Editors Picks
25 May 2022
COLEMAN GREIG ANNOUNCES CEO RESIGNATION
PARRAMATTA based Coleman Greig Lawyers has announced that its board of directors has accepted the resignation of Mr Warrick McLean, CEO.
The board has appointed Ms Andrea Galloway as acting CEO to be effective upon Mr McLean’s resignation.
Ms Caroline Hutchinson will remain in her role as Chairperson of the board. The Board will begin a search for a permanent CEO shortly.
“I look forward to working closely with our Board of directors, executive team and all our employees to achieve Coleman Greig’s strategic goals. Since joining the Board in 2018 I have been acutely aware of all facets of the business and have huge confidence in Coleman Greig’s future.” said Ms Galloway.
Ms Hutchinson said:“The Board and shareholders are delighted to have Andrea step into the role as acting CEO. She is ideally suited to the acting CEO role.”
Mr McLean said: “I want to thank everyone who helped make Coleman Greig Lawyers the leading law firm in Western Sydney. It’s been an honour to work with our shareholders, Board, brilliant team and our external stakeholders over the past 16 years.
“I realise that all corporate journeys must come to an end and wish Andrea and the team every success as they continue to evolve the business with that sense of infectious confidence that is unique to Coleman Greig Lawyers.”
Featured
11 May 2022
WHY WE'RE STAYING AT HOME TO BUY
West is crazy over online shopping
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
THE home shopping fans in Western Sydney are expected to become the nation’s leading online buyers in the near future.
11 May 2022
PROPERTY FUND SELLS SMITH ST ASSET
AUSTRALIAN Unity’s $615M Diversified Property Fund has sold a further asset at a premium to book value in line with the portfolio’s re-positioning strategy.
On April 26, the Fund exchanged binding contracts of sale for 20 Smith St, Parramatta, NSW, an eight-storey office building of 7,352 metres2 for $87.251M, a premium of circa. 4.5% against its December 2021 book value.
This follows the sale of an industrial property at 19 Corporate Avenue, Rowville, Victoria in December 2021 for $27.85M, at a 26% premium against the book value prior to the sale.
Jonathon Senior, Fund Manager for the Australian Unity Diversified Property Fund said both sales demonstrate effective management of the portfolio and are in line with the Fund’s stated re-positioning strategy to recycle capital into significant development projects at neighbourhood shopping centres in Blackburn, Victoria and Busselton, Western Australia.
“The sale of 20 Smith St Parramatta increases the Fund’s weighted average lease expiry to 8.4 years from 7.5 years with sale proceeds ultimately being used to fund the two key development projects through to completion,” said Jonathon Senior, Fund Manager for the Australian Unity Diversified Property Fund.
Investors will receive a special distribution following the disposal of 19 Corporate Avenue, Rowville and of 20 Smith St, Parramatta on June 30, 2022 which will be in addition to the Fund’s regular income distribution payment.
11 May 2022
FLOOD RECOVERY GRANTS FAST-TRACKED
SOLE traders will now have their applications streamlined for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, providing up to $50,000 to help them recover following the unprecedented flooding.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the application process for the grant has been simplified to help deliver financial support sooner.
“We know our flood-affected communities need help now and that is why we are constantly looking for ways to speed up the grant approval process,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the change will allow Service NSW to process applications quicker by cutting down the paperwork for sole traders and getting money into their hands faster.
“While sole traders have always been eligible for the grant, in-line with previous grant programs they have needed additional documentation to other small businesses. The changes, which take effect from today, mean that applications can now be initially approved based on statutory declarations,” Mr Dominello said.
“Grants are just one of a range of packages targeted at helping flood-affected communities in the Northern Rivers recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Commonwealth and NSW governments are jointly delivering more than $3 billion in flood recovery support.
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to provide flood-affected communities with the support they need to bounce back from this unprecedented disaster,” Ms Cooke said.
“We know a significant number of sole traders are based in regional communities, so cutting red tape in the application process for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant will mean money gets out the door sooner.”
The Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant is available in 60 local government areas and is being jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For further information or to lodge your statutory declaration, visit the Service NSW website or call 13 77 88.
07 May 2022
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR EXPORT AWARDS
NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2022 Premier’s NSW Export Awards recognising outstanding success and resilience of exporters across NSW. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said NSW exporters have played a fundamental role in supporting the NSW economy over the past 12 months. Winners of the national award categories will automatically progress as national finalists to the Australian Export Awards. Nominations will close June 10, 2022. For more information or to nominate your business please visit the 2022 Premier’s NSW Export Awards website.
07 May 2022
CYBERSECURITY FOR THE DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA
DEFENCE is inviting start-up companies to share their ideas with leaders in defence, academia, business and industry at the inaugural Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit in Sydney and online from July 20-22. A unique opportunity exists for start-ups to participate and pitch your ready-to-go innovation to Defence and summit delegates at the ‘Start-Up Alley’. “We want to hear from start-ups that have an idea or innovation that could enhance our defence force’s capabilities or help to keep our defence personnel safe," says Professor Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist. Visit www.adstarsummit.com.au
01 May 2022
FREE OPAL CARDS TO HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
UKRANIANS seeking refuge in NSW after fleeing their war-torn homeland will be offered free Opal cards with credit by the NSW Government to help them rebuild their lives.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government initiative would provide 250 Opal cards, worth more than $50,000, to families as a sign of the solidarity that the people of this State have with the people of Ukraine.
“Australia stands with Ukraine in its fight for its territorial sovereignty, and its right to peace and democracy. This State has a proud history of supporting our new migrants and refugees from around the world, and we have welcomed more than 2,500 Ukrainians seeking refuge with open arms.”
“To leave a life behind to seek safety and shelter in a new country can be very difficult, and providing these Opal cards is a small gesture to help them travel to important meetings and appointments such as medicals, community support groups, and religious services,” Mr Elliott said.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this is another way the NSW Government is alleviating the stress, uncertainty, and anxiety Ukrainians may be feeling as they escape the abhorrent violence occurring in their country.
The President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, Mr Dan Wolody thanked the Government for its support and said that this initiative gave refugees an important kick start when trying to establish a new life in a new country.
“Having mobility and being able to afford to travel while integrating into your new surroundings is vitally important when seeking employment and further education opportunities,” Mr Wolody said.
The 250 Opal cards, include 136 for adults and 114 for children, each with a $200 credit. The Ukrainian Council of NSW will coordinate the distribution of the cards to the appropriate members of the Ukrainian community.
