issue eleven 2013
Our house rules In the Willis family, it’s one in, all in The receptive voice Dad, CEO, mentor, scholar – Sam Raciti’s life is an open book A class act Indigenous entrepreneurs mastering the art of business success The best ingredients Getting the family–business mix just right PRINT POST APPROVED 100015758 PRINT POST APPROVED Inside issue eleven
Welcome The receptive voice: Dad, CEO, 03 mentor, scholar – Sam Raciti’s life is From the CEO, an open book. Doing business law way: 05 Chris Fry explore your rights and responsibilities as a business owner.
Our house rules: in the Willis 06 family, it’s one in, all in. Welcome to issue eleven of Inspire. A class act: Indigenous 10 Reading this latest issue, I am as always inspired by the energy, entrepreneurs mastering the art of commitment and generosity of the many Indigenous Australians business success. who are achieving economic independence for themselves, their families and communities. Good things in store: the 11 reopening of a town supermarket has And I am as ever humbled by how many of our customers seek locals smiling. to extend the benefits of their own economic, personal and professional achievements to their wider community. The best ingredients: getting the 12 family–business mix just right. In The Receptive Voice (pg 3), you’ll meet Dad, CEO, scholar and mentor Sam Raciti who is encouraging young members of his Making plans for home 15 community to embrace their own personal and academic potential. ownership? our new online calculator may help. In Our House Rules (pg 6) Lee and Graeme Willis are using their business success to generate employment for Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of their Alice Springs community.
And in A Class Act (pg 10), 19 graduates of the Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Indigenous Master Class Program are likewise Production Team Editor-in-Chief Zoë Craven preparing to take their established business ventures to the next Editor Bridie Henehan level, and generate lasting economic and employment outcomes Deputy Editor Lucy McBride for others. Designer Kylie Smith Design
It’s that vision and commitment that inspires our IBA team to Printed by Print Junction, Adelaide, an likewise do everything it can to support the needs and aspirations Indigenous-owned company. of our customers. Having sought feedback from many customers about how we might improve our programs, processes and The entire contents of Inspire are copyright and technologies, we look forward to piloting a range of changes to our may not be reproduced in any form either in service delivery model over the coming 12 months. part or in whole without the written permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Meanwhile please take the time to enjoy these inspiring stories, and I look forward to sharing even more with you in issue twelve To tell us what you think of Inspire go to of Inspire. www.iba.gov.au/contact-us
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IBA respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and has taken care to Cover image: The Willis family at home in ensure the contents of this publication do not offend. Alice Springs.
2 issue eleven 2013 The receptive voice
Who: Sam Raciti From: Sarina (near Mackay), QLD His story: A proud Kalkadoon man, Sam is the embodiment of the saying: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’. A father to three young children, Sam is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mudth- Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (Mudth-Niyleta) in Sarina. He also mentors Indigenous youth within his community, and is an active member on several boards and public reference groups across the Mackay region. The recipient of an IBA Scholarship, Sam is also in his fourth year of study towards an accounting degree at Central Queensland University. His academic achievements Sam Raciti, CEO of were recognised by the NAIDOC Awards Mudth-Niyleta and an Committee, which named Sam its Mackay IBA Scholarship recipient. region Tertiary Scholar of the Year during NAIDOC Week 2013. He has also recently been invited to join the prestigious Golden Key 1. On finding his groove: a lot of people nominated. It ‘So I can say to kids, makes me realise what an International Honour Society, an organisation accomplishment it is, what it recognising consistent academic excellence. ‘be a tradie, be an academic, be both’ – but is I have achieved. Mudth-Niyleta provides economic, employment find something you love. I love Mudth-Niyleta, This [study] is for me, but I try and health-related programs and services to share my story about study. to Sarina’s Indigenous community. The that’s my thing, that’s So I can say to kids, ‘be a tradie, corporation has recently expanded its services my groove’. be an academic, be both’ – but to the wider non-Indigenous community, find something you love. I love Study is like my sport, my fostering ongoing local reconciliation and Mudth-Niyleta, that’s my thing, hobby, and I want to do well that’s my groove. community spirit. As CEO, Sam is responsible at my sport... University for Mudth-Niyleta’s overarching strategic and study for me is a different 2. On helping others administrative management. He also shares his experience as an adult find their groove:‘… it’s financial and accounting knowledge with other learner. I don’t just want to pass; I want to learn, so I about coaxing out what is local Indigenous organisations, believing that already there and having encouraging professional and rigorous financial naturally put all this time and effort into learning. them believe in that too systems can assist those organisations to – helping kids find that concentrate on delivering high-quality services. Having recognition from other authenticity of who they people is always wonderful, really are’. And yes, Sam acknowledges much of the above especially when it’s not is made possible by ‘my wife, my wife, my wife!’ asked for. I was surprised The older I get, the more I I won the (Mackay region) understand that it really does Tertiary Scholar of the Year take a whole community to Award, because there were grow a child, to support a child.
