The hub of home-grown inspirational women
History often ignores the contribution made by women to nation building and the ways in which women have supported the communities that underpin healthy democracies like Australia. The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) in Ballarat, Victoria wants to change all that when it officially opens to the public on 4th May 2013. M.A.D.E. has chosen Mothers Day weekend (11th & 12th May, 2013) as the date for the first annual M.A.D.E By … [Read more...]
When President Park Geun-hye stepped into South Korea’s Blue House on 25th February, she became the 17th female head of state presiding in the world today. In 2013, we have women at the helm of Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh - some of the world’s largest, most populous and economically successful countries on Earth. We have women heading up the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the US’s Homeland … [Read more...]
Australian businesses now have even more opportunity to provide supportive and inclusive workplaces with the introduction of Dad and Partner Pay. The new payment is administered and paid directly by the Australian Government, allowing businesses to support their employees without being out of pocket. Dad and Partner Pay is a new payment under the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme. It’s available to eligible working dads or … [Read more...]
So you've made the decision to start your own business. Congratulations! Before you get started there are a few important things you need to consider. Get your business off to a flying start with our top 5 planning tips, and help your business not only survive, but thrive. Tip #1 - Decide if you're ready to start your own business Asking yourself if you're ready may seem like an easy question, but there's more to owning a business than … [Read more...]
Is your business in the textile, clothing or footwear industry? If so, the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program (TCF SBP) helps small businesses like yours to grow by providing funding for projects. Funded projects cover areas such as: business strategy and mentoring; marketing and branding; manufacturing process upgrades; e-commerce; and export opportunity development. Applications for the current round of funding close 1 … [Read more...]
The first in a series of HomeBiz Expos being held across Australia this year will take place in Sydney on 7 February 2013. For those who can't attend a HomeBiz Expo in one of Australia's capital cities, the HomeBiz Connect website provides information for people starting and running a home-based business, and connects business owners with a range of low-cost and no-cost business advisory services. The Small Business Expos will provide … [Read more...]
As most of you would be aware by now, the National Australia Day Council has named Ita Buttrose AO OBE Australian of the Year 2013, making her only the 12th woman to receive the nation's top honour. An Australian publishing icon and trail blazer for working women everywhere, in more recent years Ita Buttrose has used her considerable media experience and high public profile to champion social and health issues, in particular those affecting … [Read more...]
Back in 2011, Australia announced the ‘Clean Energy Future Plan’, which gave transitional assistance to clean-tech businesses and start-ups, as well as existing companies who were willing to become greener. Through this plan, eight hundred million dollars were made available to companies who looked to reduce emissions in different ways within a carbon-constrained economy. As well as this, the Australian government became willing to … [Read more...]
Now, I’m sure we’ve all heard this time and time again; that recycling is one of the most important things we can do to our help our planet, and we should all take time to practice it throughout our day-to-day lives. And, although I’m sure many of us try to wherever possible - such as by making sure we separate the cardboard and plastics from the rest of our rubbish - it’s probably fair to say that we could all put a little more effort … [Read more...]
The Gillard Government announced yesterday it will take action to stop the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation in Australia. In addition to boosting funding for awareness and education programs in the community, the Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek (pictured here with Julia Gillard), will hold a national summit on female genital mutilation in Australia early next year. According to a media release from the PM's press office … [Read more...]
On the 4th Day of Business the business.gov.au website gave to me - the opportunity to influence policy because you don't have to be big to have a big voice. Whether your business is big or small, it's important to have your say on government policy and regulation that can affect the future of your industry. The business.gov.au Business Consultation website makes it easy for you to do just that. It only takes a minute to register to receive … [Read more...]
On the third day of business the business.gov.au website gave to me, free apps to take around with me. business.gov.au's free iPad apps step you through the process of creating well-structured plans, tailored to your business. Developed by business experts, our apps give you convenient access to your important business documents, anytime, anywhere. Our suite of planning apps includes: MyBizPlan - this app provides an interactive … [Read more...]
On the second day of business the business.gov.au website gave to me, fun and informative videos we're sure you'll want to see! From finding out how business.gov.au can help you to developing your marketing plan, our videos are a great place to find information on running a business in Australia. The videos include information on: business planning marketing planning starting your business growing your business. Watch and share … [Read more...]
On the first day of business the business.gov.au website gave to me, a tool to find government grants for business and it's free! There are many programs and grants available to help Australian businesses develop new ideas. The business.gov.au Grants and Assistance Finder search tool helps you find assistance from federal, state and territory governments. The search tool is free to use and lists over 500 grants and assistance … [Read more...]
