Tax office shines SMB spotlight on 5 key areas The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has unveiled the five primary areas of concern currently dominating its priority list, signalling a shift from the leniency extended to late payers during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The tax office is now redirecting its attention to pre-pandemic compliance activities. Here are the focal points: 1. Unpaid Super Guarantee Charge The ATO is intensifying efforts to pursue outstanding Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) payments, with small businesses constituting a significant portion of the billions owed in this category. Employing practices such as garnishee notices, directions to pay, Director Penalty Notices and prosecution actions, the ATO is committed to ensuring the resolution of unpaid SGC amounts. The tax office is unwavering in holding employers accountable and actively identifying those exploiting non-payment of employee entitlements. 2. New Self-Assessed Debts Raised by Employers Close scrutiny is being applied to new self-assessed debts raised by employers. The ATO Deputy Commissioner has expressed concerns that some taxpayers might be deferring payment until prompted by official communication from the tax office. This underscores the importance of proactively resolving debts and complying without waiting for directives from the ATO. 3. Refund Fraud Refund fraud remains a significant challenge for the ATO, with fraudulent activities siphoning off billions of dollars through fake GST refunds. The tax office is ramping up efforts to combat refund fraud, employing advanced detection mechanisms and stringent measures to identify and penalise those engaged in fraudulent activities. 4. Major Ageing Debts The ATO is closely monitoring major, ageing debts – those exceeding $100,000 and surpassing two years in age. Such substantial liabilities are now under heightened scrutiny, reflecting the tax office's commitment to addressing long-standing financial obligations that have yet to be settled. 5. Debts Resulting from Audit Actions Debts arising from audit actions initiated by the ATO constitute another top priority. While some adjustments stem from genuine errors, others result from carelessness, recklessness or deliberate attempts to evade tax payments. Taxpayers falling into this category will receive no concessions, as the ATO maintains elevated expectations for the timely settlement of raised liabilities. The renewed focus emphasises the importance of adopting a standard payment culture in the post-COVID era. As the ATO transitions away from the leniency offered during the pandemic, businesses are strongly urged to prioritise punctual tax payments and compliance. If you have any concerns about the impact of the ATO’s activities or have concerns about your levels of business debt, please contact Collins Hume in Ballina on Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000.

The Redesigned Stage 3 Personal Income Tax Cuts The personal income tax cuts legislated to commence on 1 July 2024 will be realigned and redistributed under a proposal released by the Federal Government. After much speculation, the Government has announced that they will amend the legislated Stage 3 tax cuts scheduled to commence on 1 July 2024. This will mean that more Australian taxpayers will receive a personal income tax cut and take home more in their pay packet from 1 July, but for some, the impact will be less favourable than it would have been prior to the redesign. What will change? The revised tax cuts redistribute the reforms to benefit lower-income households that have been disproportionately impacted by cost of living pressures. Under the proposed redesign, all resident taxpayers with taxable income under $146,486, who would actually have an income tax liability, will receive a larger tax cut compared with the existing Stage 3 plan. For example: An individual with taxable income of $40,000 will receive a tax cut of $654, in contrast to receiving no tax cut under the current Stage 3 plan (but they are likely to have benefited from the tax cuts at Stage 1 and Stage 2). An individual with taxable income of $100,000 would receive a tax cut of $2,179, which is $804 more than under the current Stage 3 plan. The current, legislated, and redesigned Stage 3 tax rates for Australian resident taxpayers: However, an individual earning $200,000 will have the benefit of the Stage 3 plan slashed to around half of what was expected from $9,075 to $4,529. There is still a benefit compared with current tax rates, just not as much. There is additional relief for low-income earners with the Medicare Levy low-income thresholds expected to increase by 7.1% in line with inflation. It is expected that an individual will not start paying the 2% Medicare Levy until their income reaches $32,500 (up from $26,000). While the proposed redesign is intended to be broadly revenue neutral compared with the existing budgeted Stage 3 plan, it will cost around $1bn more over the next four years before bracket creep starts to diminish the gains. How did we get here? First announced in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, the personal income tax plan was designed to address the very real issue of ‘bracket creep’ – tax rates not keeping pace with growth in wages and increasing the tax paid by individuals over time. The three point plan sought to restructure the personal income tax rates by simplifying the tax thresholds and rates, reducing the tax burden on many individuals and bringing Australia into line with some of our neighbours (i.e., New Zealand’s top marginal tax rate is 39% applying to incomes above $180,000). The three point plan introduced incremental changes from 1 July 2018, 1 July 2020, with stage 3 legislated to take effect from 1 July 2024. It’s not a sure thing just yet! The Government will need to quickly enact amending legislation to make the redesigned Stage 3 tax cuts a reality by 1 July 2024. This will involve garnering the support of the independents or minor parties to secure its passage through Parliament. The three stages of reform: Any concerns? If you have any concerns about the impact of the proposed changes please contact Collins Hume in Ballina on Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000. For tax planning purposes, for those with taxable income of $150,000 or more, the redesigned Stage 3 tax cuts offer less planning opportunity than the current plan. But, any change in the tax rates is an opportunity to review and reset to ensure you are taking advantage of the opportunities available, and not paying more than you need.