issue eleven 2013 3 Every six months, I try to job network members and 4. On always being Recently, Mudth-Niyleta had take a young person under so on – so they are taking open to learning: its 25th anniversary. Having my wing and support responsibility too. ‘We are servants been here 18 years, I did them to go forward from of our community; my speech and reminded where they are. I work with Employment is a big our community was people that Mudth-Niyleta their parents, and I can challenge in Sarina because here first … And they wasn’t created to give us be a sort of uncle figure. it’s a little rural town. But jobs. We are servants of our Because what we find is we’ve been able to get need people in that community; our community that teenagers start to a variety of job network organisation to be was here first, and our look beyond their parents members working out of good people, always community needed an entity for other role models and the centre here. We make bettering themselves’. to be formed. And they need people from whom to get a couple of dollars from people in that organisation words of wisdom. renting out the rooms, As CEO of Mudth-Niyleta, to be good people, always which keeps the centre it’s a 12-hour day, but it’s not bettering themselves. So I work out with that child facilities all nice and neat, all slog, and I do it because That’s why I encourage what they want to do. Some but the biggest bonus is that I love my job. I love working my staff, share my study kids have an idea where our kids don’t have to travel with my Mob here and achievements and ask them they want to go, but some all the way to Mackay to get supporting the Indigenous what they are doing. I say kids wouldn’t mind trying these services. They can cause and community. I’ve just because you got this job a few different things. We come to the job centre and been here 18 years and doesn’t mean that’s the last talk regularly about how talk to staff and get looked that’s been my goal. And part of your journey – you they are going and where after. they haven’t sacked me – have to always be improving they’re at personally. I can they like me hanging around! yourself; it’s just the also get training packages or The other thing is that beginning. work organised through my the job network members It’s about joining the dots – networks. provide services to the keeping the pathways open. I want to encourage people whole community. We have It’s about going beyond my to give the IBA Scholarship It’s not about pandering a lot of non-Indigenous job description, and how I a go, even if you question to the kids, it’s more like people coming into the can hit these partnership the probability of being coaching a football team – centre for the first time. We arrangements. I make time, successful. Because I swear you want this, you do this. We have also started an aged I leave my door open, and I on the day I was lodging my had one fella who had tried care program for the whole have an open office for when application, I questioned different things … and then community. the mums and dads come whether to press ‘send’ on the idea came up about him in. That’s where my 12- that fax machine. We can being a boilermaker. I have So we are moving from a hour days go. But I am just put limits on ourselves, or seen how that has helped solely Indigenous focus in the mix. The reason we have a negative mindset and create who he is; I can see to providing services for have these jobs is that we question the barriers, the he has found his groove. For everyone. But we are using have these specialist skills; likelihood – but it’s about me, it’s nice to think we can our Mob to be the employees building a community takes throwing your hat in the ring, explore that path with them. and to be trained to roll those all those different skills. you have to be in it to win it. services out, so that is real It’s not about a formula for Indigenous advancement. success; it’s about coaxing The centre provides a focus For more information about IBA Scholarships, visit: out what is already there that Indigenous people are www.iba.gov.au/scholarships and having them believe in proud of. that too – helping kids find that authenticity of who they really are.
3. On building strong communities: ‘… we are using our Mob to be the employees and to be trained to roll those services out, so that is real Indigenous advancement’.
I don’t take the mentoring journey by myself because Sam Raciti receiving his NAIDOC Award from if I did I’d never get anything entertainer and comedian Sean Choolburra. Images done as CEO. I get other courtesy of the Police Citizens Youth Club, Mackay. people involved – teachers,
4 issue eleven 2013 What about intellectual property? Do you know how to protect your product or invention, and how to avoid mistakenly infringing someone else’s intellectual property?
Terri Janke has created Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law to assist Indigenous business owners to understand the basic responsibilities, risks and obligations of operating a business in Australia.
Terri is the Solicitor Director of her own respected law firm in Sydney. Her company specialises in Indigenous intellectual property, trademarks and copyright, artist rights and licensing rights, and other business law.
Born in North Queensland, and with family connections to Cairns, the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula, Terri established her business in Sydney in April 2000. She has experienced first-hand the challenges new business owners face when navigating the complexities of business law, administration and management.
Image courtesy of Terri Understanding legal jargon can be daunting and confusing. Janke and Company. Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law presents information in a visually engaging, practical and accessible way. As well as basic general legal advice, the booklet includes tips, case studies of existing Indigenous business owners, hypothetical scenarios addressing a variety of Doing business situations, and links to recommended resources. ‘Everybody has a story and a question on business law’, said Terri. ‘This booklet provides answers to the most common law way questions, gives tips on how to avoid typical mistakes and makes use of case studies to illustrate how other Indigenous people set up their businesses’.
