This tax season, we’ve seen a surge in questions about whether interest on a loan can be claimed as a tax deduction. It’s a great question as the way interest expenses are treated can significantly affect your overall tax position. However, the rules aren’t always straightforward. Here’s what you need to know. The purpose of the loan The most important thing when looking at the tax treatment of interest expenses is to identify what the borrowed money has been used for. That is, why did you borrow the money? For interest expenses to be deductible you generally need to show that the borrowed funds have been used for business or other income producing purposes. The security used for the loan isn’t relevant in determining the tax treatment.  Let’s take a very simple scenario where Harry borrows money to buy a new private residence. The loan is secured against an existing rental property. As the borrowed money is used to acquire a private asset the interest won’t be deductible, even though the loan is secured against an income producing asset.  Redraw v offset accounts  While the economic impact of these arrangements might seem somewhat similar, they are treated very differently under the tax system. This is an area to be especially careful with. If you have an existing loan account arrangement, you’ve paid off some of the loan balance and you then use a redraw facility to access those funds again, this is treated as a new borrowing. We then follow the golden rule to determine the tax treatment. That is, what have the redrawn funds been used for? An offset account is different because money sitting in an offset account is basically treated much like your personal savings. If you withdraw money from an offset account you aren’t borrowing money, even if this leads to a higher interest charge on a linked loan account. As a result, you need to look back at what the original loan was used for. Let’s compare two scenarios that might seem similar from an economic perspective: Example 1: Lara’s redraw facility Lara borrowed some money five years ago to acquire her main residence. She has made some additional repayments against the loan balance. Lara redraws some of the funds and uses them to acquire some listed shares. Lara now has a mixed purpose loan. Part of the loan balance relates to the main residence and the interest accruing on this portion of the loan isn’t deductible. However, interest accruing on the redrawn amount should typically be deductible where the funds have been used to acquire income producing investments. Example 2: Peter’s offset account Peter also borrowed money to acquire a main residence. Rather than making additional repayments against the loan balance, Peter has deposited the funds into an offset account, which reduces the interest accruing on the home loan. Peter subsequently withdraws some of the money from the offset account to acquire listed shares. This increases the amount of interest accruing on the home loan. However, Peter can’t claim any of the interest as a deduction because the loan was used solely to acquire a private residence. Peter simply used his own savings to acquire the shares. Parking borrowed money in an offset account We have seen an increase in clients establishing a loan facility with the intention of using the funds for business or investment purposes in the near future. Sometimes clients will withdraw funds from the facility and then leave them sitting in an existing offset account while waiting to acquire an income producing asset. This can cause problems when it comes to claiming interest deductions.  First, even if the offset account is linked to a loan account that has been used for income producing purposes, this won’t normally be sufficient to enable interest expenses incurred on the new loan from being deductible while the funds are sitting in the offset account.  For example, let’s say Duncan has an existing rental property loan which has an offset account attached to it. Duncan takes out a new loan, expecting to use the funds to acquire some shares. While waiting to purchase the shares, he deposits the funds into the offset account, which reduces the interest accruing on the rental property loan. It is unlikely that Duncan will be able to claim a deduction for interest accruing on the new loan because the borrowed funds are not being used to produce income, they are simply being applied to reduce some interest expenses on a different loan. To make things worse, there is also a risk that parking the funds in an offset account for a period of time might taint the interest on the new loan account into the future, even if money is subsequently withdrawn from the offset account and used to acquire an income producing asset.  For example, even if Duncan subsequently withdraws the funds from the offset account to acquire some listed shares, there is a risk that the ATO won’t allow interest accruing on the second loan from being deductible. The risk would be higher if there were already funds in the offset account when the borrowed funds were deposited into that account or if Duncan had deposited any other funds into the account before the withdrawal was made. This is because we now can’t really trace through and determine the ultimate source of the funds that have been used to acquire the shares.  To do list It’s worth reaching out to us before entering into any new loan arrangements. In this area, mistakes are often difficult to fix after the fact, which can lead to poor tax outcomes. That’s why getting advice from a tax professional before committing to a loan is essential. We can work alongside you and your financial adviser to ensure your loan is structured in a way that makes financial sense and protects your tax position. Being across the above updates will enable you to have more control over your cash flow, compliance risk and strategic planning. If you have questions about how these changes affect your business or personal situation, Collins Hume is always here to help.

