Be weary - Another phone scam

In these days where telemarketers are commonplace (despite "the Do Not Call" list), we would like to bring to your attention a very dubious telemarketing offer.

We were made aware of this recently when we were contacted by an organisation who identified themselves as Clarus Communications. The "local" telemarketer informed us that as we were a business, we automatically qualify for a 40% discount on phone calls.  More importantly we would not have to change existing carriers.  That is, we would still receive the same bill with the new pricing structure. On the surface this was appealing.  However after a few minutes, the "local operator" then handed the conversation over to his "supervisor," who would authorise the activation of the discount.  The supervisor then explained the conversation would be recorded for the duration of this authorisation process. One of the questions he then asked was for confirmation of the billing address, so they could send an invoice for calls made to STD and mobiles.  It is here where it started to get suspicious as we pointed out that we'd been told by the first speaker that there would not be separate bills and no change in supplier.  Surprisingly, he did not know what to say, and the conversation ended quickly.

We contacted the R&C Vic's telecommunications supplier Oracle Telecom to ask if they'd heard of this type of scam.  They have informed us that a number of businesses have been "caught out" by these types of operations, and attempts to quickly and cheaply cancel from such scams can often be unsuccessful.

Members should be wary of such telephone offers, especially in our industry. Many operators are extremely busy and can be easily distracted, agreeing to something they would not have agreed with if they had been fully informed and devoting their full attention to it.

Please let us know if you have had any experiences like this or similar; we would like to know so we can share information with Members about other "dubious" offers in the marketplace.

Wages rates and Fairness test update

Many members have recently received letters from the Workplace Authority regarding the Fairness Test and their employees Workplace Agreements. Many members have received notification to pay a may be seen as excessive, and Restaurant & Catering Victoria would like to encourage those members to contact the office on 9654 5866.

As a general note, it is important that members be aware that since the introduction of the Fairness Test on May 7, 2007, it has not been possible to pay the Mon-Fri hourly wage rate as a flat rate across all days of the week.  Instead, where the employer seeks to pay a flat hourly rate of pay across all days, that rate would need to increase above the minimum to compensate the employee for the loss of penalty rates, allowances and other protected award conditions, resulting in higher flat hourly rates of pay.
 
If members are currently using the help sheet "What do I pay my employees under a WorkChoices Agreement" from December 2006, please be aware that those rates are no longer applicable.

If you would like assistance with any matters regarding the Fairness Test or Wages, please contact Philip on 9654 5866 or email philip@rcv.asn.au.

2008 Awards for Excellence -
Nominations being received

By now Members should have received their Nomination Pack for the  2008 Awards for Excellence.

The response from Members have been well received. Many nominations are coming through our fax machine so don't miss your opportunity.

What should be pointed out is the nature of nominations.  We are seeing a variety of members entering, most notably a few nominations from long serving members.

If you would like more information about this years Awards for Excellence program, please call Briony on 03 9654 5866.

Read about the Decade of Excellence

Click here to help you choose what category to enter

Click here to download the restaurant and caterer nomination forms.

Nominate NOW!

Thierry Marx Apprentice Award -
Applications open soon

The Thierry Marx Career Development Award provides two Victorian Apprentice Chefs, employed by current financial members of Restaurant & Catering Victoria, with the opportunity to travel to France to spend one month under the tutelage of Thierry Marx - Relais Gourmands 2006 French Chef of the Year at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages, Bordeaux.

The Award aims to encourage passion in young apprentices and provide them to expose them to new culinary techniques, broaden their skill set and open their eyes to the vast array of career opportunities available to them.

Nominations for the 2008 Award will be opening in the coming weeks. So keep your eye on the website www.rcv.asn.au, and on your mail-box as application forms will be sent to all members.

The 2008 Award is proudly supported by Crown Melbourne, Meat & Livestock Australia, William Angliss Institute and Imports of France.

For more information contact Philip on 9654 5866 or email philip@rcv.asn.au

Annual Golf Day 2008

"Third Time's a Charm"

Monday 31 March
Moonah Links, Fingal
Legends Course

By popular demand, we are heading back to Moonah Links.  With the theme "Third time's a Charm", here is a great opportunity to let your hair down in and join in the fun.

With only a month to gp before theday and with places filling quickly, register now to secure your place.

Annual Golf Challenge is proudly supported by:
Fosters Australia
HostPLUS
American Express
Hospitality Training Australia
Celmec
OAMPS Insurance
Diners Club
Fine Food Australia
Meat &Livestock Australia
RedCat
VIP Personnel

For more information please contact Michael on 9654 5866.  Alternativley, download the registration form.

A Call for Participants

The possible establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

As a part of the implementation of a National Skills Shortage Strategy for the restaurant and catering industry, Restaurant & Catering Australia is looking for views on the concept of a Centre for Excellence in Hospitality. The centre is proposed as a vehicle for recognition of the skills of individuals working in the industry.

The possible aims of a Centre of Excellence could be as follows:

• assists in raising the standard of hospitality skills across Australia;
• provides a focus for the industry in raising the perception of working in the tourism and hospitality industry as a highly valued and rewarding profession;
• accredits or provides a framework for businesses who achieve a high level of practices against industry benchmarks involving service, business skills and staff training and development;
• facilitates access to on-going industry valued and recognized professional development programs; and
• provides an opportunity for the Australian industry to benchmark itself against overseas practices

If you are interested in participating please email your interest or click here to download more information about the proposal.

