The Stars of Ballina Dance for Cancer event is just around the corner, and it's a sell-out hit! This year, Chris and his pro dance coach, Maree, are stepping up to the challenge and dancing their hearts out for a cause that impacts millions. Although tickets are now sold out, you can still join in the fight against cancer by supporting Chris and Maree online. How to Support Chris and Maree If you've already donated, thank you! Your generosity goes a long way in helping to fund cancer research and support services. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to show your support: Head over to the official donation page and contribute to their fundraising goal. Every donation, big or small, helps fuel the fight against cancer https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/chrisatkinson/stars-of-ballina Spreading the word can be just as impactful as donating. Share this blog or the fundraising page with friends, family and colleagues. Follow Chris and Maree’s journey by liking and sharing their posts and show your support for their hard work: https://www.instagram.com/maree_white_dance/ https://www.instagram.com/collinshume/ https://www.facebook.com/CollinsHumeAccountantsBusinessAdvisers   Why Stars of Ballina is a Must-Support Event The Stars of Ballina Dance for Cancer brings the community together for a night of entertainment, laughter and unity. Watching our local heroes take the stage to perform is always a blast, but the true purpose behind the event is what makes it extra special. With every step they take on the dance floor, Chris and Maree are helping to fund essential services and groundbreaking research. Why Supporting Cancer Research Matters Every year, thousands of Australians are diagnosed with cancer, impacting not only the patients but also their families, friends and communities. By donating, you’re contributing to life-saving research, support programs and services for those battling cancer. The Cancer Council relies on community support to fund these initiatives, which means all our donations can make a real difference. Help make a difference today!

That's a Wrap Folks! And what a grand final it was! Congrats to all the Panthers fans out there 😎 and commiserations to all the Storm faithful 😪 Thank you to everyone for taking part this year — we can now declare correct weight on the comp after we have all viewed the try/no try/held up footage 900 times ! Well done to vidsa coming away with the overall win ($300), second places goes to tingtao ($100), with Murdoch1956 taking out third place ($50). This year's Knockout Comp Winner with $100 is LucyA. You'll each have an email in your inbox from us to arrange transfer of prize money. Thanks again and hope to see you again for the 2025 season!

