Bendigo Business Stories

Get ready to be inspired as Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine dives deep into the world of business ownership with our special guest, Hayley Tibbett from Indulge Chocolates. In this week's episode sponsored by McKern Steel, Hayley shares her incredible journey of building a successful business over the last 15 years.Hayley is the owner and founder of Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates which she established in December 2008, offering a multisensory retail and café experience in the Bendigo Bank Central precinct.Join us as Hayley reflects on the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, from the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health to the significance of always staying positive even during difficult times.Hear about her childhood and the business lessons she took from it, following her incredible entrepreneurial parents from Swan Hill to various parts of Australia, ‘having a go’ in multiple businesses before settling in Bendigo, and owning the Pasta Pantry until their retirement.Discover the adventures of Hayley's chocolate journey, including her experiences visiting cocoa plantations in Ghana, the opportunities that COVID-19 has brought to her business, her journey as nominee, finalist and winner of the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, taking calculated risks and surrounding yourself with the right people.Hayley also shares insights into the power of collaboration, highlighting the impact of working alongside other local businesses to support each other and the amazing experience that brings you to shop locally.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.

In our latest episode, our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, delves into the inspiring journey of entrepreneurship with Luz Restrepo founder of Made by Many Minds. Originally from Colombia, Luz's story is one of resilience and innovation. After studying medicine, she discovered her passion for business and communication. Luz arrived in Australia at age 45 and her experience led her to found SisterWorks, a charity supporting migrant women, and later co-founded Migrant Women in Business Pty Ltd, empowering migrant women entrepreneurs nationwide.Join us as Luz shares her challenges as a migrant woman in a foreign country: limited resources, a strong accent, but abundant knowledge and determination. Luz talks about the difficulty of finding a job with little to no English but feeling privileged with her professional background, she took the decision to create a job for herself and all the migrant women in the same situation. This was the beginning of Sisterworks, an obsessive woman looking for commercial, employment, and training opportunities. In 2021, Luz resigned from Sisterworks which at this point needed a manager and not an entrepreneur like her anymore.Not wanting to depend on grants to pay bills anymore, Luz decided that her next venture would be a company and she created Migrant Women in Business within a month to support migrant women who have a product or service to sell, providing an easy-to-use Marketplace and connecting them to wholesale buyers. Luz makes it clear that the consumers' behaviour needs to change, they need to understand where the products come from and who is making it.Luz discovered that most registered ABN in Australia and regional and rural areas are micro businesses with up to three employees and they are facing the same challenges as the migrant community including poor technology literacy. Luz saw the opportunity to help more all businesses migrant or not and turned her focus on regional Australia, with her venture Made by Many Minds Pty Ltd supporting micro-business development and creating connections.Luz's proudest achievement is the capacity to create work, establishing a different model for migrant women to learn by doing. Her journey embodies resilience, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit.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.

Alissa Van Soest, General Manager of the Discovery Science & Technology Centre Bendigo, is a passionate advocate for women in STEM.In this episode, Alissa shares with host Kimberley Furness, her insights on the importance of STEM education, not just as a set of subjects, but as a foundation for critical thinking, creativity, and resilience—skills crucial for jobs of the future.Despite the growing need for STEM skills, with 75% of future jobs requiring them, Alissa highlights a concerning statistic: only 27% of the STEM workforce is female. This gap represents not only missed opportunities for women but also a wealth of untapped potential and knowledge.Alissa discusses the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon, where girls as young as three to five begin to associate certain careers with gender, leading to a decrease in female participation in STEM fields as they grow older.Alissa also shares the success of the Girls in STEM program at Discovery, which empowers grade six girls to explore different areas of science and become role models in their schools. The program has been instrumental in building confidence and breaking down stereotypes about who can excel in STEM.As the General Manager of Discovery, Alissa has led significant projects, including a transition to online workshops during COVID-19 and the establishment of a new planetarium.Alissa's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in driving positive change for women in STEM. Her work continues to inspire the next generation of girls to explore the wonders of science and technology without limits.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.

Julie Sheahan has gone from humble beginnings as a physiotherapist to her current role as a thriving business owner at 3D Physiotherapy Health Group in Bendigo.Julie shares with our host Kimberley Furness, the invaluable lessons learned along the way going through multiple partnerships before deciding to build something on her own.Julie's dedication to personal growth shines through as she discusses her experiences with mentoring and leadership training, highlighting the importance of continuous development in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business.Julie's current focus is on understanding her business in greater depth, highlighting the significance of knowledge and insight in driving sustainable success.Tune in now to gain exclusive access to Julie's wealth of wisdom, as she unpacks the essence of leadership, intentional living, and empowering others to reach their full potential.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.

As we joyfully celebrate the spirit of Christmas on our final episode, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those tirelessly working during the festive season, especially our heroes in emergency services and the dedicated individuals in the hospitality industry. In this special holiday edition, we had the privilege of diving into a passionate conversation with Finn Vedelsby – Managing Director at The Dispensary Bendigo, an industry leader with a wealth of experience in hospitality. Finn's insights shed light on the unique challenges faced by those who dedicate their holidays to serving others, highlighting both the incredible dedication and the occasional moments of loneliness encountered when separated from family during festive times.Starting from his beginnings under the mentorship of Luigi Bazzani in Bendigo to serving celebrities in Byron Bay, Finn generously shared his journey through the realm of hospitality. Our conversation delves into the significance of kindness within the industry, emphasising how it truly forms the backbone of exceptional service. We also explore the nuances of recruitment, staff development, and the paramount importance of clear job expectations in nurturing a thriving work environment. Finn talks about the challenges faced by hospitality workers, from the toll on physical health due to demanding hours to the strains on personal relationships caused by irregular schedules. Yet, amidst these hurdles, Finn's enduring passion for hospitality and the boundless joy it brings him shine through. Education and mentorship emerged as pivotal themes throughout our dialogue, with Finn passionately advocating for increased investment in staff education among business owners. His vision for elevating the entire industry through educational empowerment was inspiring. If you love it, share it - whether that is a review, five stars or sharing it to social media. It really does help small businesses, professionals and supports our Bendigo Business Community. 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.