Hospitality Hire

Hospitality Hire puts employers in touch with jobseekers.

The Candidates listed on this site are seeking employment within the hospitality industry, either within a kitchen or front of house.

The candidates are sourced from one of the following categories: students studying hospitality or cookery with a Melbourne college; a Jobseeker registered with a Job Network Provider or simply a enthusiastic people eager for a new role in the hospitality industry.

Each candidate has a basic uniform and tool kit. For kitchen staff that is a chef uniform and knifes, front of house candidates have a white shirt, pants, apron and waiters friend.

Our candidates are either seeking work in a range of kitchen or front of house roles from kitchen hand and food preparation or cooking roles to waiting and customer service roles.

For more information about the skills and certificates each candidate has to offer please click on the candidate picture and range an interview. 

March 2008

26 March

Media Essentials

Restaurant & Catering Victoria, Entertainment Presented by Publications and HOSTPLUS proudly presents this Media Essentials Workshop. Four informative speakers will discuss media interactions, what makes news, how to get your point across and what mistakes not to make.

Topics that will be covered include:

• "winning ways with the media"
• food blogging and web 2.0 issues.
• media experiences & involvement with travel shows
• media coverage both good and bad

Take this opportunity to learn about media relations in a hospitality focused environment.

Where:      HOSTPLUS

             Level 9, 114 William Street    MELBOURNE 

When:       Tuesday 26 March 2008

Time:        3pm - 5pm

Cost:         $35 per person Member Rate     

                $45 per person non Member Rate
RSVP:        By Thursday 20 March 2008.

Click here for more information and to download the nomination form

Awards for Excellence

Nominations are OPEN

Read about the Decade of Excellence

Click here to help you choose what category to enter

Click here to download the restaurant and caterer nomination forms.

Nominations for the Restaurant & Catering Victoria Awards for Excellence are OPEN

NONINATE NOW!

Dates to Remember:
8^th July 2008 -
Mornington Peninsula Regional Awards for Excellence        

5^th August 2008 -
Victorian Awards for Excellence Presentation

27^th October 2008 -
National Savour Australia Awards for Excellence                         

2008 Annual Golf Challenge

31 March
Moonah Links
A few spots left!!!  In case you have been meaning to register.

Click here to download your registration form to Golf Day

Regional Information Technology Seminar

Technology has been a major issue in the Hospitality industry for many years with less than 50% of businesses using available technology products to run their business.

This seminar will cover:

• What are the benefits of E Business
• Getting Started and Getting Connected
• The benefits of a string Web presence for a hotel, café or restaurant
• What others have done (Case Studies)
• Security Issues
• Hospitality specific products (benefits and how to use them)
• Dining Directories
• Building a web site using the web builder
• POS : Hotspots : Credit Card Functionality
• Accounting System integration with POS
• Gift Cards (on-line)

 Where:         

Echuca                   14 April 08
Bendigo                15 April 08
Wangaratta           23 April 08
Bairnsdale              24 April 08
Warrnambool          28 April 08
Ballarat                   5 May 08
Mornington             6 May 08
Mildura                   7 May 08
Geelong              27 May 08

Time:             10.00am - 1.00pm

Cost:              Free

Immediately following these seminars will be a "Web Marketing for Hospitality" Seminar which focuses on how to use the web to fill your venue and sell more functions, catering and food.

Please email your interest to briony@rvc.asn.au.

Web Marketing For Hospitality

APRIL and May 2008

How to get more sales and customers via the Web?
How good your website really is and how to find and convert the right prospects?
What's REALLY HOT on the web right now and what's coming next?
Web design strategies that work?
How to find and brief a website Designer to produce a great website?
How to understand website statistics - what do your numbers really mean?
How to promote your domain names, website and get more traffic?
Where to buy online advertising ?

Time:             1.30pm - 5pm

Cost:              $99 per member (inc GST)
                     $149 non member (inc GST)

Dates Locations Venues:

14 April      Echuca            TBA
15 April      Bendigo           The Foundry Hotel Complex
23 April      Wangaratta      North Eastern Hotel
24 April      Bairnsdale        TBA
28 April      Warrnambool    TBA

5 May         Ballarat             Red Lion Hotel
6 May         Mornington       Boyz @ Manyung
7 May         Mildura             TBA
27 May       Geelong            Sphinx Hotel

Please email your interest to briony@rvc.asn.au.

Easter Public Holidays

The Gazetted Public Holidays for the Easter Period are:

Good Friday - 21st March

Easter Saturday - 22nd March

Easter Monday - 24th March

For more information about employee entitlements during this period, please click here to download the helpsheet.

AWA's On The Way Out

The Labor Government's 'Transition to Forward with Fairness Bill' has now passed through the last stage of the review process. Contrary to earlier reports, it appears that this bill, which will result in the removal of AWA's as an employment option, will come into operation prior to the Easter Holiday Period.

Once the bill receives Royal Assent, members will no longer be able to make AWA's with their employees.  In place of AWA's will be Interim Transitional Employment Agreements that must meet a new "No Disadvantage Test (NDT)" for it to be approved.

Restaurant & Catering Victoria is tracking the process of the bill and will release further information about the consequences of the bill in the near future.

If you have any questions regarding the changing arrangements, members are encouraged to contact the office on 9654 5866 or email philip@rcv.asn.au.

