Bendigo Business Stories

Join our host, Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School, as she delves into the critical topic of building a resilient workforce with Glenn Dashwood, formerly Head of Operations at the Portable Long Service Leave Authority and current Director of Dashwood Road. In this episode, they explore effective people strategies to attract and retain top talent in the Loddon Campaspe region.Glenn shares his extensive experience in managing both large and small teams across various sectors, highlighting the importance of using people properly to succeed. He emphasises the need for a well-defined people strategy and implementation plan, and the significance of understanding the specific roles and skills required within a business.Discover practical insights on workforce planning, the benefits of remote work, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a cohesive team. Glenn also discusses the importance of regular one-on-one meetings and providing recognition to motivate staff, especially in remote settings.Learn about the value of ongoing training and development, tapping into external resources like HR consultants, and leveraging networks such as Be.Bendigo to support your business growth. Glenn's advice on dealing with underperforming staff and aligning team members with the organisation's goals provides valuable takeaways for any business leader.This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Join our host, Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School, as she sits down with Katie and Michelle Johnson, co-founders of ESE Consulting, for a thought-provoking discussion on value-driven recruitment strategies.Founded 20 years ago, ESE Consulting was built on the principles of high-quality service and clear communication throughout the recruitment process. Starting from an incubator-style office, Katie and Michelle thrived in a supportive business environment that fueled their growth and success.In this episode, they share their approach to recruitment, emphasising the importance of matching candidates with company values to ensure long-term success. They discuss the recruitment process, including looking for transferable skills and using DISC assessments. Katie and Michelle highlight that defining business values is essential for attracting the right employees to your business.They also discuss the importance of providing comprehensive relocation support for new hires and leveraging community connections to facilitate a smooth transition within the Bendigo community.Additionally, Katie and Michelle talk about the significance of mentorship, community involvement, and serving on various boards, sharing how these roles have enriched their professional journeys and expanded their networks.Throughout the conversation, they offer insights on fostering positive work cultures and executing recruitment strategies that align with core values, accentuating that recruitment is the first step in building a high-performing and value-driven organisation.This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join our host, Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School, as she engages in an insightful conversation with Pam Macdonald, the founder of Broadspring Consulting.Pam founded Broadspring Consulting to provide HR coaching, training, and consulting services. With years of experience, she shares valuable tips on attracting and retaining staff, whether you run a small business or a large corporation.Pam discusses the importance of corporate social responsibility, emphasising that employees are drawn to businesses that make a positive impact. She highlights how strong values and purpose are crucial for attracting like-minded individuals. She gave some examples including offering volunteer opportunities and team-building exercises within the community.Pam recommends regularly seeking employee feedback about your brand and reflecting on your organization's "Why." She also touches on the importance of being part of a business network and connecting with the community.Pam's believes that attracting new staff from outside the region involves considering their family needs, such as employment opportunities for partners and introductions to schools or sporting clubs for their children. Recruitment is about integrating new families into the community.The new generation values learning and expects ongoing training and development. Pam challenges us to think about traditional education institutions like Bendigo TAFE or La Trobe University, but also on-the-job training and team collaboration exercises.Pam's view is that individuals should take control of their careers, but employers must recognise that not everyone wants to advance, and some may be content in their current roles. Communication is key to understanding your workforce. This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join our host, Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School, as she engages in an honest and authentic conversation with Rory Somerville, Managing Director at Ray White Bendigo. In this episode, Rory shares his experience on attracting and retaining staff members, emphasising the crucial role of employee wellbeing in driving business success. He provides insights from his recent experience hiring talent from Melbourne and highlights the unique advantages of living in Bendigo.Discover innovative approaches to retaining top talent and fostering a workplace that genuinely cares about its people. Rory explains how a purpose-driven approach attracts employees who seek meaningful work and how Ray White Bendigo is committed to making a difference in the current housing crisis.  