For the first time on Bendigo Business Stories podcast, join our host Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine for an honest and open conversation with not one but two guests - Deb and Tony McAliece from Oliver Birch.In this episode, Deb and Tony delve into their career journeys, and business stories with Cafe au Lait, the start of the Gallery Cafe and the creation of Oliver Birch in Bendigo and Melbourne.Prepare to be inspired by their leadership style, their ability to make their employees and customers feel special and their view on supporting local businesses. This episode offers invaluable business insights and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.If you love it, share it - whether that is a review, five stars or sharing it to social media. It really does help small businesses, professionals and supports our Bendigo Business Community. ✨ABOUT 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.

Janelle Stevens from Janelle Stevens Property shares valuable insights into work-life balance in a compelling conversation with our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine. Born and raised in Bendigo, Janelle comes from a family deeply connected to tradesmanship. With a destiny linked to property, her journey began during her teenage years when she immersed herself in work experience at a small real estate agency. It was here that her passion for real estate blossomed, setting the course for her career.As a licensed real estate agent, Janelle's expertise covers the spectrum of property - from building, selling, leasing, and renovating, to subdividing. Janelle has a wealth of knowledge. She is a talented communicator and recognises that each transaction holds its own uniqueness.A dedicated and hardworking professional, Janelle remains relentlessly driven, with an unwavering focus on securing the best outcomes for each and every client. In this episode, Janelle shares the authentic story behind the inception of her business, her unwavering commitment to putting people first, and the incredible routine and organisation that keeps her thriving.Prepare to be inspired by her dedication to fostering genuine relationships with her clients. If you love it, share it - whether that is a review, five stars or sharing it to social media. It really does help small businesses and professionals, and supports our Bendigo business community.ABOUT 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.

We delve into youth mental health with Dean Cosgriff from headspace Bendigo. Dean is a vocational specialist in the work and study team at headspace Bendigo, where he has been making a positive impact for six and a half years.With a strong passion for helping young people achieve their work and study goals, Dean is very invested in making a positive impact in our community and is also dedicated to supporting local employers.Dean's journey began with a Bachelor of Business at Latrobe University. He spent some time working in the insurance industry, and in 2015 ventured overseas for a year, gaining valuable experience working in different school environments.Upon his return, Dean transitioned into supporting youth and is now working with an amazing team at headspace Bendigo.Our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, guides us through Dean's career journey and his deep passion for helping young people. Discover the vital support provided by headspace Bendigo, offering free mental health assistance to young people, in our community, aged 12-25.Be inspired by the success stories and how Dean connects with young individuals, helping them to approach potential employers and find a job.This episode is a powerful exploration of mental health, youth development, and community support. If you love it, share it - whether that is a review, five stars or sharing it to social media. It really does help small businesses and professionals, and supports our Bendigo business community.Resourcesheadspace Bendigoheadspace Work and Study SupportWelcome Pack for Young People, Friends and FamilyABOUT 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.

Kate Mannix, Chief Executive Officer of AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants, shares valuable insights on fostering a positive work environment in a compelling conversation with our host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine.Kate was appointed to CEO in 2017 after 10 years with AFS working in audit and as General Manager Corporate Services. Prior to working at AFS Kate gained experience at PwC and Blockbuster Australia. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time with her three children and the community they live in through volunteer work. Kate and her husband also operate a small residential and commercial building business.Kate is currently a VCCI Non-Executive Board member, Regional Chair – VCCI, Bendigo Health Foundation and Fundraising Board Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors Regional Advisory Group member, and Member - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.In this episode, discover how Kate led transformative changes at AFS to support their employees' wellbeing at work following a significant cultural shift in terms of leadership, values, and visions. Kate has listened to her team to make it a truly supportive environment for all.Kate also provides practical tips for micro and small businesses working from home, helping you enhance your own work environment.Gain valuable perspectives on creating a thriving workplace culture and optimising your work surroundings.If you love it, share it - whether that is a review, five stars or sharing it to social media. It really does help small businesses and professionals, and supports our Bendigo business community.ABOUT 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.

In this enlightening episode, our podcast host, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine, delves into a captivating conversation with Cassidy McLean. Together, they explore the incredible journey that led Cassidy to the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards and beyond. Cassidy's passion and unwavering commitment to supporting female athletes is at the heart of this discussion. Her remarkable career as a professional basketball player becomes a source of inspiration, illustrating how the skills developed on the court are seamlessly transferable to the world of business. Cassidy shares her ability to seize opportunities and thrive in various roles. This episode is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and making an impact on and off the court. Join us for an inspiring conversation in Episode 3 that could change the way you approach your own journey. ABOUT 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 podcast A Friend of Mine. 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.