel Organiser
We had a great presentation this morning from Tracey Schwass (The Travel Organiser) on why you should book through an agent. Tracey has many years of experience in the Travel Industry and visited 58 Countries. Tracey will get to know you and the things you like, so she can plan a fantastic getaway catered to suit you. Tracey also knows all the little extras you can add to your holiday (often at no extra cost). During extreme conditions, such as being flooded in, Volcanoes, or similar conditions, your Agent can often get you on flights out of the area well before you can. The Travel Organiser will make your Holiday a wonderful, stress-free experience from locking in everything you want and need to make sure you have the right Insurance for extra protection.
The Travel Organiser can organise Group Bookings, such as Golf Holidays, Scuba, Christmas in Europe to the family getaway. So call Tracey and let her do the work, you just pack your bags.
Contact Tracey:
0413 007 665
tracey@thetravelorganiser.com.au
thetravelorganiser.com.au