5 rules that successful property investors follow The wonderful thing about property investing is that it opens your world up to different ways to potentially build your wealth. However, Australian Taxation Office figures released last June showed that a quarter of Australia’s property investments are held by 1% of taxpayers. The majority of those investors are over the age of 50. If you don’t fit into this category, all hope is not lost! You can still approach property investment strategically now by following these 5 common rules successful property investors abide by. 1. They plan strategically Successful property investors have a clear understanding of their investment strategy and long-term goals. They know how much risk they are prepared to take on and this helps them to decide on the type of property investment that’s right for them. They understand their borrowing capacity, stick to their budget and plan for contingencies (like major repairs) to avoid overstretching financially. 2. They understand volatility As a property investor, it’s important not to panic at the first sign of a downturn or change in the market. Experienced property investors understand that often the best gains are made over the long term. Sometimes it pays to ride out the storm and prioritise sustainable growth over quick gains. Knowledgeable investors also diversify. That might mean buying in different states or territories to mix things up and mitigate risk. In 2023, we saw why diversification was so important, with the rate of home value growth varying greatly across the capital cities. Values rose at more than 1% each month on average across Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane after May, while in Melbourne and Sydney the pace of growth slowed sharply after the June cash rate hike. 3. They don’t procrastinate If you wait and wait until the perfect time to invest, you may end up missing the boat. Savvy property investors do their research and set their cards up so that when an opportunity arises, they are ready to act. Having your finance pre-approved and ready to go is a great place to start. 4. They keep emotions out of their decisions Property investment is about buying with your head, not your heart. Successful property investment requires a strategic approach, focusing on data and long-term returns rather than personal preferences. Remember, it’s your tenants who will make a home of the property, not you. Investors who thrive in the property market are those who approach their investments with the acumen of a businessperson, focusing on the numbers and potential for growth. This approach includes staying informed yet discerning, filtering through the noise of speculative media narratives to focus on solid, evidence-based decision-making. 5. They rely on specialists Successful property investors know there’s only so far self-education can take them. You can listen to property investment podcasts and learn as much as you can from property investment books, but you’ll still need the right specialists to guide you through your property investment journey. Mortgage brokers, real estate agents, financial planners, accountants, conveyancers, buyers’ agents, property managers – all of these professionals may help you make better, considered informed decisions. Looking to invest in 2024? Whether you’re new to property investing or want to grow your existing portfolio, we’re here to support you. Talk with David Seymour about getting pre-approved on your finance so that you’re ready to start 2024 on a high – with an investment property purchase. Email David at Regional Finance Solutions or phone him on 0418785747. Article used with permission from David Seymour at Regional Finance Solutions Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence Number: 484980 | ABN: 71 163 893 945.