Notice of AGM

Just a reminder that The Restaurant & Catering Association of Victoria Annual General Meeting is on TUESDAY 25th March.  Following the AGM will be the Presidents Cocktail funtion.

Please download the faxback form to register your attendance or apology.

TUESDAY 25th March
Commencing 3pm
The Melbourne Observation Deck at Rialto
525 Collins Street
Melbourne

Click here to download the faxback form.

Click here to view the Annual Report for 2007

Annual Golf Day 2008 - A few spots left !!!

"Third Time's a Charm"

Monday 31 March
Moonah Links, Fingal
Legends Course

By popular demand, we are heading back to Moonah Links.  With the theme "Third time's a Charm", here is a great opportunity to let your hair down in and join in the fun.

With only a fortnight to go before the day, register now to secure your place.

Annual Golf Challenge is proudly supported by:
Fosters Australia
HostPLUS
American Express
Hospitality Training Australia
Celmec
OAMPS Insurance
Diners Club
Fine Food Australia
Meat &Livestock Australia
RedCat
VIP Personnel

For more information please contact Michael on 9654 5866.  Alternativley, download the registration form.

Earth Hour - 29 March 2008 - 8pm

Climate change is the most significant threat to life on Earth. One way to slow the current rate of global warming is to get each individual to make small adjustments to the way they live.  To achieve individual change we need to demonstrate how simple and easy the changes are.

The solution, an event that gets full community involvement in a simple action that will make a difference.  WWF-Australia and Fairfax invite all Melbourne households and businesses to turn off their lights for one hour at 8:00pm on 29th March 2008 - this is Earth Hour.   

On the surface, you may think that this is not really feasible, but this concept was well accepted by the Sydney restaurant fraternity when first trialled last year.

Click here for more information about Earth Hour or contact Jess Christiansen Earth Hour Melbourne 03 9669 1309

Hospitality Hire

Hospitality Hire puts employers in touch with jobseekers.

The Candidates listed on this site are seeking employment within the hospitality industry, either within a kitchen or front of house.

The candidates are sourced from one of the following categories:

• students studying hospitality or cookery with a Melbourne college;
• a Jobseeker registered with a Job Network Provider; or
• simply an enthusiastic person eager for a new role in the hospitality industry.

Each candidate has a basic uniform and tool kit. For kitchen staff that is a chef uniform and knifes, front of house candidates have a white shirt, pants, apron and waiters friend.

Our candidates are either seeking work in a range of kitchen or front of house roles from kitchen hand and food preparation or cooking roles to waiting and customer service roles.

For more information about the skills and certificates each candidate has to offer please click on the candidate picture and arrange an interview. 

WorkChoices officially scrapped - AWA's no longer an alternative

As you are probably aware, The Federal Government officially scrapped WorkChoices as at 28 March 2008.  This has major implications to business, especially in Agreement making.

Further to the initial "important fax" that was sent last Thursday, Members are reminded that you are no longer able to make new AWA's with employees.  Nonetheless, it is also important to remind you that if you have any signed AWA's that have NOT been lodged to submit the agreements ASAP.

As a result of the Federal Government's new legislation, businesses (in Victoria) now operate under their respective Federal Award:  That is

• Liquor and Accommodation Industry - Restaurants - Victoria Award 1998
• Catering - Victoria - Award 1988

In place of AWA's there will be Interim Tranistional Employment Agreements that must meet a new "No Disadvantage Test (NDT)" for it to be approved. 

Restaurant & Catering Victoria is currently in the process of developing an Agreement and is tracking the process of the NDT and will release further information in the near future.

If you have any questions regarding the new changes, members are encouraged to contact the office on 9654 5866 or email philip@rcv.asn.au.

URGENT! Absolute last chance to nominate!

Last minute nomination for the 2008 Awards for Excellence will be accepted until COB Friday 4^th April.  Fax back your nomination form immediately!

In addition to the potential of becoming a Finalist or Winner the 2008 Awards for Excellence offers you a range of direct benefits:

Five reasons to nominate NOW!

• Benchmark your business against others in your category.
• Be independently assessed by professionally trained evaluators with individually tailored feedback. 
• Promote your business as a driver of excellence in the hospitality industry.
• Pursue a marketable edge through the media generated from the Awards.
• Feature in the Savour Australia web and print directories as an Awards for Excellence rated restaurant

Click here to download nomination form.

R&C Vic and AHA present a Roadshow of Hospitality information technology training

The Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia will be running Technology in Hospitality Workshops around Australia, with Information Expos, to provide the background, information and opportunity to Hospitality Businesses to "get online".

• Mon, 14 April Echuca Radcliffes, 2 - 10 Radcliffe Street
• Tue, 15 April Bendigo The Foundry Hotel Complex, 366 High Street
• Wed, 23 April Wangaratta North Eastern Hotel, 1 Spearing Street
• Thu, 24 April Bairnsdale Grand Terminus Hotel, 98 MacLeod Street
• Mon, 5 May Ballarat Red Lion Hotel, 217 - 229 Main Road
• Tue, 6 May Mornington Boyz @ Manyung, 1408 Nepean Highway
• Wed, 7 May Mildura Mildura Grand, Seventh Street
• Tue, 27 May Geelong Sphinx Hotel, 2 Thompson Road
• Wed, 28 May Warrnambool Mac's Hotel, 199 Fairy Street

To register, please download the registration form.

Hospitality Hire

Hospitality Hire puts employers in touch with jobseekers.