The aged care system in Australia is complex and confusing … And it’s about to become even more so with widespread changes now timetabled for 1 November this year.  Sometimes, people need to move fast in a system where the aged care journey is typically very slow and cumbersome. Running community forums on aged care, people contact me to want to attend and I hear the words, “I / we want to come along to your aged care event.  It’s not us yet.  We just want to come along to listen and get some information.” That’s totally fine.  But there are a number of things you can do / control to make the journey smoother and faster if you actually find yourself in that situation at some future time. Here are some things to consider and hopefully do now rather than wait for a crisis. 1. Get your legal documents done / reviewed Make sure you have a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney (financial matters) and an Enduring Guardian (health & care matters). If you don’t have these and you are able to – make sure you see a Solicitor and get them done. If you have these documents already (or think you have) but they were done some time ago – make sure you know where the originals are stored and review them to ensure they accurately reflect your present wishes and expectations. Ensure the person / people nominated for various roles know they’ve been nominated and that they clearly understand their role and responsibilities (especially if they are a friend or neighbour). 2. Register with My Aged Care The aged care journey does not start until you are registered with My Aged Care. It’s a phone call (P: 1800 200 422) to request that you be registered on the system even if you don’t need anything else right now. You may be asked if you want an assessment done – often over the phone there and then.  Up to you if you want to take that offer up. Just get registered. 3. Nominate people who can talk and act on your behalf With organisations like My Aged Care and Centrelink, you can nominate someone to act as a back-up Authority (responsible person) on your behalf if you are unable to for whatever reason. It is wise to have someone nominated and that doesn’t have to be your partner (if you have one). It could be a responsible family member or someone else you implicitly trust (choose wisely). 4. Get all your important documents sorted and together For someone to step into your life to help handle your affairs, it’s important that they know what is expected of them … AND (most importantly) where to find all your important documents. Buying a hard cover folder with plastic inserts to store these documents in one location is an extremely useful exercise. You simply replace the “old” documents / statements with the “new” documents / statements and keep in a place where the important trusted people in your life know where to find the folder. This makes a difficult job so much less stressful rather than having to find and sort through reams of paperwork. Trust me – I’ve seen both sides of the fence with this and I know what side of the fence I want to be on. How Family Aged Care Advocates (FACA) work Family Aged Care Advocates guide you and your family through this ever-changing aged care maze so you can clearly understand what all these changes exactly mean for your particular situation. Mistakes or misunderstandings can be costly and time-consuming to fix. Feel free to visit FACA at www.familyagedcareadvocates.com.au  or call Shane Hayes on 0411 264 002. Shane Hayes Family Aged Care Advocates

What We Took Away from REimagining Your Business – Forever On Friday 5 September, 100 business owners and leaders joined us in Ballina for REimagining Your Business – Forever , a Collins Hume live event designed to shift the way we lead, grow and create meaningful impact through business. Featuring TEDx keynotes Paul Dunn and Masami Sato, the session delivered exactly what we hoped — clarity, energy and dozens of lightbulb moments that challenged conventional thinking and left attendees motivated to do things differently. We explored what it means to lead in the new transformation economy, how small shifts in strategy can generate big results, and how pricing with purpose can help businesses not just grow, but thrive. The conversations, insights and connection in the room reminded us why face-to-face events still matter — and always will. What’s Next? If you joined us on the day, you’ll have received a follow-up email containing the event resources and presentation materials, along with details of a special Strategy360 offer exclusively for attendees. This offer remains valid — please reach out if you’d like to take the next step. Contact Nathan McGrath at strategy360@collinshume.com.au  or call 02 6686 3000. Join the Giving Movement If you were inspired by the impact of B1G1 and want to bring purpose into your own business, visit b1g1.com/join-us  and use the code GIVING010 to join Collins Hume’s Giving Hive — a global community of businesses making a difference through everyday actions. As part of our own commitment to Business for Good, we’re proud to share that 365 days of clean water were given on behalf of every attendee. Then we doubled it. Thanks to the support of those who came and purchased tickets, the total giving impact reached a remarkable 70,810 days of clean water through B1G1 — a tangible, lasting legacy from a single morning of learning and leadership. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our Event Partners Business NSW and MYOB for helping make it possible. We’re already planning our next event and look forward to seeing you. Until then, thank you again for being part of a community that believes in growing with purpose — together. #LiveYourLegacy