‘It is best to keep well-informed and know The booklet covers topics such as structuring your your legal responsibilities when you go into business; selling goods and services; understanding the business. If you are aware of the legal risks lending process and applying for a loan; leasing premises; of running a business and understand your employing staff; and safeguarding intellectual property. responsibilities law way, this is likely to save IBA actively supports initiatives and resources that you a lot of time, money and stress later on. It enhance the knowledge, confidence and capabilities of the Indigenous business sector. We are proud to have funded is better to prevent legal problems in the first the development, design and artwork, and printing of this place, than deal with them when they come up’. important resource. The booklet was designed and printed by Indigenous-owned and -operated companies Gilimbaa in – Terri Janke, Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law QLD and Print Junction in SA respectively.
Whether you are seeking entry-level business and unning your own business can provide many legal knowledge, or just looking to update your existing personally rewarding experiences, and an knowledge, Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law opportunity to create a source of financial security could make all the difference to your business. for yourself and your family. However, business ownership also brings financial and legal responsibilities. R To obtain a copy of Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law visit: It is vital that you understand and keep up to date with www.iba.gov.au/about-us/news-publications the business laws and regulations governing your chosen industry when you start, expand or exit a business venture.
How much do you know about registering for an Australian Business Number, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other Disclaimer: IBA does not warrant the accuracy of the content of Law Way: licences? Do you know which structure best suits your Indigenous Business and the Law. IBA advises that the information contained in Law Way: Indigenous Business and the Law has been prepared as a business? Do you understand your taxation obligations, and general guide, without knowledge of your specific situation. You should your responsibilities regarding superannuation, work cover consider how appropriate the information is to your own situation and needs, and occupational health and safety (OH&S)? and seek your own legal advice before making legal and financial decisions.
issue eleven 2013 5 The Willis family at home. Above right: The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO with the family at their Subway store, August 2013. Our house rules Image courtesy of Government House, Canberra.
lice Springs is not the first place you’d associate ‘What’s right for our family’ is a phrase Lee and Graeme with rush-hour traffic, but in that Northern use often when discussing the choices they’ve made Territory town it’s a twice-daily occurrence for over the past decade as they have pursued financial and A the Willis family. personal independence for their family. As Lee and Graeme Willis sit down to share their story one In 2004, the couple were living in Townsville where afternoon, they’re not deterred when our chat is frequently they said they faced limited financial and employment derailed by the bursts of activity accompanying the end of prospects. ‘We had the odds stacked against us’, said Lee. their children’s school day. Their daughter Monique phones ‘Pregnant teenage couple, four kids under the age of five mum to say she’s missed the school bus (“Oh, and by the … to look at it on paper, you would think “that’s not going way, today’s netball practice has been moved forward an to work”’. But Lee and Graeme were determined to beat hour”). A few minutes later, twins Bailey and Bryce burst those odds and provide a stable, healthy and culturally rich through the front door and make a beeline for the fridge. environment for their young family. Meanwhile the youngest, two-year-old Zane, is removing the head of his action figure on Mum’s knee. In 2008, lured by the prospect of steady employment for Graeme, the couple sold most of their belongings and ‘Welcome to our world’, laughs Lee. ‘There’s no sugar- moved 2,000 kilometres from Townsville to Alice Springs. coating our life’. Spending time with Lee and Graeme as they ‘When we first got here, we stayed at a resort where juggle the needs of five children, two careers, a couple of Graeme was working as a cultural dancer’, said Lee. ‘All dogs, a mortgage and a profitable business, it’s clear they six of us stayed in one hotel room. We went from a nice wouldn’t have it any other way. clean house in Townsville to a hotel room with nothing. I had a frying pan [and] the Esky was our sink! We lived for
6 issue eleven 2013 Having experienced the effects of an unstable home environment, Graeme says he is proud to have broken with the past. ‘I lived everywhere [as a child] – I went to about 15 different state schools in Queensland between Years 1 and 7. I am the first person in my family to have bought a home, and Lee is the second in hers. It felt so good buying that home, and now making the payments. I am meeting my responsibilities, and going to work, and I’m proud of that’.
‘That was a big push for us wanting to own our own home’, said Lee. ‘We were so tired of moving. We had gone from never moving [back in Townsville] to having to move all the time, and literally sometimes not even unpacking before we moved again.’
Buoyed by the financial security of home ownership, Lee and Graeme then began considering other avenues for achieving financial independence for their family. Returning to her job after the birth of their fifth child, and becoming increasingly dissatisfied, Lee decided to make a career change. ‘I wasn’t happy and I didn’t like waking up being a dragon with the kids. I always say, if you are not happy with something in your job then do something about it. It’s your life, do something about it’.