The Candidates listed on this site are seeking employment within the hospitality industry, either within a kitchen or front of house.

The candidates are sourced from one of the following categories:

• students studying hospitality or cookery with a Melbourne college;
• a Jobseeker registered with a Job Network Provider; or
• simply an enthusiastic person eager for a new role in the hospitality industry.

Each candidate has a basic uniform and tool kit. For kitchen staff that is a chef uniform and knifes, front of house candidates have a white shirt, pants, apron and waiters friend.

Our candidates are either seeking work in a range of kitchen or front of house roles from kitchen hand and food preparation or cooking roles to waiting and customer service roles.

For more information about the skills and certificates each candidate has to offer please click on the candidate picture and arrange an interview. 

ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Trading restrictions and employee entitlements

Members should check their liquor licence if there are any restrictions to trading.

Eve of ANZAC Day

If your licence normally permits trading past midnight, but your licence has a condition that excludes trading the morning of ANZAC Day, you must close at midnight.

If your licence permits trading past midnight and does not have a condition excluding trading into the morning of ANZAC Day, you close as per usual. If your licence does not permit trading beyond midnight, then you also close as per usual.

ANZAC Day

Normal trading hours for ANZAC Day begin at 12 noon. Temporary permission to open prior to this will not be approved unless the early trading relates to the observance of ANZAC Day.

Click here download the ANZAC Day help sheet

For more information, please contact the office on 9654 5866

Awards for Excellence Nominations NOW CLOSED

Nominations to the 2008 Awards for Excellence are now closed.

However, nomination for the Professional Development category will remain open until Friday 28th of May.

Thank you to the Members that have put in their nominations for the 2008 Awards for Excellence program.

Good luck to all that have nominated in the next stage of the Awards process.

Thierry Marx Career Development Award

Nominations Close this Friday!

Get your nominations for the 2008 Thierry Marx Career Development Award in NOW! Nominations officially close on Friday 18^th April. 

The Award provides the opportunity for two apprentice chefs, employed by members of Restaurant & Catering Victoria to spend one month training under the guidance of Thierry Marx - 2006 Relais Gourmand's Chef of the Year, at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in Bordeaux, France.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your apprentice chef's, so send in your nominations today.

If you would like to be sent a nomination form, contact Philip on 9654 5866 or email a request to philip@rcv.asn.au.

Click here for more information about the Award

Thierry Marx Career Development Award is proudly sponsored by:

Crown Melbourne Limited

Meat and Livestock Australia

William Angliss Institute

Imports of France

Tourism Victoria's Wine Regions of Victoria brochure

Don't miss your chance to participate in the most widely distributed wine and food tourism publication in Victoria specifically targeting consumers highly motivated by regional wine and food experiences.

Wine Regions of Victoria is one of Tourism Victoria's flagship Jigsaw brochures, and positions Victoria as a premier wine and food destination. The availability of quality restaurants, food and produce in Victoria's regions is an increasingly important aspect of the winery tourism experience so take advantage of the advertising section developed specifically to cater for the increased consumer interest in quality regional food in restaurants, cafés, farm gates and produce stores around Victoria.

Advertising bookings close Friday 23 May.

Click here for further information or contact Hardie Grant Magazines on phone 8520 6444 or email wineregionsvic@hardiegrant.com.au

StreetSmart Results

Vic diners & restaurants support homeless

StreetSmart announces $224,000 in grants

Almost a quarter of a million dollars in grants will be distributed to projects and organisations assisting Australia's homeless, Streetsmart announced today.

StreetSmart CEO, Adam Robinson, said 185 restaurants and cafes in Victoria, NSW and, for the first time, Queensland and ACT, raised more than $224,000 during its recent six-week campaign, the largest fundraising result since StreetSmart began in 2003.

A special mention goes to Il Solito Posto in Melbourne's CBD as they are the 2007 Victorian Champion restaurant, raising $6000.

For full details on the campaign please visit: www.streetsmartaustralia.org

The 2008 StreetSmart campaign will run from 11 November - 24 December 2008.

R&C Vic and AHA present a Roadshow of Hospitality information technology training

The Australian Hotels Association and Restaurant & Catering Australia will be running Technology in Hospitality Workshops around Australia, with Information Expos, to provide the background, information and opportunity to Hospitality Businesses to "get online".

• Wed, 23 April Wangaratta North Eastern Hotel, 1 Spearing Street
• Thu, 24 April Bairnsdale Grand Terminus Hotel, 98 Macleod Street
• Mon, 5 May Ballarat Red Lion Hotel, 217 - 229 Main Road
• Tue, 6 May Mornington Boyz @ Manyung, 1408 Nepean Highway
• Wed, 7 May Mildura Mildura Grand, Seventh Street
• Tue, 27 May Geelong Sphinx Hotel, 2 Thompson Road
• Wed, 28 May Warrnambool Mac's Hotel, 199 Fairy Street

To register, please download the registration form.

Hospitality Hire

Hospitality Hire puts employers in touch with jobseekers.

The Candidates listed on this site are seeking employment within the hospitality industry, either within a kitchen or front of house.

The candidates are sourced from one of the following categories:

• students studying hospitality or cookery with a Melbourne college;
• a Jobseeker registered with a Job Network Provider; or
• simply an enthusiastic person eager for a new role in the hospitality industry.

Each candidate has a basic uniform and tool kit. For kitchen staff that is a chef uniform and knifes, front of house candidates have a white shirt, pants, apron and waiters friend.