The controversial case of the taxpayer who claimed a loss on their home A decision by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has the tax world in a flurry after the Tribunal found in favour of a taxpayer who sold the apartment she lived in for a loss, then claimed the $265,935 loss in her tax return as a deduction. In this case, the taxpayer successfully argued that the purchase and sale of the apartment was a short-term profit-making venture and that the loss generated from this could be claimed as a tax deduction. The tax rules generally allow you to deduct losses that relate to a commercial activity, although you cannot claim the loss if it is private or capital in nature. The taxpayer argued that she acquired the apartment in order to make a short-term profit and that the loss that was made on the sale should be deductible, even though she had lived in the property as her private residence across the ownership period. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as you can imagine, had a different point of view. The facts of the case were: July 2015 – The taxpayer lived in a large family home. When her husband passed away, she entered into an ‘off-the-plan’ contract to purchase an apartment intended to be completed by 30 June 2019. December 2016 – The taxpayer was notified that completion of the off-the-plan apartment was delayed until 30 June 2020. May 2018 – Taxpayer settles on the sale of her family home on advice from her real estate agent that it was a good time to sell. May 2018 – Taxpayer settled on another apartment, as a purchaser, in the same complex that had been completed. She had money from the sale of her family home that she could use, and only intended to keep the property for a short period of time as she needed to use the funds to settle the off-the-plan apartment. Her position was that it was an opportunity to make a profit. April 2020 – The taxpayer entered into a contract to sell the apartment at a loss during the first COVID lockdown. July 2020 – Settlement on sale of the apartment occurred. July 2020 – The purchase of the off-the-plan apartment completed and was settled. A substantial portion of the proceeds of the sale of the other apartment, and some of the proceeds of the sale of the family home, were used to settle the off-the-plan apartment. The Tax Commissioner’s position was that someone approaching the opportunity in a business-like manner as a profit-making venture would not live in the apartment and would have waited to sell if the market was not favourable. The Tribunal set a low bar for proof of a profit-making intention and found that the fact that the taxpayer lived in the property was secondary to her profit-making intent. The reason why this case is controversial is not simply because of the loss claimed by one taxpayer. It is because of the broader implications to property owners if the ATO determines that a transaction is commercial in nature and taxes any profit as ordinary income rather than under the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) provisions. For example, if the taxpayer in this case had made a profit instead of a loss, she would have paid tax on the profit at her marginal tax rate. She would not have been able to apply the main residence exemption or the CGT discount. One of the important things to take from this case is that living in a property doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the sale of the property will be taxed under the CGT rules or will qualify for the main residence exemption. For example, property ‘flippers’ who buy and renovate a house may face a significant personal tax bill on any gain they make with no access to the concessions that exist within the CGT rules. It will be some time before we know the full implications of this case and the ATO is yet to confirm whether it will appeal the decision. Either way, determining whether a transaction is taxed on revenue or capital account can be a complex process and it is important to seek advice before entering into transactions involving property. How to contact us It's important to speak to a financial professional before taking any action. Contact Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisers in Ballina or Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000.

Protect Your Assets: Considerations Before Redrawing Investment Loans The ATO estimates that incorrect reporting of rental property income and expenses is costing around $1 billion each year in forgone tax revenue. A big part of the problem is how taxpayers are claiming interest on their investment property loans. We’ve seen an uptick in ATO activity focussing on refinanced or redrawn loans. This activity is a result of a major data matching program of residential property loan data from financial institutions from 2021-22 to 2025-26. This data is being matched to what taxpayers have claimed on their tax returns. Those with anomalies can expect contact from the ATO to explain the discrepancy. If you have an investment property loan and redraw on the loan for a different purpose to the original borrowing, the loan account becomes a mixed purpose account. Interest accruing on mixed purpose accounts need to be apportioned between each of the different purposes the money was used for. On the other hand, if the redrawn funds are used to produce investment income, then the interest on this portion of the loan should be deductible. For example, if you have redrawn on the loan to pay for a private holiday, or pay down personal debt, then the interest relating to this portion of the loan balance is not deductible. Not only will the interest expenses need to be apportioned into deductible and non-deductible parts, but repayments will normally need to be apportioned too. Withdrawals from an offset account are treated as savings rather than a new borrowing. If you have a loan account and an interest offset account is attached to this account that reduces the interest payable on the loan, withdrawing funds from the offset account will typically increase the amount of interest accruing on the loan, but won’t change the deductible percentage of the interest expenses. That is, when you withdraw funds from the offset account this is really a withdrawal of savings and won’t impact on the extent to which interest accruing on the loan account is deductible. If you have a home loan that was used to acquire your private home and you have funds sitting in an offset account, withdrawing those funds to pay the deposit on a rental property won’t enable you to claim any of the interest accruing on the home loan. However, if you redraw funds from the home loan to acquire a rental property then interest accruing on this portion of the loan should be deductible. The tax treatment always depends on how the arrangement is structured. Think you might have a problem? Contact us and we can investigate the issue before the ATO contact you. Ballina or Byron Bay 02 6686 3000.