The Tax Commissioner has successfully argued that more than $1.6m deposited in a couple’s bank account was assessable income, not a gift or a loan from friends.  The case of Rusanova and Commissioner of Taxation  is enough for a telemovie. The plot features an Australian resident Russian couple ‘gifted’ over $1.6m in unexplained bank deposits, over $67,000 in interest, the Russian father-in-law seafood exporter, a series of Australian companies, and the generous friend loaning money in $20,000 tranches.   The crux of the case before the Federal Court is whether you can prove to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) that unexplained deposits should be treated as gifts or loans and what happens when the Tax Commissioner thinks otherwise? If the Commissioner suspects the deposits are income, he can issue a default tax assessment and decide what tax should be paid. The burden of proof is then on the taxpayer to prove the Tax Commissioner wrong.   The unexplained deposits  Between 2012 and 2016, an Australian resident husband and wife had an estimated $1,636,000 deposited into their bank accounts. The ATO became curious when neither spouse had lodged tax returns in the mistaken belief that they had not earned any income.   The money deposited, they said, was a gift from the wife’s father and therefore not assessable income. Curiously, there were no records produced to support the deposits and not a single text or email notifying that money had been remitted, or acknowledging its receipt.   In addition, a friend of the couple deposited money into the husband’s account including a series of $20,000 transactions over about a week. These, the friend said, were interest-free loans with no agreed terms but an expectation that they would be repaid. The friend could not remember how he was requested to make the loans and there were no loan documents, emails, or texts disclosed to support the loans. Around the same time as the loans were being advanced, there was evidence of the husband ‘repaying’ amounts in excess of what had been lent. In addition, documents show the husband transferred a Porsche Cayenne to his friend in Russia, said to be repayment of the loan.  Compounding the issue were the four directorships of Australian companies held by the husband, none of which had lodged tax returns. One of the companies was a seafood wholesaler, distributing the product of his father-in-law’s American registered Russian export company. The dedicated son-in-law stated that he was merely trying to develop his father-in-law’s business during 2010 and 2016, without remuneration.  Contesting the Tax Commissioner  In 2017, a covert tax audit utilised entries in the couple’s bank accounts to assess their income tax liability and the ATO issued a default assessment based on the unexplained deposits and expenses. The couple objected to the assessment and this objection was partly allowed. A second assessment was then issued to which the couple again objected before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) on the grounds that the assessment was excessive.   Can the Tax Commissioner really decide how much tax you should pay?  The Tax Commissioner has the power to issue a ‘default assessment’ for the amount he believes is owing from overdue tax returns or activity statements. The assessment is the amount the ATO believes is owing, not what has been declared.  The problem with a default assessment is not just the Tax Commissioner deciding how much tax you should pay, it is the potential addition of an administrative penalty of 75% of the tax-related liability for each default assessment issued. This penalty may be increased to 95% of the tax-related liability in certain circumstances for taxpayers who have a pattern of non-compliance.  But, here is the problem for the couple. While genuine gifts of money are not taxable, the burden is on the taxpayer to prove that the gift is truly a gift, if the ATO asks. The AAT held that, “absent any reliable evidence..., there is no proper basis to make any findings as to whether the deposits constitute part of the applicants’ taxable income or not.”   The Tax Commissioner can rely on a “deficiency of proof”.    The couple’s stance that the deposits were either gifts from the father or loans from a friend were rejected by the AAT. This is despite an affidavit and evidence from the wife’s father stating that the amounts transferred to them were gifts. The couple did not demonstrate what their income actually was to prove the Tax Commissioner’s assessment was unreasonable, and they could not substantiate that the gifts were indeed gifts from a very generous father.  The Federal Court dismissed the couple’s appeal with costs, leaving the Tax Commissioner’s default tax assessment and penalties in place.   Avoiding the gift tax trap  A gift of money or assets from an individual is generally not taxed if the gift is given voluntarily, nothing is expected in return, and the gift giver does not materially benefit.   However, there are some circumstances where tax might apply.  Gifts from a foreign trust  If you are a tax resident of Australia and the beneficiary of a foreign trust, it’s possible that at least some of the amounts paid to you (or applied for your benefit) will need to be declared in your tax return. This applies even if you were not the direct beneficiary of the foreign trust, for example, a family member received money from a foreign trust and then gifted it to you. This applies to cash, loans, land, shares, etc.  Inheritances  Money or property you inherit from a deceased estate is often not taxed. However, there are circumstances where capital gain tax (CGT) might apply when you dispose of an asset you inherited. For example, if you inherit your parents’ house, CGT generally does not apply if:  The property was their main residence; and  Your parents are Australian residents for tax purposes; and  You sell the property within 2 years.  However, CGT is likely to apply if for example:  You sell your parents former main residence more than 2 years after you inherit it; or  The property you inherit was not your parents’ main residence; or   Your parents were not Australian tax residents at the time of their death.  Gifting an asset does not avoid tax  Donating or gifting an asset does not avoid CGT. If you receive nothing or less than the market value of the asset, the market value substitution rule might come into play. The market value substitution rule can treat you as having received the market value of the asset you donated or gifted when calculating any CGT liability.  For example, if Mum and Dad buy a block of land then eventually gift the block of land to their daughter, the ATO will look at the value of the land at the point they gifted it. If the market value of the land is higher than the amount that Mum & Dad paid for it, then this would normally trigger a CGT liability. It does not matter that Mum & Dad did not receive any money for the land. Mum & Dad might have a CGT bill for land they gifted with nothing in return.  Donations of cryptocurrency might also trigger CGT. If you donate cryptocurrency to a charity, you are likely to be assessed on the market value of the crypto at the point you donated it. You can only claim a tax deduction for the donation if the charity is a deductible gift recipient and the charity is set up to accept cryptocurrency. Managing the tax consequences of an inheritance can become complex quickly. Please contact us for assistance when planning your estate to maximise the outcome for your beneficiaries, or managing the tax implications of an inheritance. These issues are often not taken into account if you are drafting or updating a will.