Our candidates are either seeking work in a range of kitchen or front of house roles from kitchen hand and food preparation or cooking roles to waiting and customer service roles.

For more information about the skills and certificates each candidate has to offer please click on the candidate picture and arrange an interview. 

Late Entry Restrictions in Inner Melbourne
Restrictions Commence 3 June

The State Government and the Director of Liquor Licensing have implemented a 3 month trial that will prevent licensees from allowing patrons to enter their venues after 2am.  The effect of the restriction is that people who are already in the venue by 2am can stay in the venue until it shuts but no new patrons can enter. 

The restrictions will commence on the 3^rd of June 2008 which means patrons out on Monday the 2^nd June will be able remain in a venue until closing but will not be able to enter a venue after  2am.

During the 3 month trial late entry restriction will only apply in the local government areas Port Phillip, Stonnington, Melbourne (including Docklands) and Yarra. In addition to specific premises in Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.

The late entry restriction will apply to all on-premises and general licenses within the relevant area.  This means that all pubs, bars and nightclubs will be affected.  An exemption has been granted to restaurants, the floor of Crown Casino and club licenses such as RSLs.

Licensees who breach the late entry restriction by allowing people into their venues after 2am will face fines of up to $6800.

If your restaurant does not have restaurant conditions on your licence but wish to trade as a restaurant and allow new patrons to enter after 2amyou will be required to vary your licence to include restaurant conditions. You must apply to the Director of Licensing to add restaurant conditions.  The advertising period for this license change has been reduced from 28 days to 14 days to allow for any applications to be considered before or during the 3 month lockout.

Around 440 venues are directly affected by this trail.

For more information, please contact Todd on 9654 5866.

Click here to download the Fact Sheet - Late Entry Restrictions

Freeze on the Issuing of Late Night Licenses in
Inner Melbourne

The Minister for Consumer Affairs will not grant any new late-night (post 1am) licences for 12 months from the 2 May 2008 in the local council areas of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Melbourne (including Docklands) and Yarra.

The Freeze is a temporary measure allowing the Government time to take action that will be more effective in the long-term. 

For more information, please contact Todd on 9654 5866.

Click here to download the Fact Sheet - Freeze on the Issuing of Late Night Licenses

State Budget -
Business Tax Reform & Tourism Funding welcomed

Tourism marketing and infrastructure development are winners from this weeks budget. The $35.1 million package to boost Victoria's profile in interstate and international markets is welcomed by the tourism and hospitality sector.

When the Association was asked for an industry comment, Todd responded that "This is a favourable budget for both small business and state tourism, however funding for tourism has fallen significantly from last year"

"Investment in tourism marketing will clearly benefit the hospitality sector, especially the $13.3 million for destination marketing of regional Victoria" he said.

Key international markets will be targeted with $8 million to promote Victoria as a great place to visit as well as attracting additional air services to Melbourne. The business events sector will also benefit with $13.8 million to enhance Victoria's credentials as a world-class business events destination.

Restaurant & Catering Victoria welcomes other key budget announcements including reductions in a range of business taxes and charges:

Stamp Duty tax brackets have been adjusted on business property purchase the value of property transferred Duty paid from 1 July 2008.

• Up to $25 0001.4% of the value of the property
• $25 001 - $130 000$350 plus 2.4% of the value in excess of $25 000
• $130 001 - $960 000$2 870 plus 6% of the value in excess of $130 000
• $960 001 and over5.5% of the value of the property

Payroll Tax will fall from 5.05% to 4.95%, this will commence from 1 July 2008 and Work Cover premium will also fall to 1.387 % of an employer's payroll.

Other state government spending has been announced in the area of business skills investment ($94 million)

If you have any comments or opinions about the State budget please contact Todd on 9654 5866.

Thierry Marx Career Development Award
Finalists Announced

Six young Victorian apprentice chefs have been announced as finalists in the 2008 Thierry Marx Career Development Award. This year has seen over double the number of entrants following the success of the 2007 inaugural event.

Entrants were received from across regional Victoria and Melbourne restaurants and caterers.  The competition, now in its second year, is offering two Victorian cookery apprentices the chance to spend a month in France working with Thierry Marx - the 2006 Relais Gourmands French Chef of the Year.

2008 Thierry Marx Career Development Award finalists include:

• Petros Dellidis - The Press Club, Melbourne
• Ryan Spurrell - Vue de Monde, Melbourne
• Adrian Smith - Gingerboy, Melbourne
• Kate Niewenhuizen- Pettavel Winery and Restaurant, Waurn Ponds
• Natalie Watkins - Waddingtons at Kergunyah, Kergunyah
• Robert Tucker - Emeu Inn Restaurant, Heathcote

As part of the judging process, finalists can now expect a workplace visit from the judging panel who, will interview and observe their performance under the normal rigors of their daily working conditions. Finalists will be assessed and scored on areas including motivation, attitude, presentation and teamwork.

The two winners will be named on May 28 at a luncheon at the Brassiere by Philippe Mouchel. The winners will travel to France in early August for a month to work at Thierry Marx's Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in Bordeaux.

Click here for more information about the Award

Thierry Marx Career Development Award is proudly sponsored by:

Crown Melbourne Limited

Meat and Livestock Australia

William Angliss Institute

Imports of France

The Victorian Tourism Conference:
14-15 May 2008 -Telstra Dome, Docklands

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER to one of the premier events in the Victorian Tourism Industry Calendar! 