In support of young Australians and in response to the rising cost of living, the Australian Government has passed legislation to reduce student loan debt by 20% and change the way that loan repayments are determined. 20% reduction in student debt The reduction is expected to benefit more than 3 million Australians and remove over $16 billion in outstanding debt. The 20% reduction will be automatically applied to anyone with the following student loans: HELP loans (eg, HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, STARTUP-HELP, SA-HELP, OS-HELP) VET Student loans Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Student Start-up Loans Student Financial Supplement Scheme. The reduction will be based on the loan balance at 1 June 2025, before indexation was applied. Indexation will only apply to the reduced balance. The ATO will apply the reduction automatically on a retrospective basis and will adjust the indexation that is applied. No action is needed from those with a student loan balance and the Government has indicated that you will be notified once the reduction has been applied. If you had a HELP debt showing on your ATO account on 1 April 2025 but you paid the debt off after 1 June 2025 then the reduction will normally trigger a credit to your HELP account. If you don’t have any other outstanding tax or other debts to the Commonwealth, then the credit should be refunded to you. The HELP debt estimator  is a useful tool to get an idea of the reduction amount, please reach out if you need any help in working out eligibility. Changes to repayments The Government has also modified the way that HELP and student loan repayments operate, primarily by increasing the amount that individuals can earn before they need to make repayments. The minimum repayment threshold for the 2025-26 year is being increased from $56,156 to $67,000. The threshold was $54,435 for the 2024-25 year. Under the new repayment system an individual will only need to make a compulsory repayment for the 2025-26 year if their income is above$67,000. The repayments will be calculated only against the portion of income that is above $67,000. Repayments will still be made through the tax system and will typically be determined when tax returns are lodged with the ATO. For many people the change in the rules will mean they have more disposable income in the short term, but it will take longer to pay off student loans. The main exception to this will be when an individual chooses to make voluntary repayments. As always, please reach out if there’s anything that Collins Hume can help you understand better, assist you with or if there’s anything else that you’d like us to focus on.

Superannuation guarantee: due dates and considerations for employees and employers On 1 July 2025 the superannuation guarantee rate increased to 12% which is the final stage of a series of previously legislated increases. Employers currently need to make superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions for their employees by 28 days after the end of each quarter (28 October, 28 January, 28 April and 28 July). There is an extra day’s allowance when these dates fall on a public holiday. To comply with these rules the contribution must be in the employee’s superannuation fund on or before this date, unless the employer is using the ATO small business superannuation clearing house (SBSCH). The ATO has been applying considerable compliance resources in this space in recent years which can have an impact on both employees and employers. Employers To be eligible to claim a tax deduction on SG contributions the quarterly amount must be in the employee’s super account on or before the above quarterly due dates. The only exception to this is where the employer is using the ATO SBSCH. In that case a contribution is considered made provided it has been received by the SBSCH on or before the due date. Employers using commercial clearing houses should be mindful of turnaround times. Commercial clearing houses collect and distribute employee contributions and may be linked to accounting / payroll software or provided by some superannuation platforms. Anecdotally it seems that turnaround times for some clearing houses could be up to 14 days, so it is recommended that employers allow sufficient time before the quarterly deadlines when processing their employee SG contributions. If these deadlines are missed (yes even by a day!) that will trigger a superannuation guarantee charge (SGC) requirement which will result in a loss of the tax deduction and other penalties. The SGC requirements are outlined in the ATO link below: The super guarantee charge | Australian Taxation Office Employers do have the option to make SG payments more frequently than quarterly and this is something that employers will need to become used to if the proposed ‘payday’ superannuation reforms become law. This change is proposed to commence from 1 July 2026 and would require SG to be paid at the same frequency as salary or wages. There is some discussion on the payday super proposal at this link  (noting that this is not yet law). The SBSCH will close at this time so employers using this service should start to consider transitioning to a commercial clearing house, please let us know you would like assistance with this. Employees It is recommended that you regularly check your superannuation fund statements and reconcile employer contributions to the amounts listed on your pay slips. Where SG contributions are not received on time (or at all!) employees are encouraged to discuss this first with their employer. Should this not result in a satisfactory conclusion, employees can consider bringing this to the attention of the ATO. Being across the above updates will enable you to have more control over your cash flow, compliance risk and strategic planning. If you have questions about how these changes affect your business or personal situation, Collins Hume is always here to help.