Uncertainty has reigned over the last few years, but can we expect more consistency as we head into 2024? We explore some of the key issues and influences. Inflation and labour supply RBA Governor Michelle Bullock stated, “Inflation is past its peak and heading in the right direction, but it is likely to return to target a bit more slowly than we previously thought.” While there have been encouraging signs, uncertainty remains. Domestically, inflation is persistent, growth has slowed but the labour market remains tight. And, the Australian economy remains at risk with uncertainty over the Chinese economy and ongoing international conflicts. At this stage, the RBA have not ruled out further interest rate increases. The unemployment rate remains at 3.7% and the labour market tight. Wages grew 1.3% for the September 2023 quarter and 4.0% over the year, pushing wages to a 14 year high. High-skilled workers are particularly difficult to source, and we appear to have reached a point now where employers are unwilling to pay inflated salaries to acquire those willing to move. Income tax cuts and the end of some concessions From 1 July 2024, the stage 3 tax cuts that radically simplify the personal income tax brackets come into effect. The tax cuts collapse the 32.5% and 37% tax brackets into a single 30% rate for those earning between $45,001 and $200,000 – this is assuming the May Federal Budget does not postpone or scrap them! The superannuation guarantee rate will rise again on 1 July 2024 to 11.5%. For small and medium businesses with group turnover of less than $50m, a series of concessions are set to end or reduce back to conventional levels: The Skills and Training Boost ends on 30 June 2024. The boost provides a bonus deduction equal to 20% of eligible expenditure for external training provided to your workers for costs incurred between 29 March 2022 and 30 June 2024. The Small Business Energy Incentive is scheduled to end on 30 June 2024, although legislation to introduce this concession still hasn’t passed through Parliament. The incentive is intended to provide an additional 20% deduction on the cost of eligible depreciating assets that support electrification and more efficient use of energy. The instant asset write-off for businesses with group turnover of less than $10m is due to reduce back to $1,000 from 1 July 2024. The cost threshold is meant to be $20,000 for the 2024 financial year, but legislation relating to this measure hasn’t passed through Parliament yet. Worker rights and rewards There have been a myriad of changes and enhancements to workplace laws across 2023 and employers can expect greater scrutiny in 2024: A 5.75% increase in the minimum wage to $23.23 per hour from 1 July 2023. New rules and a 2 year limit to some fixed term employment contracts (no renewing). A landmark case that defined how to determine whether a worker is a contractor or employee. The ATO has followed through with new rulings to ensure employers are paying the correct entitlements. It’s essential that employers have assessed contractors to ensure that they are classified correctly. Greater flexibility for unpaid parental leave. How to contact us It's important to speak to a financial professional before taking any action. Contact Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisers in Ballina or Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000.

Legislation enabling an extra 15% tax on earnings on super balances above $3m is before Parliament. While not a concern for the average worker, if enacted, those with significant property or other illiquid assets in their superannuation fund are most at risk, for example farmers and business operators who own their business property in their self managed superannuation fund (SMSF). The issue is how the tax is calculated. The tax captures the growth in the balance of a member’s superannuation over the financial year (allowing for contributions and withdrawals). It captures both: Realised gains from the sale of assets, and Unrealised gains triggered by an increase in the value of superannuation assets. For example, if the value of a property increases. If the member’s total super balance has decreased — the loss can be offset against future years. The ATO will calculate the tax each year. Members with balances in excess of $3 million will be tested for the first time on 30 June 2026, with the first notice of assessment expected to be issued to those impacted in the 2026-27 financial year. If you are likely to be impacted by the impending new tax, it is important to speak to your financial adviser. While keeping assets within superannuation will remain the best option for many from a tax and planning perspective, it’s important to ensure that you’re in the best possible position. How to contact us It's important to speak to a financial professional before taking any action. Contact Collins Hume Accountants & Business Advisers in Ballina or Byron Bay on 02 6686 3000.