SOLD OUT IN 2007 -DON'T MISS OUT IN 2008! - Book now!

Themed "Tourism: Investing in our future", this year's conference will feature presentations from a range of tourism experts, business innovators, researchers and industry leaders from across Victoria, Australia and around the world, focusing on key issues including: 

• Helping Tourism Businesses to Become More Sustainable
• Showcasing Best Practice and Tourism Excellence
• Business Continuity - surviving in this changing world
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Outside the box marketing solutions 
• Innovative Staffing Solutions
• Bridging the skills gap for Voluntary Committees

With 98% of last year's delegates indicating they would attend the conference this year, the 2008 Victorian Tourism Conference is set to once again reach new heights in attendance rates and quality of speakers.

 Speakers include:

• Malcolm Bell, CEO South West Tourism (UK)
• Tom O'Toole, Beechworth Bakery
• Dr Peter Ellyard, one of Australia's leading futurist and strategists
• Susan Wright, PR Consultacy, Q Strategies

Click here for the official conference program and registration form.

R&C Vic Members also receive TAV member rate.

Applause for the 2008/9 Budget

The Restaurant & Catering Association applauds the Government on a budget that carefully balances the need for fiscal restraint with the need to maintain spending in areas that support jobs - hospitality services.  R&C Vic supports the RCA's stance that to further dampen demand (through spending cuts) would have been dangerous in an economy supported by services.

R&CA President, Con Castrisos said that 'now that the services economy supports 82% of employment in Australia, deep slashing budgets are too dangerous an instrument. As the Government has achieved in this budget, careful management is the key to keeping the Australian economy strong'.

The Association expressed its support for the closing of the loop-hole that allows for FBT free meals for big business.

In contrast the Association expressed concern over the lack of inclusion of service businesses in the Climate Change initiative. R&CA CEO John Hart suggested that 'every business needs to do its bit if we are to reduce omissions.' 'It is disappointing that some sectors will receive help to do this and others will not.'

The Association was very pleased to see the realisation of commitments to training and immigration places that will ease labour and skills constraints in the hospitality industry.

For more information please call Todd on 03 9654 5866

NDT leads to 25% Casual Loading for
ITEA's and Collective Agreements

In late April the Workplace Authority released their NDT Policy Guide. Following recent confirmation from the Workplace Authority, Restaurant & Catering Victoria wishes to advise you that under the NDT, employees employed under an ITEA or Employee Collective Agreement will need to be provided with sufficient compensation to cover the 25% casual loading of the Federal Awards.

Restaurant & Catering Victoria has now revised it's templates to include a 25% Casual Loading, rather than the Standard 20% loading that applied under the Fairness Test.

Please note that Workplace Agreements approved and lodged under the Fairness Test will not be impacted by this news.

If you have lodged an ITEA or Employee Collective Agreement since the 28 March 2008 that contained a 20% Casual Loading, or have any questions regarding Workplace Agreements please contact Philip Pearson on 9654 5866

Results of Live Music Survey

Recently, APRA and the Music Council of Australia (MCA) conducted a survey to find out what venue operators currently think about live music.

Sixty nine hotels, clubs and restaurants responded to the survey which was distributed through the various industry associations. The largest group of respondents were Clubs (49%) followed by Restaurants (27%) and Hotels (24%).

Over 70% of respondents said they present live music in some format in their venues throughout the year. Of these, 44% presented at least three live performances a week. 17% presented less than 10 performances a year and about 7% presented more than four a week.

Venues that did host live music were re enthusiastic about the benefits of providing live music. The benefits cited most frequently included:

• more traffic, 
• a more enjoyable ambience/atmosphere in the venue,
• drawing new clientele,
• music providing a critical point of difference in a competitive market-place,
• creation of customer loyalty and return business
• contributing to the cultural life of the community, and
• supporting local talent.

Venues that didn't host live music (29% of respondents) said that the key obstacles were overhead costs, government regulations, noise regulations and concerns about security. They also cited difficulties with sourcing artists and promoting gigs and were concerned about generating support from patrons and about ensuring a decent return on investment.

When asked what would make it easier to host live music, they said simpler regulation (46%) would be helpful, along with more encouragement from Government. Just over 41% agreed that a guide to hosting live music would be welcome, along with more education on the topic generally for venue owners.

For more information of the survey visit www.apra.com.au

Don't be a Tosser - Bin your Butts Campaign
A success

July 1 marks the first year anniversary of the Victorian Government's legislation to make enclosed licensed premises smoke-free and Sustainability Victoria's 'Don't be a Tosser - Bin Your Butts' Campaign.

Due to the collaborative efforts of industry (which R&C Vic was involved) and government, the campaign succeeded in counteracting the expected increase in butt litter as a result of more smokers being outdoors.

The latest research from Community Change shows that butt litter prevention has been sustained and that licensed premises are keen to continue to avoid the negative environmental impacts from butts.

Butt littering behaviour decreased from 58% before the campaign to 33% at the campaign's peak in August last year. Further evaluation in February 2008 showed that six months after the campaign responsible behaviours are continuing with butt littering rates at just 37%.

To mark the anniversary of the "Don't be a Tosser" - Bin Your Butts campaign and to report on its success, Sustainability Victoria will be sharing the campaign's good news and results with licensed premises  and local government as well as providing additional copies of promotional materials. Our activities will include a media publicity campaign, a final mail out to licensed venues, consisting of an information sheet, posters and stickers, and an information sheet and template media release for use by local government.