Why now is time to modernise your business financial practices Running a successful business in today’s climate demands more than just delivering great products or services. It means rethinking how your financial systems work, how decisions are made, and whether you're equipped to adapt quickly to new challenges. With technology evolving rapidly and economic conditions remaining uncertain, now is the right time to review – and improve – your financial operations. Many business owners are discovering that modernising their financial practices leads to faster decision-making, lower costs and better visibility over cash flow and growth opportunities. It's not just about staying compliant or tracking numbers. It's about unlocking the strategic power of your financial data with the support of skilled business advisors who understand where you want your business to go. Why modernising your financial systems matters now Putting off updates to your financial practices puts your business at risk of falling behind. Those who act now are gaining a clear competitive edge, using cloud platforms, automation and expert advisory support to scale faster and make smarter moves. Whether you're preparing for growth, managing rapid change or simply aiming to improve resilience, having robust systems in place gives you confidence and clarity. Advisory-led support means you’re not navigating it alone – you’re backed by professionals helping you spot trends, model scenarios and make decisions with precision. Key shifts driving better financial outcomes 1. Automation and AI are changing the game Manual processes like data entry, reconciliations and reports are being replaced by automated workflows and AI-powered tools. These technologies can flag unusual activity, forecast cash flow with accuracy and deliver insights at speed, giving you more time to focus on running your business. 2. Cloud platforms mean real-time visibility Cloud-based systems allow you to track financial performance from anywhere, at any time. They improve collaboration across your team and with your advisors. No more waiting for month-end reports – your data is live, secure and accessible when you need it most. 3. Strategic advisory replaces reactive reporting Today’s advisory services go far beyond balancing books. They’re about analysing your financial position, uncovering opportunities, managing risks and helping you build a plan for growth. Working with an advisor means gaining a strategic partner, not just a service provider. Real results from real businesses Since our Cash Is King event in May we’ve already seen some great outcomes from those who’ve taken the next step with their businesses. Here’s what some business owners have achieved through having a Strategic Cash & Profit session with Collins Hume: Quick cash flow wins  – Unlocked working capital that was unnecessarily tied up Performance improvement  – Made sharper business decisions by identifying previously hidden gaps Practical reporting  – Introduced simple but powerful reporting tools that support better, faster decisions. Overcoming common roadblocks Change can feel daunting. But modernising your financial systems doesn’t have to mean massive disruption. Start with a step-by-step plan. Work with an advisor who understands your sector. And treat the upfront investment as just that – an investment in your business's long-term performance. Concerned about cost?  Modern tools often pay for themselves through reduced admin time and better cash flow decisions. Worried about complexity?  Implementation is easier than you think, especially with the right guidance. Facing internal resistance?  Get your team involved early. Show them how streamlined processes and better insights make everyone’s job easier. Forward-thinking business owners are using smarter systems and advisors to stay ahead Modernising your financial systems is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a must. With the right digital tools and advisory support, your business can unlock new levels of control, clarity and competitiveness. Talk to Nathan McGrath at Strategy360 about how your financial systems and strategies can be improved. The sooner you modernise, the sooner you put your business on a smarter, stronger path forward. Congratulations to Nathan McGrath, named 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over! A well-deserved recognition for exceptional leadership and commitment to business excellence. Read more »

Unlock your business growth with a plan that actually works! Every growing business needs direction. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get stuck reacting to day-to-day challenges rather than building toward long-term success. That’s where structured business planning comes in. Whether you’re looking to grow, expand or simply gain more control, having a well-developed business plan backed by financial forecasting can help you: Gain clarity on your business goals Uncover blind spots before they become risks Make confident decisions backed by real numbers It all starts with a conversation. The process begins with understanding your business – your ambitions, challenges and where you’re headed. From there, we build a practical roadmap that outlines key areas like marketing, operations, financials and funding options. We’ll help you: Identify growth opportunities Forecast cash flow and funding needs Track and adjust performance regularly Scale with confidence This isn’t just a plan on paper. It’s an active tool to guide your business forward. Gain CFO-level insights without hiring one. With the right support, small businesses can access the same level of strategic guidance as bigger companies. Our virtual CFO-style service gives you expert analysis and forecasting – without the overhead: Regular performance check-ins Dynamic reporting and KPI tracking Support in financial decision-making Ready to grow and future-proof your business? We’ll show you how financial forecasting and strategic planning can drive smarter, faster decisions and position your business for growth.