Christopher Atkinson, CEO at Collins Hume, shares a big thank you for your support through our recent changes. We appreciate your understanding and value your trust in our commitment to delivering top-notch services. Get ready for 2024! We're thrilled to announce a new service for our business clients, offering valuable tools for business and lifestyle success. Stay tuned for updates! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a successful holiday season. Our offices will be closed from 22 December 2023 to 2 January 2024. Cheers to a fantastic year ahead from all the Collins Hume team! 🎉🎄

In the intricate world of finance, where decisions can carry lasting consequences, individuals and businesses seek a guide they can trust. Introducing Colby Atkinson, a Financial Advisor at Essential Wealth and Retirement (EWAR), armed with an extensive background and a genuine commitment to his clients' financial well-being. Colby's transition from a Physiotherapy Degree to Financial Planning was not merely a career shift; it was a conscious choice driven by passion and purpose. During university, he discovered his affinity for Financial Planning, realising that he wanted to help individuals attain financial freedom earlier, offering choices beyond a life of relentless work. In his current role at EWAR, Colby's routine involves conducting initial discovery appointments. These sessions delve into clients’ current financial situations, their goals and any gaps that are identified are filled with tailored strategy options. The second meeting in the advice process is conducted after extensive research and the client receives all of their recommendations. “What sets EWAR apart is our commitment to doing the heavy lifting for our clients and ensuring the seamless implementation of recommendations, whilst providing accountability through regular reviews,” says Colby. He also notes an innovative approach and collaborative spirit among EWAR staff. “EWAR is not just an employer but an organisation that nurtures individuals into financial planners, fostering a culture of hard work and career enjoyment.” Colby's strengths lie in his exceptional listening skills and effective communication, prioritising transparency and setting clear client expectations. His ability to relate to diverse individuals, from young accumulators, family groups, pre-retirees and retirees, is a testament to his adaptability. His specialties include cash flow, personal investment planning, superannuation, personal risk insurance and estate planning. Outside his financial planning world, Colby is a sports enthusiast, equally passionate about playing and watching various codes. As such, he’s a handy member to have on any trivia team covering the sporting question round! Colby's collaboration with Collins Hume adds another layer to his professional journey. The partnership aims to identify clients in need of financial planning advice and facilitate meetings to explore how EWAR can provide valuable solutions. In the tapestry of financial advising, Colby Atkinson emerges not just as an advisor but as a dedicated partner. His passion, expertise and commitment to client satisfaction make him stand out in the financial planning landscape for those seeking financial freedom. Colby is based in Collins Hume's Ballina office every Thursday. To make an appointment, please call us on 02 6686 3000 or ask your Collins Hume Accountant to set up a meeting or email Colby at EWAR. Colby's journey into Financial Planning began with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting from Griffith University. Eager to deepen his knowledge, he completed a Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking from AAMC Training Group, an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning from Monarch Institute and a Financial Planning Diploma from the International Institute of Technology. From being a Financial Advisor at Wealthmed Australia to a Private Wealth Manager at MedCapital - Financial Services for Doctors, Colby's experience spans different facets of the Financial Planning sector. His previous role as Financial Advisor at Future Assist where he worked with everyone from mum and dad investors to high net wealth individuals, underlines his versatility.