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisors has taken the number one spot in this year’s topfranchise awards, followed closely by Aussie Pooch Mobile in second place and third place winner Drummond Golf. Pandora Jewellery placed fourth in the Top 10 for 2012 as rated by franchisee satisfaction surveys carried out in Australia. A recent survey of more than 1000 franchisees for topfranchise.com.au by research house 10 THOUSAND FEET, revealed the … [Read more...]
Congratulations to Carolyn Creswell from Victoria who was awarded the top prize at the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Women’s Awards in Sydney last night. A mother of four young children, Carolyn also won the Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award. We would also like to congratulate the other category award winners Cynthia Whelan, Sandy Pitcher, Maureen Clifford, and Chandra Clements. Carolyn Creswell was an 18-year-old … [Read more...]
The Women in Global Business (WIGB) Mentoring Program encourages Australian business women to participate in international export and trade. The program provides support to less experienced business women by connecting them with mentors who have experience in international trade and investment. The Women in Global Business Mentoring Program is currently looking for both Mentors and Mentees. Mentors will share their knowledge and experiences … [Read more...]
The largest provider of employment services in Australia is calling on employers to join them in a bid to find 10,000 jobs before Christmas. The MAX Employment Greatest Gift campaign aims to secure 10,000 jobs before Christmas to help relieve the additional financial pressure placed on struggling families, the long-term unemployed and the disabled, at this time of year. MAXNetWork Managing Director, Deborah Homewood said while finding … [Read more...]
The Australian Government’s business website, business.gov.au have launched a free online resource to give business owners in Australia practical information on managing and seeking finance. Developed with the help of business and finance experts, the Business finances topic at business.gov.au provides essential finance information in an easy-to-read, online format. Managing business finances can be a complex and overwhelming task for … [Read more...]
Mark Brennan, the former Victorian Small Business Commissioner, has been appointed as the first Federal Small Business Commissioner. Commencing on 2 January 2013, the Office of the Australian Small Business Commissioner will work in consultation with industry and governments to ensure that small business concerns are heard and taken into consideration across Government. Federal Small Business Minister Brendan O'Connor said Mr Brennan will work … [Read more...]
When you're starting any business there are many issues to consider. There are those which apply generally to starting a business in Australia. In addition, people intending to use their home as a place of business often have to comply with particular state, territory and local government regulations. These regulations often address the impact your business activities may have on the surrounding area such as pollution, energy use or … [Read more...]
Mental Health Week 2012 kicks off today and in the lead up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2012, Australian Women Online will be doing our bit to raise public awareness of mental health issues. This year the theme for World Mental Health Day is “Depression: A Global Crisis”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) depression affects more than 350 million people of all ages, in all communities. Although there are known … [Read more...]
Planning for your business is one of the most valuable activities you can undertake. A good business plan gives you a sense of control over the future of your business. These free business planning apps for iPhone and iPad from business.gov.au provide templates to help you get started. business.gov.au iPhone App We understand that more and more businesses are on the go. You can now access essential business information and resources in the … [Read more...]
The humble letter box could become the latest casualty of the internet. Australia Post is introducing a new service in October 2012 that could, in time, dispense with the need for a letter box on residential properties. The Australia Post Digital MailBox service will enable Australians to receive and pay their household bills from one location on the web. Consumers will also be able to track and manage their relationships with their … [Read more...]
This year’s Federal Budget included increases to the tax free threshold and superannuation changes that will make a real difference for women in low paid work. But in a time of global economic uncertainty, the Government missed an important opportunity to drive dollars towards programs that could safeguard Australian households from violence, poverty, and homelessness. Equality Rights Alliance wrote a Pre-Budget Submission that was endorsed … [Read more...]
Nicole Kidman has received the Humanitarian Award of the Kuwait-America Foundation for her work on behalf of women around the world. “I gratefully accept this award on behalf of a rather large group of people: the women of the world," said Nicole Kidman at the Foundation’s benefit gala dinner in Washington. "As the Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women, I have seen that there is no limit to what women can achieve when given the … [Read more...]
Dell has released its ultra-portable XPS 13 laptop in Australia, a compact 13.3-inch Ultrabook featuring edge-to-edge glass, near frameless display, all-day battery life and the latest Intel technology. Just 6 mm at its thinnest point and only 18 mm at its thickest point, the XPS 13 Ultrabook features a 33.782 cm (13.3") HD display. And with technology such as Rapid Start and Smart Connect, the XPS 13 Ultrabook enables users to be … [Read more...]