Attracted by the idea of being their own bosses and using six or seven months like that. We’d just gotten married Graeme’s experience and reputation as a cultural performer, and, four weeks later, we sold up and came here for a Lee and Graeme considered starting a tourism-focused fresh start. We just wanted something new and different’. business venture. However, after some investigation, they decided the local tourism market was too unpredictable to After applying for a loan through IBA’s Indigenous Home guarantee the income their family needed. ‘We would need Ownership program and being placed on the [then] to put our home on the line’, said Lee, ‘so we needed to waiting list, the family moved into rented accommodation. make sure we knew what we were doing’. However, in an uncertain rental market, the family had to move several times. This made Lee and Graeme even Searching online, Lee found that the Alice Springs branch more determined to achieve home ownership. of the Subway sandwich shop franchise was for sale. Having worked at Subway in Townsville as a teenager, ‘That was a big push for us wanting to own our own and with a sister who had managed a store for many home’, said Lee. ‘We were so tired of moving. We had years, Lee had some knowledge of the franchise set-up. gone from never moving [back in Townsville] to having They once again took their plans to IBA and, through its to move all the time, and literally sometimes not even Business Development and Assistance Program selected unpacking before we moved again. a business consultant (Wendy Davidson of Wendy Davidson Enterprises), to help them explore the viability of the venture ‘It was such a great feeling when we got the call [from and their personal readiness for taking it on. IBA]. I was at work [Lee had by now trained as a tutor and then teacher’s aide] and I made a big noise, so all ‘Probably the best thing was that because Subway is a the students were looking at me asking, “Are you alright franchise, we had facts and figures to look at’, said Lee. ‘It Mrs Willis?”’. wasn’t something new where we wondered “is this going to
issue eleven 2013 7 work?”. We could see what was working, what wasn’t, and Asked about leaving business behind at the end of the how to fix it. We really got lucky in choosing Wendy as our day, Lee laughed: ‘You don’t; there’s always something consultant. She has an understanding of how to work with happening, something is broken or burned, staff are sick. Indigenous people, and an understanding of how Indigenous You have to be available around the clock ... So from 6am to families run, and what’s important and what’s not’. 3pm it’s the business, then home to look after the kids and then paperwork until past midnight. People don’t see that With their initial business plan completed, IBA assisted side of it; they think sandwich shop, that’s easy. But there’s Lee and Graeme to negotiate a tripartite franchise contract the paper trail and wanting to build the business, thinking with Subway. ‘It was a long process’, said Lee, ‘but it made through new ideas. We don’t want to be second in this town!’ us very aware of what we were doing. We learned heaps in the first six months before we even bought the business, before we even knew if we were approved. Then we had to go through Subway’s three-week compulsory training course in ‘So from 6am to 3pm it’s the Brisbane. We had to pass the course too; if you didn’t pass, you couldn’t buy – it wasn’t about how much money you had’. business, then home to look after
Lee and Graeme took ownership of the Hartley Street the kids and then paperwork until past Subway store in July 2011, and have turned it into one of the most profitable Subway franchises in the Northern Territory. midnight. People don’t see that side of it; they think sandwich shop, that’s easy. Wendy Davidson, whose business mentoring role with the couple has recently finished, credits Lee and Graeme’s clear But there’s the paper trail and wanting vision and willingness to learn as being key to their early success. ‘In the early part of the feasibility study we were not to build the business, thinking necessarily certain it would work’, she said. ‘Lee would have through new ideas. We don’t want a millisecond of disappointment and then would say, “Okay, how can we fix or change that?” ... And once she had the keys to be second in this town!’ to the shop she blossomed. She took firm control and used her sense of fun and humour to “ring in the changes”. The business vision was to create a long-term opportunity for the Drawing on the confidence, knowledge and clarity they have family, and the first step was complete. She exudes positive gained over the past decade, Lee and Graeme recently made energy and it shows in the shop. Graeme is quieter, and I can another important decision for their family. After considering see a great sense of pride in him as a businessman. He has a whether to purchase a second Subway store, they decided vision for his family, and Subway is a key part of that’. against the idea. ‘We have worked really hard in the last ten years to get where we are and it has not come easily. So we Of that vision, Graeme said: ‘It’s not about money; it’s about did the sums, we scoped out the area and we just weren’t growing your young ones up in the proper way. We wanted confident it would be successful’, said Lee. ‘So we decided our kids [Monique and Mason] to work in the business, but to err on the side of caution and keep the one shop for the we didn’t want other staff to see that just because they are moment… We have the house and that’s our collateral. With our kids that they have it easy. So they had to apply for the five kids, we can’t afford to take risks with that. And money jobs and go through an interview process!’ doesn’t count for much if everything isn’t right at home. With two teenagers going into senior year at school, they need us Extending employment and economic opportunities to other here; a second store would leave us running around twice as members of their Indigenous community is important to Lee much, and that’s not what they need’. and Graeme. Since 2011, they have taken on several casual and part-time staff. Lee said: ‘I think coming from having Meanwhile, Graeme says he looks forward to the day when nothing makes us better bosses because we know what taking on a second business is what’s right for the family. some of the staff are going through, what their issues are. ‘I’m proud knowing that as well as this company, we can own But I don’t hire friends or family, apart from the kids. I am a another business if we want. So I’m still looking at my cultural boss and at the end of the day, I need to pull people up and business and dance, and I’m thinking there’s a choice that hire and fire without that emotional tie. But I also don’t ever down the line I can do that full time, forever – even as an old ask staff to do things I’m not willing to do myself, so I’ll be man! And I feel proud knowing that other Indigenous families on my hands and knees scrubbing the floor. Some staff are from the kids’ school; they know our story, how we arrived uncomfortable with that, but it means that if I ask them to do here in Alice with the kids, our clothes and 2,000 kilometres it, I’ve already done it’. [from home]. Thinking about it, and where we’ve come from …’
Striking a balance between running their business and ‘… we were nuts!’, chimes in Lee. attending to their family’s needs has been one of the couple’s biggest challenges. ‘We wing it a bit’, said Graeme, ‘but the kids are on board and they remind us about netball To find out more about IBA’s home and business or soccer that they need to go to. And they see their parents ownership programs and services visit: www.iba.gov.au busy and working hard’.