Super guarantee rate now 12%: what it means for employers From 1 July 2025, the superannuation guarantee (SG) rate officially rose to 12% of ordinary time earnings (OTE). This is the final step in the gradual increase legislated under previous reforms. Key points Superannuation guarantee increases to 12%: ensure your payroll systems and employment contracts are updated to reflect the new rate and avoid costly penalties Updated superannuation and tax thresholds: key updates to contribution caps, CGT contribution limits, and safe harbour interest rates Super contributions: get the timing and paperwork right: a reminder on personal super contributions, notices of intent, and total super balance limits What’s changed? Old rate: 11.5% (up to 30 June 2025) New rate: 12% (from 1 July 2025) This increase affects cash flow, payroll accruals and employment contracts, especially where total remuneration includes superannuation. Employer checklist Update payroll software: ensure systems are calculating 12% SG correctly from 1 July 2025 pay runs Review employment agreements: if contracts are set to inclusive of super, the take-home pay of employees may reduce unless renegotiated or the employer decides to bear the cost of the increased SG rate Budget for higher super contributions: consider possible cash flow impacts Remember that significant penalties can be imposed for late or incorrect SG payments, including loss of deductions, interest and other administration charges. Personal superannuation contributions The annual concessional contribution cap will remain at $30,000 for the 2025/2026 financial year. The annual non-concessional contribution (NCC) cap is set at four times the concessional contribution cap meaning it will also remain at $120,000. Although the annual NCC cap has not changed, NCCs can now be made by individuals with a total super balance (TSB) of less than $2,000,000 on 30 June 2025 (assuming they have not reached the age 75 deadline and any prior bring forward periods are considered). This is due to the fact that the upper TSB limit links to the general transfer balance cap (TBC) which has increased to $2,000,000. The relevant TSB amounts for NCCs in the 2025/2026 financial year are summarised in the table below: Total Super Balance - 30 June 2025 NCC Cap Allowable bring forward period Less than $1.76m $360,000 3 Years $1.76m to $1.88m $240,000 2 Years $1.88m to $2.0m $120,000 No bring forward $2.0m and above Nil Nil Personal deductible contributions A superannuation fund member may be able to claim a deduction for personal contributions made to their super fund with personal after-tax funds. A member will normally be eligible to claim a deduction if: The member makes an after-tax contribution to their superannuation fund in the relevant financial year They are aged under 67 or 67 to 74 and meet a work test or work test exemption They have provided the superannuation fund with a valid notice of intent to claim The super fund has provided the member with acknowledgement of the notice of intent to claim Notice of intent to claim If the member is eligible and would like to claim a deduction, then they must notify their super fund that they intend to claim a deduction. The notice must be valid and in the approved form – Notice of Intent to Claim or vary a deduction for personal super contributions (NAT 71121). The tax legislation provides a notice of intent to claim will be valid if: The individual is still a member of the fund The fund still holds the contribution It does not include all or part of an amount covered by a previous notice The fund has not started paying a super income stream using any of the contribution The contributions in the notice of intent have not been released from the fund that the individual has given notice to under the FHSS scheme The contributions in the notice of intent don't include FHSSS amounts that have been recontributed to the fund. What you need to consider The member must provide the notice of intent to claim to the fund by the earlier of: The day the individual lodges their income tax return for the relevant financial year; or 30 June of the following financial