Apple has topped the list of the World’s Most Admired Companies in the 15th annual study conducted by Fortune Magazine and global management consulting firm Hay Group. Google came in second followed by Amazon.com, Coca-Cola and IBM. The highest ranking Australian company BHP Billiton, was ranked fourth globally in its industry (Mining, Crude-Oil Production) but failed to finish in the Top 50 overall. To determine which companies have the … [Read more...]
Julia Gillard and the Governor General Quentin Bryce, are among a long list of prominent Australians who have paid tribute to Margaret Whitlam AO, following her death at St Vincents Private Hospital on Saturday. Australia's first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, described Margaret Whitlam as a remarkable woman, rightly loved and revered as a national treasure. Ms Gillard said, "Margaret was an accomplished woman in her own right, … [Read more...]
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced today the appointment of a Small Business Commissioner. The new Commissioner will voice the concerns of Australia's two million small business operators to the government and provide a one stop shop for small business services and information. Speaking at a press conference this morning, Julia Gillard said the Commissioner will report directly to the Minister for Small Business, … [Read more...]
Former colleagues of Ian Turpie say a public memorial is likely to be held in Melbourne for the Australian entertainer, who died on Sunday. The 68 year old died peacefully, surrounded by his family following a year long battle with cancer. Ian Turpie was most known for his stint as host of the game show 'The New Price is Right'. He hosted the original 'Go Show' that hit television screens in 1964 and became the must watch music show for … [Read more...]
Ita Buttrose has been appointed chairperson of Reddo Media Services, an iPad/tablet-specialist digital publishing start up that she predicts will help change the future of magazine publishing in Australia. “Magazine publishers are struggling with declining circulations and their revenues are under pressure,” said Buttrose. “The old ways that once served us well are no longer the way of the future. Tablet publishing is a far more … [Read more...]
I've been working from home for five years and although I could write a book about the many benefits, there is a downside to working where you sleep. All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go! Dressing up for work loses it's appeal when there's no-one around to see it. Every day is casual Friday when you work from home. Slap on a pair of jeans and your favourite t-shirt and you're done! Some prefer to where their pyjamas but believe me, the … [Read more...]
Girlpower is a networking forum for remarkable businesswomen. While there are many business groups available to women they tend to take care of either side of the spectrum. Girlpower sits right in the middle of the large events that offer sit down lunches with very successful, almost unobtainable speakers and the smaller groups that offer sit down meals but lack the right energy for you to feel connected. I have been running my own Food and … [Read more...]
If you have been unable to obtain funding from a financial institution to start a new business, perhaps you should consider going it alone. Many of Australia's most respected and profitable businesses were started with just a small cash outlay and a dream. In 1994 Maureen Houssein-Mustafa founded The Australasian College Broadway with a start-up budget of just $1,600. Today, the business has an estimated worth of $35 million. The daughter … [Read more...]
From the time she starts school or walks into her first job, the number one thing women are constantly learning is how to negotiate. And it is these skills - along with the addition of strong role models - that will help members of the fairer sex excel in the workplace, according to one financial expert. "It's important for women to be in decision-making levels to help reshape the culture of organisations," explained a non-executive … [Read more...]
Google has begun implementing changes to its algorithm that will affect all business owners with websites and blogs, particularly those relying on online advertising for their revenues. In the first quarter of this year, Google, the world’s leading search engine, moved to a focus on websites offering high quality content as a gauge for indexing websites. This resulted in major changes to the search results it showed, effectively … [Read more...]
LinkedIn has already attracted 100 million professionals, business owners and companies since its establishment. Being a professional social networking site, it has also greatly helped its members in a variety of ways, from connecting with past and present colleagues and employers to promoting businesses and attracting potential employers, employees and clients. But other than its main networking function, LinkedIn has useful features that … [Read more...]
Business owners and professionals wanting to connect with like-minded people can benefit greatly from using LinkedIn. This social networking site helps you to connect with companies, potential employers and employees, business associates and colleagues in your specific industry. LinkedIn also provides several useful features which can help boost your professional image and branding and attract more clients or potential employees. One of … [Read more...]
Groups are powerful. Belonging to a group is a basic human desire. It is a person’s way of connecting with people who share the same interests and experiences. From a business perspective, being part of a group is a great way to get involved with like minded people but it’s also a key way to get in touch with your target market to find out what they want and what their pain points are. On many popular social media sites today, it is … [Read more...]