Learn how Ray White Bendigo handles after-hours demands in the real estate industry, allowing staff to switch off and hear about Rory's recent experience on merging cultures during an acquisition and supporting employees through transitions.Explore the power of collaboration and discover why Ray White Bendigo applies a “no internal emails” policy. Rory also shares his thoughts on using Slack to enhance communication across different locations.This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join our host, Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School, as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Katherine Hietbrink, the Director of Human Resources at Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC). In this enlightening episode, Katherine shares her wisdom on change management, delving into the reasons why organisations need to evolve, why change might be resisted, and the crucial role of communication and planning. Katherine insists on the need to be realistic with timelines, the ability to adapt and be flexible, the importance of scenario planning, and the implementation of effective training. She emphasises that employee wellbeing is not just essential, but particularly crucial during periods of change. The concept of a “Change Champion” or “Change Leader” is introduced as a key support in facilitating change and fostering team involvement. Discover Katherine’s invaluable insights and expertise in human resources as she provides practical tips that any business owner, leader, or manager can utilise to navigate the complexities of implementing changes within their organisation. This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with our host Dr. Geraldine Kennett from La Trobe Business School and Chloe Pyke, a dynamic People and Culture Manager at AFS & Associates. In this episode, Chloe delves deep into the extraordinary efforts AFS undertakes to cultivate an optimal work environment for their team members. She reveals that AFS conducts an annual culture survey, considering employee feedback and integrating it into their business practices. This proactive approach has led to a complete transformation of their office located in the heart of Bendigo CBD, now displaying a spacious open area, beautiful greenery, and a flexible hot desk system.  Listen to this podcast to uncover the strategic steps AFS has taken to enhance their brand image and achieve remarkable staff retention. Despite the current shortage of accountants in the region, AFS has successfully attracted students by offering them the flexibility they need and valuable work experience, leading to full-time contracts upon graduation. Chloe sheds light on the necessity of proactive engagement with schools, universities, and other organisations.  Chloe further explores the recruitment process, career progression, professional development, and the critical role of promoting diversity and inclusiveness. This conversation also highlights the principles of sustainability, the importance of social impact, and the mutual values employees and organisations share.   This season is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.ABOUT OUR HOST DR. GERALDINE KENNETGeraldine Kennett is the Associate Dean Academic Partnerships at La Trobe Business School, responsible for leading the School’s engagement with academic, community and industry partners. Geraldine has specialist expertise in leading, managing and growing sustainable not-for-profit organisations, in particular organisations with complex stakeholders and education outcomes.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our Greater Bendigo business community. We are a member-based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with our host Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine as she dives into the fascinating veterinarian world with Dr Susan Bibby, the visionary part-owner of myvet Strathfieldsaye.In this episode sponsored by McKern Steel, Susan shares her remarkable journey from specialising in avian veterinary and working in the commercial poultry industry to making a dynamic career change at myvet Strathfieldsaye. Susan shares her passion and talks about her path to becoming part-owner of the business located and strongly involved in the Strathfieldsaye community. During this conversation, you will discover how myvet Strathfieldsaye, who recently won the 2023 Professional Firm at Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, operates from a brand-new facility designed to enhance customer experience, provide the best environment for their team and how Susan evolved her leadership style embracing company values, actively listening, and prioritising her 100% female team’s needs.Susan’s philosophy, “Let’s try it and have a go” shines through as she explains how the clinic positions itself as an industry leader with innovative practices, such as after-hours service in collaboration with other vet clinics, allowing them to close on weekends and offer flexible hours for employees. Susan shares her pride in having a large team that enables staff to focus on their work with great support, adapting to women’s lifestyles and needs in a female-dominated industry.One unique feature at myvet Strathfieldsaye is its 'kids club' which allows children to experience what goes on behind the scenes in a veterinary clinic. This initiative not only educates but also inspires and reassures little pet owners about what is going on behind the doors.Tune in to hear about the challenges the veterinary industry faces, Susan’s commitment to investing in training, and the importance myvet places on exceptional customer service.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR MCKERN STEELThis series is proudly sponsored by McKern Steel. McKern Steel is a leading supplier of high-quality structural steel for residential projects across Victoria. Located across three venues in Bendigo, they are dedicated to keeping their business regionally based. McKern Steel are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of youth. ABOUT OUR HOST KIMBERLEY FURNESSKimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcasts A Friend of Mine and She Makes News.