8 issue eleven 2013 Lee and Monique Willis at work in the family’s Subway store, Alice Springs. Graduates of the 2013 MURRA Indigenous Master Class Program. Photo by Jorge de A class act Araujo, courtesy of Melbourne Business School.
hrough its Business Development and Assistance As a MURRA program partner, IBA provides financial support Program, IBA aims to support Indigenous to enable participants – some of whom live in regional Australians across all stages of the business centres and remote communities – to attend the required ownership cycle. Our Into Business™ workshops study modules in Melbourne. assistT new and aspiring Indigenous business owners to acquire the knowledge and confidence to navigate the early years of Fostering networks business ownership. In addition to delivering world-class education, MURRA aims IBA is committed to supporting established Indigenous to build strong networks between Indigenous entrepreneurs entrepreneurs to build on their success, by developing their so they can share knowledge, provide social and emotional high-end skills, knowledge and capabilities. By doing this, support, and form potential business partnerships. we can foster the growth of a vibrant, sustainable Indigenous business sector. Darryl Pearce, a 2013 MURRA participant and Managing Director of Thirntu, said: ‘A key outcome of MURRA is the MURRA Indigenous Master Class Program number of Aboriginal businesses that have started to talk to each other about how they can cooperate on different Through a partnership with the prestigious Melbourne Business projects and opportunities. There is a growing understanding School (MBS), IBA is proud to support the MURRA Indigenous that collaborating with existing businesses, whether Master Class Program (MURRA), an innovative education and Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, is a part of our future’. mentoring program for established Indigenous entrepreneurs. On 3 August, the class of 2013 joined community, business The MBS Asia-Pacific Social Impact Leadership Centre and academic leaders to celebrate their graduation from designed and delivers MURRA. The program provides the MURRA program. In her opening address to the Indigenous business owners and managers with a graduate- level education to equip them with the skills and knowledge graduates, Professor Marcia Langton AM, Foundation to take their already successful business ventures to the Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of next level. It covers the latest research, trends and practices Melbourne, spoke about the increasing number of corporate in business strategy, finance, marketing, negotiation, and government agencies across Australia that are seeking organisational leadership and procurement. to engage and procure the goods and services of Indigenous- owned and -operated businesses. Drawn from industries as diverse as mining, hospitality, and media and communications, this year’s 19 participants She encouraged the graduates to pursue and maximise share a desire to use their business ventures to generate such opportunities for growth and engagement, and said: lasting economic and employment opportunities for their ‘Intergenerational wealth has been denied us because of communities. In doing so, they hope to inspire and empower history but it is also the basis of our future development. other Indigenous Australians to pursue their own personal These are challenging economic times but businesses that and professional potential. are able to survive will grow and prosper’.
10 issue eleven 2013 Graduates will now be offered support from the MBS alumni arts consultant and Director of Sistagirl Productions – – which includes some of Australia’s leading business to explore how Indigenous youth can better use digital practitioners – to receive one-on-one mentoring to assist technology to share stories and connect with their culture. them in applying their new skills and knowledge to growing their businesses. Applications for the 2014 MURRA Program are The learning will extend outside the classroom, with MURRA now open. To find out more about the Program, Program Director Dr Michelle Evans recently receiving two email [email protected], or telephone 03 9349 8394. grants from the Australian Research Council. The first grant will enable MBS and some of its program partners to gauge To find out more about IBA’s Business the effects of the education program on graduates’ business Development and Assistance Program visit: leadership and growth. The second grant will enable Dr Evans www.iba.gov.au/business-ownership and 2013 MURRA participant Kimba Thompson – a filmmaker,
Good things in store Many Australians living in urban or regional centres can duck out to their neighbourhood grocery store, supermarket or produce market whenever they want fresh, high-quality and affordable food.