Collins Hume is proud to announce being named a regional business awards winner at the 2024 Northern Rivers Business Awards, held at the Ballina RSL over the weekend. As finalists in three categories, Collins Hume proudly took home the Excellence in Business & Professional Services award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire 28-strong Collins Hume team. Christopher Atkinson, CEO at Collins Hume, expressed immense gratitude while accepting the award on behalf of the firm. “I’m honoured to represent our fantastic team who truly deserve this accolade. This award reflects their hard work and commitment.” “A big thanks to Business NSW and especially Jane Laverty for her unabashed support of Northern Rivers businesses. Business owners are the backbone of every community, and tonight’s celebration is a reminder of the strength and resilience in our region.” Collins Hume’s clients also shone on the night A special mention goes to Five Sixty Farms, Newton Denny Chapelle, Marcon Consultancy, Better by Bike, Resonator Music and Paul “Bluey” McDermott who won Outstanding Employee! Category sponsors Clarence Property said, "Congratulations to Collins Hume for taking out the Excellence in Business & Professional Services category at the Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards this week. A business only receives recognition of this nature if they are achieving outstanding stakeholder results and leading a high-performance team." Jane Laverty, Regional Director, Business NSW Northern Rivers added, “The Northern Rivers Business Awards are all about celebrating and showcasing the diverse talent we have in the Northern Rivers business community, and this year’s finalists and winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region’s leading businesses and leaders for 2024”. “It’s been a tough few years, so these awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the ingenuity, strength and resilience of all the businesses who now represent over 30,000 businesses in the Northern Rivers.” See more award highlights at https://www.facebook.com/BNSWNorthernRivers

The politicians have weighed in on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s economic policy and their reticence to reduce interest rates in the face of community pressure. We look at what the numbers are really showing.   Treasurer Jim Chalmers has stated that global uncertainty and rate rises are “smashing the economy”.   Former Treasurer Wayne Swan weighed in and told Channel 9 that the RBA was, “putting economic dogma over rational economic decision making, hammering households, hammering Mums and Dads with higher interest rates, causing a collapse in spending and driving the economy backwards” and that the RBA was, “simply punching itself in the face.”   Australian mortgage holders and renters have had no relief from interest rates following 13 successive interest rate rises to the official cash rate since May 2022.   The Reserve Bank’s position and the flow through effects  The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board opted to maintain the official cash rates at 4.35% at its September Board meeting. The rationale is that inflation remains persistently high and has been for the last 11 quarters. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.9% over the year to the June quarter and remains above the RBA’s target range of 2-3%.   But, it is not persistently high inflation that is causing the politicians to weigh in. RBA Governor Michele Bullock has warned that “it is premature to be thinking about rate cuts” and “the Board does not expect that it will be in a position to cut rates in the near term.”  The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) June Quarter National Accounts paint a bleak picture of the Australian economy. Per capita GDP fell for the sixth consecutive quarter by -0.4% to -1.5%. The longest consecutive period of extended weakness ever recorded.   Household spending weakest since COVID Delta  Household spending fell by -0.2% in the quarter, the weakest growth rate since the Delta-variant lockdown affected September quarter 2021.  Discretionary spending – travel and hospitality impacted most  The ABS says that we spent less on discretionary items (-1.1%), particularly for events and travel. It will come as no surprise that spending on hotels, cafes and restaurants was down 1.5%. Spending on food also fell -0.1% as households looked to reduce grocery bills.  Household savings lowest since 2006  The savings ratio remains low. Households saved only 0.9% of their income over the year. This was the lowest rate of annual saving since 2006-07. Net savings reduce when household income grows slower than household spending.  Economic growth from Government spending  The Australian economy did grow by 0.2%, the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth but the growth rate was unimpressive. The ABS says that, “the weak growth reflects subdued household demand, which detracted 0.1 percentage points from GDP growth while government consumption contributed 0.3 percentage points, the same contribution to growth as previous quarter.”  Government spending increased by 1.4% over the quarter. Commonwealth social assistance benefits to households led the rise, with continued strength in expenditure on national programs providing health services. State and local government expenditure also rose with increased employee expenses across most states and territories.  The RBA’s position on interest rates  The RBA is on a narrow path. It’s trying to bring inflation back to target within a reasonable timeframe while preserving the gains in the labour market over the last few years. The RBA expects to reach this target range by the end of 2025.  Through 2022 and 2023, most components of the CPI basket were growing faster than usual (the CPI is literally a basket of 87 types of expenditure across 11 groups such as household spending, education and transport.) Over the last 18 months, the price of goods has come down as supply disruptions like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have eased, and are now growing close to the historical average.  The key problem areas are housing costs and services. In housing, the growth is from increased construction costs and strong increases in rent. For services, while discretionary spending is down, as we can see from the June National Accounts, inflation in this category remains high at 5.3% to the June quarter. Wage increases and lower productivity, combined with the increased costs of doing business (electricity, insurance, logistics, rent etc) are all impacting.   The RBA is keen to point out that inflation causes hardship for the most vulnerable in our community. Lower income households tend to allocate more of their spending towards essentials, including food, utility bills and rent. Higher income households tend to spend more on owner-occupied housing as well as discretionary items such as consumer durables.  Younger households and lower income households have been particularly affected by cost-of-living pressures. Feeling the pressure? As interest rates rise, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for the impacts. Let us help you navigate this challenging economic landscape with clarity and confidence. Contact Collins Hume in Ballina on 02 6686 3000 to secure your financial future and weather the economic storm!