year in which the individual made the contribution. However, if a super fund member provides a notice of intent after they have rolled over their entire super interest to another fund, withdrawn the entire super interest (paid it out of super as a lump sum), or commenced a pension with any part of the contribution, the notice will not be valid. This means the individual will not be able to claim a deduction for the personal contributions made before the rollover or withdrawal. Updated superannuation and tax thresholds: 2025/2026   2024/2025 2025/2026 General transfer balance cap $1,900,000 $2,000,000 Defined benefit income cap $118,750 $125,000 CGT lifetime Cap $1,780,000 $1,865,000 Untaxed plan cap - Lifetime $1,780,000 $1,865,000 Superannuation Guarantee – Maximum Contributions base (per quarter) $65,070 $62,500 PCG 2016/5 Safe Harbour rates for related party LRBA’s 9.35% 8.95% Remaining unchanged The following thresholds will remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 financial year. Concessional contribution cap $30,000 Non-concessional contribution cap - standard $120,000 Non concessional contribution cap – maximum bring forward over 3 financial years $360,000 Division 293 – Annual adjusted taxable income $250,000 Being across the above updates will enable you to have more control over your cash flow, compliance risk and strategic planning. If you have questions about how these changes affect your business or personal situation, Collins Hume is always here to help.

Transform Your Business from Standard to Standout UPDATE: We’ve renamed our event to 'REimagining Your Business — Forever' to highlight the focus on rethinking, reshaping and reenergising how local businesses grow and succeed. Join us for a live business transformation event in Ballina with TEDx speakers Paul Dunn and Masami Sato. A unique morning that could reshape your business – forever. Here at Collins Hume, we spend a lot of time imagining what’s possible – for our clients, our community and for business. And incredible things happen as a direct result. Now, we're going one step further by bringing two extraordinary minds: Paul Dunn and Masami Sato , Founders of B1G1 and internationally renowned TEDx speakers LIVE to Ballina on Friday 5 September 2025 . This is not another AI talk or tech presentation. It’s about you  – how you think, how you lead, how you build and what legacy you want your business to leave behind. Event Details Date:  Friday, 5 September 2025 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Doors open 9:00 AM) Venue: Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ballina Tickets: $71 (incl. GST) | Early bird pricing available Why Attend? Because there’s never been a time like this. Disruption is constant. Markets are changing. And the best businesses are those that shift from standard  to standout – the ones that adapt, lead with purpose and think differently. This event is for local business owners, leaders and teams ready to break out of the ‘Sea of Sameness’  and discover what it means to build a business that truly lasts. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and clear insights you can apply immediately. What You’ll Experience 9:00 AM  – Doors Open 9:20 AM  – Collins Hume Welcome 9:30 AM  – Disruption Unlimited : There’s Never Been a Time Like This 10:00 AM  – Looking at it Through an Entirely Different Lens 10:40 AM  – Morning Break 11:00 AM  – Navigating Business in the New 'Transformation Economy’ 12:00 PM  – 15 Instant Things That Produce Amazing Results — Forever 12:30 PM  – Locking it All In Expect fewer “WOW” moments and more “OH, I get it” moments — insights that bring real clarity about what your business needs now. Hosted by Collins Hume, with Event Partners Business NSW and MYOB Collins Hume is proud to deliver high-impact experiences for the community we love. This event is part of our commitment to helping Northern Rivers businesses thrive with clarity and purpose. So please come along, bring your team  and let’s reimagine what your business can become. Tickets Selling Fast $71 (incl. GST) Includes refreshments Early bird pricing available for a limited