However, for the past two years the 400-plus residents of the WA town of Laverton haven’t been so lucky. The temporary closure of the town’s supermarket has meant either a 150-kilometre trip to a grocery store in Leonora, or a four-hour drive to the closest major supermarket in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
IBA is committed to closing the gap between the living standards of Indigenous and other Australians. We seek out investments that provide financial and economic development [L:R] Mrs Wendy Duncan (Member for Kalgoorlie); Peter outcomes and, wherever possible, broader social and cultural Hunt, (Laverton Supermarket Manager), Christine Dragisic benefits for our Indigenous partners and local communities. (IBA Senior Manager, Retail & Community Enterprise Investing in retail stores, in particular, offers opportunities Portfolio), Robert Loughnan, (Managing Director, Regional Merchandising Solutions) and supermarket employees Tiarra to provide communities with food security, and families with Isaacs and Kasey Hedlam. © Kalgoorlie Miner. access to nutritious, reasonably priced produce.
Giving people access to a choice of healthy, high-quality produce is crucial in reducing the high rates of infant community stores, and is currently running IBA’s Leonora mortality and preventable, diet-related illnesses – such as Supermarket. To maximise the social and health benefits diabetes and renal and heart disease – that are prevalent in of the investment, food pricing policies will be structured remote Indigenous communities. to encourage shoppers to make healthy food choices.
Having acquired the Laverton Supermarket in July 2013 Wangkatha Elder Shaneane Weldon delivered the Welcome through its Goldfields-based investment vehicle (the Leonora to Country and said she believed the reopening and the Investments Trust), IBA entered into a partnership with accompanying smoking ceremony marked a healing of the local and state governments to refurbish the property. The past and a new beginning for the township. renovations – which included extensive electrical repairs, and the upgrading of fittings, fixtures and refrigeration – were In addition to promoting positive health and social outcomes, investing in well-managed retail stores funded by equity capital from IBA and grants from the Western with stable ownership can assist members of local and Australian Government and the Laverton Shire Council. surrounding Indigenous communities to find jobs, and In August 2013, the store reopened, bringing smiles to the access training and development opportunities. faces of local (and not so local) residents of the Goldfields- Esperance region. Since the reopening, four local Indigenous residents have been employed at the supermarket, and IBA is exploring Regional Merchandising Solutions is managing the Laverton further training and development opportunities to benefit Supermarket. The company specialises in managing remote the local Indigenous community.
issue eleven 2013 11 (L:R) Jessica Devine, Jo Donovan The best ingredients and Aaron Devine of Bandu Catering.
lthough she’s more accustomed to working ingredients and flavours with innovative, contemporary behind the scenes at a gala dinner, proud Australian cuisine.The recent NAIDOC award, she says, has Dhanggati woman Jo Donovan was enjoying been the icing on the cake. being waited on at the recent ACT NAIDOC BusinessA of the Year Awards. Her relatively new family company Bandu Catering (Bandu) was nominated alongside several more established businesses, and Family businesses account for approximately 70 per cent of Jo did not expect to make an acceptance speech. She all Australian businesses and employ around 50 per cent was wrong. of the nation’s workforce¹. A family business can provide economic independence, steady employment, and a platform ‘I stood there, and for the first time in my life I was lost for expressing a family’s personal vision, culture and values. for words’, said Jo, describing her surprise when Bandu took out the inaugural ACT Government (Economic However, mixing family and business can be problematic Development Directorate) Indigenous business award. when those same personal values and family relationships push up against commercial processes and objectives. It was only two years ago that Jo took the leap to turn her hobby into a business. She left a 36-year career In navigating their path to success as a family business, Jo in administration with the ACT and Commonwealth and Aaron say they have learnt much about the need for Government Public Service to form Bandu Catering with open and honest communication, mutual respect for and son Aaron Devine, a talented and qualified chef. trust in the other’s skills, and the importance of keeping their business vision front of mind. With daughter Jessica, also a qualified chef, recently joining Bandu (which translates to ‘food’ in the Dhanggati Bandu took shape in 2011 when Jo and Aaron each found language), Jo is relishing working side-by-side with her themselves at a personal and professional crossroads. children to deliver high-quality food that mixes native Jo was about to leave full-time work to take on caring for
12 issue eleven 2013 her mother, who has dementia. Aaron, meanwhile, was The start-up costs for a catering company – which working in the hospitality industry in Queensland. With include equipment, marketing, legal and industry 14 years experience behind him, including a role as Head registrations – are significant, and required Jo and Aaron Chef at a Canberra restaurant, he was ready to take on to invest some of their savings. For Jo, that included a new professional challenge. Each realised there was putting her hard-earned superannuation on the line. an opportunity to meld their passion for food, industry But trust in their own expertise and shared commitment experience and networks into a business venture that to making Bandu a success made those investment would also accommodate the needs of family. decisions easier.
‘Everything was lining up’, said Aaron. ’I had finished up ‘I had the know-how as far as cooking goes’, said Aaron. in Queensland, and I was ready to move on. We hadn’t ‘And Mum had the administrative know-how as far as the decided on the actual name or concept of Bandu at that books are concerned. So we threw everything (financially) stage, but we thought “let’s cater”. I said to Mum, “what we had into it for the first six months. But that’s what you you do as a hobby and I do professionally, let’s turn that do if you are committed; you throw everything you have into something”. So with Mum leaving work, Nan being in knowing it will pay off. There was no reason not to go sick and needing more care, and me being ready to make for it’. the move back, everything just aligned’.