Please feel free to provide any feedback on the anniversary activities to Michael on 9654 5866 or michael@rcv.asn.au. Campaign materials will continue to be available from our website, www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

Are you under 30 and running a small business ?

Share your story and star in a photographic exhibition

The Small Business Heroes Photographic Exhibition - Energising Youth will be a part of Energise Enterprise 08 - Victoria's Small Business Festival.

This year the exhibition profiles young people in their own businesses.

Click here for more details

Queens Birthday Public Holiday Reminder

Just a friendly reminder that the Gazetted Public Holiday for Queens Birthday is:

Monday 9 June 2008.

For more information about employee entitlements, please click here to download the help sheet or call Phil on 03 9654 5866

Thierry Marx Career Development Award
Winners Accounced

The dreams of three young Victorian apprentice chefs have been realised as the winners were announced for the 2008 Thierry Marx Career Development Award at a luncheon at the Brasserrie by Philippe Mouchel today.  This years winners are:

·         Petros Dellidis - The Press Club,

·         Natalie Watkins - Waddingtons at Kergunyah and  

·         Kate Niewenhuizen - Pettavel Winery and Restaurant Waurn Ponds.

Out of six finalists, Petros, Natalie and Kate have won a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to France in early August for a months work experience at Thierry Marx's Chateau Cordeillan-Bages in Bordeaux.

Apprentices will receive airfares, accommodation and assistance with incidental expenses while their employers will receive an allowance to offset additional staffing costs while the apprentices are in France

It was originally intended to send only two apprentices but the judges unanimously found that all three candidates were deserving of the honour, with all receiving the maximum scores in the judging process

Click here for more information about the winners  

Thierry Marx Award is proudly supported by:

Crown Limited
Imports of France
Meat and Livestock Australia
William Angliss Institute

Reminder - Late Entry Restrictions commence
Tuesday 3rd June 2008

The State Government and the Director of Liquor Licensing have implemented a 3 month trial that will prevent licensees from allowing patrons to enter their venues after 2am.  The effect of the restriction is that people who are already in the venue by 2am can stay in the venue until it shuts but no new patrons can enter.

The restrictions will commence on the 3^rd of June 2008 which means patrons out on Monday the 2^nd June will be able remain in a venue until closing but will not be able to enter a venue after  2am.

During the 3 month trial late entry restriction will only apply in the local government areas Port Phillip, Stonnington, Melbourne (including Docklands) and Yarra. In addition to specific premises in Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.

The late entry restriction will apply to all on-premises and general licenses within the relevant area.  This means that all pubs, bars and nightclubs will be affected.  An exemption has been granted to restaurants, the floor of Crown Casino and club licenses such as RSLs.

Licensees who breach the late entry restriction by allowing people into their venues after 2am will face fines of up to $6800.

If your restaurant does not have restaurant conditions on your licence but wish to trade as a restaurant and allow new patrons to enter after 2am you will be required to vary your licence to include restaurant conditions. You must apply to the Director of Licensing to add restaurant conditions.  The advertising period for this license change has been reduced from 28 days to 14 days to allow for any applications to be considered before or during the 3 month lockout.

For more information, please contact Todd on 9654 5866

Professional Development Award Nominations

This is just a friendly reminder that the Nominations for the Professional Category for the 2008 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence close tomorrow.

Please contact Melanie on 03 9654 5866 if you have any questions about the award.  Alternatively, please download the nomination form and return by COB tomorrow.

The 2008 Restaurant & Catering Victoria Awards for Excellence is proudly partnered by:

Fosters

American Express

Meat & Livestock Australia

HostPlus

Fonterra Foodservices

Fine Food Australia - 22^nd to 24^th of September, Melbourne

OAMPS

Finlease

Barilla

Hospitality Training Australia

VIP Personnel

Westpac Banking Corp

Modern Wedding Magazine

APRA

PPCA

AIRC Award Modernisation Consultation Begins

R&C Association makes presentation in Sydney

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission began it's Award Modernisation Consultation Process in Melbourne on Monday 26th May.  Though Restaurant & Catering Victoria attended as an observer only, Restaurant & Catering Australia will be making a submission to the commission regarding the Draft List of Priority Industries (for Award Modernisation), the proposed Model Flexibility Clauses, and the Timetable for the Award Modernisation Process in Sydney on Wednesday 28th May.

The first two days of hearings in Melbourne saw some of the Major Parties make lengthy submissions to the full bench of the commission, namely: ACTU, ACCI and the AIG. 

Restaurant & Catering Victoria will continue to monitor the consultation process, and is actively engaged in consulting with Restaurant & Catering Australia in relation to any submissions made.

If you would like to provide any input to the association regarding this process, contact Philip Pearson on 9654 5866

Are you interested in a Zebra hide, Rhino headpiece or other genuine African artifacts?

The Gamekeepers Secret in Ballarat is about to go through some major renovations.  The African themed venue has some interesting artifacts on offer.

They have heaps of framed African prints, zebra hide, taxidermy, many many masks, and other interesting talking pieces.

If you are interested in acquiring any of these fascinating items, please call Kieran on 03 5332 6000 or email safari@bigpond.net.au

www.ballarat.com/gamekeepers

Minimum Salary increase for 457 Visa Holders

Chris Evans, announced that Minimum Salary Levels (MSLs) for temporary skilled overseas workers will increase by 3.8 per cent from 1 August 2008.