time Team bookings welcome Tickets for Good Every ticket you purchase does more than reserve your seat – it makes a difference. Thanks to our partnership with B1G1 , every ticket sold will provide clean water for a year to someone in need . It's a small act with a big impact, because transforming your business can also mean transforming lives. So when you book your place, you’re not just investing in your business, you’re helping create a better world. Meet the Speakers Paul Dunn  is a four-time TEDx speaker whose global programs have impacted over 300,000 businesses. His mentoring is credited by entrepreneurs like Daniel Priestley as foundational to their success. Masami Sato  has spoken at global platforms including the World Expo, Mastercard and Wimbledon, yet speaks with a clarity and humility that inspires transformation at every level. Her session on The Power of Small  will shift how you see your business impact. Together, they bring a rare mix of strategy, purpose and inspiration  that stays with you well beyond the event. This session will sell out. Don’t miss your chance to hear from two impactful business thinkers of our time right here in Ballina. Proudly presented by Collins Hume with Event Partners Business NSW and MYOB

From humble beginnings to a national force in wildlife conservation, Wildlife Recovery Australia (WRA) – the not-for-profit behind Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital  (BBWH) – is stepping into a bold new chapter in 2025. In just five years, WRA has provided expert care to more than 10,000 sick, injured, and orphaned native animals, with over 40% successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. This momentum is driving a transformative shift in how wildlife care is delivered across the Northern Rivers and beyond. A Permanent Home for Wildlife Care On 11 August, BBWH - the first all-species wildlife hospital on the NSW North Coast, will officially relocate to a new, bricks-and-mortar hospital in Lennox Head. This marks the realisation of WRA’s founding vision: a permanent facility that complements its flagship mobile hospital, ‘Matilda’, allowing it to focus more intensively on field work, education, and emergency response during natural disasters. WRA now operates three specialist facilities: Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital HQ – Lennox Head Matilda – Mobile Wildlife Hospital – Knockrow Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre – Ewingsdale Together, these centres form a unique model for scalable, regional wildlife care and biodiversity protection. Milestones and Events WRA recently surpassed 10,000 animals treated – a significant achievement that highlights both the capacity of its veterinary team and the urgent, growing need for dedicated wildlife care services in our region. On Saturday 27 September, WRA will host its third annual Wild Aid  fundraiser at The Green Room in Byron Bay. The event will be headlined by Hoodoo Gurus, supported by special guest Toni Childs, Screamfeeder, and The Honey Sliders. Proceeds from the event directly support WRA’s ongoing conservation and veterinary programs. Financial Update WRA has successfully met its $2.1 million operating budget for FY25. In addition, a $2 million federal funding commitment was recently confirmed by Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt. These funds are expected to be released in November as part of the standard federal funding cycle. Philanthropy Opportunity To build and maintain long-term financial sustainability, WRA has launched a structured philanthropic program in partnership with Perpetual Private. The organisation is currently seeking to raise the remaining $1.6 million of its $4.8 million four-year philanthropic fund from like-minded individuals and partners who value environmental protection and community impact. If you are in a position to support the ongoing care and protection of Australia’s unique native wildlife, WRA welcomes the opportunity to connect. To learn more, request an information pack, or arrange a no-obligation presentation , please contact Russell Mills at russell@byronbaywildlifehospital.org .