Do you know how much your business is worth? Or how to boost that value?  Unlock Your Business's Potential with Collins Hume's Strategy360 Services  Understanding your business valuation is more than just a number—it's a critical insight into the health, performance and financial future of your business.  Why Business Valuation Matters Informed Decisions:  Knowing your business’s value helps you strategise effectively  Growth Identification:  Spot areas for improvement and work on enhancing them  Investor Attraction:  A higher valuation makes your business more appealing to investors  Exit Strategy:  Essential for fair negotiations if you plan to sell or pass on your business  Financing:  Lenders assess your business value, affecting your funding opportunities  Benchmarking:  Track progress and compare with industry standards  Risk Management:  Identify improvement areas to mitigate risks  Financial Health:  Reflects your business’s stability and performance.  Calculating Business Valuation is simple: maintainable profits times a multiple  For example, $1M in earnings with a multiple of five values your business at $5M. Improving profitability and the multiple can significantly enhance this value.  7 Factors Driving Business Valuation   1. Performance Quality: High gross and net profit margins boost valuation  ACTION: Regularly review financials and optimise profit margins.  2. Level of Growth: Continuous growth and potential for expansion attract higher valuations  ACTION: Develop a growth plan with specific steps and milestones.  3. Cash Conversion:  High-margin, low-asset businesses are more valuable  ACTION: Improve profit efficiency and minimise asset requirements.  4. Owner Dependency: Less dependency on the owner increases value  ACTION: Document operations procedures for smooth functioning in your absence.  5. Industry Perception: Thriving industries are more attractive  ACTION: Encourage positive reviews to enhance your industry’s reputation.  6. Economic Conditions: A strong economy boosts valuation multiples  ACTION : Engage financial experts to time your sale strategically.  7. A Bit of Luck: Timing and positioning can command a premium.  ACTION : Develop a detailed exit strategy for optimal business sale conditions.  Harness the power of Collins Hume's Strategy360 services to unlock your business’s full value. Contact Collins Hume and take the first step toward a stronger business valuation. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how we can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

Understanding Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program is designed to help Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their reach into global markets. Who Can Benefit? The program supports a range of businesses at different stages of their export journey: Tier 1: For SMEs that are ready to begin exporting Tier 2: For SMEs looking to expand their exports in current markets Tier 3: For SMEs targeting new key markets Representative Bodies: Organisations that assist their member SMEs in achieving export success can also apply. Current Grant Rounds At present, four grant rounds are being managed. While rounds 1 to 3 have closed, round 4 will soon be open for applications. The opening dates are: Representative Bodies: November 6, 10 AM AEDT Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3: November 12, 10 AM AEDT. EMDG funding presents an opportunity for businesses to gain the resources they need to grow internationally and succeed in the global market. By offering financial support, EMDG enables businesses to promote their goods and services internationally and to gain valuable export training. Contact Collins Hume's Strategy360 team for EMDG advice or assistance.

Own an investment property or an expensive lifestyle asset like a boat or aircraft? The ATO are looking closely at these assets to see if what has been declared in tax returns matches up.  The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has initiated two data matching programs impacting investment property owners and those lucky enough to hold expensive lifestyle assets.  Investment property  What investment property owners declare and claim in their personal income tax returns is a constant focus for the ATO. Coming off the back of data matching programs reviewing residential investment property loan data, and landlord insurance, the ATO have initiated a new program capturing data from property management software from the 2018-19 financial year through to 2025-26. Data collected will include:  Property owner identification details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, business name and ABNs, if applicable;  Details of the property itself - property address, date property first available for rent, property manager name and contact details, property manager ABN, property manager licence number, property owner or landlord bank details; and  Property transaction details - period start and end dates, transaction type, description and amounts, ingoings and outgoings, and rental property account balances.  While the ATO commit to specific data matching campaigns, since 1 July 2016, they have also collected data from state and territory governments who are required to report transfers of real property to the ATO each quarter.   This latest data matching program ramps up the ATO’s focus on landlords, specifically targeting those who fail to lodge rental property schedules when required, omit or incorrectly report rental property income and deductions, and who omit or incorrectly report capital gains tax (CGT) details.   Lifestyle assets  Data from insurance providers is being used to identify and cross reference the ownership of expensive lifestyle assets. Included in the mix are:  Caravans and motorhomes valued at $65,000 or over;  Motor vehicles including cars & trucks and motorcycles valued at $65,000 or over;  Thoroughbred horses valued at $65,000 or over;  Fine art valued at $100,000 per item or over;  Marine vessels valued at $100,000 or over; and  Aircraft valued at $150,000 or over.  The data collected is substantial including the personal details of the policy holder, the policy details including purchase price and identification details, and primary use, among other factors.  The ATO is looking for those accumulating or improving assets and not reporting these in their income tax return, disposing of assets and not declaring the income and/or capital gains, incorrectly claiming GST credits, and importantly, omitted or incorrect fringe benefits tax (FBT) reporting where the assets are held by a business but used personally.  Whether it’s property income or the value of high-end assets like boats, aircraft, or fine art, it’s crucial to ensure your tax records align. Don’t get caught out – ensure your finances are in order and avoid potential penalties. Contact Collins Hume in Ballina on 02 6686 3000 for expert guidance to safeguard your assets and stay compliant!