While Aaron planned his move back to Canberra, Jo attended IBA’s three one-day Into Business™ workshops, which tested both her business idea and resolve to take ‘There’s a lot of work that IBA it forward. ‘There’s a lot of work that IBA requires you to do during the workshops, but I didn’t mind’, said Jo. ‘To requires you to do during the me, if you are committed and you want it, you will go hard and make it happen. The first part of getting our business workshops, but I didn’t mind’, together was to do the IBA business course. But then said Jo. ‘To me, if you are came getting a business plan together, and with both of us catering at the time for Bandu, we didn’t seem to have committed and you want it, you the time so this really dragged on. Finally we had to stop will go hard and make it happen’. and say, “OK, we’ve got to commit a week to doing this business plan or we won’t get anywhere”’.
With their plan in place, Jo and Aaron secured a small loan for a customised and branded delivery van (which they A particular strength of family-owned businesses is the have now paid off in full). They also received mentoring passion, loyalty and deep sense of ownership they can and support from a business consultant through IBA’s engender among family ‘employees’. However, it is not Business Development and Assistance Program. uncommon for concerns to arise when additional family members join the business at a later, more established stage. This was the case for Bandu when Jessica, who is also a qualified chef joined the company in February 2013.
‘Aaron and I had been running this business, had built it from the ground up for 12 months’, said Jo. ‘But I could see us getting bigger and I didn’t want to open it up to strangers. I wanted the family to be part of this great experience, and we needed someone reliable. So we rang Jessica and talked to her and asked “Do you want to be part of this”. As a mother I didn’t mind her launching straight in. But I suppose as a business person and an original stakeholder, Aaron was a little concerned about it. So he was saying, “Yes, it’s absolutely fine having my sister come and be part of it”, but he wanted assurance that all the money and the sweat he had already put into the business would be appreciated and matched. And of course Jess is very committed to Bandu and has shown that already with all the extra hours she’s done, and by accepting a little bit less money working for Bandu than she could make working at an established restaurant’. The family with their ‘business card on wheels’, a customised For Aaron, communicating such concerns was not easy, and branded delivery van. but provided a valuable lesson in the need to separate family and business. ‘It’s communication that’s key for
issue eleven 2013 13 The family with their 2013 ACT NAIDOC Business of the Year Award.
sure’, he said. ‘And it’s difficult having to tell a family all Aaron has known; and now Jessica is on board with her member about concerns like that. But it was about saying, skills and new ideas. We are running with that knowledge, “When we are at work, yes you’re my family, but you’re and we have grown that knowledge’. also my workmates and I need to be able to say these things”’.
Jo and Aaron say that having Jessica join the company has in fact provided a timely opportunity to clearly define ‘It’s communication that’s key previously informal job descriptions within Bandu. ‘It had been an unwritten thing until then’, said Aaron. for sure’, he said. ‘And it’s difficult ‘The clients would call or email Mum via the website having to tell a family member and request catering. Mum would complete order forms and I would buy the ingredients and start cooking. We about concerns like that. But it was had to define those roles a bit more when Jess joined us about saying, “When we are at work, because she’s a good, qualified chef as well and has her own ideas. We’re both quite opinionated and initially we’d yes you’re my family, but you’re also clash. So we’ve agreed that, with my longer experience in the industry, it makes sense for me to run the day-to-day my workmates and I need to kitchen operations. We all bring our individual strengths be able to say these things”’. to Bandu though, and we’d be lost without each other, there’s no two ways about it’.
Jo agrees and says that although as a mother she is sometimes tempted to play her “because I said so” card Jo and her family know that constantly exploring new when it comes to controlling day-to-day operations, ideas in business, food and service delivery are vital she knows that respect for her children’s skills and to ensure Bandu – with limited human resources – experience is what gives Bandu its strength. ’It’s continues to grow, innovate and compete against larger, our decades of personal, industry and government better resourced catering companies. However, the connections, and what we personally bring to the smaller family structure has its own advantages too. For business that adds strength to that’, she said. ‘My example, new business ideas and opportunities can be strength is administration, and that’s all I have known explored and actioned quickly without needing to consult my whole adult working life. Being a chef, that’s basically multiple stakeholders.
