VATMI Views - February 2011
 
In this Issue
 
  Message from our CEO: What's a Non–For–Profit in 2011  
  Melbourne Summer Cycle  
  CEO Awards – 2009 & 2010  
  VaTPaK BBQ Celebrations  
  EACH – Respite for Carers Supporting a Person with a Disability.  
  It's a GIRL!!!  
  Keon Park  
  Five Minutes With: Louis Dunstan  
  Social Impact – Your Life, Your Way  
  Key Dates  
 
  From Greg's Desk
What's A Not For Profit in 2011??

Not for Profits are not supposed to be making and talking about making profits, right?? Not for Profits are supposed to deliver a community service and break even, right? The term, "Not for Profit" certainly suggests that is the case and many in the communities in which we do business would think this to be their objective.

Hang on, its 2011 and something has changed over the past few years and its all good, I believe.

The term "Not for Profit" could well be changed to "Not for Tax" to better reflect its true meaning.

 
 
  "Not for Profit" does not imply that a community organization like VATMI Industries cannot make a profit from its business operations; it simply implies that we do not pay tax on any profits that we do derive. That is a benefit approved by the ATO.

It is now imperative more than ever to make profits in order to underpin the future sustainability of our business operations. Nothing different in that to a normal business! Our operations require significant capital investment over time and in order to make those investments we have to manage our businesses in order to generate profits.

For the first six months of this financial year, VATMI Industries generated a net profit of $619,863. This is a record half year achievement for the company and allows us to reinvest in our future.

We should be very proud of this achievement! We should communicate it as broadly as we can! After all, we have met customer expectations, we have maintained employment for about 450 people and we have paid award wages / superannuation / long service leave / annual leave and met all of the other operating costs of the business. AND, by generating a profit we can reinvest in our businesses to ensure their future sustainability and profitability!

Hey, hold on a minute, VATMI is starting to look and feel like any other business!

How have we achieved these results?

There are many reasons, but the overwhelming difference I believe is that we now have all of our people focused on outcomes. From the factory floor to my team in corporate support roles, it has been a cultural shift away from focusing entirely on the process and perhaps on occasions losing sight of the overall objective, the customer outcome. Whether it’s about processing recyclables, or producing gift cards, or food platters or getting a large VaTPaK job out on time, more time is invested in focusing on achieving the agreed outcome with our customers.

As an aside, this is our first VATMI Views for 2011. Welcome back and we look forward to strengthening the relationships we have built with our customers through this publication.
 
 
  Melbourne Summer Cycle 2011.
 
 
  "Feel the warm summer sunshine on your back as you pedal 40km through the City of Melbourne". On Sunday 20th February the Melbourne Summer Cycle 2011 takes to the road again. The Summer Cycle is a fundraising event which is aiming to generate $750,000 for people with multiple sclerosis. Danny Potter is this year's race ambassador who is claiming to feel 'lucky' about his chances in the monster 40 kilometre ride. Also taking part in the event is our CEO Greg Wasmund along side Stacy Moisidis, VaTPaK’s Group Production Manager and Brad McAuley from Employee Training & Support at VaTPaK Kew.

Supporting the Melbourne Summer Cycle generates funding for a valuable range of services and equipment to MS sufferers across ACT, NSW and Victoria. Funding goes towards furthering research into better understanding how multiple sclerosis affects peoples abilities and to one day prevent or dramatically reduce the effects for suffers.

"MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC aims to assist (or enable) everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure". VATMI has made a $500 donation toward this event; please join with Greg, Danny, Stacy and Ben in supporting such a worthwhile cause.
 
 
  CEO Awards – 2009 & 2010.  
 
  The CEO Award is the coveted honour of 'Excellence in the Workplace' received by one employee each year. 2009 was such a transient year for all at VATMI that somehow the award was waylaid and 2010 saw a double celebration for two worthy members of the team.

2009's award for 'Excellence in the Workplace' went to Phillip Zillner (of VaTPaK Kew). During the presentation, Phillip was named as one of VATMIs most colourful of characters. Over the last couple of years Phillip has proven his ability to accept increased responsibility and has provided a constant and valuable contribution to VATMI.

2010 saw Allan Walker collecting the CEOs Award. Allan has been described as a 'rock' throughout a turbulent year, without faltering in his delivery of fair and effective management decisions and contributions. A year filled with the highs of marriage and the lows of losing a close friend and colleague have not distracted Allan’s incredible work ethic and this award is testament to his abundance of spirit and ability to overcome obstacles.

 
 
  VaTPaK BBQ Celebrations!  
 
  The recent acquisition of both staff members and new plant equipment at VaTPaK has proven to be a solid investment with sales soaring ahead of budget over the Christmas period. To mark this achievement VATMI celebrated in true Australian style with a Summer BBQ. All team members who attended were greeted with beautiful weather, great company, good music and a true blue Aussie barbie.

We had a few stand out members of the team who took to the dance floor, providing a great atmosphere in which to celebrate a great team effort. Thanks go out to Greg for organising the event and Hugh McDonald and Terry Barnard for the great music.