As a business owner, you know that understanding the nuances of cash flow is essential to the health and longevity of your company.   Did you know, businesses that only focus on profit neglect their cash flow? Ignoring the significance of cash flow has led to the downfall of many good businesses, and unfortunately, many business owners realise their mistake too late.  The reality is that when you are managing a business “cash is king”. As long as you have positive cash flow, you’ll survive. Or at least, you should.  To ensure your cash flow doesn’t become your business’s Achilles’ heel, follow these guidelines:  Step 1: Assess Your Current Cash Flow Situation  Begin with a thorough evaluation of your current cash flow. Scrutinise your financial statements, cash flow projections, and historical data to understand your cash inflows and outflows. Look for patterns, such as seasonal fluctuations or delayed customer payments, that may impact your cash flow.  Step 2: Identify Bottlenecks or Inefficiencies in your Cash Flow Process  This might include unfavourable payment terms with suppliers, slow invoice processing or high overhead costs. Addressing these issues can significantly improve your cash position.  Step 3: Bridge the Gaps  Consider utilising working capital finance to bridge gaps in your cash flow. Solutions like invoice financing or lines of credit can provide the funds needed to cover short-term expenses and keep operations running smoothly.  Step 4: Negotiate Better Payment Terms  Improving cash flow can also involve negotiating better payment terms with suppliers. Seek to extend payment terms or secure early payment discounts to better manage your cash flow and reduce financial strain.  Step 5: Streamline Operations  Streamlining operations can reduce costs and improve efficiency, leading to better cash flow. Automate manual processes, reduce waste and optimise your supply chain to enhance overall operational efficiency.  Step 6: Build Stronger Supplier Relationships  Strong supplier relationships are crucial for smoother cash flow management. Maintain open communication, pay invoices on time and grasp opportunities to collaborate and negotiate mutually beneficial terms.  Step 7: Continuously Monitor Cash Flow and Adjust as Necessary  Regularly review your financial statements, cash flow projections and key performance indicators to ensure your cash flow remains healthy and resilient.  Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business – prioritise it, nurture it, and watch your business flourish.  By following these steps and adopting a proactive approach to cash flow management, you can bolster your business resilience, maximise profits and thrive in today’s fluctuating market.   Collins Hume can help you take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient business with Strategy360. Contact Nathan McGrath  on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how we can help you achieve a better performing business and lifestyle.

Stars of Ballina Shire Dance for Cancer in November Collins Hume CEO, Chris Atkinson, together with Professional Dance Coach, Maree White, have kicked off their intense training routine in preparation for the Stars of Ballina Dance for Cancer event, a key fundraiser for the Cancer Council. After months of planning, the hard work has officially begun with a focused gym training session over the weekend. The pair are ready to push themselves physically and mentally, both in the studio and beyond, to ensure their routine is ready for the big night. Chris, who has proudly taken up the challenge to help raise vital funds for cancer support and research, is embracing the physical demands of learning to dance. "It's one thing to sign up for a great cause like this, but now the real work starts. Maree and I are putting in the hours, and while it's a challenge, I know it's nothing compared to the fight many face against cancer. That keeps me motivated." The upcoming event is not just about dancing for Chris — it’s a personal mission as well. "Cancer has touched my family, and I’m determined to do what I can to give back. It’s an honour to contribute to the Cancer Council’s efforts,” he added. Maree, known for her high energy and dedication, is not only coaching Chris but also helping him find confidence on the dance floor. With nearly 20 years as a professional ballerina and over 35 years in dance, she has performed on world stages in London, New York and Vienna. A former principal and soloist, Maree is now focussed on teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. With their training now in full swing, the duo are laser-focused on getting ready for the event, which promises to bring the Ballina community together in support of an important cause. The Stars of Ballina Dance for Cancer will be held on Friday 22 November with all proceeds going towards cancer research, prevention and support services. Follow their journey here, on socials and support Chris in his fundraising efforts. For further information please contact Chris Atkinson on 02 6686 3000. Further details about Maree White can be found on her website at https://mareewhitedance.com/ or visit insta @maree_white_dance .