Don’t want to pay tax on Christmas? Here are our top tips to avoid giving the Australian Tax Office a bonus this festive season. 1. Keep team gifts spontaneous $300 is the minor benefit threshold for FBT so anything at or above this level will mean that your Christmas generosity will result in a gift to the ATO at a rate of 47%. To qualify as a minor benefit, gifts also have to be ad hoc — no monthly gym memberships or giving one person multiple gift vouchers amounting to $300 or more. Gifts of cash from the business are treated as salary and wages – PAYG withholding is triggered and the amount is normally subject to the superannuation guarantee. Aside from the tax issues, think about what will be of value to your team. The most appreciated gift is the one that means something to the individual. Giving a bottle of wine to someone who doesn’t drink, chocolates to a health fanatic, or time off to someone with excess leave, isn’t going to garner much in the way of goodwill. A sincere personal message will often have a greater impact than a generic gift. 2. The FBT Christmas party crunch If you really want to avoid tax on your work Christmas party then host it in the office on a workday. This way, Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is unlikely to apply regardless of how much you spend per person. Also, taxi travel that starts or finishes at an employee’s place of work is exempt from FBT. So, if you have a few team members that need to be loaded into a taxi after overindulging in Christmas cheer, the ride home is exempt from FBT. If your work Christmas party is out of the office, keep the cost of your celebrations below $300 per person if you want to avoid paying FBT. The downside is that the business cannot claim deductions or GST credits for the expenses if there is no FBT payable in relation to the party. If the party is held somewhere other than your business premises, then the taxi travel is taken to be a separate benefit from the party itself and any Christmas gifts you have provided. In theory, this means that if the cost of each item per person is below $300 then the gift, party and taxi travel can potentially all be FBT-free. Just remember that the minor benefits exemption requires several factors to be considered, including the total value of associated benefits provided across the FBT year. If entertainment is provided to employees and an FBT exemption applies, you will not be able to claim tax deductions or GST credits for the expenses. If your business hosts slightly more extravagant parties and goes above the $300 per person minor benefit limit, you will pay FBT but you can also claim a tax deduction and GST credits for the cost of the event.  Just bear in mind that deductions are only useful to offset against tax. If your business is paying no or limited amounts of tax, a tax deduction is not going to help offset the cost of the party. 3. Avoid client lunches and give a gift The most effective way of sharing the Christmas joy with customers is not necessarily the most tax-effective. If, for example, you take your client out or entertain them in any way, it’s not tax deductible and you can’t claim back the GST. There are specific rules designed to prevent deductions and GST credits from being claimed when the expenses relate to entertainment, regardless of whether there is an expectation of generating goodwill and increased business sales. Restaurants, a show, golf, and corporate race days all fall into the ‘entertainment’ category. However, if you send your customer a gift, then the gift is tax-deductible as long as there is an expectation that the business will benefit (assuming the gift does not amount to entertainment). Even better, why don’t you deliver the gift yourself for your best customers and personally wish them a Merry Christmas. It will have a much bigger impact even if they are not available and the receptionist tells them you delivered the gift. From a marketing perspective, if your budget is tight, it’s better to focus on the customers you believe deliver the most value to your business rather than spending a small amount on every customer regardless of value. If you are going to invest in Christmas gifts, then make it something people remember and appropriate to your business. You could also donate on behalf of your customers (where your business takes the tax deduction) or for your customers (where they receive the tax deduction). 4. Charities love cash Charities love cash. They don’t have to spend any of their precious resources to receive it – unlike a lot of charity dinners, auctions, and promotional campaigns. And, from a tax perspective, it’s the safest way to ensure that you or your business can claim a deduction for the full amount of the donation. There are a few rules to giving to charities that make the difference between whether you will or won’t receive a tax deduction. The charity must be a deductible gift recipient (DGR). You can find the list of DGRs on the Australian Business Register (use the advanced search). If you buy any form of merchandise for the ‘donation’ – biscuits, teddies, balls or you buy something at an auction – then it’s generally not deductible.  Your donation needs to be a gift, not an exchange for something material. Buying a goat or funding a child’s education in the third world is generally acceptable because you are generally donating an amount equivalent to the cause rather than directly funding that thing. The tax deduction for charitable giving over $2 goes to the person or entity who made the gift and whose name is on the receipt. 5. Christmas bonuses If you are planning to provide your team with a cash bonus rather than a gift voucher or other item of property, then remember that this will be taxed in much the same way as salary and wages. A PAYG withholding obligation will be triggered and the ATO’s view is that the bonus will also be treated as ordinary time earnings (unless it relates specifically to overtime work) which means that it will be subject to the superannuation guarantee provisions. The Christmas tax quick guide Here’s our quick guide to the tax impact of Christmas celebrations. The information is for GST-registered businesses that are not using the 50-50 split method for meal entertainment. Happy Christmas! From all of the team, we want to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy Christmas. The year has gone quickly and has no doubt had its challenges. The Christmas holidays are an opportunity to take stock and revel in the spirit of the season. We look forward to working with you again in 2024 making it the best possible year for you and wish you and your family the warmest of Christmas wishes. Please note that our offices will close at 3PM on 22 December 2023 and will reopen on 2 January 2024.