14 issue eleven 2013 One business innovation underway for Bandu is developing straightaway when I got up to speak was my kids, Aaron an online shopping cart, which will streamline the and Jessica, and the long hours they’ve put in; getting quotation and ordering process. ‘We’re working on a new up at 1am, working tirelessly in the business. I think it’s website, and looking at having a shopping cart where great that we have our patrons out there in the community people can go online and look at what we have to offer. who support us, who respect us and acknowledge the We’ve got a more extensive range of food coming, and customers will be able to look at an item, choose how many quality of work, the hard work that we do... We know we people they are having at their event, see what dollars they work really hard because we are so exhausted at the end will need to spend. The system will automatically add up of the day; and then we wake up and do it again, and do it the order... And the client can send it through to us. That again... It was the awards night that brought it all home, will mean I’m not up at midnight working on menus and just what we have achieved, what we can achieve. And we costings for jobs, which is just so tiring, especially as I am have some big plans, big ideas for this business...’ juggling the business with providing a lot of care for mum’. How big? ‘If it’s anything to do with food, we can do it’, The family is also looking at developing an online blog to said Aaron. ‘And the more I think about the business, the capture the positive feedback and testimonials received better it feels – the position we are in, it’s so cool’. from their extensive list of clients – which includes IBA.
It’s those testimonials, and a reputation for delivering To find out more about Bandu Catering’s products innovative food and high-quality service that has helped and services visit: www.banducatering.com.au turn Bandu into an award-winning business.
Reflecting back on the recent awards night again, Jo said: ‘I was just so humbled... and what came to mind ¹ Family Business Australia, www.fambiz.org.au
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issue eleven 2013 15 Helpful and friendly IBA staff are located Australia-wide. Find your local office below, use our online locator tool at www.iba.gov.au/contact-us/locator, or FreecallTM 1800 107 107.**
Australian New South Queensland Tasmania Capital Territory Wales Brisbane Hobart National Office Sydney Street: Level 13/144 Edward Street: Hobart Corporate Street: Bonner House East, Street: Level 9/300 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Centre, Level 3/85 Macquarie 5 Neptune Street, Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Postal: PO Box 10906, Adelaide Street, Hobart TAS 7004 Woden ACT 2606 Postal: PO Box K363, Street, Brisbane QLD 4001 Postal: GPO Box 1236, Hobart Postal: PO Box 38, Haymarket NSW 1240 Phone: 07 3008 8300 TAS 7001 Woden ACT 2606 Phone: 02 9207 6350 Fax: 07 3211 0399 Phone: 03 6270 2252 Phone: 02 6121 2700 Fax: 02 9212 4398 Fax: 03 6270 2223 Fax: 02 6121 2730 From Monday Coffs Harbour* 30 September 2013, the Victoria Northern Street: 17 Duke Street, Brisbane office will be Melbourne* Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Territory located at Level 14, Street: Level 10/460 Bourke 300 Queen Street, Darwin* Postal: PO Box 1335, Steet, Melbourne VIC 3000 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Brisbane QLD 4000. Street: Jacana House, Our PO Box details, Postal: GPO Box 4512, Phone: 02 5622 8890 Level 4/39–41 Woods Street, telephone and fax Melbourne VIC 3001 Darwin NT 0800 Fax: 02 6246 6589 numbers will remain Phone: 03 9920 6009 the same. Postal: GPO Box 9820, Grafton Fax: 02 6246 2641 Darwin NT 0801 Street: King Arcade, Phone: 08 8936 1080 Shop 9/22–26 King Street, Cairns Western Fax: 08 8941 2085 Grafton NSW 2460 Street: 59 McLeod Street, Australia Cairns QLD 4870 Alice Springs Postal: PO Box 266, Grafton Perth NSW 2460 Postal: PO Box 2499, Cairns Street: Level 7/140 St George Street: Jock Nelson Building, QLD 4870 Level 2/16 Hartley Street, Phone: 02 6643 5944 Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Alice Springs NT 0871 Fax: 02 6643 5077 Phone: 07 4048 8480 Postal: PO Box Z5271, Postal: PO Box 111, Fax: 07 4031 0766 St George Terrace, Perth Tamworth* WA 6831 Alice Springs NT 0871 Rockhampton* Street: Unit 2/180 Peel Street, Phone: 08 9229 1400 Phone: 08 8958 4290 Tamworth NSW 2340 Street: Level 1/36 East Street, Fax: 08 9481 3815 Fax: 02 6246 6300 Postal: PO Box 684, Tamworth Rockhampton QLD 4700 South Australia NSW 2340 Postal: PO Box 550, Broome* Phone: 02 5712 9090 Rockhampton QLD 4700 Street: 1 Short Street, Adelaide Fax: 02 6246 6290 Phone: 07 4837 0090 Broome WA 6725 Street: Level 7/44 Waymouth Fax: 02 6246 6594 Postal: PO Box 613, Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Wagga Wagga Broome WA 6725 Townsville* Postal: PO Box 10414, Street: 70 Baylis Street, Phone: 08 9138 7890 Adelaide SA 5001 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Street: Level 4/235 Stanley Street, Townsville QLD 4810 Fax: 02 6246 6302 Phone: 08 8307 8900 Postal: PO Box 786, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Postal: PO Box 2018, Fax: 02 6246 6277 Phone: 02 6932 3330 Townsville QLD 4810 Fax: 02 6932 3339 Phone: 07 4417 1090 Fax: 02 6246 6296
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