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join us for an inspiring conversation as our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, sits down with Amy Morrissey, a remarkable young professional who has made significant career progress in the traditionally male-dominated banking industry.In this episode, sponsored by McKern Steel, Amy shares her journey from studying accounting at Latrobe University to becoming a Senior Business Relationship Manager at Bendigo Bank before the age of 30. Starting as an associate, she worked her way up from a small business banking manager to handling a portfolio of medium to large-scale businesses, catering to their diverse financial needs.Amy discusses the current challenges businesses face, such as rising interest rates and staff retention issues, and how she supports her clients by providing tailored solutions. She also reflects on her personal experiences, including overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome as a young female in the industry.Highlighting her participation in women in leadership programs, Amy emphasises the importance of taking risks, asking questions, and seeking mentorship to advance one's career. She also delves into the significance of personal branding and maintaining strong values and ethics in professional but also personal life.Amy offers valuable advice that will inspire professionals and emerging leaders alike. As she embarks on a new role as a Partner Relationship Manager in the digital lending space within the Bendigo Bank, we wish her continued success.Tune in to hear Amy's insightful story and gain practical advice for your own career journey.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR MCKERN STEELThis series is proudly sponsored by McKern Steel. McKern Steel is a leading supplier of high-quality structural steel for residential projects across Victoria. Located across three venues in Bendigo, they are dedicated to keeping their business regionally based. McKern Steel are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of youth. ABOUT OUR HOST KIMBERLEY FURNESSKimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcasts A Friend of Mine and She Makes News.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join us as our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, sits down for an incredible conversation with The Hon. Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria.In this episode sponsored by McKern Steel, we explore the driving force behind her decision to enter politics: her deep love for Bendigo and her determination to give a voice to the regional community. From her early aspirations of becoming a journalist to working in an electorate office discovering her love for politics and being elected at the young age of 26, Jacinta's career journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to representing and serving her community.Throughout the conversation, Jacinta shares her belief in the importance of education and transferable skills. Jacinta highlights that women deserve to have a seat at the table in all spheres of decision-making. With Parliament now achieving a 50/50 gender balance, Jacinta emphasises the significance of diversity and the ongoing efforts to break down barriers that prevent women's participation and confidence. “You cannot be what you cannot see”.Jacinta discusses the importance of being surrounded and always remembering her purposes and her ‘why’ when facing challenges in dealing with media and commentary. She also opens up about her personal experience, as a woman, dealing with women’s pain and endometriosis, and the important work in place through the current ‘Inquiry into Women's Pain’ survey to address the challenges faced by girls and women seeking pain care.Despite the demands of her career, Jacinta makes a point on the importance of family support and teamwork in balancing her roles as a mother and as a leader. She highlights the invaluable role her husband plays in caring for their children, challenging societal norms, and promoting respect for men who choose to stay home with their kids.From advocating for women's health to championing equality and inclusivity, Jacinta Allan's journey is one of resilience, compassion, and determination.For more information about the Inquiry into Women's Pain - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-painABOUT OUR SPONSOR MCKERN STEELThis series is proudly sponsored by McKern Steel. McKern Steel is a leading supplier of high-quality structural steel for residential projects across Victoria. Located across three venues in Bendigo, they are dedicated to keeping their business regionally based. McKern Steel are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of youth. ABOUT OUR HOST KIMBERLEY FURNESSKimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcasts A Friend of Mine and She Makes News.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Join us as our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, dives into the fascinating journey of Amy Doak, a lifelong lover of books, reading, and writing. Amy's story is truly inspiring from her early career in media, including advertising, radio, television, and magazines, to her evolution into a freelance writer and now a published author.After graduating with a computing and marketing degree, Amy's path led her through various projects and roles, ultimately culminating in the creation of Bendigo Magazine and Little One Magazine.In our conversation, Amy shares her passion for storytelling and the challenges she faced along the way. From taking a big leap of faith and launching her first magazine with a focus on promoting positive local news to navigating the complexities of selling her publications, Amy's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication.Amy's recent milestone of signing a two-book contract with Penguin Random House is a testament to her perseverance and talent. She discusses the importance of having an ‘accountability partner’ and offers valuable insights for aspiring writers and entrepreneurs alike. As she puts it, "Nothing is a waste."ABOUT OUR SPONSOR MCKERN STEELThis series is proudly sponsored by McKern Steel. McKern Steel is a leading supplier of high-quality structural steel for residential projects across Victoria. Located across three venues in Bendigo, they are dedicated to keeping their business regionally based. McKern Steel are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of youth. ABOUT OUR HOST KIMBERLEY FURNESSKimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcasts A Friend of Mine and She Makes News.ABOUT BE.BENDIGOEvery successful community has a strong and growing business community. Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.