The increase is part of a package of reforms outlined in the Budget designed to improve the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program.

This increase will apply to new temporary skilled migrants coming to work in Australia as well as those already in the workforce who are subject to an MSL.

The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 - November 2007.

It increases the safety net for skilled migrant workers to help preserve their earnings power and protect them from exploitation in the workplace.'

The change will increase the current standard MSL from $41,850 to $43,440 per annum. For ICT professionals, the MSL will rise to $59,480 from $57,300.  In regional areas, the MSL will rise to $39,100 (from $37,665) and $53,530 (from $51,570) for ICT professionals.

If an industrial instrument, such as an award or agreement, prescribes a level of salary that is higher than the MSL, then this is the salary that must be paid.

The Department will directly contact employer sponsors affected by this change prior to August. The Department will also run an information campaign to inform existing visa holders of the change.

Should you have any queries about this matter, please contact the office on 9654 5866.

Workplace Ombudsman to target
Victorian Snowfields

The Workplace Ombudsman will be conducting an education and compliance campaign in July 2008 targeting hospitality and service industries in the Victorian Snowfields.  This has been a direct result of a considerable increase in non-compliance issues that were reported to the Workplace Ombudsman from the last snow season

The Workplace Ombudsman should have already made contact with Victorian Snowfields hospitality and service employers about the campaign and their intentions. 

Then in July, a workplace inspector will make contact with the selected employer for a full compliance audit.  The main focus of the of the audit will be ensuring that workers are paid in accordance to their minimum entitlements, time and wage records comply with the provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and applicable industrial relations instruments.

Please do not disregard this notice.  I know the timing of their audit is unfortunate and not practical, but the Workplace Ombudsman is focused on protecting and enforcing workers rights as their record shows.

Should Members have any queries or clarification about minimum obligations, please contact Phil or Michael on 9654 5866.

Remember, you are able to download the simple Current Award Rates table and Interim Transitional Employment Agreement in the Members Log-in

Tax boss signals crackdown on cash-in-hand
business operators

The Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo has announced that the ATO will be vigorously targeting business owners that seek to avoid tax by taking illegal cash-in-hand payments are set to become a renewed target of scrutiny from the taxman.

"Cracking down on the cash economy will remain a priority for the ATO," D'Ascenzo says. "Unrecorded cash transactions are an unfair practice and have an adverse impact on the vast majority of small businesses that abide by the rules."

D'Ascenzo warns "rouge" businesses that should they chose not to reform their ways, they will be caught.  The introduction of ATO improved methods of detecting possible business breaches of tax laws will assist in their search.  He specifically points that the building and construction, hospitality, taxi, retail and transport sectors will be under the heaviest scrutiny.

2008 Restaurant & Catering Victoria Awards for Excellence update

With a 50% increase in nominations from last year, The 2008 Awards for Excellence Program is entering its final stages with the judging nearing completion.  Thank you to all those members that have entered and good luck.

Stay tuned for further details, but keep Tuesday the 5^th of August free.  The 2008 Restaurant & Catering Victoria Awards for Excellence program will culminate at a spectacular gala event at Peninsula, Atlantic South Wharf, Docklands.

In the meantime, the Inaugural Mornington Peninsula Gourmet Awards for Excellence presentation event will be held on the 8^th of July.  Click here for more details

The 2008 Restaurant & Catering Victoria Awards for Excellence is proudly partnered by:

Major Sponsor

Fosters

Blue Chip Category Partner

Lavazza

Elite Category Partners

American Express

Finlease

Meat & Livestock Australia

Modern Wedding Magazine

red +white

Event Category Partners

APRA

Barilla

Fine Food Australia - 22^nd to 24^th of September, Melbourne

Fonterra Foodservices

Hospitality Training Australia

HostPlus

OAMPS

PPCA

Tourism Alliance Victoria

VIP Personnel

Westpac Banking Corp

Professional Development Category

Melbourne & Food Wine Festival

Doing Business Better

Maximise your Web Marketing Potential - Monday 16^th of June. 

Understanding the internet in today's market is imperative to your business. Learn how you can maximize your website potential to increase sales, build customer loyalty and stand out amongst competitors.   Click here for more info

Gippsland Toursim Awards 2008

Congratulations to Brandy Creek winery and View Cafe in Drouin East for winning the Tourism Winery category at the Gippsland Tourism Awards last Thursday.

ABS : Aussies love of Food generate big dollars
But - Industry Profits not great

Australia's cafes, restaurants and caterers generated $13.7 billion in income during 2006-07, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The main sources of income for the 15,423 cafes, restaurants and caterers were:

• Takings from meals consumed on the premises (47%)
• Takings from catering services (24.1%)
• Sale of liquor and other beverages (19.9%)
  
  Click here for more information

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released their figures for this industry for the period ending June 2007.

An alarming observation that was raised was that for 2006-07, operating profit margin was 3.8% for Restaurants and Cafes. Click here for more information.

The Catering Services performed slightly better for the year, where operating profit margin was 5.3%.  Click here for more information.

Does anyone have a spare kitchen?

Of the many phone calls the Association receives, a member has placed an enquiry to see if any members have a kitchen (preferably in the inner suburbs), that is not being not fully utilised.  If so, this member is willing to sub-lease the space.

If you are able to assist, please contact Teigen on 9654 5866 and she pass on your details to the member.