Purpose, progression and making a difference Carol Holton, an integral and longstanding member of the Collins Hume team, has decades of experience in professional services. She joined Collins Hume in 2001 as a receptionist and worked her way up to becoming Executive Assistant to Founding Partner, John Collins, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm. Since John’s retirement in 2021, Carol now acts as Collins Hume's Business Host. At Collins Hume, Carol is responsible for managing our trust account, ensuring that matters with the tax office and banks are progressed efficiently, and keeping client affairs running smoothly. She is also the self-proclaimed "mother" of the firm and has seen it grow and evolve over the years. Carol takes pride in working for an organisation that values its employees and encourages them to learn and grow. “Collins Hume is a great company to work for,” says Carol. “We look out for each other like a family and enjoy working and learning new things, and being given the opportunity to improve.” “Variety in my role has always been important. From the time I started, I have never stopped learning and gaining a broad knowledge of the different things we do, like our move to cloud accounting.” Carol believes that approachability, friendliness, and professionalism set Collins Hume apart in the Northern Rivers area. She is confident in the firm's ability to set the pace for accountants in the region and is proud to be a part of a team that is continuously progressing. “I think we’re always trying to improve and learn by surrounding ourselves with the best people we can. Seeing our younger team come through and celebrating their achievements has made the Collins Hume family grow and strengthened our reputation for all the clients who rely on our expertise, services and technology in this region.” Aside from her role as Business Host, Carol also provides backup for front-end phone overflow in the office, connecting her to her reception roots and keeping her in touch with all Collins Hume’s clients. Carol's passion for continuous learning and professional growth, combined with dedication to her role make her a valuable member of the team. Her experience, skills and commitment have helped shape Collins Hume into the successful accounting business it is today. Outside of work Carol loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, playing poker and reading. Carol Holton hails from Auckland but moved to Australia in the 1980s and was soon snapped up into a publishing sector role in Sydney. After stints in insurance, construction and as a legal secretary, Carol wended her way north and joined the Collins Hume team in 2001. Carols holds a Certificate IV in Frontline Management. (Article image: Carol, pictured with Selina Atkinson, was a coconspirator in the organisation of John Collins' retirement party) Copyright 2023. Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisors. Ballina & Byron Bay NSW

Kaleb Morhaus joined Collins Hume in February 2024 as an undergraduate accountant. Balancing his studies with gaining hands-on experience, Kaleb is quickly grasping his new role in accounting public practice.  Kaleb is from the picturesque town of Skennars Head. His initial venture into the business world was as the Venue Manager at White Bull in Armidale where he combined study with running a pub. During his time there, he took on a semi-bookkeeping role, which sparked his interest in accounting.  At Collins Hume, Kaleb's typical day involves preparing individual and partnership tax returns and Business Activity Statements (BAS) for Peter and Jamie’s team. His role is a blend of learning and applying accounting principles.  For Kaleb, Collins Hume offers a family-friendly environment that supports his academic journey providing study leave and other forms of support, allowing him to balance his education and professional responsibilities effectively. He appreciates the supportive atmosphere and the firm's understanding of the demands of being a student.  Outside of work, Kaleb is active in his community. He plays soccer for Lennox Head Football Club  and is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC. Apart from study commitments, his personal life is filled by spending time with his girlfriend and their puppy, enjoying our beautiful beaches and making a return to a coastal lifestyle.  At Collins Hume, Kaleb is not just building his career but also contributing to a supportive and dynamic workplace. We look forward to seeing Kaleb's continued growth and achievements in the field of accounting.  —  Kaleb is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business at Southern Cross University (SCU) and has earned his certification as a Xero Certified Advisor. This certification underscores his proficiency with one of the leading accounting software platforms, already making him a valuable member of the team at Collins Hume.