Building with Purpose: Starting Strong During Rapid Growth When father and son team Marty and Conal Brennan founded Marcon Consultancy, they had a clear vision: deliver trusted, independent construction project and development management services across the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland. With booming demand and strong early growth, the challenge wasn’t winning work — it was keeping pace with a solid internal structure that could sustain momentum and deliver stability. “We’re about to turn three,” said Marty. “We have long-standing relationships which is what drove us to establish this business.” “Our growth has been strong, so having the corporate structure to enable stability and keep up has been our biggest challenge.” Like many high-performing startups, they needed more than just compliance support. They needed a team who could help them think, plan and grow with clarity and confidence from day one. Enter Collins Hume: A Trusted Partner for Sustainable Success “We sought out Collins Hume because we wanted to set up correctly from the outset with a trusted partner who would challenge and guide us.” From initial structuring and business planning through to boardroom presence and long-term growth strategy, Collins Hume has partnered with Marcon to provide proactive, tailored advice. Chris Atkinson, Partner and Collins Hume lead to Marcon said, “Marty and Conal are a real delight to work with — they have bottomless and boundless positive energy, which fits my style to perfection! They’re insightful and natural business people who genuinely seek and absorb advice.” Beyond tax and compliance, the Collins Hume team supports Marcon with bookkeeping, tax planning, asset protection, risk analysis and business growth strategy — serving as a sounding board at every stage of their journey. The Outcome: Award-Winning Impact and Inspiring Momentum Thanks to this robust foundation and collaborative mindset, Marcon is not only growing — they’re being recognised for it. In 2024, they were awarded Outstanding New Business at the Ballina Business Awards  — a testament to their clarity, capability and community impact. Chris added, “The internal team Marty and Conal have built mirrors their own energy — positive, capable, can-do people. Our whole team enjoys working with them. It’s a true partnership.” Marcon’s advice to others starting a business? “Be brave. Don’t try and be everything. Focus on your strengths.” About Marcon Consultancy Marcon Consultancy Pty Ltd is a locally based, independent construction project and development management consultancy. Operating across the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland, their team is dedicated to delivering professional, grounded solutions to support clients and their projects from idea to implementation. 🔗  marconconsultancy.com.au  🔗 LinkedIn

Running a business in Australia today takes grit, vision and more than a little elbow grease. Yet despite the ambition and hustle, most small and medium businesses eventually hit a wall. The stats say it all: 98% of Australian businesses are SMEs — and most of them struggle to scale beyond a certain point. So what’s holding them back? It turns out, it’s not just one thing. It’s a cluster of common challenges that can quietly cap growth potential. But the good news? These challenges are fixable. Here are the six biggest culprits and what you can do to outsmart them: 1. Chasing Revenue Without the Right Systems Early wins and cash flow can create a false sense of stability. But if you're still using spreadsheets to run projects and your finances live in your head (or worse, a shoebox), sustainable growth will stay out of reach. Scalable systems like cloud-based reporting, workflow tools and project dashboards are the foundation for growth. If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. 2. Treating Finance Like a Fire Drill Too many SMEs only call in financial help when something’s broken. That’s like waiting until the car’s on fire to service it. Financial performance planning, cash flow forecasting and access to capital are critical for long-term success. Treat finance like a growth lever, not a band-aid. 3. Owner Reliance Wearing all the hats might work in the startup phase, but it becomes a handbrake during scale-up. If every decision still comes back to you, your business will bottleneck. Delegating and building a leadership team is essential, not optional. Don’t just work in  your business – work on it. 4. Saying Yes to Everything Over-servicing customers, undercharging and chasing work outside your core offer might keep the lights on short term, but long term it’s a fast track to burnout and blurred direction. The strongest businesses know what they do best, and say ‘no’ to the rest. 5. Undervaluing Team and Culture Can’t compete on salary? You’re not alone. But culture, career development and flexibility are increasingly valued just as much as pay. SMEs that build strong teams, formalise roles and create growth pathways gain a major edge in attracting (and keeping) great talent. 6. Compliance Fatigue Let’s face it: regulatory red tape can strangle progress. From tax to workplace laws to data protection, the list never ends. Larger companies have compliance teams; SMEs don’t. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the solution is simple: automate what you can and outsource the rest. You didn’t start a business to become a part-time bookkeeper. Most businesses don’t fail because the idea wasn’t good or the market wasn’t right. They stall because they don’t shift gears at the right time. If your business is bumping up against a ceiling, it’s time to stop and reassess. The growth you want is absolutely possible if you build the right systems, empower your people and shift your mindset from doing to leading . Ready to grow without breaking your business? Start by getting clarity on what’s really holding you back. Let’s talk strategy, systems and support that make scaling possible on your terms. Congratulations to Nathan McGrath, named 2025 Ballina Shire Business Excellence Awards Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees & Over! A well-deserved recognition for exceptional leadership and commitment to business excellence. Read more » Original article: “Why 98% of Australian businesses hit a growth wall” by Harry Cheema, published via Dynamic Business – Read at the source