 
 
  EACH – Respite for Carers Supporting a Person with a Disability.  
 
  EACH Respite for carers provide a range of support services which enable carers and the people they care for to have a break from the regular care routine. This allows that ever so rare yet important personal time for the carers, whilst the person they care for is in professional hands. EACH has a program to explore the individual needs of carers and assess the appropriate support required. Another important service EACH can provide is assistance to family members by providing information and referral supports. Most carers would not identify themselves as a 'carer' and therefore potentially be missing out on a valuable resource. Community Inclusion Support Services (CISS) is a division of EACH. CISS provides support and assistance to:

  • People living with a disability;
  • People experiencing a mental health issue;
  • People with complex care needs including dual disabilities, substance use, justice issues and homelessness;
  • People dealing with the everyday effects of getting older and feeling isolated
  • Carers and family members.
EACH provides high quality services that support and develop independence, choice and strengthen community inclusion. The fundamental aspect of EACH is to empower and support living fulfilling lives and social inclusion for people with a disability and those surrounding them, whilst also raising community awareness. There is no cost for this service, however there may be a cost for other associated services.

To be eligible you must be living in, Manningham, Monash, Whitehorse, Maroondah, Knox, Boroondara or The Shire of Yarra Ranges. For more information visit the website: www.each.com.au

 
 
  It’s a GIRL!!!  
 
  Congratulations to Nicole Scott who gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Mikayla Grace Scott. Mikayla came into the world three weeks early at 11.16am on Thursday 23rd December 2010, weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces. Both mum and bub are doing well. Hamish has quickly got into the swing of being the big brother, helping mum out with Mikayla and is a little too helpful at times. Hamish has taken it upon himself to try and pick Mikayla up and give her cuddles as often as he can and this is certainly keeping Nicole on her toes! The Scott family are adjusting well to their new bundle of joy and are extremely happy to welcome their new addition into their family.

Nicole will be on maternity leave until January 2012 and Rachel Cullen will be covering her position until her return.

 
 
  Keon Park  
 
  We are extremely happy to report that construction has commenced at Keon Park on the new purpose built food room. This facility will be of tremendous value to VaTPaK and will provide us with the capacity to cater to corporate food packing contracts. When complete this facility will be equipped with state of the art machinery. This purpose build facility promises to provide exceptional opportunities and give VaTPaK a strong position in the food processing and packaging market.

Projections for installation and construction suggest a completion date of the end of March 2011. Everybody is extremely excited about this project. We'll keep you updated with its progress.

 
 
  5 Minutes With: Louis Dunstan, Warehouse Supervisor, Kew.  
 
 
What is the best thing about your job:
I enjoy so many aspects of my job but if I had to single any of them out I would have to say that I really enjoy the social environment and the great sense of family within the business. The hands on training I get to do with my immediate workmates and the opportunity to empower them to achieve better workplace practices is something that I really look forward to every day.

How long have you been with VATMI:
I joined VATMI in late October 2010. When can I put in an application for long service leave?

Where did you work before VATMI:
Before arriving at VATMI I worked in a variety of roles predominantly based around logistics. I was an assistant site co–ordinator for The Big Day Out and Soundwave festivals in Perth before spending some time in the promotions department at Shock Entertainment. I have had more than 5 years experience in the printing and packaging industry and I have some 15 years experience in warehouse logistics ranging from small family businesses to large multi-national companies. Immediately before joining VATMI I worked for a company that retrofits all of the Victorian government's emergency vehicles.

What was your first concert:
I believe my first concert was either Carlos Santana's "The Dance of the Rainbow Serpent" tour or The Big Day Out both being in the early months of 1995.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given:
I would have to say the best (or should I say most memorable) advice was given to me by my father during my adolescent years. "You can choose to do whatever you want to in life just always be prepared to accept the consequences of your actions". I can't remember what I had asked but I can only imagine.

 
 
  Social Impact – Your Life, Your Way  
 
  IMPACT is a contemporary, community based social profit organisation that provides support services to people with intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disabilities and neurological disorders and the people who care for them.

An exciting new project by IMPACT has been launched and is designed to enable people to develop social skills. The project is called Social Impact.

Social Impact is a unique program teaching adults (age 20+) with intellectual disability really useful relationship skills, then providing safe, supportive events and the opportunity to build confidence with practice.

Tens of thousands of people with a disability live in Melbourne; many are lonely. Now, those who want a partner have the opportunity to learn the relevant skills. An ‘Education breeds Safety’ philosophy of ‘Non Judgmentalism’ ensures all involved can build happier, fuller lives, have a great time, develop relationships and perhaps find a life-partner!

Anybody who is interested in participating or would know somebody who may benefit from this project, please contact Bronwyn Gibbs (bgibbs@vatmi.com.au) for further information.

 
 
  Key Dates  
 
 
20th February
21st February
14th March
  World Day of Social Justice (United Nations)
National Mother Language Day (United Nations)
Labour Day Monday

 
 
 

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