A Journey of Hope, Friendship and Sun-Safe Awareness In a remarkable display of resilience, determination and community spirit, Collins Hume Senior Accountant Marisa Worling has successfully raised $8,860 in her recent Melanoma Walk Fundraiser. With the fundraising campaign open until the end of December, Marisa is optimistic about reaching her $10,000 goal, driven by a passion to make a difference in the fight against melanoma. One of the standout moments in Marisa's journey was her arrival at Lakes Entrance, a day she fondly describes as a highlight. Visiting St Brendans Public School, Marisa and her fellow walkers received a warm welcome from students, who actively engaged in discussions about the importance of sun safety. This interaction not only strengthened the cause but also emphasised the significance of spreading awareness about sun safety from a young age. Throughout the walk, Marisa and her team made stops at various schools, creating an open dialogue about the dangers of melanoma and promoting sun-safe practices. The response from students was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the potential impact of such initiatives on future generations. The camaraderie among the fundraising team was a driving force behind their success. Lifelong friendships were forged, making the journey a rollercoaster of emotions. Amidst the sadness of hearing numerous stories of loved ones lost to melanoma, there was a prevailing sense of hope. Marisa, in particular, became a beacon of inspiration, with many expressing how her story resonated and motivated them to make positive changes in their lives. The walk was not without its challenges, as some participants faced injuries along the way. However, the strength of the walkers was evident as they rallied together, providing support and encouragement to ensure everyone crossed the finish line on the last day. This collective effort added a special and meaningful dimension to the entire experience. As the fundraising campaign continues, Marisa remains committed to making a lasting impact in the fight against melanoma. Her journey, marked by heartfelt interactions with supporters along the 621km route, the creation of enduring friendships, and the triumph over physical challenges, serves as testament to the strength of community and the potential for positive change through collective action. To support Marisa's cause and contribute to Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk fundraiser, donations can still be made until the end of December. Every contribution brings Marisa one step closer to her $10,000 goal and helps raise awareness about the importance of sun safety in preventing melanoma.

In life, many of us are totally at ease and comfortable talking to our family and friends about many topics. However, for whatever reason, there are certain subjects that we’re either reluctant or feel uneasy to discuss openly – typically they are love and relationships, politics, religion and money … call them the “taboo topics”. Add another taboo topic to the list. That is the topic of ageing. As we age and reach our elderly years, asking for some help to do things to make life easier can be really hard to bring up in conversation. When families get together, there are things we just notice but we’re reluctant to say anything. We notice that Dad might be starting to forget things or Mum is having difficulty getting out of her chair and seems a bit uneasy on her feet. Any attempt to say something is usually met either in silence or the words “I’m okay, just getting older” are uttered. And for many families that’s where things are left. Then there’s a crisis … Families are then drawn together when there’s been a crisis such as a fall or a hospital admission. Then discussions and decisions are usually being made under high stress and emotion in hospital hallways and carparks. This is not an optimal starting point. Making decisions and what’s the trade-off … Like other life decisions, when it comes to ageing decisions, some are relatively simple to make with minimal consequences, whilst others can be very difficult. When making decisions, there are usually “trade-offs” to be considered. The impact of these trade-offs usually increases as the importance of the decision increases. Therefore, to make the best possible decision, it’s important to consider as many options as humanly possible. So what needs to be thought about … When it comes to ageing and getting some help there are usually many options to consider and everyone is different. For instance, when getting some help in the home, exactly what help is required and possible now and into the future, who will provide the help and at what cost? If moving into an aged care facility, what care will be required, where will the new home be, what to do with the family home, and how to pay for this are all decisions that need to be made and there are usually many options to consider. So how do families identify these options and make appropriate decisions? Where do you start? What questions do you ask and who to? Are the answers you get back in your best interest … or someone else’s? What needs to be done and when? What happens if there’s a problem? How Family Aged Care Advocates fit in FACA provides guidance and support to help families identify the relevant options to help you make informed decisions to get the best care outcomes for the people you love and care for most. They're independent aged care specialists only interested in the right outcomes for your family … that’s all that matters and there’s no trade-off with that.